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Antivirus software is the first app many people install on a new Android phone or tablet, even today. Most do it to protect their device from malware and web-based threats. As surprising as it may sound, while the fear is valid, an antivirus suite is no longer the best solution. Modern Android devices don’t benefit from antivirus apps, at least for the vast majority of users.

That’s because Android comes with built-in security features designed for a safer user experience. In 2014, Android’s Head of Security, Adrian Ludwig, said that people don’t need antivirus apps for Android devices. He underlined how apps on the Play Store undergo a series of checks before they are available for download. And in the years that have followed, things have improved significantly, making Android more secure than it ever was. That’s why you no longer need an antivirus on Android, as long as you only download apps from the Play Store, keep your operating system up to date, and practice basic Android safety measures like not clicking on random links or sideloading apps.

This doesn’t mean that threats have completely disappeared on Android, or any operating system for that matter. Risks like phishing scams, fake pop-ups, and malicious links still exist. But for most users, these risks can be significantly minimized with Android’s native protections and smart usage habits.

Android already offers built-in protection

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If you use a modern smartphone or tablet, you’ve surely noticed the wide array of built-in Android security features. The most important of all is Google Play Protect. It’s a security service that constantly scans apps installed on your Android device for malware, threats, and other potentially harmful behavior, like apps trying to reconfigure critical permissions. Play Protect then notifies you of detected threats, and may even reset permissions to protect your privacy. Keep in mind that Play Protect isn’t limited to apps installed from the Play Store and can also scan those from third-party sources. So, it delivers all-around protection against app-based threats.

Apart from that, you have Google Safe Browsing, which warns users when they try to visit potentially risky websites or download malicious files. This, in turn, minimizes the risks posed by web-based threats. Phishing links and fake websites are among the biggest risks, since that’s the most vulnerable area and one where even the most tech-savvy users can be fooled.

Additionally, Google releases security updates every month to patch vulnerabilities in Android devices. In the absence of these, threat actors can exploit unpatched vulnerabilities to install malware or steal data from your device. Remember, vulnerabilities are discovered from time to time and are usually patched promptly. But how long it takes for that security update to reach your device largely depends on the manufacturer. Google and Samsung phones are generally among the first to receive these updates.

Your habits matter more than antivirus apps

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Even with all the recent security improvements, both in Android and antivirus apps, you still can’t be absolutely certain of complete privacy and security if you ignore safe usage habits. There are things you should never do on an Android phone, like downloading apps from unknown sources or failing to regularly review app permissions. Remember, modern threats are less about forcing malware and more about tricking people into making bad decisions.

First, you should avoid tapping on suspicious links. Scammers often share links through emails and messages that resemble popular services. Upon visiting these links, you are tricked into sharing sensitive details, whether it is login credentials or banking data. Similarly, threat actors can trick you into downloading malicious files through misleading claims. Make it a habit to never download such files, or any apps from outside the Play Store. Also, regularly review app permissions and make sure to deny any that don’t align with the app’s core functionality. Lastly, always install Android security updates as soon as they are released. These simple habits will do more good than most third-party antivirus apps on your Android phone or tablet.

All that said, if you install apps from other sources for testing, are seeing signs of malware infection, or are running an outdated version of Android, an antivirus app could still be useful. But always remember, no antivirus can guarantee complete security. It’s the smart usage habits that make all the difference.

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In 2026, the best way to get truly stunning picture quality in your home entertainment setup is to go with an OLED TV. While OLEDs aren’t always considered the best TVs for bright rooms, there’s no denying that their color contrast, rich, deep black levels, and sharp, vibrant visuals make them truly eye-catching for most media. Now that you’ve got a shiny new OLED TV, though, how do you really admire its quality? That’s what we set out to cover here, offering an array of entertainment categories and media types to accentuate your TV’s finest qualities.

Even if you have a budget OLED TV, ensuring that you have the right programming is the key. Because of OLED’s impressive prowess in depicting dark scenes with bright portions, epic movies and prestige TV shows can really give you a good look. You can also opt for content where color is a major part of the equation – things like high-quality animated movies, 4K nature documentaries, and similar content. Video games or sporting events also offer an excellent showcase of OLED’s often-impressive response time.

Have an epic movie or TV night

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OLED has long been loved for its ability to display impressive color contrast across all of its pixels. Because OLED panel technology allows each of those pixels to shut itself fully off for darker scenes, this means black aspects of the image can truly appear deep without a hint of gray haziness. This also means that bright, colorful objects in those same dark scenes really stand out. It’s a range that backlit LCD panels really can’t achieve.

What that means is you should consider picking a piece of content that contains scenes or sequences where that dark-to-bright contrast plays a key role. Epic, blockbuster movies tend to do this well, choosing to build drama by going from bright shots to mysterious dark scenes. Christopher Nolan movies such as “Interstellar” or “Oppenheimer” are examples of this. You can also choose to watch 4K prestige TV to bring this deep, epic color palette to your display. “Stranger Things” and “Game of Thrones” are some modern examples that come to mind. So choose your favorite blockbusters and hold a movie night with friends and family to truly enjoy the capabilities of your new OLED.

