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Latest by John Velasco

A Verizon smart display.

Alexa’s behind Verizon’s smart display, but please don’t sell me a Fios package

The upcoming Verizon smart display will be powered by Alexa technology, but it could very well signal a shift in the smart home space.
twinky flex review twinkly 8 of 10

Twinky Flex review: The neon wall light that bends all the rules

The Twinkly Flex is a year-round smart wall light that dazzles with unique designs and bright colors. You'll be mesmerized by the hypnotic light effects.
Wyze Cam v3 vs Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor Comparison

Which smart security cams are serious about privacy? We’ve ranked them all

Indoor security cameras boast a variety of features. We put some of the most popular models to the test to see which take security and privacy more seriously.
fitbit luxe review 6 of 10

Fitbit Luxe review: Beautifully designed, yet modest in size

The Fitbit Luxe blends a fashionable design into a minimalist package that doesn't skimp out on the usual set of metrics we come to expect with fitness trackers
Amazon Echo Show 8 on a counter.

Amazon Echo Show 8 review: Third time’s the charm

Sitting in between Amazon's two smart displays, the Echo Show 8 is looking to achieve that perfect balance of features, performance, and price.
level lock bolt edition is a game changing and disruptive smart the by home

Level Lock Bolt Edition review: A stealthy, costly smart lock

It doesn't look like your ordinary smart lock because it tucks away the crucial components inside the door.
Lidar sensor in the 360 Robot Vacuum Cleaner S10 working

Lidar is the gold standard of robot vacuum navigation, but it’s not perfect

Today's robot vacuums offer intelligent navigation courtesy of lidar tech. But despite being the gold standard of robot vacuum navigation, it's not perfect.
Google Nest Wifi sits on a black stand.

Google Nest WiFi Review: No-hassle mesh networking

The Google Nest Wifi comes to life with whole-home coverage. Google’s option offers a couple of notable features that proves it's a multi-functional device.
pomabrush exposes silicone toothbrush head problem opinion 5 of 8

The PomaBrush exposes a problem I have with silicone toothbrush heads

Silicone toothbrush heads are all the rage right now, but there's one major problem that'll make you think twice about using one.
Rectangular design of the Eufy SoloCam E40.

Eufy SoloCam E40 Review: The anti-subscription security camera

Eufy goes for the all-in-one approach with the SoloCam E40 because there's no more hub needed for this camera to work at home.
Apple HomePod mini in hand

Apple HomePod Mini review: Finally, the smart speaker Apple needs

Apple failed to make an impression with the original HomePod, but the HomePod mini is poised to change that.
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen Clock front

Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock review: The time is now

The Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen) with Clock shares many outstanding features with past iterations, but now it gains the convenience of displaying the actual time.
Mother and daughter dancing in living room with Govee smart lights on.

More affordable than ever before, smart lights should be your next home project

Smart lights used to be expensive, but now's the time to make them a priority with your next home project because they're more affordable than ever before.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) on table.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) Review: Nothing to see here

With little to differentiate it from its predecessor, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) is a disappointing upgrade.
Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

Which home security camera should you buy on Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day will certainly yield an immense amount of deals on home security cameras. Here are just some of the notable ones you should consider.
iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum.

Is the Roomba 692 worth buying on Amazon Prime Day?

Prime Day is known for deep discounts on robot vacuums. The iRobot Roomba 692 continues to be a popular choice, but is it still worth buying on Prime Day?
wearable fan around nek

Wearable fans may look obnoxious, but they have practical uses for scorching summers

Wearable fans certainly attract attention when worn, but they'll prove quite handy for those scorching summers when you need relief from the weather.
Amazon Echo on a table.

Which Amazon Echo should you buy on Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day should yield some amazing deals on the company's many Echo devices. Before you buy, we detail which models are worth buying for the big day.
Amazon Echo Show 8 2021 home screen.

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2021) Review: It adds a camera that tracks you

Back for round two, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2021) features a brand-new camera with support for pan and zoom on video phone calls.
The Apple Wallet's ID display.

Apple Wallet update is close to replacing your wallet with iOS 15

Apple Wallet is getting updated in a big way with the upcoming release of iOS 15, like having your driver's license on hand with Apple Wallet.
Ring Video Doorbell 3

Which Ring Video Doorbell should you buy on Prime Day?

Ring's lineup of video doorbells covers the gamut, but we break down which one you should buy for Amazon Prime Day.
Ring Wall Light Solar mounted on wall

Ring Wall Light Solar review: Sunshine all around, whenever you need it

Now you don't have an excuse not to add an outdoor light because the Ring Wall Light Solar is so easy to install, anyone could do it.
vivint outdoor camera pro home security ai mounted

Vivint vs. Ring: Which home security system is right for you?

Choosing a home security system can be daunting, but two of the biggest names are Vivint and Ring. We detail how they compare against each other.
Roborock S7 robot vacuum cleaning a rug on a hardwood floor.

Which robot vacuum should you buy on Prime Day?

Robot vacuums are so handy when it comes to saving us time, and with Amazon Prime Day, you certainly can expect deals on popular models.
Dreame Bot L10 Pro front view

Dreame Bot L10 Pro Review: A robot vacuum newcomer that cleans well

The Dreame Bot L10 Pro is one of the first bots from Dreame Technology, which is looking to make a name of itself in the always competitive robot vacuum space.
wyze night light senses you in the dark lifestyle 2 of 4

Wyze Night Light senses you in the dark to brighten your path

No need to stumble aimlessly in the dark because the Wyze Night Light will know you're there and automatically illuminate your path.
Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi wireless charging

Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi review: Finally, a smart speaker with utility

It's not every day you find a smart speaker that does more than play music, which is what makes the Belkin SoundForm Elite Hi-Fi very unique in the space.
3 reasons why a google store in new york can succeed nyc

3 reasons why a Google Store in New York could succeed where Microsoft failed

Microsoft ultimately shuttered its physical stores, but the Google Store in New York City could succeed where Microsoft failed.
weird cooling gadgets on amazon fans 2 of 6

We tried these weird cooling gadgets on Amazon to see what’s practical to use

Amazon carries a ton of weird stuff, but if you're looking for some relief from the heat this summer, then check out these cooling gadgets you can buy.
Wyze Floor Lamp desk

Wyze Floor Lamp Review: Slick design, could use more smarts

Floor lamps are surprisingly pricey if you shop around, but the Wyze Floor Lamp intends on breaking barriers while still offering smart functions for the home.
Trifo Lucy Robot Vacuum on hard wood

Trifo Lucy Robot Vacuum review: Eyes that prioritize security over cleaning

The Trifo Lucy is a highly anticipated robot vacuum that not only vacuums but can also double as a useful security camera for the home when you're not there.
Roborock S7 Review side view

Roborock S7 robot vacuum review: Mopping up at sonic speed

Sonic-mopping technology makes the Roborock S7 unique among robot vacuums because it just doesn't push around a wet mopping pad.
Shark Vacmop lights

Shark Vacmop Review: A Swiffer Sweeper on steroids

Why have two different units when you can have one? The Shark Vacmop sweeps debris and mops simultaneously.
Reolink Argus 3 Pro on table

Reolink Argus 3 Pro review: The flexible indoor and outdoor camera

While you can technically use most outdoor security cameras indoors, few offer the same conveniences that the Reolink Argus 3 Pro has to offer out of the box.