Michael BrownExecutive Editor, TechHive
Michael is TechHive's lead editor and covers the connected-home and home-entertainment markets. He built his own smart home in 2007, which he uses as a real-world test lab when reviewing new products. Michael also reviews routers and networking products for TechHive and PCWorld.
Vivint Smart Home bundles two Google Minis with its starter kits, nudging users toward voice control
Amazon’s Echo had a long head start with Vivint, but this is the first time the service provider has included smart speakers in its packages by default.
Ring Alarm home security system now available for presale and will ship on July 4
The long-delayed DIY home security system costs $199, with optional professional monitoring for $10 per month.
Great Father’s Day gifts for tech-loving dads
Skip the slippers and the tie—give dad the gift of technology this year.
ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 TV Speaker review: This compact soundbar accentuates voices
Say what? The ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 TV Speaker's hearing-aid technology makes voices easier to hear.
Smaller and cheaper than Sonos’ previous TV-oriented speakers, the Beam looks like it will be a winner.
Naim Audio Uniti Atom review: This is a magnificent music streamer
Exquisite design plus impeccable craftsmanship on the Naim Audio Unit Atom equal sonic bliss.
X-Fi Sonic Carrier review: Home theater of the absurd
Creative Technology's X-Fi Sonic Carrier is without reservation the finest soundbar on the market. But for the money, is it better than conventional surround sound?
Crowd-funded Abode Systems mostly sold to an Italian home-automation group
Nice S.p.A buys a majority stake in the smart home security startup, but Abode System's founders retain a 25-percent ownership position.
Q Acoustics Concept 20 loudspeaker review: These gorgeous bookshelf speakers sound positively divine
A box-within-a-box design contributes to a delightfully impressively sonic signature.
Airviz Speck indoor air-quality monitor review: It’s great, as far as it goes
This handy device measures levels of particulate matter in your home’s air, and that’s pretty much it.
Maximus Camera Floodlight review: Brand X is trying harder
It's cheaper than the Ring Floodight Cam and offers some benefits that camera doesn't.
Evodesk XE Pro sit/stand desk review: A smart addition to any home office
A motorized lift and a plethora of customization options are the highlights of this inexpensive workstation.
SnapPower USB Charger 2 review: Double the USB ports and (sort of) twice the power
This outlet cover lets you charge two devices at once, or one device twice as fast as the original.
Libratone Too Bluetooth speaker review: High-fidelity sound on the go
This portable speaker delivers uncommonly good near-field sound for its size.
The best smart home devices that work with Alexa
Amazon’s Echo smart speakers are most powerful when paired with third-party smart home hardware. These products earned our highest raitings.
Articles by Michael Brown
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