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Latest by Jon Bitner

The Stick Up Cam installed on a wall.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Gen): Which is better?

There are some key differences between the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam and Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Gen). Here's what to know before making a purchase.
A photo displayed on the Cal Max

How to send photos to the Skylight Cal Max

Here's how to send photos to your Skylight Cal Max using either the companion mobile app or directly through email.
Controlling the Ring Pan-Tilt with the app.

How to control the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam

Here's how to control the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, including tips on rotating the camera with the mobile app and setting up a Home position.
The Echo Spot on a nightstand.

Amazon revives the Echo Spot with a new look ahead of Prime Day

The Echo Spot is a smart alarm clock with a small footprint, customizable display, and support for Alexa. It's now available ahead of Prime Day.
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam placed on a table.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: spinning in circles

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam nails all the basics, but it does little to push the envelope and deliver a unique experience.
The Philips Palm Reader smart lock on a blue door.

The latest Philips smart lock can read your palm to open your front door

The Philips Home Access 5000 Series Palm Recognition Smart Lock can be controlled with nothing more than the palm of your hand.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Eureka J20 vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which robot is the better floor cleaner?

The Eureka J20 and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra employ two very different methods to clean floors, but which is better for your home?
The Cync HD+ Smart Undercabinet Fixtures installed on a cabinet.

The Cync Smart Undercabinet Fixtures bring heaps of functionality to your kitchen

The Cync Smart Undercabinet Fixtures support millions of colors, offer a slim footprint, and can be either hard-wired or plugged into an outlet.
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam on a wooden shelf.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen): Which is the better security camera?

Should you add the more expensive Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam to your home, or is the more affordable Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) the better option?
The Echo Show 10 on a kitchen counter.

Echo Show 10 vs. Nest Hub (2nd Gen): which smart display is better for your home?

The Echo Show 10 is larger and more expensive than the Nest Hub (2nd Gen), but is it the better smart display? Here's what to know before making a purchase.
The Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights with a smartphone.

How to control the Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights

Here's a look at all the ways you can control the Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights, including with its built-in controller, voice commands, and more.
The Nest Hub Max on a table.

Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) vs. Google Nest Hub Max: Which is the better smart display?

The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) shares many of the same features as the Google Nest Hub Max, but which is the better smart display?
Ecobee thermostat poised against a wall next to a rock and pear.

How to use Vacation Mode on an Ecobee smart thermostat

Vacation Mode on an Ecobee smart thermostat allows you to conserve energy while ensuring your home is comfortable when you return. Here's how it works.
The Arlo Pro 4 home security camera installed outdoors.

How to reset the Arlo Pro 4 security camera

Performing a factory reset on the Arlo Pro 4 is simple. Here's how the process works, including steps to reset a camera that's offline.
The Blink Moments section of the Blink app.

Blink Moments pulls clips from multiple cameras into one comprehensive video

The new feature Blink Moments compiles footage from multiple cameras into one comprehensive video that can be easily viewed in the Blink app.
A person opening the Yale Assure Lock 2 with their Apple Watch.

How to fix a Yale Assure Lock 2 that won’t connect to Apple Home

Trying to fix a Yale Assure Lock 2 that won't connect to Apple Home can be frustrating. Here's how to quickly resolve the issue.
The Arlo Security Tag pressed against the Arlo Video Doorbell.

Arlo’s new Security Tag lets you arm/disarm your security system with just a tap

The Arlo Security Tag lets you arm or disarm your security system by simply tapping your video doorbell or keypad hub.
Schlage Encode Plus smart lock installed on a wooden door to a living room.

Should you buy a new smart lock or retrofit your existing deadbolt?

Smart locks can replace your hardware or fit over existing deadbolts. Both are viable options, but which is best for you? Here's what you need to know.
The Dreame X40 Ultra vacuuming the floor.

How to clean the Dreame X40 Ultra

The Dreame X40 Ultra is easy to clean, but there are a lot of steps to tackle. From untangling brushes to clearing out the docking station, here's what to know.
quilt wants to change the way you heat and cool your home dt tech of week 16x9

Quilt wants to change the way you heat and cool your home

Quilt is a ductless mini-split system that gives you impressive control over your heating and cooling needs, while also helping reduce your energy bills.
The Philips Smart Deadbolt with Built-In Wi-Fi being installed on a door.

Philips launches its first smart lock with Wi-Fi that can be controlled from anywhere

The Philips Smart Deadbolt with Built-In Wi-Fi fits over most existing hardware, is surprisingly affordable, and can be controlled remotely via a mobile app.
Quilt TOTW

Quilt wants to change the way you heat and cool your home

Quilt is a ductless mini-split system that gives you impressive control over your heating and cooling needs, while also helping reduce your energy bills.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Do you need a regular vacuum if you have a robot vacuum?

Robot vacuums automate most of your floor-cleaning needs, but it's important to hang on to your old cordless or upright vacuum. Here's why.
The Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower mowing a lawn.

Are robotic lawn mowers safe for pets and kids?

Most robotic lawn mowers are safe for pets and kids, but there are some important factors to consider before adding one to your backyard.
The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit being installed.

Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit and Blinds Collection join the Matter lineup

The Eve MotionBlinds Upgrade Kit now offers Matter support, and the customizable Blinds Collection is also now available to U.S. shoppers.
The Blink Mini 2 placed on two books.

Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In: Which budget security camera is best for you?

The Blink Mini 2 is cheaper than the Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In, but does that make it a better choice for your smart home?
The Airper Seagull SE robotic pool cleaner at the bottom of a swimming pool.

Are robotic pool cleaners worth it?

Are robotic pool cleaners a wise investment, or are they more hassle than they're worth? Here's what to consider before adding one to your pool.
LG C3 OLED

The 6 best TVs for Xbox Series X in 2024

If you need a great companion for your new console, here are the best TVs for Xbox Series X. This includes picks from Samsung, LG, Vizio, and more.
The Rachio Smart Hose Timer installed on an outdoor spigot.

How to create a schedule with the Rachio Smart Hose Timer

Rachio now lets users activate mutliple Smart Hose Timers on a single schedule. Here's how to create a schedule with one or more valves.
The Yeedi C12 Pro Plus in its dock.

This new robot vacuum competes with rivals nearly twice its price

Available for less than $600, the Yeedi C12 Pro Plus is a surprisngly robust robot vacuum capable of handling both carpets and hard floors.
Ikea's Fyrtur smart home blind

Stay cool this summer with these smart home tips and tricks

From installing smart shades to upgrading your thermostat, here are all the ways a smart home can help you stay cool and cut down your energy bills this summer.
The Google Nest Learning Thermostat in stainless steel.

How to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat

You'll want to disable learning on the Nest Learning Thermostat if you want to run your own heating and cooling schedule. Here's how it works.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Dreame X40 Ultra vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which is the best premium robot vacuum?

They both carry the term ultra in their name, but which is truly the best robot vacuum -- the Dreame X40 Ultra or Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra? Here's what to know.
The Ecovacs X2 Combo installed in a home.

Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo vs. Dreame X40 Ultra: Which robot vacuum is best for your smart home?

Both use rotating mops to clean floors and docking stations that wash the robot after each cycle. But which is better, the Ecovacs X2 Combo or Dreame X40 Ultra?