Carrie-Ann Skinner

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

iRobot roomba i7+

Can a robot vacuum replace your existing vacuum cleaner?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

Wondering whether you can replace your existing floor cleaner with a robot vacuum? Here’s the answer.

Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Ring and Google ensure video doorbells offer more than just home security

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

Google and Ring have added some seasonal tones and quick replies to its video doorbells that prove video doorbells can be fun as well as functional

A man using the Shark WandVac to clean up spills ;on a wooden floor next to some stairs with a dog beside him

How to clean a Shark vacuum filter and dust canister

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Ensure your Shark vacuum is in tip-top condition

Alexa Hunches can now be automated

How to make Alexa easier to understand on an Amazon Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Alexa’s responses can be made louder or quieter, as well as faster or slower, to ensure you can understand Amazon’s voice assistant more easily.

A hand press the button on the Nest Doorbell mounted on a door frame

Google is giving its wired doorbell the best Nest Doorbell (battery) feature

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Google has confirmed it will launch a new version of the Nest Doorbell (wired) in 2022 that will support continuous video recording through the Nest Aware subscription.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro

Ring’s video doorbells finally get their most-needed feature

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

Ring is adding parcel detection to some of its video doorbells to help alleviate the issue oflost or stolen deliveries.

The Alexa smart thermostat on a white background

Amazon launches the Alexa Smart Thermostat to rival Google Nest

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

Amazon has unveiled the Alexa Smart Thermostat, which works with the majority of heating systems.

Amazon Echo Dot in a bedroom

Why is Alexa flashing yellow on my Echo, and how can I stop it?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Alexa can notify you about everything from packages out for delivery to items in your calendar. Here’s how to identify different notifications and how to switch them off.

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

Should I use my Roomba every day?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Updated Worrying about whether to set your robot vacuum cleaning every day? Here’s the answer.

Nest Cam (battery)

Most home security camera owners are failing to get the best from their devices

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Subscription services for your home security camera or a video doorbell may seem like an unnecessary added expense, but without one it may be failing to do its job properly.

The Facebook Portal Go smart display being used to make a video call in a kitchen setting

The new Facebook Portal Go makes video calling on a smart display even better

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

The new Facebook Portal Go is a battery-power smart display that means you can move from room to room when making video calls, just as you can with a smartphone.

Alexa Guard Plus

How to use Alexa to assign reminders on your Amazon Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

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

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

Amazon Echo

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

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

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

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

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

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.

Air Fryer

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

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Deep fried chicken on a plate

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

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

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

Burglar breaking into a home

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

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

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

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