Let your TV paint with its full color palette

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One of the other things that OLEDs can really do well is provide an intense range of color to sink into. Thanks to that contrast ratio we mentioned above, there’s an incredible range in which a panel can be precise. Many modern OLEDs, especially in 2026, also feature excellent brightness levels, which help to really accentuate color spectrum in your content.

So what does this mean in practice? Think about the types of content you might want to watch where color palettes are the whole point. Disney+ has the full spectrum of Pixar films, where color and vibrancy are kind of the whole point (that and shedding a few tears). Classics like “Finding Nemo” and “Toy Story” all take color seriously, while newer titles like “Coco” and “Inside Out” actually use color as the key driver of the story.

If animation isn’t your thing, a high-quality nature documentary can really bring the vibrant colors of nature to your living room in a big way. OLED technology is the perfect match for the under-sea and land adventures depicted in the award-winning “Planet Earth” docu-series.

Find exceptional HDR footage

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As the type and resolution of content continues to evolve and improve, it can be hard to make sure you’re pulling up the highest-quality footage to see how good your TV can really look. While many streaming services feature HDR or Dolby Vision content, which sometimes require a premium-level subscription. So what do you do if you want to see what your OLED TV can really do in the high-dynamic-range space, without spending extra money?

There are actually a whole slew of YouTube channels and creators who publish high-contrast, high-dynamic range content for this exact purpose. Think about the demo footage you see on the bright, shiny TVs on display in an electronics store. This macro footage of animals, abstract shapes, paint splotches, and more is all filmed with the HDR-friendly OLED TVs in mind. While there isn’t a lot of narrative value in this content, it’s a great way to see the range of your OLED TV, and it’d look great playing in the background while you’re going about your day.

Watch sports or play video games

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The last category to consider is content that relies heavily on speed and action. OLEDs are known for having ultra-fast response times, with many TVs promising under 1 millisecond of pixel response. This literally means that the pixels are capable of changing their content with a speed and precision that results in very little motion blur.

This kind of performance obviously lends itself quite well to content with a lot of movement and action on the screen. For TV, that’s obviously a sporting event where action can happen at the drop of a hat. Nighttime F1 races are particularly vibrant on an OLED screen, thanks to the intense movement on the track and the dark asphalt and sky.

While it is a common myth about OLEDs that they aren’t meant for gaming, modern panels are changing that. Response time is also well-showcased during video games, adding a third dimension to that experience. With video games, it’s also about the speed of the TV registering your input, as well as the visual output. This means you can see and feel that quick response. Many modern consoles promise up to 120 Hz refresh rate output, so the games you want to play are likely already capable of giving you this experience — you just need a solid OLED TV to handle it.

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If you own a laptop with a slim port selection, such as the M5 MacBook Air or the new and affordable MacBook Neo, you have certainly considered USB hubs and docking stations to add more USB ports to your computer. Without these, you are essentially stuck with one or two usable ports to plug in all your peripherals, storage drives, and other devices. Fortunately, both are widely available and can sometimes be used even with portable gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets.

While the USB hub and docking station (also referred to as simply a dock) monikers are often used interchangeably in colloquial conversations and even in some marketing materials, the two have notable differences. These differences impact their capabilities and features, which are good to know if you’re in the market to shop for one. For example, USB hubs are typically compact and portable gadgets that are designed to increase the number of USB ports, whereas docks are usually meant for stationary desktop use and have a wider selection of ports.

What’s a USB hub?

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A USB hub is a compact device that can help you increase your computer’s USB port selection. It has multiple built-in USB Type-A or USB Type-C ports and connects to your laptop via a USB cable. It essentially functions as a splitter, expanding the capabilities of a single USB port into multiple ports. As such, all connected gadgets or peripherals to a USB hub share the same connection, and the bandwidth they receive depends on how many devices are connected to a hub at any given moment and how much data they are transferring. This is often considered to be a downside of a USB hub. 

USB hubs also typically draw power from the device to which they have been connected and don’t have their own power supply, which further limits their capabilities. While many USB hubs are limited to USB ports, some can also include SD card slots and an Ethernet port. In the case of USB-C hubs, video output ports, like an HDMI port, and pass-through charging support are also becoming common. Another advantage of a USB hub is its plug-and-play nature. Keep in mind that some USB hubs that have multiple fast data transfer or newer generation ports (such as USB 3.2 Gen 1) may seek outside power for a stable connection.

As a result, USB Hubs are mostly suitable when you need something strictly portable and have limited connectivity needs, and mostly attach peripherals, storage drives, and an occasional external display to your machine. Two good examples of a typical USB hub are the Anker Ultra Slim 4-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub and the Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1), the latter of which is a bestselling USB accessory on Amazon.

What’s a docking station?

