Olivia Lin

Olivia Lin

Vancouver

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

Articles by Olivia Lin

How to Extend WiFi Range: Solutions for Every Budget and Situation
Networking

How to Extend WiFi Range: Solutions for Every Budget and Situation

That one room where WiFi goes to die. The backyard where streaming buffers endlessly. The home office that's just far enough from the router to be frustrating.

Mesh Network vs Router: Which Is Right for Your Home?
Networking

Mesh Network vs Router: Which Is Right for Your Home?

The networking aisle is confusing. Traditional routers, mesh systems, range extenders—they all promise better WiFi, but which one do you actually need?

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,...