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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Marshall Minor III vs Airpods: can the rock music masters beat out Apple?
We compare the Marshall Minor III earbuds with the AirPods 3 to see whether the classic rock rep of the former means it can take the tech giants on.
By Caroline Preece • Published
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AirPods Pro vs AirPods 3: which wireless earbuds offer the best experience?
We look at two of Apple's most popular devices - the AirPods Pro and AirPods 3 - to determine which is the best value.
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Best smart sprinkler controllers: want a perfect lawn all summer? Here's our pick for clever gardening
Ensure your plants and grass are thriving all year-round by getting your hands on the best smart sprinkler controllers
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Best smart lock: digital security and deadbolts for a safer home
The best smart locks for front doors, with keyless access and added security, from eufy, Yale, and more
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Beats Studio Buds vs AirPods 3: battle of the Apple-backed earbuds
We compare true wireless earbuds from Apple and Beats, looking at design, comfort, audio, pricing, and more.
By Caroline Preece • Published
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Best outdoor projectors: for backyard entertainment all summer long
Upgrade your backyard movie nights with these top outdoor projectors. Perfect for creating a cinema-like experience under the stars!
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Best shower speakers: take the tunes to the bathroom
Enjoy your favorite tunes or podcasts while in the bathroom with the best shower speakers.
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Netflix vs Apple TV+: two content goliaths, but which one wins out?
We compare Netflix and Apple TV+ to see which one would work best for your household's entertainment needs
By Caroline Preece • Published
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As an Android user, I tried the Apple Homepod 2 for a month and I might just be converted
An Android user tests the Apple's new Homepod 2 for a month, but can she be persuaded to switch?
By Millie Fender • Published
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Best Wi-Fi dongles: the top wireless adapters to enhance your internet connection
From compact USB devices to robust alternatives, these six impressive dongles will boost your Wi-Fi signal and enhance your connectivity.
By Adam Shepherd • Last updated
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Best wireless doorbell: the best wire-free doorbell cameras and chimes for your home
The best wireless doorbells, from welcoming chimes to secure video recording systems
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Best surround sound systems: elevate your home theater experience
Get the best surround sound system setup of your dreams with our pick of TV speakers, soundbars and more
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Can you use AirPods with Android? It's possible, but there's a catch
Have an Android phone but are curious about why AirPods are so highly rated? You can still take advantage of the technology, but with some caveats
By Caroline Preece • Published
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Best wake up lights: the best sunrise lamps for a smoother start to your day
The best wake up lights to help you get out of bed in the morning - so you can finally ditch the alarm clock
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Is Apple TV+ worth it? The streaming platform has been getting some buzz, but is it worth hitting subscribe?
We look at what's offered by Apple TV+ compared to other streaming platforms to see if it deserves the subscription fee
By Caroline Preece • Published
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Amazon Alexa vs Google Home vs Apple HomeKit - which smart speaker assistant is best?
Looking for a smart assistant, but don't know which one to choose? In order to find the best option for you, we assess the three main options.
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Apple TV vs Smart TVs - could the streaming device mean you don't need to replace your set?
We look at the difference between Apple TV and smart TVs, and whether the former can extend the life of your older sets
By Caroline Preece • Published
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How to look after your AirPods, and avoid costly replacements
Want to make sure your AirPods last for as long as possible? Here are our top tips for keeping them looking and sounding like new
By Caroline Preece • Published
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These 3 secret iPhone tricks make sharing your WiFi password with guests so easy – without having to reach for the router
These simple tricks make connecting to the internet easier than ever
By Lilith Hudson • Published
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The best workout headphones for that perfect look and fit on your next run or gym session
The best workout headphones for when you're on the move, from Sony, Apple and more
By Molly Cleary • Last updated
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Are wireless chargers any good? Convenience alone isn't enough to convince our tech expert
If you’re prepared to sacrifice speed and efficiency for convenience, then you may decide wireless chargers are worth the price
By Alan Martin • Published
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Apple Airpods (3rd Gen) review: an excellent choice for music-lovers and workout fanatics alike
We put the 3rd Gen Apple AirPods to the test at home, on-the-go, and during more rigorous activity to assess their performance. Find out how they fared.
By Caroline Preece • Published
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The best outdoor smart plugs to take your smart home outside this summer
The best smart plugs for controlling lights, tools, and more, while transforming your outdoor space into a stress-free haven for backyard gatherings.
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Is the Apple Pencil worth it? Our tech expert casts his verdict on Apple's $130 stylus for every kind of iPad owner
While the Apple Pencil won’t be an essential purchase for most iPad owners, it remains a brilliant accessory and has proved immensely useful for me
By Alan Martin • Published
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Upgrade your movie night with the best outdoor projector screens, no bedsheets allowed
Want to create your own backyard cinema? The best outdoor projector screens are the key to amazing movie nights
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Best Bluetooth speakers - unique designs, powerful audio, and ultimate connectivity
The best Bluetooth speakers to enjoy high-quality audio at home, from Marshall, Audio Pro and more
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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Make your life easier, save energy, and reduce bills with our picks of the best smart plugs
The best smart plugs can turn even the most basic devices into part of your smart home. The future is literally now
By Caroline Preece • Last updated
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This genius hidden iPhone feature could be the secret to better sleep if you watch Netflix or listen to podcasts in bed
This easy-to-use setting is the best way to stop your phone playing all night if you use it to drift off to sleep
By Lilith Hudson • Published
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The XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro is a solid update for the brand's budget compact projector range
We tried out XGIMI's newest arrival, which brings smart features, good brightness, and more to users at a reasonable price
By Caroline Preece • Published