Hardware · Top stories
Bluetooth Multipoint: A Key Feature for Modern Wireless Headphones
Bluetooth multipoint allows wireless headphones to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, enabling seamless audio switching without manual re-pairing. This feature addresses the inconvenience of manually switching Bluetooth connections between devices, which is a common frustration for users with multi-device setups.
Preventing Phone Overheating in Cars to Avoid Component Damage and Battery Issues
Smartphones can overheat in cars due to enclosed spaces and direct sunlight, potentially damaging internal components or causing battery thermal runaway. Users can mitigate this risk by adjusting the phone's environment and reducing internal heat generation. This information is important for smartphone users to prolong device lifespan and prevent safety hazards.
USB-C to USB-A Adapters and USB-C Hubs Remain Essential for Device Compatibility
USB-C to USB-A adapters and USB-C hubs are important for maintaining device compatibility in 2026 due to the continued presence of both USB-A and USB-C ports on various devices. These adapters allow users to connect newer USB-C accessories to older USB-A ports and vice versa, addressing the mixed port landscape in consumer electronics.
Troubleshooting Common Bluetooth Speaker Connection Issues
This guide outlines common problems encountered with Bluetooth speakers, such as connection failures or audio issues, and provides steps to resolve them. It details troubleshooting methods like restarting devices, re-pairing, and re-establishing connections to address wireless interruptions.
ESP32-C3 SuperMini WiFi Range Improved with Simple Antenna Modification
A modification involving a 31 mm silver-plated wire quarter-wavelength antenna significantly improved the WiFi range of ESP32-C3 SuperMini modules. This DIY solution addresses the limitations of the compact SMD antenna on the low-cost modules, offering better signal strength.
15-Year-Old Engineer Builds Cycloidal Gearbox and Python Generator Script
A 15-year-old engineer developed a cycloidal gearbox and a Python script to generate its design, demonstrating iterative improvements from a non-functional micro version to a working NEMA 17 compatible model. This project showcases practical application of engineering principles and parametric design for mechanical components.
Linux Port Developed for HP Prime G2 Graphing Calculator
A developer created a Linux port for the HP Prime G2 graphing calculator, enabling it to run a full operating system and applications like Doom. This development allows users to gain root access and expand the functionality of the device beyond its original calculator purpose.
Achieving 25 Gbps Thunderbolt Ethernet on Mac Studio with a DIY adapter
A user successfully configured a 25 Gbps Thunderbolt Ethernet connection on a Mac Studio using a custom adapter solution. This involved addressing software and hardware limitations to achieve higher network speeds than the built-in 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Gamer repurposes fanless Subway menu PCs for gaming, achieving low frame rates
A TechTuber converted Advantech DS-081 mini PCs, originally used for Subway sandwich menus, into gaming rigs. These fanless Intel Core i3 units, despite RAM upgrades, delivered only 15 fps in GTA V and 25 fps in Minecraft, demonstrating their limited gaming capability.
Macro Pads Offer Programmable Keys for Enhanced Workflow Beyond Standard Peripherals
Standalone macro pads provide additional programmable keys, knobs, and dials that can be used alongside a keyboard and mouse to streamline workflows. These devices offer a solution for users who require more shortcut keys than standard peripherals provide, especially when working across multiple applications.
Understanding mAh and its limited impact on smartphone battery life
Smartphone battery capacity, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), indicates the amount of current a battery can provide for one hour. While a higher mAh suggests more power, factors like processor, display, software optimization, and usage patterns significantly influence actual battery longevity more than the raw mAh number. This information helps consumers understand that a larger mAh alone does not guarantee extended battery life.
DIY Project Automates Analog AC Unit with ESP32 and Stepper Motor
A software engineer developed a custom home automation solution for an analog AC unit using an ESP32 microcontroller, a stepper motor, and Home Assistant. This project allows remote control of the AC without modifying the rental property's existing hardware, addressing a common challenge in older buildings.
Soundbars improve TV audio quality, addressing limitations of flat-screen speakers
Modern flat-screen TVs often have poor sound quality due to small, internal speakers, making dialogue difficult to hear. Affordable soundbars offer a solution to this issue by providing better audio reproduction. The Sony Theater Bar 5 is highlighted as an option that prioritizes sound quality over extra features.
