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Smart Home Guides

Jack O lantion in the grass at night.

How to use your smart speaker to scare people for Halloween

Looking for an easy way to scare people with a voice assistant? Here's how to set up those Halloween smart features for maximum chills and thrills.
The Sony Bravia XR-X92 mounted above a fireplace.

The fall smart home checklist: How to prepare for cooler weather

It's fall, which means that smart homes need several important updates to improve safety, save money, and get ready for colder months. Here's what to do.
Some scary teens in The Midnight Club.

How to find ghosts with Alexa (and other scary skills)

Far more than a smart home controller, many Alexa devices can also be used for some truly ghoulish fun. Here are some of our favorite frightening Alexa skills.
Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights strung up on a house at night for Halloween.

How to program your smart hub to scare the pants off of you

It's the Halloween season, and your smart hubs are ready to help you celebrate. Here are ideas for how your smart home can help you stir up some frights.
Stay warm with space heaters

Best cheap space heater deals for October 2022

Avoid cold spots and keep warm without breaking the bank. We've found the best deals on efficient space heaters.
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro on a wall.

Nest Cam with Floodlight vs. Ring Spotlight Cam Pro

Spotlight features made DIY home security cams even more useful. Let's compare Google's Nest Cam floodlight model with Amazon's latest Ring Spotlight Cam Pro.
The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) with Clock.

Nest Mini (2nd-gen) vs. Amazon Echo Dot (5th-gen)

Looking for a little smart speaker for your desk or bedside? The latest versions of the Nest Mini and the Amazon Echo Dot are both great. See which one wins.
Two people waving in front of a Ring Video Doorbell Wired

History of Ring devices

Ring's suite of smart security cams and video doorbells is immense. Let's take a look at where the models stand and what important differences mark them.
roku streambar ultra 2020 side angle closer

Amazon Devices & Services livestream: Alternatives to every announced product

Tons of Amazon smart home devices are heading our way later this year, but if you don't want to wait, here are some great alternatives you should consider.
Amazon Echo sitting on a sidetable.

The history of the Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo smart speaker has had a varied history covering all kinds of devices. Let's look at how far things have come since the first Echo in 2014.
Pouring water into Breville coffeemaker.

Breville Precision Brewer Thermal vs. Technivorm Moccamaster

Interested in the best high-tech drip coffee? Both Breville and Technivorm have high-end options for coffee fiends. Here's how the two coffee makers compare.
Super Bowl commercial featuring Amazon Alexa.

How to set up geofencing for Alexa

Did you know Alexa can run routines based on your location? Here's how geofencing works with Alexa devices, what you can do, and how to set it up for your home.
Nest Audio on Table.

How to set up geofencing for Google

Geofencing with Google Assistant and Google Home allows you to set Home and Away routines based on location, among other tricks. Here's how you can use it!
Best IFTT Recipes

IFTTT routines for fall

As the days get shorter and the weather becomes less predictable, use IFTTT to alert you to important news and to make your routines easier.
Vont smart bulb with Alexa voice control support.

The best Alexa Routines for every lifestyle

Here are a few Alexa routines that can help organize your days, keep you healthy, and get tasks done.
A smart kitchen.

How to build a smart kitchen

Are you getting ready for a new or renovated kitchen? It's a perfect time to add smart tech and appliances. Here are the upgrades to watch for when building.
The Echo Show 15 is the largest smart display yet.

How to sell your parents on a smart assistant

Are you trying to convince your doubtful or budget-minded folks to invest in a smart assistant like Alexa or Siri? Here are some pointers for your argument.
Person holding smartphone with IFTTT screen visible.

Best IFTTT Applets

Wish your smart home devices talked to each other better? IFTTT can help. Here's what to know about automating your life easily and the applets to help.
Photo of modern house is pictured on the display of an Echo Show 8.

How to see your photos and albums on an Echo Show display

Tired of uninspiring stock photos appearing on your Echo Show? Why not view family, friends, pets, and your trips instead? Here's how to do it.
best instant pot accessories chili

The best Instant Pot accessories for 2022

We've done the research for you and rounded up the best Instant Pot accessories to complement your favorite all-in-one appliance.
Dyson V10 Cordless Vacuum used in a living room.

Comparison of Dyson Cyclone v8 vs. v10

Looking for a powerful Dyson vacuum that's on the more affordable side? Both the v8 and v10 stick vac models are good choices. Here are the key differences.
Woman lifting the Dyson v11.

Dyson V10 vs. Dyson V11: A head-to-head breakdown of Dyson’s stick vacuums

Trying to make up your mind about some of Dyson's most advanced battery vacuum models? Here's everything you should know about the v10 vs. the v11 vacuums.
A man uses the Xiaomi S1's Amazon Alexa capabilities.

How to update Alexa

Are you interested in getting the latest updates for your Alexa voice assistant? Is there anything you need to update manually? Learn how Alexa updates work.
The Roomba s9+ app.

Ultimate Roomba guide: tips, buying advice, and troubleshooting

iRobot's Roomba robovacs have been around for 20 years, and they're still going strong. Read our ultimate guide to find buying advice, tips, and tricks.
A dog and his human companions surrounding the Petcube Bites 2.

Roundup of pets messing with Google and Alexa

Pets can get caught doing some truly crazy things, and that even includes interacting with smart devices powered by Alexa and Google technology Check it out!
Official glimpse of Nothing Phone 1 with a parrot sitting on top of phone.

Can you train a parrot to use Alexa, and should you?

Can parrots use Alexa voice commands to control Echos or even order items? You may be surprised just what these intelligent birds can get away with -- and how.
iRobot Roomba 692 on a hardwood floor negotiating a mat.

How does a Roomba work on carpet?

Worried about a robot vacuum functioning on the carpet? Here's what to know about models like Roombas working on carpet and if these vacs are up to the task.
The Govee Immersion Kit enhances on-screen content.

How to use smart ambient lighting

You don't need down lights, overhead lamps, and glaring bulbs. Ambient lighting is the warmer, more colorful way to paint a room. Here's how to get started.
The iRobot Roomba S9+ on a hardwood floor with the Roomba Braava robot mop.

Comparing Roomba models: What you need to know

iRobot has a number of different Roomba models with different features and a wide range of prices. Let's look at the popular models and how they're different.
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Smart home tech for your office

If you're working from home, it pays to make your space comfortable. Whether you have a dedicated room or not, these gadgets can make you more productive.
An iPhone on the Home app screen in front of a Vizio Tv.

How to set up HomeKit Secure Video on your devices

Learn how to enable HomeKit Secure Video for you Apple smart home.
Arlo Smart Home Security Kit with An Arlo Pro Camera on fence.

How to protect your smart home from hackers

Are you worried about your smart home getting hacked? While chances are slim, you could have vulnerabilities. Here's how to set up the proper protection.
Woman having glass of wine with Govee Smart LED light bulb on.

How to automatically light up a room when you enter

Smart lights can figure out when you're getting close and automatically turn on. Learn how to make this feature work for you.
Choose More in the Alexa App.

6 settings you should disable on your Echo right now

Alexa comes with a variety of features enabled, but you may not want all of them turned on. Here are the settings you should change ASAP when setting it up.