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John Velasco

John Velasco

Former Digital Trends Contributor

John is the Smart Home editor at Digital Trends covering all of the latest tech in this emerging market. From uncovering some of the reasons why hackers like to hack security cameras, to testing the effectiveness of connected home gym equipment, and even find out if Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can save your life during an emergency, he's seeking out how to find how smart home is making an impact on our lives.

Prior to Digital Trends, John worked for various publications like PhoneArena, Android Authority, and VR Source. He's been covering mobile tech for the better part of the last decade, but is also passionate about how VR/AR/XR are reshaping our world. Outside of tech, John is a big foodie and loves sharing about some of the unique bites he comes across.

And way before diving into tech journalism, he was driving around in a Volkswagon Beetle working with the Geek Squad.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) with Clock front

The best smart speakers for 2024

If you're looking to build a smart home, picking up a smart speaker is one of the first things you should do. Here's a look at the best smart speakers of 2024.
The Google Nest Cam (battery) mounted to a wall.

The best outdoor security cameras of 2024

Keep your home secure and always be in the know about who and what is on your property by installing one of the best smart outdoor security cameras for 2024.
Govee smart LED light strips on floor.

Get double the length at half the cost on these smart LED strip lights today

You could pay more for smart LED light strips, but you'll be saving a lot with Govee's Black Friday deal that's happening right now.
level fashions smallest smart lock ever made copy of iphone

Growth in the smart home will be fueled by these transformative trends

The smart home continues to grow and encompass a wide field of categories, but here are the transformative trends that will continue to fuel it.
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ on hardwood floor.

Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ review: Quietly gets the job done

Self-emptying robot vacuums are becoming popular, with the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ making some noise with its 2-in-1 functionality and excellent value.

Best gifts for a first-time smart home setup

Don't get bogged down thinking about what to get someone who's just starting a smart home. Here are the gifts for first-time smart home setup.
dji mavic 3 hands on review 17 of 21

DJI Mavic 3 Review: A return to flagship territory

It's a long time coming, but the DJI Mavic 3 takes to the skies with a Hasselblad dual-camera system, 5.1K video, and so much more. The king has returned!
Woman boxing with FightCamp.

FightCamp Review: Learn boxing combos to knock out your workouts

Kick and punch your way to a cardio workout at home that you won't find elsewhere with FightCamp's trackers and professional-grade equipment.
dji mavic 3 hands on review 18 of 21

DJI Mavic 3 hands-on review: The long-awaited return of the king

Call it a return to what started it all, but the DJI Mavic 3 is a flagship drone that can fly farther, smarter, and reliably over other consumer drones.
ring alarm pro review 2020q1 lifestyle insitu alarmbasestation keypad entryway

Ring Alarm Pro Review: Peace of mind when you’re in the dark

Whether you're home or not, the Ring Alarm Pro ensures your home's security is intact with its battery and internet backup services.
iRobot Roomba j7+ on hardwood floor.

iRobot Roomba j7+ Review: Getting closer to a tangle-free life

The latest iRobot is smarter than anything else before it. With a camera and iRobot's Genius 3.0 tech, the Roomba j7+ won't get hung up on obstacles as much.
Govee Glide wall light installed above couch on wall.

Govee Glide Wall Light Review: Simple on designs, big on light patterns

Got open space on a wall? Then add a bit of flair with some dazzling light patterns using the Govee Glide Wall Light. Best of all, you won't spend a fortune.
echo show 8 amazon event 2019 lifestyle

Alexa’s controversial drop-in feature could be critical to saving lives

Amazon Alexa's drop-in feature has been controversial ever since it first rolled out, but you'll be surprised how critical it could be in saving lives.
scary robot vacuum halloween horror stories evil

Scary robot vacuum horror stories that’ll make your skin crawl for Halloween

Robot vacuums do amazing work, but they can also do some horrific things. We have a few robot vacuum horror stories that'll make your skin crawl for Halloween.
Google Nest Cam Indoor Wired on table.

Google Nest Cam (wired) review: Keeping watch with confidence

Keeping a watchful eye out is important for any security camera. The Google Nest Cam (indoor, wired) has you covered so you only get meaningful alerts.
Holy Stone HS720E drone flying in air.

