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Latest by M. Bizzaco

A display of LED light strips.

How to use smart lights to up your photography skills

Whether you're a tried and true photographer or an aspiring camera operator, you can use smart lights to add flair to any shoot. Here are a few suggestions.
Box contents of the Roku Streaming Stick+.

Roku overheating? Here’s what you can do

Once in a while, your Roku streaming device may overheat, causing the hardware to run slowly or to not work at all. Here's how to fix the issue.
The Olympic Rings outside a 2020 Tokyo Olympics arena.

How to watch the 2020 Tokyo Olympics without cable

A year delayed, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics begin July 23 and run through August 8. If you don't pay for a cable, here are some alternative ways to catch the event.
amazon echo 4th gen review  9 of 14

Everything new announced at Amazon Alexa Live 2021

Amazon Alexa Live 2021 is a virtual conference taking place on July 21 at 9:00am. Attendees can expect to learn how to use and integrate Alexa in all-new ways.
A man using a Liteboxer jumps during his workout.

Liteboxer Review: Stimulating boxing workouts that keep you on your toes

Liteboxer packs many of the fundamentals of a boxing ring into one standup workout machine, but no touchscreen and a bulky design may impede your exercise.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen) on table

Alexa’s been a godsend in my home, but she can be a bit too chatty

Alexa's kind words and thoughtful suggestions are helpful in the beginning, but these days, I wish she were a bit quieter when I give her commands.
Ikea's Trådfri multi-colored bulbs.

The best Ikea smart home gadgets

From smart lighting to automated blinds, Ikea has everything you need to kickstart a fully functioning smart home. Here are some of our favorite products.
The 2021 Amazon Echo Show 8 in an angled view.

Most common Amazon Echo and Alexa problems and how to solve them

Amazon Echo speakers are incredible smart home devices, but they're not without their bugs. Here's a quick roundup of common Echo problems and how to fix them.
Frigidaire FGAC5044W1 in a living room.

The best dehumidifiers

From closets to large homes, these dehumidifiers will keep you (and your belongings) cool and dry no matter what the weather is like outside the house.
homepod mini comparison homepod google home amazon dot 2

6 annoying things that smart speakers do and how to fix them

Smart speakers can do everything from music streaming to remotely locking doors, but that doesn't make them perfect. Here are six annoying glitches we've found.
Drop In on the Amazon Echo Show 10.

Got multiple Alexa devices? Here are are some die-hard features to try

While two isn't always better than one, owning more than one Alexa device means more for you and your smart home. Here are some multi-device Alexa tricks.
4th of July lighting as brought to us by Philips Hue.

Outdoor smart lights are best for expressing your patriotism this 4th of July

Looking for a way to avoid a major fireworks purchase this year? Outdoor smart lighting is a great way to replace that pyro in the sky. Read on to see how.
Countertop image of the Ninja Air Fryer.

Which Ninja Foodi should you buy? All the cookers and air fryers compared

Looking for a quicker and healthier way to prep your favorite meals and snacks? Ninja's lineup of multicookers and air fryers are ideal stove-top replacements.
The 2021 Amazon Echo Show 8 in an angled view.

How to listen to podcasts on your Alexa device

In addition to music streaming, you can also connect and listen to a number of podcast services using an Alexa-powered device. Here's a guide on how to do so.
walmart drops prices on google home hub with nest thermostat and security camera learning

How a smart thermostat can protect your home from brownouts

Notice your lights are dimmer in a heatwave? It may be a brownout. Fortunately, a smart thermostat can help you keep your home's voltage strong and consistent.
Evapolar EV-1000 Personal Air Conditioner

The best portable air conditioners

Need some cool air in a small or enclosed space? Check out our list of the best portable air conditioners and find the features that will best fit your home.
homepod mini comparison homepod google home amazon dot top angle

4 reasons to look forward to Apple HomeKit and Matter collaboration

Matter represents a major joining of hands across the smart-home landscape, but what does that mean for the future of Apple HomeKit? Here's what we think.
Amazon Echo 4th Gen smart speaker on a table.

