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Latest by John Velasco

Google Nest Mini on wall

The best Cyber Monday smart speaker deal you can shop today

The Google Nest Mini is frequently discounted throughout the year, but today's Cyber Monday deal brings it down tremendously to make it an irresistible buy.
best cyber monday smart home deal 2020 sylvania

The best Cyber Monday smart home deal you can shop today

Smart LED light bulbs don't come cheap, which is why you should snag this Cyber Monday 2020 deal on a 4-pack of Sylvania Smart+ A19 LED light bulbs.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen)

This is the best Black Friday smart home deal you can shop today

The day's finally here to start your smart home or expand it. If there's one must-buy, this is the best Black Friday smart home deal you can shop today.
dji mini 2 drone release news specs price press 1

DJI Mini 2 gets upgraded with 4K video, OcuSync tech, and stronger motors

The DJI Mini 2 has everything people wanted from the original, boasting proper 4K video recording, stronger motors, and more. Oh yeah, it's still 249 grams.
Pixel 4 running Android 11 beta

5 reasons to use Android 11’s quick access smart home controls

Android 11 is finally here and provides users with a new quick access menu for the smart home, so we break down the reasons why you should start using it more.
Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush held in hand

Oral-B iO Series 9 Smart Toothbrush review: Steep cost

Today's smart toothbrushes try to achieve a level beyond what electric toothbrushes have offer. The Oral-B iO Series 9 is looking to leapfrog everything else.
Samsung Galaxy Note smartphones on chair

Skip the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and wait for next year’s milestone model

While you may be tempted to buy the new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 smartphones, you should know that there might be something astounding waiting for us in 2021.
Eve Cam in kitchen

Eve Cam review: Performance holds back this HomeKit camera

More cameras are supporting Apple's HomeKit smart home platform. The Eve Cam is the latest, but does it have what it takes to be a standout in the space?
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Skeptical about UV light sanitizers? We put one to the test

If you're paranoid about germs, UV light sanitizers have been touted to be effective. How well do they really work? We put one to the test to find out.
mirror at home gym experience with weight training

Lululemon’s purchase of Mirror proves home gyms are the future of fitness

The pandemic is changing the traditional gym. People are still afraid, so there's been an increase in adoption of home gyms, connected apps, and subscriptions.
Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K on table

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K review: Clarity at a low cost

The $40 Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K boasts everything you'll need to secure your home while you're away without costing you a whole lot of cash in the process.
iPhone on top of Amazon Echo Dot with Clock

A portless iPhone will be a major shake-up for the smart home

There have been rumors about Apple producing a portless iPhone, so that will in turn have a major impact on how we it's charged The smart home will be affected.
Apple HomeKit logo.

5 Best iOS 14 HomeKit features: Adaptive lighting, Live View in Apple TV, more

Apple recently introduced a slew of new features with its announcement of iOS 14, we round up the best five HomeKit features you can expect with the rollout
Pixel 4 running Android 11 beta

Android 11 beta’s smart home controls are a fresh start, but need to stay simple

Google Assistant can be useful, but sometimes it fails to listen to commands. A quick-access menu for the smart home will be a great feature for Android 11.
The Eufy RoboVac 15C Max cleaning the floor.

Eufy RoboVac 15C Max review

If you're looking to get your first robot vacuum without breaking the bank, then the Eufy RoboVac 15C MAX is worth considering with its Wi-Fi connectivity, Google Assistant/Amazon Alexa integration, strong cleaning performance, and sleek design.
Laptop Working from Home

From grocery delivery to gaming, here’s how to stay safe and sane at home

The coronavirus COVID-19 is changing our lifestyles, as people adopt new changes found with being quarantined. To get through this, you'll need these services.
Nest Hub Max, using the touchscreen.

The best Google Nest Hub Max tips and tricks to check out

The Google Nest Hub Max is finally here after its introduction at Google I/O earlier this year, which means it’s time to dissect everything you should know about it. These tips and tricks we're going to be diving into will help you become better acquainted with this powerful smart display.
SimpliSafe SimpliCam on wall

Every smart home security camera should have a shutter. Here’s why.

All smart home security cameras should have a mechanical privacy shutter to protect your privacy even if the camera is compromised.
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The best local storage security cameras

For most people, maintaining privacy is paramount, especially when it comes to today's smart home security cameras. If cloud storage doesn't seem appealing -- there have been instances when cameras have been hacked, after all -- then consider these cameras, each of which offers local storage.
samsung galaxy home speaker news design

Samsung Galaxy Home is a no-show in 2019, but that may be a good thing

Initially pegged for a spring 2019 release, the Samsung Galaxy Home smart speaker ended up being a no-show in 2019. Samsung's experience signals what we already knew about the premium segment of the smart speaker market -- it’s tough to crack, even if you're an established company.
Facebook Portal 2019

Facebook Portal (10-inch, 2019) review: For Facebook fans only

Facebook's new 10-inch Portal smart display emphasizes staying in touch with friends and family through video calls. There’s a crop of smart displays that offer incredible functionality, but Facebook’s interpretation may have people being more cautious about what they share publicly.