Flying a drone other than DJI made me instantly regret the decision

There are other drone manufacturers out there besides DJI. However, trying one out will make you realize why DJI is hard to beat.
Wyze Light Strip Pro in pink.

Wyze Light Strip Pro Review: Bang-for-the-buck light shows

Need to spruce up the look of a room? The Wyze Light Strip Pro can display up to 16 colors at a time.
Samsung Jet Bot AI+ on hardwoord floor.

Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Review: Home security on wheels is finally here

Home security is about to change thanks to the Samsung Jet Bot AI+, which patrols the home when you're away.
Amazon Astro home robot on a cliff

Robot vacuums give me hope Amazon’s Astro won’t fall down stairs

Reports have alluded to the Amazon Astro falling down stairs early in the development cycle. However, today's robot vacuums give us hope it won't.
The Ring Always Home Cam and charge dock.

5 things we hope the flying Ring Always Home Cam can do

The flying Ring Always Home Cam could change home security going forward. We know little about it, but here's what we hope it could do.
A man riding a Peloton bike.

Peloton Bike review: Big on the experience, bigger on the personalities

The Peloton Bike is one of the most popular exercise bikes around. There are reasons for that, with much of it centering around the Peloton experience.
how to hide wires tech smart apartment gocontrol window door sensor

You don’t need a camera for dorm room security. Here’s what to do instead

Dorm residents have a lot to worry about. Not everyone is OK with installing a security camera in their dorm room, but there are other ways to obtain security.
larq purevis water pitcher erases tap fears pitch smart 1 of 9

Larq’s PureVis water pitcher erased my fears about drinking water from the tap

There are many reasons why people don't trust the tap water out of their faucets. The Larq PureVis does more than filter water, it purifies it, too.
trying on wearable air conditioner torras coolify 6 of

I tried a so-called wearable air conditioner — and the branding left me cold

It's never fun roasting on those warm, humid summer days. The Torras Coolify is classified as a wearable air conditioner, but it's not exactly what you think.
Google Nest Doorbell (battery) on outside of door.

Google Nest Doorbell (battery) Review: Beauty and brains in one package

The Google Nest Doorbell (battery) competes in a crowded space, but comes with intelligent alerts and a beautiful design to keep your front door safe.
Google Nest Cam (battery) on table.

Google Nest Cam (battery) review: The camera for anywhere around the home

Most cameras require a subscription to get access to advanced features. With the Google Nest Cam (battery), you get everything out of the box.
standing desks lack comfort convenience ufou upon smart desk lifestyle 1 of 4

Few standing desks are designed for comfort and convenience

Standing desks offer home workers the option to stand after sitting for a while, but very few of them are ingenuously designed for comfort and convenience.
govee lyra smart floor lamp review 3 of 11

Govee Lyra Smart Floor Lamp Review: A mesmerizing, futuristic light show

Smart lamps come in different options, but the Govee Lyra has a dazzling light show that can emit several colors simultaneously for a futuristic light show.
Closeup profile view of Husqvarna Automower 430XH.

Lawn mowing robots are here, but face the same challenges as robot vacuums

We have robots that can mow the lawn, but as much as they present us with convenience, they share the same challenges that robot vacuums faced.
Level Lock (2021) inside of key housing on door.

Level Lock review: A continuation of smart meets stylish

The Level Lock is the latest offering in Level's lineup and follows the same recipe of boasting smart functions with a traditional lock design that's modern.
A hand adjusting the Google Nest Cam (battery).

Google has three new Nest Cams, but there’s really only one you should buy

Google just announced three new Nest Cams, but while they seem very similar to one another, there's honestly just one you should buy.
Sleep Number smart bed in a bedroom.

Sleep Number’s beds have more value than the phone in your pocket. Here’s why.

Some people can be easily scared away by the cost of a Sleep Number smart bed, but you really need to look past the price and look at its long-term value.
Echo Studio sitting next to a plant.

The best Alexa speakers

Whether it's for the home, or something you want to carry along on a trip, we rounded up the best Alexa speakers for any occasion.
twinkly line review smart led light strip 3 of 10

Twinkly Line review: Dazzling light show, short on length

The Twinkly Line not only changes colors but there are special effects to choose from to make this LED light strip dazzling to the eyes.