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.
How to make Alexa and Google Assistant let you know when they start—and stop—listening
You can set your Echo and Google Home or Nest devices to give you audio cues when they start—and, more importantly, stop—listening for commands.
Lenovo Yoga C740 2-in-1 review: Speedy, bright, peppy, and reasonably priced
The feature-packed Lenovo Yoga C740 is one of the best values we’ve seen in a convertible laptop.
Google is 'aware' of buggy Bluetooth for Home and Nest speakers and working on a fix
If your Google Home or Nest device can’t maintain a solid Bluetooth connection with a phone or an external speaker, you’re not the only one.
Amazon Echo Glow review: A fun, kid-friendly smart lamp that works with Alexa
The durable, inexpensive Echo Glow is pretty good at the limited range of things it can do.
HP Envy 13 review: A slim, light, and inexpensive workhorse with discrete graphics
The budget-priced HP Envy 13 boasts a trim profile, solid everyday performance, and a dedicated Nvidia graphic card.
Anker Nebula Soundbar—Fire TV Edition review: Great Fire TV and Alexa functionality, but so-so sound
This 2.1-channel soundbar comes with Fire TV and Alexa onboard, but we weren’t impressed by its mediocre audio.
The Acer Swift 3 packs in plenty given its $700 sticker price, boasting a 10th-gen Intel Ice Lake CPU and a sub-three-pound weight.
Just plug the compact and inexpensive Echo Flex into a wall outlet and start chatting with Alexa.
Google’s Nest accounts will require two-factor security starting this spring
Two-factor authentication is easiest way to keep hackers from taking control of your Nest cameras, and Google's about to make it mandatory.
How to make Alexa lower her voice to a whisper
Want to chat with Alexa at night without waking everyone up? Give Alexa’s Whisper Mode a try.
Zigbee vulnerability lets hackers use Hue bulbs to hijack your network
A vulnerability in the wireless Zigbee protocol allows hackers to hijack your network using an older Hue smart bulb, but your Hue bridge has most likely been patched already.
Vizio SB2021n-G6 review: This budget 20-inch soundbar is the perfect match for a second TV
While it lacks HDMI inputs and Wi-Fi connectivity, this DTS Virtual:X-equipped soundbar boasts impressive and immersive sound for just $130.
Leaked Samsung announcement pegs February release date for the Galaxy Home Mini
Still no word on the larger Samsung Galaxy Home, however.
If your Philips Hue lights aren’t responding, maybe it’s time to move your Hue Bridge
Did all the Hue lights in your house just become unresponsive? Wireless interference could be to blame, and moving your Hue Bridge might be the answer.
Sonos will stop issuing software updates for 'legacy' speakers and devices in May
You’ll still be able to keep using older Sonos devices, but they’ll gradually lose functionality once the software updates stop.