Plug into a smarter home

April 16, 2024

Using the right smart plug, make just about anything in your home smart, from lights to appliances.

Single plug: These plugs can turn any device into a smart one, from Google to Apple to Amazon. This one by Tapo is 50% off right now ($9.99).
Multiplugs: This multiplug wall outlet has three smart plugs and one always-on plug. It’s 50% off for a limited time if you get a two-pack ($10.99).
Power strip: This strip of three individually controlled smart outlets and two always-on USB ports is 20% off right now ($23.99).
Outdoor plug: Turn up the backyard ambiance with this outdoor smart plug, which is now 12% off ($14.99). Just say, “Hey, Alexa, turn on the backyard string lights.” It works with Google Home, too!
Bargain plug: Get a taste of the smart plug lifestyle for $7.99 with this single plug from Eightree. Control it with Alexa, Google Home or through the plug’s app.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Tags: Amazon, Apple, apps, Google, home, smart plug

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Review: Best drones for any budget

It’s official, folks: Barry and I are expecting … a drone in the mail! Whoops, did I give you a heart attack? 😅

Yep, Barry bought a fancy-pants drone. And you know me, that means I’ve been scouring the web comparing drones and deals for the past week!

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Cheap tech upgrades anyone can do

Reading this on a two-year-old iPhone SE 3? Go ahead and make those over-the-hill jokes — it’s reaching the average smartphone lifespan of 2.5 years.

Upgrading your laptop or smartphone is inevitable. But wait before you throw out that clunky computer. Even when a piece of tech starts showing its age, you’ve still got options to give it a new lease on life.

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Many big tech brands sell refurbished gadgets — not brand-new but fully checked and working. Apple has refurbished MacBooks, computers and AirPods with a one-year warranty. Amazon Renewed has everything from the 2022 Apple Watch model to Beats headphones and smart TVs.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Amazon sellers are up to their necks in scam returns. Buyers scoop up premium products, then they send back cheap lookalikes (like old hats with Nike stickers slapped on) and keep the refund. Expect a major crackdown on Amazon’s return policies soon.

2.6M fewer Amazon shoppers

Are active each month compared to two years ago. During that same stretch, the Chinese-owned shopping site Temu has grown to 54 million active users. Maybe that’s why Amazon’s pulling out all the stops for its Big Spring Sale. (FYI, I won’t use Temu. Here’s why.)

OK, it’s really cold: 11 tricks and gadgets to keep you warm

Yesterday, my Daily Tech Update heard on 350+ radio stations about how EVs don’t like cold weather hit home with a ton of folks. You see, even if you charged up to prepare the night before, the battery could be dead or pretty close to it when you wake up. Wow, so many people told me they had no idea this would happen when they bought an EV.

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Unlock the secrets of your slumber: Best sleep-tracking tech

Ah, sleep — the one thing we all love but never seem to get enough of. You’re tossing and turning, counting sheep, or maybe out like a light but still wake up feeling like you’ve pulled an all-nighter. How can you crack the code of quality slumber?

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10 tech freebies everyone should know about

The iPhone 15 Pro Max with tons of storage costs $1,599. The Razor Blade 18 gaming laptop starts at $2,899.99. Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay H95 over-the-ear headphones? $999.

You get the point. Tech can set you back a whole lot of money. That’s why you should take every freebie you can get — with one caveat. Security programs, antivirus and VPNs are common honeypots for scammers. This list, though, you can trust.

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Ask Kim: 'Can you help me choose an Echo device?'

Absolutely! First things first, here’s how I like to use mine:

Both are totally solid, but I would go with the Echo Show 10. It’s bigger, faster and newer, and just about every spec is upgraded. The Echo Show 8 is certainly more affordable, but this is something you want to buy once and forget about for a few years. This model is already over two years old.

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We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Ask Kim: 'Can you help me find a dashcam for Mom?

If a creep follows your mom to her car, a dashcam can capture videos to later use as evidence in a criminal case. Reputable options like the Ovedisa or BlackVue are both excellent choices.

🚙 Get her a dashcam that records what’s happening in front of and behind her vehicle. This option connects to an app that lets you view, download and share videos. It’s 30% off now, and be sure to check the box for another $30 off. (Makes a great gift, btw.)

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We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.