Cutting Edge Technology Resources​

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Most evolutions occur over eons of time. The evolution occurs so slowly that the steps in the evolution are not observable on a day-to-day basis.

The onset of remote work has led to a business world without boundaries. However, while hiring global team members is now easier than ever, you still need to know where to find the right talent, especially within the tech industry. In this guide, we unlock the keys to navigating the local tech talent shortage and highlight the emerging tech hiring hubs around the world. Find out why a global recruitment strategy is the way forward in today ́s ultra- competitive tech talent market.

It’s never been easier for companies to recruit top-tier talent on a global scale, thanks to remote working apps, platforms, and social media. However, employees are now embracing lifestyle over work – with many migrating to other jobs to find new opportunities that better align with their values and priorities.

Global events over the past several years have brought massive cultural changes to the workplace, be it the breakout of remote working, or unsettling trends like “Quiet Quitting.” As we head into a new year, what factors are likely to affect our working environments in 2023?

Leveraging the specialized skills of an independent contractor can be the most efficient route to success when looking to hire quickly internationally for a short-term solution. In this eBook, you’ll discover the intricacies of hiring independent contractors to ensure that your company handles compliance and classification correctly.

SonicWall has seen a number of organizational changes throughout its 30-year history, from its early days as an innovator in SMB network security to its decade as a public company, its five years as a part of Dell and the past five years of private ownership following divestiture.

  • Ensuring accuracy and quality with coloured adhesives

    There are many reasons why a customer may seek out coloured adhesive when creating an application. Whether this is to ensure brand recognition for their own client or keeping in line with product identification requirements, coloured adhesive tapes are an incredibly useful tool to have in your arsenal.

  • Sign & Digital UK 2024: a new era

    At the end of this week the doors open to Sign & Digital UK 2024, LFR looks ahead to the show and picks out some of the highlights we can expect over the three days at the NEC.

  • What can double-sided tapes do for you?

    While high-quality adhesive tapes allow users to take on all manner of work and assist them with creating applications of all shapes and sizes, you can push the boundaries even further by thinking outside the box with double-sided tapes.

  • Developing market-leading wide format inks

    In a world of raw materials shortages, as well as rapidly developing printing technologies, Gemma Osborne, Research Development Section Head at Fujifilm Ink Solutions Group, explains what it takes to continue to produce wide format inks of the highest quality.

  • Price It Right: A guide to print services package pricing

    One of the most challenging aspects of any business, especially if you are just setting up shop, is how do you know what prices to set for your products and services?

  • Storage conditions and environmental factors for print media

    As the seasons change and we move through the winter, we are all taking steps to ensure we are ready for the cold and wet weather. This might be something as simple as putting on more layers when out and about or making sure the pressure on your car tyres is at the right level.

    • Microsoft unveils Copilot for Azure SQL Database

      Microsoft has announced a private preview of Copilot in Azure SQL Database, an AI assistant that improves productivity in the Azure portal by offering natural language to SQL conversion, along with self-help for database administration.Microsoft announced the preview on March 21. To sign up for the preview, users can request access.To read this article in full, please click here

    • Databricks’ open-source DBRX LLM beats Llama 2, Mixtral, and Grok

      Data lakehouse provider Databricks has released a family of open-source large language models (LLM), DBRX, that it says outperforms OpenAI’s GPT 3.5 and open-source models such as Mixtral, Claude 3, Llama 2, and Grok-1 on standard benchmarking tests.To read this article in full, please click here

    • 11 VS Code extensions you didn’t know you needed

      Visual Studio Code is a terrific software development environment, and not only because it has excellent code-editing features and language support. Thanks to its rich culture of extensions, VS Code supports many tasks besides editing. You’ll find VS Code extensions for everything from a speedier way to navigate the editor to effortlessly inserting placeholder text and images.Here are 11 VS Code extensions that you might want to consider when putting together your development environment. Some could be extremely useful additions to your toolkit, and even part of your daily workflow. To read this article in full, please click here

    • How to handle errors in React

      Graceful error handling is an essential aspect of well-designed software. It’s also tricky. This article offers an overview of error handling in React applications and how to use React error boundaries to handle render-time errors.React error types We can divide React application errors broadly into two types, and error handling into two aspects.The two React error types: JavaScript errors: These are conventional JavaScript errors that occur in the code portion of a component. Render errors: These are errors raised by the rendering engine, emerging from the markup. Note that the nature of JavaScript UI makes for tricky error handling. Aside from typical runtime errors, there are errors that spring from the “drawing” of the screen components. We are distinguishing these two types of errors here as “JavaScript errors” and “Render errors.”To read this article in full, please click here

    • Steampipe dashboards and benchmarks for your data

      In Steampipe unbundled we showed how its plugins, which originally worked only with the foreign data wrapper loaded into Steampipe’s batteries-included Postgres, are now also available as stand-alone distributions that you can load into your own instances of Postgres or SQLite. Now Steampipe itself is unbundled: its dashboard server and benchmark runner have migrated to a new open-source project, Powerpipe.To read this article in full, please click here

    • Intel taps developers in a massive AI push

      Intel Corporation has launched two new initiatives as part of its AI PC Acceleration Program to promote collaboration between software and hardware ecosystems, aimed at enhancing AI capabilities across over 100 million Intel-based AI PCs by 2025.The first initiative, the AI PC Developer Program, is tailored specifically for software developers and independent software vendors (ISVs). Its primary goal is to provide developers with accessible tools, workflows, AI-deployment frameworks, and developer kits featuring the latest Intel hardware, including the Intel Core Ultra processor. This program seeks to streamline the developer experience and facilitate the adoption of AI technologies at scale.To read this article in full, please click here

    • This startup believes mobile apps for businesses should work more like consumer apps

      Have you noticed the massive gap between consumer and business apps on your phone? While consumer apps are both beautifully designed and easy to use, business apps are simply painful to use. A European startup is developing a suite of B2B apps that are designed for mobile first because phones have become the main computers © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

    • India’s tribunal court allows Byju’s to proceed with crucial EGM

      Byju’s secured favorable outcomes in two court hearings Thursday, paving the way for the embattled edtech startup to move ahead with the extraordinary general meeting scheduled for Friday. The National Company Law Tribunal refused to stay on Thursday Byju’s planned EGM to increase the authorized share capital for the $200 million rights issue. The matter © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

    • Climate tech VC Satgana closes first fund that targets early-stage startups in Africa, Europe

      Climate-tech VC Satgana has reached a final close of its first fund, which targets to back up to 30 early-stage startups in Africa and Europe. The VC firm reached a final close of £8 million ($8.6 million) following commitments from family offices and high-net-worth individuals, including Maurice Lévy of the Publicis Groupe, and Back Market © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

    • StealthMole raises $7M Series A for its AI-powered dark web intelligence platform 

      StealthMole, an AI-powered dark web intelligence startup that specializes in monitoring cyber threats and detecting cybercrime, announced Thursday that it has raised a $7 million Series A funding round. The Singapore-headquartered startup with an R&D office in South Korea will use the fresh capital to establish additional R&D centers and support more commercial uses of © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

    • Accel rethinks early-stage startup investing in India

      By any benchmark, Accel is among the top venture firms in India. With nearly two dozen Indian unicorn startups, including several category leaders, Accel’s track record speaks for itself. Yet the partners leading the firm’s early-stage accelerator program, called Atoms, are uncharacteristically introspective about their learnings and the changes they have been implementing to improve © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

    • Understanding humanoid robots

      Robots made their stage debut the day after New Year’s 1921. More than half-a-century before the world caught its first glimpse of George Lucas’ droids, a small army of silvery humanoids took to the stages of the First Czechoslovak Republic. They were, for all intents and purposes, humanoids: two arms, two legs, a head — © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

      • Israel quietly rolled out a mass facial recognition program in the Gaza Strip

        Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge Israel has deployed a mass facial recognition program in the Gaza Strip, creating a database of Palestinians without their knowledge or consent, The New York Times reports. The program, which was created after the October 7th attacks, uses technology from Google Photos as well as a custom tool built by the Tel Aviv-based company Corsight to identify people affiliated with Hamas. The facial recognition program was built in tandem with Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, according to the Times report. After the October 7th attacks, officers within the Israeli military’s Unit 8200, the Israeli Defense Forces’ main intelligence unit, identified potential targets by watching security camera footage and videos Hamas had uploaded to social... Continue reading…

      • Dbrand tried and failed to fix the Ghost Case — replacements will take longer

        The Dbrand Ghost Case for the iPhone 15 Pro. | Image: Dbrand Dbrand is scrapping plans to fix its anti-yellowing Ghost Case, but not because it yellows — it’s that it scratches very easily. The company had promised in November to ship free replacements with scratch-resistant coatings, but now it’s telling customers via email they’ll have to wait. Most of its production run of those ended up “unshippable,” the company says, so instead it’s sending a redesigned “Ghost 2.0” this summer. Essentially, it’s a delay. The company says that its first test runs of the newly-coated cases looked good, but when it tried to manufacture them at scale, the coatings got all gloppy at the edges: As you can imagine, after developing a zero-yellowing anti-scratch solution that was the first of its kind, we were... Continue reading…

      • Leaked images reveal Microsoft’s white disc-less Xbox Series X console

        Image: Exputer Microsoft appears to be readying a white version of its Xbox Series X console without a disc drive. Exputer has published a series of leaked images of the white Xbox Series X, showing that it’s a disc-less system with the same design on the exterior as the existing black Xbox Series X. The white coating appears to be identical to the Xbox Series S “robot white” that Microsoft uses on its smaller $299 console. Exputer reports that this white Xbox Series X will have some internal components upgraded, including the heatsink used to cool the console. The Verge has seen additional documents detailing changes to this white Xbox Series X that suggest these leaked photos are genuine, but we’ve reached out to Microsoft to comment. Exputer claimed... Continue reading…

      • Oregon’s governor signs right-to-repair law that bans ‘parts pairing’

        Oregon joins Minnesota, California, and New York in giving consumers and repair shops more control over device repairs. | Image: iFixit Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has now signed one of the strongest US right-to-repair bills into law after it passed the state legislature several weeks ago by an almost 3-to-1 margin. Oregon’s SB 1596 will take effect next year, and, like similar laws introduced in Minnesota and California, it requires device manufacturers to allow consumers and independent electronics businesses to purchase the necessary parts and equipment required to make their own device repairs. Oregon’s rules, however, are the first to ban “parts pairing” — a practice manufacturers use to prevent replacement components from working unless the company’s software approves them. These protections also prevent manufacturers from using parts pairing to reduce device... Continue reading…

      • The new MacBook Air M3 is $100 off for the first time

        The new M3-powered MacBook Air is faster than its predecessor with GPU upgrades. | Image: Apple It’s a good day for Apple deals. Not only can you get $150 off the Apple Vision Pro for the first time, but the new MacBook Air, released earlier this month, is already $100 off at Amazon and B&H Photo. That’s a new all-time low available on the midnight base models, which come with 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage. Note that Amazon is temporarily out of stock, but you can still place an order, and it will ship when it’s available. Apple’s latest entry-level laptop is powered by Apple’s M3 chips and is therefore faster than its predecessor, which was already a fantastic performer. It’s also a little more useful for productivity purposes, as it can now power up to two external displays when the laptop is closed, as opposed to just one... Continue reading…

      • GLAAD report says Meta allows anti-trans hate to ‘flourish’ on its platforms

        Image: Vjeran Pavic GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy group, claims that Meta’s content moderation system is allowing an “epidemic of anti-transgender hate” to flourish on its platform. A new report published by the group says Meta has allowed dozens of anti-trans posts — including ones that call for violence against private individuals — to stay online. The organization says that LGBTQ+ people “experience an increasing number of well-documented real-world harms” due to “propaganda campaigns, driven by the anti-LGBTQ extremists that Meta allows to flourish on its platforms.” The report documents several examples of anti-trans content posted to Facebook, Instagram, and Threads between June 2023 and March of this year, all of which GLAAD... Continue reading…

      • Twitch bans turning butts and boobs into green screens

        Though this isn’t quite what Twitch will soon ban, it’s another example from Morgpie of her ability to push Twitch’s guideline boundaries | Image: Twitch / Morgpie The latest update to Twitch’s community guidelines is oddly specific. According to the update, starting March 29th, “content that focuses on intimate body parts for a prolonged period of time will not be allowed.” The move is, without a doubt, a targeted response to the new Twitch “meta” wherein streamers project gameplay onto a green-screened part of their bodies, specifically the breasts or buttocks. I’ve officially seen it all pic.twitter.com/gZ96jSa3hD— ryan (@scubaryan_) March 16, 2024 The trend was popularized by Morgpie, a creator known for pushing the boundaries of Twitch’s streaming policies. Earlier this month, she streamed herself playing Fortnite with the gameplay projected on her butt. During her stream today, she... Continue reading…

      • Qualcomm quietly demos Baldur’s Gate 3 and Control on Snapdragon X Elite laptops

        The red Snapdragon X Elite reference design laptop Qualcomm used to show off the games. | Image: Qualcomm If you read my scoop last week, I bet you’ve been wondering — how well could a Snapdragon chip actually run Windows games? At the 2024 Game Developers Conference, the company claimed Arm could run those titles at close to x86/64 speed, but how fast is fast? With medium-weight games like Control and Baldur’s Gate 3, it looks like the target might be: 30 frames per second at 1080p screen resolution, medium settings, possibly with AMD’s FSR 1.0 spatial upscaling enabled. That’s what Qualcomm has apparently been showing influencers, according to numerous videos from YouTubers, TikTokers, and “Snapdragon Insiders,” many of which were uploaded over the past week after they flew down to Qualcomm’s San Diego headquarters for the company’s “... Continue reading…

      • Logitech’s original G Pro X Superlight is on sale for nearly 40 percent off

        The first-gen Superlight isn’t the latest model, but it remains a standout gaming mouse at $60 off. | Image: Logitech These days, there are ample options to consider when choosing a gaming mouse — we should know, having put together a detailed guide to some of the best available. That said, not everyone needs the latest and greatest gaming peripherals, which makes the current discount on the slightly older Logitech G Pro X Superlight all the more appealing. Right now, the first-gen mouse is on sale at Best Buy in white for an all-time low of $99.99 ($60 off) and in black at Amazon for $109.95 (about $50 off). Logitech’s original G Pro X Superlight was designed as a step-down version of Logitech’s popular G Pro Wireless. It’s not the company’s most advanced mouse — that would be the newer Superlight 2 — but the right-handed mouse remains a great option... Continue reading…

      • Bill Maher expands podcast operation with a controversial host

        Photo by Ronald Martinez / Getty Images This is Hot Pod, The Verge’s newsletter about podcasting and the audio industry. Sign up here for more. Hello! I know many of you are in LA for Podcast Movement Evolutions. I am not, so feel free to reach out with gossip. Today, New York Magazine publishes a polarizing profile of podcast star Andrew Huberman, Slate takes home the award for Podcast of the Year, and Bill Maher launches a new network. New York Magazine publishes lengthy feature on Andrew Huberman and his messy personal life I don’t begrudge you if you haven’t had the time to read New York Magazine’s 8,000-word cover story on Andrew Huberman. While much of the piece focuses on how he juggled multiple affairs as he was in a long-term relationship (spoiler: all the women... Continue reading…

      • These Custom Toys Are More Art Than Action Figure

        Human instinct dictates that when we see a toy, we want to open it. It’s why old toys that are still in their box are so valuable. Everyone who bought them as a child opened and played with them, making ones still in the package much rarer. But what if there were toys that went against that instinct? Toys not meant to…Read more...

      • Florence Pugh Takes Us on a Tour of the Thunderbolts Set

        There’s a new crew of ne’er do wells joining up to save the world in Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts. The new film starring Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, this era’s Black Widow, has started shooting in Atlanta, Georgia and the actress has given fans a look behind the scenes of the shoot.Read more...

      • Lush's Slimy New Shrek Collection Brings the Swamp to the Spa

        Shrek’s swamp comes home—with a spa upgrade—thanks to a new Lush collection featuring an all-star ensemble of Shrek characters, including Donkey, Princess Fiona, Gingy, and the big green ogre himself. It’s the latest Lush collaboration with Universal Pictures after a successful Super Mario Bros. Movie team-up last…Read more...

      • NASA Rockets Set to Probe the Moon's Shadow During Upcoming Eclipse

        As the Moon wedges itself between Earth and Sun, temporarily dimming the day’s light over parts of our planet, three rockets will take to the skies to observe how those brief moments of darkness affect Earth’s upper atmosphere.Read more...

      • Twitch Changes Policy to Deal With New Butt Streaming

        Twitch has once again redefined its policy regarding nudity on streams. This time around, it seems like you can stream parts of your body but don’t do it for the entire playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3. Read more...

      • Apple Users Are Getting Bombarded With ‘Reset Password’ Requests

        Apple users are being targeted by an elaborate and annoying phishing scam that aims to change their password and lock them out of their devices, according to a new report from Krebs on Security. In some cases, the scammers have even called individuals and pretended to be Apple Support.Read more...

      • Disney's War With Ron DeSantis Might Finally Be Winding Down

        Nearly two years after a highly public feud kicked off between the Walt Disney Company and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis—involving the takeover and subsequent renaming of of Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District—a settlement has been reached. Read more...

      • Astronomers Watch in Real Time as Epic Supernova Potentially Births a Black Hole

        A team of astronomers recently captured a series of images of a distant star as it wentsupernova, providing a remarkable play-by-play of stellar death and possibly the birth of a black hole.Read more...

      • 10 Things AI Chatbots Can Do Besides Yap

        ChatGPT has quickly become a household name, but many of us are struggling to figure out what to do with it. We all know that ChatGPT can yap quite a bit, but generative AI chatbots have some practical applications that have nothing to do with text generation. The bots continue to get better at data analysis, coding,…Read more...

      • Rebecca Hall on Filming Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

        Read more...

      • A Supposedly Safer Hair-Straightening Ingredient Could Be Damaging People's Kidneys

        A woman’s hair care routine seems to have given her repeated bouts of kidney damage. In a new case study this month, her doctors describe how the woman’s use of hair-straightening products containing a certain ingredient likely injured her kidneys. The ingredient, called glyoxylic acid, has been tied to similar…Read more...

      • Everything We Know About the Google Pixel 9

        This guide was updated on March 27, 2024, at 3:20 P.M. ET to reflect the latest leaks at 91Mobiles.Read more...

      • X-Men '97 Just Sped Through One of the Greatest Stories in Comics History

        Adaptation is always a challenge—but it’s a particularly daunting one in the case of comic books, where a new medium has to reckon with translating sagas told across years of issues and continuity fluxes. For the most part, X-Men ‘97's latest episode navigates this task the best it can, but the sacrifices it makes…Read more...

      • How to Restart an iPad

        Just as screenshotting on an iPad works, restarting an iPad works differently on devices with and without a home button.Read more...

      • This Website Plays Every Keanu Reeves 'Whoa' in Movie History

        Keanu Reeves has been in a lot of movies and in almost every single one he manages to say “whoa” at least once. Now, a website developer has helpfully created a site where you can listen to every single Reeves whoa that exists. Read more...

