Rachel Cericola

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Rachel Cericola

Smart strip lights are that rare decor item that can appeal to just about any taste. They are a dorm-room staple, and they can up your game in a playroom. They can even elevate a stylish kitchen or living room. Having lived with and tested over a dozen different smart strip-light models, however, it is my duty to reveal their one dirty secret: They go on easy, but if you don’t take precautions, removing them can be a dumpster fire.

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | Rachel Cericola

Michael Hession/NYT WirecutterBy Rachel CericolaRachel Cericola is a writer covering smart home. In addition to testing hundreds of smart devices, she has also tested dozens of ice cream sandwiches. If you’ve ever wished you could know who was at your door without having to get up and check (or even to check when you aren’t home), then a smart video doorbell may be the problem-solver you’re looking for.

Oct 11, 2024 | nytimes.com | Rachel Cericola

If you’ve been to a Lowe’s or one of those Spirit Halloween stores lately (and I know you have, because they’re every 500 feet or so), you’ve experienced the new generation of outrageous automated Halloween decorations—and their several-hundred-dollar price tags.

Jul 2, 2024 | nytimes.com | Rachel Cericola

Smart speakers are like that one keyed-in friend who always has the answers. They know the closest place to get burritos, when new episodes of Bridgerton are coming out, and when you have a dentist appointment. Smart speakers can also stream your favorite music podcasts and radio programs, make calls, and turn things (like lights and plugs) on and off. They can even recite bad dad jokes upon request. These voice-controlled devices come in a few flavors.

May 17, 2024 | nytimes.com | Rachel Cericola

Anne Madison, 73, lives in a seniors community outside of Baltimore, Maryland. She also happens to be a big fan of smart-home devices, which is how we came to know her. Anne left an intriguing comment on one of our smart-home stories, and it caught an editor’s eye and ended up generating a lot of conversation. She wrote, “I think these little devices are helping to keep me independent and out of an assisted living or nursing home facility.”We had to know more, so we reached out to Anne.