Smart Homes

Everyone and their granny has a Wi-Fi connection in their home, but not all of them run as fast as you might like. While that might just mean you need a new router, it’s possible someone is thieving your connection, too. Fortunately, there are ways to detect it and block them from accessing it ever again. As long as you …

Does your home get too hot in the summer, even as your utility bill continues to climb each year? You may want to consider a “smart thermostat,” which is an evolution in heating and air conditioning technology. These thermostats can keep homes climate-controlled while promoting energy efficiency.  We reviewed two of the top-selling smart thermostats on the market. Both the …

There are terrifying stories of hackers taking over security systems and spying on families through their cameras. These stories can make you feel a little paranoid if you have a security system. Connectivity features can enhance your security system by giving you remote access to your video feed and allowing you to store your security recordings in the cloud. However, …

Setting up your Amazon Alexa voice profile is an essential step — whether you just took it out of the box, or are tired of it not “hearing” you. It can be frustrating when your tech isn’t doing what you want it to, but setting up a voice profile for your Alexa can help you avoid that. This guide covers …

Welcome to the world of Google’s Nest Hub Max. You’re about to enjoy one of the best smart home hubs on the market. The Nest Hub Max is a versatile unit that offers great video calls, smart home controls, another screen on which to watch YouTube TV, and more. Of course, it’s also compatible with your other Google ecosystem devices. …

Got a Facebook Portal, but worried you won’t be able to use it because you’re not as tech-savvy as you’d like to be? Don’t worry. Setting up your Facebook Portal is a super-easy process that will take you just a few minutes. Here’s how to get started using your Portal, step by step, no matter if you have a Portal, …

The Google Home is a powerful device, perhaps even more powerful than you’d expect. But while it’s happy to help out with a variety of commands, some of the best features can’t be found without a bit of a search. To help owners get the most out of their devices, we’ve created a guide filled with tips and tricks, and …

Google has made a permanent mark in the world of smart speakers and displays. With options including the Google Nest Audio, Google Nest Mini, Google Home, Google Home Mini, Google Home Max, Google Nest Hub, and Google Nest Hub Max, there’s a device to serve every need, whether you need a control hub for your home’s smart ecosystem, or you’re just …

Experience great sound quality, responsive microphones, and a wide range of features with the Google Assistant-powered Home Mini. From controlling your smart home to acting as a language interpreter, this device offers incredible value for your money. The current-generation Home Mini, released in October 2019, retails at around $50 but can often be purchased for just $30. It’s the perfect …

While Google Home is a full-sized device, there are two much smaller variants available: The Nest Mini and Google Home Mini. They share the traits of having Google Assistant and while they are smaller in size, they don’t lack in functionality. Both the Nest Mini and Home Mini can play music, update Google apps, respond to voice commands, and more. …