Docking stations, unlike USB hubs, are more capable gadgets that are designed to deliver a host of connectivity options and ports to your computer. Some of the most common connectors and ports you’ll find on modern docking stations include USB ports (both Type-A and Type-C), SD card slots, an Ethernet port, and audio jacks. Docks also include multiple video ports for external monitor connections, and almost always require external power for their seamless functioning, and can also pass power through to your connected laptop for charging.

Docking stations come in a variety of form factors and are often designed to function as desktop devices, essentially converting your laptop into a desktop, except in the case of some mini-docks, which are mostly beefed-up USB hubs. A dock’s range of capabilities often depends on the port they are connecting to on your machine. For example, a Thunderbolt 5 or USB 4 dock will typically be capable of handling multiple monitors, fast data transfers, and higher power delivery, compared to a regular USB-C dock. While many docks are typically plug-and-play, some may require drivers, often when they use DisplayLink tech for external monitor support.

You should choose a docking station if you typically need tons of ports or are looking to make a laptop your desktop replacement. Docking stations are also better when you want to connect multiple monitors to your machine. Keep in mind that docking stations are often much more expensive than USB hubs and can run into hundreds of dollars, depending on their features, whereas you can find a good USB hub for under $50. A good example of a solid docking station is the Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock. It has over a dozen ports, including three that can handle video connections.

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In a time where it seems like every company or business expects you to download their app, it can be frustrating to learn that not all of them are particularly useful. Warehouse retailer Costco’s app has some pretty useful features, many of which can save you time and money.  The Costco app can be useful for checking a store’s inventory, but it’s also capable of some more complex tasks, such as managing your prescriptions or even ordering items from specific departments. Considering the warehouse retailer can be a good place to get bulk groceries for cheap or even build your own retro arcade, frequent Costco shoppers should definitely take a look at everything the app has to offer.

The Costco app is available on the Apple App Store and requires iOS 16 or later, and the Google Play Store and requires Android 12 or later. Both apps are free to download and receive periodic updates that typically involve bug fixes and new features. 

View warehouse inventory

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One of the easiest ways to save time with the Costco app is to search its warehouse inventory to see whether the items you want are available in the first place. To fully take advantage of the feature, you’ll need to have a default warehouse selected in the app. Fortunately, we can show you how to set it up.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Costco app.

2. Choose the Warehouse icon from the bottom of the screen.

3. Select Warehouses to bring up a map of Costco stores in your area.

4. You can also use the search icon to find locations by city, state, or zip.

5. Select a warehouse pinned to the map, then select Warehouse Details.

6. Tap the location pin in the upper right corner to set your home warehouse.

Once that’s done, you can start checking inventory:

1. Tap the Warehouse icon at the bottom of the Costco app.

2. Select Search Warehouse Inventory under your default location.

3. Begin searching for items through the search page.

4. Scroll the results to check whether an item is available or in Low Stock.

5. Select Find Nearby next to an item to see if other warehouses have it.

Considering we’re constantly exploring Costco for items and electronics, such as these computer monitors members swear by, it can also be handy to see if an item is available at your local warehouse rather than ordering it online and waiting for Costco to ship it to you. You’ll also see a store’s hours when selecting a warehouse.

Use the Costco app shopping list

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Shopping lists are a good way to avoid impulse purchases and endless wandering through a store. It’s also a good way to remember to grab basic necessities, which helps avoid multiple trips. Fortunately, you can create shopping lists through the Costco app, and once a list is created, you can even order items through it.

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Open the Costco app.

2. Select an item in the Costco app.

3. On the product page, click the heart icon next to the word “Add”.

4. On the next page, enter a name for your new list and select Add to list.

5. To view your lists, navigate to the Account button at the bottom of the screen.

6. Select Lists.

7. Choose View Costco.com lists.

8. You can find your created shopping list from this page, or you can create a new list.

If you’re signed in, you’ll be able to view lists you created on the Costco website, and you’re also able to add to a warehouse list without needing to sign in. Once you’ve created a list, you can easily select items and add them to your cart.

This can be useful if you frequently purchase certain goods or are trying to assemble the best tech gadgets for your bedroom. Shopping lists also work with warehouse items through the Member-Only Savings book; just swipe right on the item or select Add to List. This also works for Online-Only items, though the Add to List button will be to the right of the product.

Find gas and travel for cheap

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With gas prices constantly fluctuating, knowing the prices before you need to fill up can save you time and even help you avoid paying too much at the pump. Costco has about 550 gas stations throughout the U.S., and members can usually expect to save anywhere between $0.05 and $0.40 per gallon, which can make a difference when prices spike.

Using the app, finding the cost of gas at your local Costco is pretty straightforward and can give you an idea of what you can expect to pay when out on the road. There’s also the little bonus that Costco pumps can help you avoid card skimmer scams, which is always nice.

