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Latest by Jon Bitner

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.
A cartoon depiction of the Google Home app and Nest Cam Indoor.

Google Home adds support for Nest Cam Indoor

The Nest Cam Indoor is now supported by Google Home. There's a bit of a catch, however, as it's only supported for folks in Public Preview.
The Blink Outdoor Camera 4 mounted on a brick wall.

Blink Outdoor Camera 4 launches with Person Detection, new design, 2-year battery life

The Blink Outdoor Camera 4 is now available, offering Person Detection, improved video quality, and a new design.
The Leviton Outdoor Smart Plug plugged into an outlet in front of red siding.

Leviton’s new outdoor smart plug is the first with Matter support

The Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Outdoor Plug-In Switch is the first outdoor smart plug to support Matter. It also boasts a ton of other cool features.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

What is Apple HomeKit?

Apple HomeKit is one of many smart home platforms available today, and it allows you to communicate with all the equipment in your house. Here's a closer look.
The Masonite Smart Door installed on a home.

This $4,000 smart door comes packing a Ring video doorbell and Yale smart lock

The Masonite Smart Door comes with tons of useful smart features, but it's eye-watering price tag and concerns about upgrading its tech make it a hard sell.
A person holding the Apple TV remote infront of a screen.

How to set up Apple TV as a HomeKit hub

Apple TV makes a great HomeKit hub. Here's how to get it working with your smart home in just a few minutes.
Fyrtur blackout blinds in a bedroom.

The best HomeKit smart blinds of 2023

The best HomeKit smart blinds offer full support for Apple's smart home platform, while also coming in a variety of styles. Here's a look at our favorites.
Blink Mini camera on table.

How to use Live View on Blink cameras

Live View on Blink cameras allows you to access a live feed of your property. Here's how to access the feature, along with tips on why it might not be working.
The Ecovacs T20 Omni docked in a living room.

Dyson 360 Vis Nav vs. Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni: which is the better robot vacuum?

Is the ultra-expensive Dyson 360 Vis Nav a better robot vacuum for your smart home than the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to turn off Eco Mode on the Nest Thermostat

Once you know where to look, turning off Eco Mode on your Nest Thermostat is simple. Here's how to get it done in just a few steps.
the Google Nest Thermostat E

The 4 best smart thermostats that don’t require a C-wire

If your home doesn't have a C-wire, there are still some great smart thermostats to consider. Here are a few of our favorites.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to get a rebate for your smart thermostat

Getting a rebate for your smart thermostat is a neasy way to save a bundle of cash. Here's what you need to know.
Apple HomePod 2023

How to update your HomePod or HomePod mini

Keeping your HomePod or HomePod mini updated is the best way to ensure it performs as expected. Here's how to manually update your smart speakers.