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.
Apple HomePod Mini review: Apple’s $99 smart speaker needs to be either better or cheaper
If the HomePod Mini were $50 rather than $99, we’d really have something.
Google smart displays get sticky notes for family members
Now you can ask Google Assistant to leave “Family Notes” on your Google display. Also: Google Assistant gets a “find my family” feature.
HBO Max app finally arrives on Amazon Fire TV devices
Starting on Tuesday, Fire TV users will finally be able to watch Succession, Game of Thrones, Big Little Lies, and more using the HBO Max app.
Acer Nitro 5 review: This budget gaming laptop keeps getting better
The Acer Nitro 5 should delight budget-minded gamers wIth a Ryzen 4000-series CPU on board, plus a revamped cooling system and an affordable price.
Dell Latitude 7310 (2020) review: Tough, speedy and privacy-minded
The 13.3-inch Latitude 7310’s privacy screen and proximity sensor will foil nosey neighbors.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) with Clock review: The clock-equipped Echo Dot gets a spherical makeover
Aside from its new spherical design, the revamped Echo Dot with Clock doesn’t veer far from the original’s winning formula.
Philips Hue Iris review: This gorgeous accent light supports both Zigbee and Bluetooth
Now compatible with Bluetooth, the revamped Philips Hue Iris is twice as bright as the original.
Polk Audio MagniFi 2 soundbar review: Virtual 3D audio and built-in Chromecast, but iffy bass
The 2.1-channel MagniFi 2 soundbar from Polk Audio does a solid job at delivering virtualized 3D audio, but gets tripped up by its mediocre bass response.
The new A19 color smart bulbs from Hampton Products are reasonably priced, but some key features, such as a vacation mode, are MIA.
Touch-enabled dashboard for smart devices coming to Amazon Fire tablets
The new Device Dashboard will be accessible from the navigation bar of selected Fire tablets.
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) review: The new Dot delivers a revamped look and (slightly) better sound
The latest Echo Dot is technically the best Dot yet, but only by a narrow margin.
Best Prime Day deals on smart lighting, security cams, and other smart home gear
From smart lights and security cameras to robot vacuums and digital photo frames, we've pinpointed some killer Prime Day smart home deals.
Best Prime Day deals on TVs, soundbars, media streamers, and more
Whether you want to trade up to a new 4K (or 8K!) TV or you're in the market for a soundbar or a streaming player, there are great Prime Day deals to be had for home entertainment.
Apple unveils the $99 HomePod mini smart speaker, coming next month
Due in November, the HomePod mini boasts a spherical, fabric-covered shell, a full-range driver, dual passive radiators, and a new intercom feature for Siri.
Google Assistant’s Guest mode for Nest speakers will let you go incognito
Want to keep a chat with Google Assistant private? Just ask it to turn on Guest mode, coming soon to a Nest speaker near you.