Author: Eternity Lab

Apple’s iPad 10, released in 2022, introduced an all-new design for the entry-level Apple tablet, with a bigger display and a more unified look in line with the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. While this tablet is slightly more expensive than its predecessor, it still includes the A14 Bionic chip, 5G capabilities, proper support for attaching the USB-C Apple Pencil magnetically, and more. Nonetheless, it’s hard to justify buying an iPad 10 in 2026, considering Apple is now on the iPad 11, with rumors suggesting a new model is expected to be released in 2026. 

There are two ways to think about Apple’s iPad 10 tablet: It’s offered at a very reasonable price, and it can be a very good choice for browsing the web, accessing social media apps, reading, and playing basic games. It’s also going to continue receiving updates for at least a few more years; Apple’s oldest supported iPad is the iPad 8, released in 2020. The iPad 10 is great for less techie-savvy users who just want to upgrade an older tablet or give the iPad a first chance now.

Buying an iPad 10 in 2026 can be a good option, but hear me out

The iPad 10 has been on the market for almost four years now. Unlike the iPhone 16 or even the Apple Watch Series 10, this device isn’t expected to receive many software updates in the coming years, since the other two are brand-new. Besides that, sitting at the end of Apple’s tablet lineup, its processor is nowhere near as good as the more recent versions. The A14 Bionic was available on the iPhone 12, and Apple currently offers the A19 as its most basic chip for the A series.

In addition, the iPad 10 starts at 64GB of storage, which is not even enough to update the iPad software. A common issue among iPad users, Apple’s most recent tablets have at least 128GB of storage, making it easier to get the latest software updates whenever they’re available.

Spending over $350 on a tablet that will be hard to update with a processor that’s already a bit old, and might lose the ability to get new software versions in the near future, doesn’t seem the smartest choice, even if the tablet itself is still reliable and will work as expected. 

iPad 12 will be a big update for customers

ridho try syahpitra/Shutterstock

While the iPad 12 is expected to have the same design as the current iPad, MacWorld says the biggest upgrade with this tablet will be its processor, as the company is expected to add the A19 chip, the same processor available on the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e. According to the publication, the A19 chip is 50% faster than the processor available on the iPad 11, and Apple would also boost this tablet with 8GB of RAM, which is almost 30% more than the previous model. These two changes would make this tablet compatible with Apple Intelligence, which is expected to get a major revamp starting this WWDC, once Apple introduces the all-new Siri powered by a Google Gemini model.

Besides that, not much is rumored to change about the iPad. It’s unclear whether Apple is improving the display, battery, or even the cameras, but from a longevity standpoint, the newer the iPad, the longer it will last, making your investment a ton more valuable. That said, this new tablet is expected to launch in the upcoming months, and it might be the best option for those looking for a new iPad to call their own.

Source

Proxima Studio/Shutterstock

Is your Wi-Fi router not delivering the strong connection you need throughout your home? There are various potential solutions to consider if your router still leaves dead zones where the connection is weak. One is to invest in a Wi-Fi range extender. Although a Wi-Fi mesh network may offer more thorough coverage and a faster overall connection, it’s a more expensive option than a range extender, which is often sufficient when only one or two rooms lack a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Of course, first you need to identify the signs that you actually need a Wi-Fi range extender.

As the name implies, a Wi-Fi extender works by picking up the signal from your router and extending it into a dead zone. Technically, rather than extending the actual home network, the extender leverages the connection from the router to create its own network that reaches spots the router can’t reach. Most extenders are small devices that can be plugged into electrical outlets somewhere between a router and a room where coverage is spotty. This simple and affordable solution may serve your needs if you notice any of the following warning signs.

Your Wi-Fi connection is inconsistent throughout the home

ParinPix/Shutterstock

A weak or inconsistent Wi-Fi connection throughout your whole property indicates the need for a solution that ensures more thorough coverage. Again, depending on factors like the size of your property, a Wi-Fi mesh network may be ideal in these circumstances. However, a Wi-Fi range extender could be more appropriate if the connection problems only seem to affect specific rooms.

Be aware that the results an extender delivers can depend heavily on its placement. The strength of the wireless signal an extender receives from the router will determine the strength of the signal it provides. By conducting Wi-Fi speed tests throughout your home, you can identify the room or space closest to the dead zone where the signal is nevertheless still strong. This is usually the right spot in which to install a Wi-Fi range extender.

