Ben PattersonSenior Writer, PCWorld
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.
HP Envy 13 review: A slim, light, and inexpensive workhorse with discrete graphics
The budget-priced HP Envy 13 boasts a trim profile, solid everyday performance, and a dedicated Nvidia graphic card.
Anker Nebula Soundbar—Fire TV Edition review: Great Fire TV and Alexa functionality, but so-so sound
This 2.1-channel soundbar comes with Fire TV and Alexa onboard, but we weren’t impressed by its mediocre audio.
The Acer Swift 3 packs in plenty given its $700 sticker price, boasting a 10th-gen Intel Ice Lake CPU and a sub-three-pound weight.
Just plug the compact and inexpensive Echo Flex into a wall outlet and start chatting with Alexa.
Best cheap laptops: We rate the best-sellers on Amazon and Best Buy
If you have $500 (or less), we've found the best cheap laptops on Amazon and Best Buy. The ones that give you the best bang for buck. Keep reading to find our top picks.
Google’s Nest accounts will require two-factor security starting this spring
Two-factor authentication is easiest way to keep hackers from taking control of your Nest cameras, and Google's about to make it mandatory.
How to make Alexa lower her voice to a whisper
Want to chat with Alexa at night without waking everyone up? Give Alexa’s Whisper Mode a try.
Zigbee vulnerability lets hackers use Hue bulbs to hijack your network
A vulnerability in the wireless Zigbee protocol allows hackers to hijack your network using an older Hue smart bulb, but your Hue bridge has most likely been patched already.
Vizio SB2021n-G6 review: This budget 20-inch soundbar is the perfect match for a second TV
While it lacks HDMI inputs and Wi-Fi connectivity, this DTS Virtual:X-equipped soundbar boasts impressive and immersive sound for just $130.
Leaked Samsung announcement pegs February release date for the Galaxy Home Mini
Still no word on the larger Samsung Galaxy Home, however.
If your Philips Hue lights aren’t responding, maybe it’s time to move your Hue Bridge
Did all the Hue lights in your house just become unresponsive? Wireless interference could be to blame, and moving your Hue Bridge might be the answer.
Sonos will stop issuing software updates for 'legacy' speakers and devices in May
You’ll still be able to keep using older Sonos devices, but they’ll gradually lose functionality once the software updates stop.
How to tweak your Wyze cam settings now that people detection is going away
Now that your Wyze Cam and Wyze Cam Pan are about to lose people detection, you can cut down on the number of false alarms by following these steps.
Spotify playlists for your pets? OK, we’ll bite
Spotify's new “algorithmically created” Pet Playlists are designed to cater to you and your pooch, kitty, or even your iguana.
Guest Mode disappears from Google Nest and Home devices
The Guest Mode feature, which allowed visitors to stream media to your Google smart speakers and displays without connecting to your Wi-Fi network, still works on Chromecast devices.
Articles by Ben Patterson
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