Gadgets / Consumer Tech
In-depth reviews, breaking product releases, emerging trends in smartphones, wearables, smart home devices and everyday consumer hardware.
717 articles
Developer Hack Unlocks Dolby TrueHD Atmos on Apple TV 4K
A developer's workaround brings lossless Dolby TrueHD Atmos audio to the Apple TV 4K, bypassing official codec limits. The open-source method could reshape home theater streaming.
Ring Smart Lock Adds Manual Fallback to Prevent Lockouts
Ring's new smart lock introduces a mechanical override so users can always enter, even during power loss or app failure. The feature addresses growing concerns over smart home reliability.
Surface Laptop Ultra Reviews Reveal a Pricey MacBook Pro Challenger
Early reviews of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra praise its MacBook-like build and AI features but flag a steep price, modest battery life and lingering Windows software gaps.
Porch Security Tech Shifts From Cameras to Layered Defense Systems
Home security testing reveals a shift toward layered porch defense, where video doorbells, floodlights and smart locks work together rather than as standalone gadgets.
Sony ULT Tower 7 Redefines Portable Party Audio With 420W Output
Sony's new ULT Tower 7 delivers 420W of power and deep bass, challenging competitors in the portable party speaker market.
Plex Moves Beyond Streaming With Fandango Ticketing Integration
Plex has partnered with Fandango to let US users buy movie theater tickets directly from title pages, marking a major push into commerce and advertising attribution.
Neato Robotics Owners Build Custom Server to Revive Dead Robot Vacuums
A community-built custom server restores cloud-dependent Neato robot vacuums after the company shut down its backend, exposing the fragility of always-connected hardware.
Tesla's Flying Roadster Stunt Raises Questions About EV Innovation
Tesla unveiled a Roadster with SpaceX thrusters that can briefly fly, but the stunt raises doubts about whether it advances electric vehicle technology or serves as a distraction.
LG Display's FLiPP Tech Targets Laptops and Monitors Before TVs
LG Display's new FLiPP manufacturing process boosts OLED production efficiency from 75% to over 93%, with laptop and monitor panels expected by late 2027. TVs will wait several more years.
Retro Gadgets Are Back as Buyers Trade Smart Features for Simplicity
A wave of retro-inspired devices, from the Nokia 300 Charge to the Miko Cassette Player, signals a growing consumer shift away from feature-heavy smart tech.
Tesla Roadster's SpaceX Thrusters Raise Safety Questions
Tesla's new Roadster uses SpaceX-derived cold-gas thrusters and COPV tanks to perform jumps and flips. The stunt wowed crowds, but it raises real questions about safety and road legality.
Inside the 1,750 Programmable PCB Badges Built for Canada's Biggest Hackathon
A hardware team engineered 1,750 programmable PCB badges for Canada's largest hackathon, turning a wearable circuit board into a hands-on introduction to embedded development.
Hearing Experts Warn Noise Cancellation and Volume Limits Are Not Enough
A lead audiologist at Hear.com explains why consumer earbuds and ANC cannot replace professional hearing care, and how hair cell damage becomes permanent.
Surface Laptop Ultra Bets Big on Nvidia RTX Spark as PC Market Slumps
Microsoft's Surface Laptop Ultra pairs Nvidia's RTX Spark platform with ARM efficiency, targeting buyers who want one machine for gaming and AI work. It arrives as PC shipments fall 20 percent.
Xreal's New High-End Display Glasses Get a Brightness Boost
Xreal has launched upgraded high-end display glasses with a significant brightness boost, enhancing outdoor visibility and setting a new benchmark for wearable displays.
Apple's iPhone 18 Pro Battery Replacement Costs Climb Higher
Apple has raised the out-of-warranty battery replacement fee for its iPhone 18 Pro models, continuing a years-long trend of rising repair costs for flagship smartphones.
Samsung Smart Glasses Unveiled as Superlight Wearable
Samsung has unveiled its new Smart Glasses, a superlight wearable that signals a major push into AI-powered augmented reality and intensifies competition with Meta and Apple.
Smart Thermostats Take On Indoor Humidity as Dry Air Complaints Rise
Smart thermostats from Google Nest, Ecobee and Honeywell Home now monitor and manage indoor humidity, turning climate control into a year-round air quality tool for homeowners.
Apple TV 4K Refresh Adds Siri AI and A19 Chip to Living Room
Apple's new Apple TV 4K pairs an A19 chip with a dedicated AV1 decoder and upgraded Siri AI, tightening the company's grip on the smart home as streaming competition intensifies.