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Meet TechHive, the new PCWorld home for smart home tech
You may have already noticed articles on smart home security and video streaming appear on the site. Today, we announce a formal relationship between PCWorld and TechHive, its sister brand that covers smart home and other personal tech.
Updated
Best VPN for streaming Netflix 2024: Watch from wherever you are
Netflix doesn't like VPNs, but these services promise not to chill on Netflix compatibility.
News
Tapo’s in-wall smart outlet packs Matter, tracks your power usage
Besides working with all the major smart home platforms, Tapo’s Matter-ready in-wall outlet can monitor your energy consumption.
How-To
Get more out of YouTube: 17 helpful tips, tricks, and tweaks
How to use the popular video portal perfectly on your PC, tablet, smartphone, or smart TV.
Reviews
Wyze Duo Cam Doorbell review: One doorbell, two cameras
The second camera on this affordable video doorbell keeps tabs on delivered packages, while the primary lens is trained on visitors.
News
Peacock is teeing up its own password-sharing crackdown
Hot on the heels of Max, Peacock has begun taking its first steps toward keeping subscribers from sharing their accounts.
News
Google Home preview users just got another Gemini AI feature
Gemini can now pitch in if you're looking to create automations in the Google Home app.
Reviews
TCL D1 Pro Palm Vein Smart Lock review: Talk to the hand
Smart home technology once in the realm of sci-fi becomes real with this smart deadbolt that scans your palm to unlock your door.
Feature
Alexa’s big AI makeover: 8 burning questions answered
It’s been more than a year since we got our first glimpse of an AI-supercharged Alexa. What happened?
Opinion
Why I'm still using my Vive Pro for VR, six years later
Even after all this time, I still think the Vive Pro is the best VR headset. Here's why newer VR headsets haven't convinced me to switch over yet.
News
The number of Matter-enabled thermostats just grew by one
The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Thermostat joins a handful of Matter-ready models that can work with Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.
Feature
11 tips for Samsung's smart TV software
Tips, tricks, and hidden settings for Samsung's smart TVs.
Reviews
LIFX Outdoor Permanent Lights review: Luxe lighting in the eaves
This luxurious lighting solution lets you ring your home with lights you never need to take down, but we were plagued with setup issues.
News
Max will start cracking down on password sharers next week
Get ready for some “gentle messaging” if you’re sharing someone else’s Max account.
How-To
Get more from your home network: 5 advanced tips for the hardcore
Get more control over all devices in your home with alternative router software; stop smart home gadgets from 'phoning home;' and access your devices from outside with VPN.
News
Eve finally fulfills a promise to Android smart home users
It’s years late and comes with serious limitations, but an Eve app for Android is here, at last.
Reviews
Yale Code keypad lock review: Svelte & affordable, just not smart
The smart lock leader focused on price and ease of use to deliver this keypad deadbolt, which doesn't offer wireless connectivity.
News
Apple just pushed a key smart home feature into 2025
You’re still going to be able to order your robot vacuum around with Siri—just not quite yet.
News
Google smart speakers are starting to sound like Gemini
A few Google Home users are hearing a new voice coming from their Nest smart speakers, and it sure sounds like the new Gemini-enhanced Google Assistant.
Deal
Fix your spotty home Wi-Fi signal with this simple $27 gadget
Amazon is selling the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender for 46% off right now in the wake of Cyber Monday.
Deal
3 things I always buy on Cyber Monday
It’s the final day to grab the the last items on my shopping list—and I purposely timed my purchases this way.
Deal
Deck the halls with Govee's smart string lights, 33% off for Cyber Monday
The 100-feet Govee Outdoor Permanent String Lights are $100 off at Best Buy.
Tip
Buying a new TV on Cyber Monday? You'll need these 10 accessories, too
Buying a new TV during the Cyber Monday sales is just for starters. You'll want these key accessories to get the most from your new device.
Reviews
Eufy Outdoor Spotlights E10 review: A pop of color for the garden
These smart spotlights are easy to configure and provide dozens of fun lighting choices, but installation isn’t overly flexible.
