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.
This smart BR30 floodlight from Hampton Products boasts powerful automation tools and it doesn’t require a hub, but it lacks a couple of key features.
Nest Audio review: The Google Home successor has serious audio chops
Improving on the original Google Home in every way, the Nest Audio is the new $100 smart speaker to beat.
Acer Aspire 5 review: Intel's Ice Lake CPUs come to the budget Aspire line
The latest of Acer’s budget-minded Aspire 5 laptops is here, now with Ice Lake on board.
Should you buy a 5G laptop right now?
The Lenovo Flex 5G is available now and more 5G-enabled laptops are on the way, but you might want to think twice before snapping one up.
Disney+ GroupWatch lets you stream shows and movies with friends
Up to seven people can join a Disney+ GroupWatch session at a time, but everyone in the group must be a Disney+ subscriber.
Lenovo Flex 5G review: The first 5G laptop offers crazy battery life, as well as compromises
The Flex 5G is the one—and for now, only—laptop to tap into Verizon’s blazingly fast 5G speeds, but its Snapdragon 8cx processor will hold you back.
Amazon’s new Echo speakers get a spherical makeover
The new Echo, Echo Dot, and Echo Dot Kids Edition are here, and they’re much more well rounded—literally.
Google Assistant’s Gentle Sleep and Wake feature now works with all smart lights
Google Assistant’s ability to slowly brighten or dim your smart lights used to be restricted to Philips Hue bulbs, but not anymore. Also: There’s a new workday routine to try.
Spotify begins testing in-app polls for podcast episodes
"The Rewatchers" will be among the first podcasts to get Spotity’s new polling feature.
NBCU’s Peacock app finally arrives on Roku following Comcast standoff
A peaceful settlement between the sparring companies led to the arrival of NBCU’s Peacock app on Roku early Monday.
Amazon Music rolls out free podcasts, taking on Spotify
DJ Khaled, Becky G, Will Smith and more are slated to produce exclusive Amazon Music podcasts.
Spotify now lists virtual concerts by your favorite artists
Want to know when your favorite band is hitting the virtual road? Spotify can help.
IFTTT unveils paid Pro plan, puts limits on free users
The IFTTT Pro plan lets you create unlimited applets with new and advanced features, while capping the number of applets that free users can create at three.
You can now ask Alexa to make calls using your AT&T number
Thanks to Amazon’s new partnership with AT&T, you can basically turn Alexa into a phone.
Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 review: A $500 soundbar with multi-room audio, but no Dolby Atmos
While it packs DTS Virtual:X and high-resolution multi-room audio, Yamaha's BAR 400 lacks Dolby Atmos support and a center channel.