Articles by Ben Patterson
Netflix with ads arrives: What you need to know
Netflix just made some welcome improvements to its new ad-supported tier. Here's the scoop on what's changed.
Netflix password sharing crackdown: What you need to know
After years of looking the other way, Netflix is getting serious about cracking down on password sharing. Here's what to expect.
Netflix will shutter its DVD business in September
It's the end of an era, as Netflix announces the end of its 25-year DVD-by-mail service.
Apple HomePods can now detect the sound of smoke alarms
If your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off, your HomePod or HomePod mini can detect the sound and trigger a notification.
Amazon Prime Video is making it easier to hear dialogue
A new, AI-powered "dialogue boost" feature is designed to enhance the voices that might otherwise be drowned out by music and effects.
Google’s Nest Thermostat gets Matter support
You can now control your Nest Thermostat using any Matter-compatible platform, including Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings.
AMC+ is the latest streamer to go the ad-supported way
There’s still no word on how much AMC+ with ads will cost, or when it will debut.
Netflix’s Love is Blind debacle proves live events aren’t so easy
Netflix’s first try at streaming a live event, Chris Rock’s "Selective Outrage" special, went off mostly without a hitch. Its second attempt? Not so much.
Sony HT-A3000 review: Good on its own, better with surrounds
Paired with Sony's optional wireless rear speakers and subwoofer, the 3.1-channel HT-A3000 delivers exceptional and immersive sound.
Turn off your Nexx smart garage door controller right now
A vulnerability in Nexx smart devices could allow hackers to open or close Nexx-controlled garage doors at will, from anywhere in the world, a researcher says.
Spotify still dragging its feet on HomePod, AirPlay 2 support
Apple opened up the HomePod to third-party music services nearly three years ago, yet Spotify still doesn't support Apple's smart speaker. What gives?
Apple Music Classical: 5 biggest missing features
Apple's latest app finally treats classical music right when it comes to metadata, but there are still plenty of missing features.
WiZ Bar Linear Light review: Splash some color on your walls
Connected by a detachable cable, these smart light bars make it easy to cast multicolored splashes of light, and they even detect motion.
Netflix with ads on Apple TV is finally working
Apple TV users can now stream using Netflix's cheaper, ad-supported plan following an update of the Netflix tvOS app.
T-Mobile and Amazon team up for hands-free Alexa calls
T-Mobile just became the latest carrier to offer hands-free calling through Alexa, joining AT&T and Verizon.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro sound like a dream, and they’re 25% off
You only have a few days left to save a cool $50 on the Pixel Buds Pro, a terrific pair of ANC earbuds for Android users.
Eve’s first out-of-the-box Matter devices are now available
The Matter-ready Eve Energy smart plug is now on sale, while the Matter-enabled Eve Motion and Eve Door and Window sensors will arrive next month.
Philips Hue reportedly delays its Matter update
The smart lighting brand said it wants to take "a little more time" before releasing its Matter update, which was originally due in the first quarter of 2023.