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Latest by Jon Bitner

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to save money with your smart home this winter

Keeping your home cozy this winter is easy with the right smart home gadgets. Here's a look at some that keep you warm and save you money.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in its dock.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra can both vacuum and mop your home, but which is the better choice? Here's everything you need to know.
Mother and daughter dancing in living room with Govee smart lights on.

How to deck out your pad with smart home gadgets for the holidays

Planning for the holidays can be a stressful experience, but there are a variety of great smart home gadgets that can make your winter season a bit more jolly.
Amazon Fire TV on Echo Show 15.

The 12 best smart home products that support Matter

Many smart home products will be adding Matter support in the future, but only a few notable products offer support today. Here are the best ones available now.
The Eve Light Switch (Matter) installed on a wall.

Eve expands Matter lineup with smart outlet, light switch, and blinds

Three new Eve products are arriving in 2024, all of which offer full support from Matter. The lineup includes a light switch, smart outlet, and smart blinds.
irobot roomba combo j9 plus review feature

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ review: a tale of two robots

The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ uses an innovative swinging mop arm to keep carpets dry, but it stumbles on basic features you'd expect from a robot this expensive.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to change modes on the Nest Thermostat

Changing modes on the Nest Thermostat requires more than a simple press of a button. Here's a look at how it works, both on the unit and through Google Home.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 installed near a door.

How to talk through your Ring Doorbell

Talking through your Ring Doorbell is a simple process that involves just a few taps on your smartphone. Here's how it works.
A hand adjusts a Ring Indoor Security Camera mounted on a wall.

Do smart home security cameras record all the time?

Smart home security cameras are a great way to protect your property, but are they capable of continuous video recording? Here's what you should know.
The Ikea Dajlien Air Purifier sitting by a chair.

Ikea’s new Dajlien home fitness collection features portable air purifier, much more

The Ikea Dajlien collection features 19 items designed to offer a robust home fitness experience without taking up much space.
Nanoleaf Essentials A19 3-Pack of bulbs in living room.

How to reset Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulbs

Here's how to reset the Nanoleaf Essentials Smart Bulb, along with a few troubleshooting tips to try first.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera mounted on a wall

How to delete Arlo Activity Zones

You can delete an Arlo Activity Zone using either the smartphone app or the official Arlo website. Here's a closer look at what you'll need to do.
The Arlo Essential 2nd Gen mounted outside.

How to cancel your Arlo subscription

If you're looking to cancel your Arlo subscription, you'll have to go to the official Arlo website, as the smartphone app doesn't support this ability.
The interface on Google Home allowing you to capture custom clips.

Google Home adds new camera features and support for Nest Cam Outdoor

Public Preview users can now link their first-generation Nest Cam Outdoor to Google Home and access a couple new features across a variety of cameras.
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ smart vacuum and mop near kids and pets

How to clean the bin and filter on the Roomba Combo j9+

Cleaning the bin and filter on the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is an important part of regular maintenance. Here's a comprehensive look at what it entails.
The upcoming Ikea motion sensor and door sensor on a yellow desktop.

Ikea launching 3 new smart home safety gadgets in 2024

Ikea is releasing a motion sensor, water sensor, and door and window sensor in 2024. Here's a look at what to expect when they roll out in the coming months.
The Wyze Cam Floodlight security camera outdoors.

How to properly place security cameras around your home

Security cameras are huge crime deterrents, but correct security camera placement is key. Cameras should be placed for maximum view and protection from thieves.
The Arlo Pro 5S installed outside on a wall.

Why is my Arlo camera offline?

Trying to figure out why your Arlo camera is offline? There are several possible culprits to consider. Here's how to fix the issue.
Tech of the Week Ring Grinch

Bring the Grinch to your front door with new Ring Quick Replies

Ring is adding several Quick Replies to its video doorbells, all of which are inspired by The Grinch. Here's a look at all six dialogue options.
The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (Gen 2) with the Privacy Shield enabled.

Arlo Essential Indoor Camera Gen 1 vs. Arlo Essential Indoor Camera Gen 2

The updated Arlo Essential Indoor Camera offers a few perks not found on its predecessor, but should you replace your existing cameras? Here's what to know.
The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera (Gen 2) with the Privacy Shield enabled.

How to use the Privacy Shield on Arlo cameras

Many Arlo cameras use a Privacy Shield to physically block the lens from capturing footage. Here's how to activate and deactivate the useful feature.
An Amazon smart display on a kitchen counter.

Alexa adds new features to help with your holiday shopping

Amazon is rolling out new features to Alexa, allowing you to scan handwritten shopping lists to the app and get instant access to the best deals.
The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on display the 2023 Amazon Fall Devices and Services event.

Tapo C120 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: is the expensive Ring security camera worth it?

The Tapo C120 is a budget-friendly security camera suitable for use in all environments. But does it outcompete the premium and pricier Ring Stick Up Cam Pro?
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

How to add Arlo cameras to Apple HomeKit

It's possible to add Arlo cameras to Apple HomeKit, though there are a few quirks to keep in mind. Here's how the process works.
Astro for Business in patrol mode.

Amazon Astro gets a day job with Astro for Business

Astro for Business is designed to help keep small businesses safe and shares many similarities with Amazon Astro. Here's a look at the newly released robot.
The Tapo C120 installed on a fence.

The TP-Link Tapo C120 is an affordable security camera designed for all environments

The TP-Link Tapo C120 costs $40, offers 2K video capture, and supports microSD cards. Here's a closer look at the indoor/outdoor camera.
The Arlo Total Security package on a blue background.

Arlo enhances home security offerings with new Arlo Total Security plans

The Arlo Total Security plans are all-in-one solutions for home security, offering professional monitoring and required hardware for as low as $10 per month.
The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 installed near a door.

Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen vs. Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is a powerful smart home gadget, but how does it compare to the new Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen? Here's what you need to know.
A person holding the SwitchBot K10+ robot vacuum.

The SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ is designed for cramped rooms and tight spaces

The SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ might not be as large as the competition, but it's not lacking in premium features. Here's a look at the quirky robot.
The Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen in the rain.

Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen vs. Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell: Which is best?

The new Arlo Video Doorbell 2nd Gen is available in two formats, but is either one better than the existing Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell?
The Arlo Essential 2nd Gen mounted outside.

Arlo Essential 2nd Gen vs. Arlo Pro 4: is the Arlo Pro 4 worth it?

The Arlo Essential 2nd Gen Camera is a new addition to the Arlo catalog, but is it better than the existing Arlo Pro 4? Here's a closer look.
The Emporia Smart Plug with a cable attached.

Emporia resolves issue with Smart Plugs that spurred recall

A voluntary recall impacts a large portion of Emporia Smart Plugs, though there are currently no known injuries or damage caused by faulty products.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

Arlo Essential XL 2nd Gen vs. Arlo Pro 4: Which is the better security camera?

The new Arlo Essential XL 2nd Gen offers incredible battery life, but is it better than the Arlo Pro 4? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
The Wyze Video Doorbell v2 installed near a front door.

Wyze Video Doorbell v2 vs. Wyze Video Doorbell Pro

The new Wyze Video Doorbell v2 is much cheaper than the Wyze Video Doorbell Pro, but is it actually a better product? Here's a closer look at both.