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Latest by Jon Bitner

A gray Google Nest Mini sitting on a kitchen counter top.

How to create a room in Google Home

Creating rooms with Google Home is an easy way to organize all your smart home gadgets. Here's how it's done, along with tips on renaming or deleting rooms.
The Ring Indoor Cam mounted on a wall.

Ring Indoor Cam vs. Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera: which is the better indoor camera?

The Ring Indoor Cam and Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera are both affordable indoor cameras, but which is a better fit for your smart home? Here's what to know.
The Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor sitting on a wooden stand.

Is an air quality monitor worth adding to your home?

Although they won't purify your home, indoor air quality monitors do an excellent job of tracking airborne particulates. But are they worth purchasing?
Fyrtur blackout blinds in a bedroom.

5 cool smart home gadgets for summer 2023

These five smart home products will keep your house cool, your yard watered, and reduce your energy bills with little manual effort.
Rachio 3 sprinkler controller mounted on wall.

Rachio 3 vs. Rachio Smart Hose Timer: which is better for your yard?

The Rachio 3 and Rachio Smart Hose Timer make it easy to automate your watering chores. But which is best for your home? Here's a closer look at both.
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

Google Home vs. Apple HomeKit: which is the best smart home platform?

Google Home and Apple HomeKit are two of the most popular smart home platforms in 2023. But which is best for you? Here's a closer look at both to help decide.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on table

Ring Indoor Cam vs. Arlo Essential Indoor Camera: which is best?

Looking for an indoor camera for your smart home? Here's a look at the Ring Indoor Cam and Arlo Essential Indoor Camera to help you figure out which is best.
The Blink Mini installed in the Pan-Tilt Mount.

Roku Indoor Camera 360 SE vs. Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera: which is the best indoor camera?

Both the Roku Indoor Camera 360 SE and Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera offer HD footage and the ability to swivel to capture more of your home. But which is best?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs. Ring Video Doorbell 4: which is the best video doorbell?

Trying to figure out if you should upgrade your Ring Video Doorbell 4 to the newer Ring Battery Doorbell Plus? Here's a comparsion to help you decide.
Screenshot of a giant blocky volcano in Minecraft.

The best Minecraft mods

There are tons of mods available for Mojang's building title. We've sifted through the masses and found all of the best Minecraft mods compatible with v1.18.
discounted simplisafe security system with free camera 02

How to arm your SimpliSafe system at night

SimpliSafe doesn't offer a Night mode, so what's the best way to arm your system while sleeping? Here's a look at what works best for most homes.
roku is now in the home security business 3

Is a Roku Smart Home Subscription worth it?

Roku offers a few different Smart Home Subscriptions. Here's a look at both to see if they're a good fit for your home security needs.
The Roku Smart Home Monitoring System SE on a table.

How to set up Roku Home Monitoring System SE

Setting up the Roku Home Monitoring System SE isn't too difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you move through the process.
The Roku Indoor Camera SE with a red light.

How to set up Roku Indoor Camera SE

Trying to install the Roku Indoor Camera SE? Here's how to get it properly set up in your home, along with a few tips for troubleshooting common issues.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

How to fix dark footage on Ring Video Doorbell

If your Ring Video Doorbell is producing images that are unusually dark, there are a few ways to fix the problem. Here's what you need to know.
The Lockly Smart Safe in a drawer.

The best smart safes of 2023

The best smart safes of 2023 make it easy to secure your valuables, while also giving you the option to access them with a fingerprint, keypad, or smartphone.
simplisafe home security system deals the haven 14 piece by

How to add a family member to SimpliSafe profile

SimpliSafe doesn't let you add multiple users to your account, but there's a simple workaround for the oversight. Here's what you need to know.
The Hearth package by SimpliSafe.

How to add a new sensor to an existing SimpliSafe system

You can easily add new sensors to an existing SimpliSafe system. In fact, the process can be done using a phone or the SimpliSafe Keypad. Here's how it works.
SimpliSafe review

How to reset the SimpliSafe Base Station

You might need to reset your SimpliSafe Base Station if you're running into connection errors. Thankfully, the process is easy. Here's what you need to do.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

Amazon Smart Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat: Which should you buy?

The Amazon Smart Thermostat and Nest Thermostat are two of the best smart thermostats available. But which is best? Here's what you need to know.
The SimpliSafe Smart Alarm Indoor Camera.

SimpliSafe now offers live home monitoring with new Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera

The Smart Alarm Indoor Camera lets SimpliSafe agents access a live feed of your home when specific alarms are triggered, offering an immediate response.
The Google Nest Mini on a table next to a glass of water.

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

If you're in the market for an affordable smart speaker, the Echo Pop and Nest Mini should be at the top of your list. Here's a look at which is best.
The Harth Sleep-Shift Light Bulb running next to a bed.

Are smart lights bulbs worth it?

Smart light bulbs give you several ways to control their performance or alter their appearance. But are they worth the inflated price tag?
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni vs. Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni: Is the T20 worth it?

The Deebot T20 Omni is the latest robot vacuum to join Ecovacs' lineup, but is it a big enough improvement over the Deebot T10 Omni? Here's a closer look.
The Ring Video Doorbell in Satin Nickel, installed beside a doorway.

How long do video doorbells last?

Video doorbells are great smart home gadgets, but they won't last forever. Here's a look at how long they'll be supported and when they should be replaced.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Roborock S7 Max Ultra vs. Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni: which is best?

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra and the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni share a lot of similarities, but which is the better robot vacuum?
A blue Echo Pop sitting on a table.

How to factory reset an Echo Pop

Performing a factory reset on the Echo Pop is simple, but there's a way to reset the smart speaker that isn't as permanent. Here's what to know.
The Roborock S7 Max Ultra on carpet.

Roborock S7 Max Ultra review: what’s in a name?

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra is a robot vacuum with incredible automation chops. Not only does it vacuum and mop floors, but it also cleans itself after each run.
An Anker Solix device installed on a balcony.

Anker reveals new solar-powered Solix batteries, powerful Anker Prime series

Anker announced several new products during its recent live stream, including the Anker Prime series and solar-powered Solix. Here's a closer look.
The Eufy X9 Pro moving from carpet to hardwood.

Eufy’s new X9 Pro Robovac offers automated mopping and vacuuming for less than $1,000

The Eufy X9 Pro Robovac offers many of the features of its rivals, including the ability to raise its mop while vacuuming, but clocks in at a much lower price.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni review: bringing the heat

With the ability to clean your floors and then clean itself, the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni is one step closer to the dream of a fully automated robot vacuum.
The S7 Max Ultra heading to its dock.

Roborock S7 Max Ultra vs. Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra: Similar names, very different products

Their names might only differ by a single letter, but the Roborock S7 Max Ultra and Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra are shockingly different. Here's which is best.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra cleaning up pet fur.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra vs. Roborock S7 Max Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra and S7 Max Ultra are two of the best robot vacuums on the market. But which is best? Here's a closer look to help you decide.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in a kitchen.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra vs. Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra: Is the latest robot vacuum worth it?

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a powerful device, but would you be better off snagging the cheaper Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra instead? Here's a closer look.