      • Abode Security Kit review: A focus on security, not convenience

        At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsDiscrete industrial designBattery backup includedDoesn’t need to be hardwired to your routerConsSubscription required to unlock all its capabilitiesStarter kit includes the bare minimum in accessoriesSecurity only, there are no home control featuresOur VerdictAbode drops home automation features to offer this lower-cost version of its excellent home security hub. Most users probably won’t miss them. For those keeping count, Abode now offers three different security-focused smart home hubs: The original Abode Smart Security Kit, Abode Iota, and now its newest and least-expensive offering, the Abode Security Kit, reviewed here. The Abode Security Kit achieves its low price by not including Z-Wave and Zigbee radios, like its pricier stablemates do, and by not including an integrated security camera, like the Iota does. On the upside, Abode’s newest product doesn’t need an ethernet cable to connect to your Wi-Fi router—after initial setup, that is. The Abode Security Kit works well: Logging is effective, and programming automations in CUE is an easy task. Abode has also taken a significantly different approach in terms of industrial design: the new hub is all shiny and black, a slim box that is far more appealing in the looks department. Strangely, however, Abode ships the jet-black product with a white power cord. The Abode Security Kit starter package includes the hub, a key fob (center), and one door/window sensor. The Abode Security Kit starter package includes the hub, a key fob (center), and one door/window sensor.Abode The Abode Security Kit starter package includes the hub, a key fob (center), and one door/window sensor.Abode Abode While the Abode Security Kit can communicate with your network via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only), initial setup must still take place via a hardwired ethernet connection to your router. The process is fortunately rather quick, requiring you to power it up and wait for the hub to boot, then enter a six-character code printed on an included card into the Abode app to register the device to your account. If you’re like me, temporarily freeing up an ethernet jack on your router will be the hardest part of the process. Once the system has been configured by entering your Wi-Fi credentials, you can move the hub wherever you’d like. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart home systems. As with other Abode products, the use of “kit” in the product name is optimistic, as the only additional devices in the box are a single door/window sensor and a key-fob remote control. The latter can be used to arm and disarm the system. Since there are no controls on the hub itself, and there’s no numeric keypad (you can add one), the fob is the only other option for this apart from using the app to interact with the hub. Both the sensor and the fob come pre-paired to the hub, so you’ll only need to pull out the plastic battery tab on the door sensor to activate it. As with all Abode hubs, the unit features an integrated battery backup that can be activated by flipping a switch on the bottom of the device. You can use a key fob to arm and disarm the Abode Security Kit. You can use a key fob to arm and disarm the Abode Security Kit.Christopher Null/Foundry You can use a key fob to arm and disarm the Abode Security Kit.Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry Consider the cost of a subscription Abode is unabashedly built around its subscription model, and without a paid plan, there’s not a whole lot you can do with this kit. The hub dutifully communicates with the door sensor and monitors openings and closings—sounding chimes if desired—and when the hub is placed into one of its two alarm modes (Home or Away), the 93dB siren onboard will sound in response to those events. The key fob offers a quick means of arming and disarming the system, as does the app. You do receive push notifications for various activities, but these are invariably vague, all reading “An event has occurred in the Abode System.” Without a subscription, you can’t see any history of actions, including door open/close events, and while you can use Abode’s CUE scripting system to configure automations, you can’t launch or trigger them. You’ll also need a sub to use the Abode Security System with Alexa or Google Assistant. Abode offers two plans: The Standard Plan ($7/month or $70/year) includes support for cameras, video storage, more detailed notification messages, event logging, and automations. The Pro Plan ($25/month or $230/year) includes all the above; plus, it activates the cellular radio that maintains the system’s broadband connection if your primary connection fails. Burglars have been known to cut physical phone and cable lines outside the home to defeat a home security system. The Pro Plan also provides 24/7 professional monitoring that can dispatch first responders in the event of a break-in or other emergency (police, medical, or fire). As is typical with home security systems, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription to get the full use of the Abode Security Kit. As is typical with home security systems, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription to get the full use of the Abode Security Kit.Christopher Null/Foundry As is typical with home security systems, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription to get the full use of the Abode Security Kit.Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry Abode’s professional monitoring plan costs more than twice what Wyze Labs charges for its home security system ($10/month or $100/year), but Wyze doesn’t provide cellular backup. Abode’s subscription is $5 more per month ($30 more per year) than Ring’s, which does offer cellular backup but charges extra for battery backup. At the time of this writing, however, Abode was discounting its Abode Security Kit by $100—and throwing in a security camera at no additional cost—if you purchase a one-year subscription at the same time. Should you buy the Abode Security Kit? If you do subscribe to an Abode plan, the system works well. Logging is effective, and programming automations in CUE is an easy task. Even at its $140 asking price, the Abode Security Kit much more affordable than either of Abode’s more capable (from a smart home perspective, at least) systems: the Abode Iota ($330) and the Abode Smart Security Kit ($260), provided you’re not looking for a hub that offers smart home control (lighting, thermostats, and other elements) as well as home security. As with any home security starter kit, building out a comprehensive system with additional components—sensors, cameras, a remote keypad, etc.—will drive up your total cost. Abode’s mini door sensors cost $20 each, motion sensors go for $25, security cameras are $35, Abode’s video doorbell is priced at $100, and so on. There are less-expensive competitors than the Abode Home Security System, but Abode has a long track record of reliability, and this system is every bit as capable as its pricier smart-home-oriented stablemates. If you want an Abode home security system and you don’t need HomeKit, Z-Wave, or Zigbee compatibility, this one will save you $120. Home Security

      • Lorex 2K Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Camera review: Simple but solid

        At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsSolid security featuresNo cloud subscription requiredLocal storage (onboard or via an NVR)ConsVery basic feature set Cloud storage has benefits, even if you have to pay for itOur VerdictLorex’s indoor pan-and-tilt camera provides broad coverage and great event detection without requiring a cloud subscription. It’s a good choice if you have a tight budget and don’t need a lot of bells and whistles. Pan-and-tilt cameras are a great way to get wide coverage of your home without having to resort to wide-angle lenses, which can cause image distortion and loss of detail. The Lorex 2K Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Camera is a straightforward model that’s easy to use and is relatively affordable at $69.99. Its simplicity makes it a good option for first-time security camera users. Though nothing will wow you about the camera, it has solid features that meet the essential requirements for a DIY home security camera. As indicated, it captures video in up to 2K (2560 × 1440 pixels) resolution via a 4MP image sensor. It has a 110-degree field of view that’s augmented by its ability to pan 360 degrees and tilt about 75 degrees. Sound and motion detection (including person detection), IR night vision, two-way talk, and a privacy mode round out the features. The camera supports Alexa and Google Home devices for voice control and video streaming, or you can pair it with Lorex’s own Home Security Center. The camera provided an ample view of my living room from a stationary position, and its image quality was crisp and clear in standard and HD resolutions. Most notably, all video is stored locally on the device—a cloud subscription isn’t even an option. The camera comes with a 16GB MicroSD Card preinstalled, and the camera supports card capacities up to 256GB. While this means you don’t have to factor in the additional expense of a cloud subscription, you might need to be concerned about video evidence if the camera or card is damaged or stolen. Or with the Lorex Fusion line of network video recorders (NVRs), you can store video recordings from multiple Lorex cameras on your network, separate from the cameras. The camera can be set on a flat surface or mounted upside down on the ceiling, although given its dome-style industrial look, the latter seems more likely if you’re using it in a commercial setting than if in a residential one. In either case, the installation will need to be near an AC outlet to power the wired camera. The camera can be placed on a flat surface or mounted to a ceiling. The camera can be placed on a flat surface or mounted to a ceiling. Lorex The camera can be placed on a flat surface or mounted to a ceiling. Lorex Lorex You’ll need to download the Lorex Home app and register an account to set up the camera. You’ll scan the QR code on the bottom of the device, then follow several prompts to provide access to your phone’s camera and microphone and to enter your Wi-Fi network’s login credentials. The camera is equipped with an ethernet port if you’d prefer to hardwire it to your router, but there’s no support for power-over-ethernet (PoE); you’ll need to supply your own ethernet cable. The camera’s modest 110-degree field of view provided an ample view of my living room from a stationary position, and the image quality is crisp and clear in standard and high-definition resolutions. Night vision provides 32 feet of illumination and is activated automatically in low light when the feature is enabled. There is no spotlight onboard for color night vision. You operate the camera’s pan-tilt feature with a joystick-style overlay in the app. It’s useful for scanning the environment, but the camera responds quickly and moves swiftly, which often caused me to overshoot a target I was trying to focus on. There’s also an automatic panning and tilting feature that locks onto moving objects and tracks them. The app says the feature is still in beta, but it worked very well in my tests, tightly matching my movements up to 15 feet from the camera. Sound and motion detection both worked well in my testing, and person detection was accurate in distinguishing the two-legged members of my household from the four-legged ones. If you feel you’re getting too many or too few alerts, you can manage the camera’s detection by adjusting its motion sensitivity or enabling motion zones. The Lorex Home app offers a couple of ways to view recorded clips. The most convenient is a timeline right below the live feed that displays them in reverse chronological order, each identified by detection type. The Lorex Home app is intuitive to use and gives you easy command of the camera. The Lorex Home app is intuitive to use and gives you easy command of the camera. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry The Lorex Home app is intuitive to use and gives you easy command of the camera. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Michael Ansaldo/Foundry The other option is a dedicated events tab, accessible only from the home screen. It seems designed to display only the most recently recorded events, but as my colleague Christopher Null noted in his review of the Lorex 2K Wi-Fi Floodlight Security Cam, it’s not at all clear what qualifies as “recent.” In my testing, it only ever showed a single event, the last detected one, seemingly overwriting the previous most recent clip. Other than that curiosity, the app is well-designed and easy to navigate. The camera’s live feed screen features a set of controls for operating the device, and options for customizing features such as detection, video quality, and notifications are found in the Settings menu. Should you buy a Lorex 2K Indoor Pan-Tilt Wi-Fi Camera? It’s not very aesthetically appealing, but the Lorex 2K Indoor Pan-Tilt is a solid camera that makes a great entry-level option for users curious about DIY home security. Home Security, Security Cameras

      • Why your Roomba keeps saying it’s time to empty the dust bin

        Wait, didn’t you empty your Roomba’s bin just a day ago? You sure did, yet here’s your Roomba, insisting once again that its dust bin needs to be emptied.  In some cases, it could be that the recently emptied Roomba bin truly does need to be emptied again. If your Roomba is vacuuming a rug that hasn’t been cleaned recently and is covered in pet hair, for example, a single cleaning could be enough to stuff the bin with debris.  Sometimes, however, the Roomba app will insist that the bin is full even though there’s only a few fluffy whisps of dust and hair inside—and even when you clean that gunk it, it might still refuse to budge.  This how-to is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best robot vacuums. So, what’s going on? One of two things might be happening: Either the IR sensors in your Roomba that detect a jam-packed dust bin might be dirty, thus tricking the bot into thinking its bin is full when it actually isn’t, or there might be a clog of debris in the channel that leads into the dust bin.  Here’s how to fix both of those problems—and if neither of these issues is the cause of those “dust bin full!” false alarms, it might be time to send your Roomba in for maintenance.  Clean your Roomba’s “full bin” sensors  The look and location of the full bin sensors on your Roomba will vary depending on the model. Roughly speaking, they look like a pair of square- or rectangular-shaped black modules that are (more or less) flanking a translucent section of the dust bin. These diagrams from iRobot can help you locate the sensors on your Roomba.  If there’s enough debris in the bin to block the IR light emitted by the sensors, the Roomba will report that its bin is full. But if one or both sensors are dirty enough to interrupt the IR beam, the bot might think the bin is full when it’s not.  Make sure your Roomba’s full-bin sensors are clean (pictured here are the sensors for the Roomba j7). Make sure your Roomba’s full-bin sensors are clean (pictured here are the sensors for the Roomba j7). Ben Patterson/Foundry Make sure your Roomba’s full-bin sensors are clean (pictured here are the sensors for the Roomba j7). Ben Patterson/Foundry Ben Patterson/Foundry Using a soft dry cloth, wipe the full bin sensors clean, and then see if your Roomba begins operating normally again.  Clean out the opening leading to the dust bin  Here is the fix that solved my own “bin is full!” issue with my Roomba j7. After pulling out the dust bin and determining that there was hardly anything inside, I picked up the Roomba for a closer inspection of its innards—and found a big clump of debris that was almost entirely blocking the channel leading into the bin.  This opening that leads into the Roomb’s dust bin was clogged with debris before I cleaned it out. This opening that leads into the Roomb’s dust bin was clogged with debris before I cleaned it out. Ben Patterson/Foundry This opening that leads into the Roomb’s dust bin was clogged with debris before I cleaned it out. Ben Patterson/Foundry Ben Patterson/Foundry I cleared out the blockage, and then took another look at the dust bin—specifically, inside the compartment containing the high-efficiency filter. Lo and behold, there were more chunks of dust and gunk, which I dutifully removed out.  More gunk, this time hidden in the Roomba’s high-efficiency filter compartment. More gunk, this time hidden in the Roomba’s high-efficiency filter compartment. Ben Patterson/Foundry More gunk, this time hidden in the Roomba’s high-efficiency filter compartment. Ben Patterson/Foundry Ben Patterson/Foundry Speaking of the high-efficiency filter (assuming your Roomba uses one–not all do), check to see if it’s particularly dusty and grimy. If so, try tapping it on the inside of a garbage can to knock out the excess debris. Finished with my impromptu vacuum maintenance, I slotted the dust bin back inside the Roomba j7, and—for now, at least–that’s put an end to the incessant “your dust bin may be full!” alerts.  Just don’t forget to perform routine maintenance on your Roomba; otherwise, those “bin full!” false alarms will almost certainly return. Robot Vacuums and Cleaning

