How-To Geek

Brent Dirks-Author

Brent Dirks

Author

November, 2023
Smart Home
  • 36
    articles
  • 13
    Features
  • 6
    Lists
  • 6
    Guides
  • 11
    Reviews

About Brent Dirks

Born and raised in sunny west Texas, Brent graduated from Texas Tech University with a BA in journalism. He's been writing about technology for more than a decade and enjoys everything smart home, the Apple ecosystem, accessories to make the most of technology, and security. He also writes for MakeUseoOf and the popular Apple app-focused site AppAdvice. 

Latest

Apple Music Sound Therapy logo.
Apple Music Introduces Sound Therapy, so Is It Any Good?

Background sounds just reached a new level.

Bluetti swap solar cooler and power station.
I’m Ready for Any Outdoor Adventure With This Power Station and Portable Fridge

Stay icy, my friends.

Ugreen finetrack and finetrack slim.
These Trackers Show How Far Ahead Apple’s AirTag Still Is

Just buy an AirTag.

Eufy omni E28 robot vacuum front.
I Can Clean Almost Every Part of My Home With This Robot Vacuum Combo

A robot vaccum and mop that sports a portable spot cleaner.

3
The Soundpeats pop clip in an open case.
Soundpeats Pop Clip Review: Surprisingly Good Open-Ear Headphones on a Budget

The earbuds are a surprisingly comfortable value.

Eufy e15 robot mower on grass.
Eufy E15 Robot Lawn Mower Review: A Look at The Future

Sit back and enjoy the great indoors while this robot takes care of the hard work.

6
JLab Epic Lux Lab edition with case.
JLab Epic Lux Lab Edition Headphones Review: Comfortable Fit But Disappointing Sound

Poor sound quality ruins the other great features.

The DJI Flip in the air.
DJI Flip Review: An Affordable and Lightweight Drone Great for Beginners

The compact drone offers some great features for a nice price.

2
The Eufy Familock s3 max on a front door.
Eufy FamiLock S3 Max Review: A Smart Lock With a Lot More

You'll want to give a hand to this feature-packed device.

2
The DJI Osmo Mobile 7p on an outdoor table.
DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Review: A Multifunctional Way to Capture Great Video

Get this great gimbal.

The Hatch Restore 3 with iPhone app.
Hatch Restore 3 Review: Much More Than Just an Alarm Clock

Sleep better and wake up refreshed with this smart alarm clock.

1
The Shokz OpenFit 2 in the charging case.
Shokz OpenFit 2 Review: Head Out for a Run With These Top-Notch Open-Ear Headphones

The headphones are comfortable to wear and have spectacular battery life.

1
A Ring video doorbell mounted on a door frame.
How to Pair a Smart Doorbell With a Smart Lock (and Why)

Make interacting with visitors to your home even easier.

Aqara U100 Smart Lock with Smartwatch unlocking.
How to Pick the Right Smart Lock for Your Home

No key? No problem.

1
Ring video doorbell installed on a house.
6 Smart Doorbell Automations You Should Be Using

These doorbell automation ideas will inspire you to create your own.

Taking a photo of a cat with the iPhone 15 rear-facing camera.
8 iPhone Accessories for Better Photos

Make your photos even better with a little help from these products.

A ring contact sensor installed on a door.
7 Ways to Get Creative with Smart Home Contact Sensors

Contact sensors have many uses beyond home security.

A blink video doorbell mounted near a front door.
7 Gimmicks You Don't Need in a Smart Doorbell

The difference between needs and wants.

1
Ring video doorbell elite near a front door.
Are Smart Doorbells the Best Security Choice?

This convenient smart home gadget can help you keep a watchful eye on your home.

1
A blink video doorbell mounted near a front door.
5 Smart Doorbells With the Cheapest Cloud Subscriptions

These video doorbell subscriptions won't break the bank.