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Jon Bitner
Jon Bitner

Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites beyond Digital Trends, including The Wall Street Journal, Metacritic, GameSpot, and Slickdeals. He holds a degree in Biology and previously worked as a Medical Editor.

When not playing video games, he can be found running, reading, or checking out the latest series on Netflix.

The Yale Assure Lock 2 installed on the outside of a door.

How to improve Yale Assure Lock 2 battery life

Looking to improve your Yale Assure Lock 2's battery life? Here's a look at what you can do, from modifying your strikeplate to improving your Wi-Fi connection.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

How to improve Ring video doorbell battery life

Looking to get a bit more juice out of your Ring video doorbell before recharging its battery? Here's how to improve battery life in just a few minutes.
Person installing Ring video doorbell

How to fix a Ring doorbell that won’t chime

If your Ring video doorbell won't chime, there are a few things you'll need to check. Here's a comprehensive walkthrough to get your chime working properly.
Ring Video Doorbell 4

How to set up Ring motion zones

Ring video doorbells and security cameras allow you to customize their motion zones. Here's how to use the feature, along with tips to optimize performance.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

How to turn off Ring notifications

If you want to turn off Ring notifications, there are a few different options for you to consider. Here's a look at all the ways to modify your Ring alerts.
Marth glowing blue.

The best RPGs for the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has amassed a wealth of great role-playing games, from Pokémon to the Legend of Zelda series. Here are the best RPGs on Switch right now.
A blue Google Nest Mini mounted on blue/gray wall.

How to broadcast voice messages with Google Nest

Google lets you broadcast audio messages across all your Google Nest smart speakers and displays. Here's how to use the cool feature.
The US Cyber Trust Mark logo on an off-white background.

U.S. government to launch a new cybersecurity program for smart home devices in 2024

The U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program is intended to make it easier for consumers to find smart home devices that are safe and less vulnerable to attacks.
Several images of the new Google Home app on a tan background.

How to save a video to Google Home

Google Home makes it easy to save videos captured by your doorbell or security cameras. Here's how to download the footage to your smartphone.
A gray Google Nest Mini sitting on a kitchen counter top.

How to create a room in Google Home

Creating rooms with Google Home is an easy way to organize all your smart home gadgets. Here's how it's done, along with tips on renaming or deleting rooms.
The Ring Indoor Cam mounted on a wall.

Ring Indoor Cam vs. Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera: which is the better indoor camera?

The Ring Indoor Cam and Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera are both affordable indoor cameras, but which is a better fit for your smart home? Here's what to know.
The Govee Smart Air Quality Monitor sitting on a wooden stand.

Is an air quality monitor worth adding to your home?

Although they won't purify your home, indoor air quality monitors do an excellent job of tracking airborne particulates. But are they worth purchasing?
Blueair Blue Pure 211 plus HEPA air purifier in living room.

Do air purifiers work?

Air purifiers claim to help reduce wildfire smoke in your home, along with other airborne particulates. But are they worth the investment? Here's what to know.
Fyrtur blackout blinds in a bedroom.

5 cool smart home gadgets for summer 2023

These five smart home products will keep your house cool, your yard watered, and reduce your energy bills with little manual effort.
Rachio 3 sprinkler controller mounted on wall.

Rachio 3 vs. Rachio Smart Hose Timer: which is better for your yard?

The Rachio 3 and Rachio Smart Hose Timer make it easy to automate your watering chores. But which is best for your home? Here's a closer look at both.
Apple HomePod 2023 in a home office.

Google Home vs. Apple HomeKit: which is the best smart home platform?

Google Home and Apple HomeKit are two of the most popular smart home platforms in 2023. But which is best for you? Here's a closer look at both to help decide.
Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on table

Ring Indoor Cam vs. Arlo Essential Indoor Camera: which is best?

Looking for an indoor camera for your smart home? Here's a look at the Ring Indoor Cam and Arlo Essential Indoor Camera to help you figure out which is best.
The Blink Mini installed in the Pan-Tilt Mount.

Roku Indoor Camera 360 SE vs. Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera: which is the best indoor camera?

Both the Roku Indoor Camera 360 SE and Blink Mini Pan-Tilt Camera offer HD footage and the ability to swivel to capture more of your home. But which is best?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring Battery Doorbell Plus vs. Ring Video Doorbell 4: which is the best video doorbell?

Trying to figure out if you should upgrade your Ring Video Doorbell 4 to the newer Ring Battery Doorbell Plus? Here's a comparsion to help you decide.
Screenshot of a giant blocky volcano in Minecraft.

The best Minecraft mods

There are tons of mods available for Mojang's building title. We've sifted through the masses and found all of the best Minecraft mods compatible with v1.18.
Characters including Optimus Prime from Fortnite.

How to track Fortnite stats

Fortnite doesn't do a great job of monitoring your statistics. Thankfully, there are several websites that allow you to access all the data you'd ever need.
discounted simplisafe security system with free camera 02

How to arm your SimpliSafe system at night

SimpliSafe doesn't offer a Night mode, so what's the best way to arm your system while sleeping? Here's a look at what works best for most homes.
roku is now in the home security business 3

Is a Roku Smart Home Subscription worth it?

Roku offers a few different Smart Home Subscriptions. Here's a look at both to see if they're a good fit for your home security needs.
The Roku Smart Home Monitoring System SE on a table.

How to set up Roku Home Monitoring System SE

Setting up the Roku Home Monitoring System SE isn't too difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind as you move through the process.
Amazon Fire TV on Echo Show 15.

The 9 best smart home products that support Matter

Many smart home products will be adding Matter support in 2023, but only a few notable products offer support today. Here are the best ones available now.
The Roku Indoor Camera SE with a red light.

How to set up Roku Indoor Camera SE

Trying to install the Roku Indoor Camera SE? Here's how to get it properly set up in your home, along with a few tips for troubleshooting common issues.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

How to fix dark footage on Ring Video Doorbell

If your Ring Video Doorbell is producing images that are unusually dark, there are a few ways to fix the problem. Here's what you need to know.
The Lockly Smart Safe in a drawer.

The best smart safes of 2023

The best smart safes of 2023 make it easy to secure your valuables, while also giving you the option to access them with a fingerprint, keypad, or smartphone.
simplisafe home security system deals the haven 14 piece by

How to add a family member to SimpliSafe profile

SimpliSafe doesn't let you add multiple users to your account, but there's a simple workaround for the oversight. Here's what you need to know.
The Hearth package by SimpliSafe.

How to add a new sensor to an existing SimpliSafe system

You can easily add new sensors to an existing SimpliSafe system. In fact, the process can be done using a phone or the SimpliSafe Keypad. Here's how it works.
SimpliSafe review

How to reset the SimpliSafe Base Station

You might need to reset your SimpliSafe Base Station if you're running into connection errors. Thankfully, the process is easy. Here's what you need to do.
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

Amazon Smart Thermostat vs. Nest Thermostat: Which should you buy?

The Amazon Smart Thermostat and Nest Thermostat are two of the best smart thermostats available. But which is best? Here's what you need to know.
The SimpliSafe Smart Alarm Indoor Camera.

SimpliSafe now offers live home monitoring with new Smart Alarm Wireless Indoor Security Camera

The Smart Alarm Indoor Camera lets SimpliSafe agents access a live feed of your home when specific alarms are triggered, offering an immediate response.
The Google Nest Mini on a table next to a glass of water.

Echo Pop vs. Nest Mini: which is the better smart speaker?

If you're in the market for an affordable smart speaker, the Echo Pop and Nest Mini should be at the top of your list. Here's a look at which is best.