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.
Enclave Audio CineHome HD review: Plenty of bang for the home theater buck
The 'wire-free' claim is a wee bit overblown, but that doesn't mean this system isn't a good value.
Nest ships its Nest Cam Outdoor and shows off new colors for its Nest Thermostat
Nest Cam users will need a subscription to get all the new features, but non-subscribers aren't left totally in the cold.
Sony has Bose and its Quiet Comfort noise-cancelling headphones in its sights
Coming soon from Sony: New wireless and wired headphones, an audiophile headphone amp, and a gold-plated Walkman machined from solid copper.
Z-Wave (part of it, at least) becomes an open smart-home standard
Sigma Designs has released crucial software elements of its Z-Wave technology into the public domain.
Mass Fidelity Core and Core Sub review: Exceptional Bluetooth speakers
The diminutive Core is one of the best Bluetooth speakers ever. The Core Sub is icing on that sonic cake.
Vizio acquisition by Chinese TV and content powerhouse LeEco could shake up U.S. market
The $2 billion purchase of Vizio makes LeEco the number-two player in the U.S. smart TV market, and provides an opportunity for its many content holdings.
Nest is taking preorders on the Nest Cam Outdoor; expects to ship the camera this fall
Existing Nest Cam Indoor and Dropbox Pro users will get new software features, too.
Xounts Up hands-on preview: Two parts wireless speaker, one part objet d'art
Looking for something different in home audio gear? This speaker/light show fits the bill.
Behmor Brewer review: A connected coffeemaker for coffee geeks
Wi-Fi connectivity and a smartphone app help deliver a precisely calculated brew.
Wink Relay’s newest features take the touchscreen control panel beyond the smart home
With new third-party integrations, you can call an Uber, monitor your Fitbit step count, and trigger IFTTT recipes.
Comcast and Alarm.com split up Icontrol Networks to beef up their smart-home efforts
This move puts Comcast in control of its smart-home destiny, and it could leave ADT’s in the hands of Alarm.com.
Smart-battery maker Roost is developing a Wi-Fi water and freeze detector
The company behind the Roost Smart Battery for smoke detectors expands into another segment of the smart home.
Program to start with SolarCity customers who purchase or lease solar panels.
Sears doubles down on the smart home with new Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard products
The retailer rolled out everything from sensor-laden appliances to tool chests with Bluetooth smart locks at an event in New York.
Optoma NuForce BE6i wireless in-ear headphones review: You won't believe they're Bluetooth
The aluminum enclosures are pretty and all, but it's the sound that makes these headphones worth the price of admission.