From Engadget · 40 stories
First Drive Review of the Slate Truck, a Minimalist Electric Utility Vehicle
A first drive review of the Slate Truck highlights its minimalist design, focusing on utility over luxury. The vehicle offers a simplified electric truck experience with customization options, targeting a specific niche in the automotive market.
Evaluating Remote Car Starter Options in 2026: Aftermarket vs. Automaker Subscriptions
The landscape for remote car starters has evolved with factory apps, subscription models, and smartphone integration. Consumers must now weigh the convenience and long-term costs of automaker subscriptions against aftermarket systems, especially for newer vehicles.
Amazon Echo Dot vs. Echo Dot Max: Key Differences in Specs and Price
Amazon's Echo Dot Max offers better bass, a newer processor, and Wi-Fi 6E support compared to the standard Echo Dot. The Echo Dot Max is priced at $100, double the cost of the $50 Echo Dot, and is aimed at music enthusiasts requiring more robust audio performance.
Apple Watch SE 3 Price Difference Explained by Design and Feature Changes
The Apple Watch SE 3, launched in September 2025, is $150 cheaper than the Series 11 due to differences in design, materials, and omitted features. These trade-offs include smaller sizes, a less bright and durable display, and the absence of ECG and blood oxygen apps. The SE 3 does offer an always-on display, 5G, and a more powerful chip compared to its predecessor, the SE 2.
Canon EOS R6 V Camera Review: Pro Vlogging Features in a Mirrorless Body
Canon's new EOS R6 V camera offers professional video features like RAW video, open gate, and active cooling in a mirrorless body, positioning it as a competitor in the vlogging camera market. The camera, priced at $2,500, features a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor and is designed primarily for video production, with some compromises for still photography.
Smartwatches, including Apple Watch, are inaccurate at calorie tracking, study finds
A Stanford University School of Medicine study in 2024 found that smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, are inaccurate at tracking calorie expenditure, despite accurately measuring heart rate. This inaccuracy stems from wearables' inability to measure metabolism, relying instead on estimations from other data points.
Apple Silicon enables fanless MacBook Air design due to improved power efficiency
Apple removed cooling fans from the MacBook Air starting with the M1 model in late 2020, transitioning from Intel processors to its own M-series silicon. This change was possible because Apple's M-series chips are more power-efficient and use passive heat dissipation through the aluminum case, leading to silent operation, reduced weight, and improved battery life.
Airplane Mode Provides Negligible Charging Speed Increase for Smartphones
Enabling airplane mode on a smartphone during charging can marginally increase charging speed by 4 to 11 minutes, but this benefit is often outweighed by the phone's reduced functionality. The feature primarily disables wireless transmissions like cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, which conserves battery by preventing the phone from searching for signals. This information clarifies a common belief about smartphone charging efficiency.
IMAX 70mm vs. Digital IMAX: Understanding the Differences in Cinema Formats
This article explains the technical and experiential differences between IMAX 70mm film projection and digital IMAX, noting that IMAX 70mm offers superior resolution and immersion. It highlights the rarity and high cost associated with producing and exhibiting films in the IMAX 70mm format. The information clarifies why certain films are promoted for their IMAX 70mm presentation.
IP68 Rating Misleading for Phone Water Resistance, Warranties Often Exclude Water Damage
The IP68 rating for smartphones, while indicating water resistance, does not guarantee full waterproofing in real-world conditions, and most phone warranties do not cover liquid damage. The testing conditions for IP ratings differ significantly from typical use, leading to potential user misunderstanding about device durability.
Review: Alienware 15 is the company's first budget gaming laptop
Alienware released the Alienware 15, its first budget gaming laptop, which aims to provide an affordable option in a market with rising component costs. This product launch marks a shift for Alienware, known for premium devices, into a more accessible price point for gamers.
GoPro Wireless Mic System reviewed: an audio upgrade with fixable flaws
GoPro has released its first Wireless Mic System in 2026, entering a competitive market for camera audio accessories. The system offers direct connectivity, good battery life, and sound quality, addressing a long-standing need for GoPro users seeking better audio for vlogging.
USB-B's Historical Role and Its Decline in Popularity
USB-B connectors were introduced in 1996 alongside USB-A but never gained widespread usage. Their specific role for peripherals and bulk design limited their adoption compared to the more versatile USB-A and USB-C.