Here’s the process:

1. Open the Costco app.

2. Select the Warehouse icon at the bottom of the screen.

3. Select a warehouse by tapping its pin.

4. You will be taken to the details page for that warehouse, which shows the hours and current gas prices.

5. You can also use the search filter if you’re looking for Diesel.

Focusing a little more on traveling, it’s worth mentioning that you can also book rental cars, cruises, hotels, and vacation packages through the Costco app. Just open the app, tap Shop at the bottom, then tap Travel. Since the company can offer deals even on vacation, it’s never a bad idea to have another source to check prices. The company may also offer cheaper rates than its competitors.

Take advantage of Costco Photo Center

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If you have shopped at a physical Costco location before, you may already be familiar with the fact that the retailer offers photo printing services. However, you may not know that Costco partners with Shutterfly to provide members with special discounts. In addition to free shipping on orders of $30 or more, Costco members can save 51% off the retail price of Shutterfly orders.

You can actually use the Costco app to order prints. Getting started in the app is pretty easy, and it also allows you to choose photos directly from your smartphone. Using the Costco app, you can order a variety of items, including prints, photo books, cards, and more.

Here are the steps:

1. Open the Costco app.

2. Select the Shop icon from the bottom of the screen.

3. Choose See All under the Featured Services section

4. Tap Photo Center.

5. Scroll down and select Get Started.

6. From here, you can begin creating prints for delivery.

7. From here, select the Visit External Link button to be taken to the Costco and Shutterfly-branded page.

Once you’ve properly set it up, you’ll be able to have items shipped to a specific location, or you can choose to pick them up directly from the retailer (varies by location). Useful as this is, remember that there are additional perks that come with your Costco membership. However, this one’s also good if you ever need a last-minute gift for a family member.

Save time with Costco Pharmacy online

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Costco has its own pharmacy, and the nice thing is that you can use it even if you don’t have a membership. However, a membership may net you some additional savings thanks to member pricing. Using the Costco Pharmacy, customers can schedule immunizations, move prescriptions to Costco, get pet medications, and more. Even better, you can do many of these things directly through the mobile app, which can save time if you’re unable to visit a physical location.

To get started with Costco Pharmacy through the app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Costco app.

2. Select Shop from the bottom of the screen.

3. Under Featured Services, select Pharmacy

4. From here, you can either sign in from the top-right corner or you can access the Costco Pharmacy options from the available list.

As long as you have the phone number with which you used to order prescriptions or the prescription number itself, you’ll be able to order them directly from the app. However, you’ll also be able to locate pharmacies through the app, along with some additional options if you select More from the Costco Pharmacy list.

Just like there are a number of reasons to take advantage of Costco’s Tire Center, properly utilizing the retailer’s pharmacy also has its own advantages. Remember that Costco accepts major insurance plans, and the retailer even promises to offer “competitive pricing” for those doing without.

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AirPods represent a quintessential Apple product to the extent that they just work, and they’ve only gotten better since their initial release in 2016. Over the past few years, Apple has slowly but surely iterated on the design, while simultaneously introducing new models and adding clever new capabilities, like Spatial Audio and ever-improving Active Noise Cancellation. Overall, Apple’s AirPods are arguably one of the company’s most frictionless products. Still, every once in a while, you might notice that one AirPod loses battery a lot faster than the other one. In fact, this happened to me just recently. I was at the airport during a layover for a few hours. I had my music playing, and at a certain point, I noticed that one of my AirPods had 74% battery remaining while the other one had dropped to just 13%. 

If this situation has ever happened to you, it’s not necessarily a fluke or something caused by a faulty battery. Interestingly enough, the way you’re using them might be the culprit. More specifically, if you happen to be in the habit of using one AirPod while leaving the other one in the case, you might be inadvertently degrading your AirPod’s battery. Indeed, this is exactly what happened to me at the airport. I left one AirPod in and put the other one in the charging case because I wanted to be able to talk with my friends, make sure to catch important announcements, and even chat with airport retail staff if making a purchase. And sure, I could have used Transparency mode, but sometimes it feels rude to have a conversation with someone who has both AirPods in. So, while taking one AirPod out can sometimes be convenient, doing so can adversely impact your battery life.

The science behind AirPod battery life

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If you’re charging one AirPod more than the other, that AirPod actually goes through more charge cycles. And the more charge cycles it goes through, its overall capacity to hold a charge starts to degrade. Indeed, this is why Apple has an iPhone feature called Optimized Battery Charging, which reduces battery degradation by charging your iPhone to 80% and only upping it to 100% before you wake up or need it.

Batteries age faster when sitting at 100% for extended periods of time, and the science behind this has been covered in various peer-reviewed journals. Specifically, academic research has shown that a fully charged lithium battery experiences mechanical strain at and around the electrodes, which can lead to the warping and swelling you often see with old batteries. Put simply, keeping a battery at a high state of charge for prolonged periods of time adds more stress to the battery.

So all that to say this: If you’re constantly using one AirPod while the other one is in its case, you’ll eventually start to notice uneven battery performance. You can reduce the impact of this problem by making sure to always use both AirPods at the same time. If you have AirPods Pro, make sure to use Transparency mode if you want to be cognizant of your surroundings. If you have regular AirPods, make sure to take both AirPods out when trying to have a conversation. The key is to treat AirPods like a pair and not as two separate earbuds. In doing so, you’ll ensure that the batteries maintain a similar level of battery performance throughout their lifetime.

