Articles by Ben Patterson
Amazon’s new Echo Frames offer better battery life, more styles
The third-generation Echo Frames come with battery battery life, improved audio, and seven new frame designs.
Amazon gives us a peek at a generative AI-fueled Alexa
Alexa sounds much more natural with the backing of Amazon’s new LLM, although it also gives off some serious HAL vibes.
Amazon updates its Fire TV sticks, dials up LLM-aided search
Alexa, what’s the name of the comedy show with that guy from “Breaking Bad”?
Amazon’s new Echo Show 8 gets spatial audio, smart home hub
The third-gen Echo Show 8 will sound better and control Matter devices, as well as adjust its interface depending on how far away you are.
Max is rolling out a live sports add-on tier for $10 a month
The new Max tier will offer a menu of MLB, NHL, NBA, NCAA March Madness, and U.S. Soccer action, provided you’re willing to pay extra.
Arlo’s latest security cams aim for lower price points
With its new generation of Essential security cameras and doorbells, Arlo looks to compete with the likes of affordable cam makers Wyze and Blink.
Can Microsoft's Panos Panay right the Alexa ship at Amazon?
A 19-year Microsoft veteran who ran the company's Windows and Surface divisions, Panay comes to Amazon at a challenging time for its Alexa group.
Google Nest Hub Max losing support for joining Meet and Zoom calls
If you've been using Google's largest Nest Hub display to join Zoom and Google Meet video calls, you'll need a new option by the end of the month.
October Prime Day 2023: What we know so far
Amazon has finally revealed the dates for Prime Big Day Deals, better known as October Prime Day 2023. Here's the latest.
iOS 17 StandBy mode adds smarts to an iPhone's locked display
The new StandBy mode in iOS 17 brings cool interactive widgets to your iPhone's locked screen, including smart home controls.
Ring’s new Pet Tag can help lost furry friends find home
A QR-stamped Pet Tag can make it easier for good samaritans to guide wayward dogs and cats back home.
Apple snuck some smart home news into its iPhone event
The Apple Home app is getting a handy clean-energy feature, while Thread on the iPhone could lead to some intriguing possibilities.
Google Pixel Tablet vs Google Nest Hub: Smart home dust-up
The dockable Google Pixel Tablet has a speedy CPU and an arsenal of smart home features, but is it really a Nest Hub killer?
Apple's AirPods Pro 2 is getting a USB-C charging case
The new charging case will allow not only charging via a USB-C cable and a power adapter, but also from a USB-C-equipped iPhone.
Apple September event 2023: AirPods, HomePod, and more
Word is that Apple will be showing off a new AirPods Pro model alongside the iPhone 15 Pro at its September event. What about the HomePod and Apple TV?
NFL Sunday Ticket free trial now available, but there’s a catch
YouTube's 7-day free trial of NFL Sunday Ticket comes with some serious strings attached. Get the details before you sign up.
Get three months of Disney+ for just $1.99 per month
This September, Disney+ is offering three months of streaming for the lowest price we've seen so far, and the deal is available for both new and returning subscribers.
Sonos Move 2 with stereo sound, better battery life unveiled
The widely anticipated Sonos Move 2 will arrive later this month with stereo sound, simultaneous Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, and improved battery life.