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 can now stream Netflix on your Portal TV
Besides Netflix streaming, Facebook’s Portal TV is getting a new remote with one-touch buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Facebook Watch.
Nest Audio review: The Google Home successor has serious audio chops
Improving on the original Google Home in every way, the Nest Audio is the new $100 smart speaker to beat.
Google unveils $99 Nest Audio smart speaker with bigger, better sound
Slated to arrive Oct 5, Google's latest smart speaker promises better audio quality that its predecessor, the discontinued Google Home.
Disney+ GroupWatch lets you stream shows and movies with friends
Up to seven people can join a Disney+ GroupWatch session at a time, but everyone in the group must be a Disney+ subscriber.
Roku unveils a Dolby Vision-enabled Roku Ultra and the tiny 2.0-channel Streambar
The refreshed Ultra is the first Roku player to support Dolby Vision, while the diminutive Streambar promises room-filing sound. Meanwhile, 4K Roku devices are getting AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support.
Alexa retreated home for Amazon’s 2020 hardware event
The Alexa-enabled Echo Frames, Echo Loop, and Echo Buds didn’t merit a mention during Amazon’s device showcase this year.
Group calling, Netflix, new privacy features, and more are coming to Alexa
Alexa’s getting a bunch of new features to go along with revamped Echo speakers.
Amazon’s new Echo speakers get a spherical makeover
The new Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Dot Kids Edition are here, and they’re much more well rounded—literally.
Sling TV rolls out its Watch Party feature with video chat
While other video services have launched their own watch-party features, Sling is the first to include live video chat.
Google Assistant’s Gentle Sleep and Wake feature now works with all smart lights
Google Assistant’s ability to slowly brighten or dim your smart lights used to be restricted to Philips Hue bulbs, but not anymore. Also: There’s a new workday routine to try.
Spotify begins testing in-app polls for podcast episodes
"The Rewatchers" will be among the first podcasts to get Spotity’s new polling feature.
You can now control Disney+ on a Google smart display with your voice
Hey Google, play "The Mandalorian."
Budget-friendly Wyze Labs now has Bluetooth headphones
Yes, Wyze is making headphones now, and they come with both active noise cancellation and Alexa on board. Also coming soon from Wyze: a video doorbell and a smart thermostat.
What we hope to see at Amazon’s annual hardware event this Thursday
Amazon unpacked a truckload of Echo and Ring devices at its 2019 hardware event. What’s in store for this year?
Echo and Tile devices will support Amazon’s upcoming Sidewalk network
Select Echo devices will act as bridges connecting other Sidewalk-enabled devices, such as Tile trackers, to Amazon’s ambitious neighborhood network project.