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.
Grillbot grill-cleaning robot review: The best thing to happen to barbecues since fire
Technology relieves mankind of yet another unpleasant task.
Securifi Almond 3 Smart Home Wi-Fi System review: An okay router bolted to a strong smart home hub
There are better mesh Wi-Fi routers out there, but none with a strong smart home hub built in.
Sonos Playbase review: Oddly enough, it sounds better playing music than movie soundtracks
The Playbase fits conveniently under your TV, but it’s not the best home theater speaker we’ve heard.
Netgear expands its Orbi Wi-Fi system into a product family, adding two less-expensive models
For one SKU, the router manufacturer shrunk its satellite to fit a wall plug.
Vifa Oslo portable Bluetooth speaker review: A Danish delight for the deep-pocketed
Vifa's Bluetooth mobile sound system offers a luxurious design and fabulous sound for its fat price.
Smart bulbs that work with Amazon's Alexa
Here’s how Amazon's digital assistant can light up your smart home.
Como Audio Duetto radio review: Retro done right
The tabletop radio might seem like a relic of the past, but this one delivers every modern convenience and high-fidelity sound, too.
The new Sonos Playbase is an amazingly thin speaker for flat-screen TVs
The $699 Playbase packs 10 drivers and 10 discrete amplifiers into a cabinet that’s just 2.28 inches high.
Ubiquiti Labs Amplifi HD Wi-Fi router review: There are better Wi-Fi systems for your Mac
It's an interesting take on mesh networking topology, but there are better solutions in this price range.
Netgear Orbi Wi-Fi router review: It doesn’t create a mesh network, but it’s so fast you won’t care
Orbi satellites communicate with the router, not with each other; but 4x4 backhaul enabled best-in-class performance in most of our benchmarks.
Sprint takes a 33 percent stake in Tidal
The music-streaming service will make exclusive content available to the mobile phone service’s customers.
Linksys Velop Wi-Fi router review: One of the best mesh network systems to date
It might be a little late to the mesh-networking party, but Linksys is showing a winner at CES.
HomeKit-compatible sensors from Fibaro bring new capabilities to Apple’s smart-home platform
Motion, flood, and door/window sensors help protect your home and can interact with other smart devices.
Google Wifi review: Mesh networking made easy
It’s not the right router for everyone, but there’s plenty to like and it’s priced right.
Amazon Echo Dot (2nd generation) review: This is the Echo most people should buy
The least-expensive Echo does everything its pricier siblings do, but you should spring for an outboard speaker if you want it to play music.