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Latest by Jon Bitner

A child playing with the EBO X.

Enabot EBO X review: A smart, but flawed robot companion

The Enabot EBO X robot companion is rough around the edges, but it offers tons of cool smart home features that make it a compelling addition to your family.
The SwitchBot S10 on a white background.

SwitchBot S10 robot vacuum connects to your plumbing for fully automated mopping

The SwitchBot Floor Cleaning Robot S10 connects to your plumbing lines to provide fully automated mopping. Here's a look at the upcoming smart home device.
The Solix C1000 (left) and F3800 Power Stations.

Anker reveals Solix C1000 and Solix F3800 portable power stations

The Anker Solix C1000 and Solix F3800 are new portable power stations that are designed for camping, emergencies, and everything in-between.
The Philips Hue Secure Camera on a table.

Philips Hue adds support for cameras and sensors

The Philips Hue Secure Camera and Hue Secure Contact Sensors will arrive later this year and will be compatible with an updated smartphone app.
The Blink Outdoor 4 installed on a fence

How to set up Privacy Zones on Blink cameras

Only a few Blink cameras support Privacy Zones, but setting them up is surprisingly easy. Here's how to get Privacy Zones working on your camera.
The Wyze Lock Bolt installed on a door.

10 of the best budget smart home devices under $100

These budget smart home gadgets make it easy to upgrade your house. From lights and locks to cameras and more, here are the best affordable smart home gadgets.
The Roomba Combo i5+ next to its different bins.

iRobot expands Roomba 2-in-1 lineup with Combo j5+ and Combo i5+

The Roomba Combo j5+ and Roomba Combo i5+ are designed to both vacuum and mop depending on which bin is installed. Here's a closer look at both.
A cartoon depiction of the Google Home app and Nest Cam Indoor.

Google Home adds support for Nest Cam Indoor

The Nest Cam Indoor is now supported by Google Home. There's a bit of a catch, however, as it's only supported for folks in Public Preview.
The Blink Outdoor Camera 4 mounted on a brick wall.

Blink Outdoor Camera 4 launches with Person Detection, new design, 2-year battery life

The Blink Outdoor Camera 4 is now available, offering Person Detection, improved video quality, and a new design.
The Leviton Outdoor Smart Plug plugged into an outlet in front of red siding.

Leviton’s new outdoor smart plug is the first with Matter support

The Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Switch is the first outdoor smart plug to support Matter. It also boasts a ton of other cool features.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

What is Apple HomeKit?

Apple HomeKit is one of many smart home platforms available today, and it allows you to communicate with all the equipment in your house. Here's a closer look.
The Masonite Smart Door installed on a home.

This $4,000 smart door comes packing a Ring video doorbell and Yale smart lock

The Masonite Smart Door comes with tons of useful smart features, but it's eye-watering price tag and concerns about upgrading its tech make it a hard sell.
A person holding the Apple TV remote infront of a screen.

How to set up Apple TV as a HomeKit hub

Apple TV makes a great HomeKit hub. Here's how to get it working with your smart home in just a few minutes.
Fyrtur blackout blinds in a bedroom.

The best HomeKit smart blinds of 2023

The best HomeKit smart blinds offer full support for Apple's smart home platform, while also coming in a variety of styles. Here's a look at our favorites.
Blink Mini camera on table.

How to use Live View on Blink cameras

Live View on Blink cameras allows you to access a live feed of your property. Here's how to access the feature, along with tips on why it might not be working.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Dyson 360 Vis Nav vs. Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni: which is the better robot vacuum?

Is the ultra-expensive Dyson 360 Vis Nav a better robot vacuum for your smart home than the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to turn off Eco Mode on the Nest Thermostat

Once you know where to look, turning off Eco Mode on your Nest Thermostat is simple. Here's how to get it done in just a few steps.
the Google Nest Thermostat E

The 4 best smart thermostats that don’t require a C-wire

If your home doesn't have a C-wire, there are still some great smart thermostats to consider. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to get a rebate for your smart thermostat

Getting a rebate for your smart thermostat is a neasy way to save a bundle of cash. Here's what you need to know.
Apple HomePod 2023

How to update your HomePod or HomePod mini

Keeping your HomePod or HomePod mini updated is the best way to ensure it performs as expected. Here's how to manually update your smart speakers.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

How to add a device to HomeKit

If you want to use Apple HomeKit to control a compatible smart home gadget, you'll first need to add it to to the platform. Here's what you need to know.
Black HomePod mini on a side table, in front of an Apple TV

HomePod mini vs. Apple TV 4K: Which is the better HomeKit hub?

The Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini are designed for two very different purposes, but they both serve as HomeKit hubs. Here's a look at which is best.
The Dyson 360 Vis Nav cleaning near a wall.

Dyson 360 Vis Nav vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is an ultra-expensive robot vacuum. But how does it stack up to the popular Roborock S8 Pro Ultra? Here's a closer look at the two.
The GE Lighting Smart Hexagon Panels installed in a game room.

GE Lighting launches Smart Hexagon Panels with support for Alexa and Google Home

The Smart Hexagon Panels are pricey, but they include heaps of cool features like support for voice commands, six customizable zones, and music syncing skills.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: which is the better video doorbell?

The Nest Doorbell and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offer similar price tags and features, but which is better for your front door? Here's a closer look at both.
A person rings a Google Nest Doorbell.

Do video doorbells work in extreme heat?

While video doorbells can work in warm weather, they start to shut down if the temperature gets too high. Here's a look at the thresholds for popular brands.
The Yale Assure Lock 2 installed on the outside of a door.

How to improve Yale Assure Lock 2 battery life

Looking to improve your Yale Assure Lock 2's battery life? Here's a look at what you can do, from modifying your strikeplate to improving your Wi-Fi connection.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

How to improve Ring video doorbell battery life

Looking to get a bit more juice out of your Ring video doorbell before recharging its battery? Here's how to improve battery life in just a few minutes.
Ring Video Doorbell 4

How to set up Ring motion zones

Ring video doorbells and security cameras allow you to customize their motion zones. Here's how to use the feature, along with tips to optimize performance.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

How to turn off Ring notifications

If you want to turn off Ring notifications, there are a few different options for you to consider. Here's a look at all the ways to modify your Ring alerts.
Marth glowing blue.

The best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has amassed a wealth of great role-playing games, from Pokémon to the Legend of Zelda series. Here are the best RPGs on Switch right now.
A blue Google Nest Mini mounted on blue/gray wall.

How to broadcast voice messages with Google Nest

Google lets you broadcast audio messages across all your Google Nest smart speakers and displays. Here's how to use the cool feature.
The US Cyber Trust Mark logo on an off-white background.

U.S. government to launch a new cybersecurity program for smart home devices in 2024

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program is intended to make it easier for consumers to find smart home devices that are safe and less vulnerable to attacks.
Several images of the new Google Home app on a tan background.

How to save a video to Google Home

Google Home makes it easy to save videos captured by your doorbell or security cameras. Here's how to download the footage to your smartphone.