Author Archives: Ben Patterson

5 things to expect from a revamped Google Home smart speaker

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Ben Patterson

The original Google Home smart speaker has finally been discontinued. What’s next? Continue reading →

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Dynabook Portege X30L review: Comet Lake power in a featherweight shell

Posted on June 9, 2020 by Ben Patterson

There’s light, and then there’s light, and the Dynabook Portege X30L falls into the latter category. Weighing a mere 1.8 pounds, the Portege X30L manages to pack in decent (if not chart-topping) quad-core Comet Lake performance, a bright 13.3-in… Continue reading →

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How to drop in on all your Amazon Echo devices at once

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Besides Alexa’s new ability to let you drop in on all your Echo devices at once, you can now set reminders on all your Echo speakers and displays, too. Continue reading →

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Amazon’s fashion-centric Echo Look camera will stop working in July

Posted on May 29, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Time is up for Amazon’s $200 Echo Look, which snaps photos of your outfits and makes Alexa-powered fashion suggestions. Continue reading →

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Hulu, Plex roll out group watch party features

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Both Hulu and Plex have started testing features that let far-flung friends and loved ones stream videos together. Continue reading →

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Spotify nixes 10,000-item limit for saved music libraries

Posted on May 26, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Spotify fanatics, rejoice: no more will you need to prune your collections of songs and albums because your Spotify library is maxed out. Continue reading →

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Want to listen to Spotify remotely with your friends? There’s an app for that

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Just like the late Turntable.fm app, JQBX lets you create remote listening rooms for your friends. You will, however, need a Spotify Premium account to indulge. Continue reading →

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Samsung’s 2020 soundbar lineup to be offered for sale starting this month

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Ben Patterson

First revealed at CES, Samsung’s latest high-end soundbars work together with the speakers on Samsung TVs. Continue reading →

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Hands-on: HP Elite Dragonfly, the first laptop with an integrated Tile tracker

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Ben Patterson

It feels like an eternity since I left my apartment for any reason at all, much less for a business trip or a meeting. Still, I recall the icy stab of fear when I thought I’d left my laptop bag behind on a subway car, or the time I almost forgot i… Continue reading →

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How to make your Google/Nest smart speakers, displays, and cameras listen for suspicious sounds

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Thanks to Google’s new Nest Aware plans, Google Home and Nest devices can now keep an ear out for the sounds of smoke alarms and breaking glass. Continue reading →

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