5 smart home gadgets I consider completely non-negotiable - and why
These smart home gadgets elevate my home and routine. Here's why you may want them too.
This free Mac tool lets me see which apps are quietly accessing the internet - and block them fast
I try to be diligent about my default firewall policies and which apps access the internet. A simple-to-use tool called Firewally makes it easy.
Microsoft patches record 570 Windows security bugs with two exploited zero days - update now
The July Patch Tuesday Windows update breaks the record for the most security bugs fixed in a single month, with three zero-day flaws and 61 rated critical.
I let ChatGPT Work and Claude Cowork loose on my files - only one made me nervous
How does ChatGPT Work compare with Claude Cowork for desktop automation? My testing reveals similar results, similar strengths, and one major reason Claude currently feels considerably safer right now.
Sony Bravia Theater vs. Sonos: I've used both home theaters - here's how to choose
Sony and Sonos have spectacular, high-performing home theater gear. But personal preferences matter more than brand name alone.
I highly recommend Nomad's chargers, phone cases, and watch bands - and my favorites are on sale now
Nomad's tech accessories rarely go on sale, but now is your chance to scoop up some of our favorites at over 20% off.
OpenVPN 3 ways: Which is the right version for you?
OpenVPN offers three modes of deployment with varied pricing based on the same underlying protocol. Here are the pros, cons, and costs associated with each.
Four months with my first home battery taught me what whole-home backup really means
Anker's Solix E10 made backup power understandable for this first-timer, and I can't wait to expand the system.
7 Britons among 13 killed in Spain wildfire; grieving family says 'heartbroken'
UK proposes overnight social media curfew for 16, 17-year-olds
I tested my USB-C cables with this free Mac app - some weren't what they claimed
WhatCable is a free Mac app that gives you all the information you could need for your USB-C cables.
I tested Google Maps vs. Waze to find the best navigation app - and this one wins
Want to know whether Waze or Google Maps is better? I've driven with both for hundreds of miles. Here's my choice.
Why I'm using wired Android Auto when all the cool kids are switching to wireless
Sometimes, you have to dial back the tech to make ends meet.
I tested the Ultrahuman Ring Pro: It's a biohacker's dream that's not for me
The brand's latest ring comes with extensive features, but it's both larger and more expensive than the previous version.
The only Apple Watch strap you'll ever need is down to its lowest price yet
I have multiple Apple Watch straps, but I keep coming back to the Nomad Stratos Band for its classy looks and sporty comfort.
Google Search will let you instantly generate AI images for free - here's how
With the latest update to Google Images, you can generate your own images directly inside the AI Overviews.
I'm a serial Linux distro hopper - these 7 signs mean it's time to switch
If you're looking to try a different Linux distribution, it's time you do the 'distro hop.' But why does this phenomenon seem inevitable for so many users?
These 5 gadgets will upgrade your Apple Watch - and I recommend them
These are my tried-and-true favorite Apple Watch accessories, and some of them are on sale now.
How to install the MacOS 27 public beta on your Mac today - it's live now
MacOS 27 will go live on all eligible MacBooks this fall, but you can opt into the public beta now. Here's how.
SEO is not dead: 5 ways to win more citations from AI search
Now that AI chat is becoming the new status quo of search engines, the rules for staying visible have changed for small businesses and solopreneurs.
I changed these 12 YouTube settings to limit Shorts, stop autoplay, protect my privacy, and more
YouTube works well with default settings, but I tighten some privacy controls and enable a few features to make it even better.
The update is the biggest visual change in a decade, and it makes navigating much easier.
I tested COSMIC's new Frosted Glass effect, and it's way better than MacOS' Liquid Glass
This simply gorgeous Linux desktop just stole the UI crown from Apple's Liquid Glass.
Is that QR code a trap? How to spot quishing scams before it's too late
A QR code phishing scheme can take many forms. Here's how to recognize them and avoid becoming a victim.
How I tag my files to avoid endless searching and disorganized folders
File managers are often overlooked as one of the most important tools in an operating system. Try this and see if you don't agree!
The best all-in-one computers of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
We tested the best all-in-one computers that combine the power of a desktop PC with a slim, lightweight design.
I loved ChatGPT Desktop until OpenAI gutted it to make room for Codex and Work
OpenAI just merged the ChatGPT desktop app with Codex - and removed my favorite productivity features. What were they thinking?
Meet Victoria Gowramma, Indian princess raised inside Buckingham Palace
The tale of Princess Gowramma, daughter of the last Raja of Kodagu, begins with her baptism in London, where Queen Victoria assumed the role of her godmother and named her Victoria Gowramma. After marrying Colonel John Campbell and having a daughter, she encountered societal bias due to her appearance. Tragically, Princess Victoria Gowramma passed away from tuberculosis, her remarkable story fading into obscurity over time.
British hikers found alive in ravine after Spain wildfire leaves them with 40% burns
The best email hosting for small businesses in 2026: Expert tested
I tested Google Workspace, Proton Mail, Microsoft 365, Fastmail, and Spike to find the best email hosting for freelancers and remote teams in 2026.
Watch: UK Armed Forces cheer on England with 'Norway may row, England roars' message
Why modern-day Viking Erling Haaland has a very 'English' name
The 'learn to code' era is over - and employers are on the hook for reskilling now
AI's ushered in a new era of reskilling. Here's what the industry can learn from the last decade's drive to put people in tech jobs.
