The smart home was supposed to be open, but it’s becoming a toll booth

The smart home promised seamless convenience. What it increasingly delivers is a polished system of gatekeeping, where screens, speakers, and dashboards shape what gets seen, what gets used, and what keeps charging after the hardware is already paid for.

Google’s latest Nest Doorbells just hit their lowest prices of the year
Google’s latest Nest Doorbells just hit their lowest prices of the year

If you’ve ever worried about porch pirates stealing packages while you’re away, a video doorbell can offer some peace of mind, letting you keep tabs on deliveries no matter where you are. Google offers some of the best around, and right now, its battery-powered, second-gen Nest Doorbell is available for $129.99 ($50 off) from Amazon and […]

IKEA just launched a tiny motion-sensitive light that you can stick anywhere — and you can get two for $5 right now

You can stick the IKEA Gömpyssling lights anywhere, and they’re so versatile you’ll want a set for every room.

The new Romo P robovac from drone expert DJI has the most jaw-dropping obstacle avoidance I’ve ever seen

Welcome to the future with DJI’s first foray into the pantheon of home cleaning — expensive, but extremely capable.

Aiper Scuba V3 Review: Finally, a pool robot with an actual brain

Aiper’s Scuba V3 serves a pleasing mix of AI-assisted navigation, wireless charging convenience, and reliable scrubbing without nuking your wallet.

Amazon’s Smart Thermostat can help lower your energy bills, and it’s down to $62
Amazon’s Smart Thermostat can help lower your energy bills, and it’s down to $62

With temperatures on the rise and Earth Day right around the corner, now’s a good time to invest in a smart thermostat if you haven’t already. A good one like Amazon’s Smart Thermostat can help reduce energy use and lower your bills without sacrificing comfort, and right now it’s just $61.99 ($18 off) at Amazon. […]

Get ‘high-resolution picture quality and ultra-compact design’ for cheap with 45% off the Blink Mini 2K+

The Blink Mini 2K+ is a great way to keep an eye on things while you’re away from home — and it’s on sale now at a bargain price.

I went hands-on with the Aqara Camera Hub G350: a powerful indoor security camera that’s a wolf in rabbit’s clothing

With 360-degree pan and tilt, plus a dual-lens system, the G350 is ideal for tracking people and pets across the room.