Smart Assistants
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How-To
Keep strangers from accessing your AirPlay 2 speakers and TVs
You may unwittingly be allowing total strangers to see and even cast to your AirPlay 2-enabled speakers, TVs, and streaming players. Here's how to stop them.
Reviews
Marshall Emberton II Bluetooth speaker review: A worthy tribute
An otherwise basic Bluetooth speaker separates itself from the crowd with killer design and construction.
News
Alexa will soon play nice with Skullcandy's voice assistant
Alexa already works alongside "Hey Sonos" and "Hey Disney," and it's about to get cozy with Skullcandy's Skull-IQ voice assistant, too.
Reviews
LG's S95QR soundbar delivers top-notch Dolby Atmos
With its five up-firing height drivers, the LG S95QR can't be beat in terms of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance.
Deal
Great Prime Day Deals on Echo, Echo Dot
We've spotted the best Prime Day Alexa deals, from the Echo Dot and Echo Show to Echo Buds and Echo Frames.
Deal
Amazon's Echo Show 5 can be yours for $34.99 on Prime Day
Small but powerful, Amazon's second-gen Echo Show 5 display is selling on Prime Day for an all-time low price.
Deal
Amazon Prime Day 2022: Snag a new Echo Dot for just $19.99 (expired)
The diminutive Amazon Echo Dot is the perfect way to kick off a new smart home, and the latest version is getting a massive price cut for Prime Day.
Deal
Amazon Prime Day 2022: Echo Auto is a whopping 60% off today (expired)
Want to put Alexa in your car? The Amazon Echo Auto makes its easy, and you can snag it for cheap on Prime Day.
Reviews
Edifier's retro MP230 Bluetooth speaker delivers modern sound
The compact Edifier MP230 wireless tabletop speaker looks like it was built in 1965, but its audio quality impresses in 2022.
Reviews
Soundcore Motion Boom Plus review: Big sound, medium size
This latest Bluetooth speaker from Anker’s Soundcore division isn’t exactly small, but it performs like something a whole lot bigger.
Reviews
Marshall Willen Bluetooth speaker review: A rock-and-roll mini-me
It looks like a piece of rock history, but this ultra-compact portable stands on its own.
How-To
Google Nest Hub Max: How to turn on Look and Talk
You can now talk to Google Assistant on the Nest Hub Max without saying "Hey Google" first. Here's how to enable the new Look and Talk feature.
Reviews
Tronsmart Trip Bluetooth speaker review: Where's the bass?
The Tronsmart Trip has a lot going for it. IPX7 weather resistance, good looks, a captive lanyard, and true wireless stereo compatibility. But there's a reason it's so affordable–an almost complete lack of thump.
News
Alexa’s latest voice trick might be its creepiest
Alexa may soon be able to conjure the voices of dead relatives with the help of AI.
Reviews
JBL's Charge 5 Bluetooth speaker delivers big sound from a small package
Waterproof and dustproof, JBL’s sweet-sounding portable speaker is ready to shine in any environment.
How-To
How to play music on all your Amazon Echo speakers at once
Want to hear tunes booming throughout your house? If you have Amazon Echo devices in multiple rooms, just ask Alexa, although you’ll need to tweak some settings first.
News
New Marshall Bluetooth speakers take the brand in a new direction
Angled-out tweeters among the new features in third-gen Acton, Stanmore, and Woburn Bluetooth speakers.
News
KEF LSX II wireless music system is coming soon
KEF's latest wireless speaker system supports even more audio sources, including more streaming services.
Updated
Google blames Sonos for device activation errors, Sonos claps back
A handful of Pixel users can't activate smart devices that haven’t recently connected to Wi-Fi. Google says Sonos is to blame. but Sonos is pushing back at the charge.
Reviews
Sandman Doppler: A clock radio for the 21st century
No cameras in the bedroom! Here’s Alexa, music streaming, custom-color clock face, a six-port charging station and classic table-radio sound.
Updated
New Sonos speaker in FCC filing looks a lot like the Sub Mini
The cat’s been out of the bag for months as far as Sonos’s rumored Sub Mini goes, and a new FCC filing hints that the unannounced subwoofer will become official sooner rather than later.
Reviews
The rugged Soundboks Go will rock your block
Believe it or not, the Soundboks Go is the smaller of the two outdoor speakers its manufacturer builds.
Reviews
Sonus faber's Omnia is a luxurious all-in-one speaker
Whether you play music from a turntable, your smartphone, or a streaming service, the Sonus faber Omnia has you covered.
How-To
Talk to the hand: How to control your Google display with Quick Gestures
Want to get Google Assistant’s attention on your Nest Hub display? Just wave.
