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Latest by Jon Bitner

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in its dock.

Roborock S8 Pro Ultra review: set it and forget it

The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is a remarkable robot that automates all your floor-cleaning needs. It's expensive, but there is no doubt that it's worth every penny.
The Lenovo Smart Display on a table.

Google stops updating third-party smart displays

Smart displays from LG, JBL, and Lenovo running Google Assistant will no longer see updates, as Google pivots to focus efforts on AI.
The Matter logo on a colorful background.

The future of Matter in 2023

Matter has big plans for the rest of 2023, but with no timetable for releases and Belkin stepping away, what can we realistically expect over the next months?
Apple HomePod 2023 next to a TV.

The smart home market might see big changes in 2023

With Apple making big moves in the smart home marketplace, it’s poised to put up a real fight for Amazon and Google.
Arlo camera installed outside.

Is a DIY smart home security system better than a professional one?

Trying to figure out if you should build a DIY smart home security system or opt for a professional one? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in a kitchen.

Best smart home gadgets for spring 2023

If you want to cut down on your list of chores this spring, consider adding one of these four smart home gadgets to your household.
ElliQ showing a workout while displayed on a white background.

ElliQ is a smart home companion designed for your grandparents

ElliQ is a standalone smart home companion that provides an easy way to check the news, listen to music, chat with friends, or play a few games.
Google and ADT collaboration.

Google partners with ADT to launch new smart home security system

Google and ADT have launched a DIY smart security plan that lets you piece together your perfect system and is available at a variety of price points.
Amaaon Sidewalk graphic showing connected devices and households.

The underappreciated Amazon Sidewalk network is bigger than you think

Amazon Sidewalk is a low-power network that helps keep your smart home devices online, and Amazon has officially revealed its gigantic coverage map.
A Wyze camera placed outside in the snow.

Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Mount vs. Wyze Cam Pan v3: which is best?

The Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Mount and Wyze Cam Pan v3 can both rotate to cover all corners of your home. But which indoor camera is best? Here's a closer look.
The Blink Mini installed in the Pan-Tilt Mount.

Is the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Mount worth it?

Trying to figure out if the Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Mount is worth adding to your smart home? Here's a closer look at the product, along with its competitors.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera privacy shutter

Blink Mini Indoor Camera vs. Arlo Essential Indoor Cam

The Blink Mini and Arlo Essential Indoor Cam are two of the best indoor cameras. But which one is best? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
The Blink Mini on a countertop.

How to remove a Blink Mini from its stand

Trying to remove the Blink Mini from its stand without damaging any components? It's an easy process, although it requires some muscle. Here's how it works.
A close-up of Gollum.

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum: release date, trailers, gameplay, and more

The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is set to arrive in the near future, offering a unique take on the Tolkien universe. Here's what we know about the stealth game.
The Nanoleaf Essential lineup installed in a home theater.

Nanoleaf opens preorders for its first-ever Matter smart lights

The Nanoleaf Essentials lineup is now available for preorder, offering full support for Matter and making it easy to light up your home.
hades best builds key art new cropped hed 1244036

The best indie games on Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has plenty of great AAA games, but it has slowly become a powerhouse platform for indies. Here are the best indie games currently available.
New characters from Fortnite Chapter 4, Season 2.

The best weapons in Fortnite during Chapter 3, Season 4

Fortnite Chapter 4, Season 2 brought a bunch of new guns to the island. Our complete guide highlights the best weapons and will lead you to victory.
The new ECOVACS products on a kitchen floor.

Ecovacs introduces three new robot vacuums for homes of all sizes

ECOVACS is launching a trio of new robot vacuums, all of which offer premium features such as advanced navigation abilities and enhanced suction.
Amazon Echo Show 5th Generation on a shelf with dishes.

How to fix an Echo Dot with clock display that isn’t working

If you're trying to fix an Echo Dot with clock display that isn't working or is unresponsive, there are a few things you can try.
The Hatch Restore 2 on a nightstand.

How to turn off the alarm on Hatch Restore 2

There are several ways to turn off the alarm on your Hatch Restore 2, such as using the physical button on the device or through a companion app on your phone.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on table

How to reset an Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

If you want to restore your device to its factory settings, here's how to reset the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera and remove it from your Arlo Secure app.
The Hatch Restore 2 on a nightstand.

Hatch Restore 2 review: restful nights and relaxing mornings

The Hatch Restore 2 makes it easy to unwind at night and start each day fully rested. It's a bit pricey, but it no doubt deserves a spot on your nightstand.
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

Apple might launch a HomePod smart display in 2024

Apple might be preparing to launch its first-ever smart display in 2024, with reports indicating a HomePod with a seven-inch touchscreen is in development.
The Restore 2 on a nightstand.

Hatch Restore vs. Hatch Restore 2: what has changed?

The Hatch Restore 2 is an upgraded version of the original Hatch Restore, but what exactly has changed? Here's a comparison of the two unique smart alarms.
The Hatch Restore 2 on a nightstand.

Do you need a subscription to use Hatch Restore 2?

A premium membership option is available for the Hatch Restore and Hatch Restore 2, but here’s what you need to know before subscribing.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offers improved battery life and new aspect ratio

Ring is launching the Battery Doorbell Plus on April 5, which features enhanced battery life, a new aspect ratio, and an improved filming resolution.
Ring Video Doorbell installed next to a white entry door.

Ring Alarm, video doorbells will soon lock free features behind a paywall

Ring is making changes to its Ring Protect plans, which will now be required to access previously free features on Ring Alarms, video doorbells, and cameras.
Amazon Echo Show 5th Generation on a shelf.

How to connect Matter devices to Amazon Alexa

Connecting Matter devices to Amazon Alexa is a simple process, but there are a few requirements to be aware of. Here's everything you need to know.
A person using the Anker EverFrost.

Anker is launching an iceless cooler that can chill food for 42 hours

The Anker EverFrost will be available in three sizes, all of which offer an iceless design that's built to take you off the beaten path. Here's a closer look.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) on a kitchen counter.

How to use Multi-Room Music with Amazon Alexa

Want to play music throughout your entire home? Here's a look at how to use the Multi-Room Music feature available on most Amazon Echo devices.
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

The 10 best smart home products not made by Google or Amazon (or their subsidiaries)

Amazon and Google make great smart devices, but they've got stiff competition. Here are the best smart home products outside the Amazon and Google playbooks.
The Arlo Pro 5S installed outside on a wall.

How to add friends to your Arlo account

Adding friends to your Arlo account gives them limited access to your security camera network. Here's how to add friends to or delete them from your account.
Ring Contact Sensor installed on a door.

How to bypass a Ring Sensor

Looking to bypass a Ring Sensor without disabling your entire system? Then you'll need to make use of the Quick Exit feature. Here's how it works.
The Google Nest Hub Smart Display on a nightstand.

How to add a Matter-enabled device to Google Home

Adding a Matter-enabled device to Google Home is a simple process, and it should only take a few minutes from start to finish. Here's how it works.