Ben PattersonSenior Writer, TechHive
Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he covers smart speakers, soundbars, and other smart and home-theater devices.
Logitech’s Circle 2 camera gets support for Apple HomeKit Secure Video
A just-released beta firmware update for the camera, which is among the first to support HomeKit Secure Video, allows users to securely store recorded video clips in iCloud.
Innr Smart Plug review: A cheaper way for Philips Hue users to take control of their “dumb” lights
Small, sturdy, and reliable, the Innr Smart Plug makes for an inexpensive alternative to the new Philips Hue Smart plug.
Google Nest Hub Max review: This surprisingly svelte smart display is a great cook’s companion
Capable of controlling your smart home gadgets while showing off your photos in style, the Nest Hub Max boasts robust sound and even a Nest camera.
Google Nest Mini review: Modest improvements make Google’s smallest smart speaker even better
Expect (slightly) more bass, a mounting hole, and refined controls, all for the same price as the older Home Mini.
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.
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.
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.
Ausounds AU Stream ANC review: Impressive sound and active noise cancellation
The AU Stream ANC wireless earphones deliver impressive sound and effective active noise cancellation in a comfortable, water-resistant design.
Vizio SB36514-G6 Home Theater Sound System review: Impressive sound, but we had Chromecast issues
We loved its true surround sound and immersive Dolby Atmos effects, but the Vizio SB36514-G6 gave us trouble when it came to iOS 13 and Chromecast.
Amazon went nuts with its fall hardware event, unleashing a bevy of products ranging from wireless Echo Buds, a smart ring, a smart oven, and even a dog tracker.
While we like the standard surround-sound modes on this budget-priced soundbar, we aren’t fans of its harsh-sounding DTS Virtual:X implementation.
Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker review: Big sound in a rugged, compact package
This $100 Bluetooth speaker could do with a little more high-end detail, but its attention to mid-range audio pays dividends when it comes to delivering rich, robust sound.
The audio gurus at Sonos have finally jumped into the portable Bluetooth speaker arena, and from what we’ve seen—and heard—the Move should be worth the wait.
Bang & Olufsen’s first soundbar boasts Dolby Atmos and AirPlay 2 support
Slated to arrive this fall, Bang & Olufsen’s sleek soundbar comes with 11 powered drivers, Dolby Atmos, AirPlay 2, and built-in Chromecast support.
If you’re looking for an alternative to unleashing your kids on an iPad when you need a break, the Amazon Echo Dot Kids Edition makes for an attentive and engaging companion.
Articles by Ben Patterson
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