Luckily, these devices tend to be relatively easy to install and even to move around. If you find that an extender isn’t delivering the results you need, you could install it in a new spot. You might have to experiment with a few different locations before finding the perfect one.

Your home is large or contains certain building materials

New Africa/Shutterstock

Even a strong Wi-Fi router may struggle to provide full coverage when a home is fairly large. If you live in a big space, and you don’t want to spend money on a full Wi-Fi mesh network, installing a strategically-placed extender or two could help close the gaps your Wi-Fi router can’t close on its own. Similarly, you might benefit from a Wi-Fi extender if you want to have consistent coverage even in outdoor sections of your property, like a shed or the backyard.

You might also account for the materials your home was built with when determining if a Wi-Fi range extender is a necessary purchase. For example, a Wi-Fi router can have trouble pushing its signal through concrete surfaces. If you have these types of surfaces throughout your home, a Wi-Fi range extender could help. Even if you technically get a signal in every room, a large home combined with the presence of building materials like concrete or bricks could limit the strength of the signal in particular areas. For instance, in some rooms, you might notice that buffering is more of a problem than in other spaces. An extender may fix this.

Moving your router doesn’t yield better results

SOLDATOOFF/Shutterstock

Even though a range extender is an affordable alternative to a Wi-Fi mesh network, in some cases, you might not have to spend any money at all to address your connectivity issues. You could first experiment with placing the router in a different spot or fiddling with the antennas to find out if that delivers the results you’re looking for. If you’re still not getting reliable coverage throughout the home, you can add an extender to your setup to see if that fixes the problem. It might be worth buying a full Wi-Fi mesh network if you’re still experiencing issues even after adding extenders to the mix.

That said, not all Wi-Fi extenders are created equal. Make sure you do your research to confirm you’re spending money on a unit that will deliver results. Most importantly, if you’re noticing inconsistent Wi-Fi connections in certain spots in your home, just know this isn’t necessarily something you have to live with. Whether you need an extender or a mesh network, odds are there’s a solution that will keep you connected regardless of where you are on your property.

Source

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Investing in a home security product that doesn’t make the grade may cost more than just a bout of disappointment. The very reason you purchased a security camera, floodlight, or sensor in the first place was to safeguard your home, business, and valuables, which is why it’s important to be thorough in your research. Fortunately, industry experts like Consumer Reports are more than willing to lend a hand. There are plenty of surveillance devices that Consumer Reports tested and approves of, but there’s also one video doorbell they highlighted that you should completely avoid: the Eufy Video Doorbell S220.

This came as a bit of a shock to us, because Eufy isn’t usually a brand that makes it onto “don’t buy” lists. But it seems as though this battery-powered doorbell cam is lackluster in more ways than one. One of the most pressing concerns was Consumer Reports’ comment that the S220 system does a poor job at keeping footage “secure and private.” That’s a major red flag, especially when you consider that the included HomeBase (which stores footage) uses end-to-end AES-128 encryption.

Consumer Reports also noted that the S220 was “slow to send alerts and show live video feeds.” We found even more complaints over at AVForums. One user had issues with motion detection: the S220 would only record a courier walking away from the door, not up to it. The user also experienced issues when attempting to share doorbell access with friends and family, and couldn’t get the Eufy app on his iPhone to show event recordings (a problem he didn’t have on his iPad). 

Video doorbell alternatives that are actually worth your money

Iamzhem/Getty Images

It’s a shame that the Eufy S220 is so flawed, as the Anker-owned manufacturer usually puts out reliable and affordable products. Luckily, there are a handful of competitive models to choose from. One comparable camera that Consumer Reports called out is the Arlo Video Doorbell 2K, which comes with the Chime 2 accessory. The camera can be installed wirelessly (battery required) or integrated into existing doorbell power.

Other noteworthy features include a 180-degree field of view, head-to-toe coverage, and two-way audio. Unlike the S220, though, you’ll need to sign up for an Arlo Plus Plan ($8 per month for one camera) to store event recordings and to access premium features like smart recognition and fire detection. When we were looking for Ring camera alternatives, we included the Blink Video Doorbell (2nd Gen) among our entries.

