Skip to main content
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.

Four Nest Learning Thermostats in a line.

Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) vs. Nest Thermostat: Which smart thermostat is better?

The Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) packs in a wealth of cool features, but how does it compare to the affordable Nest Thermostat? Here's what to know.
The Echo Spot on a nightstand.

Upgrade your dorm with these smart home gadgets

Make your dorm a bit more comfortable with these smart home gadgets. Our top picks include smart light bulbs, smart speakers, smart plugs, and more.
The K10+ Pro cleaning the floors near a sleeping dog.

This tiny robot vacuum can do more than some full-sized competitors

The SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ Pro is an upgraded version of the existing K10+, offering more suction and upgraded features.
The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen on a wall.

What’s new on the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)?

With a larger display and tons of new tech, the Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) is a big improvement over the existing model. But what exactly is new?
The content gallery on Amazon's Echo Show 8 displays a news item about Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Echo Spot vs. Echo Show 8: Which is best for your smart home?

The Echo Show 8 offers a larger screen and a webcam, but it's also more expensive than the affordable Echo Spot. Here's what to know before making a purchase.
The Home Depot Hubspace logo on a white background.

Home Depot expands Hubspace with an intelligent bathroom fan

The Commercial Electric Smart Exhaust Fan works with most smart home platforms while also offering built-in lights, two fan speeds, and a Bluetooth speaker.
Spartan on the battlefield

The best free Xbox Series X games

Xbox Series X has an impressive lineup of free-to-play games. From Fortnite and Warframe to Fall Guys and Halo Infinite, here are the best free Series X games.
Beatbot iSkim Ultra in a pool.

This new robot might be the best way to keep your pool clean

The Beatbot iSkim Ultra is built to clear debris from the top of your pool while also clarifiying its water. Preorders are now discounted ahead of its release.
The Mila near a wall.

How to factory reset the Mila Air Purifier

Performing a factory reset on the Mila Air Purifier is a great way to troubleshoot technical issues or prep it for a new owner. Here's how it works.
The Mila near a wall.

How to connect the Mila Air Purifier to Apple Home

The Mila Air Purifier is compatible with Apple Home, giving you an easy way to control the device and sync it with other gadgets.
Adjusting the temperature on the Google Nest Thermostat.

How to hold the temperature on the Nest Thermostat

Here's how to hold a temperature on the Nest Thermostat and override any existing schedules or routines.
The Bird Buddy with a Blue Jay perched on its edge.

What is a smart bird feeder?

Trying to decide between buying a smart bird feeder and standard bird feeder? Here's everything you need to know about smart bird feeders to help you decide.
animal crossing new horizons how to swim swimming

How to swim in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If you're just getting into Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the summer 2020 update introduced swimming. Here's how to swim.
The leaked Nest Learning Thermostat

It looks like big changes are coming to the Nest Learning Thermostat

Leaked images reveal a Google Nest Learning Thermostat with a radical redesign and heaps of cool new features.
Amazon Astro following a person through a door.

How to buy Amazon Astro

Amazon Astro isn't available to everyone, but there's still a way to get the robot into your home. Here's how to buy Amazon Astro in 2024.
Amazon Echo Show 5th Generation on a shelf.

The Echo Dot with Clock has been discontinued

The Echo Dot with Clock is no longer available, with the Echo Spot now serving as Amazon's compact smart speaker with a built-in display.
Amazon Astro robot.

What’s going on with Amazon Astro in 2024?

With Astro for Business shutting down, has Amazon announced anything new for its original Astro homebot? Here's what's happened so far in 2024.
The Echo Spot showing the time.

How to reset the Echo Spot

Here's how to reset the Echo Spot and restore its factory settings if you're running into issues or prepping to sell your device,
A Game Boy sitting on a white background.

The best Game Boy games of all time

Upon the release of the Game Boy in 1989 we learned that games on the go could be great. Here are the 30 best games for the handheld that started it all.
The Roomba Combo 10 Max lifting its mop.

The iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max might be the best robot vacuum for carpet

The Roomba Combo 10 Max is the first robot vacuum from iRobot with a multifunctional dock that can automatically clean and dry its mop.
The Amazon Echo Show (3rd Gen) on a table.

Echo Spot vs. Echo Show 5: Is the new Echo Spot the better smart device?

The Echo Spot and Echo Show 5 carry similar price tags and offer many of the same features, but there are a handful of key differences. Here's what to know.
The Echo Spot showing the time.

How to customize the Echo Spot display

The Echo Spot is a highly customizable smart alarm clock. Here's how to adjust the Echo Spot clock face, enable Night Mode, change its color, and more.
The Echo Spot on a shelf.

Echo Spot vs. Echo Pop: Which Amazon device is better for your smart home?

The Echo Spot is much more expensive than the Echo Pop, but does its built-in touchscreen make it the better choice for your home? Here's what to know.
The Echo Spot on a nightstand.

Echo Spot vs. Echo Dot (5th Gen): which is the better smart home companion?

The Echo Spot offers many of same features as the Echo Dot (5th Gen), but it also gets you a small touchscreen display. So, which is better for your home?
A person using the Skylight.

Do you need a Skylight Plus membership to use the Skylight Cal Max?

Skylight Plus isn't required to use the Skylight Cal Max or Skylight Frame, but it unlocks their best features. Here's what to know before signing up.
The Skylight Cal Max installed on a wall.

Skylight Cal Max review: a streamlined smart display alternative

If you can stomach the price, the Skylight Cal Max makes it easy to streamline your chores, meal prepping, and upcoming events.
The Skylight Cal Max installed on a wall.

How to add a family member to your Skylight Cal Max

Here's how to add a family member to your Skylight Cal Max, allowing them to upload their schedule to the digital calendar and edit existing events.
The Stick Up Cam installed on a wall.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Gen): Which is better?

There are some key differences between the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam and Stick Up Cam Plug-In (3rd Gen). Here's what to know before making a purchase.
A photo displayed on the Cal Max

How to send photos to the Skylight Cal Max

Here's how to send photos to your Skylight Cal Max using either the companion mobile app or directly through email.
Controlling the Ring Pan-Tilt with the app.

How to control the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam

Here's how to control the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam, including tips on rotating the camera with the mobile app and setting up a Home position.
The Echo Spot on a nightstand.

Amazon revives the Echo Spot with a new look ahead of Prime Day

The Echo Spot is a smart alarm clock with a small footprint, customizable display, and support for Alexa. It's now available ahead of Prime Day.
The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam placed on a table.

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam review: spinning in circles

The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam nails all the basics, but it does little to push the envelope and deliver a unique experience.
The Philips Palm Reader smart lock on a blue door.

The latest Philips smart lock can read your palm to open your front door

The Philips Home Access 5000 Series Palm Recognition Smart Lock can be controlled with nothing more than the palm of your hand.
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra connected to plumbing.

Eureka J20 vs. Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Which robot is the better floor cleaner?

The Eureka J20 and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra employ two very different methods to clean floors, but which is better for your home?