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Keyan Riddick

Keyan Riddick

Smart Home Author

Keyan Riddick is a freelance writer based in the mountains on North Carolina. When he isn't writing you can find him behind the lens of his camera doing portrait photography, to distract him from the latest existential crisis.

Ring Doorbell mounted outside a front door.

How to save Ring Doorbell video without a subscription

You can record video with a Ring Doorbell, but to access it, you need a subscription. Here's what else you need to know about saving videos.
A computer showing off the stream of an IP camera.

How to view your IP camera remotely via a web browser

Viewing your IP camera's stream through a web browser is somewhat similar to accessing a website and viewing a livestream. Here are the steps to do it properly.
The Blink XT Home Security Camera mounted on a tree in snow.

How to factory reset a Blink camera (indoor or outdoor)

Here is an overview on how to reset your Blink camera system if you're having issues or want to sell it to a new owner.
A table with six different security cameras on top of it.

Wired vs. wireless security cameras: Which is right for you?

Learn the difference between the two types of home security cameras: wired and wireless. See which options are better for a business and a home.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 on a wooden door.

How to cancel your Ring account

There are two ways to cancel your Ring account, both of which take just a few minutes. Find out which one is easiest for you.
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra in a kitchen.

Best robot mops of 2023

In this list, we cover the best smart robot mops for hard floors. Here's a look at the best products from iRobot, Ecovacs, Roborock, and other leading brands.
A white HomePod mini sitting on a desk.

6 HomeKit settings you should disable (or adjust) right now

Apple claims better security, but it still gathers information about its users. Here are six settings you should change now.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

6 things you didn’t know Apple Homekit could do

HomeKit is capable of a lot more than you might have thought? Here are six underutilized features.
A physical lock placed on a keyboard to represent a locked keyboard.

During spring cleaning, don’t forget smart home security

During spring cleaning, don't forget about smart home security. Here are a few ways you can improve your smart home during your annual spring cleaning.
The Blink Mini installed in the Pan-Tilt Mount.

How to install the Blink Pan-Tilt Mount

Blink has introduced its new Pan-Tilt Mount for the indoor Mini camera. Here's how to get it set up and working flawlessly.
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro on a wall.

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro review: get a bird’s eye view of your yard

The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro uses radar for super-accurate motion detection, with advanced notification options that help cut down on notification spam.
Two people waving in front of a Ring Video Doorbell Wired

How to customize your Ring doorbell for Thanksgiving

Deck out your Ring doorbell by adding festive Ring Quick Replies and Chime Tones. Follow our step-by-step guide to up your holiday game.
The Blink Outdoor Floodlight camera.

Wyze Cam floodlight vs Blink Wired Floodlight Cam

With the new Blink Wired Floodlight Cam on the scene, we see how it compares to the Wyze Cam Floodlight and determine which is the better budget floodlight.
Someone presses the Nest Video Doorbell in front of their home.

Is it worth upgrading to the new Google Nest wired doorbell?

Google unveiled the Nest Doorbell (wired) 2nd generation, but is it worth an upgrade?
Astro looking at an open front door of a home.

Amazon Astro gets new pet- and security-focused features

Amazon announced today new features for its Astro robot, including pet detection, Ring Virtual Security Guard support, more robust AI, and a new SDK.
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro wired on a wall.

New Ring cams get radar, fresh design, and now they can dispatch Amazon Astro’s robot

Ring has announced new products including the new radar focused Spotlight Cam Pro, Spotlight Cam Plus, Panic Alarm Button (2nd Gen), and Virtual Security Guard.
The black iO5 toothbrush by Oral-B.

Oral-B’s iO4 and iO5, the latest in the smart toothbrush lineup, are finally available

Oral-B has finally released their latest smart toothbrushes the iO4 and the iO5.
Vont smart bulb with Alexa voice control support.

The best Alexa Routines for every lifestyle

Here are a few Alexa routines that can help organize your days, keep you healthy, and get tasks done.
Ring Intercomnext to an intercom handset on a wall.

The new Ring Intercom lets you buzz folks into your building from afar

Ring announces its new Intercom smart product to bring premium features to existing apartment intercom systems.
Levoit VortexIQ 40 sucking up debris

Levoit VortexIQ 40 Stick Vacuum review: simple but effective

A deep dive into Levi's VortexIQ 40 stick vacuum, a simple vacuum that performs superbly.
Fluid One app showing the AR room map and devices.

Fluid One gives you point-and-click control of your smart home, from your smartphone

The new Fluid One smart home system aims to give you control of your smart home by pointing your phone at a device, gestures, or location.
An iPhone on the Home app screen in front of a Vizio Tv.

How to set up HomeKit Secure Video on your devices

Learn how to enable HomeKit Secure Video for you Apple smart home.
A woman wears Echo Frames sunglasses outside on a sunny day.

Are Echo Frames worth the $99, or are they just a gimmick?

Amazon is selling Echo Frames for $99 on Prime Day, but are they even worth that?
amazon echo show 5 8 smart displays deals summer sale 2020 review 12 of 17 2 768x479 c

Celebrate Fourth of July with these patriotic Alexa skills

Wondering how you can use your smart home to express your patriotism? Use these Alexa skills.
Blink Home System security cameras on a kitchen counter.

How to set up a Blink security system

Learn how to set up a complete Blink home security system step by step from start to finish. It's easier than you might think.
The Blink video doorbell expands Blinks line of smart home devices.

How to set up a Blink doorbell

A step-by-step guide to setting up your Blink Video Doorbell and getting it ready for use.
Echo Show 8 on a wooden table.

How to fix Alexa not connecting to the internet

Smart devices that get disconnected from the internet can lose a lot of functionality. Here's how to fix that if it happens to your Echo device.

How to factory reset a Ring Doorbell

Here's step-by-step on how to factory reset any generation Ring Video Doorbell to fix software issues.
The basement of a smart home.

3 must-have smart products for your vacation home

Want to turn your vacation home into a smart one, but don't want to outfit the entire home with tech? These three products have you covered.
Multiple colored hue lights on inside a living room

Enhancing a vacation home with smart tech

Going away on vacation for the summer? Check out these products, from security to cleaning, that can help elevate your summer home to smart home status.
The new IKEA DIRIGERA hub sitting on books in front of a mirror next to a plant.

Ikea launches Matter-enabled Dirigera smart hub and app

Later this year, Ikea is launching its new Dirigera smart hub alongside its new Home Smart app with Matter inside. Here's what we know so far.
The Shark Rocket Cordless Stick Vacuum.

5 best cordless vacuums for hardwood floors

Looking for a cordless vacuum that will clean your hardwood floors? Here are our picks for the top models.
Nest devices grouped together on a counter.

Can your smart home save you money on homeowners insurance?

We all know the smart home is supposed to make our lives easier, but can it save you money on insurance? Let's find out.
Ecobee thermostat mounted on a wall.

Ecobee’s new thermostats include an air quality monitor

Ecobee has unveiled two new thermostats with a radar sensor and air quality monitor to help keep temperatures lower this summer.