Smart Assistants
SEE SMART ASSISTANTS STORIES BY CATEGORY
Updated
Roku has developed a soundbar reference design specifically for Roku TVs
The company is also trumpeting its number one position in smart TV operating systems, as determined by the market-research firm NPD Group.
News
JBL’s Bar 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar delivers virtual Dolby Atmos on a budget
This affordable soundbar comes with an all-on-one design as well as AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Alexa multi-room audio support.
News
Your Lenovo laptop will soon double as an Amazon Echo Show
Lenovo’s upcoming Show Mode will bring the Alexa-powered Echo Show interface to Lenovo PCs and laptops.
News
Samsung is bringing AirPlay 2 and room calibration to its 2021 soundbar lineup
Samsung also revealed an 11.1.4-channel soundbar during a pre-CES presentation, complete with Dolby Atmos support.
Updated
New Nest cameras on tap for 2021 as Nest Cam IQ Outdoor sells out
Google says a “new lineup of security cameras” is on the way as soon as this year.
Reviews
iLive Bluetooth Tailgate Party speaker (model ISB380B) review: Cheap, light, and fun
With USB and SD card playback, as well as a microphone input, the iLive Tailgate Bluetooth speaker (ISB380B) is a versatile party animal. It's also surprisingly light. Just don't expect audiophile sound.
Feature
The best smart home products available in 2020
In a great year for feathering your nest, these products are the best of the best.
Feature
The best home entertainment products available in 2020
In a year we’d all like to forget, these products helped us escape from reality.
Reviews
Twinkly Strings 250 LEDs Multicolor review: These smart string lights deliver dazzling effects
The Twinkly app scans each individual LED in the string, setting the stage for eye-popping animations.
Deal
Take Alexa in the car with Amazon’s Echo Auto for just $20
You might not know it exists, but Amazon's Echo Auto is $30 off right now.
Feature
Best smart speakers for the price
Shopping for your first smart speaker, or looking for something a little higher end? Check out our picks for smart speakers in the $50, $100, and $300 price ranges.
Updated
The Google Home Max, our favorite smart speaker for music, gets discontinued
The Google Home Max was a great-sounding smart speaker held back by its bulky design and lofty price tag.
News
Definitive Technology unveils its first soundbar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
The compact, 4.1-channel Studio 3D Mini comes with built-in AirPlay 2 and HEOS, along with support for virtual 3D audio.
Reviews
Vizio Elevate review: This Dolby Atmos soundbar’s swiveling drivers are no gimmick
The front drivers on Vizio's high-end Elevate soundbar rotate to bounce height audio cues off your ceiling.
Reviews
Zvox SoundBase 440 review: A disappearing breed of TV sound reinforcement
If you’re looking for a one-piece audio solution that will tuck neatly under your TV, this is a good one.
News
Sonos users can now double the boom in any room by adding a second Sonos Sub subwoofer
If you just can’t get enough bass in your Sonos-based home theater experience, the company has a solution.
Reviews
Wyze Thermostat review: First-class feature set, bargain-basement price tag
But you’ll need to trust Wyze on its promise to deliver important add-ons like remote sensors in 2021.
Updated
Microphone-less Sonos Arc SL soundbar arrives exclusively at Costco
The Arc SL Shadow Edition is essentially identical to the standard Arc soundbar, save for a new color and no voice assistants listening in.
Reviews
RSL CG5 loudspeaker review: High-end sound with a budget price tag
A smooth, non-fatiguing sound; premium build quality; and patented Compression Guide design are the RSL CG5's recipe for endless nights of musical bliss.
Now Streaming
12 movies to stream and be thankful for this Thanksgiving
This isn’t the typical collection of holiday-themed movies, these are simply films to be thankful for.
Deal
Get a Ring Video Doorbell and Echo Show for a ludicrously low $150
Start that smart home setup with this awesome Ring and Echo Show bundle from Amazon.
News
Amazon unveils next-gen Echo Frames, but stops selling the Echo Loop smart ring
The updated Echo Frames will boast better sound and battery life, as well as new colors. At the same time, Amazon is ending production of the Alexa-enabled Echo Loop.
News
Google smart displays get sticky notes for family members
Now you can ask Google Assistant to leave “Family Notes” on your Google display. Also: Google Assistant gets a “find my family” feature.
Deal
Light up your world with killer deals on Ring smart bulbs, pathlights
If you need some new smart bulbs or smart path lights, Amazon's sale prices on these Ring starter packs are for you.
Reviews
Nest Thermostat review: An easy recommendation for budget shoppers
Most of the features we love about the top-of-the-line Nest Learning Thermostat—at almost half the cost.
