How-To Geek - Hardware

Hisense’s New Mini Projector Can Do 4K Dolby Vision

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 21:08:28 GMT

Available today, the new Hisense C1 Laser Mini Projector offers 4K Dolby Vision video with a maximum screen size of 300 inches. It's the only Hisense projector to support 300-inch screens, and while the $2,300 price tag is a bit eye-searing, customers may be swayed by the C1's cutting-edge features and relatively compact build. Oddly, retailers currently list the Hisense C1 at $1,998.

How to Add More Ethernet Ports to Your Router

Tim Brookes — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:30:25 GMT

While most of us rely on wireless at home, wired internet is often a better choice. The only catch is that most home routers only have a handful of ports. Adding more ports is easy, but there are a few things to consider when setting things up.

How to Transfer Photos From an iPhone to a PC

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 15:00:25 GMT

You don't need any special software to transfer photos and videos from an iPhone to a Windows PC. You don't even need iTunes. All you need is the Lightning-to-USB cable you use for charging.

AMD's New Threadripper CPUs Have Up to 96 Cores

Arol Wright — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 20:51:36 GMT

Most modern desktop processors have several cores to split up tasks, and in newer hybrid CPUs, some of them are designed for different tasks. If you're on AMD, the top-end chips have up to 16 cores, while if you're on Intel, you can look up to a whopping 24 cores. AMD's Threadripper processors are designed to have far more cores than your typical desktop CPU, mostly for media production and servers, but we haven't seen non-workstation versions of those since 2019, when the Threadripper 3000-series was launched with up to 64 cores. Now, Threadripper is back and better than ever.

Why Are Some iMessages Green and Some Blue on My iPhone?

Walter Glenn — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 15:01:45 GMT

You may have noticed that some messages in iPhone's Message app are green, while some are blue. What do those colors mean and does it even matter?

Alienware’s New Gaming Laptop Has a Huge 18-Inch Screen

Arol Wright — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:01:47 GMT

How big is too big for a laptop? You can find laptops in all kinds of sizes, with the smallest ones being about 11 inches and the biggest ones being much bigger than this. The bigger laptops can occasionally be considered too unwieldy to actually serve their purpose — to be portable — but they're still a pleasure to use. Case in point, Alienware just released one of its biggest laptops to date, the newest model in the m18 series.

Fitbit Step Streaks Are Coming Back

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 14:02:59 GMT

The redesigned Fitbit app has elicited a surprising number of complaints from customers. But what's more surprising is Google's response to these complaints—the Fitbit app will be tweaked to address user feedback. Plus, step streaks are returning to iOS and finally coming to Android.

DLSS vs. XeSS vs. FSR: Which Upscaling Technology Should You Choose?

Sydney Butler — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 13:00:39 GMT

All three major GPU makers now offer their own form of upscaling technology, and you'll see all three in more games as time goes by. So the questions are which one should you choose, and how do they actually differ?

Samsung Now Offers Same-Day Repairs at Batteries Plus

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 16:35:33 GMT

Instead of mailing in your busted Samsung phone, try visiting a Batteries Plus location. This fall, 35 Batteries Plus stores will become Samsung Authorized Service Centers (ASC), meaning they can perform same-day in-warranty repairs on Samsung devices. This is in addition to the out-of-warranty repairs already offered by Batteries Plus.

Qualcomm is Making a RISC-V Chip for Smartwatches

Arol Wright — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:00:34 GMT

Most of our smartphones, smartwatches, and even some laptops are now powered by the ARM architecture. But there's been a new player slowly growing — RISC-V. There are many advantages to the completely-open design, and chip makers are slowly embracing it as an alternative to ARM chipsets. Qualcomm announced a partnership not too long ago to bolster RISC-V and make it grow exponentially, and now, it's doubling down on that commitment with its first RISC-V platform, which is coming soon for smartwatches.

6 Computer Noises You Should Never Ignore

Sydney Butler — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:00:35 GMT

In the past, computers made all sorts of mechanical and electronic noises as a normal part of how they worked, but there are some noises a modern computer should never make. If you hear any one of these, pay attention!

Alienware's Aurora R16 Has 14th Gen Intel And RTX 4090 GPUs

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:45:30 GMT

It's been just two months since the launch of Alienware's compact Aurora R16 gaming desktop. Still, Alienware sees the need for a refresh. Upgraded configurations of the Aurora R16 go on sale October 17th and include the latest 14th Gen Intel CPUs, plus NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 4090 GPU.

Intel's 14th Gen Processors Have Arrived

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:01:37 GMT

Intel revealed its 13th generation desktop processors a little over a year ago, under the codename Raptor Lake, and the company has been working on updates to stay competitive with the latest offerings from Apple and AMD. We're still waiting on the more advanced Meteor Lake chips, which Intel said are coming in December, but in the meantime, Intel has revealed a series of updated Raptor Lake processors: the 14th gen Intel Core lineup.

