Smart Home
Welcome to the hub of Livingetc's smart home content, the place where you'll find all you need to know about the latest in home tech, written with the design-lover in mind.
Latest
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Beef up the bass with our pick of the best subwoofers for your home theater
The best subwoofers to get the greatest audio power from your home theater system, creating cinematic thrills right there in your living room.
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Can Apple 4K TV work on any TV? We explain how to get the best of streaming, even if you have an older set
Wondering if the Apple TV 4K streaming device will work with your TV? We have the answers
By Caroline Preece • Published
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Automate your life with our pick of the best smart speakers from Google, Alexa, and Siri
The best smart speakers to upgrade everyday tasks, play music and get a (digital) helping hand
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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The Amazon Echo Show 15 looks like a picture frame, but acts like a personal assistant
The Amazon Echo Show 15 is the smartest assistant we've had in our home, but doesn't quite meet its potential
By Caroline Preece • Published
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Bring out your new and improved self with the best fitness trackers, bands, and watches
The best fitness trackers to monitor your health and wellness, from Apple, Fitbit, Garmin and more
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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I refuse to use the big light, and this Philips smart lamp is the perfect substitute
The Philips Hue Gradient Signe Floor Lamp will switch up your ambiance in seconds, and controls are as seamless as they are speedy
By Millie Fender • Published
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Your iPhone has a free built-in plant identifier you probably didn't know about – it might be Apple's best secret feature
Gardening can be difficult if you don't know what you're dealing with, but this free iPhone feature does half the work for you
By Lilith Hudson • Published
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How much of a problem is OLED burn-in? We get to the bottom of the issue
Thinking about buying an OLED TV but worried about burn-in? We take a look at whether it's as big of a problem as we think
By Caroline Preece • Published
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These robot lawn mowers will give you lush green lawns without all of the hard work
Take away the strain come growing season with the best robot lawn mowers
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Best streaming devices: access your favorite shows and apps whenever you want
Our pick of the best streaming devices from Google, Amazon, Roku and more
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Where should you mount a projector? Get the best view for your home theater
If you want to mount your projector but don't know where to start, we have the answers
By Caroline Preece • Published
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Apple TV vs Firestick: Amazon battles it out with Apple for the streaming crown
Not sure whether Apple TV or Amazon's Firesticks are the answer to your streaming woes? We have the answer
By Caroline Preece • Published
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4 genius things you can do with home security in 2023 that'll give you extra peace of mind
From clever features to smart buys that can make your system smarter, here are some of the things exciting us in home security tech right now
By Hugh Metcalf • Published
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Can I use a soundbar as a central speaker? Yes but you shouldn’t, says our expert – here's why
While you technically can use some soundbars as a central speaker in a surround sound system, you really shouldn’t
By Alan Martin • Published
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Design meets technology - lifestyle TVs are a trend that's only going to keep growing
Your TV doesn't have to detract from the style of your space, as the rise of lifestyle TVs proves
By Caroline Preece • Published
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Apple TV vs Chromecast - which one comes out on top in the age of streaming?
What is the difference between Apple TV and Chromecast? Here are some factors you need to consider before picking one
By Caroline Preece • Published
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Best soundbars - our pick of speakers for an effortless home theater experience
These are our top picks for the best soundbars to add a cinematic tone to your next binge-watch, including models from LG, Sonos, Bowers & Wilkins, and more
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Roku vs Apple TV: the two streaming devices go head to head
Comparing the two streaming devices, Roku and Apple TV both offer great features - but which one is ultimately the best choice for you?
By Caroline Preece • Published
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The best Alexa speakers for music, podcasts, voice control, and much more - here are our favorites
In our edit of the best Alexa speakers, we have selected styles to suit every household's taste
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Where to place a subwoofer in relation to your soundbar - say goodbye to lackluster home audio
Wondering where to put that boxy speaker that came with your soundbar? We have the answers
By Caroline Preece • Published
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'Avoid the "soap opera" effect' – 4 tweaks you should make to your TV settings to improve your watching experience
You may want to get stuck into your shows immediately, but take a moment to calibrate your new TV for optimal performance
By Alan Martin • Published
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How far apart should outdoor speakers be placed? Don't risk getting it wrong if you want the best experience
We look at the best ways to ensure your outdoor speaker system creates clear, immersive sound
By Caroline Preece • Published
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We tried the Nebular Solar Portable Projector, and you're all invited to ours for movie night
We tested the Nebula Solar Portable to see if it could deliver on the promise of an instant Full HD cinematic experience from anywhere
By Caroline Preece • Published
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The XGIMI Halo+ is a clever portable projector that's as good for indoor streaming sessions as it is for your next outdoor movie night
We test the XGIMI Halo+, which promises an enhanced experience compared to many battery-powered options
By Caroline Preece • Published
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How far away should a projector be from the screen? Our fool-proof guide
Struggling to find the perfect place for your projector? We guide you through the process of choosing the perfect spot
By Caroline Preece • Published
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I tried out IKEA’s smart wireless dimmer – it’s the best $10 you'll spend if you want a cozier vibe at home
This smart wireless dimmer kit is exactly what I needed for a more hygge vibe in my home
By Lilith Hudson • Published
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The BenQ GS50 is a clever green box with an entire outdoor cinema inside
We test the BenQ GS50, an outdoor projector that promises great audio and image quality for your backyard movie nights
By Caroline Preece • Published
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ViewSonic M1+ review - a capable outdoor projector lacking in smarts
A great way to blow up those movies, shows and videos up on the big screen, we put the ViewSonic M1+ to the test
By Caroline Preece • Published
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JBL Clip 4 review - a simple but robust speaker perfect for shower singalongs
We review the JBL Clip 4, which is one of the brand's most versatile portable Bluetooth speakers
By Caroline Preece • Published