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Smart Home Features

Kylo and Rey fighting in Rise of the Skywalker

Alexa, May the Fourth be with you

From trivia and jokes to Easter eggs and more, here are some fun commands to give Alexa in honor of Star Wars Day 2022.
Dog with Vava's mobile pet cam.

How smart is too smart for your pets?

Smart pet tech can do incredible things -- but is it actually healthy for our pets? Here's what we think about the relationships between tech, owners, and pets.
Upright go being worn using adhesive on the back.

Do smart posture-correcting devices really work?

We've all seen those smart posture trainers pop up in our feeds, but do they really work, and are they worth the money?
Amazon Echo Show 15 hanging horizontally on the wall.

Smart homes without Wi-Fi: Huge possibilities or roadblocks?

Our wireless networks are the building blocks of our smart home ecosystems, but should every automation require an Internet connection? Here's what we think.
iRobot Roomba S9.

Can a robot vacuum work as an air purifier?

Is there a future where robot vacuums and air purifiers are the same device? Not likely, but they might be able to work together.
Google Nest Hub 2nd Gen on table.

The Google Nest lineup needs a redesigned plug

The Google Nest Hub is a great smart display, but its bulky plug is in dire need of a redesign. Here's why users are still frustrated years after its launch.
Person using the Wyze Lock Bolt finger scanner to open the door.

CBS is wrong. Hackers are unlikely to burglarize a smart home

Your smart home might have a few vulnerabilities, but it isn't likely to aid a burglar in gaining access to your property.
Philips Hue Appear Outdoor smart light.

Why moving your smart home could be a nightmare

As we adopt smart home devices and make intelligent spaces, what happens when we relocate? Moving a smart home can be a nightmare -- but it doesn't have to be.
A bidet on a toilet seat.

How much toilet paper do bidets actually save?

Is the best option for a squeaky clean butt also the best option for the environment? Let's learn about bidets.
An old iPad being used as a picture frame.

5 creative ways to repurpose your old and unused tech

Rather than simply tossing out your old electronics, it's actually quite easy to find alternative uses for them. Here are some of our favorites!
A person weraing the Amazfit GTR 3 Pro for sleep monitoring

How does sleep tracking work?

Sleep trackers can help you improve the quality of your sleep, but do you understand how they work? We spoke with sleep scientists to find out.
WyzeCam hands-on review center

WyzeCam’s security flaw should not have been kept secret

The WyzeCam v1 has reportedly been vulnerable to hackers for three years, but Wyze never mentioned anything.
The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni cleaning hardwood floors.

How to use technology to make spring cleaning easier

Don't spend a Saturday scrubbing. Let technology and gadgets do the work. We've got ideas for how to use tech to tackle all your spring cleaning.
Samsung Family Hub fridge touchscreen.

Is a smart refrigerator worth it?

Smart fridges are pricey, but can having technology like cameras, Wi-Fi, and touchless access really make your kitchen better?
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?
Control panel of Philips 4300 machine with drinks selected.

Is a smart coffee maker worth it?

Smart coffee machines can do barista-level brews at home. They're expensive, but are they truly worth it?
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.
Liteboxer VR challenges you to keep moving.

I had the best cardio workout of my life while boxing in VR

Liteboxer VR gamifies working out in the best way possible, but is it an effective workout?
The AirThings View Plus is an indoor air quality monitor.

What I learned after tracking my home’s air quality for a week

The air quality in your home might not be as great as you imagine. An indoor air quality monitor can show surprising insights and tips on how to breathe easier.
Electrical power lines cast against a blue sky.

How does direct current power work?

Despite the dominance of alternating current in our day to day lives, direct current still has some very useful applications.
A grassy backyard that has a life-sized chess game.

Inside a high-tech Hollywood home where everything is hidden

In this episode of Genius Home, we take you on a tour of a high-end Hollywood hills home full of secret rooms, hidden fixtures, and subtle sophistication.
Exterior shot of the 5th home in our Genius Home series.

This high-tech hillside home brings the outdoors inside

In episode 5 of Genius Home, our hosts Ariana Escalante and Caleb Denison take us on a tour of a hillside hangout that's stuffed with subtle tech touches
Exterior view of Genius Home's fourth featured home.

This Malibu mansion is a perfect mix of tech and tranquility

In this episode of Genius Home, our hosts tour a villa that sneakily hides its smart home tech to create a wonderfully calm and meditative space
genius home episode 3 geniushome episode03 outside 2

Inside a modern mansion full of art, automation, and open air

In this episode of Home Genius, our hosts tour an art-packed party pad that's designed to handle common household chores autonomously.
genius home episode 2 geniushome ep2 still 11

Step inside a stylish, self-sustaining California villa

In this episode of Genius Home, our hosts take us on a tour of a home that's not only smart and automated, but also completely self-sustaining
Top Tech of CES 2022

Digital Trends’ Top Tech of CES 2022 Awards

The Top Tech of CES 2022 includes eye-popping TVs, record-setting EVs, and even some weird stuff we didn't know we ever needed.
best thanksgiving apps

Tech, tricks, and techniques to help you cook a perfect holiday meal

Cooking a holiday dinner takes a lot of prep work, but smart kitchen gadgets can help you streamline the process and spend more time with family.

Best gifts for a first-time smart home setup

Don't get bogged down thinking about what to get someone who's just starting a smart home. Here are the gifts for first-time smart home setup.

Should you buy a security camera on Black Friday 2021?

Black Friday is the best time to buy a security camera, but don't wait for a better deal. This year, the sales start early -- and so should your shopping.
Samsung The Terrace Soundbar.

Should you buy a soundbar on Black Friday 2021?

Black Friday is a great time for deals on all kinds of products, but it's especially good for soundbars -- the easiest way to get better TV sound.
august announces homekit compatibility doorbell camera smart lock close

The smart home hacking scene in Scream is possible, but you’re probably OK

Smart home hacking is possible but very, very unlikely. There are some steps you can take to stay safe.
The Echo Dot Wall Mount Holder in a bedroom.

Best Alexa settings to update right now

Changing a few settings in your Amazon Echo can turn Alexa from a good smart assistant to a great one. Change these five settings to improve your experience.
The Ring Always Home Cam and charge dock.

5 things we hope the flying Ring Always Home Cam can do

The flying Ring Always Home Cam could change home security going forward. We know little about it, but here's what we hope it could do.
why you need to buy this gigantic portable home battery now ecoflow delta pro feature

Why you need to buy this gigantic portable home battery now

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro is a portable home battery designed to power just about anything in your home, campsite, RV, and more. Check it out!