If you don’t want to spend more than $100 on a video doorbell, the latest Blink bell retails for $70 and comes with the Sync Module Core, which is required to use the Blink app. Unfortunately, this is another case of “pay a monthly subscription” for access to event recordings, and plans start at $4 per month for one device. For a video doorbell alternative with local storage, consider the Aqara G4 or the Tapo D210.

Source

Kittyfly/Shutterstock

As far back as the 90s, collecting Pokémon Trading Cards has been both a fun pastime for fans of all ages and, in recent years, a surprisingly lucrative side hustle, both reasons why the cards are still one of Nintendo’s most prominent products. While the Pokémon TCG Pocket app has introduced digital trading, there’s still plenty of demand for the physical cards. Whether you’re collecting them to sell or just to appreciate, it would definitely be to your benefit to have a safe place to store them. Rather than a three-ring binder and a flimsy vinyl sleeve, why not use a 3D printer to create something that’s not only much sturdier and more secure but also looks much, much cooler?

Thangs user AF_inventions designed an exceptionally stylish 3D-printed compact binder for their rarest Pokémon cards. It consists of a hard-printed shell with inserts for solid plastic card protectors, mounted via a combination sliding mechanism and magnetic closure that allows all of your cards to slide out with a flick of your wrist. It’s available in several styles inspired by classic Pokémon iconography, as well as in two sizes to store different numbers of cards. If you’re a fan of Pokémon cards, own a 3D printer, and have been looking for a cool, useful gadget you can use regularly that plays into your interests, this binder is an excellent choice.

The binder comes in two sizes and four styles

AF_Inventions’ trading card binder can be printed on most models of 3D printer, though they do caution that using a low-end printer could result in a less satisfactory print. The binder is specifically sized for the rigid plastic 3″x4″ Regular Toploader card protectors sold by Ultra Pro. The project download includes two sizes: one big enough to store six card protectors, and one big enough to store twelve card protectors. The card protectors are stored in individual holders, each with slots for magnets measuring 6mm x 2mm. With the binder fully assembled and the magnets installed, not only does it have a nice, firm snap when you close it, but the holders slide out in a clacky sequence, allowing you to whip out your favorite cards like photos in a wallet.

The project includes four customizable covers: a blank cover that you can decorate as you like, a Poké cover with the signature red and white Poké Ball pattern, a Master cover with the purple and white coloration of the Master Ball, and a Rocket cover, which is colored all black and emblazoned with the red Team Rocket logo. The download includes 24 variations, so you can print whichever one best meets your needs.

Source

vshtun/Shutterstock

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Laptops only contain so many ports, which means you’re limited by what you can plug in, be it extra storage, peripherals, monitors, and beyond. That’s where laptop docking stations come into play. They enable you to connect a myriad of gadgets to your otherwise limited laptop, but in a way that allows you to set up a more static workstation. At the end of the day, you can simply unplug your laptop and leave everything connected to the dock, so when it’s time to come back, you plug it all in through a single, simple interface: the docking station.

Modern docking stations are less like the Nintendo Switch’s TV and charging dock and more like USB hubs or desktop power stations. For example, the Anker Nano laptop docking station stands upright like a small tower and has 13 total connections to significantly expand your laptop’s functionality. Meanwhile, Anker’s 8-in-1 dual-monitor laptop docking station is more of a USB hub with a lightweight design, so you can easily stow it when you travel. But in both cases, these devices do the same thing: they expand what’s available to your laptop or system.

As you might expect, laptop docking stations come in many forms and with a plethora of functions to choose from. There are a few great docking stations for gaming laptops, specifically MacBook docking stations on Amazon and more. It’s enough that when you’re on the hunt for one, there are some things you need to know first. I’ve outlined those considerations here.

1. Know how many ports you need

Docking stations come with a wide variety of additional ports to expand your laptop’s functionality. Common options you’ll find include standard USB Type-A, USB Type-C, HDMI or DisplayPort for monitors, Ethernet for wired internet, audio jacks like a 3.5mm audio input, SD card readers, and high-wattage USB ports with PD (power delivery) for fast-charging.

