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Latest by Erin Lawrence

HGTV Smart Home 2022 in Wilmington, NC.

Big smart home growth predicted: These are the appliances and features we’d like to see

Smart home gadgets aren't going away. Recent studies show this market is booming. Here's what you need to know to plan your own smart home of the future.
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.
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 Fitbit Sense is an attractive wearable.

Garmin Vivoactive 4 vs. Fitbit Sense

Garmin Vívoactive and Fitbit Sense are two of the most popular fitness wearables. But which is better?
The Ember Mug on a counter.

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.
Dyson Pure Humidify Cool filters

Can an air purifier really help you breathe easier during wildfire season?

Should you shell out for an air purifier if your home's air is less than ideal? Can a purifier really help, even during wildfire season?
Thermacell Radius and liquid repellant cartridge siting on a wood deck.

Thermacell Radius mosquito repeller review: shockingly effective! (without the shocks)

There are plenty of gimmicks that claim to repel mosquitos. The Thermacell Radius says it can create a 20-foot mosquito-free zone. So does it really work?
Echo Show 15 with base.

Which Amazon Echo should you buy on Prime Day 2022? 

You've waited all year for prices to drop. Now you just need to decide which Amazon Echo device to buy amid Amazon Prime Day deals.
HGTV Smart Home 2022 in Wilmington, NC.

Is HGTV’s Smart Home really that smart? We have different ideas

HGTV offers you a chance to win a smart home. If you missed out, you can still use our (better!) smart home device picks to create your intelligent oasis.
weber genesis smart grill review

Weber Genesis Smart Grill review: Built-in cooking smarts

What's it like cooking with a smart grill? Do you need this tech and is it easy to master? Find out in our hands-on review of the Weber Genesis Smart Grill.
Delta Leland

Is a smart faucet worth it?

On the surface, a smart faucet seems silly, but is it? Can an intelligent tap truly make a difference in the kitchen?
Amazon Alexa speaker sitting next to U by Moen smart tap

U by Moen Smart Faucet review: A versatile must-have for the kitchen

Do you really need a smart faucet in the kitchen? It may be a novelty, but it can be really handy. I installed one last year; am I still happy with it?
The Weber E-310 Outdoor Grill.

7 smart home gadgets for the BBQ

While cooking over fire is a primal task, you can use technology to make it easier and guarantee better results. These are our top gadgets for the grill.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

Which Ring Doorbell should you buy on Black Friday 2021?

Looking Black Friday deals on your home security check list? Here are the deals and the detail you should know if you're shopping for Ring Video Doorbells.

7 smart outdoor tech gadgets for creating a backyard oasis

The outdoor life is for unplugging -- or is it? These smart gadgets can improve your outdoor enjoyment.
weber genesis smart grill review

Is a smart grill worth it? We weigh the factors

Smart grills are now a thing. But do we really need to add technology to the most primal of human acts: Cooking over fire?
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to install a Nest thermostat

Considering upgrading your home with a smart Nest Thermostat? Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right one and exactly how to install it.
june oven artificial intelligence smart 04

What are smart ovens and smart stoves?

Hearing more about smart ovens and smart stoves and wondering what they can really do for you? Here's what to know before you click the buy button.
GE Cync lights set up in gaming room.

GE Cync smart lighting review: A worthy Philips Hue competitor

Smart lighting is the easiest way to start a smart home, but many fear it's complicated. We go hands-on with GE Cync to see how it stacks up.
google assistant mobile.

Best Google Assistant settings to update right now

Want to make your Google Assistant work better for you? Check out these settings to improve your experience or fix issues you have with the voice assistant.
A Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar rests in the sand on a sunny day.

The benefits of solar-powered smart wearables

Imagine a life free from cables, power banks, and wall outlets. Solar wearables are here, but are they worth it?
meater review 1049

Best wireless smart meat thermometers

Need to keep tabs on your food without opening and closing the door or lid? These smart, wireless food thermometers can take your cook to the next level.
ring video doorbell wired, how to, install

How to install a Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Ring Video Doorbell Wired is the smallest and most affordable Ring doorbell. But how easy is it to install, and what do you need to know?
Upright go being worn using adhesive on the back.

Do smart posture-correcting devices really work?

We've all seen those smart posture trainers pop up in our feeds, but do they really work, and are they worth the money?
Amazon Echo Show 10 on a nightstand.

This one upgrade would make all our homes even smarter

Motion sensors are an under-utilized, but potentially game-changing aspect of smart home functionality.
teforia, smart infuser, tea

How to use a tea infuser

Looking to make better tea? While there's nothing wrong with basic infusing, it is possible to add technology and take your tea to the next level.
Nest Hub Max on an end table.

How to see your photos and albums on a Google smart display

Want to personalize your Nest Hub with Google Assistant phones? It's easy to add your photos and put them into rotation or cycle through professional images.
Ring Video Doorbell installed on a home.

How does Ring Live View work?

Experiencing some issues with Ring's live video portal to your video doorbell or camera? Here's how Live View works, as well as answers to common questions.
Woman touching screen with finger on the NordicTrack Vault.

ProForm Vue vs. NordicTrack Vault: Which fits your style?

Weighing these two at-home mirror fitness options? Here's what to know about each one before you make your buying decision.
Echo show 15 stands

How to mount an Amazon Echo Show 15

Amazon Echo Show 15 is made for wall mounting, but what if that's not in the cards for you? We include other options to try.
Dyson fan, purifier in living room.

What are ionizer air purifiers and do they work?

Trying to learn about the best way to purify the air in your home or office? Air ionizers are one way to go, but do they work?
The Govee Lamp has RGB lights to light up the night.

7 dorm gadgets to make campus living a breeze

Setting yourself up for college success is easy. Just make sure you have a comfortable, welcoming and fun home space with these tech and gadget picks.
amazon prime music streaming coming

How to access your favorite music streaming services on Amazon Echo Show

Music is the original use for Amazon Echo devices. If you want to add new streaming services, here's which ones you can add and how to add them.
A woman ecercising in front of the Proform Vue, looking at an imbedded ddigital screen in the mirror's reflection.

ProForm Vue vs. Peloton Bike: Which offers the better workout?

Looking to adopt a connected fitness system to keep you motivated? We evaluate two of the most popular options: ProForm Vue and Peloton Bike.
how to use zoom on amazon echo show conference 10 1 of 2

Echo Show 10 vs. Echo Show 15: Which is right for you?

Shopping for an Echo? The Echo Show 10 and Echo Show 15 are the newest models. Each have advantages but operate differently. Let’s see how they compare.
Ring alarm on kitchen counter.

Does Ring Alarm have a glass break sensor?

Looking to add glass break detection to your Ring home security system? Ring doesn't make a dedicated sensor, but it does have another super-smart solution.
The Philips Hue app.

How to use Philips Hue lights with geofencing

Philips Hue's app now allows you to use your exact location to turn lights on or off automatically when you arrive or leave home. Here's how to do it.