Articles by Ben Patterson
YouTube is tinkering with one of Spotify’s better ideas
A new YouTube experiment aimed at couples takes a page from Spotify’s subscription playbook.
Alexa+ has more than 100,000 very quiet users
The lucky few with access to the new AI Alexa appear to be keeping it to themselves.
Washed-out HDR on your Roku device? Roku wants to hear about it
Is the HDR picture quality on your Ruku streaming player or TV looking dull and faded? You’re not the only one.
Is Netflix's cheaper ad plan worth it? We break it down
The ad-supported version of Netflix has changed substantially since launch, rolling out higher-quality video, offline downloads, and more.
Philips Hue’s sibling brand unveils a rival HDMI sync box for way less
Just like Philips Hue’s own HDMI sync box, the WiZ version syncs your lights with the images on TV, but for a far more affordable price. What’s the catch?
Google is dropping support for its oldest Nest Learning Thermostats
The first- and second-generation Nest Learning Thermostats will stop getting updates later this year, and they won’t work in the Google Home app anymore, either.
I went hands-on with Eufy’s elusive E10 smart display
Eufy’s been coy about its upcoming smart display, but I managed to snag some hands-on time in New York City this week.
Eufy’s new security NVRs will boast crime-detecting AI agents
Both the ProSecure NVR and the 4G-enabled HomeBase Professional S1 will get AI chipsets allowing them to assess threats and warn you of impending danger.
Roku goes it alone with its latest security cameras
Roku’s first smart home devices were built in partnership with Wyze Labs, but the company says its latest home products are “specifically Roku-developed.”
Roku's new streaming sticks are small enough to go anywhere
Roku just unwrapped a pair of streaming sticks small enough to toss in a tote bag.
Max starts charging extra to share your streaming account
Want to share your Max account with someone outside your household? Get ready to pay up.
Philips Hue leak hints at a Matter mystery
What’s up with the Matter logo on the regulatory documents for some new Philips Hue lights?
You’re about to miss out on a killer Apple TV+ deal
This wild Apple TV+ discount is about to disappear.
6 awesome Philips Hue smart light features you’re not using
If you’re only using the Philips Hue app to turn your Hue lights on and off, you’re not doing it right. Here are 6 essential Hue features that are easy to miss.
Aqara has a clever solution for a vexing Matter problem
The platform-unifying Matter standard can’t always tap into advanced smart device features, but Aqara has a workaround.
AI is booming, but not in smart homes
While generative AI is taking over everything from coding to illustration, it’s still moving at a snail’s pace as far as smart homes are concerned.
Google’s 'Free TV' button is everything wrong with streaming remotes
These so-called ‘shortcut’ buttons send you where they want you to go, not necessarily where you want to go.
How to watch 'Severance' and other Apple TV+ shows for free
You can binge-watch one of 2025’s buzziest shows without paying a dime. Here’s how.