Patrick Hearn
Mobile Writer
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a smart or connected device, he has probably been hands-on with it or at least written about the product at some point.
Patrick also has bylines at CNET, Progressive, Xfinity, GameSpot, Online Tech Tips, and a number of other publications. When not working on the latest smart tech, he spends his time writing a sci-fi/fantasy fiction series.
How to convert your window blinds into smart blinds
Smart blinds can be prohibitively expensive, but DIY conversion kits can save money while providing all of the same benefits.
Here’s how to throw a killer Halloween party with your smart home
With Halloween just around the corner, it's the perfect time to use smart home technology to make your home the spookiest one around.
Self-emptying robot vacuums: Do you really need one?
Self-emptying robot vacuums make cleaning your floors smarter and more efficient. But do you really need one? Here's a look at the benefits and drawbacks.
Amazon Astro: everything you need to know about this home robot
This is everything you need to know about Amazon's home robot, Astro, including its capabilities, price, and more.
Are Blink’s floodlight and solar panel add-ons worth it?
The Blink Outdoor Cam is a versatile camera with a set of accessories that make it even more powerful -- but is the added cost for these accessories worth it?
Apple HomePod mini vs. Google Nest Audio
The HomePod mini and Google Nest Audio are two of the best smart speakers on the market. But which is best for your home? Here's a closer look at both products.
Click & Grow 25 review: fresh veggies on a weekly basis
The Click & Grow 25 is a smart garden that, while expensive, has a lot of potential and can expand to match a growing family.
The Arlo Go 2 can go beyond Wi-Fi, and that’s really cool
The Arlo Go 2 is a wireless, LTE-compatible security camera that goes where other cameras fear to tread: beyond Wi-Fi range.
This is how much it costs to run a smart garden, and how much it can save
Smart gardens are pitched as a way to cut down on produce costs, but are they really cost-efficient?
Litter Robot 4 review: a smart, automated pooper-scooper
The Litter Robot 4 is a fantastic, self-cleaning litter box that can help keep an eye on your cat's health.
Turns out, sleep mode in smart fans isn’t just a gimmick
A lot of smart fans have a sleep mode. Turns out, it's not just a gimmicky feature -- it can actually help you sleep better.
Gardyn review: easy gardening for a high price
The Gardyn 2.0 is the most advanced smart garden I've ever gotten my hands on, but it could still use some improvement.
Is the Pixel Tablet a competitor to the Echo Show 15?
Not much is known about the Google Pixel Tablet, but early looks suggest it just might be a competitor to the Echo Show 15.
The new Nest Doorbell has an hour of onboard video storage
The new Nest Doorbell is a hardwired option with a lot of new features that make it a worthwhile upgrade from the previous model.
Despite its new features, Astro is still impractical for most people
Amazon's Astro is a nifty invention, but it's functionality is still limited. It's not the most practical purchase for the vast majority of people.
New Amazon Echos bring ‘dot displays’ and mesh networking, plus models for kids and cars
At Amazon's Devices & Services event, the company launched four new products including an upgraded Echo Dot and Echo Auto.
Amazon’s Halo Rise is an alarm clock, sleep tracker, and wake-up light in one
The Halo Rise is a privacy-focused bedside sleep tracker, wake-up light, and alarm, all rolled into one package.
Samsung Bespoke Jet review: aesthetic, powerful cleaning at a cost
The Samsung Bespoke Jet is a powerful vacuum cleaner that looks great in your living room, but does a vacuum cleaner need to be art?
Alexa has seen me naked, and that’s okay
Your smart home technology has probably seen you naked, too. Is that something to worry about? I say no.
Why Amazon acquiring iRobot will make Roombas even better
Amazon has signed a deal to acquire iRobot, and that could mean a lot of benefits for customers.
Dreo Pilot Max S review: a smart fan, not a smart price
The Dreo Pilot Max S smart fan makes it easy to control it from anywhere, but we're not sure that minor convenience justifies the price bump.
5 reasons I still use the Echo Show 15 everyday
The Echo Show 15 came out six months ago, and I still use it on a daily basis to stay on top of tasks. Here's why I still love it.
AeroGarden Smart Garden Review: hydroponics for dummies
The AeroGarden Harvest Smart Garden makes it easy to grow fresh vegetables and herbs in your home with little to no guesswork.
Cloud services are convenient, but they hurt smart home longevity
Relying on cloud servers for basic smart home functionality is a terrible idea.
Apple’s Home app redesign is just what HomeKit needs
Apple has redesigned the Home app from the ground up to improve navigation and usability.
Are we becoming too dependent on the smart home?
Smart homes are convenient, but are we trading mental strength for that convenience?
LG PuriCare AeroTower Review: Powerful, quiet, effective
The LG PuriCare AeroTower is an air purifier and fan in one, but most importantly, it does all of these tasks quietly.
There’s no new Nest Hub, but that’s OK
Google didn't announce a new Nest Hub yesterday, but that's OK. Other areas need to be focused on first.
The ‘Look and Talk’ feature means you don’t have to say ‘Hey Google’
Updates to Google Assistant make interacting with the device easier and more streamlined than ever before.
The Sandman wars, or how accurate are sleep trackers?
I compared the results of three different sleep trackers to determine which one is the most accurate.
Chilisleep Dock Pro Sleep System review: Room for improvement
The Chilisleep Dock Pro ME Sleep System is designed to keep you cool and comfortable at night.