Smart Assistants

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News

An Apple TV crossed with a HomePod? Maybe, but it wouldn’t be cheap

A smart display that combines an iPad with a HomePod might also be in the “early stages,” according to a report.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

Reviews

Tribit StormBox Pro Bluetooth speaker review: Compact, powerful, and weather-resistant

This portable speaker has your summer picnic covered.

By Christopher Null 4 years ago

Reviews

Pioneer DJ VM-70 powered speaker review: This versatile speaker delivers accurate sound at a reasonable price

The VM-70 offers pleasing sound for recreational listening along with the sonic definition and connections you look for in a studio monitor—all at an affordable price.

By Jon L. Jacobi 4 years ago

Reviews

Sony SRS-RA5000 wireless speaker review: A promising idea falls short

360 Reality Audio virtualization works great on headphones, but not from this speaker.

By Scott Wilkinson 4 years ago

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.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

The exquisite Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation all-in-one audio system is now available dressed in wood

The new model’s enclosure is wrapped in sustainable Ayous hardwood.

By Michael Brown 4 years ago

Deal

Snag these $350 JBL speakers for $99 and party inside or outdoors

JBL is selling a pair of Control X speakers for just $100.

By Ian Paul 4 years ago

News

Amazon’s revamped Alexa Voice Remote for Fire TV adds shortcuts to Netflix, Disney+

The new voice remote for Amazon’s Fire TV players also comes with a Guide button for live TV, as well as a redesigned Alexa button.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Sonos drops the needle on high-resolution music streaming via Qobuz

Qobuz will be the first music service to stream 24-bit audio to Sonos speakers.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Sony’s 360 Reality Audio smart speakers are coming soon and can be pre-ordered today

The Sony SRS-RA3000 and SRS-RA5000 feature the company’s spatial sound technology and sell for $299 and $699 respectively.

By Michael Brown 4 years ago

News

The HomePod mini reportedly has a secret temperature sensor. What’s it for?

A hidden sensor discovered inside the HomePod mini could unlock new functionality for Apple’s diminutive smart speaker.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

Deal

Snag the newest Amazon Echo Dot for just $35

Amazon is selling the fourth-generation Echo Dot for $35.

By Ian Paul 4 years ago

News

The second-gen Google Nest Hub can track your sleep without a wristband

Available soon for $99, the new Google Nest Hub uses radar to detect how well you’re sleeping.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Why did Apple’s original HomePod fail? Let’s count the reasons

Apple’s first smart speaker just met a sudden, surprising end, but it was one we could see coming.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Are you ready to invite an Alexa-powered robot into your home?

Amazon’s long-rumored Vesta robot is said to be in the “late prototype” stage.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

The Sonos Roam will be the company’s smallest and least expensive speaker at $169

Weighing less than a pound, the Sonos Roam promises to be lighter and far more affordable than Sonos' previous portable, the six-pound, $399 Move.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Harman Kardon’s Invoke, the last Cortana smart speaker, will ditch Cortana

An upcoming update will erase Cortana from Harman Kardon’s smart speaker, marking the end of an era for Microsoft’s would-be smart home platform.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Google TV gets kids profiles and screen time limits

Still no word on multi-user support for Google TV, but at least profiles for kids are coming soon.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

Reviews

Tronsmart Mega Pro Bluetooth speaker review: Big bass, small price tag

This powerful Bluetooth speaker isn't much to look at it, but it delivers a knock-out performance.

By Christopher Null 4 years ago

Updated

Sonos will show off new audio hardware on March 9

A new, smaller Move speaker could become a reality at an upcoming Sonos product event.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

An Amazon Alexa app is headed for the Xbox

Microsoft and Amazon have posted a "Coming Soon" sign for an official Amazon Alexa app for your Xbox.

By Mark Hachman 4 years ago

News

Enclave Audio offers add-on subwoofer upgrades for its CineHome Wireless Audio Systems

Besides adding more boom to your room, deploying multiple subwoofers can result in smoother and more accurate bass response.

By Michael Brown 4 years ago

Reviews

Q Acoustics 3030i review: These bookshelf speakers will have you wondering “Where’s the subwoofer, Waldo?”

Blessed with golden ears and champagne taste, but cursed with a beer budget? You need to give these puppies a listen.

By Jonathan Takiff 4 years ago

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.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

Reviews

Technics Ottava review: This all-in-one home audio system is a great entertainer

Impeccable sonic goodness in an itty-bitty box.

By Jonathan Takiff 4 years ago

Deal

Gear up for warm weather with this sale on Anker Bluetooth speakers

Amazon has a one-day sale on Anker speakers for home, work, and play.

By Ian Paul 4 years ago

Cord-Cutter Confidential

Streaming TV’s invisible annoyance

Does your streaming video get too loud or too quiet? Here's why, and what you can do about it.

By Jared Newman 4 years ago

News

Don’t worry, Spotify Free users: You can still cast to Google speakers

The “Premium only” error that Spotify Free users saw while trying to cast music to Google Assistant-powered speakers was just a bug, Spotify says.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Amazon will build these crazy Alexa devices if enough people want them

Amazon has launched a Kickstarter-like program to gauge interest in niche Alexa concepts starting with a cuckoo clock, nutrition scale, and sticky note printer.

By Michael Simon 4 years ago

News

A new Sonos product arriving in March. Could it be a smaller Move?

A recent FCC filing from Sonos hints at a compact portable speaker, although there’s been chatter about wireless headphones, as well.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Amazon’s next Echo display might be a wall-mounted control panel

An upcoming and slimmed-down Echo smart display might act as a “command center” for your smart devices, according to an unconfirmed report.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

Reviews

Yamaha SR-B20A review: This all-in-one soundbar boasts great audio for the price

If you can do without Wi-Fi streaming, the swell-sounding SR-B20A is an excellent value.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Amazon’s new Echo Show 10 and its rotating display will finally ship on Feburary 25

Better late than never, the third version of Amazon’s biggest smart display has a 10-inch screen that follows you around the room.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Ring’s $60 Video Doorbell Wired aims to take on Wyze

The new Video Doorbell Wired marks Ring’s smallest doorbell yet, and at $60, it’s also its least expensive.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

News

Polk Audio’s $250 React soundbar packs Alexa

The all-in-one Polk React can be upgraded with a wireless subwoofer and a surround speaker kit, and it comes with built-in Alexa.

By Ben Patterson 4 years ago

Reviews

Q Acoustics Q Active 200 review: This high-end powered bookshelf audio system delivers impeccable performance

Wired or wireless, this audio system can accommodate nearly any source: high-res streaming services, a local server, a TV, Bluetooth, even an old-school turntable.

By Michael Brown 4 years ago