John Velasco
Smart Home Editor
Author/Co-Author of 225 articles
John is the Smart Home editor at Digital Trends covering all of the latest tech in this emerging market. From uncovering some of the reasons why hackers like to hack security cameras, to testing the effectiveness of connected home gym equipment, and even find out if Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can save your life during an emergency, he's seeking out how to find how smart home is making an impact on our lives.
Prior to Digital Trends, John worked for various publications like PhoneArena, Android Authority, and VR Source. He's been covering mobile tech for the better part of the last decade, but is also passionate about how VR/AR/XR are reshaping our world. Outside of tech, John is a big foodie and loves sharing about some of the unique bites he comes across.
And way before diving into tech journalism, he was driving around in a Volkswagon Beetle working with the Geek Squad.
The best smart speakers for 2024
If you're looking to build a smart home, picking up a smart speaker is one of the first things you should do. Here's a look at the best smart speakers of 2024.
The best outdoor security cameras of 2025
Keep your home secure and always be in the know about who and what is on your property by installing one of the best smart outdoor security cameras for 2025.
Apple HomePod Mini review: Finally, the smart speaker Apple needs
Apple failed to make an impression with the original HomePod, but the HomePod mini is poised to change that.
Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) Review: Don’t hit that snooze button
The Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) solves one of the most challenging issues with wearable sleep trackers thanks to its Sleep Sensing technology.
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ review: Quietly gets the job done
Self-emptying robot vacuums are becoming popular, with the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ making some noise with its 2-in-1 functionality and excellent value.
Best gifts for a first-time smart home setup
Don't get bogged down thinking about what to get someone who's just starting a smart home. Here are the gifts for first-time smart home setup.
DJI Mavic 3 hands-on review: The long-awaited return of the king
Call it a return to what started it all, but the DJI Mavic 3 is a flagship drone that can fly farther, smarter, and reliably over other consumer drones.
5 things we hope the flying Ring Always Home Cam can do
The flying Ring Always Home Cam could change home security going forward. We know little about it, but here's what we hope it could do.
The PomaBrush exposes a problem I have with silicone toothbrush heads
Silicone toothbrush heads are all the rage right now, but there's one major problem that'll make you think twice about using one.
Eufy SoloCam E40 Review: The anti-subscription security camera
Eufy goes for the all-in-one approach with the SoloCam E40 because there's no more hub needed for this camera to work at home.
More affordable than ever before, smart lights should be your next home project
Smart lights used to be expensive, but now's the time to make them a priority with your next home project because they're more affordable than ever before.
Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) Review: Nothing to see here
With little to differentiate it from its predecessor, the Amazon Echo Show 5 (2nd Gen 2021) is a disappointing upgrade.
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2021) Review: It adds a camera that tracks you
Back for round two, the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2021) features a brand-new camera with support for pan and zoom on video phone calls.
Ring Wall Light Solar review: Sunshine all around, whenever you need it
Now you don't have an excuse not to add an outdoor light because the Ring Wall Light Solar is so easy to install, anyone could do it.
Vivint vs. Ring: Which home security system is right for you?
Choosing a home security system can be daunting, but two of the biggest names are Vivint and Ring. We detail how they compare against each other.
Which home security camera should you buy on Prime Day?
Amazon Prime Day will certainly yield an immense amount of deals on home security cameras. Here are just some of the notable ones you should consider.
Dreame Bot L10 Pro Review: A robot vacuum newcomer that cleans well
The Dreame Bot L10 Pro is one of the first bots from Dreame Technology, which is looking to make a name of itself in the always competitive robot vacuum space.
Wyze Night Light senses you in the dark to brighten your path
No need to stumble aimlessly in the dark because the Wyze Night Light will know you're there and automatically illuminate your path.
DJI Air 2S Review: Superb results without the work
It's less than a year since the DJI Mavic Air 2 was released, but the DJI Air 2S makes a bold statement in being the best all-around drone in the market.
DJI FPV drone accelerates faster than a Tesla Model S. Yeah, it’s that quick
The new DJI FPV drone is an all-in-one FPV solution for those looking to take their drone game to the next level.
The future of the connected kitchen is just a push of a button away
Connected small appliances like the ColdSnap frozen yogurt maker could impact the future of the kitchen with convenient, personalized desserts.
Competition didn’t force Ring to make a cheaper doorbell. Accessibility did.
Ring created a stir with its most affordable video doorbell to date, but it didn't make the move because of fierce competition in the space.
Your air purifier isn’t protecting you from this silent killer. It should be
Air purifiers help filter the air inside homes. While many do this, very few of them can actually detect an invisible gas that can be fatal.
All eyes on improved privacy for indoor cameras as CES 2021 approaches
Security cameras have evolved with their technological advances, but one area that's continually neglected is privacy. Hopefully that all changes at CES 2021.
Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Gen) review: Alexa all the time, every time
The Amazon Echo Frames (2nd Gen) gives you access to Alexa all the time, while also doubling as a pair of headphones and smart speaker.
Apple’s lower-priced HomePod mini paves the way for HomeKit’s eventual success
The lower price of the Apple HomePod mini helps broaden its reach to more consumers, while also paving the way for HomeKit's success within the smart home.
Apple HomePod mini packs big features in a slim body for just $99
Apple took the wraps off its long-awaited smart speaker, the HomePod mini, which is looking to be a strong rival in the space with Siri helping out at home.
Arlo Pro 3 vs. Arlo Essential Spotlight
Arlo continues to add exceptional cameras to its portfolio. The Arlo Essential Spotlight is its latest one, but how does it stack up against the Arlo Pro 3?
Yup, Ring’s Always Home Cam flies itself to patrol inside your home
During today's Amazon event, Ring announced its upcoming Always Home Cam, an autonomous flying camera that will be used for home security.
WearOS is terrible at controlling your smart home. WatchOS does it better
Have you ever wondered what smartwatch does a better job at controlling the smart home? Well, I found out WatchOS is significantly ahead of Google's WearOS.