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

Alexa Guard Plus

How to set an Alexa Emergency contact on your Echo to help protect a loved one

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Using an Amazon Echo to call an emergency contact when you need help is easy when you know how, and could be a lifesaver for some.

The Amazon Echo Show 10 on a pink background on the left and the Amazon Echo Show 10 (2nd generation) on a blue background on the right

Amazon Echo Show 10 vs Echo Show 8 (2nd generation): which smart display is for you?

By Simon Hill, Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

Versus If you’re weighing up whether to buy an Amazon Echo Show 10 or 8, we have the answers you need.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Ring Video Doorbell Pro vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: which smart doorbell should you choose?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

Versus Find out what’s new as we compare the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with its predecessor and explain all the differences.

The front view of the Instant Vortex Mini

Instant Vortex Mini review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

The Instant Vortex Mini is a more compact version of the brand’s Instant Vortex air fryer, and is great for singles and couples – but how does it compare to rivals from Philips and Ninja?

The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte in a home kitchen

This new De’Longhi coffee maker finally cuts out the worst part of making espresso at home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

De’Longhi’s latest coffee machine comes with some simple accessories to make creating espresso at home far easier and less messy.

The Gaggia Classic ready to brew an espresso on a kitchen countertop

Gaggia Classic review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

The Gaggia Classic is an expressive espresso machine that lets you experiment with brew time and different portafilters to ensure you can create an espresso to suit you

A coffee with lattee art on the top

We ask a barista how to make coffee-shop worthy drinks at home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

You can make coffee-shop standard hot drinks at home -this barista shares some of the tricks of the trade.

Amazon Echo

How to reset an Amazon Echo so you can donate it to friends or family

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Resetting an Amazon Echo, either if it's not working properly or you’ve upgraded and are giving it away, is easy when you know how.

The Facebook Portal Go on an orange background, the Facebook Portal on a red background

Facebook Portal Go vs Facebook Portal: which smart display should you buy this Black Friday?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

We tested the Facebook Portal Go against the Facebook Portal to find out which really is the brand’s best smart display.

The home screen of the Facebook Portal Go

Facebook Portal Go review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

The Facebook Portal Go is the latest smart display from the social media network, but how does it compare to the Amazon’s Echo show range?

The iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe on the back of an iPhone 13 Pro in blue

Why I won't use iPhone 13's MagSafe wallet, even though it's better than ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Apple has revamped its MagSafe wallet accessory for the iPhone 12 and above so you can use the Find My app to locate it, if it's misplaced. But is this really as good as it sounds?

Amazon Echo

Alexa Guard - what it is, and how to use it on your Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Alexa Guard is a cool feature that can turn your Amazon Echo smart speaker or smart display into a security guard from your home

Ring Video Doorbell Pro vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2

Ring privacy ruling could increase the cost of owning a video doorbell

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

A new privacy ruling regarding video doorbells means subscription services for your home security camera or a video doorbell are now a necessity, but this makes them far less affordable.

The Panasonic EH-NA67 hair dryer lying on a jewellery box on a dressing table

Panasonic EH-NA67 hair dryer review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated

The Panasonic EH-NA67 hair dryer may look slightly unusual but how does its drying speeds compare to rivals from GHD and Dyson?

Instant Pot Duo Crisp on a pink background

Grab this Instant Pot and air fryer for its lowest price ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 has been discounted by 40%, offering a hefty saving.

An Amazon Echo on a kitchen shelf

What is Super Alexa Mode, and how do I activate it on an Amazon Echo?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Super Alexa Mode is a great way to see Alexa’s fun side as well as just how useful Amazon's voice assistant can be.

Woman opening a refridgerot door and looking inside

Amazon’s smart fridge could be more trouble than it's worth

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published

Amazon is reportedly working on a smart fridge that can track your habits and order the groceries you need before you run out, but is it really that useful?

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.

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