Skip to main content

Latest by John Velasco

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.
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.
google pixel 3a review xl both hands on 2

The Google Pixel 4 is still on sale for Best Buy’s Cyber Week sale today

Now's probably a good time to buy Google's latest Pixel smartphones thanks to a couple of amazing deals for the Pixel 4 series. You've probably seen commercials of them by now, showing off how they're excellent at taking photographs — especially when it comes to capturing the stars in the night sky.
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!