Articles by Carrie-Ann Skinner

Carrie-Ann Skinner was formerly Homes Editor at TechRadar, and has more than two decades of experience in both online and print journalism, with 13 years of that spent covering all-things tech. Carrie specializes in smart home devices such as smart plugs and smart lights, as well as large and small appliances including vacuum cleaners, air fryers, stand mixers, and coffee machines. Carrie is now a copy editor at PWC.

Articles by: Carrie-Ann Skinner

The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini MSS110 plugged into an electrical socket on a gery wall

Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini MSS110 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 September 21

The Meross Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini MSS110 is an affordable smart power outlet that’s compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and HomeKit – but how does it compare to rivals from Amazon and TP-Link?

How to use Alexa to assign reminders on your Amazon Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 19 September 21

Need help to remember tasks that require completing? Alexa can remind you, or other household members when it’s time to get on with life admin.

A young moan using a cylinder vacuum to clean hard floors in her home

Should I vacuum or dust first?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 15 September 21

Not sure which household chore to tackle first? We explain whether you should vacuum or dust first for a truly clean home

How to make Alexa understand you better using voice profiles on an Amazon Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 11 September 21

Several people in the house using Alexa? Amazon’s voice assistant can learn and recognize your voice, and serve up personalized matches if you set up voice profiles.

The iRobot Roomba J7+ on its charging station in a hallway while a man with a dog enters the room

The new Roomba J7+ fixes one of the biggest issues with robot vacuums

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 9 September 21

The new Roomba J7+ robot vacuum uses your phone’s location to detect when you’ve left the house and start cleaning, so it won’t get under your feet.

Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid on a wooden floor

Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 7 September 21

The Eufy RoboVac G30 Hybrid is a slim robot vacuum that can mop floors and collect dust. Plus, it’s great for cleaning under furniture.

An Amaozn Echo (4th generation) on a side broad next to a lamp, reed diffuser and bonsai tree

How to change Alexa’s voice to a masculine tone on an Amazon Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 5 September 21

Alexa can respond in both its original feminine tone as well as a more masculine-sounding voice. Here’s how to change the voice on your Echo device.

I discovered this air fryer trick and it’s a game-changer for making fries

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 4 September 21

Fed up with how long it takes to prepare fries before cooking them in an air fryer? We discovered a handy trick that can speed up the process.

Wacaco Picopresso review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 September 21

The Wacaco Picopresso is a portable hand-pump coffee maker, but how does its espresso compare to traditional coffee machines?

The Wiz A60 smart bulb in a ciling pendent in a kitchen with the Wiz Hero Lamp in the background

WiZ has almost fixed one of the biggest frustrations with smart lights – but not quite

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 September 21

WiZ has expanded its Connected with WiZ program to include a range of Philips Smart LED bulbs, but sadly they’re not the Philips Hue bulbs we know and love.

Woman controlling a smart light from an app on her tablet

This new Samsung SmartThings feature may have fixed the biggest frustration with smart homes

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 3 September 21

Samsung's SmartThings platform can now ensure smart home devices can still be automated, even if there’s no internet access.

Philips Hue smart light bulbs illuminating blue in a lounge

This Philips Hue and Spotify feature makes color-changing smart bulbs a must-have

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 1 September 21

Philips Hue has partnered with Spotify to launch a new feature that syncs your lights to music playing through the music-streaming service.

hand wearing rubber gloves holding a spone with water running from a tap in the sink

How to clean an Instant Pot: top tips for keeping your multi-cooker spotless

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 29 August 21

An Instant Pot is a must-have kitchen appliance when it comes to speeding up your dinners. Here’s how to keep it clean and in tip-top condition.

Nanoleaf Elements light panels illuminated on the wall of a study

This new Nanoleaf smart light feature puts an end to one of the biggest smart home struggles

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 26 August 21

Nanoleaf Shapes and Elements smart lights can now act as a Thread border router, so several smart home devices can work together without the need for a hub.

Can a home air fryer rival KFC when it comes to fried chicken?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 August 21

Crying over the KFC stock shortages? Here’s how we made tasty (and healthier) fried chicken in an air fryer instead.

We ask a former burglar: do smart security cameras really deter crime?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 14 August 21

Considering a home security camera, but not sure it actually helps deter burglars? Here’s what one former thief has to say.

Lenovo Smart Clock review

By Gerald Lynch, Matt Swider, Carrie-Ann Skinner published 10 August 21

The unassuming Lenovo Smart Clock is bedroom safe and very useful.

Nutribullet Magic Bullet Kitchen Express on a kitchen countertop with all its accessories

Nutribullet Magic Bullet Kitchen Express review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 10 August 21

Can this two-in-one appliance from the personal blender giant really replace a blender and a food processor?

How to use a home security camera, and how it could replace a video doorbell

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 8 August 21

Considering a home security camera, but not sure what they do and how they work? Find out with our guide to these handy smart home devices.

The LIFX Clean light bulb with its packaging on a table

LIFX Clean review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 6 August 21

The LIFX Clean is a smart light that can shine a High Energy Visible (HEV) light to kill bacteria, but how does it compare to smart lights from Philips Hue and TP-Link?

The feature Google’s new Nest Cam is missing but desperately needs

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 6 August 21

The Google Nest Cam (battery) fixes some of the issues the Nest IQ range of security cameras had, but here’s why not including color night vision could see Google slip behind its competitors.

A woman looking in a fridge stacked full of food

LG’s latest InstaView fridges help save energy

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 4 August 21

LG’s InstaView refrigerator lineup now has a larger glass panel to help you see more of what’s inside without opening the door – here’s why that’s a good thing

The Arlo Ultra two camera kit on a green background and the Arlo Ultra 2 on a pink background

Arlo Ultra vs Arlo Ultra 2: which 4K security camera is right for you?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 1 August 21

Arlo’s first 4K security camera is soon to be discontinued, but you can still pick one up, but should you? We tested the Arlo Ultra and the Arlo Ultra 2 to find out which you should choose.