Hardware & Devices
The pros and cons of using your laptop with the lid closed
Connecting your laptop to an external display and running it with the lid closed has some benefits and drawbacks.
How much Netflix cost in 2007 vs. 2026
It's been nearly 20 years since Netflix first introduced its streaming media plans. They've changed a bit .
Elvis and Eminem rights holders are suing Suno
Suno is facing yet another pair of lawsuits. A group of rights holders of Elvis Presley's music and the publisher of some of Eminem's biggest records are suing the AI music compan…
The reason why some USB ports are teal
A teal USB port can indicate a connection with particular data and charging speeds. Here's what it means.
5 unexpected uses for your old smartwatch
Don't toss your smartwatch when you can repurpose it. If you're interested in an assistant or saving notes, you can stop that watch from gathering dust.
How much did an iPhone cost in 2007 vs. 2026? The gap is smaller than you think
The first iPhone launched at $499 in 2007. See how that price compares to today's models once inflation, storage and features are factored in.
How long can you expect your Apple AirPods to last?
Here's how to get the most out of your AirPods.
AI music can be difficult to detect, but there are some telltale signs
AI-generated songs are filling Spotify and other platforms. These vocal, lyric and instrumental tells can help you catch them before you hit play.
You can attach your Fitbit Air to almost any old-school watch
There are a few ways to combine the screen-less FitBit Air with an existing analog watch.
Apple’s M5 MacBook Air is down to its lowest price since July
The latest 13-inch MacBook Air is currently available for $1,099.99, marking the second time we’ve seen this $200 discount following the company’s hefty price increases over the s…
Can PC coolant expire? Here's how long it can last
A liquid-cooled PC can certainly look cool, but there are hurdles when mixing tech and water. Here's what you need to know to keep your rig running right.
These experimental EV batteries can eject themselves during a fire
EV battery fires are highly dangerous and difficult to extinguish, but is launching a battery pack out of the car a smart or realistic solution?
Pro Gamers typically don't use OLED monitors, but you most definitely can
Big tournaments favor LCD monitors, though perhaps not for the reasons you suspect. We'll explain why normal gamers can and should embrace OLED displays.
Chatbots might be coming to Apple’s HomeView
Code in the iOS 27.3 beta suggests that Apple could add support for chatbots to its smart home hub. There's a flag listed for a "Conversational Apps" category. While there are no …
How to set up Google Authenticator on a new phone
How to setup Google Authenticator on a new phone without causing a headache.
Your digital game library is yours, until it's not
Digital games you "buy" can be taken away at any time, and there are fewer options than ever for true game ownership.
The pros and cons of buying refurbished laptops
A properly refurbished laptop will get you a lot for your money, but not all refurb jobs are done to the same standard.
The game reverse engineering community is the latest casualty of AI
For years, decompilation communities thrived on the challenge of breaking down video games to their core code and adapting them. Then AI tools ruined the fun.
How to reset your Vizio TV back to factory settings
A factory reset shouldn't be your first instinct when your Vizio TV has issues, but it can sometimes be the only way to fix them. Thankfully, it's quite simple.
Can a hacker really do anything with your IP address?
Your IP address won't give a hacker your passwords, yet it can point attackers to your home network. Here's what IPv6 changes and how to stay protected.
Streaming vs. downloading: Which uses more battery and data?
Does it make more sense to download in advance, or should you stream whenever possible? Video and sound quality have an impact on battery and data usage.
Avoid these common mistakes when buying a new monitor
Many monitor buying mistakes come from ignoring viewing distance, port limits, and HDR claims. These tips help you pick a screen that fits your needs.
There’s no slowing down media’s pivot-to-video 2.0
This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the pressures of creating content for the internet, follow Mia Sato. T…
Syncing Apple Music across your devices is easier than you think
One perk of subscribing to Apple Music is having your collection synced across all your devices - and all it takes is a simple toggle. Here's how.