Some hubs may include support for multiple displays, meaning two or more HDMI or DisplayPort connections, while others may include more USB and so on. Step one is to figure out which ports you’ll need and which you use most, and go from there. If you’d like to dock your laptop with dual displays, a mouse, a keyboard, external storage, and other devices like a microphone or headset, you need to choose a dock that accommodates all of them. If you want to achieve something like triple external displays so your laptop can plug into a pseudo-battle station, you’ll need to seek out a dock that supports that functionality. It seems straightforward, and sure, it can be, but incompatibility is not something you want to have to figure out after you’ve purchased and installed a dock.

2. How static do you want the station to be?

Next, you need to decide how you’ll install the station and what setup you want for your desk or workstation. Are you okay with something bulkier and more functional that will stay on your desk at all times after you plug it in, or do you want something lightweight you can bring back and forth between home and the office? The comparison between the Anker Nano 13-in-1 docking station and the Anker 8-in-1 docking station in the intro is the perfect example. One is much larger and bulkier, designed to be placed upright on a desk and left there. The other is smaller, more portable, and easy to set up and pack away when needed.

In addition, there are stations that let you actually dock your laptop, like Acer’s docking station for 3 monitors. The laptop essentially rests on top of the dock, which doubles as a stand. That, too, is meant to remain on a desk, so you’re not likely to bring it anywhere. The point is that docking stations are relatively inexpensive, so you could install one at home and another at the office, and even have two separate versions to match your different experiences. You might have a three-monitor docking station at work and a single-monitor docking station at home, for instance.

3. Understand and identify the power requirements

Nickbeer/Getty Images

Some portable docking stations work more like a USB hub, siphoning power from the laptop, the primary device they’re plugged into. Most static docking stations, especially those with substantial power requirements, have a separate power supply and must be plugged into a nearby outlet. In most cases, a dock that supports multiple displays, high-bandwidth internet connections, high-speed USB ports, and other features will require a dedicated power supply. That, combined with the information about your laptop’s power requirements, can help you determine if the station will charge your laptop and power the extra gear appropriately. The best Steam Deck USB-C hubs and docks are a solid example of this. They provide enough power to charge the Steam Deck while docked, and that works as you’re actively using and gaming on it, too. Otherwise, the battery would drain too fast.

As a general rule, if you’re plugging many devices into the docking station, you want to make sure it has enough power, so it’s best to choose a static station with its own supply. If you’re hoping to charge your laptop while it’s docked, you’ll need to match the power between devices, such as choosing a 100-watt-capable dock for a 100-watt laptop. Another thing to consider: the laptop and dock must have either Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports, USB4, or USB Type-C with PD to enable fast-charging.

4. Consider cable placement for better organization and management

Something else you might not consider until you have everything plugged in is where the cables and individual connections are located. With a hub-style dock that has ports on both or all sides, you’ll have cables coming from all angles. That will end up making your desk look quite messy and might even make things difficult to work around, depending on how much space you have available. Other docking stations are designed with the ports on a single side, neatly in a row. The latter would make it easier to organize cables coming from underneath the desk or in a single direction and also keep things a little tidier. Ultimately, it depends on your desk or workspace layout, and one configuration may work better than others.

As with deciding how many ports you want, consider how many devices you’ll be plugging in, including monitors, hard drives, peripherals, your laptop, and so on. Try to imagine or map out where those cables will come from, how it will all look on your desk, and how much extra space it will need. You may be better off with an upright dock, one that lies flat or a unique design that moves the ports and cables out of your way.

5. Make sure you understand platform compatibility

Diy13/Getty Images

While there are a ton of laptop docks that support cross-platform use, like Windows and Mac, some still only support specific platforms. Before choosing a dock, double-check that the station will work with your particular laptop. If you have a MacBook, for example, you’ll want to explicitly make sure the dock supports Mac connections, and you’ll also need to make sure it has Thunderbolt, USB4, or USB-C with PD ports. If you’re looking for a dock for your smartphone or tablet (and yes, they exist), you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing one with the right compatibility. There’s an $80 dock designed for the iPad that turns it into a more productive work setup, and even works with some Android tablets.

If you don’t plan to use some of the extra features of a dock, like the ability to connect to multiple displays, and you’re just looking for extra ports, it may be better to go with a cheaper, just as reliable USB-C hub. Although most people use USB hubs incorrectly by overloading them with too many devices, they’d benefit more from the individual power draw of the docking station.