UK proposes plain vape packaging, flavour ban in crackdown on youth vaping
Best wireless chargers of 2026: Expert tested
We tested the top wireless chargers from brands like Anker and Nomad to find the ones that make powering your devices easier than ever.
The best VPS hosting services for 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
If you need more power than shared hosting services can provide, the top VPS hosting providers can give you the dedicated resources and scalability needed to push your project to the next level.
The best HDMI cables of 2026: Expert reviewed
I tested the top HDMI cables from leading brands to find the most dependable options for clear audio and video.
The best smart rings of 2026: Expert tested
I tested several top smart rings including the new Oura Ring 5. These are the ones I recommend.
Former Conservative MP, Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78
I set up a solar panel security camera in my yard - and the image quality beat my Ring
The TP-Link Tapo C465 is a wireless security camera with a built-in solar panel for power, and it doesn't require a subscription.
I'm a Windows user who installed Linux for the first time - here's how the experience changed me
I put Ubuntu on an old Dell laptop to see if Linux could really replace Windows 11. See why my final destination was so worth the speed bumps.
I tested ChatGPT's Live Voice upgrade, and it almost felt human - how to try it
The latest GPT Live Voice models can listen, speak, and conduct online research all at the same time. Does it feel like you're talking with a real person? Almost.
Best Buy is selling a 70-inch Insignia TV for just $350 - why I recommend it
Upgrade your home theater with a big-screen Insignia F50 for less than $400 right now at Best Buy.
Your Tenda router could have a hidden firmware backdoor - disable this setting ASAP
Until Tenda patches the backdoor to its popular routers, you have one defense option.
I found an Android launcher so good that I don't miss Nova anymore
After spending just 5 minutes with Octopi, I made it my default home screen launcher - it's that perfect! There are free and Pro versions.
The best 15-inch laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
Looking for a new 15-inch laptop? We've tested the best ones this year from Apple, Lenovo, Asus, and Samsung.
I've used Linux for 30 years - here's how I'd rank DistroWatch's top 10
DistroWatch says these are the top Linux distros. I say this order is better.
Companies embracing AI the most are hiring more people - including entry-level, report finds
A new report reveals growth at companies deemed 'high intensity adopters' of AI.
I gave Claude Cowork 7 non-coding jobs, and it earned a spot in my toolbox
Claude Cowork is brilliant, unnerving, and far more useful than I expected.
Meta's new AI feature lets people create images from your Instagram posts - how to opt out
Any public Instagram account is fair game to be used for AI generation with Meta's new Muse Image.
Best blood pressure watches: I tested the top models that actually work
I tested some of the top blood pressure watches available, and considered medical research and current FDA guidance, to help you choose the best one for your needs.
The best malware removal software of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
Think your device is infected? Try out our favorite software to remove malware and restore your security.
Microsoft's new Windows 11 recovery tool is the ultimate Undo button - how to enable it
After a CrowdStrike update caused millions of Windows PCs worldwide to crash in July 2024, Microsoft announced the Windows Resiliency Initiative. The new Point-in-time Restore feature is a key part of that.
I overhauled my WFH office - these 5 gadgets made the cut (including a cheap cord wrangler)
After moving and obtaining a new health diagnosis, I made a few changes to my WFH setup. Here's what changed (and why).
I tried Claude Cowork on my Gmail inbox after Gemini choked - and it saved me hours of work
Gmail's AI failed at a nuanced research task, but Claude Cowork found the right pitches, quotes, and permissions, proving connected AI assistants may finally help tackle some aspects of email overload.
I tested the Roborock Saros 20, and I'd trust it for the next decade
Roborock took its flagship robot vacuum and really improved it, while keeping the same price. Here's how.
AI Model Release Tracker: Fable 5 access extended to July 12
Sort the meaningful releases from the hype. This tracker keeps new models in context with their peers, so you know which are worth your time.
GitHub's former CEO launches a distributed Git network built for the agentic coding age
The developer tools startup said it's building better infrastructure for a future run by coding agents.
Why we're all posting less on social media these days
Americans are getting quieter and more selective about what they share online. And, honestly, same.
3 Android Auto automations that make my drives much easier - and how I set them up
Android automations are nothing new, but incorporating them into you car can change your drive.
Prince Harrys Daily Mail loss may come with 50 million legal bill
Prince Harry and other prominent figures lost their case against the Daily Mail publisher. They had accused the company of unlawful information-gathering methods over many years. The judge dismissed all claims, stating insufficient proof of wrongdoing was presented. The claimants now face a substantial legal bill of around fifty million pounds. Associated Newspapers Ltd welcomed the ruling, calling the claims preposterous and misguided.
Why leaving extension cords plugged in permanently is riskier than you realize
Sure, home extension cords and power strips are handy, but they also result in thousands of preventable fires each year. Here's how to use them more safely.
Your Windows 11 PC might be hiding a 500GB storage bug - how to check
A glitch in Windows 11 causes a specific system file to keep growing in size, though a patch is available. Here's what you need to know about it.
I connected ChatGPT to my bank, and it's my go-to finance app now - here's how (and why)
With ChatGPT Finances, I can see all my money, investments, and debts in one place - and I can ask AI what it all means.
