Smarthome Archives

Amazon’s Blink Indoor is a decent, battery-powered security camera for inside your house

Oct 11, 2020 | Smarthome

This new, $80 Blink Indoor camera system is the indoor counterpart to Blink’s new weatherproof outdoor camera. It shares a similar design with the outdoor model, minus the weather-resistant housing, as well as the same set up, features and performance. That makes it a fine option, particularly if you want the mobility of a battery-powered […]

Blink’s Outdoor Security Camera is solid, but the last-gen XT2 was better

Oct 11, 2020 | Smarthome

I like the $100 Blink Outdoor and recommend it if you don’t already have a Blink system — and if you’re looking for a reliable, versatile outdoor camera with a long-lasting battery that doesn’t cost a fortune. That said, the last-gen Blink XT2...

This fuss-free outdoor smart plug is ready to manage your holiday display

Oct 10, 2020 | Smarthome

Smart plugs are one of those small, unsexy smart home gadgets that can make a real difference in your day-to-day living. Outdoor smart plugs are a great way to automate, monitor and control lights or decorations from afar (or from bed because you forgot to turn off...

Google Home Max review: Harder, better, stronger sound comes to Google Home

Oct 5, 2020 | Smarthome

The Google Home Max is not the first smart speaker to aim for better audio quality, but it sounds better than any of the ones I’ve heard. And at twice the price of my favorite, the Sonos One ($198 at Amazon), I’d expect nothing less.Like the cheaper Google...

Yale Smart Delivery Box is ready to battle porch pirates

Sep 29, 2020 | Smarthome

Molly Price/CNET Prime Day is nearing and holiday gift giving is just around the corner. Even if you’re a Scrooge who doesn’t like Amazon’s deals, you’re probably getting more packages delivered to your home this year. Whether it’s office...

Echo Flex review: This might be Amazon’s smartest device in years

Sep 23, 2020 | Smarthome

Chris Monroe/CNET Amazon’s $25 Flex might be the most important device the tech giant has released in years. The unobtrusive gadget plugs directly into an outlet, offers a fully featured Alexa (even if she sounds a little tinny in its tiny speaker) and sports a...