The future of Matter in 2023

Matter has big plans for the rest of 2023, but with no timetable for releases and Belkin stepping away, what can we realistically expect over the next months?

J. Bitner     April 7, 2023

Google partners with ADT to launch new smart home security system

Google and ADT have launched a DIY smart security plan that lets you piece together your perfect system and is available at a variety of price points.

Jon Bitner     March 31, 2023

What is Google Assistant? Here’s the guide you need to get started

What is Google Assistant and what can it do? We'll show you how to get up and running, and introduce you to some of Google Assistant's coolest features.

Mark Jansen     March 19, 2023

How to factory reset your Google Nest Hub

Need to troubleshoot or trade in your Google Nest Hub? Factory resetting the device is easy and literally takes less than a minute. Here's how to reset yours.

M. Bizzaco     March 18, 2023

How to add a Matter-enabled device to Google Home

Adding a Matter-enabled device to Google Home is a simple process, and it should only take a few minutes from start to finish. Here's how it works.

J. Bitner     February 22, 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

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

Bose Smart Soundbar 300 review: Sweet sound for small rooms

At $400, the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 isn't cheap, but its tiny frame powers great audio, while its voice assistant options make you a hands-free media master.

Simon Cohen     February 3, 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 do smart thermostats work?

If you've been wondering how a smart thermostat works, we explain all the features and mechanisms at play.

S. Sage     January 11, 2023

9 ways Google Assistant can help with Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving can be hectic, but Google Assistant and the Google Home app have some clever ways to make things easier. Here's how they can help.

T. Lacoma     November 19, 2022

Google Home’s web preview is live — and it’s missing most features

The new web preview for cameras that work with Google Home is now live, but don't get rid of that bookmark to Nest just yet.

P. Nickinson     November 1, 2022

Google Nest Mini vs. Amazon Echo Dot

Trying to decide between the Nest Mini and Echo Dot? We compare the two speakers in price, sound, skills, and more so that you can decide which to choose.

Erika Rawes     October 19, 2022

Samsung and Google partnership finds a shared home for SmartThings

Samsung and Google have joined hands to ease the cross-ecosystem device onboarding process between SmartThings and Home, thanks to Matter's multi-admin feature.

Nadeem Sarwar     October 12, 2022

Matter smart home standard is officially available

The Connectivity Standards Alliance has released Matter 1.0, which should result in a slew of smart home gadgets that can finally communicate across ecosystems.

Jon Bitner     October 6, 2022

Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro adds Wi-Fi 6E but loses compatibility

Google's new Nest Wi-Fi Pro supports the new 6GHz frequency band which is up to two times faster but there are compatibility concerns with this new router.

Alan Truly     October 4, 2022

The Google Home app finally has the big redesign you’ve been waiting for

The Google Home app has been in a rough place for years, but this new update aims to completely fix things.

Peter Hunt Szpytek     October 4, 2022

The new Nest Doorbell has an hour of onboard video storage

The new Nest Doorbell is a hardwired option with a lot of new features that make it a worthwhile upgrade from the previous model.

P. Hearn     October 4, 2022

Experts warn AI assistants are hurting the social development of children

An analysis from Cambridge experts suggest that interactions with AI assistants like Alexa is impeding the social development of children and disrupt learning.

Nadeem Sarwar     September 28, 2022

Smart gadgets need a face-lift. A lot of them are way too ugly.

It is high time design catches up with technology. Why can't our gadgets be beautiful and functional?

E. Lawrence     September 25, 2022

How to set up geofencing for Google

Geofencing with Google Assistant and Google Home allows you to set Home and Away routines based on location, among other tricks. Here's how you can use it!

T. Lacoma     September 23, 2022

Google’s Nest Wifi Pro leaks weeks ahead of Pixel event

A Google Nest Wifi Pro appeared briefly on an online retailer's website at a higher price, but it might be worth the added expense.

