Skip to main content

Latest by Jon Bitner

The Qrevo Curv next to a plant.

Roborock Qrevo Curv review: an almost perfect robot vacuum

The Qrevo Curv is everything you’d want in a robot vacuum. Not only does it offer tons of suction and little maintenance but it boasts a cool new dock design.
Four Nest Learning Thermostats in a line.

Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs. Nest Thermostat: Which smart thermostat is better?

The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) packs in a wealth of cool features, but how does it compare to the affordable Nest Thermostat? Here's what to know.
A Ring Video Doorbell next to Halloween decorations.

Prepare for Halloween with these smart home gadgets

Gear up for the spooky season with these smart home devices that are perfect for Halloween.
The Aqara U300 installed on a door.

Aqara’s new smart lock doesn’t use a deadbolt, offers Matter support

The Aqara Smart Lock U300 is a lever lock that doesn't use a deadbolt. Instead, it's a standard latch lock that can be used both indoors or outdoors.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 installed near a door.

Ring Protect rebrands to Ring Home and adds 24/7 recording

Ring Protect is now Ring Home, and while its pricing structure is the same, it benefits from several cool new features, including 24/7 recording.
The Roborock Qrevo Edge on hard floors.

Roborock Qrevo Edge vs. Qrevo Slim: What’s the difference?

Roborock has revealed a bunch of new robot vacuums, including the Qrevo Edge and Qrevo Slim. But what's different about these premium robot vacuums?
A person pushing the Dyson WashG1.

Dyson’s first dedicated wet floor cleaner is built to tackle all types of spills

The Dyson WashG1 is the company's first dedicated wet floor cleaner, capable of separating out wet and dry debris for easier maintenance and improved cleaning.
The Water.io water bottle on a tble.

This smart water bottle is more useful than I expected

The Water.io smart water isn't ideal for everyone, but it packs in just enough smarts to earn a spot in my home.
The new Hubspace smart door and smart lock.

Home Depot expands Hubspace with a smart door, smart lock, and other cool gadgets

The Smart Glass Door arrives on September 30, and it lets you toggle between a clear and opaque glass window using voice commands.
The Roborock Qrevo Edge on hard floors.

Roborock Qrevo Curv vs. Roborock Qrevo Edge: What’s the difference?

The Roborock Qrevo and Qrevo Edge share almost all the same specs, but there's one noticeable difference between them. Here's what you need to know.
A bundle of Arlo products on a white background.

Arlo Secure gets powerful new AI features, including person and vehicle detection

Arlo Secure can now send you personalized alerts when people or vehicles enter your property. You can even create custom alerts for specific motion events.
The Ecovacs in its docking station.

Ecovacs launches two budget-friendly robot vacuums

The Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni is a mid-tier offering, while the N20 Series can be had starting at just $260. Here's a closer look at the new robot vacuums.
The Dreame L40 Ultra mopping a room.

This is the best robot vacuum for high-pile carpets in 2024

The Dreame L40 Ultra can automatically remove its mopping pads, allowing it to safely travel on all types of carpet without getting them wet.
The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen on a wall.

Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) and Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium are two of the best options on the market. But is one better than the other?
The Qrevo Curv placed in its docking station.

Roborock Qrevo Curv vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The new Roborock Qrevo Curv is a powerful robot vacuum and mop combo, but how does it stack up to the existing Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra?
The Freo Z Ultra alongside other Freo products at IFA 2024.

Narwal Freo Z Ultra vs. Narwal Freo X Ultra: What’s new on the Freo Z Ultra?

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra is the successor to the popular Narwal Freo X Ultra. But what exactly is different about this new robot vacuum? Here's what to know.
The Eve Light Switch with Matter installed on a wall.

The popular Eve Light Switch now supports Matter, no longer requires a hub

The Eve Light Switch with Matter brings added functionality to the popular device, and it can even be controlled without a hub now.
The Govee Ice maker on a black background.

The new smart ice maker from Govee is affordable and versatile

The GoveeLife Smart Countertop Ice Maker 1s costs just $170 yet is packed with premium features, including support for Matter, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
The Eufy Smart Lock E30 on a white background.

Eufy’s new smart lock is the company’s first with Matter support

The Eufy Smart Lock E30 doesn't have a catchy name, but it's loaded with features that make it easy to control your front door, including Matter support.
The Ikea Dirigera Hub on a table.

Ikea rolls out Matter support for its Dirigera smart home hub

The Dirigera Hub now works as a Matter Bridge, bringing heaps of new functionality to the device.
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra next to furniture.

Narwal Freo Z Ultra vs. Dreame L40 Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra and Dreame L40 Ultra are both priced at $1,500 and get you tons of cool features. But which robot vacuum is better for your home?
The Yale Code installed on a door.

The Yale Code is a unique alternative to traditional smart locks

The Yale Code lacks the connectivity of smart locks, yet it still offers keypad support, Auto-Lock, and the option to toggle settings directly from the lock.
The IFA 100 sign outside the South Hall in Berlin.

The best smart home tech of IFA 2024

IFA 2024 didn't disappoint, with tons of cool gear on display. From lights and vacuums to appliances and more, here are the best smart home devices of IFA 2024.
The Dreame L40 Ultra mopping a room.

Dreame L40 Ultra review: beyond expectations

The Dreame L40 Ultra is excellent for all types of floors, thanks to a powerful mopping system that can be automatically removed when it travels on carpet.
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra next to a plant.

Narwal Freo Z Ultra review: forget about your floors

The Narwal Freo Z Ultra is a big step foward from the Freo X Ultra, offering better cleaning skills and requiring little manual input.
The Karcher RC 3000 robot vacuum at IFA 2024.

This retro robot vacuum is one of my favorite gadgets at IFA 2024

The Karcher RC 3000 is one of many gadgets on display at IFA 100 Years: The Exhibition, and it's seriously cool for a robot vacuum that's over 20 years old.
The Lockly Zeno Series installed on a door.

Lockly debuts four smart locks with the new Zeno Series

The Lockly Zeno Series consists of four smart locks, two of which use facial recognition technology to control your front door.
Nanoleaf Blocks on a wall.

Nanoleaf upgrades its modular lighting system with Nanoleaf Blocks

Nanoleaf Blocks are available in a variety of formats, allowing you to craft wild designs or build functional shelving for your home theater or game room.
A collage of the new Aqara products from IFA 2024.

Aqara shows off new smart home lineup with Matter support

Aqara revealed a long list of new products at IFA 2024, along with continued support for Matter. Here's a look at everything heading your way.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced: Which is better?

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is loaded with functionality, but you'll still get all the basics with the Smart Thermostat Enhanced.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat installed on a wall.

How long does it take to calibrate the Ecobee Smart Thermostat?

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat calibration process can last up to 20 minutes, though there's another reason you might be seeing it constantly on your screen.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

Should you enroll your Amazon Smart Thermostat in the Energy Savings Program?

The Amazon Smart Thermostat is eligible for a variety of Energy Savings Incentives, but are these programs really worth the added restrictions?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat.

Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs. Amazon Smart Thermostat: Which is best for your home?

While the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is expensive, it gets you several premium features. But would you be better off with the Amazon Smart Thermostat?
The Ecobee 3 Lite near home decor.

Ecobee 3 Lite vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced: Which is the best smart thermostat?

Should you pick the the cheaper Ecobee 3 Lite, or is the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced a smarter investment? Here's what to know before making a purchase.