LPCAMM Laptop Memory Could Revolutionize Laptop and Handheld PC RAM

Sydney Butler — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:01:37 GMT

The drive towards slimmer, more potent laptops often comes at the expense of upgradability, especially concerning RAM. However, Samsung's Low Profile Compression Attached Memory Module (LPCAMM) could rewrite this script, heralding a future where ultrabooks and handheld PCs are upgradable.

Why Your Mac Shows the Wrong Resolution on a 4K Monitor

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:35 GMT

Upon connecting your Mac to a 4K monitor, you may find that your display settings show an incorrect resolution. This is usually due to a misunderstanding or genuine problem—you're reading the wrong settings or need a new video cable. Here's how to tell which situation you're in.

Should You Buy the Meta Quest 3?

Sydney Butler — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 11:00:35 GMT

The Meta Quest 3 is priced at a stiff $500 for the 128GB model and $650 for the 512GB variant, making mobile and high-end PC VR a reality. But is it worth your hard-earned cash? Let's take a closer look.

How to Turn Off Flash Notifications on iPhone

Mahesh Makvana — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 15:01:33 GMT

Want to stop your iPhone's flash from blinking when you receive a notification on your phone? If so, you can toggle off the flash notifications feature and the LED flash won't blink anymore. Here's how.

What Is an EPUB File (and How Do I Open One)?

Brady Gavin — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 13:01:39 GMT

A file with the .epub file extension is a popular file format used for storing eBooks and other types of content. EPUB, short for electronic publication, was named the official standard of the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF) in September 2007.

What Is a MOBI File (and How Do I Open One)?

Brady Gavin — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 13:00:35 GMT

A file with the .MOBI file extension is used for storing eBooks. It was originally a Mobipocket Reader format but has since been adopted by several different readers as well. Amazon purchased Mobipocket in 2005, and later discontinued the MOBI format in 2011.

HDMI Switch vs. HDMI Splitter: What's the Difference?

Bemfica de Oliva — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 12:00:35 GMT

Using HDMI ports may sometimes be not very straightforward. If you have a different number of image sources and outputs, you might end up looking for HDMI switches and splitters to solve your needs. But are they the same?

Edge-Lit vs. Direct-Lit vs. Full-Array TVs: What's the Difference?

Gaurav Shukla — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:30:37 GMT

Modern LCD TVs rely on LED backlighting to produce the visuals you see on the screen. But their picture quality and price can differ based on their backlighting system. So, what are these backlighting systems, and how are they different?

The Original Pixel Watch's Charging Speed Just Got Downgraded

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 15:11:41 GMT

Shortly after the launch of Pixel Watch 2, Google quietly downgraded the original Pixel Watch's charging speed. Presumably, the reduced charging speed is meant to prevent overheating, which can physically harm users and may damage the Pixel Watch's battery or adhesive binding. This change was made during a routine firmware update and was not communicated to customers.

Do I Need a New Motherboard? 7 Things to Consider

Bemfica de Oliva — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 12:00:32 GMT

Desktop computers have upgradability as one of their major selling points. When something breaks or becomes outdated, you can just swap it for a newer part and everything runs smooth again.

Wireless vs. Wired Charging: Which Is Better for Battery Life?

Ismar Hrnjicevic — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:01:34 GMT

Wireless chargers and fast wired chargers are an effortless solution for low-battery anxiety, but other anxieties remain: will they secretly destroy your battery's lifespan? Let's review key factors and determine which charging method is superior.

This New Acer Monitor Has Glasses-Free 3D

Arol Wright — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:42:12 GMT

Remember the late 2000s and early 2010s where it looked like the next big advancement, as far as TVs went, was 3D? A lot of TVs started coming out with 3D support, letting you have a sense of depth to what you saw on your screen. All TV manufacturers tried really hard to get 3D TVs to stick, but this effort was ultimately futile, as 3D all but faded away from TVs over the course of the next few years. Still, have you ever wanted to check out a 3D monitor that brings you to those days of old? Acer just launched one, and it looks really cool.

Dell's New Rugged Tablet Is a Peek Into Another World

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:44:26 GMT

Many tablets you can buy today are fragile slabs of plastic and glass, prone to scratching or chipping with one wrong fall, usually with just one or two ports and no user-replaceable battery. Dell's new tablet seems almost alien by comparison, with all the connectivity and features of a typical PC crammed into a durable drop-resistant machine, complete with a hand strap.

