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Latest by John Velasco

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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With Cortana in a coma, Microsoft’s smart home ambitions look bleak

Microsoft’s Surface event on Wednesday showed all of us yet again that there’s always one more thing to get excited about. But there was no mention of Cortana, Microsoft's oft-forgotten voice assistant.
Wyze Home Monitoring components

Wyze Home Monitoring review: Great savings, gaps to fill

Protecting your home means all threats need to be addressed. The Wyze Home Monitoring system offers 24/7 monitoring powered by Noonlight at an affordable cost.
Samsung Jet 90 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum handheld

Samsung Jet 90 Complete Cordless Stick Vacuum Review: Dust can’t flee this one

Automatic disposal systems are coming to cordless vacuums, and the Samsung Jet 90 Complete Stick Cordless Vacuum is one of the first to offer one.
ILIFE A10 Robot Vacuum on floor

iLife A10 Robot Vacuum Review: A smarter bot that still needs babysitting

Low-cost robot vacuums are no longer just basic models, as the iLife A10 proves with its built-in lidar to help it navigate around your home.
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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.
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.
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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.
apple ipad mini 2019 review 15b

The iPad was released 10 years ago. It’s still the only tablet worth buying

The iPad was released 10 years ago. It's still the only tablet worth buying. Competitors from Samsung and Microsoft haven't threatened the iPad's dominance.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Ring Stick Up Camera

Why are hackers snooping on smart home security cameras? I asked an ex-hacker

Ring's security cameras have made news due to a series of hacks. What do hackers gain by hacking such cameras? We spoke with a security expert to find out.
hacked smart appliances legitimate concerns feature panasonic microvawe  2 min

Should you worry about hacked smart home appliances?

As smart appliances continue to evolve, the potential for them to be hacked becomes greater. We spoke with a cybersecurity expert who sheds light on the risks.
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.
DJI Mavic Air 2 front view in the air

DJI Mavic Air 2 Review: Smarter, faster, stronger

DJI continues to rule the consumer drone market with the release of the Mavic Air 2. Improvements in all areas make it a great drone for casual and pro flyers.
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?
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.
dji air 2s drone one camera sensor news specs price lifestyle 2 of 4

DJI Air 2S enters pro territory with its one-inch camera sensor and 5.4K video

Now positioned as a flagship drone, the DJI Air 2S, which features a one-inch camera sensor, offers better quality from the start
Hex Home Wi-Fi Motion Sensor

Hex Home gives us a glimpse of how Wi-Fi is used for motion detection

Security cameras can be invasive inside of the home, which is why Home Hex offers an intriguing alternative with motion detection through Wi-Fi.
Apple HomePod mini in hand

You shouldn’t be shocked that the HomePod Mini has a hidden sensor

The Apple HomePod Mini was recently discovered to have a temperature and humidity sensor. It might shock you, but hidden sensors are more common than you think.
crashing dji fpv drone first flight crash 3 of 8

I crashed the DJI FPV drone the first time I took it for a spin

The DJI FPV drone is a beast that can only be tamed by seasoned pilots. I thought I was worthy, but I crashed it on my first test flight.
Amazon Echo Show 10 on a nightstand.

Amazon’s Echo command center is yet another display, and I don’t need it at home

Smart displays have a lot to offer, but Amazon's potential Echo command center just doesn't seem like a logical addition to my work-from-home setup.
arlo smart home security for peace of mind video doorbell lifestyle image

Touchless doorbell feature shouldn’t be exclusive to new models

CES 2021 introduced us to the touchless doorbell, but it shouldn't be exclusive to just new models -- it should come to existing ones as well.
A finger touching the Arlo Video Doorbell, mounted on a house wall.

The best video doorbells of CES 2021

Video doorbells introduced at CES 2021 were all adapted for the times, so here are some of the best that were announced.
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The best smart home tech of CES 2021

The smart home team at Digital Trends voted on the best smart home tech at CES 2021. Here are our picks.
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The biggest trends we saw in the smart home in 2020

There wasn't a single trend that defined the smart home in 2020, but several that showed its adaptability in a challenging year for all.
iRobot Braava Jet

Will robot vacuums make the leap into disinfecting at CES 2021?

Robot vacuums will no doubt be seen at CES 2021, but the biggest opportunity for them now is the ability to disinfect surfaces. Will we finally see it?
how much you save by signing up for apple one fitness

With Fitness Plus, Apple could very well take the lead in on-demand exercise

Apple Fitness Plus just launched the company into the on-demand fitness space, paving the way to becoming a potential leader.
Smart Home Top Tech 2020: Amazon Echo

Staff Picks: DT’s favorite smart home tech of 2020

The Amazon Echo (4th Gen) introduces exciting new changes that make it our pick for the best smart home gadget of 2020.
wyze watch exposes smartwatch major problem opinion

The Wyze Watch exposes the one major problem I have with smartwatches

Smartwatches have so many features and uses, but the Wyze Watch presents itself as an interesting alternative. In fact, it exposes a problem with smartwatches.