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.
The Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro is now available as a stand-alone product
Professional installation is included in the price—just $99 for Black Friday—even if you don’t already have the necessary wiring in place.
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.
The best smart shades: These luxurious window treatments blend high tech with high fashion
Smart, motorized shades and blinds cost a pretty penny, but do they ever bring the wow.
Serena by Lutron Smart Wood Blinds review: Pretty enough, but also pretty expensive
Wood blinds look more elegant than fabric shades, but their greater mass limits the onboard motor in this smart model to tilting the slats—you’ll need to raise and lower the blinds by hand.
Sonos jumps into paid CD-quality music streaming with Sonos Radio HD
Streaming 16-bit FLAC files for just $8 per month could make this a phenomenal deal, even if it’s not direct competition for Qobuz and Tidal.
The best smart switches and dimmers: Lighting is the foundation of the smart home
In-wall lighting controls bring convenience, security, luxury, and sophistication into your home.
Hunter Douglas Duette PowerView smart shade review: Ultimate luxury, sophistication, and privacy
This motorized smart shade protects your privacy without blocking any light or your view.
Best Bluetooth speakers: Reviews and buying advice
We'll help you find the best wireless speakers for pairing with your smartphone or tablet—whatever your budget, and whatever music floats your boat.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) review: The more things change, the more they stay the same
Amazon still has the best speaker for smart home control, but it still trails Sonos and Google in musicality.
Philips Hue Lily outdoor spotlight review: The perfect highlight for your outdoor landscaping
This addition to the outdoor Hue line will really draw attention to your garden (so make sure your plants look their best).
Philips Hue Calla outdoor pathway light review: A sophisticated outdoor lighting system
Philips takes its Hue smart lighting outdoors with this elegant and well-built pathway light.
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.
Lenovo Smart Clock Essential review: A great budget smart speaker
Music is not its forte, but this inexpensive gadget packs plenty of value into its small footprint.
Roku Streambar review: A very good streamer inside a pretty good soundbar
There are better soundbars at this price, but none that incorporate a quality media streamer.
Google's newest Nest Thermostat costs only $130
There isn’t much in the way of innovation here, but the price is nice.
Articles by Michael Brown
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