Erika Rawes
Smart Home Evergreen Coordinator
Erika became a professional writer in 2010, and her work is published all over the web on sites ranging from USA Today to Lifewire. Erika has reviewed more than 150 consumer technology products, and she primarily covers smart home evergreen content here at Digital Trends.
The best alarm clocks
The best alarm clocks
People have different sleeping habits, but the best alarm clocks are able to match both your lifestyle and budget. Here are the best alarm clocks we found.
The best smart locks for 2023
The best smart locks for 2023
A good smart lock should have a combination of security, aesthetics, and convenience. We share our favorite smart locks for 2023 and what we love about them.
Alexa Guard vs. Alexa Guard Plus
Alexa Guard vs. Alexa Guard Plus
What's the difference between Alexa Guard and Alexa Guard Plus? We break down the two services, including pricing, features, compatibility, and availability.
How to enable whisper mode on Alexa, and how exactly it works
How to enable whisper mode on Alexa, and how exactly it works
With whisper mode, you can chat with Alexa whenever you want, even at 3 a.m. This guide shows you how to enable this cool feature and explains how it works.
The best video doorbells for 2023
The best video doorbells for 2023
Keep a watch on your front porch with the best video doorbells for 2023. These products feature smart cameras, so you can check the door from anywhere.
What is a smart thermostat?
What is a smart thermostat?
Thinking of upgrading to a smart thermostat, but unsure of exactly what they are? Here's a closer look at the smart home gadget and why it's so popular.
The best home security cameras for 2023
The best home security cameras for 2023
Looking for a camera smart enough to protect your home and property when you're away? The best home security cameras for 2023 have all the features you'll need.
The best outdoor smart plugs for 2023
The best outdoor smart plugs for 2023
Want to get your exterior lights up, but don't want to have to go outside to turn them on or off? Check out some of these app-controlled outdoor smart plugs.
How to Drop In on an Echo, Echo Show, or Echo Dot
How to Drop In on an Echo, Echo Show, or Echo Dot
Amazon's Drop In feature allows users to communicate through Echo devices. Here's how to use the Drop In feature with your Echo smart speakers.
How to make your own Alexa skills
How to make your own Alexa skills
Learn how to build your own Alexa skills with Amazon's tools. You can even share your new skills with friends or publish them to the Alexa Skills Store.
How to set up your Google Home device
How to set up your Google Home device
Did you recently get a Google Home device? Learn how to set up your speaker or smart display in a few simple steps. We'll also tell you what to watch out for.
How to use Split View on a Mac
How to use Split View on a Mac
Modern operating systems like macOS have many great functions to improve productivity, and Split View is one of them. Here's how to use Split View on a Mac.
The best Amazon Echo tips and tricks
The best Amazon Echo tips and tricks
Making the most of Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, isn't that tough. We've compiled a list of the top Echo speaker tips and tricks that everyone should know.
The best Google Home tips, tricks, and Easter eggs
The best Google Home tips, tricks, and Easter eggs
Google Home can do a lot more than you think. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of Google Home and its growing ecosystem of gadgets.
Make your car smarter with an Echo Auto — just $15 today
Make your car smarter with an Echo Auto — just $15 today
It’s regularly priced at $50, but you can save $35 on the Echo Auto by taking advantage of this Amazon Echo Auto Prime Day deal.
Buy this self-emptying robot vacuum for $179 right now
Buy this self-emptying robot vacuum for $179 right now
This year's Walmart Rollback Sale features one of the best deals we've ever seen on an auto-emptying robot vacuum -- check it out while supplies last.
The best Instant Pots for 2022
The best Instant Pots for 2022
Whether you're an amateur cook or a pro, Instant Pots are perfect for anyone who seeks versatility in the kitchen. We round up the best Instant Pot models.
Meet the startup that gives wheelchairs aftermarket superpowers
Rather than starting from scratch and building a cutting-edge wheelchair from the ground up, these inventors built a high-tech wheelchair upgrade kit.
Hurry — this 29-inch LG ultrawide monitor is $183 for Prime Day
Hurry — this 29-inch LG ultrawide monitor is $183 for Prime Day
If you’re in need of a ultrawide monitor, we may have found the Prime Day monitor deal you’re looking for: a 29-inch LG for $183.
This Jackary solar generator is a steal at $210 for Prime Day
This Jackary solar generator is a steal at $210 for Prime Day
We found an excellent Prime Day solar generator deal for a 300-watt Jackary power station you can take with you outdoors.
This Echo Show 15 Prime Day deal ends at midnight, so act fast
This Echo Show 15 Prime Day deal ends at midnight, so act fast
This Amazon Echo Show 15 Prime Day deal is just $180, giving you 28% off the original $250 price. But be quick -- this deal ends at midnight tonight.
Portal and Portal TV Prime Day deals — devices start at $35
Portal and Portal TV Prime Day deals — devices start at $35
You can get up to 80% off by taking advantage of Portal and Portal TV Prime day deals, but these deals are only available for one day.
Don’t miss this Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook Prime Day deal
Don’t miss this Lenovo 2-in-1 Chromebook Prime Day deal
This under $400 2-in-1 Chromebook can be an entertainment device or work device, making it a good pick if you’re looking for a Prime Day Chromebook deal.
Shop this Prime Day Echo Dot deal before it’s too late
Shop this Prime Day Echo Dot deal before it’s too late
The 4th-Generation Echo Dot Speaker is 60% off of its original cost, making this Echo Dot Prime Day deal one of the best we've seen.
Keep it fresh: This bestselling vacuum sealer is 21% off for Prime Day
Keep it fresh: This bestselling vacuum sealer is 21% off for Prime Day
This vacuum sealer Prime Day deal offers a complete system, equipped with a wine stopper, bags, a hose, and a vacuum sealer.
Beats Fit Pro Prime Day deal drops the earbuds’ price by 20%
Beats Fit Pro Prime Day deal drops the earbuds’ price by 20%
Headphone deals are something to watch for, and this Beats Fit Pro Prime Day deal cutting the price by $40 is only available for one day.
Beyond rainbows: 5 tech companies that did more for Pride in 2022
For this year's Pride Month celebration, these companies went above and beyond simply putting rainbows on their corporate social media profiles
The best sous vide machines for 2022
The best sous vide machines for 2022
Want to make four-star meals in your own kitchen? Check out our picks for the best sous vide machines that can up your cooking game.
9 documentaries you should watch during Pride Month
9 documentaries you should watch during Pride Month
If you’re interested in learning more about LGBTQ civil rights, we round up the best documentaries to watch for Pride Month 2022.
Roborock Q7 Max+ Review: The most expensive value robot vacuum
In my Roborock Q7 Max+ review, I was impressed with the power and mapping capabilities, but I wish it came with more mopping accessories.
How to reset the Fitbit Versa
How to reset the Fitbit Versa
Here's how to restart your Fitbit Versa, as well as perform a full factory reset when it's time to sell or trade in your device.
The best pet tech products for 2022
The best pet tech products for 2022
There's a ton of tech catered toward your favorite animal, from games to training and care: Here are our favorite smart pet products for your furry friends.
The best Shark vacuums for 2022
The best Shark vacuums for 2022
Shark vacs are a great home brand. If you’re in the market for a new Shark vacuum, we’ve included our picks for the best Shark vacuums you can buy right now.
Getting more spam texts and emails? Here’s how to fix it
Getting more spam texts and emails? Here’s how to fix it
With so many technologies available to block spam, why are you still getting spam emails and texts? We asked professionals their thoughts on spam to find out.