Michael BrownExecutive Editor, TechHive
Michael is TechHive's lead editor and covers the smart 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.
How to buy the right-sized TV (the only problem is that it might not exist)
Quality over size is our usual mantra, but vendors don't generally offer their best technology in TVs smaller than 55-inch class.
Best of CES 2021: The smart home and home entertainment products that captured our attention
Attending a virtual tradeshow is a suboptimal experience, but these new offerings still made an impression.
Hex Home Security monitors Wi-Fi radio waves to detect intruders
The system analyzes how Wi-Fi radio waves are disrupted as people move around your home and is supposed to be smart enough to ignore pets.
The first Linksys Wi-Fi 6e router is a mesh network model
The Linksys AXE8400 Wi-Fi 6E System is aimed at smart home enthusiasts and is backward compatible with earlier Linksys Intelligent Mesh products.
Netgear has one of the first Wi-Fi 6e routers: The Nighthawk RAXE500
The router taps the newly opened 6GHz frequency band and promises to deliver massive bandwidth with little latency. Netgear also unveiled a new cable modem.
Roku rescues Quibi’s entertainment content
Quibi’s business model turned into a joke, but there was nothing wrong with much of its content.
Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro review: Sophisticated front-door security—for a price
This is the best video doorbell we’ve tested, but not everyone will want the professionally installed and monitored smart home/home security system that it's part of.
Ring Alarm (2nd Gen) review: Still the best DIY home security system
Yes, still the best, but Ring hasn’t done much to extend its reach into the broader smart home universe.
Anker PowerExtend USB-C 3 Capsule review: A fast-charging surge protector
This surge protector has just three outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port, but they come in an attractively compact package.
The best smart shades: These luxurious window treatments blend high tech with high fashion
Smart, motorized shades and blinds cost a pretty penny, but do they ever bring the wow.
Serena by Lutron Smart Wood Blinds review: Pretty enough, but also pretty expensive
Wood blinds look more elegant than fabric shades, but their greater mass limits the onboard motor in this smart model to tilting the slats—you’ll need to raise and lower the blinds by hand.
Hunter Douglas Duette PowerView smart shade review: Ultimate luxury, sophistication, and privacy
This motorized smart shade protects your privacy without blocking any light or your view.
Amazon Echo (4th Gen) review: The more things change, the more they stay the same
Amazon still has the best speaker for smart home control, but it still trails Sonos and Google in musicality.
Philips Hue Lily outdoor spotlight review: The perfect highlight for your outdoor landscaping
This addition to the outdoor Hue line will really draw attention to your garden (so make sure your plants look their best).
Philips Hue Calla outdoor pathway light review: A sophisticated outdoor lighting system
Philips takes its Hue smart lighting outdoors with this elegant and well-built pathway light.
Articles by Michael Brown
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