How to use Multi-Room Music with Amazon Alexa

Want to play music throughout your entire home? Here's a look at how to use the Multi-Room Music feature available on most Amazon Echo devices.

J. Bitner     February 28, 2023

The 10 best smart home products not made by Google or Amazon (or their subsidiaries)

Amazon and Google make great smart devices, but they've got stiff competition. Here are the best smart home products outside the Amazon and Google playbooks.

Jon Bitner     February 25, 2023

Sonos One vs. Google Nest Audio: which is the best smart speaker?

The Google Nest Audio and Sonos One are among the best smart speakers of 2023. But which is best for you? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.

J. Bitner     February 21, 2023

JBL Pulse 5 review: decent sound, trippy lava-lamp light show

The JBL Pulse 5 Bluetooth speaker isn't going to blow you away with its sound, but it might with its beautifully trippy lava-lamp lights and waterproof design.

Derek Malcolm     February 17, 2023

Apple HomePods vs. Bose Smart Soundbar 600: can a pair replace a soundbar?

You can use two of Apple's HomePods with an Apple TV for a full Dolby Atmos sound system. But is it better than a dedicated soundbar? We find out.

Simon Cohen     February 14, 2023

Marantz’s new Cinema series AV receivers are a stylish way to go 8K

With a new, stylish design and an improved on-screen graphical user interface, the Marantz Cinema series 8K AV receivers will dress up any home theater.

Simon Cohen     February 14, 2023

How to turn off the clock on your Echo Dot

Amazon gives you an easy way to turn off the clock on your Echo Dot, and there's even an option to adjust its brightness. Here's how it works.

J. Bitner     February 13, 2023

How to reset Sonos One smart speaker

Looking to sell your Sonos One? Here's how to perform a factory reset on the Sonos One smart speaker and remove all your sensitive information.

J. Bitner     February 9, 2023

Sonos One vs. HomePod mini: which smart speaker is best?

The Sonos One and HomePod mini are two of the best smart speakers of 2023. But which is best for your home? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.

J. Bitner     February 8, 2023

How to reset Google Nest Audio

If you're looking to sell your Google Nest Audio (or you're running into technical issues), resetting the smart speaker is a great idea. Here's how it works.

J. Bitner     February 4, 2023

How to reset your HomePod mini

Is your HomePod mini acting funny? Or are you preparing to sell it? Here's how to reset your HomePod mini and restore its factory settings.

J. Bitner     February 3, 2023

McIntosh’s new $8,000 AVR: gigantic power, with a Dolby Atmos catch

U.S. audio brand McIntosh has launched a powerhouse of an AV receiver, the 7.2-channel MHT300 that promises a whopping 120 to 150 watts of power per channel.

Derek Malcolm     February 2, 2023

How to fix an orange flashing light on the HomePod mini

If you've encountered a flashing orange light on your HomePod mini, you're not alone. Here's a look at what causes the error and a few ways to fix it.

J. Bitner     January 27, 2023

Apple finally activates HomePod Mini’s hidden temperature/humidity sensor

While the newly announced HomePod is stealing all the spotlight, Apple’s existing HomePod Mini just received a significant new update.

Jon Bitner     January 23, 2023

Apple HomePod mini vs. Google Nest Audio

The HomePod mini and Google Nest Audio are two of the best smart speakers on the market. But which is best for your home? Here's a closer look at both products.

Patrick Hearn     January 17, 2023

How to make your own Alexa skills

Learn how to build your own Alexa skills with Amazon's tools. You can even share your new skills with friends or publish them to the Alexa Skills Store.

E. Rawes     January 13, 2023

The best Cyber Monday soundbar deals for 2022

This year's Cyber Monday soundbar deals have arrived, so we've rounded up everything that you need to know to snag a bargain over the shopping holiday.

John Alexander     November 29, 2022

Walmart has a Bluetooth speaker for $39 in its Cyber Monday deals

Bring home a stocking stuffer that's perfect for everyone on your holiday shopping list with this $39 bluetooth speaker.