Guide to Safely Buying Second-Hand PC Hardware Amidst Market Price Increases
This guide provides advice on how to avoid scams when purchasing used PC components and systems, a practice becoming more common due to rising prices for new hardware. It outlines strategies for utilizing marketplace protections and identifying fraudulent listings to mitigate risks for buyers.
Tips for improving webcam appearance for video calls without professional equipment
This guide provides advice on optimizing webcam appearance for video calls, focusing on practical adjustments rather than expensive hardware. It emphasizes that high-resolution webcams are often unnecessary due to platform limitations and suggests prioritizing features like a narrow field of view and robust software for manual settings. These recommendations help users achieve a more professional look in virtual meetings.
Swimming Headphones Differ from Regular Headphones in Water Resistance, Sound Conduction, and Storage
Swimming headphones are distinct from regular headphones due to their waterproofing, built-in storage for music playback underwater, and use of bone conduction technology. These features address the challenges of water interfering with Bluetooth signals and traditional air-vibration sound transmission. The differences matter for users seeking to listen to audio while swimming, as standard headphones are ineffective in water.
Understanding Motherboard VRMs: Function, Components, and Importance for CPU Power Delivery
This article explains what Voltage Regulation Modules (VRMs) are, their components, and their function in delivering stable power to a CPU. It details how VRMs convert power supply voltage to the lower voltage required by the CPU and manage heat generation, which is critical for high-performance processors.
Testing Old Drives as External Storage to Counter High SSD Prices
A recent analysis explored using older internal hard drives, SATA SSDs, and NVMe drives with external enclosures as a cost-effective alternative to expensive new external SSDs. The testing compared the performance of these DIY solutions against dedicated external storage, providing insights into their suitability for various tasks. This matters as it offers a practical solution for users to repurpose existing hardware for external storage needs, potentially saving money amidst rising prices for new external drives.
Distinguishing Between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 for Peripheral Connections
USB 3.0 offers significantly faster data transfer speeds and higher power output compared to USB 2.0. Understanding these differences helps users connect peripherals to the appropriate port for optimal performance, reserving faster ports for bandwidth-intensive devices.
Guide to upgrading MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC with a 2TB SSD
A guide details the process of replacing the 1TB SSD in an MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ handheld gaming PC with a 2TB PNY CS2150 PCIe 5.0 SSD. This upgrade addresses the limited storage capacity of the device, which quickly fills up with game installations.
Guide to Safely Cleaning USB Ports for Device Functionality
A guide details methods for safely cleaning USB ports to resolve issues like unstable connections or charging problems. It recommends using plastic or wooden toothpicks and compressed air, while advising against WD-40 or Q-tips.
Transistor Animations Visualize Electron and Hole Movement in BJTs, MOSFETs, and JFETs
New animations created using a semiconductor simulator illustrate the internal workings of NPN BJTs, n-ch MOSFETs, and n-ch JFETs. These visualizations show electron and hole movement, recombination events, and current/voltage at terminals, providing an educational tool for understanding semiconductor physics.
Scanwheel: A DIY Drum-Style Mechanical Television Project
A new open-source project called Scanwheel provides instructions and components to build a drum-style mechanical television. This project allows hobbyists to construct a functional mechanical television using readily available components and 3D-printed parts, offering a hands-on experience with historical display technology.
Guide to programming Roku remotes for voice control of non-Roku TVs
This guide explains how to configure a Roku remote to control basic functions and use voice commands on a non-Roku television. The process involves navigating Roku settings and ensuring the TV supports HDMI-CEC.
Improved Dock Reliability with New Monitor Setup
Switching to an ASUS ROG Swift monitor resolved intermittent issues of docking station wake failures. This change highlights potential improvements in hardware compatibility and performance, which can enhance user experience.
Samsung 990 Pro 4TB M.2 SSD price drops 27% to $799.90
The 4TB Samsung 990 Pro M.2 SSD is now available for $799.90, a 27% reduction from its previous price of $1,099. This price drop makes the high-capacity PCIe Gen 4 drive more accessible despite general increases in memory and storage costs.