Are Hackintoshes Still Worth it in 2023? 3 Pros and 3 Cons

Bemfica de Oliva — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 11:00:34 GMT

For as long as there have been Apple computers, there have been people “cloning” them to get the Apple experience without the Apple price tag. But is building a “Hackintosh” worth it?

Raspberry Pi OS Gets the Debian 12 "Bookworm" Upgrade

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:34:13 GMT

Based on Debian 12 "Bookworm," the latest Raspberry Pi OS is now available. It's the first operating system to officially support the new Raspberry Pi 5, though it's also available in 32- and 64-bit flavors for older Pi models. You can write this Pi OS release to an SD card using the Raspberry Pi Imager or by downloading the standalone image and flashing it yourself.

Microsoft’s Ergonomic Keyboard Is Gone, but Logitech Has a Replacement

Arol Wright — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:18:48 GMT

Not too long ago, we learned the sad news that Microsoft was discontinuing its more affordable PC accessories, in favor of ~~higher-margin~~ more premium Surface-brand products. That included Microsoft's non-Surface ergonomic keyboards, which were popular for years. That doesn't mean that you don't have options, though. Logitech has now revealed its very own ergonomic keyboard: the Wave Keys.

Google Brings Back Multiple Speaker Groups for Nest and Chromecast

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:39:31 GMT

An ongoing patent dispute with Sonos has made the Google Home ecosystem significantly worse for music fans. Some of Google's best home audio features, including universal volume control and flexible speaker grouping, have been stripped away from Nest and Chromecast products. But Google is finally leaving the courtroom with good news: two of Sonos' patents are invalid.

Intel's Arc A580 Gives You 1080p Gaming For Just $180

Arol Wright — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:07:54 GMT

While the GPU market is still mostly a competition between Nvidia and AMD, there is still a third party trying to make a name for itself — Intel. The company is hugely popular with desktop processors, but with its recent GPU launches, it's trying to become popular in this segment as well. The company has launched yet another graphics card, the A580 — and it's really cheap.

System76 Has New Linux Desktop PCs for You

Arol Wright — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:31:33 GMT

There's something charming about System76's desktop PCs. In a world that's filled with gamer-y cases filled to the brim with RGB lights, System76's Thelio PCs manage to stand out with cases that look classy (something that even prompted the company to sell them stand-alone) but don't compromise on performance or Linux support. The company has now announced a design revision for its Thelio desktops, as well as an entirely new model aimed at people with less demanding performance needs and/or a tighter budget.

Qualcomm Has New ARM Laptop Chips on the Way

Arol Wright — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:20:56 GMT

It's increasingly looking like the future of computing lies on ARM processors. With Apple having transitioned to its own M-series silicon and increasingly more Windows laptops using ARM CPUs, that's certainly the direction we're heading in. Qualcomm has been developing chipsets for ARM-based Windows laptops for a while, most recently under the Snapdragon 8cx name, but they're lagging far behind Apple's chips and have confusing branding. Qualcomm is now going to fix at least one of those problems.

Moto Razr Is the Most Affordable Foldable in North America

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:57:26 GMT

Foldable phones are cool, but they can cost a fortune. Now, Motorola is flipping the script: the 2023 Moto Razr costs just $700. It launches in the United States and Canada on October 19th and will be the most "affordable" current-generation foldable on the market. Additionally, Motorola will offer a special $100 discount if you pre-order the Razr after October 12th.

Logitech Has a New Star Wars-Themed Mouse and Mousepad

Arol Wright — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:53:21 GMT

You might know the last entry in Star Wars' original trilogy, Return of the Jedi, just turned 40 years old this year. The movie was released in May 1983, and has since become a staple of pop culture. And what better way to commemorate the release of this movie than by buying PC accessories? Logitech has launched a couple of products that are reminiscent of the legendary space saga.

Corsair's K70 Core Keyboard Gets All The Basics Right

Arol Wright — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:26:16 GMT

The world of mechanical keyboards is vast, especially when it comes to gaming mechanical keyboards. There are many options out there, each with its own unique options. Corsair happens to be one of the top brands for mechanical keyboards, offering decent quality at not-so-crazy prices. Now, the company has just launched the K70 Core, its latest keyboard, and there is a lot of stuff to highlight here.

Sony’s New Playstation 5 Has Some Great Changes

Arol Wright — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:21:07 GMT

It might not look like it, but the most recent generation of consoles is already half through its lifespan. The PlayStation 5, Sony's latest console, first arrived three years ago in 2020. A good chunk of that time was marked by limited availability due to the chip shortage, but nonetheless, the console has been out for a long time, and players have started wondering whether Sony was planning to release new models at all. Now, that has finally happened. A slimmer version of the PlayStation 5 is finally here.

