Pocket-lint - Smart Home

Best smart light bulb 2023

Adam Davidson — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:01:22 GMT

Smart lighting is one of the easiest ways to add smart tech to your home. Unscrew your light bulb, add a smart light bulb in its place, and your home just got a little smarter. The ability to use an app to turn the light on and off, change the brightness, or even change the color all from the comfort of your armchair is appealing, but there is so much more that you can do with the right smart bulbs.

Create a safer and smarter home with the EZVIZ E6 indoor security camera

Kristen Hilderman — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:01:23 GMT

Adding an indoor camera to your home provides another layer of safety and security. Beyond just capturing break-ins on camera and deterring crime, an indoor camera can help keep your family connected and play a key role in your smart home ecosystem.

Snap up these Blink-ing good security cameras, starting at only $60

Gabriela Vatu — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 19:57:29 GMT

In this day and age, it's easier than ever to upgrade your home security with cameras both inside and out, video doorbells, and whole systems that send you notifications as soon as anyone is detected outside your door. You can keep an eye on the outside of your home as well as any room of your house, which comes in handy if you have pets that tend to eat your slippers when you're not looking.

Do you need Arlo Secure? How much it costs and what you get

Adrian Sobolewski-Kiwerski — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 14:03:41 GMT

If you want to take your home security seriously, security cameras are for sure a no-brainer when choosing to equip your house. These are really simple devices that are often accessible wirelessly, letting you not only record what's going on around your property but also see the camera feed in real-time, so you can always check if everything is in order.

Best Smart Alarm Clocks 2023

Saeed Wazir — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:00:19 GMT

Alarm clocks have come a long way from the days of simple time and ringer devices, with the latest models offering advanced features to get you into a soothing bedtime routine and improve your quality of sleep. The best smart alarm clocks have built-in displays with app control and access to voice assistants like Alexa. Advanced models have lighting to mimic sunrise and sunset and AI assistants to tell personalized bedtime stories to ease you into bed.

Ikea's trio of new smart sensors cost a little but can do a lot

Oliver Haslam — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 12:57:44 GMT

Smart homes can be an expensive business to get into, but once again Ikea is proving that doesn't necessarily have to be the case. The retailer has taken the wraps off a trio of new smart sensors that all offer different features and are all set to be exceedingly cheap to buy.

Amazon Echo Dot with Clock (5th gen) review: A great all-round package

Cam Bunton — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:22 GMT

Amazon's fifth-generation Echo Dot has been on the market for more than a year now, offering better sound than its predecessor and a lot of smarts in a compact, cute, fabric-covered sphere package. It's the most popular Echo for a reason.

Amazon's most unique Echo Show is available with $80 off even after Cyber Monday

Cam Bunton — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:35:19 GMT

It's no surprise to see an Amazon product on sale during Black Friday and Cyber Monday - the company gets in on the action for every shopping event - and that means some pretty big discounts on its Echo Show devices.

35 Cyber Monday deals 2023 - still available

Gabriela Vatu — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 19:35:54 GMT

Cyber Monday may have come and gone, but the deals aren't all gone yet. For some items, we're seeing a shift in price, while others are exactly the same as they were yesterday with extended sale pricing. So, if you were too busy to shop yesterday because Mondays can be a nightmare, we get it, and we have your back.

The smallest Alexa device we've reviewed is at its lowest price since Prime Day

Kristopher Jensen — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 02:15:29 GMT

It's crazy how much Amazon's Echo devices have evolved. Up until about a year ago, I still had one of the original cylindrical Echos in my kitchen, taking up a ton of shelf space with its chunky form factor. Replacing it with a modern Echo was a revelation. The Echo Pop packs all the same features as that device did with better audio in a tiny fraction of the space, and right now it's on sale for the lowest price we've seen in months.

63 Best Buy Cyber Monday deals to shop now, before they're gone

Gabriela Vatu — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:50:08 GMT

Best Buy's Cyber Monday deals impressed us all day long. Many of these discounts have been even better than what we saw during Black Friday. Whether you want something from Apple, Samsung, or Google, we found plenty of discounts for you. But the most significant price drops don't last past tonight, so if you planned to make a large tech purpose, tonight's the night.

A 3-pack of Blink Outdoor cameras is half off in a last-minute Cyber Monday deal

Dave LeClair — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 23:38:26 GMT

Cyber Monday might be coming to an end, but that won't stop us from hunting for the best available deals still out there. This three-pack of Blink Outdoor 4 wireless cameras came across my desk, and I had to do a quick double-take to ensure it was real. Three of these cameras typically sell for $270, but Best Buy has them marked down to $135, which is 50 percent off. If you've been on the fence about getting security cameras for your home because of the cost, this is your sign to take the plunge and give your house the protection it deserves at a sizable discount.

20+ best Cyber Monday smart home deals - last chance to save

Adam Davidson — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 23:24:21 GMT

After all the anticipation, Black Friday has come and gone and Cyber Monday savings aren't far behind, so save on the best smart home tech while you can at popular retailers including Best Buy, Walmart and Amazon.

