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.
Apple's new SharePlay feature lets you watch, listen with friends via FaceTime
Apple’s new SharePlay feature will support third-party streaming services such as Disney+, HBO Max, and Paramount+.
The Paramount+ $5-a-month Essential plan launches today. Here’s what you need to know
The ad-supported version of Paramount+ just got a buck cheaper, but don’t switch from the older, $6/month with-ads plan until you read this first.
Nanoleaf’s Shapes and new, wood-like Elements panels will both include Thread border routers
Not only do Nanoleaf’s latest light panels boast a “wood-look” finish, they also come with controllers that connect Thread devices to the internet. Shapes panels will also get Thread functionality.
Revamped Philips Hue app gets streamlined 'automations,' multi-user geofencing
Rebuilt from the ground up, the new, more intuitive Philips Hue app boasts more than 100 improvements and refinements. Also: "Dynamic" scenes are coming soon.
HBO Max’s cheaper, ad-supported tier nixes downloads and 4K HDR streaming
If you want to save $5 a month on HBO Max, you’ll have to put up with missing features as well as advertisements.
Vizio’s 2022 soundbar lineup will boast more eARC models
eARC is going mainstream as Vizio’s mid-range M-Series soundbars get the feature.
Welcome to Amazon Sidewalk! Now here’s how to turn it off
Your Amazon Echo speakers and Ring devices may already be enabled to join Amazon’s new, neighborhood-wide Sidewalk networks, but you can turn Sidewalk access off using a single setting.
Apple TV app lands on Nvidia Shield streaming players
Cord-cutters can now stream 'Ted Lasso,' 'The Morning Show,' 'Cherry,' and more on Nvidia’s Shield and Shield Pro, as well as on other Android TV devices.
Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 review: This mid-range soundbar delivers big, dynamic sound
Supporting both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the Vizio M512a-H6 packs exciting, room-filling sound, even if it lacks Wi-Fi support.
Eve Energy review: This HomeKit smart plug doubles as a Thread router
Besides turning dumb appliances into smart ones, the Eve Energy smart plug can help extend the range of other Thread-enabled devices in your home.
Wyze flips the switch on linkable night lights
Equipped with motion and light sensors, Wyze’s battery-powered Night Lights turn on in unison when they’re in range of each other.
Google’s mysterious Fuchsia OS makes its public debut on the first-gen Nest Hub
Your Nest Hub display may soon be running on Google’s experimental, non Linux-based OS, even if you don’t realize it.
Creative SXFI Carrier review: A smaller, more affordable follow-up to the massive Sonic Carrier
Working closely with Dolby, Creative delivers the sonic goods with the Atmos-enabled SXFI Carrier, but there are rough edges and missing features, too.
The Nest Thermostat will be among the first Nest devices to support Matter, which promises to unite Amazon’s, Apple’s, and Google’s smart home platforms.
Anker’s Eufy division pledges to bolster security following privacy snafu, apologizes again
Eufy says it’s “incredibly sorry” for a glitch that allowed EufyCam users to see video streams from each others' security cameras. Will the apology be enough?