TP-Link's New Wire-Free Security Camera Has 2K Video

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:40:35 GMT

Battery-powered security cameras are convenient, but they're also full of compromises. Now, TP-Link is setting a new standard with its Tapo Wire-Free Security Camera, a device that combines an ultra-convenient design with a built-in spotlight, 2K video resolution, free AI face detection, and a wealth of other useful features. The Tapo Wire-Free Security Camera is available today for $120, or just $300 if you purchase a three-pack.

Smartphones Prove That Laptop Speakers Don't Have to Suck

Sydney Butler — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 13:01:36 GMT

If you have a mid-tier to high-end smartphone, you probably have no complaints about the sound when watching videos or even listening to music, but even high-end laptops seem to have absolutely terrible audio. Why can phones get it right?

Should You Use DVDs for Data Storage?

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:00:34 GMT

You may have saved tons of data to optical discs in the 90s and 2000s, but should you do the same today? Let's take a look at when you should (and shouldn't) use DVDs for data storage as well as the best practices for making the most of your DVD data archive.

How to Easily Understand Laptop GPU Names and Performance

Sydney Butler — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:00:35 GMT

You can buy a laptop with an RTX 4090 GPU in it, but is it really a 4090? It has the same name as NVIDIA's desktop monster, but this and virtually all laptop GPUs are not what their names suggest.

How Bad Are Power Outages for My Gadgets?

Sydney Butler — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:00:34 GMT

No matter how reliable the power supply is where you live, there will inevitably be some point where you'll suffer an outage. With our homes now filled with sensitive (and expensive!) technology, how much harm can power outages do to our gadgets?

Smartphones Before Smartphones: How PDAs Gave Us a Taste of the Future

Sydney Butler — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 11:01:33 GMT

Long before smartphones, people were slipping computers in their pockets in the form of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). Never heard of these impressive little precursors to the smartphone? Well, now's the perfect time to learn about this interesting little bit of mobile tech history.

What Is a "Compensation Cycle" in OLED TVs?

Sydney Butler — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 13:00:34 GMT

If you own an OLED TV or plan to buy one, you may have seen that they need a “compensation cycle” to help with their maintenance, but what is that, and what does it mean for your new OLED experience?

Samsung's SmartTag 2 Tracker Still Has a Big Catch

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 19:00:22 GMT

We're still reeling from the Google Pixel 8 launch event. But Samsung must not be too impressed. It announced a ton of new Galaxy FE products on the same day as Google's event. And, one day later, it revealed the long-awaited SmartTag 2 tracker. This thing is a serious upgrade from the original SmartTag—it offers both Bluetooth LE and UWB connectivity, improved IP67 durability, and a maximum 700-day battery life. At $30, the SmartTag 2 really seems like a no-brainer, although it requires a Samsung smartphone.

Can You Swim with the Pixel Watch 2?

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 14:15:34 GMT

The new Pixel Watch 2 is like a super-powered Fitbit tracker, and it even offers full integration with Fitbit's apps and services. But, unlike most Fitbit trackers, the Pixel Watch 2 isn't explicitly advertised as a device for swimmers. The good news is it has a dedicated exercise mode for swimmers and offers the same water resistance as most Fitbit devices. However, here's what you need to know before you hit the lanes.

What is OCuLink? (And Why You Might Want It)

Sydney Butler — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:00:33 GMT

New ports and connectors are constantly arriving. While some remain obscure, others become mainstream, even essential for certain setups. Enter OCuLink, a standard that's been skulking around mostly in server rooms for years but is now breaking into consumer spaces.

The Pixel Watch 2 Arrives with New Sensors and Safety Features

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 14:32:20 GMT

The Made by Google 2023 event may be remembered as a Pixel 8 launch party. But Google also took some time to reveal the Pixel Watch 2, an upgraded version of the smartwatch it debuted last year. Pixel Watch 2 adds a handful of new and notable features, including an improved heart rate sensor, Fitbit stress tracking technology, and a safety-oriented location sharing system.

Samsung’s New T9 Portable SSD Can Reach 2GB/s

Arol Wright — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:38:00 GMT

There are a lot of external solid state drives to choose from, ranging from more durable drives for travel to slimmer models intended to fit in any bag or pocket. Samsung sells many of the best drives in this category, and now the company is adding another option to that list: the portable T9 SSD, available in capacities of up to 4TB.

Samsung Just Released an Ultra-Fast 4TB SSD

Arol Wright — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 18:56:24 GMT

NVMe SSDs are awesome. While these SSDs might not have the same amount of space as spinning hard drives (unless you're willing to splurge a lot of money), they do have amazing read and write speeds, making them great choices for boot drives, storing games, and, well, pretty much everything. If you have a lot of money to spend on a drive, however, the bigger options might look enticing. Samsung has just launched a 4TB flavor of one of its best SSD lineups, and it's looking great.

