Start here · Essential guide
The Science Behind the Internet of Things (IoT)
How everyday objects connect to networks, the main ways connected devices communicate, and why many of them carry security weaknesses worth understanding.
Connected Life
Smart Home Gear
Plain guides to connected speakers, assistants and thermostats.
How to Build a Home Automation System
A practical plan for a first smart home: choosing goals, a hub or ecosystem, common standards and starter devices, with attention to privacy and reliability.
The Benefits of Using a Smart Home Assistant
What a whole-home assistant hub controls and coordinates, how it differs from a single speaker or voice feature, and the convenience and data trade-offs involved.
The Benefits of Using a Voice Assistant for Daily Tasks
How voice commands handle reminders, timers, lists and quick questions, what gets recorded when you speak, and how to review or delete your voice history.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Smart Speaker
A balanced look at smart speakers as devices: sound quality, microphones, music playback, placement and the privacy controls worth checking before you buy.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Smart Thermostat
How a smart thermostat learns schedules and may trim heating and cooling use, plus the compatibility, wiring and setup limits to check before you buy one.
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Wearables and Body Tech Watches, headsets, chargers and devices that sit close to you. Web, Cloud and Networks How the web, cloud services, 5G and blockchain fit together. Home Wi-Fi and Networks How the connection inside your home works and how to make it dependable. Phones, Apps and Storage What is inside your phone and computer and how to look after it. Cameras, Locks and Home Privacy Connected devices that watch, listen or guard the door, and what they mean for privacy.