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Amazon Alexa

Echo Dot 4th Gen Clock Model

Here’s what we want to see in the next Amazon Echo smart speaker

If Amazon announces a new smart speaker at its fall event, there are several features we'd like to see included.
The Sonos One speaker.

How to get the most out of connecting Alexa and Sonos

Alexa, Amazon's trusty voice assistant, can do a lot when linked with Sonos speakers. Here are a few tips we recommend to get the most out of your at-home A/V.
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Don’t believe the marketing! Robot chefs aren’t what you think they are

While multitasking robot chefs may cost too much for the average homeowner, you can still outfit your smart kitchen with a number of useful cooking gadgets.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

Apple HomeKit has both the best and worst installation setups. Here’s why.

Apple's HomeKit simultaneously has one of the best and one of the worst installation processes, but it also shows the promise of what smart home could be.
Two people standing in a kitchen lit by a Philips Hue light.

Which smart lights should you use with Alexa?

If you have an Echo or similar Alexa device, there are plenty of smart lighting options on the market that work with Alexa: These are the best models for you!
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

How to adjust the sound settings on your Amazon Echo

Want a little more boom in your room? You can make adjustments to the audio or EQ settings on your Echo speaker easily. Here's how to do it.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro with two-way talk

How to get Alexa to answer a Ring Video Doorbell

You know you can view your Ring Video Doorbell on an Amazon Alexa smart display, but did you also know you can train Alexa to answer the door for you?
College students using smartphones.

The 5 best automations for your dorm room

Wondering when that essay is due? Tired of throwing lackluster parties? These five smart home automations will enhance your college dorm experience.
Amazon Echo Show 10 angled on desk.

Amazon Alexa: A complete guide to using the voice assistant

Not sure you need a voice assistant, or want to learn more about what a digital butler like Alexa can do? Our in-depth guide will take you through it.
Amazon Echo Show 8 2021 top buttons.

How to reset an Alexa device

Whether you're trading up and need to factory reset or you're experiencing glitches and want to reboot, there are a few ways to reset your Alexa hardware.
Echo Studio sitting next to a plant.

The best Alexa speakers

Whether it's for the home, or something you want to carry along on a trip, we rounded up the best Alexa speakers for any occasion.
how to make your amazon echo bark like a dog alexa guard plus skill

How to make your Amazon Echo bark like a dog to scare off intruders

Your Echo can pair with a smart outdoor security cam and bark like a guard dog to help deter approaching burglars: Here's what you need and how to set it up!
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Everything new announced at Amazon Alexa Live 2021

Amazon Alexa Live 2021 is a virtual conference taking place on July 21 at 9:00am. Attendees can expect to learn how to use and integrate Alexa in all-new ways.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) on table

Alexa’s been a godsend in my home, but she can be a bit too chatty

Alexa's kind words and thoughtful suggestions are helpful in the beginning, but these days, I wish she were a bit quieter when I give her commands.
Amazon Echo Show 5 review

Amazon Echo Show 5 review: Not just a smart alarm clock

Amazon's entry-level Echo Show 5 is a great smart display with an aggressively low price. Place it on your bedside, but don’t call it a smart alarm clock.
Amazon Echo Show 8 on a counter.

Amazon Echo Show 8 review: Third time’s the charm

Sitting in between Amazon's two smart displays, the Echo Show 8 is looking to achieve that perfect balance of features, performance, and price.
homepod mini comparison homepod google home amazon dot 2

6 annoying things that smart speakers do and how to fix them

Smart speakers can do everything from music streaming to remotely locking doors, but that doesn't make them perfect. Here are six annoying glitches we've found.
Drop In on the Amazon Echo Show 10.

Got multiple Alexa devices? Here are are some die-hard features to try

While two isn't always better than one, owning more than one Alexa device means more for you and your smart home. Here are some multi-device Alexa tricks.
how to turn a pc or tablet into an echo show lenovo mode

How to turn a PC or tablet into an Echo Show

Alexa's new Show Mode is rolling out to PCs this year: Here's how to turn your PC or tablet into an Echo Show with access to all voice commands and video feeds.
The 2021 Amazon Echo Show 8 in an angled view.

How to listen to podcasts on your Alexa device

In addition to music streaming, you can also connect and listen to a number of podcast services using an Alexa-powered device. Here's a guide on how to do so.
homepod mini comparison homepod google home amazon dot top angle

4 reasons to look forward to Apple HomeKit and Matter collaboration

Matter represents a major joining of hands across the smart-home landscape, but what does that mean for the future of Apple HomeKit? Here's what we think.
Amazon Echo 4th Gen smart speaker on a table.

Best Prime Day Amazon device deals for 2021: Best sales you can still shop

Even though Prime Day 2021 is over, there are still deals to be found on Kindle e-readers, Fire tablets, Echo devices, and more.
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen Clock front

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock review: The time is now

The Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock shares many outstanding features with past iterations, but now it gains the convenience of displaying the actual time.
Amazon Echo 4th Gen smart speaker on a table.

7 things we wish Amazon Alexa could do

Can you imagine a future where Amazon Alexa has even more tricks up her sleeve? Here's a wish list of seven features we'd like to see added to the assistant.
amazon smaller echo show 5 finally gets upgrade 8 glacier white kitchen

Echo Show 8 (1st Gen) vs. Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)

Amazon's new Echo Show 8 brings a bevy of new features, but does it surpass the first-gen model? In this side-by-side, we compare both Echo Show 8 generations.
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) Kids

Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 5 Kids Edition

Amazon is back at it with an all-new lineup of miniature Echo Show displays. Today, we're comparing the Echo Show 5 (2nd-gen) with the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition.
amazon echo frames arrive sunglass blue light form sunglasses lifestyle 2 of 5

Amazon Echo Frames arrive in blue light and sunglasses forms for summertime

Amazon's Echo Frames are now available as sunglasses or as a model with a blue-light filter, scheduled to ship later this year.
Amazon Echo Studio in a home theater.

How to connect Alexa to your home speakers

A variety of speakers come with Alexa compatibility for voice commands and more -- you just need to set it up! Here's how to connect Alexa to your home theater.
Alexa Show Mode - Lenovo Laptop

Alexa Show Mode transforms your Lenovo laptop into a hands-free Echo Show

Newer Lenovo ThinkPad, IdeaPad, and Yoga Lenovo laptops now have Alexa Show Mode --- an experience that can turn your PC into an Echo Show-like display.
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) side.

7 things you didn’t know your Amazon Alexa smart display could do

Your Alexa-powered smart display has a lot of features you might not know about, like the ability to make restaurant reservations.
A Zoom conference on the Echo Show 10.

How to use Zoom on your Amazon Echo Show smart display

Even though it was quietly announced a while ago, you can now use Zoom on your Amazon Echo Show smart display for all of your videoconferencing needs.
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How to stop Amazon from listening to your Alexa recordings

There's a way to stop Amazon from saving your Alexa recordings. Here’s how to stop Amazon from peering into your private life.
Wemo Mini Smart Plug.

Here are 5 intelligent uses for smart plugs

Smart plugs can make any plug-in device controllable with an app or voice commands. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate smart plugs into your life.
sharp smart countertop microwave alexa lifestyle

Sharp Smart Microwave Review: Works with Alexa — sometimes

The Sharp Smart microwave delivers solid performance, but how well does it work with Alexa? Read our review to find out.