There are some distinct advantages to putting Amazon Echo in every room inside (and outside) your house. Dale Smith/CNET I bet you’ve got an unused Echo Dot stuffed somewhere in your house. I had two — both white third-gen models that I’d since replaced with the better-sounding fourth-gen “orbs.” But
Getty Images Wisdom Panel on Wednesday announced a new breed detection system for its BCSYS dog DNA test kits. BCSYS, which stands for Breed Classification System, offers “the most accurate and comprehensive genetic testing for dogs currently available,” the pet genetics company claims. The Wisdom Panel Essential ($100, £90) and
Chris Monroe/CNET The digital assistant I’ve always called Alexa has a new name option — Ziggy — and a new, masculine-sounding voice to either pair with “Ziggy” or not. You’re free to mix — and remix — those options however you want, since there are separate settings for voice and
Chris Monroe/CNET The digital assistant I’ve always called Alexa has a new name — Ziggy — and a new, characteristically masculine-sounding voice, too. You’re free to mix — and remix — those options however you want, since there are separate settings for voice and wake word (and one isn’t linked
Sarah Tew/CNET Google Assistant — the virtual assistant found in Android phones and smart home devices like the Google Nest — offers help with a variety of everyday tasks. You can check the weather, find the score of sports games and even get help with math just by asking Google Assistant. However, you
Three speakers, three assistants — and one standard devices can use to connect with each of them. Chris Monroe/CNET At Wednesday’s Alexa Live 2021 event, Amazon confirmed that its Echo lineup of speakers and smart displays will soon support Matter, a new, universal smart home standard. The product of a
Samsung Earlier this year, Samsung refreshed the 22.5-inch touchscreen on its flagship Family Hub smart refrigerator, giving it a cleaner interface and new features for cooking and shopping. Now, the company is adding Alexa into the newest Family Hub models, as well — and that might make for a crowded
LIFX Choosing the right smart lights for you is important. If you want to eventually fill your home with these lights, the investment can be considerable over time, so it’s a good idea to get it right the first time. One of the cool things about using the LIFX bulbs
Here’s my sectional couch in its heyday. I’d like to restore some of its former glory. Brian Bennett/CNET Living room sofas lead a full, yet hard life. From pets to kids and messy adults, your couch is often the hub of activity in the home. The downside to that is