Nina Derwin     November 28, 2022

The best Black Friday soundbar deals for 2022

Every home theater needs a soundbar, and though Black Friday's over, there are still some great Black Friday soundbar deals out there.

Andrew Morrisey     November 26, 2022

Should you give a smart speaker as a holiday gift?

Smart speakers are versatile assistant devices that could be the perfect gift — but only for the right person. Here's how to know if it's a good idea.

T. Lacoma     November 11, 2022

House of Marley Get Together 2 XL review: loud, proud, and made for a crowd

The House of Marley Get Together 2 XL can power a party, but its style makes it a fine choice for any room in your home.

Ted Kritsonis     October 28, 2022

What is MPEG-H? The burgeoning 3D audio standard explained

Is your home theater ready for the latest standards in audio? Let's look at the standards known as MPEG-H, their 3D audio capabilities, and how to get them.

Tyler Lacoma     October 18, 2022

How to get Dolby Atmos on Netflix

Want to hear the greatest surround sound Netflix has to offer? Read on to learn more about Dolby Atmos and everything you need to unlock the advanced codec.

Michael Bizzaco     September 29, 2022

Creative’s Katana V2X PC soundbar promises the same sound in a smaller footprint

The Katana V2X is a smaller PC soundbar than its well-received counterpart, but Creative claims it still packs a punch.

Caleb Clark     September 28, 2022

Denon updates 8K AV receivers with prices starting at $399

Denon has released its 2022/2023 lineup of 8K AV receivers, including a new flagship that supports 15 channels and four dedicated subwoofers.

Simon Cohen     September 23, 2022

Platin Audio’s wireless home theater speaker system now handles Dolby Atmos

In theory, the WiSA wireless audio system has always been able to support Dolby Atmos, but the Platin Audio Monaco 5.1.2 is the first product to offer it.

Simon Cohen     September 16, 2022

How to build a smart apartment

Putting together a smart apartment requires a bit of research, but it's not as challenging as you'd think. Here's what you need to know.

J. Bitner     September 16, 2022

Polk’s latest Dolby Atmos soundbars make for compelling Sonos Arc alternatives

Polk Audio's new MagniFi Max AX and AX SR are Dolby Atmos soundbars that have up-firing drivers and Wi-Fi connectivity, making them strong Sonos alternatives.

Simon Cohen     September 14, 2022

LG Tone Free T90Q review: Taking a spatial shot at the AirPods Pro, with a little help from Dolby

LG's Tone Free T90Q bring head-tracking spatial audio to both iOS and Android users alike, breaking Apple's monopoly on the immersive listening feature.

Simon Cohen     September 1, 2022

Sony’s latest Dolby Atmos soundbar is smart, modular, and one of its most affordable

Sony's $700 HT-A3000 brings Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, expandability, and a wealth of smart features to its most affordable A-Series soundbar.

Simon Cohen     August 31, 2022

Amazon Echo Studio review: The best Echo speaker yet

With deep bass, hi-res audio chops, and Dolby Atmos support, the Echo Studio is Amazon's best smart speaker yet and has few peers in the smart speaker space.

Ryan Waniata     August 15, 2022

Best Prime Day speaker deals still available in 2022

Amazon's annual shopping event is over, but there are still Prime Day speaker deals to be had, so move fast to snap up these great offers.

Jennifer Allen     July 14, 2022

The Bose Bluetooth speaker is 50% off the Prime Day (5% claimed)

Prime Day only happens once a year, so now is the time to take advantage of 50% off this portable Bose Bluetooth speaker.

Nina Derwin     July 12, 2022

Netflix adds spatial audio to select movies and shows for all subscribers

Netflix says it has added the ability for anyone with stereo speakers to enjoy spatial audio on select shows and movies, regardless of their subscription tier.

Simon Cohen     July 7, 2022