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The Nintendo Switch line of handhelds is among the most popular video game consoles in history. The Nintendo Switch 2 is currently the hot new console, but the original Switch and Switch Lite are still popular among users. And with the economy only making gaming more expensive, those older Switch models aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

While not the most powerful handheld console on the market, one of the things that makes the Nintendo Switch line special is the dock. The dock provides the console with steady power, bypassing power limitations in handheld mode, allowing the game to achieve higher graphical fidelity. It also gives your Switch a safe place to charge. Nintendo Switch docks of all varieties exist online for purchase, but if you have access to a 3D printer and a little technical know-how, you can print your own custom dock. Some of these take the Nintendo Switch and make it more usable or more storage-friendly, while some even turn it into a work of art. 

Nintendo Switch 2 Horizontal Dock Stand

The Nintendo Switch 2 might be the new kid on the block, but its design isn’t that different from the original Switch. This isn’t a bad thing, considering how popular the original console was. The Switch 2 is ultimately a much more powerful console that generally keeps the overall design aesthetic of its predecessor. 

This means that the dock follows the same format, too. The Nintendo Switch 2 slots into the dock from the top down, which is convenient, but can make finding a spot for it tough. As someone who lives in a place where space is limited, there aren’t a lot of places the Switch can go and be out of the way. Sure, I could stick it behind the television, but this makes grabbing it for portable play a real pain. 

The solution is the Nintendo Switch 2 Horizontal Dock Stand. With this 3D print, you can maximize your space, allowing the Switch 2 Dock to lie on its side, making it easier to sit under a television or on a space-limited shelf. This design might also help those with kids, as sliding the console in horizontally can be easier and more gentle on the ports.

Piranha Plant Switch Dock

The standard dock for both the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 effectively blends in with the console. It’s an overall nice design, but what if the dock you keep your Switch in could become a work of art in your home? With the Piranha Plant Switch Dock, it can become just that. 

This dock is designed for the original Nintendo Switch and the OLED version, though modifications are available to make it work with the Switch 2 as well. With this print, your Switch docks into the mouth of a Piranha Plant and the Switch Joy-Cons slide into the arms of the plant. There’s even room to store a couple of Switch game carts in the base.

This dock is a really fun 3D print that turns the non-descript Nintendo Switch into more of a display piece. If you have moved on to the Nintendo Switch 2 and are looking for a unique way to display your old Nintendo Switch, this dock might be the perfect way to store it away while still showing it off. 

Retro Television Stand

The Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger screen, allowing you to have some fun with custom 3D-printed docks. If you keep your Nintendo Switch 2 on your desk, the Retro Television Stand might make for a fun dock upgrade.

This modified dock allows the Nintendo Switch 2 to slot in, but instead of being obscured by the front of the dock, this print leaves the screen viewable, letting you keep playing in handheld mode. The dock resembles a retro television, making this print a lot of fun for those of us out there who remember physical channel knobs and buttons on our televisions. There’s a space at the rear of the dock for storing your Joy-Cons. If you 3D printed mouse grips for your Joy-Cons, they’ll also fit, making this dock unique among the others featured. It’s a really fun way to store your Nintendo Switch 2 while still allowing it to be used in docked mode, without needing to connect it to an actual television.

Nintendo Switch Portable Dock

The Nintendo Switch is all about portability, being a handheld console. Sure, you can take it anywhere and enjoy your video games any time, but you’ll most likely be leaving your bulky Switch dock at home. Doing so means you’ll lose all the extra ports the dock provides, as well as the ability to connect to a television.

One way to fix this is the Nintendo Switch Portable Dock, a print that lets you transfer the guts of your original Dock into something more portable. This version folds closed when not in use and stores away more easily than the stock Nintendo Switch dock. Meanwhile, the print itself is broken up into several parts, allowing for easy printing and printing in different colors. 

You can quickly flip it open, dock your Switch and access all available ports, allowing you to charge the console vertically or use it when hooked up to a television. There are even spots for several Nintendo Switch cartridges, making it not only a portable dock but also a game storage case.

Nintendo Switch Lite Dock

The Nintendo Switch Lite doesn’t support a docked mode, even though it has a USB-C port. However, there are still several reasons you might want a dock for your Switch Lite. Displaying your Switch Lite is something people like to do, especially given the console’s color options and the unique variants released over the years. A dock will also help protect the Switch Lite’s charging port, keeping it supported and the cord kink-free. And while it won’t output to a TV, it will still support the Pro Controller, so you can play it while it’s docked. 

This Nintendo Switch Lite Dock does all of those things, but it also adds a neat feature. It mounts easily to a wall, allowing you to store the console out of the way while keeping it plugged in so it stays charged. It uses the original Nintendo Switch power adapter and can be mounted with command strips or drilled into a wall. It’s all one piece, but you can at least print it out in the color of your Switch Lite.

