Connected Homes
Connected Home | News, how-tos, features, reviews, and videos
Updated
Best robot vacuums: We name the most effective cleaners
Vacuuming is one of the most hated household chores. Here are your best choices for outsourcing it to some automated help.
Nanoleaf Screen Mirror feature lets you sync your Canvas light squares with your PC screen
The update to Nanoleaf’s Desktop app can render videos and games more immersive, but a PC or Mac is required.
Arlo finally adds a video doorbell to its home security lineup
The $150 Arlo Video Doorbell features HD video, a built-in siren, motion detection, and the ability to send video calls directly to your smartphone.
Updated
Best smart bulbs for your connected home
Today’s smart bulbs are brighter and easier to control than ever, but choosing the right one for your environment remains a challenge.
Innr Smart White A19 bulb review: This inexpensive smart bulb seamlessly connects with a Philips Hue Bridge
If you’re already invested in the Hue lighting ecosystem, these budget Zigbee bulbs can fill in your smart bulb gaps without breaking the bank.
Updated
Best smart lock for a keyless home
Keys are yesterday’s tech, your smart home needs a smart door lock.
SimpliSafe Smart Lock review: The ultra-simple alarm system gets its own companion smart lock
This inexpensive but barebones smart lock merits a look by the SimpliSafe set.
Updated
Google Nest Mini arrives with same design as Home Mini, better sound, and a wall mount
The Google Nest Mini is basically the old Home Mini with bigger bass, a wall mount, and more under-the-hood processing power.
Product Hub
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.
How to play music on all (or some) of your Amazon Alexa speakers at once
Want to hear tunes booming throughout your house? If you have Amazon Echo devices in multiple rooms, just ask Alexa, although you’ll need to tweak some settings first.
iRealm Smart Plug 2.0 review: This smart home gadget lacks any redeeming features
Here’s a textbook case of how not to build a smart home product.
Updated
Best smart home systems for a connected domicile
Your home is only as smart as the hub that orchestrates everything behind the scenes. Whether you want a generalist automation kit or a security-savvy alarm system, these DIY tools are the best of the bunch.
Google Assistant makes it easier to move music, podcasts, and videos from one Google device to another
Compatible with Spotify, Pandora, and YouTube music, the new “stream transfer” feature lets you ask Google to move your tunes from room to room.
Ring Spotlight Battery review: The best Smart Lighting starting point
If you're looking to dive into Ring's Smart Lighting world, the best place to start is the Spotlight Battery.
Delaney Smartlock & Video Camera and Bridging Hub review: A home security bundle not ready for prime time
These two also-ran smart-home products form a mediocre bundle.
Sonos Flex subscriptions let you rent superb, yet pricey Sonos speakers for cheap
In a "small test," Sonos has started renting speakers in the Netherlands for as little as €15 a month.
Braumm S111 smart switch review: This generic switch won’t break the bank
Like Braumm's Wi-Fi smart plug, there's absolutely nothing sophisticated about the Braumm S111 in-wall smart switch, but it is supremely inexpensive.
Updated
Best home security camera: Keep an eye on the home front
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.
-
White Paper
-
White Paper
-
Video/Webcast
Sponsored -
White Paper
-
Research/Infographic
Sponsored
