How-To
How-To
Vizio’s Smartcast TV update makes switching inputs more annoying. Here’s a fix
Vizio TV better: How to turn on the last input instead of SmartCast every time.
How-To
How to create motion-triggered routines on a newer Amazon Echo or Echo Dot
Amazon's Echo and Echo Dot can now detect when people are in the room, which is perfect for triggering Alexa routines. Here’s how to take full advantage.
How-To
How to sync your Philips Hue lights with Spotify
Thanks to a new integration, your color Hue lights can now pulse along with your Spotify tunes. Here’s how to get started.
How-To
Hot-rod your home network with multi-gig wired ethernet—for far less coin than you might think
Falling prices for multi-gig (2.5/5/10GbE) equipment make upgrading your network to a faster standard very affordable.
How-To
How to set up smart outdoor lighting the easy way
Create the right alfresco mood without sacrificing safety by using an outdoor smart power outlet.
How-To
How to add a delay to a Google Assistant routine
Don’t want Google to immediately perform certain actions in a routine? Just add some delays. Here’s how.
How-To
How to add smart lighting to your home the easy way
You don’t need to deal with wiring or replace your switches to install state-of-the-art smart lighting.
How-To
There’s a new way to trigger Google Assistant routines
Google Assistant recently learned one of Alexa’s tricks: the ability to start a routine when you dismiss an alarm. Here’s how to set it up.
How-To
Trouble hearing Alexa? The new Adaptive Volume setting can help
Alexa’s voice can have a tough time cutting through the noise of a dishwasher or loud conversation, and that’s where the Adaptive Volume setting comes in.
How-To
Here’s the nicest way to wake up, courtesy of your Google smart display
The sunrise alarm on a Google Nest Hub can gently wake you with a warm glow and a refreshing alarm tone, while also raising the lights in your bedroom.
How-To
Here’s a better way to trigger your morning Alexa routine
Dismissing an alarm is one of Alexa’s most powerful routine triggers, but it’s an easy one to forget.
How-To
How to set a light timer using the new Philips Hue app
Light timers are back after briefly disappearing from the revamped Philips Hue app. Here's how to use them.
How-To
How to assign more than one voice command to a single Alexa routine
Having trouble remembering the exact voice commands for your Alexa routines? Now you can add multiple phrases to a single routine.
How-To
How to get Peacock on your Fire TV right now
How to sideload Peacock on Fire TV while Amazon and NBCUniversal fight over money.
How-To
How to keep Netflix from gobbling up too much data
Netflix will blow through up to 7GB of data an hour if you let it. Here’s how to put the brakes on Netflix’s data usage.
How-To
An essential guide to Apple HomeKit
Apple’s smart home effort got off to a slow start, but it’s rapidly gaining momentum.
How-To
Do Philips Hue smart bulbs need a hub? No, but here’s why they’re better with one
You can control Philips Hue bulbs via Bluetooth rather than a hub, but here are the features you’ll be missing.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
Streaming TV on vacation: What cord-cutters need to know
Before you take your streaming TV bundle on vacation, read up on these restrictions.
How-To
You just bought a new Amazon Echo device? Do these 6 things first
Get the scoop on how to train Alexa to recognize your voice, prevent unauthorized purchases from Amazon, tell it where you live and work, and more.
How-To
How to turn off the HomePod mini’s irksome music handoff notifications
Are haptic notifications for the HomePod mini’s music transfer abilities driving you nuts? Here’s how to disable them.
How-To
Cord-cutters: Keep prying eyes out of your Netflix profile by locking it with a PIN
If you don't want your housemates to know what you've been watching on Netflix, you can lock your Netflix profile with a PIN. Here's how to do it.
How-To
5 things I learned while setting up my first media server
Sure, you can spend a fortune setting up a media server for your music and videos, but it turns out you don’t have to.
How-To
How to buy the right-sized TV (the only problem is that it might not exist)
Quality over size is our usual mantra, but vendors don't generally offer their best technology in TVs smaller than 55-inch class.
How-To
The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are almost here. Find out if your TV can handle them
Most TVs will be compatible, but you’ll want a set with certain features to enjoy the ultimate gaming experience.
