Michael BrownExecutive Editor, TechHive
Michael is TechHive's lead editor and covers the smart home and home entertainment markets. He built his own smart home in 2007, which he uses as a real-world test lab when reviewing new products. Michael also reviews routers and networking products for TechHive and PCWorld.
Simplehuman Rectangular Sensor Can review: Have we taken voice control too far?
Sensors in this fancy trash can recognize voice commands and gestures, no smart speaker needed.
Amazon Echo Studio vs. Google Home Max: Battle of the high-end smart speakers
One is more musical, but the other makes a better smart home controller. Which attribute is most important to you?
Leviton’s Alexa-powered Decora Smart Voice Dimmer is finally available for purchase
The electrical component manufacturer is also adding a Wi-Fi fan controller to its Decora Smart product line.
How to protect your Ring account with the new Control Center privacy dashboard
Ring has updated its app with new and improved privacy tools. Here’s how to make the most of them.
Ring is rolling out its new Control Center privacy dashboard
Owners of Ring video doorbells and other home security products are finally getting some essential privacy protections.
These stereo speakers will tightly integrate with TVs and sounbars based on Roku OS.
Best smart speakers: Which deliver the best combination of digital assistant and audio performance?
With models based on Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, and others to come, we’ll help you find just the right model.
Amazon Echo Studio review: Not quite the best smart speaker, but a fantastic value
The more-expensive Google Home Max delivers higher fidelity, and Sonos has the better multi-room ecosystem, but Amazon’s best Echo shouldn’t be overlooked.
Sonos changes tack on “legacy” hardware
Older hardware still won’t get new software features after May, but operating them won’t prevent firmware updates for new hardware.
TP-Link revs its mesh Wi-Fi router lineup to Wi-Fi 6, but leaves Zigbee behind
Routers are getting faster even while they’re getting back to basics by dropping smart home hub features.
Keep kids out of the liquor cabinet with the biometric BenjiLock By Hampton Cabinet and Drawer Lock
Also suitable for securing drawers and closets, the $75 lock can be programmed to recognize up to 10 fingerprints.
Toucan’s battery-powered Wireless Video Doorbell boasts a 180-degree vertical field of view
On display at CES, the camera enables you to see packages placed directly beneath the doorbell.
The U by Moen Smart Faucet can dispense an exact amount of water at a precise temperature
The faucet supports voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, and dispenses water with a wave of your hand.
Linksys Velop mesh Wi-Fi routers are evolving into smart home controllers—and more
Origin Wireless’ WiFi Sensing technology piggybacks on Linksys mesh network systems for home automation, home monitoring, sleep tracking, elder care and more.
Hogar Controls has the prettiest smart light switches at CES
The Prima Touch Switch line features capacitive touch glass surfaces and lighting scene control using either Z-Wave or Zigbee.
Articles by Michael Brown
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