Patrick Shawn Hearn

Patrick Hearn

Writer

Education

Columbus State University

Expertise

Smart Home Technologies

Home Security Systems

Consumer Technologies

Video Games and Gaming

Websites and Apps

Introduction

  • Freelance technology writer with more than six years​' experience writing for companies like CBSi, GameSpot, Xfinity, and many more.
  • An expert in smart home technology and home security systems. Has worked with companies to produce informative content since 2013.
  • B.A. in Creative writing with a minor in Computer Science from Columbus State University.

Experience

On top of working with companies like CBSi, GameSpot, Xfinity, and many others, Patrick Hearn has written in both consumer-focused and business-to-business fields about a broad variety of technology. Though his specializations lie in breaking down the intricacies of home automation and home security, Patrick also writes about social media, Apple, digital photography, gaming, virtual reality, website development, and much more. He believes technology to be the single most important part of the modern world and enjoys making it accessible to everyone.

Patrick has worked as an independent freelance writer since 2012. Through his experience with dozens of clients, he has written hundreds of articles, blog posts, case studies, press releases, and newsletters. His work has often included hands-on reviews of different products, learning the ins-and-outs of how they work and how they can best be optimized for different tasks.

My Gear

My main writing and work machine is a Macbook Pro that goes everywhere with me, but I also have a custom-built Windows 10 PC that I use as a gaming computer. My phone of choice is an iPhone X, supplemented with an iPad Mini and a Kindle for downtime. When I'm not working, I spend my time lounging in front of a 65" Vizio TV with a full LED array behind it, as well as a PS4, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, NES Classic, and a host of old-school consoles that include the Genesis, SNES, N64, GameCube, and Dreamcast. 

My home itself is controlled via Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Philips Hue lights illuminate the living room and office, while GE smart lights are used in the bathroom and kitchen. A variety of other devices including a smart scent diffuser and smart air purifier keep the place comfortable. An Amazon Echo smart speaker provides music during the workday and doubles as my go-to option for ordering food when I take a working lunch.

Education

Patrick graduated with a B.A. in Creative Writing and a minor in Computer Science from Columbus State University in May of 2013.

A Message from Patrick Shawn Hearn

I have a love of technology that started when I was a young child. Lifewire gives me an outlet to share that passion with people—and it’s a great community for a freelancer!

Lifewire and Dotdash Meredith

Lifewire, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a Top 10 technology information website, as rated by Comscore, a leading internet measurement company. We provide trusted, clear, and actionable answers to your most pressing technology questions vetted by certified experts, as well as trustworthy product recommendations so you can make the most informed purchasing decisions. Learn more about us and our editorial process.

Read more from Patrick Shawn Hearn