Some Google Pixel Phones Still Can't Dial 911

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:01:38 GMT

Some Google Pixel owners are still unable to dial 911. This is a years-long problem that began in 2021 when a Reddit user struggled to contact emergency services from their Pixel 3 smartphone. The reasons for this problem are currently unknown. If you own a Pixel phone, you can contact your local non-emergency number to schedule a 911 test call — detailed instructions for scheduling a 911 test call are listed on the 911.gov website.

Get Ready for ”Chromebook Plus” Laptops

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:00:32 GMT

It can be difficult to tell at glance which laptops are low-end and which ones are more premium, especially when you're dealing with different storage solutions, screen technologies, and confusing Intel CPU names. Chromebooks have that problem too, and Google has been quietly working on a solution: the best Chromebooks will now be branded as "Chromebook Plus" laptops.

What Are Microphone Polar Patterns, and How do They Affect Your Recordings?

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 13:00:32 GMT

Sound quality is usually the first priority when choosing a microphone. However, people often neglect to consider a microphone's behavior and usability. Even the best microphone will sound terrible if it's used poorly, and for this reason, it's important for livestreamers, musicians, podcasters, and video callers to understand the basics of microphone polar patterns.

Why Do Laptops Still Have USB 2.0 Ports?

Sydney Butler — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 11:00:34 GMT

If you've bought a non-ultra book laptop, you may have noticed that one of your USB-A ports doesn't sport the same blue interior color as the rest. That's because that port uses USB 2.0, a standard released in 2000! But why?

How to Set an Emergency Contact on iPhone (and Why)

Tim Brookes — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:30:34 GMT

You can add one or more emergency contacts to your iPhone so that they can be easily contacted (or contact you) in urgent situations. It takes five minutes to set up but it could be one of the most important settings on your device.

How to Record Audio on iPhone

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:00:33 GMT

Thanks to the built-in Voice Memos app, you can record and share your audio recordings on your iPhone with ease. We'll show you how to use the app to make your first-ever voice recording.

Does the iPhone 15 Pro Have an Overheating Problem?

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:22:21 GMT

The iPhone 15 Pro is a hot commodity, but is it too hot? Some of the earliest iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users say that their phone overheats while using apps or charging. These reports are completely anecdotal, of course, but they're common enough to be worth your attention.

More Ultra-Affordable Xumo TVs Are Coming to Best Buy

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:27:00 GMT

This might sound crazy, but the oft-forgotten Xumo streaming platform might power your next smart TV. A selection of affordable Pioneer-branded Xumo smart TVs will go on sale at Best Buy in November. These TVs start at just $270, yet they boast 4K video resolution, Dolby Vision HDR, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth audio streaming.

How to Find Hidden Photos on iPhone

Mahesh Makvana — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:30:31 GMT

Did you hide some photos on your iPhone but you are now not sure where those photos are? It's easy to see those hidden photos on an iPhone, and we'll show you how.

Fitbit Charge 6 Arrives With Built-in Google Maps and YouTube Music

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 15:00:32 GMT

Available today, the Fitbit Charge 6 is an unexpected upgrade that adds several smartwatch-like features, including on-wrist Google Maps, YouTube Music controls, and Google Wallet functionality. It also makes several improvements to the health and fitness-tracking technologies that we enjoyed in the Fitbit Charge 5. You can order the Fitbit Charge 6 today for $160 at the Fitbit website.

The Raspberry Pi 5 is Finally Here

Arol Wright — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:36:34 GMT

The Raspberry Pi 4, the top model in the Raspberry Pi lineup for the past four years, is a great single-board computer now that availability has finally improved. However, it's still budget 2019 hardware, which is starting to show its age for more demanding tasks. Raspberry Pi has launched other types of tiny computers since then, but none of them were designed to replace the Raspberry Pi 4. That is, at least, until now. The Raspberry Pi 5 is finally here to take the flagship Pi spot.

Constant Smartphone Redesigns Are Bad for Everyone

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:32 GMT

Most smartphone models are updated yearly, and even though they usually don't undergo significant design changes each time, cases designed for one model usually won't work on the next iteration. So you're stuck coughing up more money for a new case (or gambling with a naked phone). It doesn't have to be this way, though.

Your GPU Might Have a New Security Vulnerability

Arol Wright — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:26:19 GMT

Security breaches and vulnerabilities are a daily part of our lives now. After all, there's always going to be someone poking around in software and hardware to see how they can get in. It's especially bad when those vulnerabilities affect hardware, and more importantly, your hardware. A newly-surfaced vulnerability seems to affect basically every popular GPU model out there.

