Networking
Networking news, analysis, research, how-to, opinion, and video.
SkylinkNet Alarm System Starter Kit Plus review: Built by techies, for techies
It’s short on handholding, but SkylinkNet’s SK-250 kit is a good-enough security offering (though not recommended for beginners).
How to create private Alexa skills without code
Amazon's Alexa Skills Blueprints let anyone with an Alexa device make household skills.
Amazon's custom Alexa Blueprints skills show how far ahead of Siri and Google Assistant it is
Amazon has released a super-easy tool for anyone to make their own Alexa skill, and you won't find anything like for Siri or Google Assistant.
Notion’s home-monitoring system can now send a plumber at the first signs of a water leak
A partnership with HomeAdvisor matches homeowners in need with a local prescreened plumber to perform repairs.
Update
Best smart home systems for a connected domicile
Your home is only as smart as the hub that orchestrates everything behind the scenes. These DIY tools are the best of the bunch.
Heat and cool your home for less with a $60 discount on the Nest Thermostat E
Woot is selling the Nest Thermostat E for just $110 today.
Best Buy gets smart, teams up with Amazon to sell Alexa-powered Fire TVs
Amazon has announced a partnership with Best Buy to sell the next-generation of Fire TVs due to launch this summer.
LIFX Mini smart bulb series review: Not quite as bright, but smaller and cheaper than the LIFX A19
We like the color-tunable bulb best, but all three are good values.
Samsung SmartThings Hub review: One of the best in the business
With massive device support and a simple interface, it’s hard to beat SmartThings to anchor your smart home.
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Apple’s premium news service, eGPUs, HomePod and watchOS rumors: Macworld Podcast episode 601
Apple could start its own subscription news service. What’s it like to use an external graphics card with a Mac? Could a cheaper HomePod be coming soon? What’s the deal with watchOS faces? We also feature your comments and questions
Crowd-funded Abode Systems mostly sold to an Italian home-automation group
Nice S.p.A buys a majority stake in the smart home security startup, but Abode System's founders retain a 25-percent ownership position.
Fibaro Wall Plug with USB review: Does light make right?
This pricey smart plug offers ground effects and solid energy-monitoring features.
Anker SoundCore Boost Bluetooth speaker review: This little box delivers more thump than you'd think
For the price, this 12-hour box sounds very good. It has the punch that many speakers in its class lack, as well as a surprising amount of thump.
Update
Best smart bulbs for your connected home
Today’s smart bulbs are brighter and easier to control than ever, but choosing the right one for your environment remains a challenge.
LIFX A19 (2018) smart bulb review: The Wi-Fi bulb to beat keeps getting better
Shine on, you crazy lightbulb.
Avantree TC418 Bluetooth transmitter review: Play your legacy audio gear through any Bluetooth speaker
When you want to stream from older audio equipment that doesn't understand Bluetoth, all you need is this handy, dual transmitter box. It's also useful for computers without Bluetooth audio output.
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Ring Video Doorbell: What makes the 2nd-generation different from the first?
Double the money brings much better image quality.
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Ring Floodlight Cam review
The Ring Floodlight Cam delivers a good picture and has bright 1800 lumen LED lights. Take a look at how it performed in our test.
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