7 things we wish Amazon Alexa could do

Can you imagine a future where Amazon Alexa has even more tricks up her sleeve? Here's a wish list of seven features we'd like to see added to the assistant.
Ring Video Doorbell 3

Ring Video Doorbell 3 vs. Ring Video Doorbell Pro

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Doorbell Pro are solid additions to Ring's smart-tech lineup, but which of the bells is the best? Here are our thoughts on both.
amazon smaller echo show 5 finally gets upgrade 8 glacier white kitchen

Echo Show 8 (1st Gen) vs. Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen)

Amazon's new Echo Show 8 brings a bevy of new features, but does it surpass the first-gen model? In this side-by-side, we compare both Echo Show 8 generations.
Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen) Kids

Echo Show 5 vs. Echo Show 5 Kids Edition

Amazon is back at it with an all-new lineup of miniature Echo Show displays. Today, we're comparing the Echo Show 5 (2nd-gen) with the Echo Show 5 Kids Edition.

7 places where air quality sensors are most effective at home

Airborne pollutants are a fact of life but many harmful types can seep their way into our homes. Here's how an air quality monitor can help.
Black and Decker Portable Air Conditioner

How to install a portable air conditioner

Installing a portable AC can be a bit of a pain, but with our how-to guide and a sliver of patience, you'll have your new appliance up and running in no time.
Apple Music on Apple Watch

7 ways to listen to music on your Apple Watch

Looking to get the most out of your music and your Apple Watch? The do-it-all wearable supports a number of excellent music streaming services. Here are seven.
amazon drops the price for ring video doorbell 2 and throws in an echo dot with 4

Ring’s Neighbors app gets more transparent with latest update

Starting the week of June 7, users of Ring's Neighbors app can expect some changes to the real-time crime watch tool. Here's what to expect.
Wyze Cordless Vacuum

Wyze Cordless Vacuum undercuts rivals with ridiculously low pricing

The Wyze Cordless Vacuum is the company's latest addition to its vacuum lineup, featuring dual motors, an LED touchscreen, and three layers of filtration.
Ring Smart Spotlight

Amazon Sidewalk is coming soon. Here’s how it will improve smart home devices

Launching on June 8, Amazon Sidewalk promises an expanded Wi-Fi network for you, your devices, and your community. Here's what to expect from the new service.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

Ring Video Doorbell 4 vs. Ring Video Doorbell 3

With the Ring Video Doorbell 4, users can expect improved battery life and a few other upgrades. But is it better than its predecessor? Let's compare.
google teams with matter partnership

Smart home fragmentation may become thing of the past thanks to Matter protocol

Tired of having to use multiple device apps to run your smart home? Google and a handful of other smart tech developers have big plans for unifying smart gear.
Sundar Pichai Google I/O 2021

Smart Home at Google I/O 2021: Everything new

Google announced a handful of new smart home innovations at the return of the company's annual I/O event. Here's a breakdown of the latest innovations.
new wearables at google io 2021 wear os

Wearables at Google I/O 2021: Everything new announced today

Google and Samsung are partnering on a revamped Wear OS experience featuring improved app performance, battery health, and a suite of fitness-tracking perks.
Sonos Roam with the Sonos Move.

Sonos Roam vs. Sonos Move

There's a lot to love about the new Sonos Roam and the Sonos Move, but which on-the-go speaker is best for you? We compare both products to help you decide.
August Wi-Fi lock being installed

7 things you didn’t know a smart lock could do

More than your typical lock-and-key assembly, today's smart locks can do everything from automated locking to video monitoring. Read on for more lock secrets.
Proscenic P10 Pro

The Proscenic P10 Pro has Dyson-like features without the Dyson cost

Want to replace the heavy vac you've been carting around for years? Ditch the diesel and upgrade to the lightweight Proscenic P10 Pro 4-in-1 Cordless Vacuum.