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Netflix with ads: What you need to know
The ad-supported version of Netflix has changed substantially since launch, rolling out better video quality, offline downloads, and more.Deal
This smart gadget presses physical buttons from your phone, now just $20
Get this remote button pusher for 30% off so you don't have to get out of bed to do things like toggle your lights or switch on your coffee maker.
Updated
Is Spotify HiFi finally on the way? Here's the latest on the overdue feature
Spotify's CEO has dropped more hints about a "higher-priced" tier with "better sound quality." But when is it coming?
Reviews
These are the best smart home products of the year
As the year winds down, get the scoop on our favorite smart speakers and displays, thermostats, security cameras, video doorbells, lighting systems, and more.
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Best smart speakers & displays for state-of-the-art smart homes
Whether you prefer Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, we’ll help you find just the right model.
Reviews
Amazon Echo Spot (2024) review: The smartest clock radio ever
The new Echo Spot is neither the best smart speaker nor the best smart display. But that’s why it's so great—it fulfills its niche exceedingly well.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
2024 Cord-Cutter Awards: Best streaming services, devices & more
TechHive's annual cord cutter awards pick the best streaming devices, services, and happenings.
News
Windows will support Meta Quest VR headsets as native displays
Microsoft is adding native support for Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets to stream Windows 11.
Deal
The newest Blink video doorbell is 50% off
The Blink Video Doorbell has had its price slashed in half on Amazon.
Best Picks
Best smart garage door controllers: Convenience and safety
Even if you use your garage only as an oversized storage locker, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without a smart controller for your existing garage door opener.
News
Google is bringing older Nest Cams back into the fold
The biggest headache about using newer and legacy Nest cameras together is finally going away.
News
Get 3 months of Spotify Premium for free with the Opera One browser
With Opera's newly integrated music player feature comes the opportunity to try three months of Spotify Premium for free.
How-To
More than Internet: 9 tips to maximize your home network
Your home local area network is useful in more ways than just providing internet access to gadgets.
Best Picks
Best media streaming devices of 2024: From budget to premium
Roku Streaming Stick vs. Amazon Fire Stick vs. Chromecast vs. Apple TV, and more. Which streaming device is the most effective at delivering streaming entertainment? Our buying guide will help you pick the right accessories for your TV.
Reviews
Roku Ultra (2024) review: There's not much new here
The 2024 Roku Ultra is just a small upgrade compared to older models.
News
Apple’s rumored home hub might borrow from Amazon and Google
As Apple’s anticipated home “command center” comes into focus, some of its purported features have a familiar ring.
How-To
Protect your home network with these essential router tweaks
These must-do router tweaks will protect your gadgets from unwanted attacks.
Best Picks
Best DIY home security systems of 2024: Reviews and buying advice
Installing your home security system yourself can save you hundreds of dollars. These are the best DIY options, with and without professional monitoring.
Reviews
Defiant Smart Home Alarm Kit review: Just the basics
Home Depot’s Hubspace smart home ecosystem gets a security system—but only barely.
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Best VPN for streaming Netflix 2024: Watch from wherever you are
Netflix doesn't like VPNs, but these services promise not to chill on Netflix compatibility.
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Best smart lighting 2024: Reviews & buying advice
Today’s smart lighting is brighter and easier to control than ever, but choosing the right solution for your environment remains a challenge.
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Eufy Outdoor String Lights E10 review: Lighting up for even less
These smart string lights are some of the least expensive on the market, and they have some cool features, too. It’s too bad they don’t look great.
News
Level rolls out its Level Lock Matter update—finally
Level achieved Matter certification way back in March, 2024. The firmware update to enable it is finally rolling out today—sort of.
News
Google Home is getting its first Gemini AI-powered features
Your Nest cam video histories and Google Home automations are about to get juiced by Gemini.
Deal
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K hits lowest price ever ahead of Black Friday
Right now, you can get the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for just $22. The 4K Max is only a few dollars more, too.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Our annual reminder to skip Roku's cheap Black Friday streamers
The Walmart-exclusive Roku LE and Roku Premiere aren't worth buying at any price.