3 top Cyber Monday robot vacuum deals you don't want to miss

Kristopher Jensen — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:00:20 GMT

One of the biggest categories to find Cyber Monday deals right now is robot vacuums. All the major manufacturers are offering some pretty significant price breaks on automated floor cleaners, and right now you can save hundreds of dollars on Roborock, iRobot and more. We've pulled out three of the best deals out there, offering powerful suction, self-emptying capability, AI navigation and more.

Doubling up on Alexa: How to use multiple Amazon Echo devices together

Chris Hall — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:00:20 GMT

The Amazon Echo got off to a flying start when it launched, quickly establishing itself as one of the hottest smart home devices, assisted by the smaller Echo Dot, a capable sidekick that brings its connected skills in a smaller package. Amazon hasn't slowed, expanding its range of speakers and smart displays - as well as the functions they offer.

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs Video Doorbell (2nd generation) : What are the differences?

Verity Burns — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:31:13 GMT

Ring has introduced numerous versions of its popular and convenient battery-powered Video Doorbell over the years, but more recently, it has simplified its line-up by phasing out older models and focusing your choice down to two.

This is the biggest and brightest Echo Show I've tested and now has a massive Cyber Monday discount to match

Chris Hall — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 04:20:07 GMT

The Echo Show 15 is the largest of Amazon's Show devices, so it's only fair that it also gets the biggest discount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While the rest of the Echo Show line-up has been discounted for the past week, the Echo Show 15 has only just been reduced. That brings a $95 reduction in the price, matching the Prime Day prices and saving you 34 per cent.

Amazon's latest Echo Show 5 drops to an all-time low price ahead of Black Friday

Peter Holden — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 16:00:19 GMT

When it comes to smart displays, Amazon's Echo Show 5 is one of the most popular choices available. With Alexa baked-in, the third-generation Echo Show 5 also sports a convenient 5-inch display upon which you can not only view the time, date, and weather forecast but also watch your favorite content from Prime Video and listen to music and podcasts from the likes of Spotify and Apple Music. If audiobooks are your jam, then you'll be happy to learn that Audible is also supported, and you can even check who is at the front door, turn the lights on, and put the fan on via voice command. If you've been waiting for the perfect moment to jump on the smart home bandwagon it's time to jump off the fence because you can now save an incredible 56 per cent off the regular Echo Show 5 price.

Amazon Echo Dot 5-gen vs Echo Dot 4-gen: What are the actual differences?

Chris Hall — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 15:00:18 GMT

The Echo Dot is one of Amazon's most popular devices and it's easy to see why. The cute little speaker gives you all the skills of Alexa, while being compact enough and affordable enough to place in just about any room of the house.

Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen) vs Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen): What's the difference?

Yasmine Crossland — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 12:00:35 GMT

Believe it or not, Amazon’s Alexa devices have been around for almost 10 years. Since then, the voice assistant has come on leaps and bounds since then and Amazon has made some of the best smart speakers in the world.

I tried not to buy this Echo Dot with Clock bundle, but this Cyber Monday discount is too good

Chris Hall — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 12:00:32 GMT

The Echo Dot is one of the delights of Amazon's Alexa family of speakers, but the Echo Dot with Clock is something else. It's so good, I had to buy this even though I already had a regular Echo Dot - the addition of a clock makes it a totally different device. But the secret here is the TP-Link Kasa Smart Color Bulb which makes this bundle from Amazon the one to go for.

Kickstart the smart home of your dreams with our favorite device that's on sale for 20% off today

Kristopher Jensen — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:45:34 GMT

Smart lights seem like a novelty until you have the chance to use them. Being able to simply and seamlessly dim any bulb in your house, changing the warmth and color along with activating them remotely is both fun and useful. Right now, the best smart lighting kit on the market is on sale for a limited time.

Amazon's new Echo Show is its best one yet, and it's 30% off for Black Friday

Chris Hall — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:09:21 GMT

The brand-new Echo Show 8 was only announced in September, so I'm surprised to find it already has a discount for Black Friday. There is 30 per cent off, which takes $45 from the price, making this a deal you don't want to miss out on.

I was blown away by how good this home security camera is and right now it's $180 off

Chris Hall — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:15:18 GMT

Arlo is one of the most popular brands of home security cameras, offering a modular system that you can build over time and giving you a fully connected and controllable experience. The Arlo Pro 5S is one of the top models offered by the company and one of our picks for the best smart security cameras as it offers outstanding performance. This big discount that slashes prices by $180 for a pack of two cameras makes the device all the more of a home security must-have.

Amazon Echo Show 8 review: Fresh new looks, same Alexa experience

Chris Hall — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 15:42:20 GMT

The Echo Show first launched in 2017, designed to add a visual element to the Alexa-powered Echo speakers. Amazon soon diversified the range, rolling through several generations at different sizes. The selection now offers devices from 5 inches up to 15 inches, with the Echo Show 8 sitting in the sweet spot right in the middle.

Govee's top-rated light strip is 30% off this Black Friday just in time to deck the halls on a budget

Joe Hindy — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 21:44:04 GMT

A lot of brands have smart home tech on sale for Black Friday, including Phillips Hue's less pricey competitor, Govee. The company has a metric ton of products on sale, but the Govee M1 RGBIC light strip is arguably the most exciting among them. The light strip costs $100 if you pay retail. Govee has it on sale for $70 as of this writing, which is a nice discount for an incredibly versatile light strip.

