Latest articles by Mike Prospero
I used the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio to create an Alexa Home Theater — here's how it sounds
You can group Amazon Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio speakers to create a surround-sound system with a Fire TV stick. Here's how it works, how much it costs, and how it sounds.
The best smart plugs in 2025
The best smart plugs can help make your home safer, more convenient, and even save you money.
The gift of (better) music — 12 best headphone and Bluetooth speaker deals under $50
Looking for an inexpensive pair of headphones or Bluetooth speakers for a stocking stuffer? Here are 12 cheap audio gifts under $50
Aura just made it a lot easier to send pictures to its digital photo frames — here's how it works
Aura's new texting feature makes it very easy to get new pictures on its digital photo frames. Here's how it works.
Best smart smoke detectors in 2025
Smart smoke detectors connect to the internet to relay alerts to your smartphone, or automatically turn on your smart lights. Here are the best.
This gadget is like a Wii without the controllers — and my kid loves it
RecommendedThe NEX Playground turns your TV into an interactive gaming device, so your kid doesn’t turn into a couch potato
I’ve been using this smart toaster oven in my kitchen for three months, and it’s become my favorite appliance
RecommendedThe CHEF iQ MiniOven is a pricey toaster oven, but it performs almost all of its functions perfectly, has a great design that’s easy to use and can even be controlled from your smartphone.
5 smart home devices you need to keep your home safe during the holidays
If you're traveling for the holidays, these five smart home devices can help you keep tabs on your house while you're away.
I'm a Lego fanatic — 35 best Black Friday Lego deals starting under $20
The best Black Friday Lego deals, starting at less than $20
The best Black Friday coffee maker and espresso machine deals — Keurig, Nespresso, De'Longhi and more
We've rounded up the 15 best Black Friday deals on coffee makers, espresso machines, and Keurigs, so you can save money.
Lego Millennium Falcon Black Friday deal is here — and it's better than Prime Day
This Lego Millennium Falcon Black Friday will save you £210 on this UCS set!
Matter 1.5 update launches with 3 new features, including security camera support
The Matter 1.5 smart home standard has been released, which brings support for security cameras, door and window closures, and energy management.
This AI pet is the cutest thing I ever reviewed — and my cat loves it too
RecommendedThe Moflin is an AI companion robot that reacts to your voice and touch and develops a personality along the way. It’s not cheap, but it’s really cute.
Say basta to the pasta tariff with these 5 pasta maker deals starting at less than $50
A 107% tariff on Italian pasta may cause it to disappear from supermarket shelves. Here are 5 deals on pasta machines so you can make it at home.
The best smart displays
Here are the best smart displays, from Echo Show devices with Alexa to the Google Nest Hub speakers with Google Assistant.
15+ best smart home gifts — editor-approved ideas for every budget
Here are the best smart home gifts for 2025 as selected by our editors.
How to turn on end-to-end encryption on a Ring Video Doorbell
Don't want anyone else seeing your Ring Video doorbell footage? Here's how to enable end-to-end encryption.
Aura Ink review: You’ll swear this ePaper digital photo frame is the real thing
RecommendedGet the Aura Ink if you’re looking for the best digital photo frame that looks like an actual printed photo. But it’s very expensive, and Aluratek makes a pretty good alternative for $150 less.
Printique review: Superior quality, so-so software
Editor's ChoicePrintique remains the absolute best in terms of image and photo book quality, but its software falls a little short.
Amazon Echo Dot Max review: The first smart speaker for the AI era
RecommendedThe Amazon Echo Dot Max is a very good Alexa+ smart speaker, but doesn’t have enough new features to warrant an upgrade over the 4th-generation Echo.
Amazon Echo Studio (2025) review: Bringing the bass
Editor's ChoiceThe Echo Studio is the best smart speaker for an Amazon-centric home theater system and smart home, but those focused more on audio quality will still prefer the Sonos Era 100.
I peed on the Withings U-Scan to get better insights into my health — here's what happened
Not yet ratedThe Withings U-Scan is an at-home smart urinalysis device that aims to let you know about your health. I'm testing it for a month to see how it works.
I tested the Oakley Meta Vanguard for a week — and now it's supercharging my runs
RecommendedThese smart glasses made my Garmin watch so much more powerful