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
How-To
How to set up Alexa with an emergency contact
If you need help, you or anyone in your home can ask Alexa to call an emergency contact, but you'll need to pick one first.
How-To
Soundbar shoppers: Consider these 10 essential features
From Dolby Atmos to eARC, weigh these key features when choosing a soundbar.
How-To
Distance learning: 4 smart tech solutions for keeping kids on track
Get some badly needed school-from-home help from Alexa, Google Assistant, your smart lights, and more.
How-To
How to play your personal music collection on Google Home and Chromecast
How to play music you own on Google Home and Chromecast after Google Play Music shuts down.
How-To
How to drop in on all your Amazon Echo devices at once
Besides Alexa's new ability to let you drop in on all your Echo devices at once, you can now set reminders on all your Echo speakers and displays, too.
How-To
How to get HBO Max on your Fire TV right now
How to sideload HBO Max on Fire TV while Amazon and WarnerMedia fight over money.
How-To
The best internet radio stations: Streaming tips and our top station picks
Streaming music via internet radio is one of the world's best free entertainment options.
How-To
Want to listen to Spotify remotely with your friends? There’s an app for that
Just like the late Turntable.fm app, JQBX lets you create remote listening rooms for your friends. You will, however, need a Spotify Premium account to indulge.
How-To
How to make your Google/Nest smart speakers, displays, and cameras listen for suspicious sounds
Thanks to Google’s new Nest Aware plans, Google Home and Nest devices can now keep an ear out for the sounds of smoke alarms and breaking glass.
How-To
5 ways to improve your relationship with Google Assistant
Learn how to change the sound of Google Assistant’s voice, teach it your nickname, make your conversations flow better, and more.
How-To
Tips and best practices for optimizing your smart home
Looking to build out a smart home? These 12 key pieces of advice will turn you into a master.
How-To
How to create a movie and TV show watchlist using Google Search
Google’s new watchlist feature lets you select the streaming video services you're subscribed to, as well as filter recommendations by genre or what’s available for free.
How-To
Internet radio: Everything you need to know to stream a world’s worth of fantastic music for free
Hey, we dig Sonos Radio, but you don’t need a Sonos speaker to enjoy internet radio. Allow us to be your guide to this fabulous resource.
Cord-Cutter Confidential
How to record all the free streaming TV before it’s gone
How to record streaming TV shows from HBO, CBS, Netflix, and others before their free previews end
How-To
How to survive homeschooling with nothing more than an Echo, Roku, and a Disney+ subscription
Homeschooling can be a pain for everyone involved, but with the help of a few smart devices, it can be much more pleasant.
How-To
How to prepare your home for emergencies (like the one we’re going through right now)
These 15 tips will raise your home preparedness game and fortify your defenses against, well, just about anything.
How-To
5 ways to improve your relationship with Alexa
It's important to get along with everyone you’re staying at home with, including Alexa.
How-To
How to turn your Wyze cam into a webcam
Can’t snag a webcam on Amazon? In a pinch, you can use your Wyze cam as a webcam. Here’s the trick.
How-To
How to turn off (or simply pause) news headlines on your Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub display
If all the grim coronavirus bulletins are taking a toll on your sanity, consider taking a break from news headlines on your Echo Show and Google Nest smart displays.
How-To
5 of the most relaxing Spotify white noise playlists for working from home
If you’re stuck at home and stressing out about the coronavirus crisis, these soothing Spotify playlists can help lower your blood pressure.
Updated
How to make voice and video calls using Alexa and your Amazon Echo
You can use Alexa on your Amazon Echo to make calls without a mobile number or landline? Here's how.
How-To
How to build a cheap cord-cutting DVR using Raspberry Pi
Want to roll your own cord-cutting DVR? The $35 Raspberry Pi is the cheapest starting point.
How-To
How to delete your Alexa and Google Assistant voice recordings automatically
Sure, you can manually delete events from your Alexa and Google Assistant voice histories, but it’s easier to let Alexa and Assistant do it for you.
How-To
How to make Alexa and Google Assistant let you know when they start—and stop—listening
You can set your Echo and Google Home or Nest devices to give you audio cues when they start—and, more importantly, stop—listening for commands.
Updated