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.
Want to listen to Spotify remotely with your friends? There’s an app for that
Just like the late Turntable.fm app, JQBX lets you create remote listening rooms for your friends. You will, however, need a Spotify Premium account to indulge.
Samsung’s 2020 soundbar lineup to be offered for sale starting this month
First revealed at CES, Samsung’s latest high-end soundbars work together with the speakers on Samsung TVs.
Logitech unveils HomeKit Secure Video-enabled Circle View security cam
This $160 follow-up to Logitech’s Circle 2 will support HomeKit Secure Video as soon as it ships.
How to make your Google/Nest smart speakers, displays, and cameras listen for suspicious sounds
Thanks to Google’s new Nest Aware plans, Google Home and Nest devices can now keep an ear out for the sounds of smoke alarms and breaking glass.
Sonarworks’s SoundID Listen software aims to wring better sound out of your headphones
The just-released software for Windows and Mac customizes and (hopefully) improves the audio your headphones deliver, based on a personalized profile.
Apple Music app lands on Samsung smart TVs
Samsung is the first manufacturer to get the Apple Music app on its smart TV platform.
Ring app adds support for iOS’s Critical Alerts feature
You can now get emergency Ring Alarm notifications on your iPhone or iPad even if you have Do Not Disturb mode enabled.
The best online film festivals and virtual art house movie screenings
SXSW, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, Film Forum, and more are turning to virtual screenings in the wake of COVID-19.
The new keypad for arming and disarming the system is smaller and sleeker, despite having more features, and the Z-Wave smart home hub remains.
Movies Anywhere’s Screen Pass program lets you lend movie purchases to your friends
The still-in-beta Screen Pass feature lets you share selected movies in your Movies Anywhere digital locker for up to 72 hours.
The best 30-day streaming TV trials for stay-at-home binge watching
Netflix, Amazon Prime, CBS All Access, and more will let you stream their TV shows and movies free for a month.
The new $35 Blink Mini indoor camera is Blink’s least expensive cam yet
Coming later this month, the diminutive Blink Mini is set to compete with such budget security cams as the $20 Wyze Cam v2.
The Ring Doorbox is revealed, but what is it for?
The leaked Ring Doorbox looks like it may be for securing a key, but would the key unlock a door, a package box, or something else?
Sony’s new mid-range Bluetooth headphones let you install either Alexa or Google Assistant
The $200 WH-CH710N headset boasts active noise cancellation; Sony also announced the $130 WF-XB700 true wireless earbuds.
Spotify Kids beta app finally arrives in U.S., Canada, and France
Available for months in other territories, the family-friendly Spotify Kids music app is making its stateside debut.
Articles by Ben Patterson
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