Olivia Chen
Connectivity & Smart Hub Writer
Olivia untangles the plumbing behind the smart home, Wi-Fi, hubs, and Z-Wave and Zigbee, so devices stay connected and a system keeps talking to itself.
Content is produced for an authorized Vivint dealer and may use AI assistance under human editorial review. See our editorial policy.
Articles by Olivia Chen
Cove vs Vivint: Comparing Monitoring Plans and Pricing (2026)
Cove and Vivint take very different approaches to home security. Here's how their monitoring plans, equipment, contracts, and pricing compare in 2026, so you can decide which fits your household.
Aug 24, 2026 · 4 min readWhat Coffee Deals Have to Do With Your Smart Home (More Than You'd Think)
A recent roundup of espresso machine and coffee subscription deals is a reminder of a bigger trend: more connected gadgets are landing in kitchens every day. Here is what that means for your home's security and automation setup.
Aug 20, 2026 · 2 min readHow Frontpoint Monitoring Works: A Look at the Process
Curious how Frontpoint's alarm monitoring actually works, from sensor trip to dispatch? Here's a plain-English breakdown of the process, plus what to consider when comparing monitoring providers.
Aug 14, 2026 · 4 min readWhat Laundry Detergent Habits Have to Do With a Smarter, Safer Home
A recent CNET report on overusing laundry detergent is a reminder that small, everyday habits affect your home's efficiency and upkeep. Here's what that has to do with smart home protection.
Aug 7, 2026 · 2 min readRobot Vacuum Deal of the Day: What It Reveals About the Smart Home Boom
A one-day discount on a popular robot vacuum is a small story with a bigger meaning: homeowners increasingly want technology that saves time and reduces daily hassle. Here's how that trend connects to smart, connected home security.
Aug 4, 2026 · 2 min readHome Security Tips for When You're on Vacation in 2026
Heading out of town? Here are the smartest, most practical ways to protect your home while you're away, from smart lighting to camera monitoring and a few habits burglars really do notice.
Jul 27, 2026 · 3 min read