Amanda Blum
Freelance writer
Amanda writes about smart home technology and gardening.
MORE BY Amanda
You Should Keep a Handbook for Your Smart-home Automations
Future You will be grateful you documented the products, apps and automations for your smart-home devices.
Three Reasons You Don't Have to Start Your Own Seeds
You can still have a nice garden, even if you didn't start from scratch.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Is the Best Robot Vacuum I've Tested
Roborock has improved on what was already a spectacular robot vacuum and mop.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro Is Better (and Pricier) Than Other Brands
Ring continues to deliver on the promise of the video doorbell better than any other brand.
Philips Hue Lights Can Now Sync With Your Samsung TV
You'll have to pay for an app—but if you already shelled out the cash for Hue lights, it might not be that big of a deal.
Roborock’s Q Revo Max V Is the Ideal Robot Vacuum for Daily Upkeep
The Q Revo Max V goes wall to wall with plenty of options to customize your cleaning experience.
You Should Try Seed Tape In Your Garden This Spring
Tiny seeds need not stress your eyesight or dexterity.
These Yeti Solar Panels, Power Banks, and Whole Home Battery Backups Are 20% Off
Prepare for the next blackout or power your off-the-grid lifestyle.
Prevent Smart Devices From 'Ghosting' You in Your New Home
Don't live with smart devices you can't control.
Four Ways to Make Your Home Harder to Break Into
Make your home more secure–even if you already have a smart security system.
Govee Just Released a New Neon Rope Light
Fulfill your neon dreams, without having to deal with actual neon.
A New International Standard Aims to Make Smart Tech More Secure, Less Creepy
The Connectivity Standards Alliance has launched a certification process for smart home devices.
A Bunch of Nanoleaf Smart Lights Are 20% Off
Almost the entire Nanoleaf store is 20% off, including wall tiles, TV backlights, and light strips.
These Portable Generators and Solar Panels Are up to 40% Off During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
Jackery's power banks and solar generators are up to 40% off right now through Amazon's Big Spring Sale.
These Switchbot Smart Home Devices Are up to 53% Off Right Now
These products, which perfect for renters, are on deep discount now through March 25.
Zapier's New Features Will Be a Hit With Automation Nerds
With new drag-and-drop workflows, internal databases and AI, Zapier's become a powerful tool.
Aqara’s New Smart Ceiling Light Can Do More Than Just Brighten a Room
This device offers an incredible visual effect and some impressive automations and accessibility functions.
This Year, Try Growing a ‘Goth Garden’
Bringing black into the garden can actually have stunning results.
Leviton’s New EV Charger Has Plug-in Capability
If installation costs have made a home EV charger too expensive, this plug-in model might be just the thing.
The New Airthings Smart Air Purifier Is Worth Its $400 Price Tag
With a built-in air quality monitor and remote on/off capability, Airthings has finally given us a well-integrated smart air purifier and app experience.