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

How to make group calls with Alexa on an Amazon Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 7 March 21

Here’s everything you need to know about using your Amazon Echo smart speaker or Amazon Echo Show smart display to make group calls

Kick-start your smart home with Eve’s new Energy smart plug with Thread support

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 5 March 21

Eve is launching a new smart plug and connected weather station with support for Thread smart home technology.

Alexa Conversations set to make interacting with Alexa more natural

Your Amazon Alexa might finally understand you better

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 2 March 21

Amazon is using AI to make interacting with Alexa more natural by putting an end to set phrases to enable Alexa Skills.

Dyson V11 Outsize review

By Stephen Lambrechts published 2 March 21

Recommended

Ideal for larger homes, Dyson's flagship vacuum gets super-sized with the Dyson V11 Outsize.

Amazon's Echo Show 10 has a rotating display feature I never knew I needed

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 1 March 21

The new Amazon Echo Show 10 is turning heads with its rotating display, here’s why I think it’s the stand out feature of the smart display.

5 things we love about the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and 2 things we don’t

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 28 February 21

Here’s what we love, and dislike about the new Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 video doorbell.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 is confirmed, and it’s available to pre-order now

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 24 February 21

The new Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 will go on sale very soon. Here's everything you need to know.

Save big on the Anker Eufycam 2 wireless security camera with this deal

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 16 February 21

The Eufycam two-camera security system has been discounted by 17%, offering a great saving on our best wireless home security camera.

How a DIY project proved my love for my home phone is pointless

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 13 February 21

BT has launched a new home phone with Alexa built-in but for many, including me, the landline is no longer a necessity.

Arlo Ultra review

By Christian de Looper, Carrie-Ann Skinner published 9 February 21

The Arlo Ultra is Arlo’s first 4K security camera, and it’s jam-packed with features. But is it worth the high price?

SmartThings Labs lets you try unreleased automations – here’s how to use it

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 9 February 21

The SmartThings Labs programme offers experimental smart home automations you can try out before they’re officially launched

Ring Floodlight cam has a new rival, as Ezviz launches FullHD LC1C Floodlight camera

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 9 February 21

The Ezviz Full HD Wi-Fi LC1C Floodlight camera set to rival Ring's Floodlight Camera with subscription-free video storage

Ring Video Doorbells could get pre-recorded messages like rivals Arlo and Google Nest Hello

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 8 February 21

Ring Video Doorbells are set to get a new 'smart response' feature that can play pre-recorded messages if you can't get to the door.

This smart display concept looks like a traditional alarm clock

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 5 February 21

A Swedish UX designer has created a concept alarm clock that merges traditional design and smart features.

Every Alexa privacy setting and how to change them

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 February 21

Alexa has a range of privacy settings that ensure its recordings can be reviewed and deleted. Here's everything you need to know.

Google Home update could let you change who controls what in your smart home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 2 February 21

A new section in the Google Home app hints more granular controls when it comes to deciding which accounts can access which Google nest speakers and devices.

Alexa turns security guard to monitor your home and call emergency services for you

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 1 February 21

Alexa's Guard Plus feature monitors your home and alerts you when it detects unusual sounds, as well as sound a siren or call the emergency services from an Echo smart speaker.

Why I’ll never give up my Echo Spot

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 30 January 21

The Amazon Echo Spot was launched in 2017 and is often overlooked in favor of other smart displays like the Echo Show 5, but here's why I think it's the best one to own.

New Amazon Echo show 10 gets release date

New Amazon Echo Show 10 release date confirmed

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 28 January 21

The new Amazon Echo Show 10 will finally go on sale in the US and UK on February 25. Here's everything you need to know.

New Ring Video doorbell lets you see who's knocking for a very cheap price

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 27 January 21

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is Ring's smallest and most affordable smart doorbell to date. Here's everything you need to know.

Alexa can now control your smart home gadgets without voice commands

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 27 January 21

Amazon has expanded the Alexa Hunches feature so it can automatically control your smart home gadgets based on your habits.

Eve Weather - new Thread version of Eve Degree

Eve Weather with Thread and HomeKit support revealed in FCC filing

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 25 January 21

Eve has filled documentation with FCC for Eve Weather, a connected weather station that supports Thread and is an upgrade to Eve Degree.

What is Thread and why do your smart home gadgets need it?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 25 January 21

Thread is a new wireless technology for smart home devices that creates a mesh network so the connection is stronger. Here’s everything you need to know.