      • Best smart home systems in 2024: Reviews and buying advice

        A true smart home has never been easier to achieve, and the gear needed to get there has never been less expensive. We have other roundups that name the best smart home components–everything from the best smart bulbs to the best smart speakers–but in this story, we name the best hubs that link all those devices together. While the lines are becoming increasingly blurred, we see two basic types of smart home systems: Those focused on convenience first and those focused on home security first. You might be able to expand a smart home system to include elements of home security, and you might be able to expand a home security system to control convenience features like smart lighting. But decide your primary goal–convenience or security–first and shop accordingly. Updated March 27, 2024: We’ve added a link to our Abode Home Security Kit review. The least-expensive of Abode’s three home hubs focuses exclusively on home security, eschewing the Zigbee and Z-Wave radios that render its two stablemates smart home controllers as well as home security devices. This system is flexible, easy to set up, and easy to use. It makes a good introduction to home security, and Abode offers lots of accessories–sensors, security cameras, door locks, video doorbells, and more–when you’re ready to expand. As with many such systems, you’ll also need to sign up for a subscription to get the full benefit. Abode offers both a self-monitoring plan and a pricier tier with professional monitoring. It’s a good overall value. Why you should trust us TechHive’s editors and contributors have been building out their own smart homes for many years, and we continuously evaluate the latest hardware and software. We’ve experienced the great products, the not-so-great products, and everything in between. You can trust us to guide you to the right system for your needs. The best smart home systems Aeotec Smart Home Hub — Best DIY smart home hub Pros Works with Zigbee (including Philips Hue), Z-Wave, and Wi-Fi devices Easy-to-use software Connects to your router via ethernet or Wi-Fi Cons Not compatible with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem Won’t work without a broadband connection Why we like the Aeotec Smart Home Hub Samsung suspended its own SmartThings hub several years ago, incorporating the technology into its Bespoke line of smart appliances, instead. That changed in 2023 with the announcement of the Samsung SmartThings Station. That hub dropped Z-Wave from the collection of support smart home protocols, adding Thread and Matter support instead. The smart-home stalwarts at Aeotec continue to offer their own SmartThings hub, which supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi and every product claiming “Works with SmartThings” compatibility. Every major category is covered, including the Amazon Echo and Google Home smart speakers, numerous smart lighting products (including Philips and Sylvania gear), Ring video doorbells, smart door locks, and more. Who should buy the Aeotec Smart Home Hub If you want the freedom to add virtually any product to your smart home system, regardless of which protocol it’s based on, the Aeotec Smart Home Hub is the way to go. It supports Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, but it also has a Z-Wave radio on board. You’ll control everything with the easy-to-use SmartThings app. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a home security system with professional monitoring that can dispatch first responders in the event of a break-in, a fire, or a medical emergency, you should consider something like a Ring Alarm product, either in addition to or instead of the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. Read our full Aeotec Smart Home Hub review Ring Alarm Pro (8-piece kit) — Best DIY home security system Pros Very easy to set up An integrated Wi-Fi 6 router renders it a fantastic value Good Wi-Fi performance, and its range can be expanded with Eero mesh nodes Expandable battery and broadband backup features Cons Falls a little short of being an all-purpose smart home hub Subscription required for local video processing and storage Zigbee radio is still dormant, and there’s no Thread radio Why we like the Ring Alarm Pro You simply won’t find a better value in DIY home security, and Ring offers professional monitoring at a very reasonable price: $20 per month. That plan includes cloud storage for video clips from an unlimited number of Ring video doorbells and security cameras. And the Ring Alarm Pro also features an integrated Eero Wi-Fi 6 mesh router. Given that Ring Alarm systems also have Z-Wave and Zigbee radios on board (although the Zigbee radios are currently dormant), they make for the beginnings of a kick-ass smart home hub, with the Works with Ring program adding support for numerous third-party products, including smart locks, garage-door controllers, in-wall light switches, smart thermostats, and other smart home devices. It’s not quite as a smart home hub as Aeotec’s product, but it will take you most of the way there. Who should buy the Ring Alarm Pro The Ring Alarm Pro is for anyone looking for a smart home security system that offers the option of professional monitoring. Ring also makes best-in-class video doorbells and security cameras, and when you plug an inexpensive endurance-rated microSD card into the Ring Alarm Pro, you get local storage and processing of all the video those cameras capture. The hub also serves as a bridge for Ring’s smart lighting products. If you don’t need to upgrade your home’s Wi-Fi router, and you don’t mind using a discrete bridge for your Ring smart lighting products, take a long look at the Ring Alarm (2nd Generation), which has everything but the router and the bridge. Read our full Ring Alarm Pro (8-piece kit) review Abode Iota — Best DIY home security system, runner-up Pros Setup is as streamlined as it gets, and its all-in-one design makes it even more foolproof Pricing is solid, at least for a smaller home Plenty of thoughtful extras, including wireless connectivity and battery backup Apple HomeKit compatible Cons Integrated camera's 1080p resolution is no longer impressive Integrated siren isn't as loud as we'd like Best Prices Today: £390.21 at Amazon Why we like the Abode Iota The Abode Iota takes the original Abode home security system we reviewed in 2018 and incorporates a 1080p security camera and motion sensor into a smal enclosure. Like the original Abode system, which remains on the market, the Iota can operate as a capable smart home hub, having Zigbee and Z-Wave radios on board; plus, LTE backup in case your usual broadband connection fails (this requires a subscription). It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Abode recently began shipping its own smart retrofit deadbolt, and its third-party device support is comparable to Ring’s, including control over Philips Hue smart lighting devices, Ecobee smart thermostats, and even Sonos speakers. You can monitor the system yourself, or sign up for professional monitoring at $24.99 per month or $229.99 per year. Who should buy the Abode Iota? The Abode Iota is a strong value because you’re getting a smart home/home security system and a home security camera all in one box. The Abode Iota is broadly compatible with all the important smart home ecosystems, and if you spring for a subscription, you’ll get LTE backup in case your usual broadband connection fails. The hub has a battery-backup feature that keeps it operating in the event of a power failure, too. Read our full Abode Iota review SimpliSafe The Essentials — Best DIY home security system, 2nd runner-up Pros One of the quickest, easiest DIY setups you'll encounter Attractive industrial design Self and professional monitoring options available Cons No support for smart lighting or any third-party products SimpliSafe can be slow to update key components (but SimpliSafe's new indoor camera is great) Best professional monitoring plan is expensive at $30 per month Best Prices Today: $219.96 at SimpliSafe Why we like SimpliSafe SimpliSafe is an apt name for this sophisticated yet easy-to-use home security system. The starter kit we reviewed consists of a central hub, three door/window sensors, a motion sensor, a keypad for arming/disarming the system, and a wireless indoor security camera. You can customize your installation with anything else you might need, including indoor and outdoor cameras, a smart lock, glass-break sensors, leak and freeze sensors, a video doorbell, and more–and all these add-ons are very affordable. The hub has both battery and cellular backups, so you’re protected in the event of both power and broadband outages. You can use either the included keypad or a keyfob to arm and disarm the system. With SimpliSafe’s professional monitoring, $30 per month, an agent can use the system’s security cameras to verify and monitor a break-in and can even warn an intruder that they’ve been detected. Who should buy SimpliSafe Anyone looking for affordable, strictly home security system–in other words, one that cannot also control the broader universe of smart home devices such as lighting, thermostats, and and other home components should take a look at what SimpiSafe has to offer. This is one of the easiest to install alarm systems we’ve encountered, and it performs extremely well. But part of what makes it so simple is the fact that you can’t integrate any third-party products with it. Read our full SimpliSafe The Essentials review Minut Smart Home Alarm — Best security system for vacation rentals Pros Monitors noise levels Alerts to the sound of smoke/CO detector alarms Infrared occupancy sensor Temperature and humidity sensor Provides security without relying on cameras Cons Very limited smart home integration Third-party monitoring costs extra This privacy-first home security system is ideal for vacation-rental properties, because its sensors monitor both occupancy and noise levels in the room where it’s installed. The device can also listen for the sound of “dumb” smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in an alarm state as well as the sound of breaking glass. It can also be integrated into a host of property-management systems, including that of Airbnb. Why we like Minut This all-in-one device offers the assurance of home security without relying on privacy-intrusive home security cameras. In place of video, its onboard sensors monitor a room for the presence of crowds and high noise levels that indicate your guests are having a disruptive party with the potential for annoying your neighbors and increasing the likelihood of property damage. You can buy the device for $50, plus $120 per year for the ongoing service; or you can spend $180 for service and get the device at no cost. The higher-priced service includes some extra features that might or might not be worth your while. Who should buy Minut The Minu Home Security System is suited to any home, but it will be particularly attractive to people who own rental and vacation-rental properties. In addition to monitoring noise levels, it can detect temperature, the presence of cigarette smoke, and humidity levels that increase the risk of mold. The device can be integrated with Airbnb and other property-management systems, too. Read our full Minut Smart Home Alarm review What to look for when shopping for a DIY smart home system As we mentioned earlier, smart home systems come in a dazzling array of shapes and sizes, from brain-dead simple to vastly complex. Features vary just as widely, so you’ll need to pay more attention than usual when you’re narrowing down the field to find the product that’s right for you. Here’s a look at some of those key decision factors. To see how each system on the market measures up to those promises, drill down into our reviews. Device support Some smart hubs–SimpliSafe, for example–only support their own accessories, though they might support Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control. Other systems–such as the Ring Alarm family–offer certification programs for third-party devices. They might also offer hooks into systems developed by third parties: Amazon (Alexa smart speakers and displays), Apple (HomeKit and Siri), Google (Google Home speakers and displays as well as Nest thermostats, cameras, and smoke/CO detectors), are the biggies here. You should also consider whatever smart devices are already in your home. Do you want to use them with the new system you’re buying? If the hub doesn’t support them, you might be looking at a massive upgrade cycle to replace them. As well, you need to think about what devices you plan to add to your system down the line. IFTTT support Many top smart home systems support IFTTT (If This Then That), a simple scripting system that lets you connect devices that otherwise wouldn’t be compatible. For example, you could use IFTTT to turn all the lights in the house blue if a water leak is detected by your smart hub—even if it can’t speak directly to the lighting system itself. Wired vs. wireless hub connection Many smart hubs must connect to your wireless router via an ethernet cable, which limits their placement and, of course, requires a free ethernet port on your router or switch. That can be an issue with puck-shaped routers that have just two ethernet ports–you’ll need to buy an ethernet switch to have enough ports. A smaller number of hubs are wireless and can be placed anywhere in range of the router, increasing your flexibility. Sensor range If your home is large or spread out, you’ll need to pay attention to the range that the hub’s sensors support. Hubs may support a wide array of connection protocols, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Zigbee, all of which have very different ranges. As with a wireless router, smart hub range can also be impacted by interference and device placement, and smart home devices themselves have different specs, as well. Take the time to look into the detailed specs to be sure sensors and third-party devices will work with your home’s infrastructure. Battery backup If the power goes out, your smart lights won’t be useful anyway; but other smart home features, like security sensors, rely on a hub that’s always powered on. Some smart home smart hubs feature battery backups (thanks tol rechargeable or disposable cells). Even a short power outage can cause a significant delay while the hub reconnects, so a battery backup makes sense in many home environments. If you like everything else about a particular hub that lacks a battery backup option, consider investing in an uninterruptible power supply to plug it into. Mobile app usability You’ll probably be interacting with your hub primarily through its mobile app, so you’ll want one that’s intuitive and powerful, with all the key features you use front and center. App-store screen shots and, of course, our reviews can help you get a sense of what you’re dealing with on the app side of things. Overall complexity This is a companion consideration to the mobile app, relating primarily to the audience for whom the smart home system was developed. Is the system geared toward everyday users with limited customization needs? Or is it built with extreme flexibility in mind, to the point where the configuration decisions might overwhelm a novice user? Again, close attention to our reviews can help you gauge how comfortable you’re likely to feel with any system. What to look for when shopping for a DIY home security system The factors listed above are equally important when shopping for a home security system, but you should also consider these additional factors. Sensor support A companion consideration to the device support issue above, if you’re in the market for a DIY home security system, you’ll want one that supports all the sensors you need. Most security hubs only work with the sensors made by the same manufacturer, so you can’t mix and match as you would with a general-use smart home hub. Some security systems offer only a very narrow range of sensor types, while others have a wide variety to choose from. You’ll want motion and door/window sensors at a minimum. For added security, consider buying freeze, water leak, humidity, smoke and/or carbon monoxide sensors, garage-door, and glass-break sensors. Make sure the smart home hub you buy supports all the sensor types you wish to deploy. Cellular radio and battery backup A security system that can be knocked out of commission by simply disabling your broadband connection doesn’t provide much protection. The best systems will include a cellular backup module that kicks in when your usual broadband connection drops. You should also carefully consider the battery backup consideration above, which is essential for dealing with power outages and is a standard feature on most security-focused hubs. Professional monitoring If you don’t want to monitor your own security system 24/7, you’ll at least want the option to engage with a professional security company that can keep tabs on it for you when you’re out on walkabout. These invariably cost extra, which leads to our final consideration…. Service plan costs Service plan costs vary widely from system to system, and many vendors offer a range of plans to choose from. Some systems will work without a service plan at all, allowing you to self-monitor. Some require a plan to function at all. Also note that lower-tier service plans might provide only cloud storage for your security cameras. Wyze Labs offers one of the least-expensive plans: $9.99 per month with no long-term commitment, or $99.99 for a full year. Price out service plans carefully, taking the overall quality of the system into account, before you pull the trigger. Other notable smart home systems we’ve reviewed We’ve evaluated lots of other DIY smart home systems. If none of our top picks check all the boxes for you, take a look at these other products. Abode Smart Security Kit is virtually the same as the Abode Iota Security Kit, with the key difference being the integrated security camera integrated into the latter product. Both packages use the same accessories and sensors and support the same monitoring plans. Aqara Hub E1 is very similar to Aqara’s Hub M2 system, except it plugs into a USB power adapter and doesn’t have its stablemate’s infrared blaster feature. And like the Hub M2, the Hub E1 controls only Aqara Zigbee devices. Aqara Hub M2 is mostly about the convenience aspects of the smart home. It’s very easy to set up, but that ease of use is largely attributable to how it limits you to using only Aqara’s own devices. Arlo Home Security System is strictly a home security system, and it features sophisticated sensors that can do a lot more than detect open or closed states. But it’s largely a walled garden in that you can only use Arlo products with it. Ecobee takes an interesting approach to home security, integrating its smart home hub into the company’s top-shelf smart thermostat. Ecobee also has a great home security camera, and the entire system is HomeKit compatible. Homey Bridge is a SmartThings-like smart home hub that supports Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, 433MHz, and infrared devices. Like SmartThings, it’s focused primarily on convenience versus home security. But you’re limited to just five devices unless you pay for a subscription. Hubitat Elevation (model C7) is a powerful smart home hub favored by many hardcore enthusiasts, and unlike the Aeotec Smart Home Hub we like so much, Hubitat’s product isn’t reliant on a connection to the internet. Less-experienced users, however, will encounter a steep learning curve. Minut Smart Home Alarm is uniquely suited to rental properties, including Airbnb units. It emphasizes privacy by monitoring only your home’s temperature, humidity, volume level, and air pressure, sending alerts only when thresholds are exceeded. Notion is a smart home system with unique one-piece sensors that can do everything from determine if a door or window is open or closed to alert you to the presence of water where it shouldn’t be. Professional monitorings is available, too, for just $10 per month. But this is a smart security system, you can’t control lights and other systems in your home. Tapo H100 Smart Hub is a budget-priced home security that’s compatible with a very limited number of security products from the same manufacturer, and it doesn’t support security cameras at all. It’s main attraction is its low price tag. Roku Home Monitoring SE is yet another low-priced home security system, but with a twist: Roku sources this system from Wyze Labs and puts the Roku brand on it. Affordable professional monitoring is available. SwitchBot Hub 2 is primarily a gateway for other SwitchBot smart home products, but it can also serve as a Matter bridge for a host of third-party products. Wyze Home Monitoring is the same system as the Roku Home Monitoring SE, but Wyze manufactures both products. This is a low-cost security system with an extremely affordable professional monitoring subscription. Home Security, Smart Home

      • Wyze Cam v4 review: Wyze Labs’ best security cam costs less

        At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsCarries over all the great features of the winning Wyze Cam v3 ProCrystal clear image quality with smart detections that work wellSupports 24/7 continuous recording to local microSD storageConsDependent on hardwired power (no battery option)Subscription required to unlock all its best features I did a double take when I unboxed the new Wyze Cam v4. Had I seen this camera before? Was it the same device as the Wyze Cam v3 Pro I reviewed in December 2022? After all, it has the same all-white body set atop Z-shaped legs that let it swivel freely in every direction. I had to dig out the older camera and put the two side by side to see the minor physical differences; namely, the v4’s lens is set in a circular frame with a white bezel around it, while the v3 Pro has a fully black face. The images the Wyze Cam v4 captured were crisp and lively, whether recorded at day or night, either under standard IR conditions or with the spotlights on. Beyond that, the similarities are remarkable, in large part because the new v4 is based on the same innards as the v3 Pro, with only a few small changes. Aside from the slight change to the face of the device, the only real physical difference is that instead of a female USB port set directly into the rear of the device, the v4 has a short, hardwired pigtail to which its power cable attaches, perhaps with a goal to improve both security and weather resistance. Here again, there is no battery-power option. And like the v3 Pro, the v4 is designed for either indoor or outdoor use, carrying an IP65 weatherization rating that indicates it’s impervious to dust and that it’s protected against water jets coming from any direction. There’s not a lot of tangible differences between the Wyze Cam v4 (left) and the older Wyze Cam v3 Pro. There’s not a lot of tangible differences between the Wyze Cam v4 (left) and the older Wyze Cam v3 Pro.Christopher Null/Foundry There’s not a lot of tangible differences between the Wyze Cam v4 (left) and the older Wyze Cam v3 Pro.Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry What’s new here? There are just a few modest changes under the hood: Video resolution remains the same at 2560 x 1440 pixels, with a diagonal viewing angle of 115.8 degrees. The integrated LED spotlight has been carried over from the v3 Pro as well, though brightness here is 72 lumens, vs. 80 lumens on the v3 Pro. Features like two-way audio, a built-in siren (up to 99dB from 89dB), and double-duty night vision available in both standard infrared and color remain in the mix. A smart sound detection system that allows the camera to determine if detected audio is a baby’s cry or a cat’s meow (among other triggers) and send alerts accordingly was also rolled out in the v3 Pro and appears here as well. The spotlight can be set to two brightness levels and can be configured to activate on any motion or just the smart detections that you configure—and, at your preference, only during nighttime. Activating the spotlight is optional, of course, so if you want to stick with B&W infrared and stay under the radar, that option’s still there, too. Images are arguably clearer in infrared and objects are visible at a longer range. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best home security cameras. Setup is even easier with the v4 than in the last few iterations of Wyze’s camera launches, including the v3 Pro. Just press a button on the bottom of the camera when prompted by the app, and the rest of the setup process is largely handled for you via Bluetooth. Previously a QR code scan was required, but that’s been eliminated. Performance You’ll need a subscription plan to unlock features like person and pet detection, along with other advanced features. You’ll need a subscription plan to unlock features like person and pet detection, along with other advanced features.Christopher Null/Foundry You’ll need a subscription plan to unlock features like person and pet detection, along with other advanced features.Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry In several days of testing the v4 ahead of its release, I found images to be crisp and lively whether recorded at day or night, either under standard IR conditions or with the spotlights on. Video stored on the cloud was quick to load; support for Wi-Fi 6 might be helping on that front (although that support is limited to the 2.4GHz band). Wyze says the v4’s microphone has also been updated, but I didn’t notice a significant change in audio quality over the v3 Pro. In the Wyze app, the company’s thumbnail-focused clip navigation hasn’t changed much in years. It’s as easy as ever to skim through recordings thanks to icons that indicate what type of activity (sound, person, pet, etc.) triggered the recording. Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT are all still supported, but not Apple Home or HomeKit Secure Video. Wyze rolled out a bevy of enhanced detection features in the v3 Pro, and as expected they have all been ported to the v4. Rather than send clips to the cloud to help tell the difference between a shadow and a prowler, the v4 has an onboard 1.4GHz dual-core processor that speeds up this calculus. Subscriptions aren’t truly optional You’ll need a Cam Plus or Cam Protect subscription to enable smart alerts—as well as cloud storage—but those plans are about as cheap as they come: Cam Plus costs $3 per month per camera ($30 per year per camera), or $10 per month ($99 per year) for an unlimited number of cameras. The $4-per-month-per-camera/$40-per-year-per-camera Cam Protect plan adds facial recognition and turns your Wyze security cameras into a professionally monitored home security system, but note there is no Cam Protect plan for an unlimited number of cameras. A stub cable emerges from the back of the Wyze Cam v4, into which you’ll plug its power supply (there is no battery-power option). A stub cable emerges from the back of the Wyze Cam v4, into which you’ll plug its power supply (there is no battery-power option).Christopher Null/Foundry A stub cable emerges from the back of the Wyze Cam v4, into which you’ll plug its power supply (there is no battery-power option).Christopher Null/Foundry Christopher Null/Foundry Without a subscription you can still record clips to an onboard microSD card (provide your own, in capacities up to 512GB), but note that the longstanding 12-second recording limit and five-minute cooldown restrictions haven’t changed, As with all Wyze cameras, the lack of a plan dramatically lessens this one’s utility. We compare the major security camera subscription plans at the preceding link. Should you buy a Wyze Cam v4? The good news is that the Wyze Cam v4 is incredibly cheap, with its $36 list price cut to just $30 at launch (plus shipping, unless your order exceeds $59). That introductory price is half the Wyze Cam v3 Pro’s list price, and it’s $10 less than the less-capable Wyze Cam v3. While it’s not a compelling upgrade if you already own the nearly identical v3 Pro, it’s a no-brainer choice for a first camera or an upgrade from a Wyze Cam v3 or similar device. Security Cameras