This Echo Dot can help keep your kids safe online and is over half-off for Black Friday

Kristopher Jensen — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:12:32 GMT

Amazon's Alexa-equipped smart speakers have gone through multiple iterations, from a tall cylinder to the new spherical models. Along the way, they realized that the talking devices were irresistible to children, so they produced a line of Echo speakers just for them. During Amazon's Black Friday sale, you can snag a 5th generation Echo Dot Kids for just $28.

Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 review: A no-subscription video doorbell with some hiccups

Jason Cipriani — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 15:00:21 GMT

Aqara's Smart Video Doorbell G4, on paper at least, appears to do everything you'd want a video doorbell to do. It can connect to multiple smart home platforms, including Apple's HomeKit, or be used on its own through Aqara's app - if you prefer. It captures video at 1080p, has a wide field of view, and is designed well - if a little bit bulky.

Best Echo Show in 2023: Which smart display is best for you?

Chris Hall — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:01:21 GMT

The Amazon Echo Show adds a screen to the Alexa experience, providing a slightly different experience to the popular Alexa speakers that Amazon has offered for a number of years. There's an advantage in having a screen: it adds a visual dimension to Alexa, allowing touch controls while also allowing video playback to expand the entertainment options.

Best smart meat thermometer 2023

Andre Revilla — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:46:55 GMT

It seems there's an almost limitless supply of smart and connected gadgets that aim to make household tasks easier or more efficient. The kitchen is certainly no exception and today's consumers will find all manner of smart devices and kitchen tech to reduce the complications of cooking. Perhaps no device is as ubiquitous in the kitchens of aspiring home chefs as an instant-read thermometer.

Add indoor security to your home with the Aqara Camera E1

Kristen Hilderman — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:00:22 GMT

Residential outdoor security cameras have become commonplace, whether they’re integrated with your doorbell, disguised in a lighting fixture, or mounted directly above your doorway for anyone to see. It’s estimated that nearly 50% of American homes have video surveillance, and that number is expected to continue growing over the coming years.

How to turn your Amazon Echo Show into a digital photo frame

Elyse Betters Picaro — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:30:28 GMT

Digital photo frames aren't quite the rage anymore - after all, smart displays are here to stay, and offer all the same benefits plus about a million other features that you can use.

Best Apple HomeKit devices 2023

Adam Davidson — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:31:27 GMT

Smart home technology can make your life a lot easier, but it can also be incredibly frustrating, too. That's because different manufacturers of smart home tech aren't designed to play nice. You might use one app for your smart lights, and another for smart plugs, and a third for smart locks. You're soon lost in a mess of apps and your home feels far from smart.

Best Instant Pot 2023

Alex Williams — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 18:07:28 GMT

Gaining popularity in recent years, the Instant Pot has served as a versatile, time-saving appliance for home cooks in a time crunch. If you're used to cooking the good old-fashioned way with a ton of pots, pans and oven mitts, then the new technology of an Instant Pot can seem daunting. Thankfully, you don't have to be a Gordon Ramsay, Emeril, or have a PhD in culinary physics to operate an Instant Pot.

Ultion Nuki Plus Smart Lock review: Unlocking your door is now even smarter

Adam Davidson — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:30:27 GMT

Some smart tech feels like it's been designed to solve a problem that doesn't really exist. A smart fridge that can tell you when you're out of milk may be technologically very clever, but it's not much more convenient than opening your fridge and taking a quick look at your milk.

Best Wi-Fi extenders and boosters 2023

Adam Davidson — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 00:01:23 GMT

You almost certainly know the places in your home where your Wi-Fi is patchy. Do you suffer from terrible buffering when trying to stream Netflix in the bathroom, or have a weak signal in the kitchen? Mesh networks can help, but they can also be expensive. A Wi-Fi extender may be all you need to fix your patchy Wi-Fi.

Get more from Alexa with this unmissable tips and tricks

Elyse Betters Picaro — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 23:30:22 GMT

It's hard to believe just how long Amazon's smart speakers have been around, but we've not got to the point where if you don't own an Amazon Echo, you probably know someone who does. Despite the age of Amazon's speaker range, there's still plenty worth discovering if you have the time to do it. In fact, you might be surprised to learn how much it can really do: it's loaded with features and hidden settings.

Best Ring deals 2023

Gabriela Vatu — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 19:40:22 GMT

Ring is a household name when it comes to home security, and with good reason - the products are reliable, top quality, and accessible. Offering smart doorbells, security cameras, and powerful monitoring systems, Ring has gained the trust of millions of customers. Our team at Pocket-lint is experienced with reviewing most Ring products and many smart home security devices.

EE Pocket-lint Awards 2023: Smart Home Device of the year

Max Freeman-Mills — Sat, 11 Nov 2023 18:31:20 GMT

Every year, we test a wide range of impressive smart home gadgets, from smart displays to intelligent vacuum cleaners, and now the time has come to celebrate the very best of recent times.

