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Smart Home Guides

The Blink Outdoor Floodlight camera.

How to set Activity Zones on Blink cameras

Using Activity Zones on Blink cameras allows you to choose which areas of your property trigger motion alerts. Here's how to set them up.
Several images of the new Google Home app on a tan background.

How to fix the Google Home ‘Auth check failure on device’ error

Running into the Auth check failure on device error when using Google Home? Here's how to fix the error and get your system working properly.
The iRobot j9+ cleaning a floor and retracting its mop.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs. Roomba Combo j7+: which is the best robot vacuum?

The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is remarkably similar to the old Combo j7+, but are its minor changes worth the extra cash? Here's a closer look.
Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen.

8 Google Assistant settings you should disable or adjust

Google Assistant is a powerful tool, but it also comes with some privacy concerns. Here are a few settings you should adjust on your Google device right away.
Amazon Astro following a person through a door.

Amazon Astro: everything you need to know about this home robot

This is everything you need to know about Amazon's home robot, Astro, including its capabilities, price, and more.
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.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K.

Google TV vs. Roku TV: which is the better streaming OS?

In the war of streaming platforms, Google TV and Roku TV are top of the pack, but which operating system is truly best? Let us weigh in to help you decide.
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.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro on wall.

How much does it cost to install security cameras?

If you're thinking about a home security cam, you may be wondering about extra installation costs, too. Let's break down what related expenses you could see.
Person installing Ring video doorbell

How long does a Ring Video Doorbell battery last?

Many Ring Doorbells are wireless models that use batteries so they can be placed anywhere. Here's how those batteries recharge and how long they will last.
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.
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.
Blink Outdoor cam wet from the rain.

Can you use a Blink Outdoor Camera without a subscription?

Blink's outdoor camera is affordable and has great battery life, but do you absolutely need a subscription to use it? Our guide will cover the key details.
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 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.
Apple HomePod mini touch controls

How to set up a HomePod mini

Apple's new HomePod mini is a great personal smart speaker, but setting it up takes the right steps. Here's everything you need to do to get it up and running.
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.
Person installing Ring video doorbell

How to fix a Ring doorbell that won’t chime

If your Ring video doorbell won't chime, there are a few things you'll need to check. Here's a comprehensive walkthrough to get your chime working properly.
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.
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.
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.
The Echo Dot with Clock sits on a table.

How to sync your Alexa devices

Syncing up Alexa devices like Echos is a great way to play multi-room music and much more. If you have more than one Alexa speaker, here's how to pair them.
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 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?
Rachio IRO smart sprinkler installed on wall.

Can a smart sprinkler system help you use less water?

Saving water is crucial in a shifting climate. Can smart sprinkler systems ensure you're only using as much as you need?
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.
google home tips and tricks top

The best Google Home tips, tricks, and Easter eggs

Google Home can do a lot more than you think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Google Home and its growing ecosystem of gadgets.
Echo 4th Gen speaker on table.

What is Amazon Alexa, and what can it do?

What exactly is Alexa? How exactly does it work? Here's everything you need to know about how Alexa works, where it comes from, and how it can help you.