      • Best home security camera 2024: Reviews and buying advice

        Affordable, easy-to-use, and easy-to-install security cameras enable you to keep an eye on your home–inside and out–from wherever you have internet access. They record video in response to motion, so you can review anything you didn’t catch when it happened, and some can distinguish between people, pets, and even cars. These close cousins of webcams require minimal installation and offer flexible setups and a range of security features, but deciding what to buy gets more daunting as this category grows ever more crowded. Whether you’re looking to check on your kids and pets, or need a full-service sentinel to monitor for intruders, we’ll help find the right product for your needs. Looking for TechHive’s most-recommended video doorbells? You’ll find them at the preceding link. Updated March 26, 2024: We’ve added a link to our Wyze Labs Wyze Cam v4 review. Available for a limited time for just $30 (plus shipping), this excellent indoor/outdoor home security camera easily replaces its older stablemate, the Wyze Cam v3 Pro, as our top pick in budget-priced home security cameras. This diminutive camera boasts video resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, an IP65 weatherization rating, an integrated spotlight, and a microSD card slot that can accommodate cards delivering up to 512GB of storage. Yes, you’ll still want to sign up for one of Wyze’s subscription plans to unlock all of this camera’s best features, but those plans are very affordable. We’ve also named the all-new Blink Mini 2 as runner-up in this same category. This camera is even smaller and like Wyze’s product, it can operate indoors or out. It delivers less resolution than Wyze’s camera–1080p–but its image quality is excellent. Why you should trust us TechHive’s editors and contributors have been testing home security cameras for many years, and we regularly evaluate the latest hardware, along with their accompanying mobile apps. We’ve checked out wired security cameras, battery-power cameras, outdoor cams, floodlight cams, pan-and-tilt cams, and more. You can trust us to guide you to the right home security camera for your needs. Our top picks for home security cameras Arlo Pro 5S 2K — Best home security camera overall Pros 2K video resolution B&W and color night vision (using its spotlight) Automatic zoom and tracking Dual-band Wi-Fi Cons Arlo Smart subscription required for cloud recording and to enable many of its best features Requires Arlo Pro Smart Hub to record video locally No Apple HomeKit support Price When Reviewed: £219.99 Best Prices Today: £219.99 at Amazon£219.99 at Arlo Why we like the Arlo Pro 5S 2K The Arlo Pro 5S 2K keeps the Arlo Pro series near the top of the market with such high-end features as dual-band Wi-Fi support, a low-power mode (which extends battery life by 30 percent by taking snapshots of detected activity instead of full video clips), and Arlo SecureLink technology, which provides a more secure connection to protect your data while further optimizing battery life. Who should buy the Arlo Pro 5S 2K While the Arlo Pro works just fine with Alexa and Google Home, it does not support Apple HomeKit, so Apple users should look elsewhere. Also, be sure to factor in the cost of an Arlo Secure subscription to get the most utility from this camera. Read our full Arlo Pro 5S 2K (model number VMC4060P) review Nest Cam (battery, 2021) — Best security camera for Google Nest smart homes Pros Arguably the easiest setup in the industry Attractive industrial design Can be installed indoors or out Can operate on either AC or battery power (or AC power with battery backup) Cons Anemic night vision Proprietary and too-short power cable Subscription required to get full value ($6/mo minimum) Best Prices Today: $179.99 at Google Nest Why we like the Nest Cam (battery, 2021) Nest has long offered some of our favorite security cameras, and the new-for-2021 Nest Cam (battery) is a versatile offering packed with great features. The camera is supremely easy to set up, and it delivers fabulous performance under any lighting condition. Also, it can be deployed indoors or out. Finally, you’ll appreciate having three hours of event history stored on the device since you won’t have to pay for a subscription unless you want more history. Who should buy the Nest Cam (battery, 2021) Naturally, Google Home users will get the most out the battery-powered Nest Cam, while Alexa and Apple HomeKit users should steer clear. And while the Nest Cam (battery) does boast on-device person, pet, and vehicle detection, a Nest Aware subscription is required to review recorded video events beyond the last few hours. Read our full Nest Cam (Battery) review Ring Stickup Cam Pro — Best indoor/outdoor home security camera for Ring/Alexa smart homes Pros Excellent performance, indoors and out Radar-based motion detection Available in battery, solar, and plug-in configurations Fantastic night vision, with the option of color Cons You can have Bird’s Eye View or Pre-Roll, but not both Not fully compatible with Google Home or Apple HomeKit 1080p resolution Price When Reviewed: £159.99 Best Prices Today: £129.99 at Amazon£158 at Ring Why we like the Ring Stickup Cam Pro Yes, the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is limited to 1080p resolution, but enabling HDR delivers gorgeous color-saturated images. Also, this camera has very strong night vision, with a color night vision option you might find you don’t even need. Who should buy the Ring Stickup Cam Pro This indoor/outdoor camera is a no-brainer for any Ring customer looking to expand their home security coverage. If you need just a single camera and can get by without so many advanced features, you’ll find a bevy of less-expensive options. The also-excellent Ring Spotlight Cam Pro has a very similar set of features, but its onboard spotlight boosts its price a little higher. Read our full Ring Stick Up Cam Pro review Wyze Cam Pan v2 — Best value in indoor pan/tilt security cameras Pros Outstanding value Interface remains easy to master AI-powered object detection is effective and worth the subscription Cons No major upgrades outside of color night vision Still no 5GHz Wi-Fi support Best Prices Today: $39.99 at Wyze Labs Why we like the Wyze Cam Pan v2 The Wyze Cam Pan v2 doesn’t rewrite the script, but its minor upgrades are worthwhile and it’s still the biggest bargain in motorized home security cameras. Other pluses include the intuitive Wyze app and the advanced motion detection, the latter of which is enabled by Wyze’s reasonably priced subscription plan. It’s just the ticket when you need to keep an eye on a large interior space. Who should buy the Wyze Cam Pan v2 The Cam Pan v2 plays nice with other Wyze camera and security devices, and as with other products in the Wyze ecosystem, the price is right. All that said, recent Wyze security breaches have given us pause, so keep that in mind before you buy. There’s also no Apple HomeKit support, a factor that Apple users should consider. Read our full Wyze Cam Pan v2 review Eufy SoloCam S340 — Best outdoor pan/tilt security camera Pros Dual lenses deliver excellent image quality Subscription service is truly optional Included solar panel means its onboard battery should never need manual charging Cons Eufy's app can't flip the camera's feed, so it can't be used on a table or countertop Battery must be charged while inside the camera Provided USB-C charging cable is only 10 feet long Best Prices Today: £179 at Amazon Why we like the Eufy SoloCam S340 If you’re looking for an outdoor surveillance camera that can operate without depending AC power, the high-grade Eufy SoloCam S340 sports two high-resolution lenses: one is a 2K (2304 x 1296 pixels) telephoto, and the other is a 3K (2880 x 1620 pixels) wide-angle. And since it comes with a solar panel, you never need to worry about plugging it into a charger. A built-in motor enables the camera to pan a full 360 degrees and tilt over a 70-degree arc, and it will track the movement of anyone in its field of view. You can also program set up to four way points, so it will patrol a broad swath of your property. Who should buy the Eufy SoloCam S340 Anyone who needs to surveil large areas of property should consider this camera. That goes double for folks who hate the ongoing cost of a subscription to store your video recordings. Eufy has one if you want it, but it’s truly optional. The camera has 8GB of onboard storage, or you can spend another $150–plus the cost of a hard drive or SSD–and pick up the Eufy HomeBase 3, a NAS-like network storage device that can accommodate up to 16GB of encrypted storage. Read our full Eufy Security SoloCam S340 review Wyze Cam v4 — Best budget-priced indoor security camera Pros Carries over all the great features of the winning Wyze Cam v3 Pro Crystal clear image quality with smart detections that work well Supports 24/7 continuous recording to local microSD storage Cons Dependent on hardwired power (no battery option) Subscription required to unlock all its best features Why we like the Wyze Cam v4 Wyze Labs continues to build outstanding home security cameras that deliver a whole lot of bang for the buck. While this model doesn’t move the needle on video resolution compared to the Wyze Cam v3 Pro it replaces, you will get a faster Wi-Fi adapter (Wi-Fi 6), a microSD card slot that can host cards with twice as much capacity, and an even easier onboarding process. Who should buy the Wyze Cam v4 Even when Wyze Labs’ introductory offer expires and its price tag goes up to $36, the Wyze Cam v4 will remain one of the best values in indoor/outdoor home security cameras. You’ll want to sign up for a subscription plan to unlock all of its best features, but those are affordable, too, starting at $2.99 per month for a single camera. Read our full Wyze Cam v4 review Blink Mini — Best budget-priced indoor security camera, runner-up Pros Can be deployed indoors or out Extremely compact size Great video quality Cons Cloud subscription required to unlock all its features Local storage requires separate purchase of Sync Module No audio detection No option to run on battery power Why we like the Blink Mini Amazon’s Blink Mini 2 brings more utility to the original Blink Mini with the addition of a weatherized enclosure, an LED spotlight for color night vision, person detection, and a wider field of view. Who should buy the Blink Mini Devoted Mini users and newcomers alike should find plenty to love with the Blink Mini 2. This camera is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It’s also visually discrete and easy to install anywhere there’s access to AC power–but you’ll need to purchase a weatherized power supply if you’re deploying outdoors. Read our full Blink Mini 2 review Wyze Battery Cam Pro — Best indoor/outdoor camera with color night vision Pros Incredibly versatile: indoors, outdoors, and entirely wire free Great video quality, day or night Very affordable compared to the competition Cons Some features were still in development at press time Enabling all its features will really eat away at battery life Price When Reviewed: Not available in the UK Why we like the Wyze Battery Cam Pro Color night vision, a rechargeable long-life battery, 2K video resolution, easy setup and customization, and a very low price tag makes Wyze’s incredibly versatile indoor/outdoor security camera an outstanding value. We encountered a couple of bugs during our review, but no show-stoppers, and the most important ones were resolved by the time we finished our review. Who should buy the Wyze Battery Cam Pro Need a security cam that can weather the elements without wires–and on a budget? The Wyze Battery Cam Pro makes the grade on each of those counts, although as usual, you’ll need a Wyze subscription plan to make the most of this camera’s features. But as noted above, those are very inexpensive. Read our full Wyze Battery Cam Pro review Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro — Best security cam/floodlight combo Pros Outstanding resolution Powerful spotlights illuminate the whole yard Absolutely loaded with features Cons 180-degree viewing angle comes with barrel distortion Not the prettiest device in its class Why we like the Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro Wyze’s latest take on the floodlight camera concept is a winner that checks all the boxes. Specs include a camera with resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and a 180-degree field of view, three independently articulated LED floodlight panels that produce 3,000 lumens of brightness, and local storage (provide your own microSD card) that makes a subscription for cloud storage a true option. Who should buy the Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro Those looking to keep an eye on outdoor areas while staying in the $150 range will do well with the feature-packed Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro, which integrates nicely with any budget-priced Wyze cams you have deployed. And if you do opt for cloud storage, Wyze’s subscriptions are among the least expensive in the industry. Read our full Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro review Ring Floodlight Cam Pro — Best security cam/floodlight combo, runner-up Pros Unbeatable playback interface Birds-eye view of motion detection is unparalleled Affordable subscription plan Ring has one of the most complete home-security ecosystems on the market Cons No local storage; subscription required to get full use of the device ($3/mo for one camera; $10/mo for unlimited cameras) Must be electrically hardwired; there is no battery option Not as aesthetically pleasing as Netatmo’s Smart Security Camera Why we like the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro It doesn’t take much time using the Floodlight Cam Wired Pro to realize how incredibly powerful it is, starting with some of its impressive motion-detection features. The 3D Motion Detection with Bird’s Eye View feature is a game-changer. In addition to a great security camera, you also get dual floodlights that can illuminate your outdoor space with 2,000 lumens of brightness. Who should buy the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro It’s expensive at $250, but anyone deep into the Ring home security or Ring smart lighting ecosystems should give the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro serious consideration. Just be prepared to connect this cam to hardwired power, and a Ring Protect plan–while not strictly mandatory–is essential for reviewing recorded video events. Read our full Ring Floodlight Cam Pro review Blink Wired Floodlight Camera — Best budget-priced security camera/floodlight combo Pros Ultra-powerful spotlight Easy hardware installation Super affordable Cons Subscription required to view a live feed for more than 5 minutes, record and store video, and enable person detection Limited flexibility when it comes to aiming its camera and floodlights Industrial design trails Nest and Ring Why we like the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera Blink’s floodlight cam offers run-of-the-mill video resolution, but extremely bright outdoor lighting and an amazingly affordable price tag. You’ll need a subscription to record video to get the most value from it, but those plans are affordable. Who should buy the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera Need to have eyes on the outdoors while sticking to a strict budget? The Blink Wired Floodlight Camera is among the most affordably priced floodlight cams on the market, and it’s both easy to install and casts impressively bright light for the price. Read our full Blink Wired Floodlight Cam review What to look for when shopping for a home security camera Most home security cameras perform the same basic functions—they detect an event, record the event, and send you an alert—but they don’t all perform them the same way. And some cameras have special features that go beyond those basics. Here are some common features you’ll encounter while shopping and why they’re important. Alerts  Home security cameras push notifications to your smartphone when they detect events. Without watching the live feed all day, this is the only way to keep tabs on your home in relative real time. Depending on the camera, it may send text alerts when it detects motion, sound, a face (known or unrecognized), or all three. Some can send alerts to multiple people, usually anyone else in the household using that product’s app; others will send emails in addition to text messages as a failsafe in the event you can’t access your mobile device. Battery backup Power outages happen, and clever burglars cut electricity before breaking into your home. When that happens, your camera goes dark and, if there’s a crime taking place, you lose all forensic evidence. For this reason, some cameras can also run for a short time on battery power. It’s a feature worth looking for. There are also some models that run on battery power full time; you can either swap batteries as they’re depleted, or plug the camera into an AC outlet and recharge its battery that way. Environmental monitoring This is the feature that sets all-in-one home monitors apart from strictly security cameras. Though the home “vitals” that these units track vary by model—we’ve seen everything from motion to luminosity included in home health profiles—three tend to be ubiquitous: Temperature monitors for spikes and dips in indoor temperature and alerts when it falls outside a range you define. Humidity tracks relative humidity inside your home. Humidity outside optimal levels—usually defined as between 30 and 50 percent—can contribute to problems such as static electricity, sinus irritation, and mold growth. Air quality tracks pollutants ranging from cooking odors to carbon monoxide. However, most monitors don’t identify the pollutant in their alerts, merely warning that the air quality is “abnormal.” Because of that, this feature should not be considered a substitute for potentially life-saving devices like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. HomeKit Secure Video support This is a subset of Apple’s smart-home initiative, and while you don’t necessarily need to be an avowed Apple user to benefit from HomeKit Secure Video’s privacy-enhancing features, you will need to sign up for an Apple iCloud account and have a HomePod, a HomePod mini, or an Apple TV 4K. Where other types of security cameras send video to the cloud (often unencrypted), security cameras that support HomeKit Secure Video send thier video streams to one of those devices on your local network first. That device will process the video, performing tasks such as facial recognition and what have you, and then encrypting it before uploading it to your iCloud account. You can read more about HomeKit Secure Video on our sister site, Macworld. Integrated spotlight Like all cameras, home security cameras need adequate ambient light to capture clear images. While that is easy to come by during daylight hours, it’s in shorter supply as the sun goes down, often making it necessary to supplement with artificial ambient light. This can easily be accomplished with light fixtures inside your home and floodlights outdoors, but many cameras include an integrated spotlight that offers a few advantages. Because the spotlight is built into the camera, it directly lights the scene the camera is viewing, enabling the clearest possible image capture. And integrated spotlights can be configured to be triggered by motion detection, so they only switch on when a possible intruder is in view, eliminating the need to keep your home or yard lit up all night. As a bonus, being suddenly caught in the white hot glare of a spotlight is often enough to scare an intruder away. Local storage Some cameras include memory-card slots in lieu of, or in addition to, cloud storage, so you can store video right on the device. It’s an attractive feature as it can eliminate the cost of monthly storage fees. The downside (if there isn’t a cloud backup) is that if crooks steal your camera, they take your forensic evidence with it. Motion detection Assuming you’re monitoring your home when it’s empty, motion detection is one of the most desirable features in a security camera. Built-in sensors pick up movement within the camera’s field of view and trigger video recording. You’ll find an in-depth explanation of how motion detection works in this article. Because these sensors can be sensitive to any movement—even a shift in lighting or leaves blowing outside a window—it’s important the camera system also offer the ability to narrow the range of detection, adjust the sensor’s sensitivity, or otherwise customize this feature to cut down on false alerts. More and more security cameras now offer AI-powered motion detection that can identify people, pets, packages, and vehicles, allowing you to filter out such innocuous motion events as tree branches swaying in the wind or insects crawling across the camera lens. Such “advanced” motion-sensing functionality is often tied to a paid subscription plan, however. Night vision Most break-ins occur after dark, so this feature is nearly as important as motion detection. Technically, most home security cameras support infrared LED illumination, versus true night vision based on image intensification or thermal vision. Be that as it may, most cameras will switch to night vision automatically in low-light conditions, while others allow you to customize when and how it should be activated. Increasingly, cameras are equipped with full-color night vision, which enables video footage to capture important information that IR night vision can’t such as the color of an intruder’s clothing or vehicle. These cameras use hypersensitive light sensors, such as Starlight image sensors, which can reproduce color images in dimly lit environments, some as low as 0.0005 Lux (for reference, 0 Lux indicates no ambient lighting). To increase battery efficiency, some models include both black-and-white and color night vision, defaulting to black-and-white in low light and switching to color only when motion is detected. Pan/Tilt/Swivel Most security cameras can be manually tilted and swiveled to focus on a certain viewing area, but this is a purely set-it-and-forget it feature. A true pan/tilt camera is equipped with a motor so that you can move its lens—or even follow a moving object if you’re watching a live feed—using its app or browser-based app. Some cameras can even track a person moving within their field of view. Resolution No amount of security video will help you if it’s blurry, jittery, or otherwise distorted. Look for a camera that offers the highest possible resolution. There was a time when 720p (often referred to as “high definition” or HD) resolution was the standard, but most newer cameras now support 1080p (often referred to as “full HD”). Some models provide even higher resoution (2K or 4K), but keep in mind that higher-res cameras use more internet and Wi-Fi bandwidth as well as battery life (where applicable). Many cameras also offer a software zoom feature (which is not the same thing as having a physical zoom lens). Scheduling Scheduling features allow you to tell the camera to turn on and off, detect motion, and/or send alerts at specified times. This is useful when you, say, only want to be notified when your kids get home from school or just want to monitor your home when you’re away. It also reduces the amount of false alerts. Cameras that support geofencing can do this based on the location of your smartphone, activating themselves when you leave home and turning themselves off to enhance privacy while you’re home. Smart device integration If you have a home full of smart devices, consider looking for a security camera or an all-in-one home monitor that includes a Z-Wave, Zigbee, or—eventually a Thread—radio that can connect them. Support for an automation service like IFTTT is also useful. This allows the camera or monitor to react to various scenarios, such as taking a picture when your Nest Protect detects smoke, or telling your Philips Hue smart bulb to turn on when unexpected sounds are detected. Two-way audio While the idea of a security camera implies eyes-on monitoring, the ability to also hear what’s going on gives you a more complete picture of what’s happening on the home front when you’re away. It can also alert you to something occurring out of the camera’s field of vision. This feature can also allow you to speak through the camera, a great tool for remotely commanding an unruly pet or startling an intruder in the act. On some very low-end models, you might need to plug in a powered speaker for this feature to work. Viewing angle The camera’s field of view determines how much it can see. As you’re probably monitoring a single room, you want a wide viewing angle. Most current cameras fall in the 130-degree range. These wide angles can sometimes cause image distortion at the edges in the form of a fisheye effect, particularly when used in smaller rooms, but it’s not like you’re going to use a security to capture snapshots for your photo album. Frequently asked questions about home security cameras 1. What is cloud video storage, and how much does it cost? Many manufacturers offer cloud storage plans with their cameras. With one of these, your recorded video is sent to a remote server and stored for a predetermined time—usually anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks—and then deleted to make space for new videos. Though sometimes free, these cloud plans usually require a monthly subscription, but are worth it both for their convenience and if you want a surveillance record during a vacation or other extended time away from home. 2. Can security cameras recognize faces? A few newer cameras are experimenting with facial recognition. This feature could more accurately be called “facial identification,” as in practice it’s much better at distinguishing a face from, say, a lamp, than it is at actually distinguishing between one person’s face and another’s. If you opt for a camera with this feature, know that it typically learns faces through increasing exposure to them, so be prepared to spend a lot of time in front of the lens. 3. Can you access a security camera over the web? Many cameras can be accessed through a web portal. This is useful for times when you don’t have access to your mobile device or a wireless connection. The web app should closely mirror its mobile counterpart, so you don’t need to learn a whole new set of controls. 4. What’s the wireless range of a security camera? One of the benefits wireless cameras offer is the ability to move them around your home. Ideally, your home security camera should be able to maintain a Wi-Fi connection no matter how far you move it from your router, even in a large home. Some cameras come with an ethernet port as well, so you have the option of hardwiring it to your local network. A camera that supports power-over-ethernet (PoE) eliminates the need for an AC adapter and relies on just one cable (but your router or switch will also need to support PoE. Another alternative would be to use a PoE injector.) If you’re deploying a security camera beyond the range of your Wi-Fi network, models that connect instead to the same LTE network that your smartphone relies on are a good option, but they’re generally more expensive and you’ll need to pay your cellular provider for a data plan.  5. Are security cameras vulnerable to hackers?  There have been plenty of headlines about hackers compromising home cameras, baby monitors, and other Wi-Fi devices to spy on people, so be sure to check what steps has each manufacturer taken to eliminate this problem. Look for a camera that supports up-to-date wireless security protocols, such as WPA2, and make sure it encrypts internet transmission of your user name, your password, and the live feeds. Even better, opt for a security camera that supports end-to-end encryption, which ensures no third parties will be able to see your videos. Several security camera manufacturers, such as Ring, support end-to-end encryption. Never install a security camera (or a router or any other device on your home network) without changing its default user ID and password, and be sure to employ two-factor authentication if available. 6. Can you access your securty camera using a smartphone? Most of today’s home security camera’s are accessed primarily through a smartphone/tablet app. In addition to offering you a reliable way to view the camera’s live feed, it should offer plenty of options for customizing the way the camera performs. The ability to customize notifications, adjust motion and sound detection sensitivity, and set detection areas are some of the key features to look for. The app should also be intuitive and easy to master. Other notable security cameras we’ve tested We’ve evaluated many other home security cameras. If none of our top picks check all the boxes for you, take a look at these other products. We’ve also listed some security cameras that you should avoid. Arlo Essential: The second generation of the Arlo Essential Wireless Security Camera (model VMC2050-100NAS) is an impressive entry-level device with detection features competitive with pricier cameras, including those in Arlo’s Pro line. Arlo Essential Indoor: The revamped Essential Indoor has received a modest makeover, with a taller body and a shorter stand, while keeping the original’s 130-degree field of view, motion detection, black-and-white night vision, two-way audio, 12x digital zoom, a built-in siren, and an automated privacy shield. Best of all, though, is the greatly reduced $39.99 price tag. Blink Mini 2: Amazon’s diminutive security cam can be deployed indoors or, with its extra-cost weatherized power supply and cable, anywhere in your yard that you want to keep an eye on. Deep Sentinel DS2: Priced at $499, the Deep Sentinel DS2 security camera system is a significant investment, but it offers proactive threat deterrence you can’t get from many other DIY security camera, including live agents who monitor the camera feed in real time. Eufy Indoor Cam S350 and Eufy Solocam S340: Indoor and outdoor pan/tilt cameras respectively, both are outfitted with both wide-angle and telephoto lenses to deliver different views of the same scene simultaneously. LaView L2 Light Bulb Camera: This unique security camera plugs into a light bulb socket. It’s a clever idea, but its erratic and haphazard recording prevents us from recommending it. Noorio T110: This pan-and-tilt camera provides a raft of security features and makes them easy to operate with a smartly designed app. It’s low price should only increase its appeal to new and seasoned security camera users. Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen): Practically identical to its predecessor, the second-gen Ring Indoor Cam adds a physical privacy cover while carrying over the same looks and features as the affordably priced original. Just be ready to pay more for a subscription plan.  Wyze Cam Floodlight v2: Wyze has upgraded its entry-level floodlight camera with better resolution, stronger lights, and a lower price tag. And don’t miss our comparison of all the major security camera subscription plans. Home Security, Security Cameras

