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

nanoleaf ceiling modular lights

A beginner’s guide to smart lighting: everything you need to know

By Alistair Charlton published

Want to get a jump-start on your smart lighting journey? We've got you covered, from how they work to how to choose your bulbs.

Adobe FireFly AI showing Spice Girls at Apple Park

Adobe Firefly delivers the AI wow-factor, but soon reaches its creative limits

By Alistair Charlton published

AI-powered text-to-image is quick and clever, but isn’t going to replace humans any time soon.

iOS 17 stand by

Has Apple just turned the iPhone into a smart display with iOS 17?

By Alistair Charlton published

WWDC 2023 Announced at WWDC, the iPhone gets new StandBy interface with smart home controls and more.

Kingslim D4 on a wooden side table with rear-view camera

Kingslim D4 review

By Alistair Charlton published

The Kingslim D4 is a well-priced 4K dash cam system with an optional rear camera shooting at 1080p. It also benefits from GPS and Wifi, but the smartphone app could be better.

The Viofo A129 Pro Duo on a table with screen and user interface

Viofo A129 Pro Duo review

By Alistair Charlton published

An aggressively priced dash cam from an unfamiliar name, the Viofo A129 Pro Duo lacks finesse but records excellent 4K video

Thinkware X800

Thinkware X800 review

By Alistair Charlton published

The Thinkware X800 is a simple dash cam that gets the basics right, and gives you the options to upgrade later.

Nextbase 522GW

Nextbase 522GW

By Alistair Charlton published

A top-end dashcam with lots of useful specs - the Nextbase 522GW is a solid all-rounder

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.

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 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 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

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

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

Yellow Lotus Evija parked in a warehouse

The fastest accelerating electric cars in the world

By Alistair Charlton published

If you need to get from 0-60mph in the quickest, greenest way, look no further than these electrifyingly quick EVs.

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