Source

R.Narong/Shutterstock

If you visit a website multiple times a day, loading it each time is inefficient. Instead, your browser downloads all the data once and then displays it whenever you reopen it. This cache fills up your storage, though, which means you’ll eventually have to delete it.

How often you should clear your browser cache depends on your specific use. You should usually clear it whenever there’s an active issue that you need to deal with, though there’s no harm in clearing it more often. If your Google Chrome is suddenly slow or websites are refusing to load properly, these are signs that your browser needs a reset. Another case where you’d want to clear your browser cache is when you’re running out of storage. For those who watch videos in a browser on YouTube, Netflix, or similar websites, the cache can quickly add up to multiple gigabytes. This can be an issue for those using phones with limited storage.

How often these issues occur depends on what you do in your browser, the platform you’re on, and the total storage you have access to. For example, someone who browses shopping pages and is bombarded with product images will end up with a large cache that needs to be cleared. On the other hand, someone who only uses their browser to search Google queries and rarely visits sites that create a lot of cache can spend months without clearing it.

Should you clear your browser cache even if there are no issues?

Juan Alejandro Bernal/Shutterstock

If you’re not facing any of the issues we’ve mentioned so far, there’s still a reason to clear your Google Chrome or Firefox browser cache at least once every few months. Doing so leads to a faster and smoother browsing experience. It’s important to note that clearing the browser cache will impact how quickly websites load on the first visit, as the browser must load each new site from scratch. This depends on how fast your internet connection is, but if you’re not suffering from any Wi-Fi issues, it won’t be a huge change in loading times and will improve after each website initially loads. 

Another reason to clear your browser cache every so often is to remove obsolete or corrupted data. Cache can become corrupted over time, and as websites change, it may no longer be required. In such cases, the outdated cache provides no value at best, and actively worsens loading times at worst. Even if you’re not facing any issues currently, having cache constantly build up can result in problems later, and frequent cleaning helps prevent these before they manifest.

This is especially true for people using old HDDs for storage, given their slower read speeds. If there’s a ton of cached data on the drive, an HDD would take a long time to find it. This can result in slower loading while the HDD retrieves cached data.

How to automatically delete cache from your browser

If you don’t even want to manually clear your cache, there is a way to make it automatic. This depends on your browser, but if you primarily use Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge, you can make it so that all cached images and files get deleted each time you close the window. Do note that this will make websites load more slowly, and you’ll also have to enter any passwords or billing details each time you load the website. 

In Firefox, click the three horizontal lines to open the application menu and go to your settings. Click on Privacy & Security on the left and scroll down until you find History. Here, you can choose the “Never remember history” option to completely stop Firefox from caching and storing your history, or you can choose “Customize history” if you want to select what to delete whenever you close Firefox.

The process is similar if you want to stop Microsoft Edge from storing cached data. Click the three dots beside your profile to open a dropdown, then go to settings and click the three horizontal bars in the top left to see various options. Here, click on “Privacy, search, and services,” and you’ll find an option to clear browsing data. Once you click this, you can either delete the cached data and history directly or choose what gets deleted each time you close the browser. If you want to do this on either Google Chrome or Safari, you can do so by downloading a free browser extension that does the job, such as the aptly named Clear Cache.

Source

Eza_Nanda/Shutterstock

We are well past the days of needing an AUX cable to connect headphones or earbuds to our smartphones and computers. Controllers no longer need to be physically connected to our consoles, forcing us to sit close to the screen. Even though wired connections are usually superior, these examples show how Bluetooth has made our devices more connected than ever. Bluetooth may have its share of problems, but with it you don’t need to worry if you have the right cable or if the device you’re trying to connect to has the correct port.

Like all technology, there are common Bluetooth misconceptions that can make you use it incorrectly or want to avoid it. For instance, people believe that Bluetooth causes cancer or significantly drains your phone’s battery. Some suggest it can only be used at short distances or that it cannot travel through walls. These myths sound plausible at face value, but they quickly fall apart once you look at the facts.

Bluetooth earbuds cause brain cancer

Body Stock/Shutterstock

Bluetooth devices emit a type of radiation, which is why some are concerned about earbuds causing cancer. Some types of radiation have cumulative effects on the body, meaning once you’ve been exposed to them enough times, they can start to damage your cells. Luckily, earbuds emit a weak type of radiation called non-ionizing radiation, which is non-cumulative and doesn’t cause any damage to your brain cells.