Amazon Echo Pop vs Echo Dot: Which should you buy?

Luke Baker — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:01:21 GMT

The Echo Dot has been one of Amazon's most popular smart speakers. It's easy to see why, too, it's one of the most affordable and compact options in the Alexa smart speaker lineup.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (3rd gen) vs Echo Show 5 (2nd gen): What's the difference?

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 17:10:22 GMT

If you're looking to pick up an Echo Show smart display from Amazon, you've got multiple to pick from, and there's also more than one version of each, due to older generations that you can still buy.

What is Google Home "Help me script" and how does it work?

Adrian Sobolewski-Kiwerski — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 20:01:22 GMT

Nowadays, there are few more trendy things regarding home furnishing than the idea of a smart home. Be it speakers, vacuums, fridges, or any other appliances - if they can work with your voice assistant, they are THE thing to buy.

Best solar motion security lights 2023

Adam Davidson — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 18:30:23 GMT

If you're looking to add a layer of security to the outside of your home, installing a solar motion light - or several - can be a great way to achieve some peace of mind.

Best smart plugs 2023

Adam Davidson — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 21:01:22 GMT

Some smart home devices can make you wonder how you ever lived without them. Watching a robot vacuum cleaner tidying your house for you is truly like living in the future and may give you the urge to make more of your home a little smarter.

Celebrate Alexa's birthday with huge discounts on Echos, TVs, and more

Gabriela Vatu — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:49:40 GMT

It was on November 6th, 2014 when Amazon was announcing its very first Echo device and, alongside it, Alexa, the virtual assistant that has become a constant presence for millions of people. Alexa has evolved quite a bit over the past nine years, and it has a lot more left to grow, but even in its current state it's more than useful. Whether you want to know the weather, the time, get told a joke, play music, turn on the TV and switch to HGTV, look up information online without touching a keyboard, and so on, Alexa is there for you.

Govee Hexagon Light Panels Ultra review: The most impressive panels so far

Luke Baker — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 13:04:24 GMT

Govee made a name for itself as a cheaper, but still highly impressive, alternative to brands like Nanoleaf and Philips Hue. It's a formula that's been working well, as many consumers, myself included, have begun to realise that you can get a great experience from Govee, and often even more impressive effects, without forking over so much cash.

This early Black Friday deal on the Arlo Pro 4 camera security system drops to a historic low

Rebecca Isaacs — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 17:30:31 GMT

The holidays are here, and whether you're traveling for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family visit in between, now is the perfect time to invest in a home security system. After all, when you're away, it can be a prime time for burglars to strike. You don’t have to spend hundreds to set up a system to protect your home, either. Right now, you can save $320 on the Arlo 4 Spotlight camera home security system. Originally $600, you can get the entire system for only $280 as a part of Best Buy's early Black Friday deals.

Want to re-order an item on Amazon? Here's a simple way Alexa can help

Adam Davidson — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 19:47:08 GMT

Amazon is constantly working to make it easier for you to order its products and get them delivered, for example, the company is even in the early trials of using drones for quicker, no-contact delivery. Some innovations are less successful, however. The Dash button, for example, was a simple button that you could press to reorder specific products, but it never really caught on, and has been discontinued.

How to set up Alexa to display your Black Friday Amazon orders

Adam Davidson — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:11:21 GMT

Black Friday is almost upon us, and if you want to make the most of the great deals and discounts available on Amazon, then you're going to need to get organised. Thankfully, if you have an Echo smart display, you have the perfect companion to help you keep track of your all of your orders. It can even suggest some great deals for you, too. And when you've found all the best discounts, you can take a look at your shopping basket and even confirm your order - all from your Echo device. Here's how to set up Alexa to display your Black Friday Amazon orders.

Best Amazon Echo deals: Save $50 on the 3rd Gen Echo Show 5

Rik Henderson — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:30:26 GMT

It's crazy to think that the introduction of the original Amazon Echo in 2014 would create a whole line of products, but Bezos' company continues to blaze a trail. And while smart speakers are now a major part of the gadget market, with Google, Apple and others making their own entries, but Amazon still leads the pack with refined and unique designs for kids and audiophiles alike. They're all powered by the versatile Alexa digital assistant, which can integrate with smart home devices like bulbs, alarms, doorbells, thermostats and many more.

Husqvarna Automower 305 review

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:00:24 GMT

Robot lawn mowers are no small purchase. Many are thousands of dollars/pounds and while robot vacuum cleaners have come down in price over the years, with a number of budget options available, the same can't really be said for robot lawn mowers.

How to make YouTube Music the default music player on Apple HomePod

Adrian Sobolewski-Kiwerski — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:05:25 GMT

The HomePod is a great little speaker (especially if we're talking pure sound quality), but it's taken a while for it to get proper software support. Even though it came to the market with a lot of fanfare, Apple seems to have lost focus and forgotten about the HomePod a bit.

Best Google Home accessories 2023

Adam Davidson — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:45:24 GMT

The Internet of Things promised to allow all of our connected devices to talk to one another. However, things haven't quite worked out like that. Your smart plug may be able to talk to Alexa, but may not be able to talk to Siri, or vice versa. Amazon probably has the jump on the competition, as the Amazon Echo was the first mainstream smart speaker, and is now compatible with a huge range of smart home gear.