Alan Truly     September 19, 2022

How to sell your parents on a smart assistant

Are you trying to convince your doubtful or budget-minded folks to invest in a smart assistant like Alexa or Siri? Here are some pointers for your argument.

M. Bizzaco     September 14, 2022

Emporia Smart Plug review: everything you’d want from a smart plug

The Emporia Smart Plug offers not just remote control of your electronics, but also a robust suite of energy-monitoring tools along with a great price tag.

Jon Bitner     September 13, 2022

Building a smart home? You need this Nest Thermostat Prime Day deal

With this Nest thermostat Prime Day deal, you can save $50 on the Google Nest Learning Thermostat to help you fill out your smart home for less.

P. Beaton     July 12, 2022

Pick up two Google Home Minis for just $58 at Walmart for Memorial Day

Walmart cut the price of the Google Home Mini 2-pack by 25%, lowering the per-unit cost of the entry-level Google Nest Home smart speaker to less than $30. Keeping the Google Home Mini price low is important to Google to attract new users to the smart home platform. As people use the platform, many buy more devices.

B. Brown     June 15, 2022

Walmart Deal: Nest Learning Thermostat and Google Home Mini bundle discount

Smart thermostats help weather the heat in an energy-efficient way, and smart speakers are just plain fun. Kickstart your summer by bundling both together at a bargain. Now at Walmart, you can score the Nest Learning Thermostat and Google Home Mini together for just $249, saving you up to 10%.

W. Hank     June 15, 2022

Walmart’s got the Google Home Max for $249 just in time for Prime Day

Not to be outdone by Amazon's Prime Day shopping bonanza, Walmart has a few deals of its own -- one of the best is the Google Home Max smart speaker, at $150 off its regular price. This makes the excellent and very loud speaker $50 less expensive than the Apple HomePod.

Simon Cohen     June 15, 2022

Walmart sale has the lowest prices on Google Home smart speakers after Prime Day

Looking for a voice-assistant smart device? Walmart dropped prices on Google Home smart speakers to stay competitive with Amazon's Prime Day smart home sales. Find the best deals on the Google Nest Hub, Home, and Mini and compare each one with Amazon's Alexa smart speakers.

F. Allanson     June 15, 2022

Walmart cuts prices for Google Home smart speakers and displays for Labor Day

Walmart dropped a round of serious price cuts on Google Home smart home devices for its Labor Day sales event. We've found the best discounts on Google Home smart speakers, a smart display, and two Google Home smart kits, one for smart lighting and the other to set up a smart TV in your home.

B. Brown     June 15, 2022

Walmart slashes the price of the Google Home smart speaker down to $99

There has been speculation that a new set of Google devices is to be released in the company’s event on October 15. This might be the reason for the recent markdowns on Google’s lineup of smart speakers. One spectacular deal we found is for the Google Home. Walmart is currently offering it for $30 off its list price.

E. Katherina     June 15, 2022

Walmart drops prices on Google Home Hub with Nest Thermostat and Security Camera

Security and convenience are the most common motivators for installing smart home devices, followed by entertainment and saving money. Walmart dropped the prices on the Google Home Hub smart display bundled with either the third-generation Nest Learning Thermostat or the Nest Outdoor Security Camera.

B. Brown     June 15, 2022

Best Walmart Black Friday deal: Google Nest smart speakers down to lowest price

Walmart's Black Friday Google sales are here. Walmart dropped the prices on most, but not all, Google Nest smart home products. Grab a Google Home mini for as low as $19 or a Google Home Max for $200 less.

B. Brown     June 15, 2022

Best Black Friday smart display deals for 2019

Black Friday and Cyber Monday is the best time to get smart home deals on displays like Amazon's Echo Show and Echo Spot, Google's Home Hub Max, or the Lenovo Smart Display. You don't have to wait for the best smart displays to get discounts, though. There are some great deals going on right now.

A. Bradford     June 15, 2022