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.
Andover Audio announces a subwoofer companion for its SpinBase turntable speaker
The 100-watt SpinSub features anti-vibration technology to isolate it from the turntable.
Germany’s Devolo to bring new hybrid powerline/mesh-network systems to North America
The Devolo Magic series of home networking products is based on the ITU G.hn standard widely embraced in Europe.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) review: A worthy mid-range smart display
There are some big improvements here, but probably nothing to convince a Google Assistant user to switch.
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.
Ring takes more steps to ease privacy concerns surrounding its Ring Neighbors app
Police and other public safety agencies will soon be required to make requests for information and/or video recordings publicly viewable via Ring’s neighborhood-watch app.
Five new self-contained cameras and a camera/floodlight combo store recordings in onboard memory, not the cloud.
Aura Air review: Trades air pollution for noise pollution
This wall-mounted air purifier boasts some great technology, but it’s much too loud for us to recommend with any enthusiasm.
Orbit announces a second generation of its B-Hyve hose faucet timer
The B-Hyve XD features a stronger Bluetooth radio and an onboard display and user interface.
Orbit B-hyve Smart Hose Watering Timer review: Sophisticated yet simple
This Bluetooth (and Wi-Fi, with a bridge)-based watering system is great for drip and other hose-based irrigation systems.
Narwal T10 review: An awesome robot vac/mop hybrid hobbled by a terrible app
This powerful robot will scrub your floors after vacuuming them, but glaring problems with its app nearly wipe out all its benefits.
Peril Protect leak detection system review: Pricey and limited protection from water damage
This subscription-based system is super easy to deploy and use, but it’s expensive and can’t be integrated with other smart home devices or services.
Best water leak detectors for smart homes
Fires can be devastating, but water damage is a far more common risk. These smart devices will alert you if your home springs a leak, so you can take action quickly.
Amazon’s limited-time offer gets you an Echo Dot for just 99 cents—sort of
You’ll also need to sign up for at least one month of Amazon Music Unlimited.
Amazon, Google, Signify and other heavy hitters are backing Matter, a new open-source standard for smart home products and systems.
CookingPal’s Multo smart appliance is a food processor that can also cook
The manufacturer says its new appliance can prep your food, cook the entrée and a couple of side dishes, and then clean up after itself.
Articles by Michael Brown
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