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.
Sonos Amp is the most important new product the company has launched in years
It's not a powered speaker, and it's aimed primarily at customer installers. But audio enthusiasts should still be excited about Sonos’ first new product since going public.
Samsung’s SmartThings Wifi mesh router/smart-home hub mashup features AI tech from Plume
Samsung is putting its well-regarded SmartThings brand front and center in the latest iteration of its combination Wave 2 Wi-Fi mesh router and smart-home hub.
This speaker system delivers a solid surround-sound performance, but it doesn’t provide the perception of height.
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.
What's next for Sonos now that the speaker manufacturer and multi-room audio pioneer has gone public? Support for hi-res audio is on the company’s to-do list, and the company could add other advanced features that its older products won't be able to support.
TP-Link adds an outdoor security camera to its Kasa Cam smart home lineup
The company also has a new Wi-Fi smart plug.
Sonos Beam review: Features galore, but best suited to smaller home theaters
Alexa and AirPlay 2 support are just two of the features the Sonos Beam delivers, just don’t expect it to fill a big room.
Roku will ship its first wireless speaker in October and surprise! It’s not a soundbar
Designed specifically for Roku TVs, the Bluetooth speakers will be bundled with Roku's voice remote and an all-new tabletop voice remote.
Best wireless routers: Reviews and buying advice
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.
Ring Alarm review: A great DIY home security system with the potential to become even better
It’s strictly for home security today, but every bit of the infrastructure needed to build this into a robust smart home system is already in place.
Vivint Smart Home bundles two Google Minis with its starter kits, nudging users toward voice control
Amazon’s Echo had a long head start with Vivint, but this is the first time the service provider has included smart speakers in its packages by default.
Ring Alarm home security system now available for presale and will ship on July 4
The long-delayed DIY home security system costs $199, with optional professional monitoring for $10 per month.
Great Father’s Day gifts for tech-loving dads
Skip the slippers and the tie—give dad the gift of technology this year.
ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 TV Speaker review: This compact soundbar accentuates voices
Say what? The ZVOX AccuVoice AV200 TV Speaker's hearing-aid technology makes voices easier to hear.
Smaller and cheaper than Sonos’ previous TV-oriented speakers, the Beam looks like it will be a winner.