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.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) review: The new Dot delivers a revamped look and (slightly) better sound
The latest Echo Dot is technically the best Dot yet, but only by a narrow margin.
Best Prime Day deals on smart lighting, security cams, and other smart home gear
From smart lights and security cameras to robot vacuums and digital photo frames, we've pinpointed some killer Prime Day smart home deals.
Best Prime Day deals on TVs, soundbars, media streamers, and more
Whether you want to trade up to a new 4K (or 8K!) TV or you're in the market for a soundbar or a streaming player, there are great Prime Day deals to be had for home entertainment.
This smart BR30 floodlight from Hampton Products boasts powerful automation tools and it doesn’t require a hub, but it only comes in a four-pack.
HomePod Mini, AirPods Studio could crash Apple’s iPhone 12 party
If the rumors are true, we might finally see a smaller HomePod and premium AirPods headphones at Apple’s iPhone event next Tuesday.
Nest Audio review: The Google Home successor has serious audio chops
Improving on the original Google Home in every way, the Nest Audio is the new $100 smart speaker to beat.
Amazon’s new Echo speakers get a spherical makeover
The new Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Dot Kids Edition are here, and they’re much more well rounded—literally.
Amazon Music rolls out free podcasts, taking on Spotify
DJ Khaled, Becky G, Will Smith and more are slated to produce exclusive Amazon Music podcasts.
Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 review: A $500 soundbar with multi-room audio, but no Dolby Atmos
While it packs DTS Virtual:X and high-resolution multi-room audio, Yamaha's BAR 400 lacks Dolby Atmos support and a center channel.
The Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box just got its own gradient LED lightstrip
The new lightstrip has separate LED segments that can glow in different colors at the same time. Signify is also re-introducing the Philips Hue Iris table lamp.
Soundbar shoppers: Consider these 10 essential features
From Dolby Atmos to eARC, weigh these key features when choosing a soundbar.
Netgear’s new Meural WiFi Photo Frame focuses on family snapshots
The Wi-Fi-enabled frame from Netgear-owned Meural syncs with photo albums on your iPhone or Android phone.
Aura Carver review: This landscape-only photo frame automatically pairs portrait images
The Aura Carver picture frame uses AI to ensure you don’t see letterbox bars when the frame is displaying portrait images.
Distance learning: 4 smart tech solutions for keeping kids on track
Get some badly needed school-from-home help from Alexa, Google Assistant, your smart lights, and more.
Apple TV+ now bundles CBS All Access and Showtime for $9.99 a month
The CBS All Access and Showtime bundle essentially gives you both channels for half off, but only if you’re an Apple TV+ subscriber.
Articles by Ben Patterson
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