      • Philips Hue sync app for Samsung TVs adds subscription option

        We’re used to Philips Hue products with lofty price tags, but $130 for an app that syncs your Hue lights with a Samsung TV? That’s a big ask, even for Hue aficionados.  Perhaps that’s why Signify-owned Philips Hue and Samsung SmartThings, the two brands behind the Philips Hue Sync TV app, are teeing up a new way to pay for the service: a monthly fee.  Starting this spring, you’ll be able to pay $2.99 a month to access the Philips Hue Sync TV app, which will work its light-syncing magic on up to three Samsung TVs in your home.  For those who’d rather avoid yet another subscription fee, the Philips Hue Sync TV app will remain available as a $129.99 one-time purchase, albeit for just a single Samsung TV.  Available since January 2023 on the Samsung TV app store, the Philips Hue Sync TV app works with 2022 or newer Samsung TVs in the QR60 or better range, and it syncs your Hue lights with any content on your Samsung TV screen, including videos on Disney+, Netflix, and other streaming services.  The Philips Hue Sync TV app is an alternative to the $230 Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, a piece of hardware that will sync your Hue lights with any HDMI-equipped TV, not just Samsung sets.  Besides the subscription plan, Philips Hue and Samsung are announcing a new integration between the Philips Hue Sync TV app and the mobile Samsung SmartThings app.  Slated to arrive this spring, the integration will allow Philips Hue Sync TV users to change syncing modes and turn syncing on or off using the SmartThings app on their phones, rather than having to summon the smart TV app and potentially interrupting a binge-watching session.  Another new feature for the Philips Hue Sync TV app is a Music mode that will sync your Hue lights with the audio on a Samsung TV rather than the video.   Initially, Music mode will only work on select 2024 Samsung TVs, with support for 2022 and 2023 Samsung TV sets coming “later this year,” Samsung says.  Finally, the Philips Hue Sync TV app is coming to more countries, including Brazil, Hong Kong, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.   Lighting

      • YouTube on your TV: 13 tips to make it even better

        It’s no surprise that people are spending more time watching YouTube on their TVs. Paid streaming services are becoming more of a hassle, with escalating costs for ad-free viewing, upsells for higher-quality video, and new restrictions on account sharing. Viewers, especially younger ones, are increasingly skipping these services in favor of free alternatives, with YouTube being the biggest. According to Nielsen, YouTube has been the most-watched streaming service on TVs in the United States for more than a year, beating out the likes of Netflix, Hulu, and Max. If you’re among the crowd that watches YouTube on a television, there are a bunch of ways to make it more enjoyable. Here are some essential tips for navigating the YouTube catalog, interacting with videos, and getting the best viewing experience on the big screen: (Note that these tips apply to YouTube’s free app for televisions. YouTube TV, the cable replacement service that costs $73 per month, is an entirely separate experience.) Remember the long press Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Just like in many other TV apps, long-pressing on videos in the YouTube app brings up a menu of useful options, such as adding the item to your “Watch Later” list, removing it from your recommendations, and viewing the corresponding channel. Use your voice remote Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry The fastest way to search the YouTube catalog on your TV is by voice. Pressing your remote’s voice button while inside the YouTube app will let you search without any extra steps. This little shortcut works on most streaming platforms including Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, and Apple TV. Turn off auto-play Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry By default, YouTube will automatically start playing videos when you highlight them in the menu. If you find this obnoxious, just click on Settings in the left sidebar, then select “Previews” and choose “Off.” If you want to stop new YouTube videos auto-playing after the one you’re watching is finished, you’ll find this in Settings under the “Autoplay” section. View the comments and more Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry YouTube’s app for TVs now lets you view comments side-by-side with the video itself. While watching a video, click any button to bring up the video controls, then click on the video title above the progress bar. This brings up a sidebar where you’ll see the description, comments, likes, and more. Skip through chapters Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry For YouTube videos that include chapter markers, you can quickly jump between them with this slightly tricky maneuver: Click any button to bring up the playback controls, start fast-forwarding or rewinding, then click up to reach the chapter list. Find free movies Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry YouTube offers a sizeable catalog of Hollywood movies for free with ads. To find them, head to the “Movies & TV” section in the left sidebar, then scroll down to “Free with ads.” You can also find free movies on YouTube that aren’t part of the official collection. The FullMoviesOnYouTube subreddit keeps a running list of new titles, and you can sometimes find movies by appending “full movie” to the name of the film you’re trying to see. (Just know that some of these uploads are unauthorized and might get removed for copyright violations.) Speed through videos (or slow them down) Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Just like in YouTube’s mobile apps, you can change the playback speed of YouTube videos on your TV. Click any button on the remote to bring up playback controls, click the gear icon for video settings, then select “Speed.” 1.25X is a great way to speed through videos without making them unintelligible. Tweak your video quality Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry The same playback settings menu mentioned above lets you adjust the quality of any YouTube video. Click any button on the remote to bring up playback controls, click the gear icon for video settings, then select “Quality.” Send videos from your phone Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry You don’t need a Chromecast device to send YouTube videos from your phone to your TV. This feature also works on Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, and Android TV devices. To start a casting session, make sure your phone and streaming device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then, press the cast icon in the YouTube mobile app and select your smart TV or streaming player. Casting also works on pretty much every other streaming platform through YouTube’s device linking feature. If you don’t see your TV device in the casting list, head to Settings > Link with Wi-Fi in the YouTube app on your TV, then open then YouTube app on your phone. The two devices should link automatically, and anything you choose on the phone will play on the TV. Interact from your phone Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Once you’ve opened a casting session, your phone will automatically sync with the YouTube app on your TV. This allows you to like, comment, and subscribe for whatever video is currently playing—even if you select it with your TV remote. Find YouTube’s hidden phone remote Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry YouTube’s mobile app also offers a touchscreen remote, which you can use to navigate through the app on your television. Just click the cast icon in the YouTube app after you’ve connected a TV or streaming player, then hit the “Remote” button. Create a play queue Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Although YouTube’s TV app does not have a built-in play queue feature, you can use the mobile app to set up an ad hoc playlist of videos. Make sure the YouTube app on your phone is connected to the TV for casting, then tap on any video. You should see an option to add it to your current play queue. While you normally need a YouTube Premium subscription to create play queues on your phone, that requirement doesn’t apply when the phone is connected to your TV for casting. Use the “Watch Later” list Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry Jared Newman / Foundry As an alternative to setting up play queues on your phone, you can use YouTube’s “Watch Later” function to set up a string of videos to watch. Just long-press any video, then select “Save to Watch Later.” These videos will then appear under the “Library” tab in the left sidebar. Did I miss something? Send me your favorite YouTube-on-TV tips via email, and sign up for my Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter to get more streaming advice every Friday. Streaming Devices, Streaming Media

      • Proscenic Smart Lock L60 review: Affordable front-door security

        At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsUnlocks with a fingerprint, NFC card, PIN, app, or physical keyUSB-C port for backup powerInexpensiveConsBluetooth only out of the boxShort Bluetooth rangeRated BHMA Grade 2Our VerdictThe Proscenic Smart Lock L60 delivers more convenience features than you might expect from such an inexpensive smart deadbolt (be aware that Wi-Fi connectivity costs extra). But if you have high security needs, you should look for a lock with more robust construction. Smart lock prices have been on the decline for several years, but I haven’t seen one that offers as many features as the Proscenic Smart Lock L60 does for the price. With this $109 lock on your door, you can gain access by tapping the numbers on its LED-backlit touchscreen, touching your registered fingerprint to the reader above the keypad, using Proscenic’s smartphone app, by touching a 1.25 x 2-inch NFC card to its front, or by inserting a physical key. Should the lock’s four AA batteries fail while you’re out and about, you can use a portable battery and a USB-C cable to power it up long enough to get you in the door. I tested this feature by removing all the lock’s batteries and was able to unlock and lock it not only with a USB-C cable plugged into a battery, but also with a USB-C cable plugged into my fully charged iPhone 15 Pro. The Proscenic Smart Lock L60 lock can be opened with a fingerprint, a PIN, an NFC card, or a physical key. It can remember up to 100 codes and up to 100 fingerprints. Caveats The Proscenic Smart Lock L60 is equipped with an excellent fingerprint reader. The Proscenic Smart Lock L60 is equipped with an excellent fingerprint reader.Michael Brown/Foundry The Proscenic Smart Lock L60 is equipped with an excellent fingerprint reader.Michael Brown/Foundry Michael Brown/Foundry Before you get too excited about the Smart Lock L60’s price tag, however, know that this is a Bluetooth 5.0 lock, so you’ll also need to purchase Proscenic’s Bluetooth gateway ($29.99) to link the L60 to your Wi-Fi network. You’ll need the gateway to operate and program the lock when you’re not standing in front of it, and to incorporate the lock into your broader smart home ecosystem (the lock is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, but not Apple Home. It’s not compatible with Matter, either.) The Bluetooth bridge comes from a third-party manufacturer, Tuya, and Proscenic uses Tuya’s Internet of Things cloud platform. Proscenic did not provide a bridge with the lock they sent for this review, so I can’t report on that element of this product offering. The keys and NFC cards that come with the Proscenic Smart Lock L60 set it apart from most of its bargain-priced competitors. The keys and NFC cards that come with the Proscenic Smart Lock L60 set it apart from most of its bargain-priced competitors.Michael Brown/Foundry The keys and NFC cards that come with the Proscenic Smart Lock L60 set it apart from most of its bargain-priced competitors.Michael Brown/Foundry Michael Brown/Foundry The lock itself consists primarily of two components: an exterior escutcheon with the keypad, lock cylinder, and USB-C backup power port; and a large (by modern standards) interior escutcheon—measuring roughly 5.75 x 2.75 1.25 inches (146 x 70 x 32mm) (HxWxD). This houses the thumb-turn, motor, and battery compartment. There’s also a button here for electrically locking and unlocking if you don’t want to use the thumb-turn. The lock’s motor operates with a bit of a whine, so you’ll probably want to use the silent thumb-turn most of the time. A voice announces lock/unlock operations, but it can be disabled if you don’t want it. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. This is an attractive lock, with a matte black finish on its interior side and on four sides of its exterior element. The exterior face looks to be covered in glass, with a knurled slide-away shutter covering the keyhole. Proscenic says the lock is rated IP65 for protection from the elements, meaning it’s impervious to particulate matter and that it can withstand water jets coming at it from any direction. (We’ll tell you everything you need to know about IP codes at the preceding link.) The lock is rated BHMA Grade 2 for impact resistance, which puts it in the middle of that scale, BHMA Grade 1 being the highest rating. A slide-way cover hides the Proscenic Lock L60’s key hole. A slide-way cover hides the Proscenic Lock L60’s key hole.Michael Brown/Foundry A slide-way cover hides the Proscenic Lock L60’s key hole.Michael Brown/Foundry Michael Brown/Foundry Installation The Smart Lock L60 can be installed on doors that are 1.38 to 2.16 inches thick (35 to 55mm), although it comes with just one set of bolts to secure the interior and exterior elements together (most of the locks I’ve reviewed come with both shorter and longer bolts). As is typical, the deadbolt can be adjusted for either 2.375- or 2.75-inch backsets (60.3 or 69.8mm). A cardboard drilling template is provided if you’re installing it on a door that doesn’t already have a deadbolt installed. You’ll also find a Phillips screwdriver in the box along with the various screws and other parts. I didn’t find the Smart Lock L60 particularly difficult to install, and it comes with a well-written and illustrated user manual to make things easier. You’ll insert the deadbolt into its bore hole first, and then attach a steel plate to the interior side of the door. The next step is to hold the exterior escutcheon against the outside of the door, thread a power cable through the bore hole, under the deadbolt, and then push the lock’s tailpiece through the slot on the deadbolt. As is typical for this type of smart lock, you’ll need to thread a power cable from the exterior escutcheon through the door’s bore hole and plug it intol a socket on the back of the interior escutcheon. As is typical for this type of smart lock, you’ll need to thread a power cable from the exterior escutcheon through the door’s bore hole and plug it intol a socket on the back of the interior escutcheon.Michael Brown/Foundry As is typical for this type of smart lock, you’ll need to thread a power cable from the exterior escutcheon through the door’s bore hole and plug it intol a socket on the back of the interior escutcheon.Michael Brown/Foundry Michael Brown/Foundry The exterior escutcheon isn’t particularly heavy, so I didn’t have much trouble balancing it while I first connected the power cable into a socket on the interior escutcheon, mounted that element on its plate, and then secured the two units together with the provided bolts. Once the lock is secured to the door, the final step is to install the batteries and put on the cover. The whole process took about 15 minutes. That said, I haven’t found any smart lock that’s easier to install than the Level Lock+. Setup Once you’ve physically installed the Smart Lock L60, you’ll need to download the Proscenic app—available for Android and iOS—and then add the lock to the app to configure it. The app has an annoying home page dominated by advertising for other Proscenic products, so you’ll need to tap on a picture of the lock before you can do anything with it. Unless you’ve also installed Procenic’s Bluetooth gateway, you’ll need to be within range of the lock when using the app—inside of four feet, in my experience. The Proscenic Smart Lock L60 operates on a set of four AA batteriesl, which the manufacturer says should last a full year. The Proscenic Smart Lock L60 operates on a set of four AA batteriesl, which the manufacturer says should last a full year.Michael Brown/Foundry The Proscenic Smart Lock L60 operates on a set of four AA batteriesl, which the manufacturer says should last a full year.Michael Brown/Foundry Michael Brown/Foundry The lock’s home screen displays a large circular button for locking and unlocking, with a small icon beneath that reports the remaining battery life as a percentage. Three buttons in a row below are linked to User, Code, and Functions subpages, respectively. A third block at the bottom of the home screen shows the most recent lock events on a timeline: lock, unlock, PIN creation, settings changes, PIN and fingerprint use, attempts to use unregistered PINs and fingerprints, and more. You can click a More button to display a longer history of events. Each regular user can be set up with any combination of multiple registered fingerprints, PINs, or NFC cards. (Two of the latter are included, and you can buy more in sets of two for $14.99 per set. The lock can recognize up to 20 cards.) PINs must be between six and eight digits, and the app can generate random codes for you to avoid reliance on easy-to-guess PINs based on historical dates or birth dates. Of course, a random set of numbers will be harder for the user to remember. The home screen on Proscenic’s app is dominated by obnoxious ads for its other products. You’ll need to tap on the image of the lock to gain access to its functions, logs, and other elements. The home screen on Proscenic’s app is dominated by obnoxious ads for its other products. You’ll need to tap on the image of the lock to gain access to its functions, logs, and other elements.Michael Brown/Foundry The home screen on Proscenic’s app is dominated by obnoxious ads for its other products. You’ll need to tap on the image of the lock to gain access to its functions, logs, and other elements.Michael Brown/Foundry Michael Brown/Foundry The lock can remember up to 100 unique PINs and up to 100 fingerprints. If you’re concerned about some miscreant with binoculars watching you enter your PIN, you can add random numbers before and after your actual PIN to disguise it. You can’t put time or date restrictions on regular users, but you can set up one-time-use PINs for situations like granting a contractor access to your home while you’re away. You can also create time-and-date-limited PINs for cleaning-service access or Airbnb scenarios. To grant someone one-time access, the app generates a random 10-digit string of numbers that can unlock the door within six hours of the code’s creation. You can’t shorten the number or create your own string, nor can you change the time window during which the code is valid. Once the code is used, it can’t be used again, so I’d recommend not enabling the auto-lock feature that automatically re-locks the door. You’ll assign a label to each one-time-use PIN you create, and you can create more than one if needed. A Share button in the app lets you send the code to the recipient via text message, e-mail, or app. You can create two types of limited-time access codes: one-time use codes that expire six hours after they’re created, and limited-time codes with expiration dates and times. You can create two types of limited-time access codes: one-time use codes that expire six hours after they’re created, and limited-time codes with expiration dates and times.Michael Brown/Foundry You can create two types of limited-time access codes: one-time use codes that expire six hours after they’re created, and limited-time codes with expiration dates and times.Michael Brown/Foundry Michael Brown/Foundry If you want to give someone time-restricted recurring access to your home, you can create a “custom” code that’s valid during a defined window of time. To define this window, you’ll spin one wheel with dates and times labeled “Effective time,” and a second wheel labeled “Expiration time.” Unfortunately, the time is based on a 24-hour clock, so you’ll need to translate afternoon hours (3:00 p.m. is displayed as 15:00, for example). Once the time expires, the code will no longer unlock the door. Should you buy the Proscenic Smart Lock L60? I didn’t encounter any problems using the Smart Lock L60 over a period of several weeks. It recognized fingerprints and PINs quickly and reliably, and the temporary codes I created worked as advertised. As I mentioned earlier, the lock’s motor is a bit loud (when you’re hearing it lock/unlock while inside the house, that is), but not obnoxiously so. The touchscreen is plenty bright, including in afternoon daylight, although I can’t attest to how it would perform in direct sunlight because I tested in on a north-facing door. My biggest reservation with recommending this lock is its BHMA Grade 2 rating, but I can’t complain about its price tag. If you don’t have high security needs, the Proscenic Smart Lock L60 delivers a lot of convenient features at a very low price. Smart Locks

