Author Archives: Ben Patterson

Wink’s switch to mandatory subscriptions gets pushed back a week

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Wink users now have seven more days to decide whether to pay a monthly subscription fee or jump to a new platform. Continue reading →

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5 ways to improve your relationship with Google Assistant

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Learn how to change the sound of Google Assistant’s voice, teach it your nickname, make your conversations flow better, and more. Continue reading →

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Spotify’s Group Session feature lets your friends control your music queue

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Once you’ve created a Group Session, your friends can take charge of your Spotify tunes in real time. Continue reading →

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The $100 Ring Video Doorbell gets a feature-packed upgrade, finally

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Ben Patterson

The second-generation Ring Video Doorbell boasts better video quality, privacy zones, and an additional “nearâ€� zone, all for the same $100 price as the original model. Continue reading →

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Google will switch on mandatory two-factor authentication for Nest accounts this month

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Ben Patterson

If you haven’t already locked down your Nest account with two-step authentication, Google will do it for you starting in May. Continue reading →

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Rumors point to a new Sonos Playbar with Dolby Atmos, plus refreshed Play:5 and Sub

Posted on May 5, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Is a new HDMI-equipped Playbar finally about to happen? Continue reading →

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Ring PAR38 Smart LED Bulb review: A bright, weatherproof outdoor bulb for folks in the Ring ecosystem

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Ben Patterson

This affordable Alexa-enabled bulb is well suited for illuminating driveways, backyards, side entrances, and other outdoor areas. Continue reading →

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Ring A19 Smart LED Bulb review: Ring dips its toe into traditional smart bulbs

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Ben Patterson

This new A19 smart bulb plays nice with Ring doorbells, security cameras, and motion-sensing lights, but it lacks the advanced features that some other smart lighting systems offer. Continue reading →

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Hey Google sensitivity setting arrives for Google Home and Nest devices

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Ben Patterson

The new setting helps solve the problem of Google Assistant either not hearing its wake word, or accidentally thinking it did hear it. Continue reading →

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Plex adds free TV shows and movies from Crackle

Posted on May 1, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Plex users can now stream free (albeit ad-supported) movies and TV shows such as “Captain Phillips,” “Patriot Games”, “Hell’s Kitchen,” and more. Continue reading →

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