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.
Netgear has one of the first Wi-Fi 6e routers: The Nighthawk RAXE500
The router taps the newly opened 6GHz frequency band and promises to deliver massive bandwidth with little latency. Netgear also unveiled a new cable modem.
Lutron adds its first outdoor smart home device to its Caséta product line
The Caséta Outdoor Smart Plug lets you control and automate landscape lighting and other outdoor gadgets.
Roku rescues Quibi’s entertainment content
Quibi’s business model turned into a joke, but there was nothing wrong with much of its content.
Roku has developed a soundbar reference design specifically for Roku TVs
The company is also trumpeting its number one position in smart TV operating systems, as determined by the market-research firm NPD Group.
Kohler expands its smart home line with the decadent Infinity Experience soaking tub
The plumbing fixture company also demonstrated new touchless faucets and toilets during a virtual smart home tour.
GE Lighting announces three new smart home products and a new brand
The Cync Indoor Smart Camera and Fan Speed Smart Switch marks the brand’s expansion beyond lighting.
Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro review: Sophisticated front-door security—for a price
This is the best video doorbell we’ve tested, but not everyone will want the professionally installed and monitored smart home/home security system that it's part of.
The top music streaming services are offering generous free and discounted trials for the holidays
Get Amazon Music Unlimited, Apple Music, or Spotify Premium for three months for free; or four months of Tidal for $4.
Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) review: Still the best DIY home security system
Yes, still the best, but Ring hasn’t done much to extend its reach into the broader smart home universe.
Z-Wave technology gets new long-range capabilities
The new Z-Wave Long Range specification delivers 4x increase in range, 20x increase in smart home network size, and 10-year battery life for devices powered by Z-Wave 700 chips.
Wyze Labs shakes up home security with an inexpensive pro service for 2021
Subscriptions will cost half what Ring charges, and annual subscribers will get the basic hardware for free.
Sonos users can now double the boom in any room by adding a second Sonos Sub subwoofer
If you just can’t get enough bass in your Sonos-based home theater experience, the company has a solution.
Anker PowerExtend USB-C 3 Capsule review: A fast-charging surge protector
This surge protector has just three outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port, but they come in an attractively compact package.
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.
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.