My Smart Home Is Broken and I Just Don't Care Anymore

April 28, 2023

Smart homes are a wonderful idea full of daily life conveniences. However, you have to set up every hub, and smart device, upgrade your network, assign groups, tweak your voice controls, then hope everything works together. Even if it all works, it probably won’t for long. In the top story, our Editor-in-Chief, Josh Hendrickson, explains why he doesn’t care about his broken and finicky smart home anymore.

Other Highlights:

• Razer’s flagship gaming headset is back and better than ever.
• We reviewed the EcoFlow Glacier cooler with a built-in ice maker.
• Amazon is killing its Halo fitness product line.
• … and more!

-Cory

I walk into my office, and the light should just turn on. But it doesn’t. The same goes for my other “automated rooms.” I could fix them. Again. But they’ll break again. And lately, I just don’t care when my smart home doesn’t work. It’s a sad state of affairs for the once-promising future. Read More »

if you like Guardians of the Galaxy and are stoked for the release of volume 3 next Friday, then you should check out this smartwatch band at MobyFox. Take A Look >>

Long road trips can be especially dry and boring for passengers. And while the radio can provide some entertainment, it isn’t always enough, especially for kids. Portable DVD players, on the other hand, are the real deal. They allow you to watch your favorite movies on the go. Read More »

There’s nothing worse than enjoying a weekend camping or a day at the beach only to realize your cooler isn’t cold enough. If you want a cooler that actually stays cold, doesn’t need any ice, yet can make ice cubes on command, you’ll love the EcoFlow Glacier electric cooler and portable fridge. Read More »

The internet presents a unique opportunity for creeps, hackers, and corporations who want to invade your privacy. By now, you’re probably aware of all the hand-wringing that surrounds this topic. But there’s one privacy threat that’s managed to slip under everybody’s nose—the cameras in our robot vacuums. Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

Some people like to relax at the beach, while others prefer to throw wild pool parties. In any case, a day near the water is incomplete without some good music, so you’d better grab a waterproof Bluetooth speaker before the summer really kicks off.

The Tribit StormBox Micro is an impressive Bluetooth speaker with a 12-hour battery life, a 90dB maximum volume, and an IP67 water resistance rating. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it has a small strap that can connect to bags, tree branches, or even a bicycle’s handlebars.

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

You’ve finally set up a fancy NAS device, but you’re disappointed by its slow file transfer rate. This is a common problem among NAS users, and in most cases, it may be reminded by following a few simple steps. Read More »

Razer’s flagship BlackShark V2 Pro headset is beloved by hardcore gamers, particularly in esports. Now, Razer is launching an upgraded 2023 model of the BlackShark V2 Pro with a more robust microphone, a longer battery life, USB-C charging, and other improvements. You can order it now for $200. Read More »

Outdoor cats have a habit of disappearing, and indoor cats like to hide in weird places just to freak you out. The simplest solution may be one of Tile’s new cat trackers. This collar attachment gives you peace of mind when your cat is hiding, and it may help you find a lost cat. Read More »

While we’ve heard rumors of a new Beats Studio Buds Plus from Apple, a premature listing for the product surfaced on Amazon and gave away all the details. Read More »

Dozens of Google Nest users report that their smart speaker won’t play SiriusXM. Additionally, the Google Assistant appears to have trouble with terrestrial radio stations, as commands like “play 99.5 FM” aren’t working on some smartphones and Nest speakers. Read More »

Amazon’s fitness-centric Halo brand hit the scene a few years ago, but this week the company confirmed it’s giving up and discontinuing all devices and services. Amazon is no longer selling its three products, and they’ll all stop working this summer. Read More »

Available today for just $15, the IKEA VAPPEBY portable Bluetooth speaker features a compact and waterproof design, plus an 80-hour battery life. It’s the most affordable Bluetooth shower speaker you’ll find from a reputable brand, and you can pair two together for stereo sound. Read More »

Pulling a big handful of lint from your dryer isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite household chore. But, regularly removing lint keeps your dryer vent clean and reduces the risk of a fire. It’s a quick and necessary cleaning practice. But, what do you do with your lint once you’ve removed it? Read More »

Laptops are many things—convenient, portable, and increasingly powerful with each new generation. But one thing they certainly aren’t is ergonomic and kind to your body. Here’s how to enjoy your laptop pain-free in only three steps. Read More »

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably noticed some interesting discrepancies when it comes to the cost of different brews. A glance through a coffee shop menu will show you how the dollar amounts vary—and not just because of syrups and flavorings. Read More »

ChatGPT has become an incredibly popular generative AI tool. With simple prompts, it can spit out a resume, plan a party, write recipes, and much more. We’ll show you how to use ChatGPT on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices Read More »

When you think of dirty public places, you probably conjure images of bathrooms in seedy bars and highway rest stops. But one of the dirtiest things you can touch in public is in neither of these places. It’s at the gas station pump. Read More »