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Hagop Kavafian-Smart Home Writer

Hagop Kavafian

Smart Home Writer

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About Hagop Kavafian

Hagop is a tech-savvy guy, who's also into traveling, fitness, biking, food, and planes. He's heptalingual and has lived in 5 different countries, but has decided to settle in Paris for the time being.

Latest Articles

Side-by-side picture of the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra self-refilling and draining model and tank variant
Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra review: Better than a Roomba in every way

It cleans floors and itself brilliantly and autonomously

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While iRobot's Roomba is the market leader in the US regarding the best robot vacuums, the brand faces fierce competition from Asian manufacturers. Roborock is one of these, as it became the world's leader in the robovac market in 2023. With its new Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra and Roborock S8 Max Ultra, it's poised to conquer the US market.

An illustration of the green Spotify logo with music notes surrounding it
How to download songs from Spotify

Access your Spotify playlists without an internet connection

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Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services that doubles as a podcast hub, making it a go-to app for audio entertainment. Spotify is continuously adding new things to improve the user experience. For example, it recently added music videos to its platform to tackle YouTube Music head-on, and it is currently testing the AI Playlist option to help you find fresh music.

Synology BC500 camera with trees in the background
Synology BC500 and TC500 review: Smart IP cameras with local AI

They're hard to install, but come with plenty of features

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In the competitive world of smart security cameras, Synology developed an innovative offering to differentiate itself from the competition. Its BC500 and TC500 smart cameras work with Synology NAS and NVRs and are poised to maximize safety and offer advanced image recognition. They focus on local data storage for maximum privacy while giving you full control over the footage they record.

Photo of a woman listening to music on her headphones
8 best podcast apps on Android in 2024

Our selection to listen to the news, captivating stories, or to learn something new

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Listening to podcasts is a fun way of entertaining yourself on long commutes. It's easy to get lost in documentaries when you use one of the best noise-canceling earbuds. Google recently shuttered its Podcasts app, but there are others to choose from. If you're unsure which podcast app to pick, our list helps you decide which one works for you. You'll find apps based on price, ease of discovery, and playback features. They work on Android and iOS, so compatibility won't be a problem.

A close-up of the Amazon Prime logo on the tape of a shipping box
How to find your Amazon order history

No need to search through your emails since your Amazon purchase history is only a few clicks away

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Amazon sells almost anything and accounts for nearly 40% of all e-commerce sales, so you may have a handful of their items. You get a receipt for every purchase, but revisiting your Amazon order history is handy when you want to buy something again, return an item, or see how much you spent on Amazon. Review your past purchases on your smartphone, PC, or Chromebook in a few clicks. You can't download your purchase history report for commercial purposes or to get a broader view. However, this guide simplifies viewing your order history.

Picture of two Wyze Plugs stacked on top of each other
How to set up Wyze Plug

Regardless of the version, the process is quick and easy

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Wyze makes some of the most affordable smart home devices on the market, offering a range of products that don't break the bank. They're easy to use and an excellent value for money. One of its most popular devices is the Wyze Plug, which is one of the most competitive smart plugs around. Some users might find it hard to set up, but with the directions below, you'll be up and running in no time.

WhatsApp logo recreated using a shadow on a green background and 3D elements
How to send voice updates to your WhatsApp channel

Post voice updates and share your latest news with your channel followers

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The WhatsApp Channels feature allows brands, celebrities, and organizations to share updates with a wide audience through the messaging app without revealing their personal number or profile picture. Multiple admins can manage the same channel and post voice updates to communicate with channel followers. If you're a WhatsApp Channel admin, learn how to post voice updates to keep your followers informed. We show you how to do it on your phone (whether you use an iPhone or Android), WhatsApp Web, and the desktop app. Channels aren't supported on WhatsApp for Mac.

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An image showcasing an edited version of the WhatsApp logo. The WhatsApp icon, a green speech bubble with a white telephone handset inside, remains intact. A shadow, representing the Android Police logo, is subtly incorporated between the WhatsApp icon and the speech bubble.
How to use the same WhatsApp account on two phones

Setting up a WhatsApp account on multiple phones only takes a few minutes

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WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with plenty of options to stay connected with family and friends. In 2021, WhatsApp added support for linked devices, letting you use the app across multiple devices. But the downside was that you could only connect one phone to a single WhatsApp account.

A Phillips Hue smart plug sitting on a table top
How to set up a Philips Hue Smart Plug

Add it to your hub or pair it with your phone using Bluetooth in a few easy steps

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Philips Hue lights are some of the top smart home gadgets. They're reliable, easy to use, and work with other smart home ecosystems, including Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Siri. The Dutch manufacturer recently expanded its lineup with new intelligent devices, such as cameras and a smart plug. The smart plug works seamlessly with the Hue Bridge and can be operated over Bluetooth, but it has limited functionality. Here's how to connect it, depending on whether you have a Hue hub at home.

A person holding an iPhone up to connect to satellite service
How to use Google Translate with your iPhone's camera

Read foreign documents on the fly

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Google Translate is one of the most popular translation apps. It works on Android phones and most Android tablets and is compatible with iPhones. The app is packed with features, including the ability to download language packs offline, automatic language detection, and more.