Ionizing radiation is the cumulative type. It has enough energy to ionize the atoms and molecules in human cells. This means it can disrupt cells and strip atoms of their electrons. Prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation can eventually start damaging your tissue and DNA, which can lead to cancer. You’ve probably been exposed to small amounts of ionizing radiation before if you’ve ever had an X-ray or CT scan. This is why doctors don’t order these tests without careful consideration. 

Non-ionizing radiation, on the other hand, is too weak to have ionizing effects. While it does disrupt atoms, it doesn’t strip them of their electrons. Non-ionizing radiation is emitted by radio waves, Wi-Fi, and, yes, Bluetooth. However, there’s no evidence that it can cause adverse effects on your health.

Leaving Bluetooth enabled will kill your phone’s battery

Thaspol Sangsee/Shutterstock

If you believe that Bluetooth drains your device’s battery significantly, even when idle, it can be concerning to always have it on. The truth, however, is that the amount of battery it drains when it’s not performing any tasks is negligible. According to tests done by Android Authority, leaving Bluetooth enabled for 26 hours only drained the battery by 1.8%. These tests were carried out with classic Bluetooth rather than Bluetooth Low Energy (LE).

With the advent of Bluetooth 4.0 came the Bluetooth LE protocol. It was designed to consume less power when carrying out tasks, such as transferring data or audio, on devices with smaller batteries. This comes with trade-offs, with the biggest being lower data transfer speeds — up to 1 Mbps versus 2.1 Mbps on classic Bluetooth. Smartphones switch between the two depending on the tasks, but when idle, they normally use Bluetooth LE to update things in the background, like smartwatches and fitness trackers.

There are minor security risks to always keeping Bluetooth on. For instance, there’s bluejacking, where hackers send you unsolicited messages via your Bluetooth connection. It can be annoying at best, but dangerous if it’s a phishing attack. Bluesnarfing is when they hack your phone using Bluetooth and steal your personal information (thankfully, it’s rare). Both are easily avoidable by making your phone undiscoverable in Bluetooth settings and ensuring your phone is updated with the latest security patch available.

Bluetooth is only for short-range applications

Ilham Firdaus Yusuf/Shutterstock

Smartphones, headphones, and wearables use Bluetooth Class 2. It’s the standard type of Bluetooth with an effective range of up to 33 feet. The range is short to reduce power consumption, meaning it’s more of a trade-off that makes it ideal for smaller devices than a technical limitation of the Bluetooth technology as a whole. There’s also Bluetooth Class 1, which is more powerful and can reach up to 333 feet. It can be found in high-end headphones, industrial laptops, robotics systems, heavy machinery, and ECG monitors.

There are also Bluetooth Class 3 devices, and these have an even lower range of up to 3.28 feet. Consumer devices in this class include wireless mice and keyboards, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and wearables.

Bluetooth 5.0 and higher can theoretically reach distances greater than 0.62 miles (1 kilometer). This is known as Long Range BLE, and it achieves this through Coded PHY. This feature increases its distance for long-range applications, resilience against other radio frequencies, and obstacle penetration power — all without drastically increasing its power consumption. However, data transmission rates are about 125 Kbps or 500 Kbps, making them very low. You’re unlikely to find Long Range BLE in consumer products, but it does have applications in fields like advertising, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring.

Bluetooth cannot travel through walls

Blackcat/Getty Images

It happens all the time: You’re listening to music using a pair of the best Bluetooth earbuds and then decide to switch rooms. You leave your phone or computer in the first room, but when you enter the other room, the audio cuts. Situations like this are what have perpetuated the myth that Bluetooth cannot pass through walls. But it can. Radio signals, including such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, can pass through walls. How effectively it can do so depends on factors like the material they’re made of and their thickness. For instance, Bluetooth will have an easier time penetrating sheetrock or glass windows than it would concrete.

When a Bluetooth signal is traveling from the transmitter to the receiver, it will naturally lose strength the further it travels. This phenomenon is called path loss. As a Bluetooth signal passes through barriers (e.g., walls, windows, and even humans), the signal becomes even weaker instead of being blocked. Other things that can interfere with a Bluetooth signal are other signal-emitting devices, especially those that operate on the same 2.4 GHz band. These include routers, microwave ovens, baby monitors, and wireless cameras.