      • Best smart locks 2024: Reviews and buying advice

        Smart locks are the biggest improvement to home security since the lock-and-key system was invented more than a thousand years ago. Back then, some genius figured out that you could use a piece of metal of just the right size and shape to push the pins inside a lock into the proper position to allow the lock mechanism to turn. Today, some modern smart locks don’t have keys at all, and they deliver lots of other benefits, too. Whether you have a teenager who tends to break curfew or merely want to give temporary access to houseguests, service providers, or Airbnb guests, a smart lock is an incredible upgrade over the old way of doing things. Ready to make the jump? Here are our top picks of the market at the moment.  Updated March 23, 2024: We’ve added a link to our Proscenic Smart Lock L60 review. You can open this incredibly affordable lock with a your fingerprint, one of the included NFC cards, a pre-programmed code, the app on your smartphone, or an old-fashioned physical key. Bear in mind, however, that one of the reasons it’s so inexpensive is that it’s a Bluetooth-only smart lock. The good news is that you can buy an affordable Bluetooth gateway to add Wi-Fi connectivity. It doesn’t replace any of our current top picks, but it is a good value. Why you should trust us TechHive editors and contributors have been testing smart locks for many years, and we continuously evaluate the latest models along with their accompanying apps. We’ve tested keyless smart locks, retrofit locks, locks with keypads, Bluetooth-only locks, locks that support geofencing, and more. You can trust us to guide you to the right smart lock for your needs. Our top picks for smart locks Level Lock+ Connect — Best smart lock overall Pros Understated industrial design that doesn’t scream “it’s a smart lock!” Supremely easy to install and set up Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit (including Apple's "home key" NFC tech Thread radio onboard for eventual Matter certification Cons No biometric security Pricey Why we like the Level Lock+ Connect Now bundled with the Level Connect Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi bridge, the Level Lock+ Connect is fully compatible with all three of the major smart home platforms: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (including Apple’s “home key” NFC tech), and Google Home. The inclusion of the bridge also erases the biggest cons we had for this minimalist lock that looks as good as it operates. It remains our highest-rated smart lock–there is nothing better on the market today–and it could get even better when its Thread radio is activated, adding Matter compatibility. Who should buy the Level Lock+ Connect While the Level Lock+ Connect is now compatible with Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home, we believe Apple users will have the best experience with this lock. The arrival of Matter compatibility will presumably iron out the kinks for Alexa and Google Home users, but Level’s promised Matter update (the lock is Matter-certified, but its Thread radio is still dormant). Read our full Level Lock+ (now marketed as Level Lock+ Connect, which includes the Level Connect bridge) review Kwikset Halo Touch — Best mainstream smart lock Pros Effective operation with a top-notch fingerprint scanner Connects directly to Wi-Fi, no hub or bridge needed Smaller and more attractive exterior escutcheon compared to most of the competition Streamlined setup process Cons App becomes mired in lengthy delays every time a setting is changed Interior escutcheon is still industrial-class ugly Relatively expensive Why we like the Kwikset Halo Touch Kwikset has finally gotten into the biometrics game with the launch of the Halo Touch smart lock, and the lock benefits from a handsome exterior design, easy installation, a basic but fully-featured app, and–best of all–an effective, fast, and accurate fingerprint scanner. Who should buy the Kwikset Halo Touch Hey, we get it. Not everyone wants to spend big bucks on the absolute best product in any given category. That’s why we’ve made a distinction here between “best mainstream” (the Kwikset Halo) and “best overall” (the Level Lock+). The Kwikset’s lock isn’t compatible with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem, but it doesn’t depend on a separate bridge to connect to your Wi-Fi network and it costs $110 less than Level’s offering–which doesn’t have a fingerprint reader. Read our full Kwikset Halo Touch review Wyze Lock Bolt — Best budget-priced smart lock Pros An amazing smart-home value Inclusion of a fingerprint reader is impressive at this price Worked perfectly throughout our evaluation You can establish temporary PIN codes from afar, even without Wi-Fi Cons Bluetooth only, no Wi-Fi connectivity Can't be incorporated into a broader smart home system Uninspired industrial design Can't detect if the door is open or closed No physical key Why we like the Wyze Lock Bolt At $70, Wyze Labs’ Lock Bolt Bluetooth smart lock is dirt cheap compared to what the rest of the smart lock industry has to offer. Even better, it even includes a few features even advanced smart locks tend to miss. Installation is easy, you can create temporary PIN codes from anywhere, a fingerprint reader is included (a rarity at this price), and best of all, the lock worked flawlessly during our testing process. Who should buy the Wyze Lock Bolt If you can do without Wi-Fi connectivity, the Wyze Lock Bolt is a phenomenal value for a full-fledged smart lock (this isn’t just a retrofit device), especially given that it includes a fingerprint reader. Just be aware that as a Bluetooth-only device, the Wyze Lock Bolt lacks support for geofencing, voice commands, or integrations with broader smart home ecosystems. Still, this lock is a great value for the money. Read our full Wyze Lock Bolt review Level Bolt Connect — Best retrofit smart lock Pros The champion of unobtrusive retrofit smart locks Very easy to set up and use Near flawless operation in daily use Cons Geofencing didn’t work Minimal activity logging iPhone users will need a HomeKit hub for away-from-home control Android phone users will need an Amazon Sidewalk bridge in order to control the lock while away from home Best Prices Today: £305.08 at Amazon Why we like the Level Bolt Level Home’s Level Bolt Connect is our favorite retrofit smart lock, thanks in large measure to its ability to disappear. The smart components of the Bolt hide inside your door, where they replace the interior mechanical elements of your existing deadbolt. You re-attach your existing interior and exterior components, so that your door’s overall aesthetic doesn’t change in the least. Who should buy the Level Bolt Now that it comes bundled with the Level Connect Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi bridge, the Level Bolt Connect is compatible with all three of the major smart home ecosystems–Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Home–making it a great choice for those looking to retrofit their locks regardless of their smart home platform. Read our full Level Bolt (now marketed as Level Bolt+ Connect, which includes the Level Connect bridge)  review Bosma Aegis Smart Door Lock — Best retrofit smart lock, runner-up Pros Excellent reliability Geofencing features worked perfectly in testing Surprisingly affordable Cons A bit large and bulky Occasional but minor trouble with the app Why we like the Bosma Aegis The Bosma Aegis isn’t particularly handsome, and at four inches across, its octagonal lock is a bit awkward to grip and twist. That said, this Wi-Fi-enabled retrofit lock is a snap to install, works great, and comes with most of the features we’ve seen in far pricier competitors. So while the Aegis isn’t much of a looker, it packs plenty of value. Who should buy the Bosma Aegis If you want a quality retrofit smart lock for less, the Bosma Aegis should be at the top of your list. It supports Wi-Fi geofencing and allows for the creation of time-restricted PINs, and it worked great during our testing. You’ll have to settle for a somewhat large and bulky design, but otherwise the Bosma Aegis delivers plenty of functionality for the price. Read our full Bosma Aegis Smart Door Lock review Lockly Vision Elite — Most sophisticated smart lock Pros Every feature you could want in a smart lock—and then some PIN Genie touchscreen is brilliant Top-shelf fingerprint scanner Wi-Fi bridge and second battery are included Cons Incredibly complex installation Not the prettiest lock on the block Dazzlingly expensive Why we like the Lockly Vision Elite Lockly’s $500 Vision Elite is the most expensive smart lock we’ve tested, but its mountain of features and solid operation make it worth consideration. You should also take into consideration that it eliminates the need for a video doorbell, and that it features both a numeric keypad, a fingerprint reader, and a conventional key cylinder. It is the most sophisticated smart lock we’ve seen, but it’s hard to hide all of its features behind a pretty facade. It’s also very expensive. Who should buy the Lockly Vision Elite You’ll need deep pockets to afford the Lockly Vision Elite, but it does double as a video doorbell, so it’s a great choice if you don’t already have a doorbell installed. The Lockly Vision Elite is also ideal if you prefer unlocking your door using a fingerprint reader. Read our full Lockly Vision Elite review What to look for when shopping for a smart lock As you’ve doubtless realized by now, not all smart locks are made alike. Some smart locks are designed to completely replace an old “dumb” lock, while others are meant to retrofit an existing lock. Some smart locks will let you create PINs for guests, while others can unlock automatically once you cross a virtual geofence. Here’s a guide to some of the key design options and features in the smart lock category. Smart home hub integration If you have an existing hub like the Wink Hub 2, Samsung SmartThings, or an Apple TV, you’ll want to ensure your chosen smart lock is compatible from the start. Many smart locks support Bluetooth, so they work with your phone, but lack the technology needed to connect with your home network. Some Bluetooth locks, like the Yale Assure system and the August Smart Lock, offer a radio module as an add-on to connect to your home network. If you’re using a smart home hub like the Samsung SmartThings or Wink Hub, look for a lock that supports Z-Wave or Zigbee, instead. Then there’s Matter, the new smart home standard that promises to unite the major smart home ecosystems. The good news is that smart locks are included in the Matter specification; the bad news is that for now, only a few Matter-enabled smart locks are available. We look forward to checking out more Matter smart locks in the weeks and months ahead. Entry means From apps and keypads to fingerprint readers and good, old-fashioned keys, there are myriad ways to unlock a smart lock. Make sure to pick a model that supports the entry method (or methods) you prefer. Power backup What do you do if the batteries inside the lock die—and you’re stuck outside? Some locks allow for emergency power to be applied should this happen. Yale’s Real Living locks feature external posts to which you can connect a 9-volt battery, giving you enough juice to get the door open. Other models retain the traditional key cylinder for backup. Geofencing Bad about manually locking the door when you leave? A geofencing system automatically locks the door when it detects your phone has left the vicinity, and can be set to automatically open up when it finds you’ve come home. Guest access features Most smart locks let you set up temporary keys for houseguests, which you can delete when they’ve returned home. Smarter systems even let you set time restrictions around when each access code can be used. Frequently asked questions about smart locks 1. What benefits do smart smart locks deliver? You can thank the hospitality industry for finally pushing locks into the digital age. Hotels learned long ago that keys are easily lost, expensive to replace, and simple to bypass, as thieves can pick locks or simply make copies of a key to allow for unfettered future access. On the flipside, hotel guests have readily accepted key cards (and in some cases, smartphone-based solutions) as the primary means of getting into their room. The electronic solution is just so much simpler. Lost hotel key card? Replacing it is no big deal. But the biggest benefit of electronic entry systems is that they are highly configurable. Digital locks can be changed at a moment’s notice (which is why that old hotel key card in your wallet isn’t good for anything), and the property owner can generate a record of when each door was opened. In a more advanced setting, different keys can be generated for the same lock, so a homeowner can tell when each member of the family came in, or when the housekeeper arrived. 2. How do you pick a smart lock? (No pun intended.) This is a young and wildly immature space, and many products on the market are still extremely rough around the edges. Even top products can balk when dealing with old or stiff deadbolts, doors that don’t shut well, or environments where non-standard fixtures are in use. The bottom line is that it’s tough to declare that any product is universally perfect for every home. That said, here are some key considerations to take into account to help you narrow down your shopping list. 3. Are some smart locks smarter than others? Some “smart locks” don’t work with a smartphone app or any smart home networking hubs at all; they’re really just electronic locks that use a code instead of a key to open up. One step up from that, you’ll find Bluetooth-only locks. These work with a smartphone app, but can’t be monitored remotely or via a smart home system. That’s fine if you’re looking to get rid of the keys in your pocket, but less impressive if you want to make your entrance portals a true part of your home network. Finally, there are full-on smart locks that connect to your smart home system via Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Wi-Fi. 4. Do I need to completely replace my old lock to install a smart lock? You’re forgiven if you don’t want to replace your antique doorknob on your vintage Victorian with a metallic device that looks like it would be more at home keeping people out of a strip mall bank branch. A sizeable number of smart lock products don’t require you to replace all your existing hardware. Instead, they are installed on the inside of the door only, replacing only the interior part of the deadbolt. You can continue to use a standard key from the outside or open the lock via a smartphone app. Other notable smart locks we’ve tested We’ve evaluated many other smart locks. If none of our top picks check all the boxes for you, take a look at these other products. We’ve also listed some smart locks that you should avoid. Proscenic Smart Lock L60: Proscenic’s smart deadbolt proved to be a much more reliable product than its L40 smart lever lock (see link below). Proscenic Smart Lock L40: Kudos to Proscenic for stuffing this lock with features and keeping its price down, but numerous operational problems, including an erratic fingerprint reader that had a bad habit of locking out our reviewer, need to be addressed. Smonet Smart Lock: If you’re willing to deal with a tricky setup process and some operation hiccups, Smonet’s smart deadbolt is a reasonable and affordable Bluetooth lock with a Wi-Fi option. Securam EOS: Connectivity drops are a big problem with this otherwise innovative and solid smart lock. Lockly Duo: The Lockly Duo effectively combines a latch and deadbolt in a single smart unit, but the resulting device is enormous–and a bit wonky. Turbolock TL88: This Bluetooth-only, latch-style lock includes a quality fingerprint reader, but it’s short on tweakability. Yale Assure Lock 2 Key-Free Touchscreen with Bluetooth: Yale is a strong player in the smart lock market, and its products are priced accordingly. This one is a Bluetooth only model, but you can add Wi-Fi connectivity with an $80 bridge. Smart Locks

      • Narwal Freo Ultra X review: This all-in-one vac is better than ever

        At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsGreat vacuuming and mopping performanceExcellent obstacle avoidanceAutomatically cleans its mop headsDisposable dust bags hold up to 7 weeks of debrisConsNo self-emptying dustbinVery large base stationExpensiveOur VerdictIt’s expensive, and its jumbo-sized base station lacks self-emptying functionality. But if you hate vacuuming and mopping and want some automated help, the Narwal Freo X Ultra is one of the most sophisticated floor cleaners we’ve tested. Narwal’s new flagship Freo X Ultra is the result of several years of improving on its all-in-one robot vacuum and mop. And with several design upgrades, better obstacle detection, and a more polished app experience, it’s easily the best version of the product yet. The Freo X Ultra doesn’t look radically different from the Narwal Freo we reviewed a while back. The robot is 13.8 inches across and a bit over 4 inches tall due to the LiDAR turret on top, and it comes with the same gleaming white finish. The Narwal Freo Ultra X justifies its high price with great performance and a polished user experience. Underneath, there have been some significant enhancements. The robot, which has a max suction of 8,200 Pa, now has a unique U-shaped air duct that (unlike conventional curved ducts) allows the robot to maintain continuous, high-speed airflow, thus preventing debris from collecting around and clogging the inlet. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best robot vacuums. Roller brushes and mop heads Its roller brush pairs bristles with cone-shaped rubber strips tilted at 50 degrees that direct air to the sides, preventing hair strands from wrapping around the middle of the brush and pushing them to the left where they’re sucked into the dustbin through an enlarged outlet. The robot navigates using tri-laser obstacle avoidance with LiDAR SLAM 4.0 Integration. The robot navigates using tri-laser obstacle avoidance with LiDAR SLAM 4.0 Integration. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry The robot navigates using tri-laser obstacle avoidance with LiDAR SLAM 4.0 Integration. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Michael Ansaldo/Foundry For wet cleaning, the Freo X Ultra features Narwal’s Reuleaux triangular mops, which apply up to 12N of downward pressure, depending on floor type, and rotate at 180 rpm, allowing them to scrub floors like commercial floor cleaners. It also includes Narwal’s EdgeSwing feature, which automatically rotates the robot back and forth to better reach around and into corners and crevices. The robot navigates using tri-laser obstacle avoidance with LiDAR SLAM 4.0 integration, and can be controlled with the Narwal app or with voice commands via Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. Additionally, the Narwal Freo X Ultra can be controlled using the touchscreen on its base station. The all-in-one base station measures 17.1 x 14.6 x 16.3 inches (HxWxD). The station houses clean-water and dirty-water tanks, plus a slot where you can insert a bottle of Narwal’s lemon-basil scented detergent, which it uses to clean your floors and the robot’s mop pads. Narwal includes a 31-ounce bottle with the Freo X Ultra; replacements cost around $30 on Narwal’s website (it’s also available at Amazon). Narwal’s triangular mop pads adjust their pressure according to the type of floor they’re on. Narwal’s triangular mop pads adjust their pressure according to the type of floor they’re on. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Narwal’s triangular mop pads adjust their pressure according to the type of floor they’re on. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Setup and room mapping Although it’s possible to operate the Freo X Ultra solely from the base station’s control panel, you’ll need the Narwal app for more fine control of your floor cleaning. That requires a simple app-driven setup process that prompts you to select the device from a product list and enter your network login credentials to connect the robot to Wi-Fi. Once the robot is connected, you’ll need to prepare it for mopping by removing the clean water tank, filling it, and reinstalling it. If you’re going to use the supplied detergent—a personal choice, but I found the lemon-basil scent to be mild and pleasant—you’ll need to install that in its slot before replacing the filled water tank. The robot does a quick mapping run without cleaning the first time you dispatch it, during which it tries to learn the floor plan of your home. The initial map it created of mine wasn’t accurate; the layout was correct, but it divided the space into just two rooms: the bathroom and everything else. You can edit the map to make it more accurate by merging or splitting rooms and applying proper names, which I did. The Freo X Ultra base station houses clean- and dirty-water tanks for scrubbing floors and sanitizing its mop pads. The Freo X Ultra base station houses clean- and dirty-water tanks for scrubbing floors and sanitizing its mop pads. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry The Freo X Ultra base station houses clean- and dirty-water tanks for scrubbing floors and sanitizing its mop pads. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Michael Ansaldo/Foundry The quality of the maps has improved since the last time I used the Narwal app. They now incorporate color to visually differentiate rooms and include icons to display carpet and furniture. You can also manually add cleaning areas and no-go zones to the map to customize cleaning jobs. Cleaning modes The Freo Ultra X has essentially two cleaning modes. Freo mode turns most of the control over to the robot. You select what type of cleaning you want to be done and in what order—vacuuming, mopping, or both, either sequentially or simultaneously—and then it decides how much suction and water to apply, how many cleaning passes to make, and so on, based on the job at hand. Narwal’s DirtSense technology comes into play here. It determines which floors are the dirtiest, returning to those for extra cleaning while bypassing floors that are already spotless. It does this largely by monitoring the color and particles in the wastewater removed from the robot’s mops when it returns to the base station. If it’s dark and dirty, the robot will go back and clean the last area again. The other cleaning mode allows you to customize all the particulars. You decide which room(s) to clean and how, as well as the suction power, water level, and cleaning pattern. Performance I liked the Freo mode results enough that I used it consistently during my testing period. It generally did a good job sucking up the dust, food crumbs, and pet hair that accumulate on my floors each day. The mop pads easily remove light dirt and grime, and even provided enough agitation to lift some of the mud tracked in on by my family’s shoes over several rainy days (although I still had to finish the job with a stick mop). Customizable maps—in 2D or 3D—let you target cleaning to the rooms that need it most. Customizable maps—in 2D or 3D—let you target cleaning to the rooms that need it most. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Customizable maps—in 2D or 3D—let you target cleaning to the rooms that need it most. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Obstacle avoidance was noticeably better than in past Freo versions. Instead of having to meticulously clear the floor as I did with its predecessor, I could turn the Freo X Ultra loose confident that it could manage its way around backpacks, shoes, pet food dishes, and other items that are regular fixtures on my floors. After each cleaning, the robot returns to its base station to have its mops scrubbed and dried. But there’s no self-emptying dustbin, so you have to manually dispose of all the dry debris the robot collects. Narwal came up with a clever solution to make the chore a bit easier, though. You can swap out the 500ml dust bin for a 1-liter disposable bag. The Freo X Ultra includes three of these, each attached to a filter, and the vacuum compresses the bag’s contents each time it returns to base, enabling you to get about 7 weeks out of it before you have to replace it. When it’s full, you just toss it in the trash and don’t have to worry about releasing a cloud of dust into the air. Narwal Freo X Ultra specifications Cleaning modes: Freo, custom Charging dock type: Automatic mop head cleaning Mapping: Tri-laser LiDAR Suction: up to 8,200 Pa Auto mop lifting: 12mm Mopping pressure: 12N Mopping type: Rotating mop ×2 Base station dimensions: 17.1 x 14.6 x 16.3 inches (HxWxD) App control: Android and iOS Voice control: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Should you buy the Narwal Freo X Ultra? At $1,399,99, the Freo X Ultra sits at the top end of the market. But unlike past versions of this product, it justifies its high price with great performance and a more polished user experience. If you need help staying on top of your floor maintenance the Freo X Ultra is worth a look. Robot Vacuums and Cleaning