Best Deals
The 32 best Amazon Cyber Monday tech deals our experts found
We've sifted through all the Cyber Monday tech deals so far to reveal the best that Amazon has to offer this year.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
The solution to Apple’s TV problems is still the obvious one
The case for an Apple television has only gotten stronger in 2024.
Updated
Netflix with ads: What you need to know
The ad-supported version of Netflix has changed substantially since launch, rolling out better video quality, offline downloads, and more.
Deal
This smart gadget presses physical buttons from your phone, now just $20
Get this remote button pusher for 30% off so you don't have to get out of bed to do things like toggle your lights or switch on your coffee maker.
Updated
Is Spotify HiFi finally on the way? Here's the latest on the overdue feature
Spotify's CEO has dropped more hints about a "higher-priced" tier with "better sound quality." But when is it coming?
Updated
Best smart speakers & displays for state-of-the-art smart homes
Whether you prefer Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri, we’ll help you find just the right model.
Reviews
Amazon Echo Spot (2024) review: The smartest clock radio ever
The new Echo Spot is neither the best smart speaker nor the best smart display. But that’s why it's so great—it fulfills its niche exceedingly well.
News
Windows will support Meta Quest VR headsets as native displays
Microsoft is adding native support for Quest 3 and Quest 3S headsets to stream Windows 11.
Deal
The newest Blink video doorbell is 50% off
The Blink Video Doorbell has had its price slashed in half on Amazon.
Best Picks
Best smart garage door controllers: Convenience and safety
Even if you use your garage only as an oversized storage locker, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without a smart controller for your existing garage door opener.
News
Google is bringing older Nest Cams back into the fold
The biggest headache about using newer and legacy Nest cameras together is finally going away.
News
Get 3 months of Spotify Premium for free with the Opera One browser
With Opera's newly integrated music player feature comes the opportunity to try three months of Spotify Premium for free.
How-To
More than Internet: 9 tips to maximize your home network
Your home local area network is useful in more ways than just providing internet access to gadgets.
Best Picks
Best media streaming devices of 2024: From budget to premium
Roku Streaming Stick vs. Amazon Fire Stick vs. Chromecast vs. Apple TV, and more. Which streaming device is the most effective at delivering streaming entertainment? Our buying guide will help you pick the right accessories for your TV.
Reviews
Roku Ultra (2024) review: There's not much new here
The 2024 Roku Ultra is just a small upgrade compared to older models.
News
Apple’s rumored home hub might borrow from Amazon and Google
As Apple’s anticipated home “command center” comes into focus, some of its purported features have a familiar ring.
How-To
Protect your home network with these essential router tweaks
These must-do router tweaks will protect your gadgets from unwanted attacks.
Best Picks
Best DIY home security systems of 2024: Reviews and buying advice
Installing your home security system yourself can save you hundreds of dollars. These are the best DIY options, with and without professional monitoring.
Reviews
Defiant Smart Home Alarm Kit review: Just the basics
Home Depot’s Hubspace smart home ecosystem gets a security system—but only barely.
Updated
Best smart lighting 2024: Reviews & buying advice
Today’s smart lighting is brighter and easier to control than ever, but choosing the right solution for your environment remains a challenge.
Updated
Eufy Outdoor String Lights E10 review: Lighting up for even less
These smart string lights are some of the least expensive on the market, and they have some cool features, too. It’s too bad they don’t look great.
News
Level rolls out its Level Lock Matter update—finally
Level achieved Matter certification way back in March, 2024. The firmware update to enable it is finally rolling out today—sort of.
News
Google Home is getting its first Gemini AI-powered features
Your Nest cam video histories and Google Home automations are about to get juiced by Gemini.
Deal
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K hits lowest price ever ahead of Black Friday
Right now, you can get the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for just $22. The 4K Max is only a few dollars more, too.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Our annual reminder to skip Roku's cheap Black Friday streamers
The Walmart-exclusive Roku LE and Roku Premiere aren't worth buying at any price.
News