Source

Wachiwit/Getty Images

The Switch is Nintendo’s best-selling console, and it’s clear why. Its versatility, library of games, and appealing prices are what make it well worth buying today. The ongoing support from Nintendo makes the console a safe purchase in 2026, and you can expect new updates, extra features, and some occasional new games for the Switch. Nintendo and third-party developers are preparing to dedicate themselves to the Switch 2 only, but that full shift hasn’t happened yet. 

Since its launch in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has sold a whopping 155 million units. It continues to receive new games, updates, and content even after the arrival of the Switch 2. The original console’s library now spans more than 13,000 titles (via MobyGames), from blockbuster franchises like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” and “Super Mario Odyssey” to a huge catalog of indie hits. Add in NES, SNES, and GameCube titles through Nintendo Switch Online, and you’re getting access to decades of gaming history in one device.

Nintendo Switch’s gaming library and pricing

Chesnot/Getty Images

When the Switch released on March 3, 2017, it launched alongside “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild”. The console released at $299 with the then-standard price of $59.99 for new first-party games. Compared to Nintendo’s higher prices of $69.99 today, shopping for a new or even used Nintendo Switch is better value for the money you spend on games.

There are several Switch versions you can get your hands on today: the Nintendo Switch OLED ($399.99), the original Switch ($339.99), and the Switch Lite ($229.99). For graphics, the OLED is the best, making “The Witcher 3,“ a 2015 game, look incredible — and we’re excited about the new “The Witcher” game that CD Projekt Red announced. The Switch Lite is handheld-only and good for travels, while the standard model is the one to buy if you want to keep things simple. While the prices for each console have gone up, all models are cheaper than the Switch 2’s $449.99 price tag, making the OG Switch an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.

The Switch library is vast, but there are standout titles you need to check out. “Hades” and newer titles like “Hades 2,” which I play every day on my Switch, are amazing indie choices that run smoothly on any model. “Stardew Valley,” “Hollow Knight: Silksong,” and “Metroid Dread” are other great picks.

Nintendo Switch hardware comparisons

Miguel Lagoa/Shutterstock

All Nintendo Switch models, except for the Lite, are playable on TV or as a handheld. While the Switch 2 is also capable of that, it may as well just take the title and stick a two on it, as there aren’t huge differences between the two consoles. The Switch offers a resolution of 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels at 60 frames per second, whereas the Switch 2 can run up to 4K resolution on TVs and show 120 frames per second.

Let’s face it: Nintendo games aren’t graphically heavy. The console isn’t pushing out titles like “Baldur’s Gate 3.” For that, you’ll want to invest in a Steam Deck OLED with exclusive features — but its steep price of $549.00 makes the Switch a bargain. Even the ROG Xbox Ally can run high-performance games, but dropping $599 on it over a Switch is not a great idea if you value your money. Plus, connecting both portable PCs to a TV requires a dock sold separately. As for battery life, Nintendo states the standard Switch and the Switch OLED can run from four and a half to nine hours on a full charge, depending on the game. The Steam Deck offers three to 12 hours of charge.

Our family has multiple Switch consoles: two Lite models for “Animal Crossing” and an OLED model for “Breath of the Wild.” As someone whose first console was the Nintendo 64, I’ve been a fan since “The
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.” Plus, being able to play as Link in “Super Smash Bros.” in 1999 and again in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” for the Switch is awesome. We may not have to wait much longer for a follow-up, as the Super Smash Bros. director has been working on a secret new game for years. If you’re in the market for a fun handheld with a library of hundreds of games that are great for the whole family, a Nintendo Switch offers all of that at an affordable price.

Source

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

The acclaimed sci-fi author responsible for “Project Hail Mary,” one of the most inspiring and heartwarming movies of 2026 so far, has an unsettling prediction about artificial intelligence and its use in art. In an interview with Julien Crockett of the Los Angeles Review of Books, author Andy Weir (who also wrote “The Martian”) was asked about AI’s “potential” in the writing world. Weir revealed that he experimented with AI early on out of curiosity and found “it was really bad at writing.” However, he expects “it will be good later on” and makes the chilling prediction that he “might be among the last generation of human authors.”