News
Looks like Apple could get serious about the smart home in 2025
With chatter ramping up about security cameras and a smart “command center,” Apple appears poised to double down on its smart home efforts in 2025.
News
Freevee is going away, for real this time
Nearly nine months after denying any plans to shutter its ad-supported Freevee streaming service, Amazon has announced it will do just that.
News
Meet Wi-Fi 8, which will trade speed for a more reliable experience
Wi-Fi 8, the next generation of Wi-Fi, isn't due to be released until several years from now. But we already know what Wi-Fi 8 is going to look like, and how it will improve over Wi-Fi 7.
Updated
Shopping for a smart lock? These are the best, including retrofits
Keys are yesterday’s tech. Your smart home needs a smart door lock, and these are our favorites.
Reviews
Aqara Smart Lock U300 review: A lever lock for the smart home
Aqara’s latest smart entry lock replaces your doorknob, not your deadbolt, but buyers should wait for bug fixes.
News
New study suggests standing desks may not be the fix for heart health
A study with more than 80,000 participants suggests that standing for hours without interruption can be bad.
News
Burglars are jamming Wi-Fi security cameras. Here's what you can do
Tech-savvy thieves are finding new ways to circumvent wireless networked security cameras like Ring and Nest.
Feature
Are cheap robot vacuums worth the money? Our expert weighs in
What budget models deliver and where they fall short.
Deal
This Echo Spot isn't just 38% off, but also comes with a free smart bulb
This bundle for smart home newbies is only $50 on Amazon right now.
How-To
Solve Wi-Fi problems with these smart router settings
Speed up your wireless network and make sure your whole home has good Wi-Fi coverage.Updated
Smonet SR5 automatic pool skimmer review: A clean sweeper
This standalone skimmer-style robotic pool cleaner keeps your pool surface clean without requiring much of its own upkeep.
Deal
This wire-free Ring camera is now 45% off, the cheapest it's ever been
The Ring Stick Up Cam Battery is down to just $55 on Amazon ahead of Black Friday.
News
Matter tackles a major pain point with its latest update
As it stands, adding Matter devices to multiple smart ecosystems is a royal pain, but version 1.4 of the Matter standard paves the way for a smoother process.
Deal
You can get stronger Wi-Fi throughout your home for just $23
The TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi extender is 54% off on Amazon right now.
Updated
Arlo Home Security System review: Basic, but highly capable
Arlo has a highly capable home security system with innovative sensors, but don't buy one for its new AI detection features—at least not today.
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Best home security cameras 2024: Top picks and buying advice
A boom in wireless security cameras is inspiring a movement in DIY home surveillance. Follow our buying guide and read our reviews to find the best option for you.
Reviews
Baseus S1 Pro review: Solar-powered security gets smarter
This outdoor security camera bundle shines with solar panels that track the sun, cameras that capture video in crisp 3K resolution, and local network storage.
News
Google Gemini just took another step toward smart home control
If you're an Android user, you can ask Gemini to control smart lights, thermostats, and more via the Gemini app.
Reviews
This Brinks Electronic Deadbolt is tough, but it's not smart
This new and inexpensive lock provides access via PIN, fingerprint recognition, or physical key, but it doesn't have any type of wireless connectivity.
Reviews
Hampton Bay Permanent String Lights review: The value leader
This is one of the least expensive options we’ve seen, but it’s only available in 50-foot lengths and some scenarios will have you splicing wires.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Battle of the premium streaming remotes
Premium streaming remotes compared: Alexa Voice Remote Pro, Roku Voice Remote Pro, Google TV Streamer remote, and more
Deal
Beautify your wall with Nanoleaf's smart light panels, now 36% off
This Nanoleaf Elements 7-pack starter kit is down to $160 at Best Buy.
Best Picks
Best video doorbells 2024: Reviews and buying advice
Video doorbells maintain a continuous watch over the most important part of your property, but which one is best? We take a look at the field.
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