      • Best robot vacuums 2024: Reviews and buying advice

        There’s nothing quite like the tedium of vacuuming floors. While it doesn’t come with the ick factor of scrubbing toilets, pushing and dragging a noisy, cumbersome vacuum remains its own kind of torture. Fortunately, robot vacuums are here to do that thankless task for us–and an increasing number of models can mop your floors, too. Once you’ve dealt with the initial setup, robot vacuums require little effort to manage. They don’t have unwieldy cords to wrangle or hoses to contend with, and you can run one from your couch using a physical remote or smartphone app. Pricier models can even be programmed to wake up and start cleaning without any intervention at all. Why you should trust us TechHive’s editors and contributors have been testing robot vacuums for years, and we frequently evaluate the latest hardware, along with their accompanying mobile apps. We’ve checked out single-purpose robot vacuums, hybrid robot vacuums with mopping functionality, robovacs with self-emptying base stations, and vacuums that can map your floors as well as scoot around obstacles. You can trust us to guide you to the right robot vacuum for your needs. Updated March 21, 2024: We’ve added a link to our Narwal Freo Ultra X review. Narwal’s refreshed flagship arrives with a host of improvements, including several design upgrades, better obstacle avoidance, and a more polished app experience. The Freo Ultra X impressed us with its terrific vacuuming and mopping performance as well as its intelligent “Freo” cleaning mode. The large home base won’t automatically clean the bot’s bin, but the included 1-liter disposable bags will each store weeks of debris. For these reasons and more, the Narwal Freo Ultra X is our new runner-up for the most sophisticated robot vacuum. Our top picks in robot vacuums and vac/mop combos iRobot Roomba j9+ — Best robot vacuum overall Pros Excellent obstacle detection/avoidance Detects dirt levels and prioritizes room cleaning accordingly Impressive cleaning peformance Cons PrecisionVision navigation feature depends on ambient light Many app controls buried in sub-menus Price When Reviewed: £949.00 Best Prices Today: £899 at Amazon£949 at iRobot Why we like the iRobot Roomba j9+ With its new flagship, the Roomba j9+, iRobot has taken the best features of its predecessor and added a new superpower: the ability to identify and prioritize the dirtiest rooms in your home. The Roomba j9+ can also spot and avoid obstacles on the floor (including pet poop), and it now comes with a more compact self-emptying Clean Base. The result is a truly automated cleaning experience that should be welcome in any household. Who should buy the iRobot Roomba j9+ With its terrific suction power, self-emptying base, and ability to avoid obstacles, the iRobot Roomba j9+ is a great choice for anyone shopping for a robot vacuum. Yes, the Roomba j9+ is expensive, but we believe the robot’s ability to complete vacuuming jobs and empty its dustbin without human intervention makes it well worth the money. Just keep in mind that the Roomba j9+ is a robot vacuum only, not a hybrid vacuum/mop. Read our full Roomba j9+ review Eufy X8 Pro — Best robot vacuum/mop combo for pet owners Pros Great cleaning performance Detangles roller brush as it rotates Excellent navigation and obstacle detection Cons Mopping not very effective on stains Too tall to get into some low spaces Price When Reviewed: £599 (bundled with self-emptying base) Best Prices Today: £599 at Amazon£599.99 at Eufy What we like about the Eufy X8 Pro The Eufy X8 Pro is a very capable 2-in-1 robot cleaner with excellent navigation and obstacle avoidance, but that can be said about many products at this mid-range price. The clear differentiator here is the “active detangling” roller brush, which does a fantastic job of eliminating pet hair clogs that compromise a vacuum’s overall performance. Who should buy the Eufy X8 Pro Pet owners should put the X8 Pro at the top of their shopping list, while other users can be a little choosier. In particular, it’s worth noting that the Eufy X8 Pro’s mopping struggles with floor stains, while the bot has an unfortunate tendency to get stuck in low spaces. But again, the X8 Pro’s unique “active detangling” roller brush might–for pet lovers, anyway–trump the robot’s mopping and navigation deficiencies. Read our full Eufy X8 Pro review iLife A4s Pro — Best budget-priced robot vacuum Pros Simple controls Multiple cleaning modes Powerful suction Budget price Cons No advanced navigation features Doesn't create maps of your home's interior Why we like the iLife A4s Pro This robot vacuum blends powerful suction with straightforward controls, an approach that kept its price tag less than $200 when we first reviewed it. It’s current street price is roughly $180. This vac doesn’t create sophisticated maps of your home’s floor plan, so you’ll need to deploy its battery-powered ElectroWall to prevent it from going into rooms where it could get in trouble. But one person’s perks are another person’s pain points, and if you prize simplicity and competence in your technology, the iLife A4s Pro will make you very happy. Who should buy the iLife A4s Pro In case you hadn’t already guessed, the iLife A4s Pro is a terrific option for those who want a robot vacuum but don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars for one. No, the budget-priced iLife A4s Pro doesn’t offer LiDAR navigation or AI-aided object avoidance systems; mopping and self-emptying bins are off the table, too. But if you want a robot vacuum that delivers powerful suction for south of $200, the iLife A4s is–if you ask us–your best bet. Read our full iLife A4s Pro review Wyze Robot Vacuum — Best budget robot vacuum, runner-up Pros Includes laser mapping and room customization Three suction levels Advanced features at a budget price Cons Easily gets stuck under low-slung furniture Can't be controlled with voice commands (Alexa or Hey Google) No specialty cleaning modes Best Prices Today: $274.99 at Wyze Labs Why we like the Wyze Robot Vacuum Wyze delivers a raft of top-shelf features not typically available in budget robot vacuums. Its LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, for example, enables it to build an editable floor map of your space. That’s typically a perk of robot vacuums in the $400 to $800 range. Same goes for its ability to section that map into multiple rooms and dispatch the vacuum to any one of them. Who should buy the Wyze Robot Vacuum On a budget, but looking for a robot vacuums that’s a tad more sophisticated than a basic bump-and-run model? Give the Wyze Robot Vacuum a try. Packing LiDAR-enabled floor mapping and the ability to add virtual walls to the map, the Wyze Robot Vacuum costs more than the aforementioned iLife A4s Pro, but you get a whole lot more vacuum for the money. You will miss out on features like a self-emptying dock and mopping, but that’s not surprising given the vacuum’s sub-$300 price tag. Read our full Wyze Robot Vacuum review iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ — Best robot vacuum/mop combo Pros Retractable mop arm keeps carpets dry New Clean Base design blends in with home furnishings Recognizes and prioritizes dirtiest areas Cons Companion app’s maps are basic and many controls are buried in sub-menus Mop pads must be cleaned manually Expensive Price When Reviewed: £1,249 Best Prices Today: £1,249 at Amazon£1249 at iRobot Why we like the iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ With new intelligent automation features and an attractive new Clean Base, the Roomba Combo J9+ vac/mop hybrid further refines iRobot’s flagship product. The robot vac/mop combo can identify the dirtiest areas of your home’s flooring and will automatically spend extra time cleaning them more intensely. And pet owners will appreciate its ability to recognize–and automatically avoid–any pet waste in its path. Who should buy the iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ If you like everything about the iRobot Roomba j9+ robot vacuum, but want a smart appliance that can also mop your hard-surface floors, the Roomba Combo J9+ should be on your short list. It’s an excellent vacuum and its retractable mop arm will prevent its mopping function from wetting your rugs and carpeting while it’s scrubbing your kitchen, bathroom, and other bare floors. Read our full iRobot Roomba Combo J9+ review Roborock S8+ — Best robot vacuum/mop combo, runner-up Pros Powerful suction Excellent navigation and obstacle avoidance Highly customizable maps Cons Mopping struggles to remove sticky gunk and stains Expensive Price When Reviewed: Not yet available in the UK Why we like the Roborock S8+ The Roborock S8+ is an efficient cleaner with loads of customization options. While its wet cleaning can’t compete with an old-fashioned stick mop, it’s does the best job of the many mopping robot vacuums we’ve tested. Overall, it’s a superior option for supplementing your regular cleaning routine. Who should buy the Roborock S8+ The Roborock S8+ is a reasonably priced choice for those who want a robot vacuum that can also do a little light mopping. No question, the Roborock S8+ is a better vacuum than it is a mop–for the latter, it just drags a wet cloth across the floor, meaning it will struggle with deep stains. That said, the S8+ will add some polish to vacuum jobs, which it does with LiDAR-powered navigation and an impressive 6000 Pa of suction. Read our full Roborock S8+ review Dreame X30 Ultra — Most sophisticated robot vacuum Pros Great vacuuming and mopping performance Self-cleaning Excellent navigation and obstacle avoidance Cons Mop-raise system doesn't always prevent carpets from getting wet Expensive What we like about the Dreame X30 Ultra The DreameBot X30 Ultra produces great vacuuming and mopping results with minimal input and intervention on your part. During our real-world testing, this vac didn’t once encounter an obstacle it couldn’t recognize and navigate around and never required us to intervene on its behalf. And its onboard camera system can pull double duty as a roaming security camera when you’re away from home. Who should buy the Dreame X30 Ultra A lot of robot vac/mop combos promise to free you from the drudgery of vacuuming and mopping, but end up needing periodic attention to ensure they’re tangled in shoelaces and power cables or dragging your pets water bowl across the floor. The Dreame X30 Ultra costs a pretty penny, but it will do its cleaning–including cleaning itself–without expecting you to get your hands dirty. Read our full Dreame X30 Ultra review Narwal Freo Ultra X — Most sophisticated robot vacuum, runner-up Pros Great vacuuming and mopping performance Excellent obstacle avoidance Automatically cleans its mop heads Disposable dust bags hold up to 7 weeks of debris Cons No self-emptying dustbin Very large base station Expensive Why we like the Narwal Freo Ultra X It’s expensive, and its jumbo-sized base station lacks self-emptying functionality. But if you hate vacuuming and mopping and want some automated help, the Narwal Freo X Ultra is one of the most sophisticated floor cleaners we’ve tested. This feature-packed vac delivers top-notch vacuuming and mopping performance, cleans its own mop heads, and expertly dodges obstacles. Who should buy the Narwal Freo Ultra X As you might expect, the Narwal Freo Ultra X is expensive, making it better suited for robot vacuum shoppers with deep pockets. The robot also comes with an exceptionally large base station, so you’ll need plenty of space in the area where the Freo Ultra X calls home. Read our full Narwal Freo Ultra X review How we test robot vacuums To help you determine which ones are worth the expense, we tested models from some of the most popular brands in a real-world lab: my home, where the floors are punished daily by two kids, three cats, and a dog. I tasked each one with vacuuming a 400-plus square-foot space that includes low-pile carpet, hardwood flooring, and linoleum that was regularly littered with food crumbs, pet hair, tracked-in dirt, stray cat litter, and other debris. To maintain the real-world environment, each model also had to contend with random floor clutter during several cleanings. What to look for when shopping for a robot vacuum These are some of the top features and characteristics to consider when looking for a robot vacuum. Naturally, not all of the features below will be available at every price point. For example, we wouldn’t expect a sub-$200 “bump-and-run” model to offer Wi-Fi connectivity or an obstacle avoidance system. On the other hand, we would expect a top-of-the-line robot vacuum to pack a self-emptying base station, room mapping capabilities, and even the ability to both vacuum and mop. Size The dimensions of a robot vacuum matter for a couple of reasons. First, they will determine how well it can get into tight spots, such as under your kitchen cabinets and low-clearance furniture (couches and recliners). If it’s too tall, it won’t be able reach into these spots, or worse, it will get in and get stuck until you physically free it. Second, the bigger the robot vacuum, the larger the dustbin. Robot vacuums don’t use expandable bags like many of their stand-up brethren do, so when it comes to debris capacity, what you see is what you get. There is no sweet spot for robot vacuum dimensions that we could determine—it really depends on your particular room layout—but a diameter of 13 to 14 inches and a height of 3.5 to 4 inches are the most common measurements we encountered. Wi-Fi connectivity Wi-Fi-enabled robot vacuums allow you to control them with a smartphone app instead of, or in addition to, a physical remote. That convenience alone doesn’t really warrant the extra cost these models command, but some model’s apps also provide other perks, such as detailed cleaning histories and the ability to save and edit floor maps for better navigation. Those models are worth considering if you’re cleaning large, intricate spaces. Room navigation and obstacle avoidance The allure of robot vacuums is their promise to complete their task with minimal management from you. In order to do that, they must be able to navigate a room’s unique layout, maneuver around furniture and other obstacles, and avoid hazards such as falling down stairs and getting tangled in electrical cords. Robot vacuums “see” the world through a combination of sensors. Cliff sensors let it know when there is an increase in distance to the floor—e.g., stairs or a sunken living room—so it doesn’t tip over the edge. Other sensors tell it when it has bumped into an object, so it can change direction, or is near a wall, so it can follow it. Still other sensors help the robot vacuum track how far it has travelled. The most advanced robot vacs will include laser navigation for mapping the layout of your floors, while obstacle avoidance systems can help bots weave their way around shoes, socks, toys, and other items strewn on the floor. Self-emptying base stations While robot vacuums take over most of the cleaning, they have historically required the user to step in and manually empty the dustbin. Given that most robot vacuums’ have a very small dustbin capacity, they might need to be emptied multiple times per cleaning job, particularly if you have children or pets or live in a large home. That’s not just annoying, it can be downright uncomfortable if you have allergies or dust sensitivity. Auto-emptying robot vacuums bridge the last mile of the vacuuming process with a charging dock that includes a canister vacuum and a dust bag that can hold one to two months of debris. When the robot docks after a cleaning job, its bin’s contents are automatically sucked into the dust bag. Typically, the robot’s companion app alerts you when the dust bag is full, at which point you will have to manually dispose of it. Many bags, however, seal themselves when you remove them, so no dust escapes. Mopping capabilities Some robot vacuums include a mopping capability to meet all your floor’s cleaning needs with one device. While this sounds like a great idea, in practice it often yields subpar results. The problem is the method these hybrid devices use for wet cleaning. Mopping robot vacuums include a flat, small-capacity water tank that you fill from your tap. A microfiber cloth is then attached to the bottom of the tank, and the tank is installed under the robot. As the robot rolls across the floor, it drags the dampened cloth over it. This usually removes surface grime and spills but leaves deeper dirt and stains behind. If you have a lot of hard flooring in your home, it’s worth considering a dedicated robot mop. These appliances are better suited to wet cleaning, spraying water directly on the floor to soften gunk and stains, and applying some agitation via a scrubbing pad or brush. If you still want a vac/mop hybrid, look for one that has spinning brushes or pads as opposed to a cloth that attaches to the bottom of the appliance. A model with a docking station that can clean those brushes or pads and reservoirs for clean and dirty water are even better. Those models will, of course, cost quite a bit more. Frequently asked questions about robot vacuums 1. How much does a robot vacuum cleaner cost? The convenience robot vacuums provide come at a cost: As much as $1,700 at the high end, with many of the best models running no less than half that. On the other end of the scale, there are plenty of good “bump-and-run” robot vacuums that cost less than $200. These bargain vacuums lack sophisticated navigation and mapping systems; instead, they simply move in a straight line, changing course once they bump into an obstacle. While the priciest robot vacuums require the least hand-holding, the cheaper “bump-and-run” models can be quite effective and reliable–after all, they have fewer systems that can fail. 2. How do robot vacuums operate? Fundamentally, the robot vacuums in our guide all operate the same way: They autonomously maneuver around your home on a couple of wheels suctioning debris from your floors. Two to four brushes on the bottom—both rolling-style agitators and spinning side brushes—grab dirt from the floor and wall edges respectively, and guide it into the suction area or direct it straight to a small, filtered dustbin. When cleaning is complete, or their battery is running low, they return themselves to their charging dock. But just how they get the job done can differ across manufacturers and models. Be aware even the most premium robot vacuums are a supplement, not a substitute, for your stand-up vacuum. Despite manufacturer claims, most just don’t have the same suction power of an upright. Think of them as an easy way to maintain your floors in between deeper cleanings with your current vacuum. 3. How do you control a robot vacuum? Autonomy puts the “robot” in “robot vacuum.” Virtually all models include an “automatic” mode that requires you to do nothing more than press a button on a remote, in an app, or on the vacuum itself to clean a room. This is great for ad-hoc cleaning, but most models can also be programmed to clean on a schedule. The latter scenario is great if you want them to work when you’re not home, or to create a regular cleaning routine. Some higher-end models also integrate with smart speakers, such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home, which allows you to control them using voice commands. 4. Do robot vacuums have different cleaning modes? Just as your stand-up vacuum can be adjusted to clean either carpet or hard flooring, so too can a robot vac. Most feature the ability to change suction and other cleaning functions to adapt to different floor surfaces, either automatically or with input from you. They may also have a spot mode for more concentrated cleaning on a small area (cleaning up a spill, for example), include options for single- and double-passes of a room, or offer an option to focus just on cleaning along wall edges and baseboards. 5. How do robot vacuums avoid cleaning the same area twice or more? Manufacturers are increasingly including mapping capabilities in some of their robot vacuums. These models use an onboard camera or laser reflections to produce a 360-degree view of the room. This allows the robot vac to create a map of the space and locate itself within that map. The advantage of mapping is the vacuum will know which areas it has already cleaned and which it hasn’t, to avoid going over the same spot unnecessarily. It also lets it know where to resume cleaning if it must stop and recharge midway through the task. This makes it ideal for larger rooms and—because it’s still something of a premium feature—larger budgets. 6. Can I prevent a robot vacuum from going into a particular room? In an ideal world, you’d clear all your floors of clutter before using your robot vacuum. But we live in the real one and that’s not always possible or desirable. Knowing this, many robot vacuums include some way to block off areas you don’t want it venturing into, whether it’s a pet’s area, your kids’ room, or a cluster of device cords in the corner. Often it’s just a length of magnetic tape you stretch in front of or on a forbidden area that the vacuum’s sensors will detect and tell it to avoid. But some models employ virtual barriers, such as the ability to designate boundaries on a floor plan that signal the robot to steer clear. Other notable robot vacuums we’ve reviewed We’ve evaluated many other robot vacuums. If none of our top picks check all the boxes for you, take a look at these other products. We’ve also listed some robot vacuums we think you should avoid. Deebot Ozmo N8+: This affordable vacuum delivers a mostly automated cleaning experience, complete with LiDAR navigation and editable maps. But the Ozmo N8+’s self-emptying bin is annoyingly loud, and its mopping functionality offers only good, not great, performance. Dreame Technology L10: This powerful robot vac is among the most affordable we’ve seen to offer LiDAR navigation, and it boasts as wealth of customization options. But the L10 has trouble avoiding carpets while it’s mopping the floor, and (like other vacuum/mop hybrids) it’s not the best at tackling deep floor stains. Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni: The Deebot X2 Omni is an impressive (and expensive) robot vacuum and mop that allows for highly customized, hands-off floor cleaning. It delivers super-strong suction and offers a wide range of cleaning customization options, but its rotating mopping pads didn’t provide enough downward pressure to scrub away stains. Eufy X9 Pro: This vacuum/mop hybrid is one of a growing number of models that offers rotating mops heads, perfect for scrubbing gunk and stains, and its vacuuming performance is just as impressive. But we’re disappointed by the lack of a self-emptying bin, particularly given the $900 list price. Narwal Freo: This 2-in-1 floor robot cleaner performs well enough, but it needs better obstacle avoidance and a much more refined app to justify its high price tag. Proscenic Floobot X1: Self-emptying dustbin? Check. Vibrating mop pads that scrub floor stains and grime? Check. Affordable price tag? Check. But while the Floobot X1 sounds great on paper, in practice it bumped into our furniture too often, scanned its environment too slowly, and required frequent recharging. SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+: If you’re in need of a smaller robot vacuum, this bot is half the size of the competition. That makes it a great candidate for cleaning smaller spaces, such as apartments. Unfortunately, it’s saddled with half-baked mopping functionality, which merely drags a damp microfiber cloth over your floors–and thus, it doesn’t rank as one of our top picks. Vactidy Nimble T8: This budget 2-in-1 vacuum and mop boasts the right price and features for budget-constrained users, but its inability to clean for more than 10 minutes without a recharge makes it impossible to recommend. Robot Vacuums and Cleaning, Smart Appliances, Smart Home