In Weir’s mind, AI will eventually be capable of writing “more entertaining, compelling, and exciting stories than any human,” drawing from the vast catalog of literature and piecing together the parts people enjoy most. Beyond that, he predicts art will “shift away from collective entertainment to a personal form.” In other words, Weir thinks AI will be widely used to create stories tailored to an individual’s known preferences, and it’ll happen “probably within our lifespans.”

When asked about the communal experience of art and of getting to know the people who create it, Weir dismisses the idea that people will miss human artists. As he points out, “nobody wants to talk to [Photoshop] … People accept that there are tools that do this.” He believes there will always be some room for humans in all art forms, though he thinks they’ll play a smaller role. He gives the examples of live performances and portrait painting, which still exist despite TV, movies, and photography being far more convenient and popular, saying, “What was once routine becomes niche.”

Why Weir is still optimistic about humanity’s future

That all sounds pretty bleak for those concerned about the role of AI in entertainment, but Weir doesn’t sound particularly upset about being put out of a job. In fact, he calls himself “an optimistic guy” and seems more excited by AI’s future as a vital scientific tool for biological research and simulation than worried about how it’ll impact art.

Additionally, Weir points to the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence that “Project Hail Mary”-style global collective action is possible. Though he acknowledges the confusion and mismanagement, Weir sees it as “a good example of the world working together” to confront a crisis. As he explains, “If it were not for the pandemic, it would probably be 20 or 30 years of slow, methodical research before [mRNA vaccines] were being used. But within one year, we got it working.”

If you’ve read or seen “Project Hail Mary” or “The Martian,” Weir’s overall positive view of humanity shouldn’t come as a surprise. His stories are all about what humans are willing to sacrifice in a crisis and the importance of science in solving big problems, while centering around heroic protagonists like Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling). They don’t present anything with rose-tinted glasses, but “Project Hail Mary” and sci-fi movies like it remind us that, while the problems may seem insurmountable, there’s always reason to stay hopeful.

Source

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Laptops are the unsung workhorses of modern society. You can use them to finish important business proposals while commuting, and gaming laptops let you take your games on the go. However, even the best laptops can only support so many USB gadgets — even fewer if you’re using a notebook. Unless you purchase a device like the Acer USB Hub.

The Acer USB Hub lets you wire multiple USB devices through a single slot in your PC. This hub supports up to four gadgets, so you can plug in a keyboard, mouse, Bluetooth adapters, and even flash drives and hard drives, so long as their cables end in a USB Type-A port. And since the USB hub’s slots and central cord all utilize USB 3.0 technology, they support data transfers of up to 5 Gbps.

Normally, the Acer USB Hub retails for $15, but you can currently buy it for $10 through Amazon. Just make sure you’re purchasing the model with a 2-foot connection cable that ends in a USB Type-A port; the 0.7-foot version is priced at $15.99, whereas the hub with a 4-foot cable sells for $23.99. Acer also sells versions with a USB Type-C cable, which retail for $17.99, $15.99, and $21.99, respectively.

The Acer USB Hub is powerful, but it ain’t magic

When you get a USB hub, you feel the temptation to use it like your computer’s standard USB slots. After all, they’re universal ports that accept almost any device that uses a USB cable. However, USB hubs can only provide so much power use and bandwidth, and the Acer USB Hub is no different.

While the Acer USB Hub can accept most USB devices, if any require additional power, you need to plug the hub into an outlet. The device includes a 5v USB Type-C cable for just such an occasion. And before you ask, no, you cannot treat the Type-C slot as an additional USB port; this slot only functions as a power supply. Furthermore, even though the Acer USB Hub can support external hard drives, it can’t support multiple external hard drives. Even when plugged in, the hub can’t deliver enough power to both. If you need to plug multiple external hard drives into your laptop, use its built-in USB slots instead of a hub, or have the powered drives connected to an independent power outlet.

Not all of the Acer USB Hub’s limitations are a product of the device’s design; some are a result of USB technology. Earlier we mentioned that the hub can support data transfer of up to 5 Gbps. This is only true if the associated ports and cables all utilize USB 3.0 technology. If any use the less advanced USB 2.0 tech — especially the port that connects to the hub’s central cable — transfer rates will drop to a measly 480 Mbps. Depending on your laptop’s USB slot layout, you might need to reorganize some cables, but the resulting increase in data transfer speed will be worth it.

Source