Skip to main content
Jon Bitner

Jon Bitner

Former Digital Trends Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 884 articles

Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites beyond Digital Trends, including The Wall Street Journal, Metacritic, GameSpot, and Slickdeals. He holds a degree in Biology and previously worked as a Medical Editor.

When not playing video games, he can be found running, reading, or checking out the latest series on Netflix.

The Echo Show 15 on a wall.

The 13 best smart home products that support Matter

Tons of smart home products have rolled out support for Matter, making it easeir than ever to connect all your devices. Here are the best ones available now.
The Wyze Lock Bolt installed on a door.

7 of the best budget smart home devices under $100

These budget smart home gadgets make it easy to upgrade your house. From lights and locks to cameras and more, here are the best affordable smart home gadgets.
Roborock Saros 10R mopping

The best robot vacuum and mop combos, chosen by experts

Need to save room in the broom closet? Here is our best-of list for all-in-one smart robot vacuums and mops that are ready for your carpet and hard flooring.
The RockMow Z1 at IFA 2025

Roborock revealed its first-ever robot lawn mowers at IFA 2025, and they’re mighty impressive

Roborock showed off three robot lawn mowers at IFA 2025, including a premium model with AWD.
A Mammotion robot lawn mower with its new vision system at IFA 2025

Mammotion debuts ultra-smart navigation system for its robot lawn mowers at IFA 2025

Mammotion's new Tri-Fusion Positioning System is aiming to deliver a more accurate (and safer) robot lawn mower experience.
The Govee TV Backlight 3 Pro

IFA 2025: Govee lights up the stage with new TV Backlight 3 Pro

Equipped with a new triple-camera system, the TV Backlight 3 Pro accurately matches the colors of your display.
The Ecovacs X11 Omnicyclone

Ecovacs shows off new robot vacuum at IFA 2025 that’s built for large homes

The Ecovacs Deebot X11 Omnicyclone robot vacuum is built to tackle large floorplans with ease.
The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2

Roborock reveals new robot vacuum, lawn mowers, and more at IFA 2025

Roborock debuted its first-ever robot lawn mowers at IFA 2025.
A crowd outside IFA

IFA 2025: What to expect from the smart home

IFA 2025 is almost here, and we're expecting bold new devices and a serious focus on AI in the smart home.
Nest Hub Max Hands-On Review

The 6 best smart displays for Alexa and Google Home in 2025

Google, Amazon, and Meta are offering smart displays for video calls, smart home management, watching shows, and more. See which ones are the best.
The Arlo Essential 2nd Gen security camera, installed outdoors.

Is a DIY smart home security system better than a professional one?

Trying to figure out if you should build a DIY smart home security system or opt for a professional one? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.
New Arlo Essential lineup

The latest batch of Arlo security cameras are packed with cool AI features

Arlo has revealed a slew of new cameras powered by AI, including a pan-tilt model.
How to turn off Google Assistant

How to turn off Google Assistant on any device

Uncomfortable with Google Assistant? Tired of it popping up uninvited? Our simple guide will show you how to limit it or turn it off altogether on any device.
A new GE Lighting smart dimmer

GE launches Matter-compatible smart switches following debut at CES 2025

The GE Lighting smart switches are compatible with Matter and work with a long list of devices.
The Ring Video Doorbell 3 installed near a door.

Do you need a subscription for a Ring doorbell or camera?

Ring makes some of the best video doorbells and security cameras on the market, but do you need a subscription to use them? Here's everything you need to know.
The Google Nest Hub Max in use.

Why you should be using Google Home Routines

Wondering if setting up Google Home Routines is worth the trouble? It is! Here's what they can do for you and how to get started.
Ring Video Doorbell Wired

Ring Video Doorbell buying guide: Which is best for you?

Ring has a variety of video doorbells that feature different capabilities. We'll help you decide which is the right choice for your home.
A white HomePod mini sitting on a desk.

The best HomeKit hubs of 2025

HomeKit is one of the most popular smart home ecosystems available today. Before setting up your system, take a look at the best HomeKit hubs of 2025.
Apple HomePod 2023

Alexa vs. Apple Home: Which smart home platform is best?

Amazon Alexa and Apple HomeKit are two of the best smart home platforms available, but which is best for your home? Here's a closer look to help you decide.
Apple HomeKit app on smartphone.

What is Apple HomeKit?

Apple HomeKit is one of many smart home platforms available today, and it allows you to communicate with all the equipment in your house. Here's a closer look.
The Qrevo Curv placed in its docking station.

8 tips and tricks for your robot vacuum

Robot vacuums are much more automated than traditional vacuums, but they still require some attention. Here are 8 tips and tricks to optimize your robot vacuum.
Coway Airmega IconS True HEPA air purifier in home

Is a smart air purifier a wise investment?

If you're worried about seasonal allergies, an air purifier is a good investment. But what about smart air purifiers? Are they a wise upgrade?
The Aera Smart Diffuser on a table

This fragrance diffuser is one of my favorite smart home gadgets of 2025

The Aera Smart Diffuser is a simple device, but it works incredibly well and is one of the coolest devices I've tested.
Blink Video Doorbell installed

Blink Video Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell: which is best for your front door?

Should you add the Blink Video Doorbell or Ring Battery Doorbell to your front porch? Here's a look at both to help you decide.
Roborock Saros 10R mopping

Roborock Saros Z70 vs Roborock Saros 10R: which robot vacuum is best?

Should you buy the Roborock Saros Z70 or Roborock Saros 10R? Here's a closer look at both to help you decide.
Wyze Bulb Cam installed

This wild-looking Wyze security camera is powered by your light fixtures

The Wyze Bulb Cam is both a smart light and security camera, and it doesn't require batteries or complex wiring.
The Dreame H12 Pro FlexReach pushed around a house.

Dreame H12 Pro FlexReach Wet and Dry Vacuum review: a quicker way to clean your floors

The Dreame H12 Pro FlexReach handles all kinds of messes with ease, though it doesn’t feel quite as premium as some competitors.
Close up of Blink Video Doorbell

The new Blink Video Doorbell offers two-year battery life, person detection

The new Blink Video Doorbell can send smart notifications to your device and offers an impressive two-year battery life.
The Saros Z70 picking up a sock.

How to use the robotic arm of the Roborock Saros Z70

Need some help using the robotic arm on the Roborock Saros Z70? Here are a few tips and tricks to improve its performance, plus a look at its limitations.
The Roborock Saros Z70 docked.

Roborock Saros Z70 review: an innovative robot vacuum with a robotic arm that just can’t get a grip

The Roborock Saros Z70 is one of the most exciting robot vacuums ever made, but its robotic arm isn’t quite ready for the spotlight.
Amazon Kindle Scribe laying on a desk.

The 7 best tablets for handwritten notes in 2025

The best tablets for handwritten notes do an incredible job of replicating the traditional experience of pen and paper. Here's a look at our favorites.
Nanoleaf Rope Light above a couch

Nanoleaf reveals two gorgeous new smart lights for your home and garden

The Nanoleaf Solar Garden Lights and Rope Light are now available online, and will be coming to Walmart this month.
The Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni next to a plant

Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni robot vacuum review: superior mopping skills

The Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni features one of the best mopping systems ever used in a robot vacuum. Here's our full review.
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring Battery Doorbell Pro vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: Is the expensive Pro model worth it?

The Ring Battery Doorbell Pro is one of the most premium video doorbells on the market, but how does it stack up to the older Ring Battery Doorbell Plus?