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.
Vivint Smart Home bundles two Google Minis with its starter kits, nudging users toward voice control
Amazon’s Echo had a long head start with Vivint, but this is the first time the service provider has included smart speakers in its packages by default.
TP-Link Deco M9 Plus review: This mesh router doubles as a smart home hub
There's dedicated wireless backhaul along with Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Bluetooth radios inside, but Z-Wave gets no love.
Ring Alarm home security system now available for presale and will ship on July 4
The long-delayed DIY home security system costs $199, with optional professional monitoring for $10 per month.
Great Father’s Day gifts for tech-loving dads
Skip the slippers and the tie—give dad the gift of technology this year.
ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 TV Speaker review: This compact soundbar accentuates voices
Say what? The ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 TV Speaker's hearing-aid technology makes voices easier to hear.
Smaller and cheaper than Sonos’ previous TV-oriented speakers, the Beam looks like it will be a winner.
Naim Audio Uniti Atom review: This is a magnificent music streamer
Exquisite design plus impeccable craftsmanship on the Naim Audio Unit Atom equal sonic bliss.
X-Fi Sonic Carrier review: Home theater of the absurd
Creative Technology's X-Fi Sonic Carrier is without reservation the finest soundbar on the market. But for the money, is it better than conventional surround sound?
Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wi-Fi EasyMesh certification aims to standardize mesh networks
The new certification program will ensure that wireless mesh network routers, gateways, and access points from different manufacturers will all work together.
6 great gifts for tech-loving moms
Flowers? Candy? Boring! Surprise mom with one of these awesome tech-centric gifts this year.
PillDrill review: A high-tech medication-tracking system
This is a great tool for medication compliance, and it can help you care for your elderly parents, too.
Liberate your Amazon Echo 2 from the constraints of a power cord
The Sky battery base from Ninety7 can free your smart speaker from an AC outlet for up to 8 hours.
Notion’s home-monitoring system can now send a plumber at the first signs of a water leak
A partnership with HomeAdvisor matches homeowners in need with a local prescreened plumber to perform repairs.
Crowd-funded Abode Systems mostly sold to an Italian home-automation group
Nice S.p.A buys a majority stake in the smart home security startup, but Abode System's founders retain a 25-percent ownership position.
Q Acoustics Concept 20 loudspeaker review: These gorgeous bookshelf speakers sound positively divine
A box-within-a-box design contributes to a delightfully impressively sonic signature.