Stories by Ben Patterson

Amazon unveils next-gen Echo Frames, but stops selling the Echo Loop smart ring

The updated Echo Frames will boast better sound and battery life, as well as new colors. At the same time, Amazon is ending production of the Alexa-enabled Echo Loop.

Google smart displays get sticky notes for family members

Now you can ask Google Assistant to leave “Family Notes” on your Google display. Also: Google Assistant gets a “find my family” feature.

Acer Nitro 5 review: This budget gaming laptop keeps getting better

The Acer Nitro 5 should delight budget-minded gamers wIth a Ryzen 4000-series CPU on board, plus a revamped cooling system and an affordable price.

Panasonic SoundSlayer review: This compact, gaming-focused soundbar packs a punch

Just 17 inches long and equipped with a built-in subwoofer, the Panasonic Soundslayer delivers surprisingly big sound in a small package.

Dell Latitude 7310 (2020) review: Tough, speedy and privacy-minded

The 13.3-inch Latitude 7310’s privacy screen and proximity sensor will foil nosey neighbors.

Touch-enabled dashboard for smart devices coming to Amazon Fire tablets

The new Device Dashboard will be accessible from the navigation bar of selected Fire tablets.

Acer’s Halo smart speaker boasts Google Assistant and RGB lighting

The Halo’s integrated RGB lighting can sync with your tunes or help you set the mood.

Amazon Echo Dot (4th gen) review: The new Dot delivers a revamped look and (slightly) better sound

The latest Echo Dot is technically the best Dot yet, but only by a narrow margin.

HomePod Mini, AirPods Studio could crash Apple’s iPhone 12 party

If the rumors are true, we might finally see a smaller HomePod and premium AirPods headphones at Apple’s iPhone event next Tuesday.

You can now stream Netflix on your Portal TV

Besides Netflix streaming, Facebook’s Portal TV is getting a new remote with one-touch buttons for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Facebook Watch.

Google unveils $99 Nest Audio smart speaker with bigger, better sound

Slated to arrive Oct 5, Google's latest smart speaker promises better audio quality that its predecessor, the discontinued Google Home.

Acer Aspire 5 review: Intel's Ice Lake CPUs come to the budget Aspire line

The latest of Acer’s budget-minded Aspire 5 laptops is here, now with Ice Lake on board.

Lenovo Flex 5G review: The first 5G laptop offers crazy battery life, as well as compromises

The Flex 5G is the one—and for now, only—laptop to tap into Verizon’s blazingly fast 5G speeds, but its Snapdragon 8cx processor will hold you back.

Bowers & Wilkins unveils its PX7 Carbon Edition wireless noise-cancelling headphones

The headband and earcup arms in the latest edition of B&W’s high-end Bluetooth headphones are fabricated from a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer.

Amazon Music rolls out free podcasts, taking on Spotify

DJ Khaled, Becky G, Will Smith and more are slated to produce exclusive Amazon Music podcasts.