Smart Home
SEE SMART HOME STORIES BY CATEGORY
News
Amazon takes another stab at integrating Alexa into older cars
The first-gen Echo Auto was met with a shrug, but Amazon has had great success with new-car integrations, including BMW.
News
Alexa’s latest tricks include video stickies, remote switch support
Amazon has announced a grab bag of new Alexa features, including video sticky notes, the ability to trigger routines with remote switches, and more.
News
Amazon’s Echo Show 15 will soon double as a Fire TV
A free update will let you summon the Fire TV interface from Echo Show 15 devices–with some limitations.
News
Amazon unveils 5th-gen Echo Dot and Echo Dot with Clock
Amazon says the new Echo Dot will boast twice the bass of the previous version, while the Echo Dot with Clock is getting a "high-density" dot display.
News
Ring has 2 new spotlight cams, one with radar motion detection
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro features Ring’s unique Birds Eye View to deliver an aerial view of motion events; the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus gets slimmed down.
How-To
How to skip 'Hey Google' on your Nest Hub Max
Thanks to "quick phrases," you can now give voice commands to Google Assistant without the "Hey Google" hotword. Here's how to get started.
Best Picks
The best smart locks for a keyless home
Keys are yesterday’s tech, your smart home needs a smart door lock.
Reviews
Smonet Smart Lock review: A budget fingerprint-reading deadbolt
An unfamiliar brand turns out a credible, Bluetooth-only smart lock (Wi-Fi optional).
Best Picks
Best smart plugs: These gadgets will turn any electrical outlet into a smart socket
With models from Lutron, Wemo, Leviton, iDevices, and others, it can be difficult to know which easy and inexpensive device is best for controlling the lamps and small appliances in your smart home. We’ll help you find the right one.
Reviews
Vont Smart Plug review: A very inexpensive smart lighting option
It's one of the least expensive smart plugs you'll find, but as you might expect, it's also one of the most basic.
Reviews
ThirdReality Smart Blinds review: DIY motorized Zigbee shades
These DIY Zigbee-powered smart shades are very inexpensive, but they come in limited widths, just one length, and you get only color choice.
Updated
The best smart shades: Luxurious window treatments blend high tech, high fashion
Smart, motorized shades and blinds cost a pretty penny, but do they ever bring the wow.
News
Yale introduces its third-generation family of smart deadbolts
The Yale Assure 2 is smaller, smarter, and easier to install than ever, according to its manufacturer. It's compatible with all popular smart home ecosystems.
News
Philips Hue halts Lightguide bulb sales due to 'aesthetic' defect
Something's amiss with the flashy new Lightguide bulbs that Philips Hue unveiled earlier this month.
Best Picks
Best smart thermostat: Reviews and buying advice
There are so many smart thermostats to choose from today. We'll help you pick the right one.
Best Picks
The best indoor air quality monitors for identifying indoor pollutants
Whether you suffer from allergies or asthma or just want to optimize your indoor environment, these devices will give you insight into the air you're breathing.
Reviews
Sensibo Air Pro review: A/C control, air quality monitoring in one
Our favorite brand of smart thermostat for stand-alone air conditioners gains a new function: indoor air quality readings.
News
Amazon's big hardware event slated for Sept. 28: What to expect
Amazon will show off its latest Echo, Ring, and other new devices at its annual hardware event next week. What will be on tap?
Updated
Best smart sprinkler controller
Whether you’re motivated by water conservation, saving money, a drive to render every aspect of your home smart, or all the above, a smart irrigation controller will scratch that itch.
News