John Velasco

Former Smart Home Editor

John is the Smart Home editor at Digital Trends covering all of the latest tech in this emerging market. From uncovering some of the reasons why hackers like to hack security cameras, to testing the effectiveness of connected home gym equipment, and even find out if Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can save your life during an emergency, he's seeking out how to find how smart home is making an impact on our lives. Prior to Digital Trends, John worked for various publications like PhoneArena, Android Authority, and VR Source. He's been covering mobile tech for the better part of the last decade, but is also passionate about how VR/AR/XR are reshaping our world. Outside of tech, John is a big foodie and loves sharing about some of the unique bites he comes across. And way before diving into tech journalism, he was driving around in a Volkswagon Beetle working with the Geek Squad.

The best outdoor security cameras of 2025

Keep your home secure and always be in the know about who and what is on your property by installing one of the best smart outdoor security cameras for 2025.

Products         March 21

The best smart speakers for 2024

If you're looking to build a smart home, picking up a smart speaker is one of the first things you should do. Here's a look at the best smart speakers of 2024.

Products         January 15, 2024

Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ review: Quietly gets the job done

Self-emptying robot vacuums are becoming popular, with the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ making some noise with its 2-in-1 functionality and excellent value.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Best gifts for a first-time smart home setup

Don't get bogged down thinking about what to get someone who's just starting a smart home. Here are the gifts for first-time smart home setup.

Smart Home Features         April 25, 2023

DJI Mavic 3 hands-on review: The long-awaited return of the king

Call it a return to what started it all, but the DJI Mavic 3 is a flagship drone that can fly farther, smarter, and reliably over other consumer drones.

Mobile         April 25, 2023

5 things we hope the flying Ring Always Home Cam can do

The flying Ring Always Home Cam could change home security going forward. We know little about it, but here's what we hope it could do.

Smart Home Features         April 25, 2023

The PomaBrush exposes a problem I have with silicone toothbrush heads

Silicone toothbrush heads are all the rage right now, but there's one major problem that'll make you think twice about using one.

News         April 25, 2023

Eufy SoloCam E40 Review: The anti-subscription security camera

Eufy goes for the all-in-one approach with the SoloCam E40 because there's no more hub needed for this camera to work at home.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

More affordable than ever before, smart lights should be your next home project

Smart lights used to be expensive, but now's the time to make them a priority with your next home project because they're more affordable than ever before.

Smart Home Features         April 25, 2023

Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) Review: Nothing to see here

With little to differentiate it from its predecessor, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) is a disappointing upgrade.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Wearable fans may look obnoxious, but they have practical uses for scorching summers

Wearable fans certainly attract attention when worn, but they'll prove quite handy for those scorching summers when you need relief from the weather.

News         April 25, 2023

Amazon Echo Show 8 (2021) Review: It adds a camera that tracks you

Back for round two, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2021) features a brand-new camera with support for pan and zoom on video phone calls.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Apple Wallet update is close to replacing your wallet with iOS 15

Apple Wallet is getting updated in a big way with the upcoming release of iOS 15, like having your driver's license on hand with Apple Wallet.

Mobile         April 25, 2023

Ring Wall Light Solar review: Sunshine all around, whenever you need it

Now you don't have an excuse not to add an outdoor light because the Ring Wall Light Solar is so easy to install, anyone could do it.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Vivint vs. Ring: Which home security system is right for you?

Choosing a home security system can be daunting, but two of the biggest names are Vivint and Ring. We detail how they compare against each other.

Products         April 25, 2023

Which home security camera should you buy on Prime Day?

Amazon Prime Day will certainly yield an immense amount of deals on home security cameras. Here are just some of the notable ones you should consider.

Smart Home Features         April 25, 2023

Dreame Bot L10 Pro Review: A robot vacuum newcomer that cleans well

The Dreame Bot L10 Pro is one of the first bots from Dreame Technology, which is looking to make a name of itself in the always competitive robot vacuum space.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Wyze Night Light senses you in the dark to brighten your path

No need to stumble aimlessly in the dark because the Wyze Night Light will know you're there and automatically illuminate your path.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

DJI Air 2S Review: Superb results without the work

It's less than a year since the DJI Mavic Air 2 was released, but the DJI Air 2S makes a bold statement in being the best all-around drone in the market.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

DJI FPV drone accelerates faster than a Tesla Model S. Yeah, it’s that quick

The new DJI FPV drone is an all-in-one FPV solution for those looking to take their drone game to the next level.

News         April 25, 2023

The future of the connected kitchen is just a push of a button away

Connected small appliances like the ColdSnap frozen yogurt maker could impact the future of the kitchen with convenient, personalized desserts.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

Competition didn’t force Ring to make a cheaper doorbell. Accessibility did.

Ring created a stir with its most affordable video doorbell to date, but it didn't make the move because of fierce competition in the space.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

Your air purifier isn’t protecting you from this silent killer. It should be

Air purifiers help filter the air inside homes. While many do this, very few of them can actually detect an invisible gas that can be fatal.

Smart Home Features         April 25, 2023

All eyes on improved privacy for indoor cameras as CES 2021 approaches

Security cameras have evolved with their technological advances, but one area that's continually neglected is privacy. Hopefully that all changes at CES 2021.

Smart Home Features         April 25, 2023

Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Gen) review: Alexa all the time, every time

The Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Gen) gives you access to Alexa all the time, while also doubling as a pair of headphones and smart speaker.

Reviews         April 25, 2023

Apple’s lower-priced HomePod mini paves the way for HomeKit’s eventual success

The lower price of the Apple HomePod mini helps broaden its reach to more consumers, while also paving the way for HomeKit's success within the smart home.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

Apple HomePod mini packs big features in a slim body for just $99

Apple took the wraps off its long-awaited smart speaker, the HomePod mini, which is looking to be a strong rival in the space with Siri helping out at home.

News         April 25, 2023

Arlo Pro 3 vs. Arlo Essential Spotlight

Arlo continues to add exceptional cameras to its portfolio. The Arlo Essential Spotlight is its latest one, but how does it stack up against the Arlo Pro 3?

Products         April 25, 2023

Yup, Ring’s Always Home Cam flies itself to patrol inside your home

During today's Amazon event, Ring announced its upcoming Always Home Cam, an autonomous flying camera that will be used for home security.

Smart Home News         April 25, 2023

WearOS is terrible at controlling your smart home. WatchOS does it better

Have you ever wondered what smartwatch does a better job at controlling the smart home? Well, I found out WatchOS is significantly ahead of Google's WearOS.

Mobile         April 25, 2023