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.
Best smart speakers: Which deliver the best combination of digital assistant and audio performance?
With models based on Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Cortana, and others to come, we’ll help you find just the right model for you.
Google Home Hub: Top 5 features, and how it stacks up to Echo Show
Google aims to strangle the new Echo Show in its crib, but its new smart display could also cripple hardware partners like JBL and Lenovo.
Amazon Echo Show (2nd Gen) review: Better in every way, and better than every other smart display
It’s a major step up, but Amazon still doesn’t have the best smart speaker.
The robust construction, large surface area, and tilting keyboard tray are great, but you’ll miss the easy precision a motor can offer.
JBL Link View review: The smart speaker for stereo fans
This is the best-sounding Google Assistant-powered smart speaker.
The Array by Hampton Connected Door Lock operates on Wi-Fi and is powered by the sun
A solar panel in this premium-priced, Wi-Fi-connected deadbolt continuously charges its battery.
The best Amazon Echo add-ons and accessories
A few are goofy, but many are great: These mostly inexpensive gadgets can make Amazon’s smart speakers even better.
Netgear’s XR700 Nighthawk Pro Gaming Router features 10-gigabit ethernet
Lag-hating gamers aren’t the only target, this 802.11ad router has Plex Media Server onboard, too. But brace yourself for the price tag.
Netgear Orbi Voice is a hybrid mesh Wi-Fi access point and Alexa-powered smart speaker
Harman Kardon collarborated with Netgear to design the speaker portion of the new Orbi satellite, which was announced today at IFA in Berlin.
Sonos Amp is the most important new product the company has launched in years
It's not a powered speaker, and it's aimed primarily at customer installers. But audio enthusiasts should still be excited about Sonos’ first new product since going public.
Samsung’s SmartThings Wifi mesh router/smart-home hub mashup features AI tech from Plume
Samsung is putting its well-regarded SmartThings brand front and center in the latest iteration of its combination Wave 2 Wi-Fi mesh router and smart-home hub.
This speaker system delivers a solid surround-sound performance, but it doesn’t provide the perception of height.
Leeo Smart Alert Nightlight review: $100 is cheap if it saves your house from burning down
It plugs into an AC outlet, alerts you to smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and contacts you via an app with a recording of the sound. A few false alarms aside, this security device is a smart buy for any home.
What's next for Sonos now that the speaker manufacturer and multi-room audio pioneer has gone public? Support for hi-res audio is on the company’s to-do list, and the company could add other advanced features that its older products won't be able to support.
TP-Link adds an outdoor security camera to its Kasa Cam smart home lineup
The company also has a new Wi-Fi smart plug.
Articles by Michael Brown
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