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.
Vaux speaker dock review: Add battery power and an improved speaker to your Echo Dot
Its acoustic performance won’t knock your socks off, but this combo is vastly superior to the Amazon Tap.
Terk Trinity Xtend review: This TV antenna tries to pull double-duty as a Wi-Fi range extender
Two taste treats in one? Or less than the sum of its parts?
JBL Flip 4 Bluetooth speaker review: Better-than-expected sound in a compact, waterproof enclosure
$100 isn’t chickenfeed, but this small speaker sounds like it should cost a lot more.
V-Moda Remix review: A little too much of a good thing
Thumbs up on the integrated headphone amp, thumbs down on the exaggerated bass.
Netgear Orbi RBK30 WiFi System review: It's not bad, but it's not great
It's still not a mesh system, but this time you might care.
Libratone One Click Bluetooth speaker review: Fun design and very good sound
Swappable accessories make it easy to take the music with you.
Tivoli Audio Model One Digital review: Big sound from a small footprint
Many won’t miss the extra features this tabletop radio is missing.
Soundcast VG7 outdoor Bluetooth speaker review: A wonderful speaker, indoors or out
But you’ll have to pay to play. Bigly.
Wi-Fi Alliance introduces a certification program for new smart home construction
Wi-Fi Certified homes will feature integrated wireless networks designed with the same level of detail as the home’s electrical and plumbing systems.
Eero is taking pre-orders on its second-generation Eero Home WiFi System
Touting onboard Thread radios, Eero’s CEO says this is the beginning of a new smart home platform.
Logitech’s new Circle 2 home security cameras can be used indoors or out
Buyers will need to choose between wired and wire-free models, along with a host of accessories.
Nest Cam IQ marks a clean break from the Dropcam platform Nest acquired in 2014
The new indoor security camera boasts a 4K image sensor, HDR imaging, and the ability to recognize and remember faces.
DirecTV Now is now available on most Roku streaming devices
Compatibility goes back as far as the Roku 2.
Meridian Audio Explorer2 USB DAC review: An inexpensive path to high-resolution audio
Decoding MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) tracks is this DAC’s raison d’être, but it can do more than that.
Linksys jumps into the cable modem market and announces the all-new mid-range EA9300 Wi-Fi router
Mesh routers are the hot new thing, but the latest conventional routers are delivering some supremely powerful features.