Ben PattersonSenior Writer, TechHive
Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he covers smart speakers, soundbars, and other smart and home-theater devices.
First Alert’s Alexa-enabled Onelink Safe & Sound smoke detector is getting AirPlay 2 support
Yes, you can now stream music to your Onelink Safe & Sound smoke detector via your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Anker Nebula Soundbar—Fire TV Edition review: Great Fire TV and Alexa functionality, but so-so sound
This 2.1-channel soundbar comes with Fire TV and Alexa onboard, but we weren’t impressed by its mediocre audio.
Just plug the compact and inexpensive Echo Flex into a wall outlet and start chatting with Alexa.
Samsung’s Galaxy Home Mini arrives at last, but only as a Galaxy S20 preorder bonus in South Korea
The Galaxy Home Mini smart speaker wasn’t mentioned at all during Samsung’s Unpacked event yesterday, nor was the larger Galaxy Home.
WiZ Connected Wi-Fi WiZmote review: An inexpensive, no-frills remote for your WiZ smart lights
This bargain-priced, Wi-Fi-enabled remote makes it easy to control the WiZ lights in a single room.
Google’s Nest accounts will require two-factor security starting this spring
Two-factor authentication is easiest way to keep hackers from taking control of your Nest cameras, and Google's about to make it mandatory.
Ring’s new ‘Neighborly Moments’ feature lets you give a shout-out to a neighbor’s act of kindness
The new category for Ring’s controversial Neighbors app lets you post about good things that happened in your neighborhood, for a change.
How to set Alexa and Google Assistant to listen for follow-up questions and commands
Once you enable either Follow-up Mode or Continued Conversations, you won’t need to say “Alexa” or “Hey Google” again to ask more questions.
Latest Samsung Galaxy Home Mini leak points to IR blaster functionality
If the leak is real, the long-awaited Galaxy Home Mini will be able to control your TV and other IR-enabled components.
How to make Alexa lower her voice to a whisper
Want to chat with Alexa at night without waking everyone up? Give Alexa’s Whisper Mode a try.
SimpliSafe’s new multi-feed view lets you monitor several cameras at once
Just sign in to SimpliSafe’s web portal to view live feeds from multiple cameras simultaneously.
Family members can now control Ecobee smart devices without sharing passwords
The new Family Accounts feature makes it much easier for loved ones and housemates to take charge of Ecobee smart thermostats, switches and sensors.
Zigbee vulnerability lets hackers use Hue bulbs to hijack your network
A vulnerability in the wireless Zigbee protocol allows hackers to hijack your network using an older Hue smart bulb, but your Hue bridge has most likely been patched already.
Vizio SB2021n-G6 review: This budget 20-inch soundbar is the perfect match for a second TV
While it lacks HDMI inputs and Wi-Fi connectivity, this DTS Virtual:X-equipped soundbar boasts impressive and immersive sound for just $130.
Leaked Samsung announcement pegs February release date for the Galaxy Home Mini
Still no word on the larger Samsung Galaxy Home, however.