Methodology

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We scoured the internet for 3D print projects that Nintendo Switch owners and fans are using and creating. Our focus was to highlight interesting docks for every model of the Nintendo Switch. We also selected docks from a wide range of popular 3D printing sites, as well as projects that span the spectrum of experience and skill needed to print and assemble.

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Universal remotes are handy if you happen to have a home theater system that includes more than just your television. They’re designed to work with the TV, audio/video receiver, soundbar, and in some cases, a game console, by combining all of the remotes into one unit that controls all the gadgets. They’re big and a bit clunky looking, but they provide convenient access to the connected devices without having to use multiple remotes. Logitech’s line of Harmony universal remotes did just that.

In 2021, though, Logitech ended manufacturing Harmony universal remotes due to the general belief that people are less likely to need a universal remote these days. Logitech Harmony remotes continued to be available through other retailers, but the company itself was halting production. As of May 2026, the Logitech website only lists two Harmony products, the Harmony Pro and Harmony One Battery Door, neither of which is actually available for purchase through the site.

There was concern from Harmony owners that the decision to stop manufacturing Logitech’s universal remotes would stop the remotes from working. The good news for those users is that Logitech continues to support the remotes, desktop software, and Harmony’s Android and iOS apps, so the remotes still work today; you just won’t find any new ones being made. If you are in the market for a central control unit today, though, you might want to choose from among the best universal remotes in 2026.

Streaming and smart remotes are the new normal

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With smart TVs, downloadable apps, and smartphones having easy access to streaming and connectivity, the need for a universal remote is being reduced, just as Logitech thought. Modern TV remotes are capable of acting like a universal remote by connecting through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Everything from your entertainment system and lighting can be controlled by smart devices today.

Apps such as Apple Home allow you to connect multiple devices through a phone to carry out tasks like turning on a compatible TV, controlling volume, playing a movie, and dimming the lights. The app of your choice will provide details on how to connect additional smart devices so you have full control with the touch of the screen. You can even set automations that turn devices on and off at certain times.

In today’s age of smart devices, there may be no need for universal remotes, so you could potentially ditch your TV remote for an app. Whether it’s the smart remote your TV came with, an app connected to all your smart devices, or voice commands, controlling your connected devices is possible through other means, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The days of using Logitech’s giant universal remote — or other similar models — appear to be numbered, though you can never completely count out any particular piece of tech. After all, if record players can make a comeback, maybe universal remotes will follow suit in a few decades.

Do you ever need a universal remote these days?

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With today’s modern technology and streaming options, the need for a universal remote is less likely, which has driven Logitech to cease production. Even so, a universal remote gives you access to controlling an entire home entertainment system and may still be a good option if you don’t have smart devices or prefer a more old-school approach. If you enjoy watching movies from the comfort of your couch or have a room dedicated to watching movies, like you would at the theater, the setup will require quite a bit of tech. Controlling multiple devices can be done through all of the individual remotes, but that’s just going to take time. Having a universal remote to control the surround sound, TV, and A/V receiver provides ease of access to enjoying a movie night.

A universal remote is a versatile tool that combines all of the remotes from your TV, stereo, and, in some cases, gaming consoles into one. It’s convenient but comes with a catch in that it must be configured with each device before it’s usable. This can be done by you or a trained professional, depending on the developer. Logitech’s Harmony Pro, for example, is only installable by professionals.

As one of a handful of gadgets that can upgrade your TV, a universal remote like Logitech’s is quite unique in how it works. A universal remote can control additional devices through built-in IR, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, depending on the device. It’s also able to use HDMI-CEC via a connected device like a TV to control devices and still be your best option in cases where the Wi-Fi signal is limited or unavailable, which makes using smart devices and remotes much less feasible.

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Megapixels aren’t always the be-all, end-all metric for camera quality that many manufacturers and marketing types make them out to be, even at the largest extremes. In fact, counterintuitive as it may be, too many megapixels can actually be somewhat of a hindrance, leading to large file sizes, slow transfers, and less space on your device for other media. This is especially true at the consumer level, where phones have eliminated the need for a budget digital camera, and most of the pics taken with them aren’t intended to be the centerpiece of a magazine feature or need to capture a subject in exacting, microscopic detail.

There are also cases where more megapixels can actually lead to a lower final image quality. This is especially true if you’re outputting an image to another device, like a printer or a website. Many of these destination outputs will automatically resize an image. Depending on how intelligent the downsizing algorithm is, key pixels may get trimmed out if there’s an abundance, leading to a loss of detail.

How many megapixels do you need?

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First, consider what a megapixel actually is, and what it means for your image. A megapixel is an indication of the resolution of a digital camera sensor or image, with each megapixel equaling 1 million individual pixels (pixels being the tiny dots of color that together make up a digital image). If your camera takes photos that are 4,000 pixels wide and 3,000 pixels tall, for instance, it’s producing 12 megapixel images (12,000,000 pixels).

