Articles by: Alistair Charlton

The Thinkware T700 dash cam mounted inside a car's windscreen

Thinkware T700 review

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 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.

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 Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 mounted inside a windscreen

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 review

By Alistair Charlton last updated 27 June 22

The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is a tiny dash cam that's about the size of your key fob – and it's a good choice for fans of simplicity.

Should I buy the Google Nest Thermostat?

By Alistair Charlton published 21 March 22

Google's newer, simpler thermostat still promises to save money on your energy bills, but costs half that of the Learning Thermostat. Here’s everything you need to know.

the Govee Wi-Fi LED Bulb comes in a twin pack - both bulbs seen here on a wooden shelf

Govee Wi-Fi LED Bulb review

By Alistair Charlton published 14 March 22

How does the Govee Wi-FI LED bulb compare to other smart lights from rivals such as Philips Hue and LIFX?

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.

Should I buy the Ecobee 3 Lite?

By Alistair Charlton published 10 March 22

The Ecobee 3 Lite is one of the most affordable smart thermostats on the market, but how does it compare to rivals from Google and Amazon.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat on a pink background on the left and the Google Nest Learning Thermostat on a green background on the right

Amazon Smart Thermostat vs Nest Learning Thermostat: which is best for your home?

By Alistair Charlton published 9 March 22

We pitted an affordable Amazon Smart Thermostat against the Google Nest Learning Thermostat to find out which smart thermostat you should choose for your home

The Ecobee SmartThermostat attahed on a wall in a home

Should I buy the Ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control?

By Alistair Charlton published 8 March 22

Ecobee is one of the biggest names in the smart thermostat market, but is it a better choice over rival models from Google and Amazon.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat on a green background on the left, and the EcoBee Smart Thermostat on a pink background on the right

Amazon Smart Thermostat vs EcoBee SmartThermostat: which should you have in your home?

By Alistair Charlton published 8 March 22

We pitted an affordable Amazon Smart Thermostat against the EcoBee SmartThermostat to find out which smart thermostat you should choose for your home

The Amazon Smart Thermostat on a wall next to a plant and a shelf

Should I buy the Amazon Smart Thermostat?

By Alistair Charlton published 24 February 22

Amazon has launched its own smart thermostat. If you’re wondering whether it’s a better choice for you over rivals Google and Ecobee, here’s everything you need to know.

The Hive Smart Light Bulb laying down on a shelf

Hive Smart Light Bulb review

By Alistair Charlton published 1 February 22

The Hive Smart Light Bulb is simple to use but pricey, so how does it compare to smart lights from Philips Hue and TP-Link?

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

The Nest Thermostat vs the Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest Thermostat vs Nest Learning Thermostat: which connected thermostat should you choose?

By Alistair Charlton published 24 January 22

Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat is almost twice the price of the Nest Thermostat - here’s how the two differ so you know which is best for you.

The amazon echo show 10 on a kitchen countertop showing a live feed from a Ring Video Doorbell

What is an Alexa routine, and how to set it up on an Amazon Echo

By Alistair Charlton published 26 December 21

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

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.

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.

How to buy a dash cam during Black Friday and Cyber Monday

By Alistair Charlton last updated 3 December 21

Black Friday 2021 The Black Friday sales are one of the best times to buy a dash cam – here's how to decide which one to go for and how to find the best deal.

Woman holding groceries in front of a front door with a ring video doorbell

Which Ring Video Doorbell should you choose on Black Friday?

By Alistair Charlton last updated 13 November 21

With a wide array of Ring Video Doorbells on the market, our complete rundown will help you pick the right one for you.

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.

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.

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

Best Apple CarPlay apps: what are the best in-car iPhone choices?

By Alistair Charlton published 8 October 21

Updated Give your vehicle a smart upgrade with some of the best Apple CarPlay apps.