Michael BrownExecutive Editor, TechHive
Michael is TechHive's lead editor and covers the smart 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.
Belkin teams with Devialet to build the SoundForm Elite smart speaker and wireless charger
It’s no surprise that Belkin would make a device charger, but a high-end speaker is something else entirely.
Best mesh Wi-Fi routers: Reviews and buying advice
Few elements of your home’s infrastructure have a bigger impact on your tech life. We recommend mesh Wi-Fi routers for most people, and we’ll help you find just the right one for your needs.
Leviton Type A & Type C USB Charger Outlet review: Not smart but handy as a pocket on a shirt
This outlet features built-in USB charging ports and is available in both 15- and 20-amp configurations.
Amazon Echo Dot with Clock review: The display—limited as it is—justifies the $10 upcharge
Love is never having to say, “Alexa, what time is it?”
Qobuz review: A music streaming service on the verge of greatness
And the U.S. version is now integrated with the Sonos multi-room audio system.
Austere VII Series surge protector review: Beautiful protection preciously priced
You can buy a great surge protector for less than $50, so what makes this one worth $200?
Best wireless routers: Reviews and buying advice
pcworld.com
Few elements of your home’s infrastructure have a bigger impact on your tech life. We’ll help you find just the right router to anchor your home network.
Nest Wifi review: A mesh Wi-Fi system and smart speaker mashup for Google Assistant fans
Google's idea to blend a smart speaker with a Wi-Fi access point isn’t new, but the only other one you can buy is powered by Alexa.
Leeo Smart Alert Nightlight review: $100 is cheap if it saves your house from burning down
It plugs into an AC outlet, alerts you to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and contacts you via an app with a recording of the sound. A few false alarms aside, this security device is a smart buy for any home.
Serena Motorized Shade by Lutron review: A step up in sophistication, but also in price
Lutron’s solution is more proprietary than many, but the compatibility trade-off is worth it.
Graber Virtual Cord Motorized Shade review: Deliciously decadent lighting control
Want to set your house apart from the other smart homes in the neighborhood? Consider investing in smart window coverings.
Amazon Echo Glow: Hands-on first impressions
Increasingly sensitive to criticism of its privacy practices, Amazon leaves a microphone out of this child-oriented smart lamp.
Amazon Echo Frames: Hands-on first impressions
Alexa is moving out of the house to become a more mobile digital assistant.
Amazon Echo Buds: First impressions
These truly wireless headphones literally put Alexa in your head.
Amazon Echo Studio: First impressions
Amazon is finally building a higher-quality smart speaker—one that will give Sonos heartburn.
Articles by Michael Brown
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