Tyler Lacoma

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controller Gen 3 Pros App controls and scheduling are perfect for irrigation systems Installation is DIY with no new sprinklers or other components necessary Sleek design Can support many separate sprinkler zones […]

Apple iOS presents unique problems for VPNs, including potential data leaks from certain kinds of traffic. Mullvad VPN, CNET’s top VPN pick for privacy, announced on Tuesday that it is implementing a new fix for […]

Ikea’s new 2026 smart home and home security devices quickly earned several spots on my recommendation lists, thanks to their high affordability (many around $10) and full compatibility with the cross-brand smart home standard Matter. […]

Calling a van home, even for part of the year, can be a great way to save money and travel the world. But it can also increase the risk of van theft, including people who […]

Starting this April, we noticed a new offering from T-Mobile for those who are short on time: The carrier will now DoorDash you its 5G internet equipment, letting you track it just like your local […]

Off-the-grid living can save money and cut reliance on fossil fuels — and your options have never been better thanks to today’s solar panels and advanced home generators. But what about security? That’s an especially […]

Smart locks are a highly visible part of your home that you’ll use just about every day, so it’s important to find a reliable pick that meshes well with your smart home. Here are the […]

Server numbers and reach are always important features for VPNs, since they show your options for choosing a server location and help spread out users to reduce server load. NordVPN — our pick for the […]

Security brand Tapo has released a new cam kit, now available for $230, and it’s the largest and most powerful security camera I’ve seen from the company.  The Tapo C675D kit is a dual-lens camera […]

EufyCam C35 Pros Compact, improved design Made for local storage App improvements also shine, making data easier to manage No subscriptions or extra fees Magnetic mount plus a screw-in base give lots of installation options […]

Every security company has them — those yard signs and window stickers you display to let trespassers know that your home is monitored by a security system. But starting Tuesday, ADT is offering a security device I’ve never seen […]

A new package scam started this summer, and it’s likely to gain momentum as people start ordering their iPhone Airs and buying gifts for the holidays. I’ve discussed package scams before, especially “brushing” or padding […]

When I worked with other CNET editors for the latest pet coverage and reviewed the newest devices, we discussed tricks and products that we had used to help our pet. We found solutions for challenges […]

It’s nearly Earth Day, and there’s no better way to celebrate than finding devices that make your home greener and help you save money. This advanced technology can pay for itself while fixing common problems […]

Privacy Amazon’s voice assistant makes it easier to control the devices in your home, set timers and find out how long your commute to the office will take. Privacy has become an increasing concern as […]

In my coverage of controversial surveillance company Flock Safety and similar license-plate trackers, such as Motorola’s VehicleManager, I mentioned that one of the most effective steps US readers could take to protect their home and […]

Tired of seeing the Copilot AI logo appear everywhere in Windows 11? It may be getting at least a little less ubiquitous. Reports this week found the latest Insider version of Windows 11, version 11.2512.28.0, has […]

I’ve never seen a smart thermostat quite like this before. The Aqara W200 smart thermostat, which debuted at CES 2026 and is now available to buy for $160, has several smart features for temperature management. It’s one of the […]

Don’t wait to change these important settings.  Oscar Wong via Getty Images For years, moving money between PayPal and Venmo felt like trying to bridge two different worlds, but that digital wall has finally come […]

Privacy threats are on the rise, including dangers inside our own homes. From routers that may be untrustworthy to smart speakers that people fear could be listening, even our technology can present as a privacy menace. […]

Early this year, my home city of Bend, Oregon, ended its contract with surveillance company Flock Safety, following months of public pressure and concerns around weak data privacy protections. Flock’s controversial AI-powered license plate cameras were […]

Airthings Radon Detector Pros Incredibly easy, long-term radon tracking that puts old-fashioned test kits to shame Super easy activation Also measures humidity and temperature App access for quick views and changes over time Long-lasting batteries […]

The bane of every home security system, no matter how advanced, is triggering false alarms at the worst times. No one likes a surprise siren going off in the middle of the night, or a […]

The latest beta version of the Microsoft Edge browser may automatically open every time you start your Windows 11 PC, without explicit permission, Windows Central reports. The change could frustrate users, something the browser can’t […]

Easter is the perfect hopportunity (no regrets) to tweak the smart devices you may have around your home to prepare for egg hunts, hyper kids and spring feasts.  In addition to the classic activities, try […]

When I tested Alexa Plus last year, I liked that the conversational voice assistant could connect with third-party apps, such as Uber, but many app integrations were still distant promises. That future is now: Starting […]

Enlarge Image Chris Monroe/CNET Cost Some buyers may not mind paying $15 to $20 for a smart floodlight bulb that can do everything. Others have budgets in mind and aren’t interested in spending more than […]

Your home address is connected to many important personal details about your life, which is one reason why a large industry behind buying and selling that information exists. This is also why you get so […]

Air travel comes with plenty of guesswork, especially before you even reach the gate. Starting Wednesday, United Airlines is rolling out several new features in its mobile app that could help.  The new additions are designed to […]

Home security systems are typically stationary, designed to stay in the same places for years at a time. But what happens when you’re frequently on the move, such as military families, people flipping houses or […]

Many of today’s security systems, even from longstanding companies like ADT, offer DIY kits, or full systems that you setup on your own, including connecting the hub, choosing your sensors and mounting devices on your […]

Apple’s Siri is trying to make friends in the AI world. Apple is taking the unusual step of connecting Siri with multiple AI chatbots, including Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing […]

I know, it seems like AI is everywhere these days. Do you really want it in your home, too? But that’s the secret: Generative AI and large language models have unique applications in the home […]

You don’t need a highly visible security system or complex web of devices to protect your home. Some of the most advanced security technology I’ve tested is nearly invisible, designed to fit into everyday objects […]

Ikea Varmblix Smart Lamp Pros Beautiful doughnut design Works on tables and walls Durable, high-quallity ABS plastic Matter support for multiple smart home platforms Easy to replace bulbs Versatile color options Cons You’ll need a […]

On Thursday, delivery platform DoorDash announced a new job expansion called Tasks, a set of small jobs its Dashers can do to earn a bit of extra money. Some of these tasks are benign additions to […]

I’ve been a fan of Petcube tech in the past, including a compact pet cam and their excellently designed smart fountain, but now the company is switching its focus to a complete app experience. The […]

SwitchBot Not sure how to make up your mind? Here are the most important factors when considering a home security system that will spare your wallet. Pricing and subscriptions Security systems can be opaque when […]

Effective home security begins with a single change. Not everyone may need a full security system packed with sensors or a whole fleet of cameras watching every angle. Actually, in my years of reviewing home […]

Actor Val Kilmer died in 2025, but he’ll be seen in an upcoming movie he didn’t live to film. The historical archaeologist drama As Deep As the Grave will include an AI version of the […]

Meross/CNET Retrofit compatibility If you’re choosing a retrofit, take a close look at the product page, which should list the brands that the retrofit works with. It should also detail important caveats, like if the […]

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. John Carlsen/CNET The smart speakers above are our current favorites, but you still have other options if you’re looking for something specific in audio performance. Options […]

Worried about unattended packages at your front door? Those deliveries could attract thieves looking for easy targets, especially during the holidays when a lot of expensive gifts tend to ship. CNET’s 2025 survey uncovered that […]