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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.