Best Biometric locks 2023

Adam Davidson — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:01:26 GMT

No two fingerprints are alike, and the same can be said of biometric locks. There's a great selection of biometric locks out there, and each can do something a little different. All of which makes choosing the right one for your needs a bit of a challenge.

Best smart coffee makers 2023

Adam Davidson — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 17:00:26 GMT

In the wise words of my favorite fictional FBI agents, Dale Cooper, "every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it, don't wait for it; just let it happen. It could be a new shirt in a men's store, a catnap in your office chair, or two cups of good, hot, black coffee". While you may not have an office chair or buy your shirts in men's stores, you can still treat yourself to that delicious coffee.

What is a Phillips Hue Bridge, and do you need one?

Franklin Okeke — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:01:26 GMT

Philips Hue is one of the most popular smart light brands today. Known for its outstanding smart lighting bulbs, sets, and systems. Philips Hue has illuminated homes and gardens since its debut in 2012.

Best smart indoor security cameras 2023

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 20:31:24 GMT

Indoor smart cameras are a great way to add some protection to your home with minimal hassle and a relatively budget-friendly cost. These clever smart home devices can offer a lot of the same features of expensive custom security systems. Almost all indoor smart cameras - including our top picks from Ring, Arlo and Nest - let you use your smartphone to check in on things through a companion app, as well as provide alerts when movement is spotted in certain zones. You can set them to arm when you leave home, so that any motion in your home when there's no one supposed to be there will instantly alert you. Some security cameras can even shine a spotlight or sound a siren.

There is definitely a case for a HomePod with a display, let me tell you why

Britta O'Boyle — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:01:22 GMT

Apple announced the HomePod (2nd Generation) at the beginning of 2023, bringing a number of improvements over the original model from 2018. The design remained similar, but it saw a number of refinements and Apple introduced features like a temperature sensor within the 2nd generation speaker, alongside a larger display at the top.

Best smart fridges 2023

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 20:30:24 GMT

Some smart tech feels like it's smart just for the sake of it. When the concept of the Internet of Things first appeared, one of the most popular examples was of a smart fridge that would be able to tell you when you'd run out of milk. Is that something that's really solving a pressing need?

Best smart floodlight security cameras 2023

Max Freeman-Mills — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 19:15:21 GMT

Smart security cameras and floodlights provide the ideal way to keep an eye on your property. Combine them into one unit, and you get the best of both worlds. These devices leave nothing in the dark since the strong floodlights work together with the camera to provide high-definition footage without relying on grainy night vision.

Husqvarna Automower Aspire R4 review

Britta O'Boyle — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 12:11:30 GMT

Robot lawn mowers are probably not super high on your "need to buy" list, but that doesn't mean they can't be top of the "things you'd love to buy." They are a luxury purchase, but having been testing various models for the last couple of months, I have to say, I'm absolutely sold on owning one, despite their particularly high price tags.

How to change the default music service on Alexa and Amazon Echo

Adrian Sobolewski-Kiwerski — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:10:35 GMT

Even years after the technology first came out, using a Voice Assistant still feels a bit like magic. You can just talk to your voice-enabled device and ask it to do something - for example, play your favorite playlist - and it’ll easily do it, treating you to the music in a matter of seconds.

Upgrade your home’s security with this well-rated smart lock at its best price yet

Kristopher Jensen — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:56:58 GMT

Home security is an increasingly important subject as we head into holiday travel and package season. We're not trying to be alarmist, but as cities become more chaotic, and you step away from your home more frequently, it never hurts to invest in smart security. So, if your front door is still protected by an old-fashioned mechanical lock, it might be time to upgrade. And with $133 off the retail price, this Sifely keyless entry door lock is a great pick.

Best smart security camera 2023: Expert compared

Adam Davidson — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:12:32 GMT

Some smart home tech can give you options that previously would have required expensive purpose-built systems to achieve. For example, a multiroom audio system that allows you to play the same music across multiple rooms of your home used to require a lot of wiring and complex control systems to make reality. Now you can get the same effect just by chucking a few Echo Dots around your home and asking Alexa to play music everywhere.

Amazon Echo mic problems? Here's how to solve them

Elyse Betters Picaro — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:00:35 GMT

Amazon unleashed a whole new, convenient way to control smart devices and automation when it first launched the Echo. Finally, we had a futuristic product that only needed a simple voice command to play us music, switch our lights on, search the internet or check the weather. Despite it feeling futuristic, however, it still relies on a relatively old-fashioned piece of technology to work: a microphone. And sometimes those microphones don't always work properly.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2023) review: Your bedside Alexa just got even better

Adam Davidson — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 11:01:34 GMT

Since the first Amazon Echo smart speaker was introduced all the way back in 2014, the range has diversified enormously. There's an Echo device for almost every need imaginable, from the Echo Flex, that's basically Alexa in a plug to the upcoming Echo Hub that lets you control your entire smart home from a touchscreen display.

