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Smart Home Features

Wyze Cam v3 vs Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor Comparison

What are you really missing out on when buying a cheap, $20 security camera?

Security cameras are continually becoming cheaper to buy. But, what are you exactly gaining or missing when buying them over more expensive options?
EZVIZ C3X installed outside.

More security cameras need color night vision. Here’s why.

Security cameras that have color night vision provide a clearer picture to users and give details that can help identify thieves to the police.
Pixel 4 running Android 11 beta

5 reasons to use Android 11’s quick access smart home controls

Android 11 is finally here and provides users with a new quick access menu for the smart home, so we break down the reasons why you should start using it more.
The Bio Bidet BB2000.

Leave the pros out of it, installing a bidet is easier than you think

A bidet toilet seat is a great addition to your bathroom. They are superior to toilet paper in many ways and very easy to install. We'll show you how.
Apple homepod.

Five reasons why HomeKit in iOS 14 is a small update with huge rewards

The recent release of iOS 14 brought with it changes to the layout and user interface of HomeKit that make it a stronger competitor.
google pixel 5 announced collection

Google September 2020 event: Everything announced

Google has announced its latest and greatest devices, including the new Pixel 5, and a new Chromecast. Here's everything Google unveiled at its annual event.
Litter-Robot 3 Connect

The Litter-Robot 3 Connect saves time, but makes me miss my cats’ poops

Cleaning the litter box is a chore, but the Litter-Robot 3 Connect takes that hassle away. It's an asset for the smart home, but makes me miss my cats' poops.
robot vacuum scorecard comparison

Robot vacuum scorecard: Which is the most efficient cleaner?

Robot vacuums were one of the first smart home appliances people bought. The tech has come a long way since then. These are our favorites.
siri alexa feminist reboot voice assistant feminism

It’s time to give Siri, Alexa, and other smart home devices a feminist reboot

Dr. Yolande Strengers and Dr. Jenny Kennedy talk about their new book, Smart Wife: Why Siri, Alexa, and Other Smart Home Devices Need a Feminist Reboot.
you dont need spend fortune smart toothbrush quip brush

Smart toothbrushes are expensive. Quip’s model is proof why you don’t need them

As smart toothbrushes become more advanced, their prices tend to go up -- but the Quip Smart Brush has great smart features without the high price point.
Wyze Cam Outdoor profile view.

Not all security cameras will watch over your home when the power goes out

Battery-powered security cameras that have local storage are ideal when your power goes out. But there aren't many out there.
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Back to School Gift Guide 2020

Not sure what gift to get in 2020? Here are the best gifts for students right now, whether they are going back to class or learning online.
honda smart home inside us dp6v4710

Upgrade to a smart home for under $100 with these 3 essentials

If you don't have a smart home yet, now's the time because it doesn't cost a lot. We'll guide you on how to build an essential smart home for less than $100.
video doorbell scorecard feature comparison

Which video doorbells will protect your packages? We’ve ranked them all

Video doorbells are the easiest security upgrade you can add. Your front door is your center for activity, and a video doorbell is your best way to monitor it.
Xiaomi SmartMi 2S angled view

In a power outage, I’d take this Xiaomi fan over a phone. Yes, really

Move over smartphone, battery banks, and other gadgets, the Xiaomi SmartMi 2S is more of a godsend than all of them, especially when you're without electricity.
5 second rule with Adonit Note UVC stylus

Can UV light negate the 5-second rule for food?

UV wands are effective tools for sanitizing surfaces, but can they sanitize food? Potentially, but not easily, and not without risks.
Luxe bidet neo 120

Bidets are smart investments that save money as the pandemic rages on

Bidets are cleaner, more effective ways to clean yourself after you use the bathroom, and these devices are smart investments during the current pandemic.
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Skeptical about UV light sanitizers? We put one to the test

If you're paranoid about germs, UV light sanitizers have been touted to be effective. How well do they really work? We put one to the test to find out.
air conditioner deals

Can an air conditioner make you more prone to coronavirus?

Your air conditioning system isn't likely to give you coronavirus, but an unclean system can exacerbate other respiratory problems that may put you at risk.
Google Home Mini

Is your home packed with smart speakers? Here’s how to make them work together

Multiple smart speakers with multiple accounts can be a headache. We have some tips to help.
mirror at home gym experience with weight training

Lululemon’s purchase of Mirror proves home gyms are the future of fitness

The pandemic is changing the traditional gym. People are still afraid, so there's been an increase in adoption of home gyms, connected apps, and subscriptions.
iRobot Roomba 900 series

How data helps robot vacuums clean your home with maximum efficiency

Robot vacuums like the Roomba i7+ create a map of the layout of your home and use this information to more efficiently clean and navigate your living spaces.
LIFX Smart Bulb

The future of smart home lighting is big on sensors, slim on apps

The smart light bulb made it easier for us to control them, but they've been slow with innovations of late. The future does hold some promising possibilities.
ecobee haven truly intelligent home monitoring platform bundle

The case for putting a voice assistant in every device

Smart assistants can control your home, answer questions, and shop for you. With all these features, voice assistants should be part of every smart home device.
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Having a backyard bash? Your smart speaker could pose a security risk

Smart speakers may be great choices for controlling your smart home, but they aren't the best picks for outdoor party speakers. Here's why Bluetooth is better.
hacked smart appliances legitimate concerns feature panasonic microvawe  2 min

Should you worry about hacked smart home appliances?

As smart appliances continue to evolve, the potential for them to be hacked becomes greater. We spoke with a cybersecurity expert who sheds light on the risks.
Pixel 4 running Android 11 beta

Android 11 beta’s smart home controls are a fresh start, but need to stay simple

Google Assistant can be useful, but sometimes it fails to listen to commands. A quick-access menu for the smart home will be a great feature for Android 11.
Google Nest Home devices.

Your electric bill will skyrocket this summer. Smart home tech can help.

Working from home during the summer can make your electric bill to go crazy. We'll tell you how an informative smart home can help keep your costs down.
Roborock S6 MaxV front view

Should you be worried about cameras in robot vacuums?

Robot vacuums can now map your rooms, and some even have cameras. Is this a privacy problem? We break down what to look for and the safeguards robot vacs take.
Ashen Cabin

This robotically built cabin offers a peek into the high-tech future of housing

Ashen Cabin is an experimental log cabin built with the aid of a giant 3D printer and construction robot. It may be the future of sustainable housing.
braava robot mop deal free mopping pads cleaning cloths m6

Robot mops can’t sanitize your floors. Here’s why

Robot mops are convenient devices that alleviate a household chore, but don't try to add your own cleaning solution or disinfectant to the device. It may break.
why you need a cordless vacuum in 2020 roborock h6  3

Here’s why you need a cordless vacuum in 2020

Cordless stick vacuums are versatile, powerful, convenient, and a perfect complement to a good robot vacuum.
smart home defense against hackers photo of person typing on computer keyboard 735911

Without a firewall, the door to your smart home is left wide open

Your smart home could be hacked, but you wouldn't even know it. Protect your all your devices against them with a hardware firewall.
resideo smart thermostats lose connectivity thermostat

Can a smart thermostat protect you from the coronavirus?

Smart thermostats can help control the humidity level in your home and reduce the potential for viral spread.