Articles by Alistair Charlton

Alistair Charlton is based in London and has worked as a freelance technology and automotive journalist for over a decade. A lifelong tech enthusiast, Alistair has written extensively about dash cams and robotic vacuum cleaners for TechRadar, among other products. As well as TechRadar, he also writes for Wired, T3, Forbes, The Independent, Digital Camera World and Grand Designs Magazine, among others.

Articles by: Alistair Charlton

The Viofo A129 Pro Duo on a table with screen and user interface

Viofo A129 Pro Duo review

By Alistair Charlton published 30 January 23

An aggressively priced dash cam from an unfamiliar name, the Viofo A129 Pro Duo lacks finesse but records excellent 4K video

Thinkware X800 review

By Alistair Charlton published 14 November 22

The Thinkware X800 is a simple dash cam that gets the basics right, and gives you the options to upgrade later.

Nextbase 522GW

By Alistair Charlton published 20 September 22

A top-end dashcam with lots of useful specs - the Nextbase 522GW is a solid all-rounder

Do home security cameras record all time?

By Alistair Charlton last updated 16 August 22

Thinking about beefing up your home security but unsure if a home security camera constantly records? Here’s what you need to know.

Thinkware T700

By Alistair Charlton published 21 July 22

The Thinkware T700 is a 4G dash cam with impressive connected features, but it also comes with a monthly charge, too.

The Garmin Dash Cam Tandem mounted inside a windshield

Garmin Dash Cam Tandem review

By Alistair Charlton last updated 27 June 22

The Garmin Dash Cam Tandem is one of the best dual-lens dash cams you can buy – just make sure you really need that extra in-car lens.

The Vantrue N2 Pro dash cam mounted inside a car windshield

This simple dash cam makes me wish they'd all quit feature creep for good

By Alistair Charlton published 30 April 22

Vantrue has made a simple dash cam that makes me wonder if others should learn from its refreshing simplicity.

Do home security cameras invade your privacy?

By Alistair Charlton published 11 March 22

Analysis Home security cameras provide a great way to check in on your property but there are also some privacy considerations when it comes to the area in its field of view.

The front view of the Hive Active Smart Plug connected to an electrical outlet

Hive Active smart plug review

By Alistair Charlton published 31 January 22

A well-designed smart plug with deep voice assistant integratio

How to use Alexa to make phone calls on an Amazon Echo

By Olivia Tambini, Alistair Charlton published 17 December 21

Updated No matter where in the world you are, you can use Amazon Echo smart speakers and smart displays to make calls to friends and family, including those that don’t have an Echo in their home.

What is Alexa Conversation Mode and how does it work?

By Alistair Charlton published 25 December 21

Alexa has the ability to converse with more than one person at once on the Echo Show 10, making it far easier to include Amazon's voice assistant in your chats.

CCTV vs smart home security cameras: What’s the difference and which is best?

By Alistair Charlton last updated 1 December 21

Thinking about beefing up your home security but unsure if you need a CCTV system or a home security camera? Here’s what you need to know.

Where is the best place to install my home security cameras?

By Alistair Charlton published 2 November 21

Home security cameras provide a great way to check in on your property but deciding where to locate them may leave you feeling confused. Here’s everything you need to consider.

Wireless electric vehicle charging explained

By Alistair Charlton published 18 October 21

Updated How wireless electric vehicle charging lets you charge your car without plugging it in.

What is Alexa Drop In and how to use it on an Amazon Echo

By Alistair Charlton published 13 October 21

Alexa Drop In can turn any Amazon Echo into an intercom or be used as a hamdy way for checking-in

A woman in a lounge controlling Philips Hue smart lights that are compatible with Zigbee

What is Zigbee, and why it’s a must-have for your smart home

By Alistair Charlton published 24 September 21

Zigbee is one of an array of protocols built in to smart home gadgets, but just how does it work and why should you consider it for your home.

The real cars of Grand Theft Auto 5

By Alistair Charlton published 4 September 21

Updated When you get your hands on the new GTA game you'll want to know more about the tech in these stunning, well-equipped luxury models.

Do smart plugs slow down Wi-Fi, and why this shouldn't stop you investing in one

By Alistair Charlton published 31 August 21

Worried about whether a smart plug will have a negative impact on your internet connection? Here’s what you need to know

Yellow Lotus Evija parked in a warehouse

The fastest accelerating electric cars in the world

By Alistair Charlton published 22 August 21

If you need to get from 0-60mph in the quickest, greenest way, look no further than these electrifyingly quick EVs.

EV battery size, charge speeds and range explained

By Alistair Charlton published 30 July 21

In depth The important information you need to know when it comes to buying an electric car

Birds-eye view of a Tesla Model S showing all the sensor angles and views

How to use Tesla Autopilot: let your car take the strain

By Alistair Charlton published 23 July 21

A guide to understanding how Tesla's driver assistance system works.

Steering wheel and central display inside the cabin of the Tesla Model 3

How to update your Tesla: don't miss out on new features

By Alistair Charlton published 22 July 21

Upgraded software and new features are just a screen tap away.

Withings Move ECG review

By Alistair Charlton published 23 September 19

The Withings Move ECG is one of the most affordable electrocardiogram-equipped wearables, making it a great entry-level option - but it's not exactly a high-tier device.

Withings Move review

By Alistair Charlton published 2 April 19

Updated The Withings Move is super cheap, super simple and has a lot of life.

Armani Exchange Connected review

By Alistair Charlton published 8 March 19

The Armani Exchange Connected is a stylish smartwatch that also won't feel out of place in the gym.

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