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As sensitive as the far-field microphone on your Amazon Echo speakers is, you can't always be close enough for Alexa to hear you. You can control your speakers, wireless cameras, and other smart devices remotely, keeping your home at your fingertips when you're miles away. With the Amazon Alexa app on iOS and Android devices, you can talk to the virtual assistant. You'll access intuitive buttons to add devices and manage them for other people in a central hub. Here's how to do it.
Google Home for web finally adds camera history and clip downloads
The spartan Google Home for web interface is learning new tricks
Introduced in 2022, Google Home's web interface has always been camera-focused, lagging well behind its mobile apps in terms of smart home functionality. But this week, the two are inching just a little closer to feature parity. Starting in "the next few days," Google says the Google Home web app is getting support for additional connected camera features, including in-browser video playback and history.
Best smart home control panels in 2024
Simplify smart home management with sleek displays that integrate your devices with intuitive controls
One of the most frustrating aspects of building a smart home network is the diverse device management, using varied technologies located across your home. Solutions that can gather and control smart home devices on a centralized platform make smart home living so much easier.
I replaced my Philips Hue lights with a cheaper alternative and I'm hooked
Govee provides brilliant quality and connectivity without breaking the bank
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.
Best Amazon Echo Show smart displays in 2024
An Amazon Echo Show can streamline your scheduling, entertainment, and smart home devices with ease
What’s all the fuss about smart displays? That’s a fair question to ask, and the best way to explore this tech category is to take a hard look at Amazon’s Echo Show lineup. The Echo Show is one of the most recognizable names in the world of smart displays. Echo Show smart displays are great for making video calls, listening to music, controlling smart home devices, and so much more.
Reminder: Dropcam and Nest Secure devices are going offline next month
Some of Google's oldest smart home gadgets are effectively dying on April 8
Last spring, Google announced that it would be winding down support for a couple of legacy products this year. The end-of-life date communicated last year is creeping up: if you're still using Dropcam cameras or the Nest Secure smart security system, you've got until April 8 until they're no longer supported by the Nest app, effectively rendering them useless. If you haven't redeemed your replacement offer yet, now's probably a good time.
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
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.
If you’ve been meaning to add additional security to your residence or business, one of the best gadgets you can invest in is a smart lock. Like many smart home devices, smart locks are relatively simple to use, are often packed with awesome features, and require little in the way of installation. You can even purchase some locks that can be placed over your door’s existing deadbolt assembly.
I've used the same 'indoor' Philips Hue bulbs outside my house for over a year
An ongoing experiment in operating limits
I'm pretty firmly entrenched in the Philips Hue lighting ecosystem; over the years, my collection's grown to include lights in every room of my home. When I moved from an apartment into a house in late 2022, though, I was dismayed to see just how expensive Hue's bespoke outdoor lighting is: fixtures like the company's Econic Outdoor Wall Light go for a searing $170 apiece and require some elbow grease to install. Fortunately, I found a much easier and cheaper alternative.
This Ring Stick Up Cam is now 40% off and can secure your home on the cheap
Get it while you can, this deal drops it down to its lowest price yet
It used to be pretty complicated, but companies have now made it much easier to protect your home or office if you're looking to do so with a security camera. There are dozens of brands and even more choices with doorbell cameras, indoor and outdoor cameras, and even whole security setups if you want 24-hour protection. When it comes to pricing, it varies, but if you've been looking for something reliable and at a discount, this Ring Stick Up Cam that's now 40% off is going to be a great option.
Make 6 dumb devices smarter with 44% off this Kasa Power Strip
It has 6 individual smart outlets and works with both Alexa and Google Assistant
Smart plugs are awesome accessories that enable you to remotely control your non-smart lights and appliances. They are typically inexpensive, super easy to set up, and work with a variety of smart home platforms. Perhaps the only downside to smart plugs is that you can only use one—maybe two if you get the miniature models—per outlet, as they can be rather chunky, making it tough for home offices or entertainment areas where you would want to control multiple devices. That's where the Kasa Smart Power Strip comes into play. It features 6 individually controlled smart outlets, it works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and right now you can pick one up for just $44.
DreameBot X30 Ultra robovac review: Just shy of touchless cleaning
High-tech and automated cleaning at a high price
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.
The top 7 Google Pixel tablet settings you should update immediately
Change these settings immediately after setting up your Pixel Tablet
The Google Pixel Tablet is one of the most versatile Android tablets, but you'll want to tweak some essential settings before it becomes a firm fixture in your house. The Pixel Tablet receives Google's quarterly Pixel Feature Drops alongside yearly Android updates, so it's easy to miss settings that impact how you use your Pixel Tablet.
Google's ecosystem is expanding, but native apps still lag behind Apple and Samsung
Data-driven services in Google Search can't quite replace dedicated apps
Google’s push into hardware resulted in the company establishing itself as a key player in the mobile, wearable, and smart home industry. The latest Google Pixel 8 series brings new AI advancements and focus on services. The Google Pixel Watch brings health tracking, the Pixel Buds provide a seamless listening experience, while the Nest-branded devices enable you to control your smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and other parts of your smart home.
Best smart home security cameras in 2024
Keep an eye on your home or the pets within it from anywhere with a well-placed camera
Gone are the days of needing specialized networking and tons of tech know-how to configure a home security system. Thanks to the advancement of smart home technology, you can easily invest in a competent smart security system or opt for a standalone camera to simplify things and save money.
Best smart thermostats in 2024
Control your home temperature with ease with these smart thermostats and sensors
Smart thermostats are more popular and effective than ever. Buying and installing one might seem like a complex undertaking on the surface, but it's worth it for one of the most useful smart devices you can add to a home.
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.
Best smart home deals: Save up to $180 on some of our favorite smart devices
Smart plugs, TVs, lights, and thermostats starting at just $21
Building a smart home is surprisingly simple to do these days. There are smart doorbells, floodlights, security cameras, and even garage door openers, and many of them take just a few minutes to set up. But all of that convenience and peace of mind doesn't come cheap. It obviously depends on the device, but a good smart doorbell or security camera can cost $150+.
Best Google Assistant smart speakers in 2024
If Google Assistant is your smart assistant of choice, these speakers are your best bet
Smart speakers are a quick and easy fix for great home audio. But if you're looking to integrate your speaker with a smart home hub or virtual assistant, choosing the best speaker may require a little more thought.
The most common Roku problems and how to fix them
Nothing should come between you and your favorite shows
Streaming devices have taken over traditional cable TV, offering more control over the content you watch. You can have instant access to your favorite movies and shows with a tap of a button. Roku makes some of the best streaming devices at almost any price point, letting you enjoy popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.