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.
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock review: The display—limited as it is—justifies the $10 upcharge
Love is never having to say, “Alexa, what time is it?”
Resideo Home app promises whole-home system monitoring
A new app monitors a home’s water, HVAC, power, and security systems—provided you go all in with Resideo Technologies’ hardware.
Qobuz review: A music streaming service on the verge of greatness
And the U.S. version is now integrated with the Sonos multi-room audio system.
Austere VII Series surge protector review: Beautiful protection preciously priced
You can buy a great surge protector for less than $50, so what makes this one worth $200?
Best wireless routers: Reviews and buying advice
pcworld.com
Few elements of your home’s infrastructure have a bigger impact on your tech life. We’ll help you find just the right router to anchor your home network.
Nest Wifi review: A mesh Wi-Fi system and smart speaker mashup for Google Assistant fans
Google's idea to blend a smart speaker with a Wi-Fi access point isn’t new, but the only other one you can buy is powered by Alexa.
Leeo Smart Alert Nightlight review: $100 is cheap if it saves your house from burning down
It plugs into an AC outlet, alerts you to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and contacts you via an app with a recording of the sound. A few false alarms aside, this security device is a smart buy for any home.
Amazon’s Fire TV Blaster lets you use Alexa to control the rest of your entertainment center
When paired with an Echo smart speaker and a Fire TV device, this infrared transmitter can send command signals to your TV, soundbar, A/V receiver, or set-top box.
HDMI vs. DisplayPort: Which display interface reigns supreme?
HDMI and DisplayPort are both capable of sending high-definition video and high-res audio from a source to a display. We compare their feature sets and typical use scenarios.
Serena Motorized Shade by Lutron review: A step up in sophistication, but also in price
Lutron’s solution is more proprietary than many, but the compatibility trade-off is worth it.
Graber Virtual Cord Motorized Shade review: Deliciously decadent lighting control
Want to set your house apart from the other smart homes in the neighborhood? Consider investing in smart window coverings.
TP-Link goes vintage with Kasa Smart filament LED smart bulbs
Smart bulbs with exposed filaments are the hot new smart home trend. TP-Link Kasa Smart LED bulbs want in on the action.
Ring Smart Lighting Motion Sensor review: A useful accessory, but not an essential one
Do you really need a stand-alone outdoor motion sensor when all of Ring’s outdoor lighting products have one built in?
Nest Aware plans will be much less expensive in 2020
Google is switching from per-device pricing to a whole-home service plan.
Nest Wifi's integrated smart speakers could give it an edge over Amazon Echo
This mesh router’s satellites, dubbed Points, house Nest Mini smart speakers.