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.
Google announces $49 Google Home Mini to compete with Amazon’s Echo Dot
The introduction couldn't have come soon enough to counter Amazon's smart home momentum.
Sonos reveals Sonos One, an Alexa-enabled speaker that will support AirPlay 2 and Google Assistant
The Sonos One won’t be exclusive to Alexa, the speaker will incorporate Google Assistant in 2018.
Roku revamps its entire line of media streamers and slashes the price of its Roku Ultra
Several models support voice recognition, 4K resolution, and HDR.
Anker SoundCore A3102 Bluetooth speaker review: Inexpensive, but surprisingly not cheap
An off-the-hook price-to-performance ratio renders this small speaker a good value.
C by GE Sol review: GE has transplanted Alexa’s brain into a funky lamp
You might love or hate this smart lamp's design, but it's practically a must have if you use C by GE smart bulbs.
Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2 loudspeaker review: These floor-standers sound as exquisite as they look
You don’t need anything more for critical listening, but you’ll want to pair them with a subwoofer—at least—for home theater use.
Echogear Outlet Shelf review: A brilliant, if not always practical, shelving idea
You’re plugging stuff in that outlet, so why not make use of the space around it?
Sony incorporates Google Assistant into its new wireless smart speaker
But the Sony LF-S50G Wireless Speaker looks less like Google Home and more like Apple’s HomePod.
Philips sweetens its Hue smart bulb starter kits and announces two new light fixtures
Hue starter kits now come with four bulbs instead of three, and there are new downlight and suspension fixtures.
Libratone will convert its Zipp and Zipp Mini speakers into Alexa-powered smart speakers this fall
Own one of these upscale wireless speakers? It’s about to get a whole lot more capable.
Nest unveils the simpler, cheaper Nest Thermostat E
The company is implementing a better, best strategy in pursuit of more buyers.
IFA news: Google is talking up new products that leverage its Google Assistant
A number of new smart speakers will be on the show floor, along with new smart appliances from LG.
Switchmate Bright review: The quick and easy path to smart lighting
You’ll spend more time downloading the app than installing this smart switch.
Vaux speaker dock review: Add battery power and an improved speaker to your Echo Dot
Its acoustic performance won’t knock your socks off, but this combo is vastly superior to the Amazon Tap.
Samsung Connect Home: This router/smart-home hub combo isn’t a star in either role
But if you want one DIY platform for both networking and home control, it’s your best choice for now.