Picture of the SwitchBot Curtain 3 installed on a rod next to a curtain
SwitchBot Curtain 3 review: Smart curtains don't come cheap

It'll run you $90 to $180 per window to automate your curtains with SwitchBot

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Smart home devices make it easier to control home devices remotely and make them work with each other seamlessly. These usually include lights, cameras, and similar devices. With the SwitchBot Curtain 3, you can take your smart home to the next level and control your curtains from your phone or using your favorite voice assistant. This also means you can integrate them into smart home routines and automatically open your curtains when it’s time to wake up. In this review, let’s see how easy the SwitchBot Curtain 3 is to install, and how it performs on a daily basis.

A Google Nest Audio Speaker on a table with books and a plant in the background
How to factory reset Google Nest smart speakers and displays

Even our speakers deserve a fresh start

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Google's Nest line includes some of the best smart speakers with user-friendly controls and seamless integration with other devices. With Google Assistant, controlling your smart home and connecting with your Android phone is a breeze. The Nest or Google Home speakers and displays may occasionally require a reset to their original settings. A factory restart can be helpful for fixing glitches, erasing personal information, or switching Wi-Fi networks. This guide walks you through the steps to factory reset Google Nest smart speakers and displays.

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I replaced my Philips Hue lights with a cheaper alternative and I'm hooked

Govee provides brilliant quality and connectivity without breaking the bank

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When it comes to smart lights, Philips Hue is probably the first name that springs to mind. Its products are high-quality and popular, but too expensive for a lot of shoppers. This is where Govee comes in. I had the opportunity to try a wide variety of Govee lighting gear in my home for a few weeks, and not only have I found Govee’s ecosystem up to par with what I expect from the likes of Philips, I might even actually prefer it. While Govee did provide AP with product samples to test, I’ve also bought some of my own, and I intend to keep building out the kit as time goes on. Here's why.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro mounted on a wall, next to a doorframe
Ring Battery Doorbell Pro review: Fancy features, dated design

It boasts radar to track people's footsteps, and can keep an eye on packages for you, too

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Ring is one of the market leaders when it comes to smart doorbells, with a wide range of products like the Battery Doorbell Plus, offering plenty of features at an affordable price, or the Doorbell Elite, which comes with all the bells and whistles at the expense of a complex wiring process.

The Sonos Era 100 on an orange end table
How to factory reset a Sonos speaker

Start from scratch in a few easy steps

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Sonos speakers, like the Move 2 and Era 300, are some of the most popular options for smart speakers. They offer excellent audio quality and simplify the creation of multiroom audio experiences. They may run into issues that can be resolved by performing a factory reset. While this removes your settings and requires you to set up your speaker from scratch, it often solves common issues by removing existing setup glitches.

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DreameBot X30 Ultra robovac review: Just shy of touchless cleaning

High-tech and automated cleaning at a high price

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In the competitive world of robot vacuums, the DreameBot X30 Ultra manages to stand out. Featuring advancements in mop cleaning and a self-cleaning base station for a touchless experience, its dock washes mops with hot water, and the robot can extend them to clean baseboards. A unique feature allows mop pad detachment in the dock, together with a new self-cleaning mechanism. The X30 Ultra isn't cheap, but with good cleaning efficiency and a wealth of features, it does a pretty good job justifying its high price.

An illustration with Google Maps icon above a map.
How to change your home address on Google Maps

It'll be handy when you need directions home after a night out

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If you recently changed residences, update your home address in Google Maps. You'll find the shortest and most traffic-free routes to and from your home and locate restaurants, attractions, and local businesses in the area. Changing your residences in Google Maps is easy, whether you own a budget Android phone or a top-end device.

An illustration of theWiz logo and bulb lineup
How to connect a Philips Wiz bulb

Smart lights are just a few steps away

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If you're looking for smart lights but are mindful of your budget, consider WiZ Connected, Philips Hue's cousin. Both brands belong to Signify and offer excellent build quality and ease of use. WiZ Connected smart lights use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and don't require a hub to get online. They're set up using the WiZ app on Android and iPhone. These lights are perfect for automating a smart home ecosystem while being budget-conscious.

An illustration with Google Maps icon above a map.
How to share your location on Android

Your loved ones won't have to worry about where you are anymore

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Have you ever felt like your friends are lost in the sauce trying to find that new, hidden gem of a restaurant? Maps are great, but sometimes they don't cut it, especially if you're parked far away or nothing's familiar. That's where sharing your real-time location comes in handy. It guides your friends to you like a digital compass.

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How to delete your Google search history

Keep your browsing habits a secret

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Protecting your digital privacy could be as simple as deleting your Google Search history. We Google almost everything and sometimes forget what should be kept private. Google stores all your search activities on your Google account, allowing you to quickly manage and delete them on your pocket-friendly Android phone and other devices. Whether you forgot to use Incognito mode or want to clear out old data, deleting your Google Search history is straightforward. We explain the process in this article.

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