Michael BrownExecutive Editor, TechHive
Michael is TechHive's lead editor and covers the connected-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.
Opcom Farm’s GrowBox and GrowWall let you raise vegetable crops indoors
You don’t need soil with these hydroponic systems, and you’ll have fresh veggies year ‘round.
Smart home service provider Vivint introduces Sky, for an even smarter smart home
Leveraging sensors, door locks, thermostats, Amazon’s Alexa, and other components, Sky promises to create an intelligent home.
D-Link shows off three new home security cameras in its Connected Home series
All three cameras deliver 720p resolution, microSD storage, night vision, and IFTTT support.
Linksys Velop Wi-Fi router review: One of the best mesh network systems to date
It might be a little late to the mesh-networking party, but Linksys is showing a winner at CES.
Lenovo moves into the smart home market with an Amazon Alexa-powered speaker and a 6TB NAS box
The Lenovo Smart Assistant will be priced $50 below Amazon’s Echo; the NAS box has onboard facial-recognition software for digital photos.
Soundcast VG1 Bluetooth speaker review: Incredibly big sound from an itty-bitty waterproof box
The sound that emerges from this small, rugged speaker defies expectations.
Canary Flex security camera review: The perfect companion to the original Canary
But if you’re not already vested in that ecosystem, there are better outdoor security cameras.
HomeKit-compatible sensors from Fibaro bring new capabilities to Apple’s smart-home platform
Motion, flood, and door/window sensors help protect your home and can interact with other smart devices.
Comcast adds new voice-controlled lighting devices to its Xfinity Home smart home system
GE-branded switches and smart plugs, plus Sengled Element Touch smart bulbs, can now be operated with voice commands in Comcast's Xfinity Home system.
Amazon Echo Dot (2nd generation) review: This is the Echo most people should buy
The least-expensive Echo does everything its pricier siblings do, but you should spring for an outboard speaker if you want it to play music.
The Sevenhugs Smart Remote magically adapts to control whatever device it's pointed at
Okay, it’s not really magic, the remote relies on an indoor positioning system to know where it and the devices you’d have it control are located within the room.
Netatmo Presence review: This outdoor home security camera/floodlight justifies its high price tag
It costs almost twice as much as some of its closest competitors, but you’ll only pay once because there are no subscription fees.
LampChamp light-socket USB charger review: It’s kinda handy
This gadget turns most any lamp into a readily accessible USB charger.
Roost Smart Smoke Alarm RSA-400 review: It’s all about that battery
This 4-in-1 smoke detector comes with a smart back-up battery, but that’s as high as it raises the bar.
Logitech to release an Alexa skill for its Harmony Hub-based universal remote controls
Own an Echo and a Logitech Harmony Hub-based universal remote? You can now control your entertainment system with voice commands.