Using Roku TV Without Internet Access: Options and Features
Roku TVs can still provide entertainment without internet access through USB drives and local networks. Users can download content to USB devices or stream from a network-attached storage device, maximizing functionality despite connectivity issues.
Understanding USB4: Why High-Performance Cables Matter
USB-C ports offer various performance capabilities due to different standards, with USB4 offering the highest data transfer rates. USB4 cables support speeds up to 80 Gbps and enhance power and data transfer efficiency, making them a key upgrade for tech setups demanding high performance. This differentiation is crucial as users may assume uniformity across USB-C connections.
Understanding iPad and iPhone Charging Speeds
iPhones and iPads can charge faster than many users realize, but Apple provides limited charging speed information. This can lead to the use of outdated chargers, impacting device performance and battery longevity.
Android devices generally do not require third-party antivirus applications
Modern Android smartphones typically do not need third-party antivirus applications due to built-in security features like Google Play Protect, app sandboxing, and regular security updates. While Android is susceptible to malware, its integrated protections are often sufficient for the average user, though specific use cases might warrant additional security.
Requirements for Watching Dolby Vision Content on Netflix Detailed
Netflix offers content in Dolby Vision, but users need a Premium subscription, compatible hardware, specific settings, and adequate internet speed to access it. This guide outlines the necessary steps and equipment to enable Dolby Vision viewing on the platform.
Understanding Bluetooth Codecs and Their Impact on Audio Quality
Bluetooth codecs determine the quality of audio transmitted wirelessly, acting as methods to encode and decode audio data between a source and a Bluetooth device. The quality depends on factors like bit rate, audio bit depth, and sample rate, with Bluetooth's 2 Mbps cap preventing true lossless audio without Wi-Fi. This information is important for users seeking to optimize their wireless audio experience by understanding the technical limitations and capabilities of different codecs.
Apple Watch Battery Replacement Costs $99 Through Apple, DIY Options Available
Apple offers a battery replacement service for the Apple Watch for a flat fee of $99, which can extend the device's lifespan. This service is also available through authorized retailers like Best Buy, typically taking about a week to complete.
Troubleshooting Apple CarPlay: Addressing Common Connection Issues and Radio Interference
Apple CarPlay users experiencing connection problems may find solutions through basic troubleshooting steps, such as checking cables, restarting devices, and ensuring Siri is enabled. Additionally, radio interference, particularly in the 2.4GHz band, can cause CarPlay and Android Auto connections to drop in specific locations, leading to navigation failures.
Guide to Requesting Refunds for Xbox Digital Games and Subscriptions
Microsoft provides a process for Xbox users to request refunds for digital games, apps, add-ons, and subscriptions through Xbox Support online. Eligibility for refunds depends on factors like purchase date, playtime, and the type of content, with specific conditions for games and pre-orders.
Analog vs. Digital TV: Understanding Broadcast Technology Evolution
This article explains the differences between analog and digital television broadcasting, tracing the evolution from early analog systems to modern digital standards like ATSC 3.0. It highlights how digital television brought improvements such as high definition and more consistent feeds, while also noting current concerns regarding accessibility during the NextGen TV transition.
Understanding USB Trident Symbols and Port Capabilities
The USB trident symbol, used since the late 1990s, indicates USB 2.0 when alone, offering 480Mbps bandwidth. Later USB 3 versions (3.0, 3.1, 3.2) were identified by the trident with "SS" and speed in Gbps, and have since been renamed to USB 5Gbps, USB 10Gbps, and USB 20Gbps respectively. This information helps users identify port capabilities for optimal device connection and data transfer speeds.
Understanding Hybrid Car Battery Failures and Their Implications
Hybrid cars contain two batteries: a low-voltage auxiliary battery and a larger traction battery. The failure of either battery type results in different symptoms and operational issues for the vehicle.
Distinguishing USB4 from USB-C: Understanding the Latest USB Standard and Connector
USB-C is a connector type, while USB4 is a data transfer standard that uses the USB-C connector. USB4 offers significantly faster data transfer speeds and supports video output, making it a notable upgrade for newer hardware.
