Alina Bradford

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Alina Bradford has been a tech, lifestyle and science writer for more than 20 years. Her work is read by millions each month. You can follow her on Instagram.

The best Google Assistant-compatible devices

Google Assistant can control lights, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more. Here are some of our favorite Google Home-compatible devices you can buy .

Products         July 30

How to speed up Windows

Is your Windows computer struggling to keep up? These tips will help speed up Windows, regardless of which version of Microsoft's popular OS you're running.

Guides         October 30, 2024

How to download a video from Facebook

You can download Facebook videos to your PC or mobile device, but the process is a bit involved. Here’s a guide on how to pull this off.

Guides         April 23, 2024

These robot vacuums have built-in cameras. Here’s what they can do

One of the biggest innovations in robot vacuums recently is built-in cameras. These cameras can be used to make cleaning more efficient, or as security cameras.

Smart Home Guides         April 10, 2024

How to run a free background check

Need to find out what potential employers can find out about you online? Here are some methods that allow you to run a free background check on anyone online.

Guides         April 7, 2024

How to change your Outlook password

Using strong email passwords and changing them regularly is very important. Learn how to change your Outlook password with a few quick steps.

Guides         March 30, 2024

How to install a Ring Video Doorbell at your home or office

Installing a Ring Video Doorbell doesn't have to be hard, even if you aren't a DIY pro. We'll walk you through what to do and what you will need for the job.

Smart Home Guides         March 12, 2024

How to prevent your Ring smart camera from being hacked

Here are some simple ways to keep hackers from using your Ring smart cameras and invading your privacy at home -- even if you have many users on the account.

Smart Home Guides         February 16, 2024

Being small isn’t the Cricut Joy’s only trick for crafters

Cricut's new smart crafting machine will entice the crafter with limited space, boasting a compact design, but works much like its larger predecessors.

Smart Home News         May 30, 2023

Arlo Essential review: Affordable, but not so essential

Arlo's new outdoor security camera features color night vision and a hub-free design. It has a lot of potential. Here's our Arlo Essential review.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) Review: Light on upgrades, irresistibly priced

The new version of Ring's first video doorbell is an upgrade, but it really doesn't stand out in any way. Here's our Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) Review.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Home security system scorecard: Which will keep your home the safest?

The grades are in. Here are the best home security systems on they market and how they compare, including price, to help you find the best one for your home.

Smart Home Guides         April 25, 2023

Ring Video Doorbell 3 review: Not much of an upgrade

While the Ring Video Doorbell 3 has a great app and some solid features, it isn't much of an upgrade for those with a second generation model.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

How to add a link to your Instagram Story

Want to harness the power of Instagram and turn it into traffic for sites or products you care about? You can. Here's how to add a link to your Instagram Story.

Guides         April 25, 2023

Outdoor security camera scorecard: Favorite cameras compared

Here's a look at the top outdoor security cameras and how they stack up against each other based on features that include lights, alarms, and more.

Smart Home Guides         April 25, 2023

These smart devices will help you stay cool without central air

These AC window units, portable AC units, and wearables do more than just keep you cool. They also have smart features that go beyond just blowing cool air.

Smart Home Guides         April 25, 2023

August Wi-Fi Smart Lock Review: Serious security

If installing a smart lock intimidates you, then the August Wi-Fi Smart Lock is a good choice. It's incredibly easy to install, but doesn't skimp on features.

Smart Home         April 25, 2023

Ring may want to add facial recognition and more to cameras

A leaked survey implies that Ring may be considering implementing facial recognition and license plate reading into their cameras in the near future.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

How to get Snapchat filters in Zoom

Add a little spice to your next meeting by adding Snapchat filters, backgrounds, and lenses to your Zoom. Change into crazy characters or backgrounds in a snap.

Guides         April 25, 2023

Expect lower video quality on your Nest cameras this week

In response to community issues caused by COVID-19, Google has temporarily adjusted camera settings on their Nest cameras to help with internet strain.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

Dyson V11 Outsize vacuum review: In this case, bigger is better

The Dyson V11 Outsize vacuum is larger than any other Dyson cordless vacuum, and it's more expensive than the other cordless vacuums. Is the price worth it?

Reviews         April 25, 2023

What is Cameo?

Unlike most sites that focus on users interacting with their friends, Cameo lets you interact with celebrities, for a price. Here's what you need to know.

Guides         April 25, 2023

Paranoid prevents smart speakers from eavesdropping on you

A new device, called Paranoid, is here to prevent your smart speaker from listening when it shouldn't, making Alexa and Google Assistant devices a little safer.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

How to view Instagram Stories on your computer

Stories can give you insightful glimpses into others' lives. Here's how to feed your addiction and view Instagram Stories on your computer through the website.

Guides         April 25, 2023

Best virtual tours that you can take without leaving home

Want to get away but can't leave home? Try these virtual tours that will take you to famous landmarks, great art and history museums, backroads, and space.

Guides         April 25, 2023

Wyze Band review: Put this tracker on your radar

Alexa skills that let you control your smart home, heart tracker, sleep tracker, great screen, and more make this inexpensive fitness tracker a great choice.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Dyson Corrale review: This $500 hair straightener falls flat

The Dyson Corrale was designed to cut the amount of damage your hair sustains by 50%. Is this $500 straightener was worth the hype? Here's what I found.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Toilet paper is out of stock everywhere. Here’s how to order it online

Stores have been cleaned out, and the next logical choice would be to search online. With the COVID-19 pandemic going strong, is ordering online even an option?

Smart Home Features         April 25, 2023

Dyson’s new hair straightener reduces damage to your locks at a premium price

Dyson has released its newest product, the Corrale hair straightener, which is designed to cut the amount of damage your hair sustains from styling by half.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

Leak suggests Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus will have previews

It looks like Ring posted the info page for the Video Doorbell 3 and 3 Plus too early to its site. Apparently, Ring discovered the error and took it down.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

Alexa can save your life by telling you if severe weather is coming

Now you can get severe weather alerts from Alexa, which can be particularly useful if you tend to have your phone on silent while you sleep or work.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab review: A tablet, and then some

The Lenovo Yoga Smart Tab is an Android tablet that stands out in a crowd. It packs useful features into a 10.1-inch device, including a versatile kickstand.

Computing         April 25, 2023