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.
Samsung says its Galaxy Home smart speaker is very much alive, despite its absence at Unpacked
After the long-awaited, Bixby-powered speaker failed to show at Unpacked 2019, Samsung promises that the Galaxy Home is still in the works.
PicoBrew’s MultiBrew beer-brewing appliance will make coffee, tea, and more at the push of a button
For years, PicoBrew has made it easy to brew your own craft beer with its push-button Pico devices, and now it’s looking to pour you the perfect cup of coffee.
Is anyone home? Samsung's Galaxy Home smart speaker is a no-show at Unpacked 2019
It’s been about six months since we’ve laid eyes on the Samsung Galaxy Home, and now it appears we’ll have to wait even longer for another sighting.
Altice USA and Devialet team up for a pricey Alexa-powered smart speaker
The makers of one of our favorite speakers has joined forces with a big U.S. cable carrier for a luxurious Alexa-enabled speaker, but it’ll cost you a pretty penny.
Acer Aspire 5 A515-54-51DJ review: Slim and inexpensive, but middling quad-core performance
If you’re looking for an inexpensive quad-core laptop that’s less than three-quarters of an inch thick, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-54-51DJ might fit the bill.
How to keep Amazon, Apple, and Google from listening to your Alexa, Siri, and Assistant recordings
Amazon Echo and Google Home users can shut the door on “human review” of their voice recordings. Also: how to wipe your Siri history off of Apple's servers.
Amazon Dash buttons are going away for good, but there are alternatives
Physical Dash buttons are on the way out, but there are alternatives for quickly reordering items from Amazon, from “virtual” Dash buttons to the Dash Wand.
Nanoleaf’s Canvas smart light squares are poised to take charge of all your HomeKit devices
An update to the Nanoleaf app for iOS will add Touch Actions, a feature that lets you tap specific Canvas light squares on your wall to control your various HomeKit devices.
You just bought a new Amazon Echo device? Do these 6 things first
Get the scoop on how to train Alexa to recognize your voice, prevent unauthorized purchases from Amazon, tell it where you live and work, and more.
Samsung’s post-Prime Day TV and soundbar deals include its gorgeous 8K QLED TV
Think 4K video looks amazing? Wait until you feast your eyes on Samsung’s 8K QLED TV, which is getting an impressive discount in the wake of Amazon Prime Day.
Amazon’s Echo Connect lets you make landline calls with your Echo devices, and it’s just $20 today
Making iPhone and Android phone calls with Alexa is a snap once you fiddle with the right settings, but did you know the Alexa/Echo combo works with landlines, too? All you need is an Echo Connect.
Scout’s $99 video doorbell promises to detect people rather than cars
The makers of a new, bargain-priced smart doorbell claims it's found a better way of detecting people on your doorstep, as opposed to cars or critters.
The Beats Solo3 Bluetooth headset is more than 50% off during Amazon Prime Day
When it comes to Bluetooth headphones, “Beats” and “bargain” aren’t words you expect to see in the same sentence. But during this year’s Amazon Prime Day, the Beats Solo3 on-ear headset is selling for its lowest price ever.
Keep an eye on your valuables with all-time-low prices on Tile Bluetooth trackers
If your keys, wallet, or laptop (ugh!) have an evil tendency to disappear just when you need them, these diminutive Bluetooth trackers can help you pin down their hiding place.
The first soundbar to support DTS Virtual:X sound is $95 off for Amazon Prime Day
Feast your ears on the Yamaha YAS-207BL, a top-notch soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth, and best of all, support for DTS’s answer to Dolby Atmos.