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Latest by Jon Bitner

Blueair Blue Pure 211 plus HEPA air purifier in living room.

Do air purifiers work?

Since you won't want to open doors and windows in the winter, air purifiers are a great way to keep your air fresh. But are they worth the investment?
Apple HomePod 2023

Alexa vs. HomeKit: Which smart home platform is best?

Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit are two of the best smart home platforms available, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide.
The Numi 2.0 Smart Toilet

The 5 weirdest smart home gadgets of 2023

From smart toilets to smart toasters, here's a look at five of the weirdest smart home gadgets you can purchase in 2023.
A Ring Video Doorbell next to Halloween decorations.

Ring celebrates Halloween by adding spooky Quick Replies to its video doorbells

Spooky Halloween Quick Replies are now available for Ring Video Doorbells, including a werewolf's howl and a witch brewing in a cauldron.
The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni cleaning hardwood floors.

How to fix a robot vacuum that stops moving

There are several reasons your robot vacuum might not be moving. From checking its wheels to updating its software, here are all the ways to fix the problem.
The Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera install near a door.

Ecobee takes on Ring, Arlo with its first smart doorbell camera

The Ecobee Smart Doorbell Camera is the company's first video doorbell, featuring a generous viewing angle and premium materials.
The iRobot j9+ cleaning a floor and retracting its mop.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni vs. iRobot Roomba Combo j9+: Which premium robot vacuum is best?

If you're looking for a premium robot vacuum and mop combo, the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni and iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ fit the bill. But which is best?
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in a kitchen.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni vs. Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: Which is the best robot vacuum?

It's impossible to go wrong with either the Ecovacs X2 Omni or Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, but is one better for your smart home than the other? Here's what to know.
nanoleaf reveals matter smart lamps cono lamp

Nanoleaf reveals four new Matter devices, including two smart lamps

Nanoleaf is launching two Matter-enabled smart lamps in the coming months, as well as two other products for its Essentials lineup.
The X2 Omni dock up against a wall.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni vs. Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni: Is the new X2 Omni worth it?

The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is a better robot vacuum than the Deebot T20 Omni, but does it justify its hefty price tag? Here's what you need to know.
The X2 Omni on grey carpet.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni review: hitting the ceiling

The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is one of the best robot vacuums on the market, even if it only makes incremental improvements over the existing T20 Omni.
A person opening the Yale Assure Lock 2 with their Apple Watch.

Are keyless smart locks safe?

Keyless smart locks are incredibly safe, but they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here's a closer look at these smart home gadgets.
Controlling smart blinds with a remote.

Are smart blinds worth it?

Smart blinds give you remote access to your window coverings, allowing you to schedule their performance and save money on your bills. But are they worth it?
Lockly lock installed on a door and person uses the smartphone app.

What is a smart lock and how does it work?

A smart lock brings added versatility to your door, letting you open it using a keypad or smartphone app. Here's everything you need to know about smart locks.
The Roomba Combo j7+ mopping wood floors.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ vs. iRobot Roomba Combo j7+: Which is the better robot vacuum?

The newer iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ is more affordable than the older iRobot Roomba Combo j7+, but is it actually a better robot vacuum? Here's what to know.
Nanoleaf's Matter-enabled holiday lights on a staircase.

Nanoleaf gets into the holiday spirit with Matter-enabled string lights

The Nanoleaf Matter Smart Holiday String Lights feature 250 LED bulbs and nine preset scenes, and are rated for outdoor use. They begin shipping in mid-October.
The Blink Outdoor 4 installed on a fence

Blink Outdoor 4 vs. Blink Outdoor 3: Which is the better security camera?

The Blink Outdoor 4 and Blink Outdoor 3 are both budget-minded security cameras. But is the newer (and more expensive) Outdoor 4 worth making an upgrade?
A bin that's been removed from the j5 Plus.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs. iRobot Roomba Combo j5+: Which is best?

