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.
Google adds a privacy-oriented Guest Mode to its Home and Nest smart speakers and displays
Want to have an off-the-record chat with Google Assistant on your smart speaker? Now you can, thanks to Google’s just-launched Guest Mode.
Ring rolls out end-to-end encryption for select doorbells and security cameras
Available starting today, end-to-end encryption adds another layer of protection for your Ring video recordings, although implementing it also means giving up some key features.
Arlo and Alarm.com bow similar but different touchless video doorbells
The new video doorbells let visitors sound the door chime without having to touch a button, a prudent feature given the pandemic.
TP-Link adds its first video doorbell to its Kasa smart home lineup
The Kasa Smart Doorbell boasts 1080p resolution, people detection, and IP64 weatherproofing.
TCL’s latest soundbar connects wirelessly to Roku TVs
Also coming to TCL’s soundbar lineup: support for AirPlay 2, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
LG unwraps the ultra-compact Éclair soundbar with Dolby Atmos and upfiring drivers
Also, LG’s high-end 2021 soundbars will support Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2.
JBL’s Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar delivers virtual Dolby Atmos on a budget
This affordable soundbar comes with an all-on-one design as well as AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa multi-room audio support.
Your Lenovo laptop will soon double as an Amazon Echo Show
Lenovo’s upcoming Show Mode will bring the Alexa-powered Echo Show interface to Lenovo PCs and laptops.
Samsung is bringing AirPlay 2 and room calibration to its 2021 soundbar lineup
Samsung also revealed an 11.1.4-channel soundbar during a pre-CES presentation, complete with Dolby Atmos support.
New Nest cameras on tap for 2021 as Nest Cam IQ Outdoor sells out
Google says a “new lineup of security cameras” is on the way as soon as this year.
Nanoleaf Shapes – Triangles review: Nanoleaf adds variety to its new line of light panels
Nanoleaf’s impressive Hexagons light panels just got some company.
Twinkly Strings 250 LEDs Multicolor review: These smart string lights deliver dazzling effects
The Twinkly app scans each individual LED in the string, setting the stage for eye-popping animations.
The best holiday 2020 deals on TVs, soundbars, media streamers, and more
4K TVs, immersive soundbars, Bluetooth headphones, and other home entertainment accessories are getting big holiday discounts.
HBO Max comes to Roku devices at last
The long-awaited deal comes just in time for 'Wonder Woman 1984,' which will debut on HBO Max on Christmas Day.
The Apple TV app is coming to Chromecast with Google TV
You’ll be able to stream videos from Apple TV+ and iTunes on Chromecast devices starting in 2021.