Blink Outdoor Camera 4 launches with Person Detection, new design, 2-year battery life

The Blink Outdoor Camera 4 is now available, offering Person Detection, improved video quality, and a new design.

Jon Bitner     August 24, 2023

How to use Live View on Blink cameras

Live View on Blink cameras allows you to access a live feed of your property. Here's how to access the feature, along with tips on why it might not be working.

J. Bitner     August 14, 2023

Why moving your smart home could be a nightmare

As we adopt smart home devices and make intelligent spaces, what happens when we relocate? Moving a smart home can be a nightmare -- but it doesn't have to be.

E. Lawrence     August 10, 2023

Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: which is the better video doorbell?

The Nest Doorbell and Ring Battery Doorbell Plus offer similar price tags and features, but which is better for your front door? Here's a closer look at both.

Jon Bitner     August 1, 2023

Do video doorbells work in extreme heat?

While video doorbells can work in warm weather, they start to shut down if the temperature gets too high. Here's a look at the thresholds for popular brands.

J. Bitner     July 31, 2023

How to improve Yale Assure Lock 2 battery life

Looking to improve your Yale Assure Lock 2's battery life? Here's a look at what you can do, from modifying your strikeplate to improving your Wi-Fi connection.

J. Bitner     July 28, 2023

How to improve Ring video doorbell battery life

Looking to get a bit more juice out of your Ring video doorbell before recharging its battery? Here's how to improve battery life in just a few minutes.

J. Bitner     July 27, 2023

How to set up Ring motion zones

Ring video doorbells and security cameras allow you to customize their motion zones. Here's how to use the feature, along with tips to optimize performance.

J. Bitner     July 25, 2023

How to turn off Ring notifications

If you want to turn off Ring notifications, there are a few different options for you to consider. Here's a look at all the ways to modify your Ring alerts.

J. Bitner     July 24, 2023

How to save a video to Google Home

Google Home makes it easy to save videos captured by your doorbell or security cameras. Here's how to download the footage to your smartphone.

J. Bitner     July 19, 2023

Ring Indoor Cam vs. Arlo Essential Indoor Camera: which is best?

Looking for an indoor camera for your smart home? Here's a look at the Ring Indoor Cam and Arlo Essential Indoor Camera to help you figure out which is best.

J. Bitner     July 17, 2023

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs. Ring Video Doorbell 4: which is the best video doorbell?

Trying to figure out if you should upgrade your Ring Video Doorbell 4 to the newer Ring Battery Doorbell Plus? Here's a comparsion to help you decide.

Jon Bitner     July 10, 2023

How to arm your SimpliSafe system at night

SimpliSafe doesn't offer a Night mode, so what's the best way to arm your system while sleeping? Here's a look at what works best for most homes.

J. Bitner     July 7, 2023

Is a Roku Smart Home Subscription worth it?

Roku offers a few different Smart Home Subscriptions. Here's a look at both to see if they're a good fit for your home security needs.

J. Bitner     July 6, 2023

How to set up Roku Home Monitoring System SE

Setting up the Roku Home Monitoring System SE isn't too difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you move through the process.

J. Bitner     July 5, 2023

SimpliSafe now offers live home monitoring with new Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera

The Smart Alarm Indoor Camera lets SimpliSafe agents access a live feed of your home when specific alarms are triggered, offering an immediate response.

Jon Bitner     July 5, 2023

How to set up Roku Indoor Camera SE

Trying to install the Roku Indoor Camera SE? Here's how to get it properly set up in your home, along with a few tips for troubleshooting common issues.

J. Bitner     July 4, 2023

How to fix dark footage on Ring Video Doorbell

If your Ring Video Doorbell is producing images that are unusually dark, there are a few ways to fix the problem. Here's what you need to know.

J. Bitner     July 3, 2023

How to add a family member to SimpliSafe profile

SimpliSafe doesn't let you add multiple users to your account, but there's a simple workaround for the oversight. Here's what you need to know.

J. Bitner     June 29, 2023

How to add a new sensor to an existing SimpliSafe system

You can easily add new sensors to an existing SimpliSafe system. In fact, the process can be done using a phone or the SimpliSafe Keypad. Here's how it works.

J. Bitner     June 28, 2023

How to reset the SimpliSafe Base Station

You might need to reset your SimpliSafe Base Station if you're running into connection errors. Thankfully, the process is easy. Here's what you need to do.

J. Bitner     June 27, 2023

Amazon to pay $30M in FTC settlements over Alexa, Ring privacy violations

Regulators accused Amazon of violating privacy laws on a number of fronts, though the tech giant denies breaking the law.

T. Mogg     June 25, 2023

How long do video doorbells last?

Video doorbells are great smart home gadgets, but they won't last forever. Here's a look at how long they'll be supported and when they should be replaced.

J. Bitner     June 21, 2023

Aqara launches U100 smart lock with full Apple HomeKit support

The Aqara U100 smart lock can be controlled with a passcode, fingerprint, or with Apple home keys, making it a versatile upgrade for your front door.

Jon Bitner     June 8, 2023

The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro is a premium outdoor camera with tons of AI features

The Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro is now available for $150, and it offers some unique features despite its affordable price tag.

Jon Bitner     May 30, 2023

Smart lock buying guide

Need to make access to your home easier or more secure? Here's what you need to know about smart locks and how to pick one for your home.

E. Lawrence     May 22, 2023

Roku is now in the home security business

The Roku Home Monitoring System SE integrates with your Roku player or TV to let you monitor and control things with your remote.

P. Nickinson     May 17, 2023

Ring’s new indoor camera features a built-in privacy shutter

The new Ring Indoor Cam features a built-in privacy shutter that disables both audio and video recording. The device goes on sale May 24 and retails for $60.

Jon Bitner     April 26, 2023

Anker’s Eufy Video Smart Lock combines two of the best smart home devices

The Eufy by Anker Video Smart Lock combines a smart lock with a video doorbell to offer advanced home security and detection system.

B. Kenney     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.

J. Velasco     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.

J. Velasco     April 25, 2023

Flying and roving security cams are here, but are we ready for them?

There are now flying, roving, autonomous security cameras. Are they helpful, or are we facing a HAL 9000 situation?

P. Hearn     April 25, 2023

7 things you didn’t know your home security system could do

Your home security system can do more than just watch for broken windows or open doors. It might even save you money.

P. Hearn     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.

John Velasco     April 25, 2023