The math is important because megapixel counts can be somewhat misleading. Say you double the count from 50 megapixels to 100 megapixels in an image. The reality is that you’re only actually doubling either width or height, or only increasing both by 50% — you’re not actually doubling the total size of your image. The other important thing to remember is that megapixels are purely a representation of an image’s resolution, how many pixels it’s built from. While resolution is important for fine visual clarity, it’s only one of a huge number of variables that contribute to the actual quality of an image.

The other factors that are key to image quality

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I don’t want to completely brush aside the importance of resolution (and by extension, megapixel count) for image quality. More pixels means finer textures, edges, and small features. For example, hair strands, text, or distant objects tend to look clearer in a higher-resolution image than one shot with a lower-res sensor.

However, resolution is only one of myriad factors that determine the final quality of an image, including some common settings you can change on your phone. Another huge contributor is focus: regardless of how high-res your lens is, if an image is out of focus due to motion or other issues, it can still look blurry and low quality. Lens quality is another crucial consideration; a good lens can improve sharpness, color, and edge-to-edge clarity.

Another is lighting. Cameras work by capturing light, so it’s no surprise that it’s vital to the final quality of an image. If a scene is well-lit, providing more light to the sensor, the result is sharper details, more accurate colors, and better contrast between dark and bright areas. Low light may mean higher (sensor sensitivity), which can introduce grain/noise, or a slower shutter speed, which increases motion blur. How well a camera captures the available light (which can be dramatically affected by things like sensor size) and how it reacts in low-light situations can be much more important than a variation in megapixel count.

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Samsung Galaxy devices have generally excellent battery life, with each new release offering a little more, namely in the premium models like the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The S26 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery, with 60-watts of wired charging and 25-watts of wireless charging to give it a nice power boost when levels are low. That delivers about 16 hours of battery life on average, or slightly over, with the screen on consistently and continuous browsing over 5G networks. Believe it or not, that’s not the best battery life available from a modern phone. There are several competing devices that last longer, delivering much better usage times, for a variety of reasons.

A bigger battery in competing devices is the obvious reason for longer usage times, but it’s not necessarily the only benefit other phones offer. Sometimes, more efficient power usage, better power delivery for components like the screen, and better multi-tasking or software support add a little extra time too.

It depends on the phone, the manufacturer, and the individual specifications they offer. To give a straightforward example, the iPhone 16 Plus has a 4,674mAh battery, smaller than the S26 Ultra, and yet it lasts longer on average — about 16 and a half hours. The iPhone 16 models got a big battery boost, but even with those batteries being larger compared to previous generations, improvements are also achieved through solid battery management revisions within iOS. Sticking to Android devices, specifically, here are some alternate phones with better battery life than the Galaxy S26 Ultra, if that’s what you’re looking for.

1. OnePlus 15 at 25 hours

The best average battery life on the market currently goes to the OnePlus 15, building upon the brand’s exceptional performance from previous models. OnePlus has always been known to deliver long-lasting devices.

Running OxygenOS 16, OnePlus’ Android-based platform, the phone delivers about 25 hours of battery life on average through a combination of advantages. For starters, the battery in the OnePlus 15 is 7,300mAh, much larger than the S26 Ultra’s. It still manages to be slim and lightweight thanks to Silicone Nanostack technology, a silicon-carbon battery tech that increases the energy density to boost capabilities. So, it’s not only bigger, but utilizes energy in a unique way, as well.

The OnePlus 15 also boasts 80-watt SUPERVOOC wired charging, significantly speeding up charging times — it can charge to full in about an hour, usually less. OnePlus 15 is $900 for the 12GB of RAM and 256GB storage model or $1,000 for the 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage model, both cheaper than the Galaxy S26 Ultra without added discounts or offers. The OnePlus 15R also gets similar battery life, around 21 and a half hours on average.

2. ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro at 20 hours

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The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro is impressive for more than one reason. It offers incredible battery life, which is the focus here, but manages to do that while delivering high-performance gaming-centric features like a 165Hz screen, advanced and modular cooling, and a unique back display.

Of course, turning on some of those high-powered features will cut the battery life a bit. However, that lower battery life is still to the tune of 15 hours or so, with over 20 hours when you reduce power usage. The 65-watt charging support will get you back into the action in a short time.

Inside, the ROG Phone 9 Pro has a 5,800mAh battery. That’s bigger than the Galaxy S26 Ultra, so you already have a head start. The phone is running Android, as expected, but one of the coolest features is a modular variety of accessories. An AeroActive Cooler (X Pro), for example, clamps to the rear of the phone to cool it down during intense gaming. You can take it off easily when you don’t need it. Moreover, there’s unique cooling technology built into the ROG Chill Case, an optional case for the phone. The price is quite high, though, starting around $1,500 and up to $1,600 for the 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage model. Many retailers are also out of stock currently.