The Roomba Combo j9+ and Roomba Combo j5+ are new members to iRobot's robot vacuum lineup. But what's the difference between the two? Here's what to know.
Blink Mini Indoor 1080p wireless security camera on a counter showing video capture on an Echo Show display.

How to save Blink videos to USB

If you don't want to pay for a Blink Plan, you can save videos locally to a USB drive. Here's how to get the cool feature working.
A person opening the Yale Assure Lock 2 with their Apple Watch.

New Yale Assure Lock 2 models get fingerprint scanner, support for Apple Home keys

The new Yale Assure Lock 2 models add a fingerprint scanner and support for Apple Home keys. Here's a look at the Assure Lock 2 Touch and Assure Lock 2 Plus.
The X2 Omni clenaing under a bed.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni boasts a new square design and improved vacuuming skills

The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is getting a big upgrade compared to the X1 Omni, thanks to a square design, improved charging station, and 8,000 Pa of suction.
The Blink Outdoor Floodlight camera.

How to set Activity Zones on Blink cameras

Using Activity Zones on Blink cameras allows you to choose which areas of your property trigger motion alerts. Here's how to set them up.
Several images of the new Google Home app on a tan background.

How to fix the Google Home ‘Auth check failure on device’ error

Running into the Auth check failure on device error when using Google Home? Here's how to fix the error and get your system working properly.
The Ring Pet Tag on a dog collar.

Ring helps you find your lost furry friend with the Ring Pet Tag

The Ring Pet Tag lets you know when a lost pet is found and informs the rescuer of any health concerns they should know about. It's also highly affordable.
The iRobot j9+ cleaning a floor and retracting its mop.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ vs. Roomba Combo j7+: which is the best robot vacuum?

The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ is remarkably similar to the old Combo j7+, but are its minor changes worth the extra cash? Here's a closer look.
The iRobot j9+ cleaning a floor and retracting its mop.

iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum and mop is perfect for high-pile carpet

The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ robot vacuum and mop uses a fully retractible mophead to prevent itself from tracking water across your carpet.
The Roborock Q8 Nax next to a wall.

Roborock is launching two affordable robot vacuums in October

The Q5 Pro and Q8 Max both start at $600 or less, offer mopping and vacuuming skills, and support up to 5,500 Pa of suction.
A child playing with the EBO X.

Enabot EBO X review: A smart, but flawed robot companion

The Enabot EBO X robot companion is rough around the edges, but it offers tons of cool smart home features that make it a compelling addition to your family.
The SwitchBot S10 on a white background.

SwitchBot S10 robot vacuum connects to your plumbing for fully automated mopping

The SwitchBot Floor Cleaning Robot S10 connects to your plumbing lines to provide fully automated mopping. Here's a look at the upcoming smart home device.
The Solix C1000 (left) and F3800 Power Stations.

Anker reveals Solix C1000 and Solix F3800 portable power stations

The Anker Solix C1000 and Solix F3800 are new portable power stations that are designed for camping, emergencies, and everything in-between.
The Philips Hue Secure Camera on a table.

Philips Hue adds support for cameras and sensors

The Philips Hue Secure Camera and Hue Secure Contact Sensors will arrive later this year and will be compatible with an updated smartphone app.
The Blink Outdoor 4 installed on a fence

How to set up Privacy Zones on Blink cameras

Only a few Blink cameras support Privacy Zones, but setting them up is surprisingly easy. Here's how to get Privacy Zones working on your camera.
The Wyze Lock Bolt installed on a door.

10 of the best budget smart home devices under $100

These budget smart home gadgets make it easy to upgrade your house. From lights and locks to cameras and more, here are the best affordable smart home gadgets.
The Roomba Combo i5+ next to its different bins.

iRobot expands Roomba 2-in-1 lineup with Combo j5+ and Combo i5+

The Roomba Combo j5+ and Roomba Combo i5+ are designed to both vacuum and mop depending on which bin is installed. Here's a closer look at both.