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.
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.
SnapPower SwitchLight review: Better than any nightlight
Don’t stumble around in the dark looking for the light switch.
66 Audio Pro Voice wireless headphones review: Alexa moves out of the smart home
Wearing these on-ear cans is like strapping a pair of Echos to your head.
Ring Floodlight Cam review: An excellent choice—if you’re living in Ring’s ecosystem
If you’re already using one of Ring’s doorbell cameras or spotlight cams, this porchlight replacement will be a great addition.
Google Home Max review: This is the best-sounding smart speaker you can buy
But Sonos might have more to fear than Amazon (ditto for Apple).
The latest Wi-Fi mesh router comes from... First Alert?
Showgoers were doing double takes when they saw the smoke-alarm manufacturer exhibiting routers—and smart speakers—at its booth at CES.
The best smart home products of 2017
These are the smart home hubs, thermostats, speakers, smart locks, lighting controls, security cameras, and routers that will dominate early 2018 and beyond.