3. Moto G 2026 at 19 hours

Motorola has done very well optimizing battery life for the Moto G series over the years, so it’s not surprising to see one of the newer models show up on this list. With an average over 19 hours, it’s a solid budget option if you don’t want all the bells and whistles of the Ultra and Pro-level devices.

The 30-watt charging capabilities will charge the battery faster than most devices, giving a nice 20% boost or so with a mere half hour of charging. The 120Hz display is beautiful and easy on the eyes, and not something you normally see included with budget handhelds.

Inside, there’s a 5,200mAh battery, bigger than the S26 Ultra, which you no doubt know by numbers alone now. Moreover, you can find it remarkably cheap. The 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage model is available for $200 unlocked with no discounts or offers. Compared to the prices of nearly every other device mentioned here, that’s quite a bit of savings for a long-lasting and reliable option.

4. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at 17 hours

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If you’re willing to take a slight downgrade — it’s debatable whether that’s true or not — the previous Galaxy S25 Ultra offers decent battery life at around 16 to 17 hours on average. You may recognize that’s on par or about an hour longer than the S26 Ultra’s 16 hours. A lot of that can be attributed to the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s solid power management and optimization support, the processor inside the device. The 5,000mAh hour battery is the same size.

The biggest difference between the new S26 Ultra model and the S25 is the new privacy feature that makes even iPhone users envious. That’s not the only reason to upgrade, however. There are a ton of cool new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra features everyone should try, meaning that if you have the resources, going with the latest model is a given.

But in the interest of reducing FOMO, and speaking strictly on the battery life alone, you can’t go wrong with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. You should know, the Galaxy S25 Plus also gets solid battery life, around 16 hours or so. S25 Ultra prices start at $1,300 with no discounts or trade-ins, versus the S25 Plus at $1,120.

Methodology and more devices with better battery life than the Galaxy S26 Ultra

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In the interest of variety, we decided not to include multiple devices from the same brand, like OnePlus. Instead of monopolizing the list with a bunch of OnePlus models, you have more options with better battery life to consider. That said, there are several additional devices that have better battery life that may or may not belong on your radar. Those include the OnePlus 13 with about 19 hours of battery life, the Moto G Play 2026 with about 18 hours of battery life, and the OnePlus 13R with 18 hours of battery life. The Moto G 2025 and Moto G Power 2026 both boast 18 hours or more of battery life.

Ultimately, and combined with the other phones mentioned above, you should be able to find a device that matches your needs across a wide swath of budget points, ranging from affordable to expensive. Not everyone wants to shell out hundreds or thousands on the latest or greatest smartphone, and that makes perfect sense.

If that rings true with you, you might want to consider affordable smartphones that are ridiculously overpowered, or, if you want something more capable, cheap Android phones that punch above their price brackets. With the latter especially, you can save money and still get a premium-grade phone.

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Home theater fads come and go, leaving many of us riddled with junk drawers and closets packed to the brim with antiquated gear. While the days of plasma TVs are far behind us, there’s one picture feature that has completely vanished: 3D. Back in the 2010s, there were a ton of 3D-capable TVs on the market, and most of these sets even included one or several pairs of 3D glasses. 

But as we got into the back half of the decade, manufacturers began focusing less on three-dimensional immersion and more on pushing the envelope in overall picture quality. This paved the way for some of the best smart TVs on the market, but it also spelled the end of an era for those who loved the frills of 3D cinema. Not all hope is lost, as you can still enjoy 3D media today: you just need to invest in a 3D projector, a 3D Blu-ray player, and a compatible set of 3D glasses. 

Projectors are common, but not all of them have lenses that can project a 3D image. You’ll need to pay extra-close attention to specs and features. Be on the lookout for “3D-ready” labels, and be ready to dig deeper than whatever surface-level features are advertised. The same goes for Blu-ray players, especially since “4K UHD” doesn’t automatically translate to “3D-ready.” That might also mean you’ll end up ordering a used or refurbished player from a third-party site like eBay. 

Don’t forget about 3D accessories, audio, and room setup

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It actually isn’t that difficult to find brand-new 3D glasses on sites like Amazon; just make sure the pairs you’re purchasing will work with the projector you chose. Active and passive glasses are the two technologies you’ll have to choose between, and, generally speaking, it’s the former that’s supported by most 3D projectors. Active 3D glasses are battery-operated, which makes them the pricier option, too.

There’s also the matter of a projector screen to sort out. You can project an image onto a flat, white wall, but you could end up sacrificing picture details, especially sharpness. Even if you only have funds for a cheap screen that gets stowed away after movie night, it’ll be better than the living room wall. We should also advise that 3D glasses often reduce the brightness of whatever you’re watching, so you may want to look at screens with built-in ambient light rejection (ALR).

Rooms with sunny windows will attempt to tarnish your 3D movies, too, but a decent pair of blackout curtains can help to preserve the brightness, colors, and contrast of your content. Projectors also aren’t exactly revered for sound output. Some models will include a built-in speaker or two, but depending on the size of your theater space, a soundbar or external speaker may be warranted.

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