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.
Sony has Bose and its Quiet Comfort noise-cancelling headphones in its sights
Coming soon from Sony: New wireless and wired headphones, an audiophile headphone amp, and a gold-plated Walkman machined from solid copper.
Z-Wave (part of it, at least) becomes an open smart-home standard
Sigma Designs has released crucial software elements of its Z-Wave technology into the public domain.
Mass Fidelity Core and Core Sub review: Exceptional Bluetooth speakers
The diminutive Core is one of the best Bluetooth speakers ever. The Core Sub is icing on that sonic cake.
Behmor Brewer review: A connected coffeemaker for coffee geeks
Wi-Fi connectivity and a smartphone app help deliver a precisely calculated brew.
Optoma NuForce BE6i wireless in-ear headphones review: You won't believe they're Bluetooth
The aluminum enclosures are pretty and all, but it's the sound that makes these headphones worth the price of admission.
It’ll fill the smaller spaces in your home with sound, but you’ll need its bigger sibling for the living room.
Fender FXA6 Pro in-ear monitors review: These earphones are something special
You might think they’re expensive at $400, but their sound and fit rival custom-made monitors that cost nearly three times more.
Enterprise-network builder Ubiquiti Networks to offer home Wi-Fi routers
The unusual-looking AmpliFi 802.11ac Wi-Fi router series will ship with two pre-paired range extenders.
Securifi’s Almond 3 connected-home router is now available for pre-order
This 802.11ac router has a ZigBee radio built in, and you can add support for Bluetooth and/or Z-Wave with USB dongles.
Bowers & Wilkins is the trophy acquisition of a startup with high-end audio ambitions
Venerable British audio company Bowers & Wilkins has been snapped up by a startup that's flush with Silicon Valley cash. Little-known Eva Automation has no publicly announced products, but it has top-notch management and superstar backing. Better still, B&W's Joe Atkins will remain as CEO.
Did you take your pills? The PillDrill medication tracking system will help you remember
This innovative device could lead to better medical outcomes while reducing family friction.
For those who’d rather spend their time drinking great coffee than learning how to be a barista.
Libratone Zipp wireless speakers review: Great looks, good sound, lots of features
The Zipp and Zipp Mini sound good, but they illustrate the distinction between a multi-room audio system and a whole-home audio system.
Linksys EA7500 Wi-Fi router review: MU-MIMO made affordable (but no more useful)
This router is a good performer, but it's too early in the game to pay more for multi-user MIMO.
Buffalo AirStation Extreme WXR-1900DHPD review: Open-source firmware is supposed to be a good thing
Thumbs up for offering open-source firmware, Buffalo, but make sure it exposes all the router's features.