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Smart Home Features

Top Tech of CES 2021 Awards Feature

Digital Trends Top Tech of CES 2021 Awards

The first all-digital CES brought challenges, but also a world-changing slate of amazing gadgets and devices. We picked the best of the best.
iRobot Braava Jet

Will robot vacuums make the leap into disinfecting at CES 2021?

Robot vacuums will no doubt be seen at CES 2021, but the biggest opportunity for them now is the ability to disinfect surfaces. Will we finally see it?
logitech circle view news specs price release security camera

All eyes on improved privacy for indoor cameras as CES 2021 approaches

Security cameras have evolved with their technological advances, but one area that's continually neglected is privacy. Hopefully that all changes at CES 2021.
Google Assistant Smart Display New Features

Our confinement spurred the smart home’s increased growth in 2020

Most people found themselves becoming much more acquainted with their homes in 2020 thanks to lockdowns. Here's how the cultural changes drove industry growth.
peloton

The biggest trends we saw in the smart home in 2020

There wasn't a single trend that defined the smart home in 2020, but several that showed its adaptability in a challenging year for all.
Twinkly smart lights set up around Christmas tree.

Do you really need a smart Christmas tree? Here’s how much it’ll cost you

A smart Christmas tree can streamline your decorating, but is it strictly necessary?
homepod mini comparison homepod google home amazon dot 2

5 useful smart speaker features for virtual learning at home

Learning from home can be challenging, but here are some helpful tips that can turn your smart speakers into learning machines.
Google Assistant Smart Display New Features

Five Google Assistant-powered smart display features worth checking out

Google Assistant smart displays like the Nest Hub recently got an updated, more intuitive user interface that makes the devices more functional than before.
Hum by Colgate Smart Toothbrush in bathroom

Ditch the manual toothbrush, smart toothbrushes under $50 are better buys

A smart toothbrush can help you track how often you brush, improve your technique, and even reward you for good hygiene habits.
Wyze Cam v3 vs Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor Comparison

What are you really missing out on when buying a cheap, $20 security camera?

Security cameras are continually becoming cheaper to buy. But, what are you exactly gaining or missing when buying them over more expensive options?
EZVIZ C3X installed outside.

More security cameras need color night vision. Here’s why.

Security cameras that have color night vision provide a clearer picture to users and give details that can help identify thieves to the police.
Pixel 4 running Android 11 beta

5 reasons to use Android 11’s quick access smart home controls

Android 11 is finally here and provides users with a new quick access menu for the smart home, so we break down the reasons why you should start using it more.
The Bio Bidet BB2000.

Leave the pros out of it, installing a bidet is easier than you think

A bidet toilet seat is a great addition to your bathroom. They are superior to toilet paper in many ways and very easy to install. We'll show you how.
Apple homepod.

Five reasons why HomeKit in iOS 14 is a small update with huge rewards

The recent release of iOS 14 brought with it changes to the layout and user interface of HomeKit that make it a stronger competitor.
google pixel 5 announced collection

Google September 2020 event: Everything announced

Google has announced its latest and greatest devices, including the new Pixel 5, and a new Chromecast. Here's everything Google unveiled at its annual event.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect

The Litter-Robot 3 Connect saves time, but makes me miss my cats’ poops

Cleaning the litter box is a chore, but the Litter-Robot 3 Connect takes that hassle away. It's an asset for the smart home, but makes me miss my cats' poops.
robot vacuum scorecard comparison

Robot vacuum scorecard: Which is the most efficient cleaner?

Robot vacuums were one of the first smart home appliances people bought. The tech has come a long way since then. These are our favorites.
siri alexa feminist reboot voice assistant feminism

It’s time to give Siri, Alexa, and other smart home devices a feminist reboot

Dr. Yolande Strengers and Dr. Jenny Kennedy talk about their new book, Smart Wife: Why Siri, Alexa, and Other Smart Home Devices Need a Feminist Reboot.
you dont need spend fortune smart toothbrush quip brush

Smart toothbrushes are expensive. Quip’s model is proof why you don’t need them

As smart toothbrushes become more advanced, their prices tend to go up -- but the Quip Smart Brush has great smart features without the high price point.
Wyze Cam Outdoor profile view.

Not all security cameras will watch over your home when the power goes out

Battery-powered security cameras that have local storage are ideal when your power goes out. But there aren't many out there.
back to school gift guide 2020 backtoschool giftguide featured img 200817 2x

Back to School Gift Guide 2020

Not sure what gift to get in 2020? Here are the best gifts for students right now, whether they are going back to class or learning online.
honda smart home inside us dp6v4710

Upgrade to a smart home for under $100 with these 3 essentials

If you don't have a smart home yet, now's the time because it doesn't cost a lot. We'll guide you on how to build an essential smart home for less than $100.
video doorbell scorecard feature comparison

Which video doorbells will protect your packages? We’ve ranked them all

Video doorbells are the easiest security upgrade you can add. Your front door is your center for activity, and a video doorbell is your best way to monitor it.
Xiaomi SmartMi 2S angled view

In a power outage, I’d take this Xiaomi fan over a phone. Yes, really

Move over smartphone, battery banks, and other gadgets, the Xiaomi SmartMi 2S is more of a godsend than all of them, especially when you're without electricity.
5 second rule with Adonit Note UVC stylus

Can UV light negate the 5-second rule for food?

UV wands are effective tools for sanitizing surfaces, but can they sanitize food? Potentially, but not easily, and not without risks.
Luxe bidet neo 120

Bidets are smart investments that save money as the pandemic rages on

Bidets are cleaner, more effective ways to clean yourself after you use the bathroom, and these devices are smart investments during the current pandemic.
uv light sanitizer performance test 94128357 537119093643659 8054646096275701760 o

Skeptical about UV light sanitizers? We put one to the test

If you're paranoid about germs, UV light sanitizers have been touted to be effective. How well do they really work? We put one to the test to find out.
air conditioner deals

Can an air conditioner make you more prone to coronavirus?

Your air conditioning system isn't likely to give you coronavirus, but an unclean system can exacerbate other respiratory problems that may put you at risk.
Google Home Mini

Is your home packed with smart speakers? Here’s how to make them work together

Multiple smart speakers with multiple accounts can be a headache. We have some tips to help.
mirror at home gym experience with weight training

Lululemon’s purchase of Mirror proves home gyms are the future of fitness

The pandemic is changing the traditional gym. People are still afraid, so there's been an increase in adoption of home gyms, connected apps, and subscriptions.
iRobot Roomba 900 series

How data helps robot vacuums clean your home with maximum efficiency

Robot vacuums like the Roomba i7+ create a map of the layout of your home and use this information to more efficiently clean and navigate your living spaces.
LIFX Smart Bulb

The future of smart home lighting is big on sensors, slim on apps

The smart light bulb made it easier for us to control them, but they've been slow with innovations of late. The future does hold some promising possibilities.
Ecobee security products on a white platform.

The case for putting a voice assistant in every device

Smart assistants can control your home, answer questions, and shop for you. With all these features, voice assistants should be part of every smart home device.
ultimate ears wonderboom blast megaboom 3 waterproof bluetooth speakers amazon deals ue speaker 0001 720x720

Having a backyard bash? Your smart speaker could pose a security risk

Smart speakers may be great choices for controlling your smart home, but they aren't the best picks for outdoor party speakers. Here's why Bluetooth is better.