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Latest by Jon Bitner

A person unlocking the Aqara U100 smart lock with their phone.

Aqara launches U100 smart lock with full Apple HomeKit support

The Aqara U100 smart lock can be controlled with a passcode, fingerprint, or with Apple home keys, making it a versatile upgrade for your front door.
A blue Echo Pop sitting on a table.

How to set up the Echo Pop

The Echo Pop is an affordable smart speaker that offers full support for Amazon Alexa. Here's how to set up your new Echo Pop, along with tips for using it.
Amazon Echo Pop in four colors.

Echo Pop vs. Echo Dot: which is the better smart speaker?

The Echo Pop is the newest member of the Echo family. But is it better than the Echo Dot? Here's a closer look at these two smart speakers to help you decide.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni brings hot water washin, mop-lifting skills to Deebot lineup

The Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni is making some big changes compared to the T10 Omni, offering a retractable mophead and the ability to wash its mops with hot water.
Two Roborock S7 Max Ultra models on a stylized background.

New Roborock S7 Max Ultra boasts maintenance-free dock, impressive mopping skills

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra hits the market on June 11, and it'll offer a versatile dock that automatically handles most of your maintenance tasks.
The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro installed on a wall.

The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro is a premium outdoor camera with tons of AI features

The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro is now available for $150, and it offers some unique features despite its affordable price tag.
ecoflow's delta max portable power station on a table

EcoFlow launches Delta 2 Max solar generator for home emergencies and outdoor adventures

The Delta 2 Max is a powerful solar generator that can power more than a dozen appliances and connects to a solar panel for increased longevity.
The Dyson 360 Vis Nav cleaning near a wall.

Dyson is gearing up to launch the most powerful robot vacuum in the world

The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is said to be twice as powerful as any robot vacuum currently on the market, and it boasts a bold, colorful design.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T1 OMNI with nearby dock

How to create a map with Ecovacs robot vacuums

Mapping your home with an Ecovacs robot vacuum is easy, although there's a bit of a trick to getting it to work properly. Here's what you need to know.
Google Nest Protect

The best smart carbon monoxide detectors of 2023

Smart carbon monoxide detectors make it easy to safeguard your home from these odorless gas. Here's a look at the three best models available in 2023.
The Govee Light Strip installed on a shelf.

Govee jumps on the Matter bandwagon with new LED Strip Light

The Govee LED Strip Light M1 is the first product from the company to offer full Matter support, and more Matter-enabled products are expected to arrive soon.
digs home renovation cloud based platform

Digs takes home renovation projects to the cloud, partners with Thumbtack

Digs lets you take your home renovation projects to the cloud, and it's now partnering with Thumbtack to make the process even more streamlined.
A person opening a Latch lock with their smartphone.

The founder of Ring is leaving Amazon to join Latch

After a few years serving as Chief Inventor, Jamie Siminoff is leaving Amazon to serve as CEO of Latch -- a smart home company involved with smart locks.
Amazon Astro following a person through a door.

Amazon might be bringing AI smarts to its Astro household robot

Internal documents indicate Amazon is bringing AI smarts to Astro, although it's unclear when the project will roll out to the public. Here's what we know.
Several images of the new Google Home app on a tan background.

The new Google Home app officially launches on May 11

The long-awaited update is making it easier than ever to control your smart devices with the Google Home app.
The Dynamic Effects Neon-Shape Smart Lights glowing purple.

GE Lighting launches colorful, customizable rope lights with a built-in microphone

The Dynamic Effects Neon-Shape Smart Lights are compatible with both Alexa and Google Home, and can adjust their performance in real time based on nearby sound.
Google Home icon on home screen.

Google Home adds support for garage door controls

The features are only available to select users, but Google Home now allows you to remotely open and close your garage door.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T1 OMNI with nearby dock

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra vs. Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni: which is the better robot vacuum?

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni are two popular robot vacuums, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide.
A robot lawn mower in a backyard while a family relaxes.

How do robot lawn mowers work?

Robot lawn mowers are one of the most intriguing smart home items available in 2023, but how exactly do they work? Here's what to know before making a purchase.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in its dock.

Here’s why you need a robot vacuum that empties itself

Robot vacuums that can't empty themselves are less than ideal. Here's why you should consider upping your budget and snagging a self-emptying robot vacuum.
The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni docked.

Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni review: impressive cleaning, almost automated

The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni is a powerful robot vacuum that's held back by its lack of automation. Still, it might be a great option for certain households.
The Ring Indoor Cam mounted on a wall.

Ring’s new indoor camera features a built-in privacy shutter

The new Ring Indoor Cam features a built-in privacy shutter that disables both audio and video recording. The device goes on sale May 24 and retails for $60.
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

Alexa vs. Google Home: which smart home platform is best?

Alexa and Google Home are two of the best smart home platforms around, but which one is better for you? Here's a comparison to help you decide.
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

How to enable Sound Recognition on your HomePod and receive smoke alarm alerts

The HomePod and HomePod mini can now send alerts to your smartphone to let you know when a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm is going off. Here's how it works.
A person standing in a living room while looking at a Google device.

Your Google smart home devices just got a lot less talkative

Google is expanding its chime alert feature to a variety of new devices, which should streamline the process of giving voice commands to your smart home.
A person controlling the Nest Thermostat.

The Nest Thermostat is the first smart thermostat with Matter support

The Nest Thermostat now supports Matter, making it the first smart thermostat to work with the interoperability standard.
The Nanoleaf Essential lineup installed in a home theater.

How to fix the Nanoleaf unreachable error

If your Nanoleaf product is showing up as "unreachable," you'll be glad to know there are several ways to fix the issue. Here's a look at what you need to do.
iRobot Roomba j7 plus 7550 robot vacuum in charging dock by entryway.

Your Roomba robot vacuum now doubles as a security guard

Select users can now activate the Remote Check-In feature on their Roomba j7, which lets the device function as a makeshift security camera.
The Roborock Q7 Max+ in action cleaning crumbs off of carpet.

How to clean a Roborock robot vacuum

While your Roborock robot vacuum can help keep your home clean, it's up to you to maintain the robot itself. Here's how to clean your Roborock robot vacuum.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in its dock.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra review: set it and forget it

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a remarkable robot that automates all your floor-cleaning needs. It's expensive, but there is no doubt that it's worth every penny.
The Lenovo Smart Display on a table.

Google stops updating third-party smart displays

Smart displays from LG, JBL, and Lenovo running Google Assistant will no longer see updates, as Google pivots to focus efforts on AI.
The Matter logo on a colorful background.

The future of Matter in 2023

Matter has big plans for the rest of 2023, but with no timetable for releases and Belkin stepping away, what can we realistically expect over the next months?
Apple HomePod 2023 next to a TV.

The smart home market might see big changes in 2023

With Apple making big moves in the smart home marketplace, it’s poised to put up a real fight for Amazon and Google.
Arlo camera installed outside.

Is a DIY smart home security system better than a professional one?

Trying to figure out if you should build a DIY smart home security system or opt for a professional one? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.