Google Nest Hub 2 (2021) vs Nest Hub (2018): Differences compared

Britta O'Boyle — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 09:00:34 GMT

Google launched a second generation Nest Hub in 2021, which succeeded the original Nest Hub that was announced in 2018. The second generation model sits alongside the larger Nest Hub Max that launched in 2019, and the newer Google Pixel Tablet that arrived in 2023.

Eero Built-in: How to add your Echo Dot to your mesh network

Cam Bunton — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:01:34 GMT

In an update to its popular small smart speaker range, Amazon enabled the ability to add an Echo to your Eero network. In doing so, you're effectively using your Echo as a mesh network router, increasing the network's reach and all without having to buy another expensive Eero router.

58 Prime Day deals still available: Save on TVs, tablets, headphones, and more

Gabriela Vatu — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 15:52:47 GMT

The October Prime Day has come and gone, but there are still some devices that are heavily discounted, and you can snatch up today. Whether you're looking for a new TV, tablet, laptop, or some other cool gadget, we have you covered. Take advantage of this time while it lasts to beat the Black Fridy and Cyber Monday holiday shopping frenzy. With that, check out some of the best deals still around below:

Best October Prime Day Ring deals 2023: Doorbells, cameras, more

Adam Davidson — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:00:33 GMT

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event is over. After two days of great deals and discounts, the majority of offers are now no longer available. However, you can still snap up some real bargains on home security tech, including the popular Ring range of smart video doorbells and security cameras, as some of the bundles remain at the discounted prices that we saw during the Prime Day event. With many of the individual products returning to their original prices, some of the bundles below are absolute steals, as many are priced at the same price or lower than the cost of the one of the bundled items alone.

11 best Prime Day robot vacuum deals: Suck up $300 savings on Roborock and iRobot before its too late

Britta O'Boyle — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:30:31 GMT

If you're in the market for a robot vacuum cleaner but have been putting it off because of price, then it is definitely time to get your wallet out - and get it out quickly. Amazon's October Prime Day sale - officially called Amazon Prime Big Deal Days - has now ended but that doesn't me your hopes and dreams of a new robot vacuum cleaner has to.

Ending soon: Faster, better Echo Show 5 is $50 off for Prime Day

Jules Wang — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 03:30:33 GMT

It's Big Prime Deal Days on Amazon and a perfect time for the company to discount its range of Echo smart speakers and Echo Show smart displays. So, whether you're toying around with bringing a smart display onto a table or shelf near you or are actually looking to replace some already in your house, you might want to consider this deal on this year's Echo Show 5, which takes more than half off the MSRP. The ecommerce giant launched its third-gen Echo Show 5 just a few scant weeks ago at a price of $90. During this event, however, you can get one for just $40 - a savings of $50.

Blink and you’ll miss it: Mini security camera is just $20 for Prime Day

Adam Davidson — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 03:00:32 GMT

It's never been easier to set up your own home security system. One of the simplest options in installing smart security cameras inside and outside your home that allow you to monitor your property no matter where you are. You can also set up motion alerts that will inform you when movement is detected by any of your cameras.

Bulb Security Cameras with 2K Video and 360° Motion Tracking Prime Day Deal 2023

Peter Holden — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 20:00:35 GMT

This Amazon Prime Deal Day, there's no need for your wallet to take a hit to improve the safety of your home. The 2-pack of Alexa-compatible LaView Bulb Security Cameras has been marked down to $56 from the original listing of $110, a great deal to take advantage of - while it lasts. Also known as October Prime Day, these deals only last through 11 October, snag this 54 per cent discount before it's over.

The low-cost Blink Video Doorbell is now ludicrously cheap at 50% off

Adam Davidson — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:00:34 GMT

Outside of deal days like Amazon Prime's Big Deal Day, also dubbed October Prime Day, smart home devices can be prohibitively expensive. The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 may be packed with cutting edge features, for example, but it costs $250 (although you can get your hands on one right now for $150 if you're quick). The good news is that you don't need to break the bank to get the benefits of a quality smart video doorbell. The Blink Video Doorbell is already one of the best-value video doorbells on the market, but if you grab one before the end of the day, you can get it insanely cheap. With 50 per cent off, it's currently available for just $29.99.

Echo Show 8 Smart Display Prime Day Deal 2023

Daniel Meagher — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:51:33 GMT

We use the Amazon Echo Show 8 for almost everything -- because it can do almost everything. And with Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days coming to an end, it's a good idea to snag one now while the massive discount lasts. The original price was $130, which we thought was a bargain to begin with, and now the limited-time offer slashed the price down by 54 per cent to a meager $60. So if you want to score a one-stop-shop for both entertainment and your digital home toolkit, now is the perfect time.

Snag this fantastic Roomba for $190 off on Prime Day

Gabriela Vatu — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:31:31 GMT

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is on its second and last day, and we're still finding some amazing deals to share with you. This Roomba is available for its best price ever, and we think you should definitely check it out if you've been eyeing a helper for your cleaning routine. Also interesting to see is that this isn't a Prime-exclusive deal, so you won't need a subscription to access the discount. Truthfully, however, it wouldn't hurt to have one because there are so many cool deals available during October Prime Days.

