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.
Sling TV is now available on the Google Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max smart displays
Users of Google’s Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max just got another way to watch live TV.
Spotify opens up free music streaming to Amazon Echo, Sonos, and Bose speakers
The move comes just a day after Amazon announced that it would allow iOS and Android users to listen to free Amazon Music tunes.
If you’re stuck in a podcast rut, Spotify’s auto-generated playlist can help steer you toward some new shows.
The $1,500 CineHome Pro system marks the first WiSA-enabled 5.1 speaker set to be THX-certified.
PowerShades’s new smart shades can be controlled and powered using a single cable
The motor in these shades draws electricity from a low-voltage ethernet cable, eliminating the need for disposable batteries or an ugly wall wart.
Logitech’s Circle 2 camera gets support for Apple HomeKit Secure Video
A just-released beta firmware update for the camera, which is among the first to support HomeKit Secure Video, allows users to securely store recorded video clips in iCloud.
Read on for reviews of some of the best bias lighting kits we’ve tested, along with what to look for in bias lighting for a TV.
Ikea unwraps a $10 decorative smart filament bulb
The price is nice, but the new E26 filament bulb requires a wireless “steering” device to work.
Innr Smart Plug review: A cheaper way for Philips Hue users to take control of their “dumb” lights
Small, sturdy, and reliable, the Innr Smart Plug makes for an inexpensive alternative to the new Philips Hue Smart plug.
Amazon Echo vs. Google Nest: Which of the two big smart platforms is right for you?
The choice between Amazon Alexa-powered Echo devices or Nest gadgets with Google Assistant can be a tough one. We'll help you pick.
This compact device does an impressive job of syncing your Hue lights with your TV without any detectable latency, but it’s pricey, and there’s no remote.
Qobuz lowers its price for high-resolution music streaming to $15 a month, for now
The streaming music service is combining its three monthly subscription plans into one, ditching its $10-a-month MP3 streaming plan in the process.
Vizio unveils a second Product RED 4K TV to help promote AIDS awareness
The Product RED edition of its 50-inch M-Series Quantum 4K HDR smart TV will mark Vizio’s second partnership with the charitable brand.
Free Deezer users in the United States can now play and control their tunes with Alexa
Six months after allowing users in worldwide regions to use its free music tier with Alexa, Deezer is opening the doors to United States users, too.
Amazon Music and enhanced Alexa voice control coming to select Yamaha audio products
Soon, you’ll be able to ask Alexa to stream tunes on compatible Yamaha wireless speakers, AV receivers, soundbars, and more.