MSI Just Released a Tiny Tenkeyless Keyboard

Arol Wright — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:30:36 GMT

Smaller keyboards are as popular as ever, as they can take up less space on your desk and remove features that not everyone needs (like number pads). Tenkeyless keyboards are one of the most common options for a more compact keyboard, and MSI has just revealed a new one in that category: the VIGOR GK50 Elite TKL keyboard.

Meta Quest 3 Is Like the Apple Vision Pro, but 1/7th the Price

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:15:57 GMT

With pre-orders starting at $500, the Meta Quest 3 headset boasts full-color video passthrough, a 2064 x 2208 per-eye video resolution, and a second-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 chipset for increased graphical capabilities. It's a clear and compelling upgrade from the Quest 2, especially for those who want to see their real-world surroundings while inhabiting a virtual world. This release may also put a damper on Apple's upcoming Vision Pro headset, which will cost $3,500 and boasts video passthrough as a flagship feature.

Google Nest’s Original Alexa Integration Is Going Away

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 15:10:15 GMT

Are you an Alexa user with a Nest Doorbell, Thermostat, or other Google-made smart home products? As of September 29th, Google will no longer support the original Nest Skills for Alexa system. This change will prevent Alexa from communicating with Nest hardware in older smart homes. Thankfully, the solution is pretty straightforward—migrate your Nest account to a Google account, delete the old Nest Alexa skill, remove all of your Nest products from the Alexa app, and install the new Google Nest Alexa skill from the Google Home app.

What Is "Watch Only" Mode on a Galaxy Watch? (and How to Use It)

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:31:29 GMT

Battery life and notifications are two of the features you might care about the most when it comes to your Samsung Galaxy Watch. Did you know there's a "Watch Only" mode that can improve both of those areas?

The iPhone 15 Pro Max Fails to Impress in This iFixit Teardown

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:44:07 GMT

In recent years, Apple has made a push for both device reparability and environmentalism. It launched a Self Service Repair program, lectured customers about carbon neutrality, and discontinued its popular leather phone cases. But these commitments have no tangible impact on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. In a new teardown video, iFixit discovers that Apple is still an opponent to reparability—its parts pairing system discourages device repair and encourages wastefulness.

New $50 Roku Express 4K Bundle Includes a Voice Remote Pro

Arol Wright — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:57:19 GMT

Roku sells some of the best streaming devices around (and now TVs too), but the budget devices ship with a simplified remote without features like a built-in headphone jack. That's now changing, as Roku is introducing an Amazon-exclusive bundle with the Roku Express 4K and Voice Remote Pro, giving you the company's cheapest 4K streaming box with its best and most feature-packed remote.

I Bought a Leather Phone Case and I'm Never Going Back

Sydney Butler — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:00:30 GMT

As a grizzled tech enthusiast, I was a "naked" phone purist until Samsung's S22 Ultra's wobble bump led me to leather cases. Surprisingly, they transformed, not just protected, my device. Here's why I've stuck with leather cases ever since.

Did Hitting TVs Ever Actually Fix Them?

Sydney Butler — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 15:35:29 GMT

We're taught as children that violence isn't the answer, but when it comes to the televisions of yore, popular culture and possibly someone you knew in real life may have "fixed" a wonky TV by giving it a spirited whack. Was this just superstition, or did smacking the TV actually fix it?

DJI's Mini 4 Pro is the Tiny Drone You've Been Waiting For

Arol Wright — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:00:32 GMT

Drones have become a common sight and, for some of you, a part of your regular life. DJI has earned a reputation for making some of the best drones out there, with several lineups aimed at both casual users and enthusiasts. The company's Mini series of drones have been a popular option for years, as an option for a compact drone that covers all the basics, and now the latest DJI Mini 4 Pro is finally here.

What Does "Current Period" Mean in Cellular Data Settings on iPhone

Benj Edwards — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 13:30:30 GMT

If you're looking at your cellular data usage in the Settings app on your iPhone, you might notice data usage statistics from a "Current Period." But what exactly is the current period, and when did it start? Here's how to find out.

Are Stylus Pens Universal?

Ismar Hrnjicevic — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 11:00:29 GMT

Looking to get your first stylus pen but aren't sure if it'll work with your device out of the box? Figuring out third-party stylus compatibility can feel like an exercise in confusion. Don't fret. We'll explain stylus compatibility to get you drawing and note-taking in no time.

The Steam Deck Sequel Isn't Coming Anytime Soon

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:30:42 GMT

It's been nearly two years since the Steam Deck's introduction. But with the recent launch of ASUS' ROG Ally handheld, many gamers are asking when Valve will debut a more powerful Steam Deck. Well, a second-gen Steam Deck is in the works, and it should offer a "leap" in performance without a reduced battery life. It just won't be here anytime soon.

