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Erika Rawes

Erika Rawes

Smart Home Evergreen Coordinator

Erika became a professional writer in 2010, and her work is published all over the web on sites ranging from USA Today to Lifewire. Erika has reviewed more than 150 consumer technology products, and she primarily covers smart home evergreen content here at Digital Trends.

Drop In on the Amazon Echo Show 10.

How to Drop In on an Echo, Echo Show, or Echo Dot

Amazon's Drop In feature allows users to communicate through Echo devices. Here's how to use the Drop In feature with your Echo smart speakers.

Can Alexa call 911? How to set up Alexa for emergencies

You may be wondering whether or not Alexa can call 911. Here's how to use Alexa to help promote safety.
How to use a blue light filter on a PC or Mac

How to use a blue light filter on your PC or Mac

Blue light from your PC's screen may disrupt your circadian rhythm. Here's how to use a blue light filter with built-in night modes on your PC or Mac .

The best home security cameras for 2024

Looking for a camera smart enough to protect your home and property when you're away? The best home security cameras for 2024 have all the features you'll need.
A person pressing the Arlo Video Doorbell.

The best video doorbells for 2024

Keep a watch on your front porch with the best video doorbells for 2024. These products feature smart cameras, so you can check the door from anywhere.
Over the shoulder view of a person using a Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 laptop.

How to print to PDF in Windows

The best way to convert a document to a PDF file is to print to it. To print to PDF in Windows, be sure to follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way.

How to clean a humidifier

If the air you're breathing in seems a bit gross, it might be your humidifier. Here's how to clean your humidifer in a few simple steps.
Lockly Vision Smart lock installed on door next to phone showing camera view.

The best smart locks for 2023

A good smart lock should offer a combination of security, aesthetics, and convenience. We share our favorite smart locks for 2023 and what we love about them.
Meross Smart Outdoor Plug

The best outdoor smart plugs for 2023

Want to get your exterior lights up, but don't want to have to go outside to turn them on or off? Check out some of these app-controlled outdoor smart plugs.
Robinhood app investing home page.

What is Robinhood, how does it make money, and is it safe?

Whether you're already an investor or just curious, you've probably heard of Robinhood. Here's everything you need to know about the trading platform.
A person working at a 2018 Macbook Air at a wooden table.

How to use Split View on a Mac

Modern operating systems like macOS have many great functions to improve productivity, and Split View is one of them. Here's how to use Split View on a Mac.
philips sonicare smart toothbrush

The best electric toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes take all the push and pull out of manual brushing, giving you a deeper clean. Here are our favorite electric toothbrushes on the market.
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.
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The best air purifiers

The air we breathe indoors should be as clean and pure as possible. Our picks for the best air purifiers help rid your home of allergens and contaminants.
Hatch Restore 2 on a nightstand.

The best alarm clocks

People have different sleeping habits, but the best alarm clocks are able to match both your lifestyle and budget. Here are the best alarm clocks we found.
Echo Alexa

Alexa Guard vs. Alexa Guard Plus

What's the difference between Alexa Guard and Alexa Guard Plus? We break down the two services, including pricing, features, compatibility, and availability.
amazon echo dot review

How to enable whisper mode on Alexa, and how exactly it works

With whisper mode, you can chat with Alexa whenever you want, even at 3 a.m. This guide shows you how to enable this cool feature and explains how it works.
smart thermostat deals - Nest 3

What is a smart thermostat?

Thinking of upgrading to a smart thermostat, but unsure of exactly what they are? Here's a closer look at the smart home gadget and why it's so popular.
Amazon Echo speaker on a table.

How to make your own Alexa skills

Learn how to build your own Alexa skills with Amazon's tools. You can even share your new skills with friends or publish them to the Alexa Skills Store.
The Nest Hub Max front view.

How to set up your Google Home device

Did you recently get a Google Home device? Learn how to set up your speaker or smart display in a few simple steps. We'll also tell you what to watch out for.
Echo 4th Gen on table.

The best Amazon Echo tips and tricks

Making the most of Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, isn't that tough. We've compiled a list of the top Echo speaker tips and tricks that everyone should know.
amazon deals echo ring security fire and kindle auto 1

Make your car smarter with an Echo Auto — just $15 today

It’s regularly priced at $50, but you can save $35 on the Echo Auto by taking advantage of this Amazon Echo Auto Prime Day deal.
IonVac SmartClean 2000 cleaning the floor.

Buy this self-emptying robot vacuum for $179 right now

This year's Walmart Rollback Sale features one of the best deals we've ever seen on an auto-emptying robot vacuum -- check it out while supplies last.
Countertop bird's eye view of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11.

The best Instant Pots for 2022

Whether you're an amateur cook or a pro, Instant Pots are perfect for anyone who seeks versatility in the kitchen. We round up the best Instant Pot models.
Luci autonomous wheelchair on orange backdrop

Meet the startup that gives wheelchairs aftermarket superpowers

Rather than starting from scratch and building a cutting-edge wheelchair from the ground up, these inventors built a high-tech wheelchair upgrade kit.
Facebook Portal TV -- Big Screen Smart Video Calling for Group Calls on Your TV - Black

Portal and Portal TV Prime Day deals — devices start at $35

You can get up to 80% off by taking advantage of Portal and Portal TV Prime day deals, but these deals are only available for one day.
NutraChef PKVS Vacuum Sealer

Keep it fresh: This bestselling vacuum sealer is 21% off for Prime Day

This vacuum sealer Prime Day deal offers a complete system, equipped with a wine stopper, bags, a hose, and a vacuum sealer.
The Pride Month Xbox controller and Apple Watch wrist band.

Beyond rainbows: 5 tech companies that did more for Pride in 2022

For this year's Pride Month celebration, these companies went above and beyond simply putting rainbows on their corporate social media profiles
The Instant Pot Accu Slim Sous Vide Precision Cooker in a pot.

The best sous vide machines for 2022

Want to make four-star meals in your own kitchen? Check out our picks for the best sous vide machines that can up your cooking game.
Marsha P. Johnson smiles for the camera in this image.

9 documentaries you should watch during Pride Month

If you’re interested in learning more about LGBTQ civil rights, we round up the best documentaries to watch for Pride Month 2022.
The Roborock Q7 Max+ in action cleaning crumbs off of carpet.

Roborock Q7 Max+ Review: The most expensive value robot vacuum

In my Roborock Q7 Max+ review, I was impressed with the power and mapping capabilities, but I wish it came with more mopping accessories.
Fitbit Versa 3 call and text notifications.

How to reset the Fitbit Versa

Here's how to restart your Fitbit Versa, as well as perform a full factory reset when it's time to sell or trade in your device.

The best pet tech products for 2022

There's a ton of tech catered toward your favorite animal, from games to training and care: Here are our favorite smart pet products for your furry friends.
shark ion robot vacuum cleaning system s87 amazon price cut

The best Shark vacuums for 2022

Shark vacs are a great home brand. If you’re in the market for a new Shark vacuum, we’ve included our picks for the best Shark vacuums you can buy right now.