This Ring Video Doorbell deal won't be around for long, but it's a great one

Max Freeman-Mills — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:31:33 GMT

There isn't a single bit of smart home tech more recognisable across the world right now, I'd argue, than the Ring Video Doorbell. It's completely revolutionised how we take deliveries and look after our homes.

Blink's tiny security camera offers 2-year battery life for just $60 today

Adam Davidson — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:15:32 GMT

Smart outdoor security cameras are a great way to protect your home. Not only do they allow you to see what is happening outside your home no matter where you are, but they can also give you alerts when motion is detected so that you can check up on what the cause might be. The Blink Outdoor (3rd Gen) isn't the latest model of this product, but it's still packed with features and is currently discounted by 40 per cent at just $59.99.

Save twice: This smart thermostat can reduce your bills and is now 30% off

Adam Davidson — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:15:28 GMT

We're seeing deals and slashed prices all over Amazon Prime's Big Deal Days, also dubbed October Prime Days. One that caught our eye for your home could get you savings now, and down the road - Google's Nest Thermostat. A smart thermostat can save you money on your energy bills by ensuring that you're never heating or cooling an empty home. The Google Nest Thermostat isn't as smart as Nest's more expensive models, but it can still save you a significant amount of money. And right now, you can save twice, by getting the Google Nest Thermostat for 30 per cent off the list price, at $89.99.

Best October Prime Day Philips Hue deals 2023: Savings on smart lighting

Cam Bunton — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:00:35 GMT

Philips Hue is probably the most recognisable brand in the world of smart home lighting. It was among the first to jump on the 'Internet of Things' bandwagon, giving us lighting in our homes that could be controlled with a smartphone at first and then - when smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google (Nest) Home came along - with our voices.

I absolutely love my Govee Glide Hexa light panels and you can too for $60 less right now

Luke Baker — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:30:33 GMT

I've had these light panels on my wall for well over a year now, and they still impress just as much as when I first installed them. While Nanoleaf might have better brand recognition, I'd argue that these panels look far more impressive and do so at a lower cost.

Best Prime Day Amazon device deals 2023: Save hundreds on Echos, Fire TVs, tablets, and more

Gabriela Vatu — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 09:46:32 GMT

If you didn't have time to take advantage of yesterday's Amazon Prime Big Deal Days no need to worry. The deals are still going on throughout today and we're still seeing loads of fantastic deals for Amazon's own devices. Some of these prices are the best we've ever gotten the chance to buy them for. The Kindle Scribe, for instance, has never been this affordable before. The same can be said about plenty of other Echo devices, Fire TV and Fire TV Sticks, Fire tablets, and Ring cameras.

Get a Roomba for just $200: Alexa robot vacuum is 50% off for Prime Day

Joe Hindy — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 05:28:36 GMT

It's not everyday something goes on sale for 50% off, and it's always nice to see it when it does. The iRobot Roomba i4 EVO is a good robot vacuum that can do at least some of your housework for you, which leaves you with more time to, well, not do housework. Isn't that what we all want? In any case, while $200 during October Prime Day certainly isn't cheap, it's a lot more palatable when that's the price instead of $400.

Best Prime Day Dyson deals: Save hundreds on vacuums, fans, and hair care

Charlotte Maracina — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 00:30:34 GMT

Dyson's stellar reputation proceeds them when it comes to vacuums but the home appliance company also makes an array of other high quality items such as haircare products, air purifiers, headphones and more.

Half price and full of features: The Echo Pop is 55% off during Prime Day

Daniel Meagher — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 22:08:17 GMT

With a dedication to privacy and constructed from sustainable materials, the Echo Pop is the latest and greatest smart speaker from Amazon that offers hands-free convenience at a bargain price. And with the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event, that bargain just got better. Slashing the price from $40 to $18, it's a 55 per cent markdown that seems too good to be true. But the deals don't lie, and this is one deal we don't want to miss out on.

Prime Day mesh Wi-Fi- deal: Get superfast Wi-Fi with 40% off Eero bundles

Adam Davidson — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:14:18 GMT

In an increasingly connected world, the number of online devices we have in our homes is growing and growing. If you’ve got a home packed with smart home kit, streaming boxes, smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and computers, then your Wi-Fi is probably straining under the load. That’s where a high-speed Wi-Fi mesh can help, giving you high speeds in all corners of your home. With the Amazon eero Pro 6 mesh Wi-Fi 6 system, you can connect more than 75 devices and get blazing fast speeds across your whole home. Right now, you can save 40 per cent on a 2-pack or 3-pack.

I love my Nest Doorbell and it's got a cracking discount for Prime Day

Britta O'Boyle — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:46:32 GMT

I'm a Google Nest girl rather than an Alexa girl when it comes to smart home systems. My home is therefore kitted out with everything from the Nest Hub Max to Nest Cams, along with some Nest Minis dotted around for good measure. The reason any of those products exist in my home at all however, is the Google Nest Doorbell. I am obsessed with it and I have been ever since the original Nest Hello launched in 2015, though I've upgraded since then.