What Is MagSafe for iPhone, and What Can It Do?

Tim Brookes — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:00:28 GMT

With the arrival of the iPhone 12 came a new ecosystem of accessories for Apple smartphones. MagSafe makes it easier to wirelessly charge an iPhone, attach cases, and use a wide variety of other accessories. Here's why it's a major step forward for the iPhone.

3 Problems With USB-C You Need To Know About

Justin Pot — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 12:30:28 GMT

The future that was promised with USB-C is finally here, but the future isn't always painless. Contrary to what you may have heard, USB Type-C is far from perfect. Here are three things every new USB-C user needs to know.

MSI's New Motherboards Are All About Wi-Fi 7

Arol Wright — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:04:41 GMT

Wi-Fi 7 is the future of wireless connectivity. The standard isn't even officially finalized yet, but that hasn't stopped hardware makers from releasing both Wi-Fi 7 routers and Wi-Fi 7-capable devices. Now, if you want to put together a Wi-Fi 7-capable PC in the near future, MSI just released a few new motherboards that will offer full support for the upcoming speedy wireless standard.

Surface Laptop Go 3 Has Better Hardware, but There’s a Catch

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:45:18 GMT

The Surface Laptop Go is Microsoft's budget laptop, positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop Studio. However, the lower cost does mean it has skipped out on features like a high-resolution screen and a wide port selection, which can be found in other PCs in the same price range. Microsoft just revealed a new model that addresses many of the limitations of the previous laptop, but at a new price that places it (mostly) outside the budget laptop market.

Static IP vs. Dynamic IP: What Is the Difference?

Dave McKay — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:00:30 GMT

Dynamic IP addresses are set automatically, but liable to change each time your computer boots up. Static IP addresses need manual configuration, but always survive reboots. Is one better than the other?

Logitech’s New Budget Webcam Has 1080P and a Privacy Shutter

Arol Wright — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:54:45 GMT

Good webcams are hard to come by. You either have to spend a lot of money on one, or settle with one that will give you a pretty "meh" image quality at best. As such, finding the perfect "balanced" option can be complicated. You don't want to spend a lot of money, but you also don't want poor image quality. Luckily, this option by Logitech might actually just be the balanced option you've been looking for.

BenQ's New Low-latency 4K Projectors Look Great

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:00:29 GMT

Last year, BenQ introduced its X Series projectors, which boast premium gaming features like low-latency 4K video. These projectors scored well in our reviews and enjoy wide praise from gamers. BenQ is now moving forward with three new X Series projectors—the X500i, X300G, and X3100i.

What Is XMP, and Why Does It Matter for RAM?

Sydney Butler — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 13:00:29 GMT

When shopping for RAM, you might come across the term "XMP" and wonder what it's all about. Is it some secret sauce that makes your computer faster, or is it just marketing jargon? It's actually much simpler than it sounds.

Can You Mix and Match RAM?

Aman Kumar — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:00:26 GMT

One of the best ways to improve your PC's performance is to upgrade the RAM. But will a new RAM stick of a different brand be compatible with the existing one? And can you install a different type of RAM on your computer? Here's everything you need to know before attempting to mix and match types, speeds, sizes, and brands of RAM.

Intel's 14th Gen CPUs Are Coming in December

Arol Wright — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:44:21 GMT

While AMD has moved into a slower, one-generation-every-two-years schedule, Intel is still releasing yearly chips. And we're getting close to the end of the year, which means it's time for Intel to announce new CPUs. There have been lots of rumors about the company's upcoming Intel 14th gen CPUs, and now, the company has confirmed that these chips are coming to a computer near you sooner than later — complete with a bunch of changes.

Philips Hue Will Soon Require Online Accounts to Control Lights

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 20:40:47 GMT

Philips Hue was one of the first options for smart light bulbs, and the company has expanded over the years to include light strips, accent lighting for computer desks, and even smart cameras. Unlike many other smart home ecosystems, you didn't strictly need an online account to set up and manage devices on your local network. Unfortunately, that's now changing, and not everyone is happy about it.

Amazon's Eero Max 7 Router Offers Wi-Fi 7 and 10 Gig Connectivity

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:13:05 GMT

Along with new Fire TV hardware and improved Alexa functionality, Amazon is showing off its first Wi-Fi 7 router. The Eero Max 7 arrives later this year for $600—as you can probably guess, it's the best Eero router available to date, but it's totally overkill for most people. You should only buy this router if you pay for 10 Gig fiber internet, or if you own cutting-edge server equipment that could benefit from increased LAN speeds.

