Cat Ellis

Cat Ellis

Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, and worked on print magazines including PC Plus, Official Windows Magazine, and PC Format before moving online. She's here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working, she can be found baking, running (to balance out the baking), and learning Welsh.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

Philips Hue Secure camera on a table

Your Philips Hue camera just got an AI-powered upgrade that will scare off burglars with an automatic 80dB siren

By Cat Ellis published

If you have a premium Philips Hue Secure plan, it can differentiate between animals, people, vehicles, and packages.

Ninja Luxe Café coffee machine on kitchen counter

Espresso, cold brew, or drip – Ninja's new three-in-one coffee machine does it all

By Cat Ellis published

The Ninja Luxe Café also has a hands-free milk frother that steams and whisks for the ideal texture.

Nest Learning Thermostat

New Google Nest thermostat leaks, alongside a long-overdue temperature sensor

By Cat Ellis published

The Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 4) could have a new touch interface, but will it have Matter integration?

Woman drinking from Nutribullet Flip blender

New Nutribullet Flip lets you drink smoothies directly from the blender without removing the lid

By Cat Ellis published

Plus a more powerful motor than most personal blenders to help it handle ice and frozen fruit.

Amazon Echo (2020)

People are using their Alexa speakers as glorified timers, and it's cost Amazon $25 billion – but is AI the answer?

By Cat Ellis published

The company sold devices at a loss, hoping people would use them to shop online, but the strategy didn't work.

Smeg BCC13 coffee machine on kitchen counter with pastries

Our favorite Smeg coffee machine now froths milk perfectly without a wand

By Cat Ellis published

The Smeg BCC13 bean-to-cup machine has an automatic milk frother to take the work out of achieving perfect foam.

Polaris Office screen grab

Polaris Office review

By Cat Ellis last updated

An impressive free alternative to Microsoft Office, offering a compelling value despite the occasional advertisement.

SoftMaker FreeOffice

SoftMaker FreeOffice review

By Cat Ellis last updated

Among the top free office suites available, FreeOffice has a well-crafted interface is designed to ease navigation, ensuring that users familiar with Microsoft Office can quickly adapt.

Fitbit Sense

Fitbit Sense review

By Cat Ellis last updated

Recommended

Updated The Fitbit Sense is a stylish, thoughtfully designed smartwatch to help you cope with the stress of life today.

Garmin Vivosmart 5

Garmin Vivosmart 5 review

By Cat Ellis last updated

The Vivosmart 5 might look plain, but it's a very capable fitness tracker that collects an impressive array of fitness stats.

Running pod, headphones, and heart rate monitor on orange background

The best running gadgets 2024: top fitness tech to help you run better

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated These fitness gadgets will take your running to the next level and make sure you're having fun in the process.

Microsoft Photos on a laptop

How to use Microsoft Video Editor: make movies with Windows's hidden video editing software

By Cat Ellis last updated

Microsoft Video Editor offers free video editing software from the Photos app. But how do you use Window's hidden movie-maker?

The best free ebook reader 2022: enjoy books on your PC or Mac

By Philip Berne last updated

Better ebook software makes reading on your computer a pleasure with bookmarks, annotations and text-to-speech.

Garmin Instinct Solar

Garmin Instinct Solar review

By Cat Ellis last updated

Recommended

Updated The Garmin Instinct Solar might be utilitarian looking, but it's a high-performing, practical multi-sports GPS watch.

Fitbit Charge 5 with Lunar White band, and Fitbit Luxe with soft gold link bracelet

Fitbit Charge 5 vs Fitbit Luxe: the two most stylish Fitbits compared

By Cat Ellis last updated

If you want a new Fitbit, but aren't sure which of the latest models to choose, we're here to help.

Fitbit Luxe on wrist

Fitbit Luxe review

By Cat Ellis last updated

Recommended

Review Fitbit's new premium fitness tracker, the Fitbit Luxe is small and sleek, and a great choice for gym-going cardio fans.

Three swimming watches on blue background

The best swimming watch for 2023: track your training in the pool and open water

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated The best swimming watches are fully waterproof and will help you track your metrics including your stroke, heart rate and pace.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3

Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3: Which is the best fitness watch for you?

By Cat Ellis last updated

Versus There are some big differences between the Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatches – we break it all down.

Fitbit Luxe vs Fitbit Inspire 2

Fitbit Luxe vs Fitbit Inspire 2: choose the right fitness tracker for you

By Cat Ellis last updated

The new Fitbit Luxe looks a lot like last year's Fitbit Inspire 2, but there are some important differences between the two.

Fitbit Charge 5

Fitbit Charge 5 review

By Cat Ellis last updated

The Fitbit Charge 5 is a top fitness tracker for anyone getting serious about their workouts, but the lack of music controls is a drawback.

Garmin Fenix 7 and Apple Watch 7 on yellow and green background

Garmin Fenix 7 vs Apple Watch 7: find your perfect smartwatch

By Cat Ellis last updated

Two powerful, feature-packed watches – but which one is the best option for you?

Cream Fitbit Sense and blue Apple Watch 7

Apple Watch vs Fitbit: which watch is better?

By Daryl Baxter, Cat Ellis last updated

Versus Apple Watches share a lot of features with Fitbit devices, but there are also plenty of differences.

PDF-XChange Editor Review Listing

PDF-XChange Editor review

By Cat Ellis, Collin Probst last updated

Updated Making text changes in PDFs or adding images usually requires premium software, but not with PDF-XChange Editor.

Best eco-friendly running shoes: Pictured here, a woman wearing running shoes in forest

The best eco-friendly running shoes 2024 for a more sustainable way to run

By Cat Ellis last updated

Running doesn't have to increase your carbon footprint – these are the best shoes for environmentally conscious runners.

Are Fitbits waterproof: Woman sitting in canoe wearing Fitbit Sense

Are Fitbits waterproof? Your complete guide

By James Peckham, Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Choose a Fitbit fitness tracker that's safe for the pool and open water.

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