Prime Day security camera deal: Protect your Nest with this camera bargain

Adam Davidson — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:30:35 GMT

What's in a name? It's a question that Juliet asks herself in Romeo and Juliet, and one that Google probably should have asked before it decided to call an otherwise excellent smart security camera the Google Nest Cam (Outdoor or Indoor, Battery). Admittedly, it makes it very clear exactly what you're getting; a battery-powered security camera that you can install both indoors and out. If you can get past the name, this is really great smart security camera, and right now you can save up to 33 per cent on the list price.

Get your Philips Hue journey started for under $90 during Prime Day

Cam Bunton — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:30:34 GMT

As you have no doubt realised by now, Amazon has a big sale event. It's called Prime Big Deal Days and means - just like the summer Prime Day - you can get great prices on great products. Among them are a couple of different starter kits from Philips Hue.

Get your dream robot vacuum at a dream price while the Roborock S7 Max is $300 off

Corey Picaro — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 15:00:32 GMT

The Roborock S7 Max Ultra is now available at a $300 discount from its usual $1,300 price during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, or October Prime Day. This 23 percent reduction marks the first time the S7 Max Ultra has seen a price drop in 2023 on Amazon, as reported by the price tracker CamelCamelCamel.

I have 5 of these smart plugs and I'll buy another thanks to this amazing Prime Day deal

Britta O'Boyle — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:20:35 GMT

There are so many deals happening across Amazon's October Prime Day - also called Big Deals Day - that it's easy to get a little overwhelmed. In amongst the chaos, however, there are some excellent deals to be had, one of which is on the Kasa Smart Plug HS103P2 (I know, catchy name) that is discounted by 38 per cent to see it cost just $12.49.

Maintain your clean home at a budget with this great Roborock Q8 Max+ Prime Day discount

Corey Picaro — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:40:33 GMT

The Roborock Q7 Max+ deal is among the standout Amazon Prime Big Deal Days offers.

Prime Day Echo deals: Unbeatable discounts starting at $18

Gabriela Vatu — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:25:32 GMT

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is finally here and we're getting some impressive discounts for Amazon's Echo line-up. The second Prime Day event of the year is happening between 10 and 11 October so you have a bit of time to pick your favorite, but the deals are pretty awesome, so maybe don't take too long to decide.

Take control of your smart home with Amazon’s versatile smart plug for $13

Peter Holden — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:11:08 GMT

Whether you are trying to save on energy bills or wanting to schedule tasks such as turning the lights and air-conditioning on before you get home from work, Amazon's Smart Plug is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get started. You don't need to be a tech whizz either because the Smart Plug is 'Certified for Humans' which is Amazon's way of saying that it's easy to set up - through the Alexa app on your smartphone or with an Echo, Fire TV, or Sonos One device. You can control household devices with the Smart Plug via the smartphone app or with voice commands for just $13 which gives a handy $12 saving off the $25 RRP (Recommended Retail Price).

Dyson fans are worth buying because of this one amazing feature

Chris Hall — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 16:00:33 GMT

Dyson fans are known for one thing - being really expensive. You can pick up another brand of air blower for much less, so why is there so much excitement around Dyson? Sure, design has a massive part to play, because this isn't just a spinning blade rattling around behind a cage, the Dyson fan is a thing of beauty, with no moving parts.

What is Wi-Fi 7, how will it supercharge connectivity, and what devices are available?

Abhinav Lal — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:01:34 GMT

Amazon's Eero brand recently made headlines with the announcement of its first Wi-Fi 7 router, the Max 7. However, it doesn't have a release date just yet. With the major news, you may have wondered: What is Wi-Fi 7? We're here to answer that question, along with a list of the new wireless standard's benefits, what devices already support it, and when we can expect mass adoption.

Don't blink twice or you may miss out on this video doorbell and camera bundle at 50% off

Gabriela Vatu — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 16:48:10 GMT

The Prime Big Deal Days is scheduled for October 10th and 11th this year, so we're days away from one of the biggest sale events of the year. As Prime Day draws closer, however, we're paying attention to new deals that pop up and this one for the Blink Video Doorbell and Mini Camera combination has definitely caught our attention. While this isn't the very best price we've seen for these two products, it's definitely super close to it - close enough to warrant our recommendation that you take advantage of the discount before the deal expires.

Smarten up your Christmas with Nanoleaf's holiday string lights

Oliver Haslam — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 13:03:00 GMT

As we get ever closer to the holiday season you might already be thinking about putting up your Christmas tree and decorations. But maybe this is the year when you ditch those old and tired lights and replace them with something smarter. Smart lights are everywhere right now, so why not wrap your tree in them as well?

Prime Day is just days away and nearly every Amazon device is already heavily discounted

Kristopher Jensen — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 21:51:33 GMT

Yes, we know that Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event is coming up, and we can expect deep discounts on a panoply of products across the mega-retailers categories. But here's the thing: if you wait too long, a deal that you need might just pass you by. For whatever reason, ahead of the big sale is a massive price drop on a ton of Amazon's many house brand products. Fire tablets, TVs, Ring security cameras, Echo speakers and more are all heavily discounted up to 71 per cent off. There's just too much stuff to list, but here are some of the top picks.