Michael BrownExecutive Editor, PCWorld
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.
Best mesh Wi-Fi routers: Reviews and buying advice
Few elements of your home’s infrastructure have a bigger impact on your tech life. We recommend mesh Wi-Fi routers for most people, and we’ll help you find just the right one for your needs.
Z-Wave to become an open and multi-source wireless smart home standard in 2020
Reacting to Project Connected Home over IP, Silicon Labs says it will soon allow other semiconductor manufacturers to build Z-Wave chips.
Alexa joins the Mickey Mouse Club with a new version of the Amazon Echo Wall Clock
Unlike Samuel L. Jackson, however, you won’t be able to replace Alexa’s voice with Mickey’s.
Leviton Type A & Type C USB Charger Outlet review: Not smart but handy as a pocket on a shirt
This outlet features built-in USB charging ports and is available in both 15- and 20-amp configurations.
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?
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.
Best wireless routers: Reviews and buying advice
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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.
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.