Ben PattersonSenior Writer, TechHive
Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he covers smart speakers, soundbars, and other smart and home-theater devices.
Google refreshes its Nest cameras and doorbell, adds a floodlight cam
A quartet of new Nest security cams is finally on the way, complete with on-device AI and free people, pet, vehicle, and package detection.
Spotify’s latest test: A 99-cent plan with on-demand tunes, unlimited skips, and ads
Don’t want to pay $10 a month for Spotify Premium? Spotify is test a cheaper, ad-supported Plus tier with perks that free users don't get.
Klipsch’s first true wireless ANC earphones are finally available
The T5 II True Wireless ANC earbuds are the first to offer Dirac HD sound correction, as well as Bragi’s AI-enabled operating system.
Philips Hue Dimmer Switch (2021) review: The aging Hue dimmer switch gets a welcome revamp
Equipped with a new button, a much improved wall plate, and greater configurability, the new Hue Dimmer Switch is better in every way.
Amazon’s second-gen Fire TV Cube now lets you make Zoom calls
Just add a compatible webcam, and the latest Fire TV Cube will let you make two-way video calls using the Zoom app for Fire TV.
Wyze Night Light review: These affordable, groupable, motion-sensing lights have some issues
You can group up to 10 of Wyze’s inexpensive night lights, which boast motion and ambient light sensors. But we had trouble with the magnetic mounts, and battery life was disappointingly brief.
How to assign more than one voice command to a single Alexa routine
Having trouble remembering the exact voice commands for your Alexa routines? Now you can add multiple phrases to a single routine.
Cree Lighting Connected Max ST19 review: An affordable, tunable, filament smart bulb
Cree’s new vintage filament bulb is both inexpensive and attractive, but it comes with a quirky app and a too-bright minimum brightness.
Current Echo smart speakers and displays will support Matter, Amazon says
Only a handful of legacy Echo devices won’t be getting a Matter update.
CNN unveils CNN+ streaming service, slated for 2022
CNN+ will offer live and on-demand programming that’s distinct from CNN’s linear TV networks. How much will it cost? Good question.
Ring rolls out end-to-end encryption worldwide, adds authenticator app and CAPTCHA support
Ring’s support for end-to-end video encryption is no longer limited to the U.S., and it now extends to more devices.
Roku Streambar Pro review: A solid, Roku-enabled upgrade for your TV’s built-in speakers
Roku’s step-up soundbar arrives with a new virtual surround mode and surprisingly decent audio performance, plus an integrated Roku player and AirPlay 2.
Nanoleaf Elements review: These handsome light panels look great powered on or off
Nanoleaf’s gorgeous Elements smart light panels have a “wood-look” finish, along with a steep price tag.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd gen) review: The smallest Echo display gets a modest upgrade
Now equipped with a sharper camera and a proximity sensor, the new Echo Show 5 is better than ever, but the cheaper original remains an enticing alternative.
Lenovo unveils its Smart Clock 2 with a wireless charging dock
The redesigned smart clock still has Google Assistant on board, along with a new wireless charging dock that boasts an integrated night light.
Articles by Ben Patterson
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