News
The KEF LS60 Wireless looks to be a floor-standing powerhouse
Looking for a more powerful alternative to self-powered, networkable bookshelf speakers? Check out these massive floor-standers.
News
7 things to know about Hey Sonos
Who will be voicing Sonos’s new voice assistant, what commands will it understand, and what music services will it work with? We’ve got answers to those questions and more.
News
Google Nest Hub Max is making it easier to skip saying “Hey Google”
Soon you’ll be able to start speaking to Google Assistant just by looking at the Nest Hub Max’s screen, or by saying a specific “quick phrase.”
News
Hey, Sonos: What makes the speaker company’s new voice assistant different?
Report: Sonos Voice will arrive June 1 as part of a software update, serving as an alternative to Alexa and Hey, Google.
How-To
5 ways to keep Alexa from bugging you
Does Alexa ever cut you off, pipe up at the wrong time, or annoy you with continual notifications? These settings will keep Alexa from driving you nuts.
News
The Marshall Willen is the smallest Bluetooth speaker to carry the iconic brand
Zound Industries is also bringing out a second-generation Emberton speaker.
Updated
Alexa can now tell you when a security cam spots a person or package
Ring, Abode, and even Google security cameras will be able to trigger spoken Alexa alerts.
News
Don’t say a word, because Sonos’ upcoming budget soundbar isn’t listening
Diminutive soundbar expected to arrive in early June at $249.
Reviews
Amazon's light, sturdy Echo Frames put Alexa in your head
Amazon largely delivers on its promises with the sturdy, handsome, and cleverly designed Echo Frames, but having Alexa in your head won’t be for everyone.
Reviews
Focal's incredibly thin On Wall 301 speakers put to the test
Wish your home theater looked more like a real theater? These on-wall speakers are the next best thing to custom-installed in-wall speakers.
Updated
6 ways to make the most of Alexa timers
If you find yourself setting multiple Alexa timers, there’s an easy way to keep them all straight. You can also set sleep timers, ask for reminders, check how much time you have left on a timer, and more.
News
Monoprice has new THX Certified Compact on-wall speakers
The passive soundbar and satellite speakers are designed for wall mounting in smaller home theaters.
Reviews
The striking Bose SoundLink Flex delivers pleasing sonics
The IP67-rated Bose SoundLink Flex outdoor speaker will survive the pool and beach, has good looks, and delivers both clear sound and a hefty amount of thump for its size. You can also pair two for true stereo.
Reviews
Positive Grid's stylish Spark Mini Bluetooth speaker is also a great practice amp
This portable Bluetooth speaker sounds great for its size and doubles as an ultra-convenient practice amp, making it the perfect gift for budding or traveling musicians.
News
Ikea’s portable Bluetooth speaker/lamp combo resumes Spotify with a tap
Just tap the power button on Ikea’s Vappeby speaker to start playing Spotify tunes right where you left off.
Reviews
Beyerdynamic's Space is much more than a Bluetooth speakerphone
Striking design combines with good music and great call quality to make this a Bluetooth speaker worth considering.
Updated
Polk’s tiny MagniFi Mini AX soundbar boasts Dolby Atmos
Just 14.5 inches wide, the MagniFi Mini AX delivers immersive Atmos and DTS:X audio, along with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.
News
Denon adds a subwoofer to its wireless Home speaker line
Available now, the HEOS-enabled Home Subwoofer can be paired with other Denon Home speakers, including the Sound Bar 550.
Reviews
Tronsmart's Bang party speaker lives up to its name
This 60-watt Bluetooth speaker delivers true stereo in a compact package, but it’s a trifle light on bass.
News
Bowers & Wilkins unleashes its first Dolby Atmos soundbar
The all-in-one Panorama 3 boasts Dolby Atmos support, along with built-in Alexa, AirPlay 2, and Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec.
News
Beyerdynamic Space: Portable speaker and speakerphone in one
Striking design and a stereo pairing option render this Bluetooth speaker appealing for both home and office use.
News
Sonos unveils mic-less version of its portable Roam speaker
Similar to other Sonos “SL” products, the Sonos Roam SL ditches the original’s microphone while also dropping the price.
Reviews
Q Acoustics Concept 30: Stunning speakers, reasonably priced
Technology developed for Q Acoustics’ high-end ($3,500) Concept 300 loudspeakers has trickled down to this $1,200 pair.
News
Need a doctor? Alexa can now arrange virtual house calls via Teladoc
Just say “Alexa, I want to talk to a doctor” to get a callback from a healthcare provider, although you might want to check your insurance first.
Reviews
Monolith by Monoprice: High-end audio on a budget
If you have room for a spacious home theater, but your speaker budget is constraining your cinema dreams, consider these affordable components. by Monoprice.
News