      • Ring has been replacing first-gen Ring Alarm Keypads for free

        Got an email from Ring offering a free replacement for your aging Ring Alarm Keypad? Yes, it’s legit, and no, there’s no catch.  Owners of the first-generation Ring Alarm Keypad (pictured above, on the left) have, over the years, been surprised by—and even suspicious of—offers from Ring for a free upgrade to the second-gen keypad (on the right), which came out in 2020.  Just last week, a curious owner of the original Ring Alarm Keypad posted the offer he received on the Ring subreddit, and others posts just like it have cropped up as far back as three years ago.  This tip is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart home systems. Here’s what the emails say:  Get the latest Ring Alarm Keypad, at no cost to you.  Your Ring Alarm Keypad (Gen 1) is not performing to our standards. Get the latest Ring Alarm Keypad (Gen 2) for free by entering the discount code below at checkout on Ring.com.  Some Ring users on the various threads have wondered whether the second-gen Ring Alarm Keypad offer was genuine—or, in other cases, how they could get the Ring offer, too.  I reached out to Ring for answers, and yes, the offer for a new, second-gen Ring Alarm Keypad is the real deal.  Here’s more from a Ring spokesperson:  “We learned that some older Alarm keypads (Gen 1) are not operating to our standards. We have been reaching out to customers who own an Alarm Keypad (Gen 1) to provide instructions so they may easily upgrade their device at no cost to the Alarm Keypad (Gen 2), which has additional features including easy to use emergency alert buttons. Any customer who is experiencing issues with their Alarm Keypad (Gen 1) should contact Ring Community Support.”  Does this mean anyone with a first-gen Ring Alarm Keypad can get the second-gen version from Ring just by asking Ring customer support?  Well…not quite. More from Ring:  It’s a subgroup of alarm Gen 1 keypads, we’re encouraging folks who see any functionality issues to reach out to [customer support] to determine if they’re eligible for a replacement.  So yes, you can get a free Ring Alarm Keypad replacement provided you’re eligible for one.  For more details about the latest Ring Alarm Keypad, which boasts a more compact design plus dedicated buttons for summoning emergency services, check out our review of the second-gen Ring Alarm.  And if you do manage to wrangle a second-gen Ring Alarm Keypad for free, here’s how to swap it in for the old first-gen keypad. Home Security

      • Levoit LVAC-200 cordless stick vacuum review: Swept off our feet

        At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsHigh-grade design and materialsWorks well on bare floors and low/mid-pile rugs Stands by itselfBrush head design allows for vacuuming in tight-fitting spacesConsAbsence of bristles on its beater bar means it’s not the best at extracting deeply imbedded dust and mitesShort battery life in turbo mode Wheeled and finned beater head requires extra pressure when vacuumingOur VerdictWith good looks, great performance, and a competitive price, the Levoit LVAC-200 is a standout among cordless stick vacuums. Blessed with snazzy styling, easy operation and a price that seems staggeringly cheap relative to the competition, a suspicious sort might suspect that the Levoit LVAC-200 stick vacuum is too good to be true. But after three weeks of active use, we can report that the LVAC-200 is indeed for real, and we’re quite impressed by its performance as well as its clever design touches.  If you’re cramped for storage space or tired of lugging a big upright canister vac around the house, the Levoit LVAC-200 could make you a stick vac convert.   Design  The LVAC-200 vac arrives compactly boxed up and disassembled, but clicks together in literally seconds, with a nice firm snap to the connectors and equally easy push-button detaching of swappable parts when required. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best robot vacuums. There’s a sense of high-quality construction here, complete with a posh-looking white and black-trimmed package (a Levoit product signature) and a sturdy but not heavy feel (the LVAC-200 weighs in at 6 pounds.)  The LVAC-200 vac arrives compactly boxed up, but clicks together in literally seconds. The LVAC-200 vac arrives compactly boxed up, but clicks together in literally seconds.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry The LVAC-200 vac arrives compactly boxed up, but clicks together in literally seconds.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Jonathan Takiff/Foundry The motorized brush head links up with two sections of pipe, and they in turn connect to the vac’s extraction motor, a decent sized (1.26-pint) dust bin (which offers easy-on/easy-off flip-lid emptying), a battery pack, and a reasonably ergonomic handle. A perforated metal filter inside the dust bin is easily removed for cleaning, as are the two spongy filters seated close to the suction motor intake.   The vac’s big power button is at thumb’s reach and can be actuated with a simple touch, and it doesn’t have to be held down when you’re running the vac (a big complaint with most Dyson stick vac models.)   The LVAC-200 boasts a decent sized (1.26-pint) dust bin. The LVAC-200 boasts a decent sized (1.26-pint) dust bin.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry The LVAC-200 boasts a decent sized (1.26-pint) dust bin.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Vacuum modes  Behind the main power button sits an “Eco/Turbo” button. The eco mode suffices for quick once-overs of low-medium pile carpets and bare floors, putting out a bearable 80dB of whirring noise.  Switching to the turbo mode, which ups both the suction and spinning head speed, helps to extract deeply imbedded dust and mites, a task that my standby V8 Dyson accomplishes readily in its regular operating mode.   Turbo mode also helps the Levoit to plow more readily through deep pile carpets, an issue relating to the unique nature of its 8-inch-wide brush head (an inch shorter than the roller head on my Dyson V8.)  Brush head Instead of deploying a conventional bristle brush head, the Levoit’s swirling head sweeps up dirt with rubber fins, which are fiber backed for added stability and dirt agitation. These fins tackle less resistant flooring effectively; they did an especially peachy job on the low pile indoor/outdoor carpet in my TV room, and they’ve proven a quicker picker-upper of crumbs (but not liquid) off my kitchen tile.   The Levoit’s swirling head sweeps up dirt with fiber-backed rubber fins. The Levoit’s swirling head sweeps up dirt with fiber-backed rubber fins.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry The Levoit’s swirling head sweeps up dirt with fiber-backed rubber fins.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Jonathan Takiff/Foundry I’ve also found this rubber-finned roller kinder to delicate hand-woven rugs (I never saw any colored rug fibers in the Levoit’s dust cannister, though I have in the Dyson’s), and the finned head is less likely to get tangled with hair than a bristled “beater” head is. Removing the Levoit’s roller component for cleaning is easy.  On the downside, the finned head isn’t as good as the brush head on my Dyson at parting and combing through thicker rug fibers, both to attack and extract deeply imbedded micro-grit as well as to pull the vac head forward.   Stabilizing wheels The Levoit LVAC-200’s floor head also introduces another uncommon design choice that offers significant benefits but a small drawback.   Stick vacs normally are wheel-less, using just the spinning brush mechanism and an anti-static carbon fiber strip to float and propel the head forward over flooring. But the LVAC-200’s motorized head also packs a pair of stabilizing wheels that flank the centered head-swiveling mechanism.  Thanks to those stabilizing wheels, the LVAC-200 can stand up by itself, which makes operation much simpler for stop-and-start home cleaners. There’s no need to stoop over to drop down or lift this vac; just push the handle end up into its full upright and locked position, turn off the power (it isn’t automatic), and walk away.  Thanks to its stabilizing wheels, the LVAC-200 can stand up by itself. Thanks to its stabilizing wheels, the LVAC-200 can stand up by itself.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Thanks to its stabilizing wheels, the LVAC-200 can stand up by itself.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Should you want to, Levoit does include a small hook for hanging up the LVAC-200, but the simplistic wall mount does not have a built-in charger as you’d find in pricier stick vac alternatives. Here, the supplied AC power wart must be connected via its round plug directly to the vac or a separated battery pack for recharging. (But honestly, that’s not such a bad thing, given that charging a vac while it’s still warm can shorten its battery life.)   The LVAC-200’s uncommon brush head assembly also contributes to its unique “run flat” skill. Lower the motor end until the pipe is parallel with the floor and you’ll see that the brush head is still lying flat against the floor, making good contact and spinning. The unusual brush head design allows you to scoot the vacuum under furniture to suck up dirt that other vacs can’t reach. This smooth operation is likewise enhanced by the three-LED light array spanning the front of the vac head, illuminating even the most darkened path.  On the minus side, having those rubbery wheels hovering behind the brush head does increase resistance a bit as the Levoit plows through thick carpet.   Two convertible tools are also included in the package: a larger mouthed brush-on/brush-off head for removing pet hair from furniture, and a longer, narrower oval brush. The latter is good for cleaning blinds and curtains, and it can be pushed back on its shaft to access a crevice tool.   App controls are non-existent on the Levoit LVAC-200, so pay attention to the three-light indicator array on the side of the battery to keep on top of the remaining run (or charging) time. And mark your calendar to clean the filters at least once a month.   Battery life  You can keep the Levoit LVAC-200 going for a decent amount of time before re-charging is required.  I managed 40 minutes of use with the motor head spinning, while Levoit calculates it’ll go for 50 minutes with a non-motorized brush.   A click-friendly button that releases the lithium-Ion battery pack for quick swap out if desired. A click-friendly button that releases the lithium-Ion battery pack for quick swap out if desired.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry A click-friendly button that releases the lithium-Ion battery pack for quick swap out if desired.Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Jonathan Takiff/Foundry Battery time is radically reduced (and the noise level rises to 85dB) when maximizing the LVAC-200’s power in Turbo mode. Levoit quotes 12 minutes of battery life in turbo mode; I might have scored a minute or two more. So that you don’t zap the power inadvertently, the vac reverts automatically to Eco mode next time you use it–a nice touch.  On the backside of the vac chassis, you’ll find a click-friendly button that releases the lithium-Ion battery pack for a quick swap-out if desired (an extra battery runs $70). The battery pack can be charged all by its lonesome, or when installed in the vac.  Should you buy the Levoit LVAC-200?  With good performance, good looks, and a most competitive price, the Levoit LVAC-200 is a real standup guy among stick vacs. If you’re cramped for storage space, on a budget, or tired of lugging a big upright or multi-component canister vac around the house, it could make you a stick vac convert.   Robot Vacuums and Cleaning

      • JBL Xtreme 4 speaker review: A powerful portable for parties

        At a glanceExpert's Rating ProsPlays both loud and wellIP67 ratedMultiple compatible devices can be linked (Partyboost/Auracast)Replaceable batteryConsRelatively unwieldy as a travel speakerPriceNot backward compatible with older JBL models (with Connect or Connect+)Our VerdictThe JBL Xtreme 4 is an extremely competent portable Bluetooth speaker with impressive battery life, great sound, and enough muscle to play really loud without distortion. Virtually impervious to the elements, this speaker lives up to its name whether the party is at the beach, the pool, or even just in your family room. JBL is a major player in the portable speaker market, offering Bluetooth speakers ranging from the very small Clip and Go series to the giant Boombox. In between are the medium-sized options: the Pulse, Flip, Charge, and Xtreme. The model names are well established in our minds, and most of the speakers are now in their third or fourth generation. At CES in January, JBL presented the mischievous Clip 5 and Go 4, as well as this, long-awaited piece, the Xtreme 4. JBL has replaced its Partyboost technology with the newer and more stable Auracast, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (BLE) to stream the same music to multiple speakers at once. The Xtreme series has been something of a favorite among our editors. Optimal for those who want to take a slightly larger speaker with them, whether it’s to the pool, the beach, or a gathering in the park. With a fairly compact body weighing 4.6 pounds (2.1Kg), the Xtreme 4 isn’t the lightest travel companion, but it will reward those who lug it along. The wide carrying strap that comes with the Xtreme 4 makes it easy to take with you. The wide carrying strap that comes with the Xtreme 4 makes it easy to take with you.Andreas Bergsman The wide carrying strap that comes with the Xtreme 4 makes it easy to take with you.Andreas Bergsman Andreas Bergsman The Xtreme 4 is available in three colors: black, blue, or camouflage. Since the speaker lacks an integrated handle, it comes with an adjustable carrying strap that can be hooked to the top if you prefer to hang it over your shoulder instead of transporting it in a bag or something similar. A fun detail is that the buckle on the strap itself can also be used as a bottle opener. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best Bluetoth speakers. Good has become better The Xtreme 4 is nearly 1/4-pound heavier and slightly wider around the waist compared to its predecessor, but it rests more surely on its bottom than previous generations. It remains wrapped in coarse fabric all around, and it retains the large passive bass radiators on each end cap. Like its predecessor, the Xtreme 4 is rated IP67 for protection from the elements, meaning it is entirely water- and dustproof. Need a better understanding of IP codes? We’ll tell you all about them at the preceding link. Andreas Bergsman Andreas Bergsman Andreas Bergsman The keypad on the top of the speaker is designed slightly different than earlier models, but the functions are largely the same. There’s a centrally located power button, a button to put the speaker in Bluetooth pairing mode, clearly marked buttons for volume control, and one for play/pause/track change. The controls are simple and straightforward. When you want to stream music to multiple JBL speakers, you’ll find that JBL has replaced its Partyboost technology with the newer and more stable Auracast technology, which uses Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (BLE). Don’t despair if you have older Partyboost-compatible JBL speakers, they can still be linked to Xtreme 4 via the JBL Portable app. JBL promises up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, and you can even replace the battery with a fresh one if it runs out. JBL promises up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, and you can even replace the battery with a fresh one if it runs out.Andreas Bergsman JBL promises up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, and you can even replace the battery with a fresh one if it runs out.Andreas Bergsman Andreas Bergsman Convenient app with a 5-band equalizer As before, the Xtreme 4 is equipped with two 70mm (2.76-inch) woofers driven by a 2 x 30-watt RMS amplifier (with AC power, it’s 2 x 20W with battery power). A pair of 20mm (.79-inch) tweeters are driven by a 2 x 20W RMS amp (on AC power, it’s 2 x 15W with battery power). JBL says this speaker can last up to 24 hours on a fully charged battery, compared 15 hours for the previous model. The app is both user-friendly and useful The app is both user-friendly and usefulAndreas Bergsman The app is both user-friendly and usefulAndreas Bergsman Andreas Bergsman The JBL Portable app benefits from several changes, including the ability for two Xtreme 4s to perform as a stereo pair (that’s in addition to the Partyboost and Auracast features discussed earlier), and a customizable 5-band equalizer with four presets. As for the sound experience, the speakers in this series have always sounded good, so it would be too much to say that this fourth-generation model stands out against its predecessors. But the Xtreme 4 does sound great, with heavy bass response and more than enough power to entertain both you and your neighbors. I promise! Specifications Output power: 2x30W / 2x20W (woofers/tweeters) Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 Battery life: Up to 24 hours Charging time: 3.5 hours Frequency response: 44Hz – 20kHz Weatherization: IP67 Smart speaker: No Weight: 2.1 kg Dimensions (W x H x D): 297 x 149 x 141 mm Editors’ note: This review was originally published by TechHive’s sibling site, M3.se, and has been translated from Swedish. Speakers