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.
Hey Google sensitivity setting arrives for Google Home and Nest devices
The new setting helps solve the problem of Google Assistant either not hearing its wake word, or accidentally thinking it did hear it.
Plex adds free TV shows and movies from Crackle
Plex users can now stream free (albeit ad-supported) movies and TV shows such as "Captain Phillips," "Patriot Games", "Hell’s Kitchen," and more.
Sonarworks’s SoundID Listen software aims to wring better sound out of your headphones
The just-released software for Windows and Mac customizes and (hopefully) improves the audio your headphones deliver, based on a personalized profile.
HP Envy 13 Wood Series review: Walnut enhances a slender, capable laptop
HP is onto something with the home-inspired design elements of its latest laptops.
The best online film festivals and virtual art house movie screenings
SXSW, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, Film Forum, and more are turning to virtual screenings in the wake of COVID-19.
Spotify rolls out curated podcast playlists for true crime fanatics, foodies, and more
Following in the footsteps of its Your Daily Podcast playlists, Spotify’s new podcast playlists feature hand-picked episodes from the latest and greatest pods.
The new keypad for arming and disarming the system is smaller and sleeker, despite having more features, and the Z-Wave smart home hub remains.
Movies Anywhere’s Screen Pass program lets you lend movie purchases to your friends
The still-in-beta Screen Pass feature lets you share selected movies in your Movies Anywhere digital locker for up to 72 hours.
The best 30-day streaming TV trials for stay-at-home binge watching
Netflix, Amazon Prime, CBS All Access, and more will let you stream their TV shows and movies free for a month.
5 ways to improve your relationship with Alexa
It's important to get along with everyone you’re staying at home with, including Alexa.
The new $35 Blink Mini indoor camera is Blink’s least expensive cam yet
Coming later this month, the diminutive Blink Mini is set to compete with such budget security cams as the $20 Wyze Cam v2.
The Ring Doorbox is revealed, but what is it for?
The leaked Ring Doorbox looks like it may be for securing a key, but would the key unlock a door, a package box, or something else?
How to turn your Wyze cam into a webcam
Can’t snag a webcam on Amazon? In a pinch, you can use your Wyze cam as a webcam. Here’s the trick.
Sony’s new mid-range Bluetooth headphones let you install either Alexa or Google Assistant
The $200 WH-CH710N headset boasts active noise cancellation; Sony also announced the $130 WF-XB700 true wireless earbuds.
Spotify Kids beta app finally arrives in U.S., Canada, and France
Available for months in other territories, the family-friendly Spotify Kids music app is making its stateside debut.