News
Nanoleaf’s Thread-enabled A19 and LED Lightstrip debut in Apple stores
The new Nanoleaf lights can connect to the soon-to-arrive HomePod Mini, which acts as a Thread border router.
Deal
Get an Echo Show 8 and a Blink Mini security camera for $70—50% off
The Echo Show 8 and Blink Mini Security Camera bundle is half off right now.
Deal
The versatile Amazon Echo Flex mini speaker is down to $10 right now
Amazon is selling the versatile Echo Flex for the ultra-cheap price of $10 today.
Reviews
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) with Clock review: The clock-equipped Echo Dot gets a spherical makeover
Aside from its new spherical design, the revamped Echo Dot with Clock doesn’t veer far from the original’s winning formula.
Reviews
Panasonic SoundSlayer review: This compact, gaming-focused soundbar packs a punch
Just 17 inches long and equipped with a built-in subwoofer, the Panasonic Soundslayer delivers surprisingly big sound in a small package.
Deal
Get a Ring Video Doorbell 3 and Echo Show 5 for a jaw-dropping $150
Amazon is selling the Ring Video Doorbell 3 and the Echo Show 5 for just $150 today, $140 off the price of buying both separately.
Reviews
Polk Audio MagniFi 2 soundbar review: Virtual 3D audio and built-in Chromecast, but iffy bass
The 2.1-channel MagniFi 2 soundbar from Polk Audio does a solid job at delivering virtualized 3D audio, but gets tripped up by its mediocre bass response.
Updated
Peace by Hampton A19 LED Wi-Fi smart bulbs review: Powerful automation tools, but some missing features, too
The new A19 color smart bulbs from Hampton Products are reasonably priced, but some key features, such as a vacation mode, are MIA.
News
Touch-enabled dashboard for smart devices coming to Amazon Fire tablets
The new Device Dashboard will be accessible from the navigation bar of selected Fire tablets.
Reviews
Focal Chora 806 bookshelf speaker review: A taste of high-end audio
The Chora's beautiful build and styling is outmatched only by its sonic punch.
Reviews
Mackie Freeplay Live Bluetooth speaker review: A mini PA system for refined listeners
This portable public-address system works nearly as well for simple listening as it does amplifying voices or instruments for small gatherings.
Reviews
DALI Katch Bluetooth speaker review: Small sound from a small package
The sound quality is clean, clear, and bright, but the bass is generally weak.
News
Acer’s Halo smart speaker boasts Google Assistant and RGB lighting
The Halo’s integrated RGB lighting can sync with your tunes or help you set the mood.
Reviews
Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) review: The new Dot delivers a revamped look and (slightly) better sound
The latest Echo Dot is technically the best Dot yet, but only by a narrow margin.
Reviews
Lenovo Smart Clock Essential review: A great budget smart speaker
Music is not its forte, but this inexpensive gadget packs plenty of value into its small footprint.
Reviews
Amrobt MAX HEPA11 Air Purifier review: Cleaner air is just a click away
With multiple modes and remote app control, this purifier makes it easy to monitor and improve your home's air quality.
Reviews
Roku Streambar review: A very good streamer inside a pretty good soundbar
There are better soundbars at this price, but none that incorporate a quality media streamer.
Updated
Best Prime Day deals on smart lighting, security cams, and other smart home gear
From smart lights and security cameras to robot vacuums and digital photo frames, we've pinpointed some killer Prime Day smart home deals.
Updated
Best Prime Day deals on TVs, soundbars, media streamers, and more
Whether you want to trade up to a new 4K (or 8K!) TV or you're in the market for a soundbar or a streaming player, there are great Prime Day deals to be had for home entertainment.
News
Apple unveils the $99 HomePod mini smart speaker, coming next month
Due in November, the HomePod mini boasts a spherical, fabric-covered shell, a full-range driver, dual passive radiators, and a new intercom feature for Siri.
Reviews
Zvox AccuVoice AV157 TV Speaker review: It’s like a hearing aid you plug your TV into
TV viewers with impaired hearing will appreciate this speaker’s knack for emphasizing dialog.
News
Google Assistant’s Guest mode for Nest speakers will let you go incognito
Want to keep a chat with Google Assistant private? Just ask it to turn on Guest mode, coming soon to a Nest speaker near you.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
15 cord-cutting tips for the new Chromecast with Google TV
Tips to make the most of the new Chromecast with Google TV
Updated
HomePod Mini, AirPods Studio could crash Apple’s iPhone 12 party
If the rumors are true, we might finally see a smaller HomePod and premium AirPods headphones at Apple’s iPhone event next Tuesday.
News