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.
Need to add something to your shopping list? Use your Echo Show to scan its barcode
Just ask Alexa to use the built-in camera on the Echo Show 5 and 8 to scan the barcodes of items you need to buy.
If your Philips Hue lights aren’t responding, maybe it’s time to move your Hue Bridge
Did all the Hue lights in your house just become unresponsive? Wireless interference could be to blame, and moving your Hue Bridge might be the answer.
Google is testing a new Nest thermostat feature that'll warn you of potential HVAC problems
Nest can send you an email if it thinks something’s amiss with your heating or cooling systems.
Dyson’s Lightcycle Morph smart lamp adjusts its light based on your age and the time of day
Besides illuminating a desk or a wall, the 360-degree-rotating head on Dyson's Bluetooth-enabled Lightcycle Morph lamp can be docked into its perforated stem, creating a gentle ambient glow.
Roku Wireless TV Speakers can pair with the Roku Smart Soundbar via an upcoming update
An upcoming software update will let you turn the two-channel Roku Smart Soundbar into a true surround-sound system.
How to make Alexa 'forget' all your smart devices and scenes
If your list of smart devices and scenes in Alexa is cluttered with old and duplicate entries, here’s an easy—if drastic—way to start fresh.
Coway Airmega AP-1512HHS review: A stylish and effective air purifier with plenty of smarts
With support for both Alexa and Google Assistant, the Wi-Fi-enabled Airmega AP-1512HHS helps to boost your indoor air quality without causing too much of a ruckus.
Sonos will stop issuing software updates for 'legacy' speakers and devices in May
You’ll still be able to keep using older Sonos devices, but they’ll gradually lose functionality once the software updates stop.
How virtual 3D sound will amp up 2020 soundbars—even the cheap ones
If you buy a new soundbar in 2020, there’s a decent chance it’ll have DTS Virtual:X and/or virtualized Dolby Atmos onboard.
How to tweak your Wyze cam settings now that people detection is going away
Now that your Wyze Cam and Wyze Cam Pan are about to lose people detection, you can cut down on the number of false alarms by following these steps.
Spotify playlists for your pets? OK, we’ll bite
Spotify's new “algorithmically created” Pet Playlists are designed to cater to you and your pooch, kitty, or even your iguana.
Guest Mode disappears from Google Nest and Home devices
The Guest Mode feature, which allowed visitors to stream media to your Google smart speakers and displays without connecting to your Wi-Fi network, still works on Chromecast devices.
Klipsch’s upcoming Bar 54 soundbar features Dolby Atmos and eARC support
Announced at CES, Klipsch’s latest high-end soundbar supports lossless audio formats over a TV’s HDMI-eARC connection.
Nanoleaf’s new Unified Light Panels will feature sturdier connectors
The upcoming Unified Hexagon light panels, which are due this summer, will also boast new snap-on mounting plates.
The smart, “invisible” Level Lock hides inside your existing door lock hardware
The HomeKit-compatible lock replaces only the interior hardware of your deadbolt, allowing you to keep your keyhole and turnpiece.