Amazon Bolsters Fire TV with a Soundbar, New 4K Hardware, and More

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 17:17:54 GMT

During its annual hardware event, Amazon launched its first Fire TV Soundbar and opened pre-orders for the upgraded Fire TV Stick 4K and TV Stick 4K Max. The company also revealed several improvements for its Fire TV operating system, including greatly improved voice search functionality and a new "Continue Watching" row for your home screen — these software improvements will roll out in late 2023.

How To Put Your iPhone or iPad Into Recovery Mode

BrittanyVincent — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:01:28 GMT

Apple makes some of the most long-lived mobile devices out there — iPhones and iPads basically just keep on ticking. Nothing is perfect, though, and sometimes things do go wrong. Here's how you can enter Recovery Mode to fix your device.

Fitbit's App Just Got a Major Revamp

Arol Wright — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:06:30 GMT

Google released the Pixel Watch last year, and it's about to release its successor, the Pixel Watch 2, in its next major hardware event. But some of you might remember that these weren't technically Google's first steps in the wearable market. Fitbit, one of the most popular makers of fitness devices, has been owned by Google since 2021, an acquisition that provided a lot of the momentum for Google to release the Pixel Watch. Now, the Fitbit app is getting a major revamp.

Can Old or Cheap USB Cables Damage Your Devices?

Sarah Chaney — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 11:01:28 GMT

Before you pick up that cable you haven’t used in years to charge your phone or transfer data to your computer, you might want to test it to ensure it’s safe to use. Here's how to do so.

iPhone Repairs Are Still Too Difficult, Says iFixit

Arol Wright — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:22:48 GMT

Lately, it has looked like Apple has shifted towards making its phones more and more repairable. With the iPhone 15 Pro, the company redesigned the phone's internal structure to make it more easily repairable and make the back glass easily replaceable — a move that brought down repair costs considerably. But some bad practices from Apple remain in place, and iFixit is concerned about those, to the point it's knocking down a few points from the its repairability score for last year's iPhone 14.

Logitech’s New Yeti Microphones Have RGB Lights and Fewer Options

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:45:35 GMT

More than a decade after its launch, the Blue Yeti microphone is now being revamped. Logitech just opened pre-orders for two new Yeti mics—the Yeti GX and Yeti Orb. These are the first Yeti mics to use Logitech G branding, rather than the original Blue Microphones branding. They're heavily targeted towards the gaming market, both mics feature RGB lighting and other gaming-focused features.

How to See When a Text Message Was Sent on Your iPhone

Lori Kaufman — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 15:01:34 GMT

By default, the iPhone's Messages app shows you the date and time for the first message on any given day, but not for every message sent and received. However, the exact time each message was sent is hidden — but there's an easy way to show all the exact timestamps.

iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 Are Now Available

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:04:42 GMT

Today marks the launch of iOS 17 and iPadOS 17. These long-awaited updates add several features to the iPhone and iPad, including StandBy Mode, improved AirDrop sharing, a Journal app, and personalized full-screen calling cards. Unfortunately, some of the features introduced in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 won't be available until later this year. If your iPhone or iPad doesn't update automatically, you can trigger a manual update by opening Settings, tapping "General," and selecting "Software Update."

Right-to-Repair Laws as of 2023—and Why It Matters to You

Bemfica de Oliva — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 16:00:29 GMT

In recent years, the "right-to-repair" movement has created a lot of buzz. From online forums to legislative houses, discussions on whether people should be allowed to fix stuff they own—and the broader implications of that—gained momentum.

Your Nest Hub Max Is Losing Video Calling

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:35:05 GMT

For many families, the Nest Hub Max is about to become a paperweight. Nest Hub Max will lose support for Google Meet on September 28th, and Zoom will leave the platform two days later. This marks the end of video calls on Nest Hub Max, assuming that Google doesn't roll out a new video call solution. Going forward, if you want to make video calls on a smart display, Amazon Echo is your best option.

Old Phones Make Great Cameras for Kids

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:26 GMT

What can you do with an old iPhone or Android phone? If you have kids, your old phone can live on as a dedicated camera. It's a huge upgrade over the cheap digital cameras made for children.

How to Close All Safari Tabs at Once on iPhone and iPad

Benj Edwards — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 16:00:27 GMT

If you have dozens of tabs open in Safari on iPhone or iPad and need to clear them out quickly, it can be tedious to "X" them out one at a time. Luckily, there are two ways to close all your Safari tabs at once, and they also work in Private Browsing mode. Here's how.

Steam Deck vs. Asus ROG Ally vs. Lenovo Legion Go: Which Handheld Is the Best?

Nalin Rawat — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 11:00:25 GMT

The handheld console gaming category has seen a big revival in recent months. While the Steam Deck led the charge in the industry, it was quickly followed by new portable gaming consoles like Asus's ROG Ally and Lenovo's Legion Go. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of some of the most popular handheld gaming consoles in the market.