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Latest by Keyan Riddick

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.
A worker replanting a tree outside.

Alexa launches Grow a Tree Skill for Earth Day

Amazon teams up with One Tree Planted to help Alexa users easily donate money to the reforestation charity organization.
siri alexa feminist reboot amazon

Amazon might be using Alexa to send you targeted ads

In a recently published report, Amazon is claimed to have used Alexa to serve targeted ads.
A top down look of the MAGNUS desk with the MAGRGB lit, also showing a monitor and Nanoleaf shape panels.

Nanoleaf and Secretlab team on a new smart light strip

Nanoleaf and Secretlab partner together to create the MAGRGB light strip specifically for the Magnus metal desk.
Senior citizen using Alexa to stay connected

Alexa can now tell you when a package is delivered

Thanks to a new update, Amazon Alexa can detect the presence of a person or a package through compatible cameras or video doorbells.
A woman sitting on her couch looking at the Hubspace app on her phone.

Home Depot’s new Hubspace-compatible items include smart plug

Home Depot releases several new products to its Hubspace smart home line, including a true smart plug.
Echo Show 15 on wall.

Make room for the Amazon Echo Show 15, pre-orders go live

Amazon's new smart display, the Echo Show 15, is now available for pre-order at just $250 and should arrive by Christmas.
nest speaker on a nightstand with light off

How to add Google Assistant routines to your home screen

Learn how and why you might want to add your Google Assistant routines as widgets to the home screen of an Android device.
SimpliSafe bast station sitting on a table infant of a mirror.

SimpliSafe battery life and replacement tips

SimpliSafe is a complete DIY home security option. Learn how to replace the battery and how often you may need to do so for every unit.
SimpliSafe Hearth home security system

Frontpoint vs. SimpliSafe: Which is best for you?

SimpliSafe and Frontpoint are both modern DIY home security systems. We go over how they differ and which is better for you.
Google Home Smart Speaker with Google Assistant

The best Google Home routines and how to use them

Google Home routines can help automate your life and save time by doing multiple things at once. Here are some of the best routines we've found.
Google Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera on the corner of a brick wall.

SimpliSafe vs. Nest: Which is the right security for you?

Is SimpliSafe or Nest security better? They both have a fair share of accessories and features. You might be surprised to find which is the better deal.
The Ring alarm on a wall with a hand holding a phone with the home app in front of it.

SimpliSafe vs. Ring

We compare the smart home favorite Ring with the surveillance champ, SimpliSafe. Which option is the better fit for you?
the best nvr hard drives for multiple cctv cameras drive

DVR vs. NVR: What’s the difference?

Let's discuss the similarities and differences between DVR and NVR security systems. Which is better, and which should you buy?
Super Bowl LVI logo.

Throw the ultimate Super Bowl party with smart home tech

Here is a list of smart home accessories to enhance your game day party plans, from lights to food to the TV.
Canary home security camera on the side of a home in front of a pool.

Video doorbell vs. security camera

Deciding between security cameras or video doorbells can be tough. We cover the pros and cons of installation, video coverage, and price.
Nest mini next to a HomePod mini next to an Echo Dot on a table.

Is it feasible to go all-in with one smart home ecosystem?

What is the true cost of choosing only one smart home ecosystem? Whether HomeKit, Alexa, or Assistant, we tackle what it will take to invest in just one.
irobot roomba spraying water on wood floor with vacuum Roomba in dock behind it.

How often should you use your robot mop

We break down how often you should mop your floors with your new robot mop, especially if you have pets or children.
A typical NVR setup, the Lorex 8-Channel Fusion NVR Security System with 4K IP Cameras.

4K security camera vs. 1080p video comparison

We tackle the difference between 1080p and 4K security cameras. Find out which system is right for you and just how much resolution you really need.
A finger touching the Arlo Video Doorbell, mounted on a house wall.

How to install an Arlo doorbell

Follow these easy steps to install an Arlo doorbell, one of the best home video doorbell options on the market.
iRobot Roomba 694 at Best Buy - WiFi connected robot vacuum

Why is my Roomba side brush not spinning?

Roomba brushes require some maintenance from time to time. Here are tips and a step-by-step process to fix the issue of when it decides to stop spinning.
A Peloton guide placed underneath a TV wit a remote beside it.

Peloton Guide lets you monitor your form while strength training

The Peloton Guide is the company's first dedicated strength training device, and also the most affordable Peloton product yet.
Google Nest Cam NC2400ES Outdoor Security Camera 2-pack

How to hide security camera wires outside your home

Unsightly wires got you down? Here is a list of 5 different ways you can hide the cords that come from your outdoor security cameras.
iRobot Roomba j7+ on hardwood floor.

Why does my Roomba keep cleaning the same area?

Roombas may malfunction and go over the same area multiple times. Here are some tips to help fix that behavior.
Logo for Google I/O 2022

Google I/O 2022: Latest news, dates, and registration

This year's Google I/O 2022 will be hosted on May 11 and 12. Here's how you can watch and register for keynotes and events.
Matter CSA image.

Matter smart home standard delayed until fall 2022

After unprecedented interest in the Matter standard from new companies, the CSA has delayed rollout until fall 2022 for the first batch of devices.
Google Home icon on home screen.

Google Home app to see major redesign

Google has plans to update the Google Home app to make it quicker to manage and control your smart home, with fewer taps.
The SodaStream x Dante bundle spread out across a bar with fruits and drinks.

The SodaStream Art makes cocktails and sparkling water

Sodastream has teamed up with renowned bar Dante to offer an exclusive bundle with its new Art machine.
Black HomePod mini on a side table, in front of an Apple TV

Can the M1 Ultra help improve Homekit and Siri?

The HomePod mini and Siri need an upgrade. Is the new M1 Ultra chip the key to HomeKit's future?
Google Nest Cam on home exterior.

Best night vision security cameras for 2022

Looking for a security camera that can capture images in the dead of night? These indoor and outdoor cameras are our top picks.
An open Wyze Gun Safe with a hand gun, passport, and other items inside.

Wyze Gun Safe is a Bluetooth-enabled way to protect firearms

Wyze has created a smart gun safe to protect your firearms or vital documents. The safe connects to a phone app and has four different ways to unlock it.