Hardware & Devices
Flat Ethernet cables probably aren't the answer to your home networking problem
For the most reliable performance, round Ethernet cables are generally superior.
The reason why your drive shows less storage than you paid for
Despite showing the storage amount on the box or the spec sheet, your new device might not actually hold as much as it states. Here are the reasons why.
Lenovo’s fast, comfy SteamOS handheld is hundreds off
The Legion Go S with SteamOS is a pretty solid alternative to the $789 Steam Deck OLED. It runs identical software, but ships in a design with two-stage triggers, a bigger eight-i…
iOS 27's new CarPlay features are great, but only these iPhones can actually use them
With the release of iOS 27, car owners with CarPlay support can enjoy lots of cool new features. However, not all iPhone models are able to support them all.
The reason your Amazon Alexa devices are always listening
Alexa devices have microphones that are always listening, but what does Amazon do with that data? It's up to you.
J Mascis has nothing better to do
Dinosaur Jr. frontman J Mascis is known as something of a slacker guitar god. He stands stoically onstage, barely moving, as he seemingly effortlessly works through deft guitar so…
These 6 retro sites let you relive the glory days of 2000s Flash games
Flash hasn't been around for over half a decade, but thanks to archivists, you can still enjoy this era of the internet.
Your smart TV has one big problem: It's tracking what you watch
If you don't want your TV manufacturer to know everything you watch, here's what to do about it.
Trump says Google kisses his ass
During a rally on Saturday, October 17th, in Highland Heights, Kentucky, Donald Trump bragged about how much more powerful and influential he was during his second term. While lis…
How to use your Windows PC to make and receive phone calls
Windows 11 can connect to your phone to make calls, letting you manage them in one place instead of picking up your phone.
The best gadget I bought this year is a milk frother
Back in February, I went to Los Angeles to take in some art and stayed in Koreatown. Down the street from my hotel, there was this little coffee shop - Stagger - that is, I think,…
How overhead projectors took over your classroom
It used to be so easy to get away with things in school. The teacher, after all, was always turned around writing at the chalkboard! But then came a bit of technology, previously …
Why it's important to avoid plugging in a damaged external hard drive
External hard drives are sensitive, and what seems like a minor drop can cause major damage that should be checked by a professional.
Why are internet upload speeds so much slower than download speeds?
Uploading data tends to be much slower than downloading, and it turns out there's a very good explanation for it.
Why you might not want to join two Ethernet cables (and what you should do instead)
Joining two Ethernet cables together with a coupler is rare, but when your cords are suddenly too short, there are better options to extend your network.
Cities want to put the boot on robotaxis
This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on autonomous vehicles, policy, and road rules, follow Andrew J. Hawkins.…
You don't have to turn off your phone to switch SIM cards (but you probably should)
Swapping SIM cards isn't something you'll do all the time, but when it does come up, you should do it carefully.
What to check if your Nintendo Switch 2 isn't connecting to the TV
Your Nintendo Switch 2 is made to project its display to a TV. If it's not working, there are some things you should check.
OpenAI is building a humanoid robot, but the body isn't the real challenge
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wants a humanoid that can operate in a world designed for people, though the CEO says a robot 'brain' is a much bigger challenge.
These Samsung Galaxy tablets are in their last year of software support
Samsung's latest software update commitment for its tablets is great, but older devices can't take advantage of it.
Why your Wi-Fi speeds can drop in the evening, and what to do about it
Everyone getting online at the same time can slam the network, but working around these slowdowns is possible with a few tricks.
How to keep your smart home running even if the internet goes down
Smart home products most often harness Wi-Fi to function. But what can you do if you lose internet frequently?
Why it's important to monitor your PC's background processes
What your PC is doing in the background doesn't need to be a mystery. Learn about what's happening and how to spot when something looks wrong.
Don't throw away your old PlayStation — Do this instead
Older PlayStations may be past their prime, but there are several ways you can make use of these consoles.