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.
You just bought a new Amazon Echo device? Do these 6 things first
Get the scoop on how to train Alexa to recognize your voice, prevent unauthorized purchases from Amazon, tell it where you live and work, and more.
Google Nest Hub (2nd gen) review: The new Nest Hub is a yawner, literally
The Nest Hub’s successor arrives with a virtually identical design, plus the ability to monitor your sleep without a wristband.
Got Spotify for desktop? You can now download songs for offline playback
Spotify is rolling out a new look for its desktop and web apps, including the ability the download tracks for listening offline.
PSA: Lock in a year of Disney+ before tomorrow’s price hike
You can lock in a year of Disney+ at a lower rate if you act quickly.
Amazon's revamped Alexa Voice Remote for Fire TV adds shortcuts to Netflix, Disney+
The new voice remote for Amazon’s Fire TV players also comes with a Guide button for live TV, as well as a redesigned Alexa button.
Sonos drops the needle on high-resolution music streaming via Qobuz
Qobuz will be the first music service to stream 24-bit audio to Sonos speakers.
'Black Widow' and 'Cruella' will stream on Disney+ the same day they hit theaters
You’ll need to pay extra to watch "Black Widow" and "Cruella" on Disney+, same as with "Mulan."
The HomePod mini reportedly has a secret temperature sensor. What’s it for?
A hidden sensor discovered inside the HomePod mini could unlock new functionality for Apple’s diminutive smart speaker.
You can now stream The Office on Peacock for free, but just for one week
Peacock is unlocking every episode of "The Office" along with a bevy of special features, for one week only.
Learn how to clean your Roomba’s bin the right way
Sure, you’ve been tossing the dirt in your Roomba’s bin into the trash after every cleaning. But have you checked its filter lately?
The second-gen Google Nest Hub can track your sleep without a wristband
Available soon for $99, the new Google Nest Hub uses radar to detect how well you’re sleeping.
Why did Apple’s original HomePod fail? Let’s count the reasons
Apple’s first smart speaker just met a sudden, surprising end, but it was one we could see coming.
A cheaper, ad-supported version of HBO Max will arrive this summer, but with a catch
AT&T says it will roll out an AVOD tier for HBO Max in June, but some of its most enticing content won't be included.
Is Netflix cracking down on password sharing?
Some Netflix viewers are being asked to enter a verification code sent to the account holder before they start streaming.
Are you ready to invite an Alexa-powered robot into your home?
Amazon’s long-rumored Vesta robot is said to be in the “late prototype” stage.