Challenges of Switching from iPhone to Android
Switching from an iPhone to an Android device presents challenges primarily due to Apple's ecosystem lock-in, despite improvements in data migration. Users may lose functionality with Apple accessories like AirPods and Apple Watch when paired with Android devices. This impacts users considering a platform change, highlighting the friction between the two mobile operating systems.
Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition reviewed as capable but overpriced
A review of the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition highlights its lightweight design, OLED screen, and Intel Core Ultra 7 355 processor as positive attributes. However, the laptop's price, exceeding $2,000, is deemed too high, attributed to current memory and SSD costs.
Samsung's foldable phone price hikes reflect broader industry trend
Samsung increased prices by $100 across its new foldable phone lineup, a move seen as part of a wider industry trend of rising device costs. This trend is attributed to factors like the AI bubble's impact on component pricing and general economic pressures. Other manufacturers like Google and Apple are also anticipated to raise prices on their upcoming devices.
Dash Cam Legality Varies by State, Requiring Specific Placement Rules
Dash cam usage is legal across all US states, but specific regulations regarding their placement and size differ significantly. Drivers must be aware of these state-specific laws to avoid legal issues, especially when traveling across state lines.
Guide to optimizing MacBook battery life and health through system settings
A guide details how to adjust MacBook settings to improve battery life and longevity. It covers checking battery health, optimizing charging, using Low Power Mode, and managing display brightness to extend the device's operational time.
Understanding Photo Upscaling Methods for Improved Image Quality
Different photo upscaling methods, such as nearest-neighbor, bilinear, and bicubic, produce varying results depending on the image type. Selecting the appropriate method can minimize issues like blurriness or pixelation when enlarging images. This information helps users achieve better quality when resizing photos for different purposes.
Distinguishing HDMI Splitters from HDMI Switches for Home Entertainment Setups
HDMI switches and splitters serve different functions in managing HDMI connections; switches allow multiple sources to share one display input, while splitters send one source to multiple displays. Understanding their distinct purposes helps users select the correct device for their home theater needs. This differentiation is crucial for optimizing connectivity and reducing wear on HDMI ports.
Digital Wallets: Benefits and Limitations of Mobile Payment Systems
Digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Wallet have become widely accepted payment methods, offering convenience and the ability to store various digital items beyond payment cards. While they provide advantages such as reduced physical wallet dependency and faster transactions, users should be aware of their limitations and not rely solely on them for payments.
Guide to Clearing Cache on iPhone Browsers
This guide explains how to clear the cache on an iPhone, focusing on Safari and Chrome browsers. Clearing cache can resolve app issues or free up storage, though it is not a long-term solution for storage problems.
MacBook External Monitor Support Varies by Chip and Model
Apple's MacBook models support different numbers of external monitors, with capabilities determined by the specific M-series chip inside. The MacBook Neo supports one external display, while the M5 Max MacBook Pro can drive up to four, with resolution and refresh rate also varying by model. This information helps users understand the display limitations and capabilities of their MacBook for desktop workstation setups.
Guide to fixing stick drift on PS5 and Xbox controllers through cleaning and resets
This guide provides methods to address stick drift issues on PS5 DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controllers, focusing on cleaning, resetting, and firmware updates. It offers practical steps for users experiencing unintended input from their controllers.
Formatting USB Drives on Windows: Data Security and Drive Optimization
Formatting a USB drive on Windows is crucial for data security and drive optimization, as simply deleting files does not prevent data recovery. A full format overwrites existing data, clears malware, and optimizes the drive for stability, making it suitable for both new and old drives.
Roku Devices Can Connect to Wi-Fi and Pair Remotes Without a Physical Remote
Roku devices can connect to Wi-Fi using the Roku mobile app, a mobile hotspot, or an Ethernet cable, even without a physical remote. This allows users to regain internet access if their remote is lost or the Wi-Fi network changes. Additionally, modern Roku remotes, which use Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, require pairing, a process that can be done after a replacement or factory reset by putting both the device and remote into pairing mode.
Differences Between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 2.4G Wireless Technologies Explained
This article clarifies the distinctions between Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 2.4G wireless technologies, detailing their primary uses, performance characteristics, and power consumption. It explains that Wi-Fi provides network access, higher speeds, and longer range, while Bluetooth and 2.4G are suited for short-range device connections with lower power usage.