Olivia Lin

Olivia Lin

Vancouver

Tech journalist covering smart home, wearables, and consumer electronics. Former editor at TechCrunch.

Articles by Olivia Lin

Thread vs Zigbee: Understanding Smart Home Protocols
Smart Home

Thread vs Zigbee: Understanding Smart Home Protocols

If you're building a smart home, you've probably encountered terms like Zigbee, Thread, Z-Wave, and Matter. These protocols determine how your devices...

Google Home vs Amazon Echo: Which Smart Speaker Ecosystem Is Right for You?
Technology

Google Home vs Amazon Echo: Which Smart Speaker Ecosystem Is Right for You?

Both ecosystems offer excellent smart speakers, vast device compatibility, and capable voice assistants. But they have different strengths, and the right...

Best Smart Plugs in 2026: Turn Any Device Into a Smart Device
Smart Home

Best Smart Plugs in 2026: Turn Any Device Into a Smart Device

Smart plugs are the unsung heroes of home automation. For under $20, you can make any "dumb" device smart—your coffee maker, floor lamp, fan, or that...

WiFi Light Bulbs: Everything You Need to Know
Smart Home

WiFi Light Bulbs: Everything You Need to Know

Smart lighting is the gateway to home automation, and WiFi light bulbs are the easiest way to start. No hub required, no complicated setup—just screw in a...

The Best Smart Blinds to Transform Your Home in 2026
Smart Home

The Best Smart Blinds to Transform Your Home in 2026

Manually adjusting blinds throughout the day is one of those small annoyances that adds up. You're constantly getting up to let in light, block glare, or...

Best Video Doorbell Without Subscription: No Monthly Fees Required
Home Security

Best Video Doorbell Without Subscription: No Monthly Fees Required

Let's be honest—subscription fatigue is real. You've already got streaming services, cloud storage, and who knows what else charging your card every month.

Best Security Camera System for Home: Complete Guide for 2026
Home Security

Best Security Camera System for Home: Complete Guide for 2026

Here's a truth that might sting: most home security camera setups are either overkill or woefully inadequate. People either spend thousands on professional...

Best Smart Smoke Detector: Protect Your Home with Intelligent Alerts
Home Safety

Best Smart Smoke Detector: Protect Your Home with Intelligent Alerts

Traditional smoke detectors have one job: scream loudly when they detect smoke. That's fine when you're home. But what about when you're at work, traveling,...

Best Smart Garage Door Opener: Control Your Garage from Anywhere
Smart Home

Best Smart Garage Door Opener: Control Your Garage from Anywhere

That nagging feeling halfway to work—"Did I close the garage door?"—is universal. You've probably turned around more than once just to check. Or maybe...

Best Fitness Tracker: Monitor Your Health Without the Bulk
Health & Fitness

Best Fitness Tracker: Monitor Your Health Without the Bulk

Not everyone needs a full smartwatch. If you want to track steps, monitor sleep, and check your heart rate without notifications, apps, and daily charging,...

Best Smart Thermostat: Save Money While Staying Comfortable
Smart Home

Best Smart Thermostat: Save Money While Staying Comfortable

Your thermostat controls roughly half of your home's energy bill . Yet most people set it once and forget it, leaving money on the table every single day.

Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Which Smartwatch Wins in 2026?
Wearables

Apple Watch vs Samsung Watch: Which Smartwatch Wins in 2026?

Choosing between Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch isn't just about features—it's about which phone you carry. These watches are designed to work best...