CES 2020: This could be the year your robot vacuum gets a security camera

There will be a time when we can expect robot vacuums to become the first line of defense when it comes to protecting the home. CES will unveil some cool models with new features, but we have a feeling that we'll see more models with security cameras as part of their arsenal.
Side profile view of August smart lock on a door.

Amazon’s Cyber Monday deals for August Home smart locks are tough to pass up

For Cyber Monday, Amazon has several deals going on for various smart home gadgets, but the deals for a couple of August Home smart locks are outstanding when you consider they're discounted by over 50%. That's a steal if you're in the market to upgrade your old lock.
Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen product image.

Snag free ice cream in select cities to celebrate Alexa’s 5th birthday

Amazon's virtual assistant wants you to know that it’s her special day because for a limited time today, you can snag a free scoop of ice cream at participating locations . Just know that the selection is only limited Alexa’s favorite flavor, which happens to be Mint Microchip.
google nest mini hands on features price photos video release date review 3 of 7

Google Nest Mini hands-on review: New name, few changes

Google's new Nest Mini looks a lot like the older Google Home Mini speaker, and that's not the only similarity. Despite the new name, the Nest Mini is only a minor revision of its predecessor, and the focus is still on Google Assistant.
skullcandy crusher anc review 9 of

Skullcandy Crusher ANC hands-on review

Skullycandy matches its penchanrt for massive bass and clean styling with some impressive new features, including noise cancellation, customized sound, and more. The Skullcandy Crusher ANC are looking to compete with the big boys, and they're priced accordingly. But can they hold their own?
Nest Hub Max, using the touchscreen.

Google Nest Hub vs. Google Nest Hub Max: Which smart display is better?

With the release of the Nest Hub Max, Google adds a new smart display to complement its existing Nest Hub. They may look the same and offer the same tight smart home integrations, but there are actually quite a few things that make them different. It's the battle of the Google Assistant home hubs
3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition wood

3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition Review: Magic pen

The 3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition is being penned as the executive office pen meets 3D printing, with a particular focus on wood creations. Is it the one true 3D-printing pen to rule them all? We tested it out by tackling several projects and activities to uncover what makes it unique!
marvel dimension of heroes lenovo mirage ar 1 2

Become an Avenger with Lenovo and Marvel’s Dimension of Heroes AR game

Lenovo's latest experience with its Mirage AR headset will place you into the shoes of some of your favorite Marvel superheroes, using new controllers specifically made for this new augmented reality experience that's powered by your smartphone. Don't just watch your favorite Avenger, become one!
Nest Hub Max tilted view

Google Nest Hub Max review: The definitive smart display

The Nest Hub Max is meant to be the centerpiece of your home, a singular device that covers security, entertainment, home automation, and virtual assistance. Don’t be fooled if it looks like other smart displays, however. There’s more to Google's latest device than meets the eye.
Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab hands-on review

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab hands-on review

The Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab draws inspiration from the company’s previous Android slates, with its unique circular hinge. Harnessing the power of Google Assistant and dual JBL hi-fi speakers, it consolidates what we saw with the previous Alexa-enabled offering into one singular device.
The iDevices Instinct on a desk.

iDevices Instinct impressions: A smart wall switch that’s Alexa-powered

With the Instinct, connected home brand iDevices is bringing the virtual assistant experience to a wall switch that’s powered by Amazon Alexa. The iDevices Instinct essentially represents the marriage between an Echo Dot and a standard wall switch that can be found in any home.
samsung galaxy home uphill battle coming soon

Is it still coming? The Samsung Galaxy Home has an uphill battle

The absence of the Samsung Galaxy Home during Samsung's Unpacked event for the Note 10 makes you wonder more about the future of this Bixby powered smart speaker. There's stiff competition around, but Samsung says they're continuing to refine and enhance the Galaxy Home prior to launch.
Farmbot Express

Like Roombas for your garden, Farmbot Genesis automates home farming

FarmBot announced two new DIY agricultural robots, each of which aims to help you garden and farm more efficiently. Both the FarmBot Express and Express XL offer more coverage to help you grow even more produce. You could start your own farming business and sell your harvest!