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Latest by John Velasco

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How to tell if your security camera has been hacked

Security cameras can keep us safe, but they can also do the opposite if they're hacked. Here's how to tell if your smart home security camera is compromised.
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The rise of smart speakers shows why it matters to have sustainable packaging

While the gadgets inside of packages are most important, you'll be astounded by the amount of potential waste from the packaging.
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.
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The best smart thermostat deals for Cyber Monday

Cyber Week is here. If you didn't find what you were looking for in a smart thermostat during Black Friday, the deals for Cyber Monday have substantial discounts that will make you smile and keep your home comfy all year long. We rounded up some of the best deals, on Nest, Ecobee, and more.
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Blink Mini Review: Light on features, low on price

The Blink Mini is a small and affordable indoor security camera that doesn't stray too far from the competition offers. It's light on features and costs $35.
Lenovo Smart Display 7 on top of table

Lenovo Smart Display 7 Review: Video calls for less

New to the smart display fold is the Lenovo Smart Display 7, which is now the smallest and most compact smart display in Lenovo’s portfolio. What’s sweet about it is the $100 price tag, though, there's more to Lenovo's budget-based offering than you might expect, despite the price.
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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
Samsung Jetbot Mop on floor

Samsung Jetbot Mop review: Do-si-doing the mopping routine

The Samsung Jetbot Mop is a dedicated mopping robot that looks interesting with its design, but also doubles as a handy handheld cleaner for walls and tiles.
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Kangaroo Home Security review: Affordable, but there’s room for improvement

The Kangaroo Home Security System is an affordable, easy-to-set-up security system that excels in almost every area except its doorbell.
Apple AirTag close up.

Apple AirTag will track down missing gadgets and valuables for $29

Apple just announced its minuscule, attachable tracker called AirTag during its Spring Loaded event. Now you won't have trouble finding misplaced items.
Dyson Pure Humidify Cool hero shot.

Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool review: Convergence at its finest

The Dyson Pure Humidify + Cool replaces a fan, air purifier and humidifier, and works better than any of them individually.
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.
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.
LG CordZero A9 Kompressor holding it in hand

LG CordZero A9 Kompressor Stick Vacuum Review: Always hungry, never bloated

When it comes to sucking up dirt and debris, the LG CordZero A9 Kompressor clearly has a huge appetite thanks to its large dustbin's ability to compress.
Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) on angle table.

Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) Review: The true smart home command center

More than just a smart display, the Amazon Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen) extends its reach with some new features that make it more of a convergent device.
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DJI FPV Review: A powerful drone for serious pilots

The DJI FPV is a splash for the esteemed drone maker, providing pilots with a simple, complete system out of the box that'll achieve some slick and new visuals.
LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum angle shot

LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum review: Eyes wide shut

It's one ambitious robot vacuum that's aiming to do more, but the LG CordZero ThinQ Robot Vacuum has some steep competition already in the space.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) on table

Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) review: Growing up to set the benchmark

Amazon's smallest smart speaker has undergone a radical change, so will the Echo Dot's (4th Gen) new design be enough to garner attention over the competition?
DJI Mini 2 in the air

DJI Mini 2 review: Same compact size, more confidence flying

The DJI Mini 2 boasts boasts proper 4K video capture and upgraded motors, all while continuing to fly under the FAA radar thanks to its 249 gram takeoff weight.
Roborock S6 MaxV lifestlye

Roborock S6 MaxV Review: It can find and avoid your socks

Worry less about leaving your robot vacuum to clean on its own. The Roborock S6 MaxV packs a pair of cameras to let it see its surroundings for better cleaning.
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Amazon Echo (4th Gen) review: New look, same outstanding results

Amazon takes a gamble on the new Echo (4th Gen) by changing it up with a totally new design. It's daring, but will it be enough to make consumers take notice?
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.
Eufy Smart Lock Touch dial pad

Eufy Security Smart Lock Touch review: Wi-Fi makes it even better

Eufy is entering the smart lock market. Will the Eufy Smart Lock Touch have what it takes to be a contender? Read our review.
Blink Outdoor

Blink Outdoor review: It’s nothing new

The Blink Outdoor Camera can last upwards of two years on battery power. It's very similar to its predecessor, but is there more to it than just that?
iRobot Roomba i3 Plus dirt disposal unit

iRobot Roomba i3 Plus review: Self-emptying that makes life easier

Robot vacuums are increasingly becoming more independent, requiring less intervention on our part. The iRobot Roomba i3 Plus does exactly that.
Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum Review articulating brush

Dyson Omni-glide Review: You may want to ditch your Swiffer

If you don't like the idea of buying disposable pads for your Swiffer, then you'll be intrigued by how the Dyson Omni-glide can become a permanent replacement.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on table

Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera Review: When privacy is a priority

That nagging feeling of someone watching you is essentially squashed thanks to the privacy shutter on the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera.
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.
Reolink E1 Zoom on table

Reolink E1 Zoom Review: Closer, but still off the mark

Articulating cameras that can cover a full 360-degrees aren't new, but the Reolink E1 Zoom is a rare breed with its integrated 3x optical zoom.
Oculus Quest 2 with controls.

VR workouts won’t get you ripped, but they’re engaging and can keep you fit

Exercising at home can be a chore. That's where virtual reality comes to the rescue as a healthy distraction that'll keep you fit.
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Ring Video Doorbell vs. Nest Hello: Which Cyber Monday deal is better?

Cyber Monday deals are available for the both the Ring Video Doorbell and Google Nest Hello. Even though they're fundamentally similar when it comes to safeguarding your home and packages, there are distinct differences between them. Bundle deals make them even more attractive, but find out which one's better.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect

The Litter-Robot 3 Connect saves time, but makes me miss my cats’ poops

Cleaning the litter box is a chore, but the Litter-Robot 3 Connect takes that hassle away. It's an asset for the smart home, but makes me miss my cats' poops.

Are your kids choosing video games over homework? Smart home tech can help

Video games are big distractions with remote learning, so here are some way smart home tech can help to make sure they're doing homework.
A Lenovo Smart Clock 2 placed on a bedside table.

Lenovo Smart Clock Essential Review: Tech meets nostalgia

Alarm clocks may have faded due to the smartphone, but the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is bringing back the nostalgia with the help of Google Assistant.