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.
While we like the standard surround-sound modes on this budget-priced soundbar, we aren’t fans of its harsh-sounding DTS Virtual:X implementation.
Broan’s upcoming SurfaceShield bathroom fan kills germs with bacteria-zapping LEDs
Broan-Nutone’s upcoming SurfaceShield ventilation fans boast LED illumination that's designed to destroy bacteria, fungi and mold.
Alexa Answers program goes public, allowing anyone to answer Alexa questions
Amazon just threw open the doors to a formerly invite-only program that allows users to answer Alexa queries that the digital assistant doesn’t yet know.
Bowers & Wilkins' Formation Flex speaker promises high-end wireless audio in a HomePod-style design
Due to arrive later this month, the latest mesh speaker in Bowers & Wilkins’s Formation line supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon, and Bluetooth.
Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker review: Big sound in a rugged, compact package
This $100 Bluetooth speaker could do with a little more high-end detail, but its attention to mid-range audio pays dividends when it comes to delivering rich, robust sound.
Netgear sets a $700 price tag (ouch) for its upcoming Orbi Wi-Fi 6 mesh network system
The future is now as far as Netgear’s latest Wi-Fi mesh network system is concerned, with the Wi-Fi 6 Orbi RBK852 slated to land in stores next month.
The revamped photo frame from Netgear-owned Meural promises better Wi-Fi, greater energy efficiency, and even an optional subscription service of digital masterpieces.
Lenovo doubles down on its Google Assistant-powered Smart Display line with a new 7-inch version
Slated to ship in October, the Smart Display 7 comes with slimmed-down bezels, stereo speakers, and an ambient light sensor.
The audio gurus at Sonos have finally jumped into the portable Bluetooth speaker arena, and from what we’ve seen—and heard—the Move should be worth the wait.
Hands-on with the Philips Hue Smart button, Smart plug, vintage-style filament bulbs, and more
The $20 Smart button makes it easy to control your Philips Hue lights, and it arrives alongside the first Philips Hue Smart plug, vintage-style LED filament smart bulbs, and an updated Philips Hue Go portable light.
Amazon took the stage at IFA with an all-new version of its hands-free streaming media player, along with a Fire TV Edition soundbar from Anker.
Bang & Olufsen’s first soundbar boasts Dolby Atmos and AirPlay 2 support
Slated to arrive this fall, Bang & Olufsen’s sleek soundbar comes with 11 powered drivers, Dolby Atmos, AirPlay 2, and built-in Chromecast support.
Samsung reportedly tees up Galaxy Home Mini beta test in South Korea
There’s still no solid word on the fate of Samsung’s long-awaited Galaxy Home, but it appears Samsung is moving ahead with a smaller version of the Bixby-powered smart speaker.
If you’re looking for an alternative to unleashing your kids on an iPad when you need a break, the Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition makes for an attentive and engaging companion.
The SoundCore Life Q20 headphone surprised us with its rich, lifelike sound and a comfortable fit that allowed for lengthy listening sessions.