The PCWorld Guide to Smart Tech
Everything you need to know to make your life at home easier, safer and more enjoyable
Latest News about Smart Tech
News
Amazon's October Prime Day: What to know about 'Prime Big Deal Days 2024'
Amazon is launching the October version of Prime Day, known as Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, on Oct 8, 2024. Here's everything you should know about the deals event.
Feature
These 9 Ring security cam settings will make your home safer
Learn how to fine-tune your Ring camera or video doorbell motion-detection settings, minimize unnecessary notifications, and focus on what matters.
News
This Wi-Fi system can stretch for almost 10 miles
A world record test in the California desert shows the staggering range of HaLow Wi-Fi.
News
Elgato releases new giant Stream Deck
The company's new Stream Deck Studio has a whopping 32 buttons and is designed specifically for professionals.
News
Bluetooth 6.0 is almost here, and it's bringing a useful feature
The next major update to Bluetooth is long overdue, but it's finally coming with new features and improvements.
News
Researchers discover a simple way to make batteries last much longer
A simple production tweak could boost the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by up to 70 percent.
Feature
These vacs suck: 5 supremely powerful robot vacuums
Navigation, brushes, and other factors are key when picking a robot vacuum. But if you want to know which vacs really suck—debris, that is—check these out.
Feature
6 ways to control your smart home from your PC
Here are the best apps and methods to manage your connected cameras, lights, door locks, and more from Windows.Latest Best Picks for Smart Tech
Updated
Best dash cams 2024: Your second set of eyes on the road
We review the best 1080p and 4K dash cams. They record what's ahead (and sometimes what's behind)—just the sort of backup you want in the midst of harried traffic.
Updated
Best gaming headsets 2024: Reviews and buying advice
The best wired and wireless headsets for your PC gaming pleasure and comfort.
Updated
14 back-to-school gadgets you didn't know you needed
Laptops often take center stage when preparing for a new academic year, but other helpful tech gear can ease the demands of school, too.
Updated
Chromebooks versus Windows laptops: Which should you buy?
Should you buy a Chromebook or a Windows laptop? They're similar in some ways, but fundamentally different in others. This guide will help you decide.
Best Picks
The best CPUs for gaming 2023: Top picks in all price categories
The best gaming CPUs will help your PC pump out as many frames as possible, as quickly as possible. We pick the best for every budget.
Updated
Best USB microphones for streaming: Upgrade your stream with quality audio
These mics elevate your stream’s quality right out of the box—and still give the option to further tune your voice to perfection.
Updated
Best wireless chargers: Ditch the headache of cables with our top picks
We review an array of wireless charging stands and pads to find the best one to recharge your Android or iPhone handset.
Updated
The best Kindle: Reviews and buying advice
Amazon offers Kindle e-readers with features and prices to suit the taste of any bookworm. We’ll help you pick the one that’s perfect for you.Latest How-To articles about Smart Tech
How-To
Want to safely use Windows 10 after Microsoft ends support? Meet 0Patch
With 0Patch, you can provide Windows 10 with updates beyond October 2025. We show you how it works.
How-To
The paranoid's guide to securing your smart home
Despite all the conveniences that a smart home brings, there are also new vulnerabilities you need to guard against.
How-To
15 tips to give you more power in Google Contacts
A digital contact list is part of most email services — and it can do more than many people realize.
How-To
8 common smart home headaches, solved
Smart home gadgets are designed to make life easier, but sometimes they don't work as intended. We'll show you how to fix the most common problems.
Tip
Sick of Google? Try one of these 5 search engines
You don't have to use Google to search the internet. Here are five contenders you don't want to miss.
How-To
5 ways to get Alexa to shut the hell up
Is Alexa driving you nuts with unnecessary weather alerts, ultra-detailed delivery updates, and random "by the way" digressions? Help is here.
How-To
Unlock the hidden menu on your TV with this secret button combo
Here's a lifehack for your smart TV: use this button combo to activate a secret menu that can do some cool stuff.
How-To
22 awesome free apps already installed on your Windows PC
Microsoft has developed many powerful free applications for Windows 11.Latest Reviews of Smart Tech
Reviews
Miofive S1 Ultra dash cam review: Super 4K captures
The Miofive S1 Ultra two-channel, front/rear dash cam system largely lives up to its moniker with what are easily some of the best captures we've seen — day or night, front and rear.
Reviews
Rove R2-4K Dual dash cam review: Nice features at a nice price
Integrated GPS and phone connectivity highlight Rove's affordable R2-4K Dual two-channel dash cam. But captures were strictly average.
Reviews
Nexar Beam2 dash cam review: LTE convenience is offset by app glitches
Nexar's Beam2, two-channel dash cam is stylish, capable, takes good captures, and uploads them to the cloud via its integrated LTE. But it's got some downsides, too.
Reviews
70mai A510 review: This easy-to-install dash cam ticks all the boxes
The 70mai A510 is a very good front/rear combo for the price. The front captures are top-notch, and the rear captures aren't too far behind.
Reviews
Thinkware Arc review: A great daytime dash cam with easy touch control
The Arc is one of the few dash cams Thinkware markets with a display. As such, it went all in and made it touch. Marry that with great front and rear day captures, and you've got a very nice product. Just not at night.
Reviews
Viofo VS1 Mini 2K review: This tiny dash cam delivers the goods
Viofo's VS1 Mini 2K dash cam impressed us with its excellent day and night captures. It's super small, super handsome and easily the best thing the company has sent us.
Reviews
Thinkware Q200 review: A great dash cam with ho-hum image quality
The dual-channel Q200 dash cam from venerable vendor Thinkware has some great features, but the captures, while workable, didn't impress us. At a lower price, we'd like it better.
Reviews