Ninja Launches Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer with FusionCrisp Technology
Ninja introduced the Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer, a new appliance combining a 1,000W microwave and a 1,700W air fryer. This device uses FusionCrisp technology to integrate both cooking methods, aiming to provide crispy results for foods typically reheated in a microwave.
CUKTECH 15 PowerStation offers 140W charging with multiple ports and wireless options
CUKTECH released the 15 PowerStation, a 140W GaN desktop charger. It features multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, a retractable USB-C cable, and dual wireless charging pads, along with a diagnostic display. This device consolidates charging for up to six devices simultaneously.
Ikea Varmblixt Smart Lamp Discounted by $20 to $79.99
Ikea's Varmblixt smart lamp is on sale for $79.99, a $20 reduction from its original price, until November 11th. This donut-shaped lamp supports Matter for smart home integration and offers hundreds of colors.
Nothing Ear (3) A Earbuds Match All-Time Low Price of $79
Nothing's Ear (3) A noise-canceling earbuds are available for $79 at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy, matching their lowest price since launch. This discount makes the earbuds a more competitive option for consumers seeking budget-friendly audio with active noise cancellation and customizable EQ.
Statik PowerStand USB-C cable includes integrated phone kickstand
Statik released the PowerStand, a USB-C cable with a built-in kickstand for phones. This product offers a portable solution for propping up a phone while charging or viewing content, addressing a common travel inconvenience.
Huawei Watch D3 offers medical-grade blood pressure tracking with wrist-worn airbag
Huawei has released the Watch D3, a new smartwatch featuring a wrist-worn mechanical airbag for medical-grade blood pressure monitoring. This device provides real-time data and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, addressing a global health concern.
Creality Pika 3D Scanner Offers Portable, Affordable Scanning for Hobbyists
The Creality Pika is a new portable 3D scanner designed for hobbyists, offering cordless operation with mobile phones and a compact, lightweight design. It aims to make 3D scanning more accessible due to its lower price point compared to professional models.
Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D Printer Reaches All-Time Low Price of $299.99
The Anycubic Kobra X Multicolor 3D printer is now available for $299.99 on Amazon for Prime members, marking its lowest price since launch. This 17% discount makes the Kobra X a more accessible option for multicolor 3D printing, offering features like an integrated multimaterial system and fast print speeds.
Kuxiu Releases Burgundy D5 5-in-1 Charging Station Matching iPhone 18 Pro
Kuxiu has released a new burgundy version of its D5 5-in-1 charging station, designed to match the iPhone 18 Pro's new color. The charger offers Qi2.2 25W wireless charging, an Apple Watch puck, AirPods mat, built-in cooling, and a diagnostics display. This release provides a color-matched charging solution for new iPhone users.
WD Black SN770M 2TB SSD price drops to $259.99, 8% above launch price
The WD Black SN770M 2TB M.2 2230 SSD is now available for $259.99, returning close to its original launch price after a period of increased costs. This price reduction makes the SSD a viable option for users looking to expand storage in gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
MSI Claw A1M Handheld Gaming PC on Clearance at Best Buy for $562.99
Best Buy is offering the original MSI Claw (A1M) handheld gaming PC for $562.99 as a clearance item. This price makes it a competitive option compared to other handhelds, despite its Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor having higher power consumption.
Ugreen 10-port Gigabit PoE+ switch drops to new record low price of $37.79 on Amazon
The Ugreen 10-port Gigabit PoE+ switch is currently available on Amazon for $37.79, marking a new record low price. This device provides eight PoE+ ports for power and data delivery over Ethernet, which is useful for expanding home networks with smart devices.
SUIDEK offers USB DVD drives with integrated M.2 SSD slots and USB hubs
SUIDEK is selling external USB DVD drives that include additional features like M.2 NVMe SSD docks, SATA hard drive docks, and USB hubs. These devices provide expanded connectivity and storage options for users needing to access older media or add storage to systems lacking optical drives.
SinLoon External PC Power Button with Mechanical Keys Available for $11.19
SinLoon's external PC power button, featuring mechanical keyboard keys and RGB lighting, is available for $11.19 during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days. This gadget allows users to power on or restart their PC from their desk, connecting via a 2-meter cable and a splitter to the motherboard's front panel headers.