Alistair Charlton

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 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 last updated

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 3 Lite smart thermostat.

Should I buy the Ecobee 3 Lite?

By Alistair Charlton last updated

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.

Nest Cam (battery)

Do home security cameras record all time?

By Alistair Charlton last updated

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

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

Thinkware T700

By Alistair Charlton published

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

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

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

Tghe Nest Thermostat mounted on a wall

Should I buy the Google Nest Thermostat?

By Alistair Charlton published

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

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

Arlo Pro 4 mounted outside

Do home security cameras invade your privacy?

By Alistair Charlton published

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 Ecobee SmartThermostat attahed on a wall in a home

Should I buy the Ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control?

By Alistair Charlton published

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Alexa Guard Plus

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

By Olivia Tambini, Alistair Charlton published

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.

echo show 10

What is Alexa Conversation Mode and how does it work?

By Alistair Charlton published

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.

Nest Cam (battery)

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

By Alistair Charlton last updated

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.

Arlo Pro 4 mounted outside

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

By Alistair Charlton published

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.

WEVC

Wireless electric vehicle charging explained

By Alistair Charlton published

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

Amazon Echo Show 8

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

By Alistair Charlton published

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

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

By Alistair Charlton published

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

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

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

The real cars of Grand Theft Auto 5

By Alistair Charlton published

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.

Hive Active Plug

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

By Alistair Charlton published

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

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