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Whether you’re buying your first smartphone or upgrading to a more capable model, for most consumers, the choice comes down to Google’s Android vs. Apple’s iOS. There’s a lot of overlap between the two, as Google and Apple routinely replicate software features that were first released by their rival. People who aren’t loyal to either platform would not go wrong picking the device that meets their immediate needs, regardless of the operating system. But more savvy users may tell you differently, saying it’s a choice between variety, customization, and freedom, or high-quality products built around privacy and security that do not offer the same liberties. In what follows, we’ll explain why Android is more powerful than iOS. 

We’re no longer in the early years of the Android vs. iPhone rivalry. We’re looking at two mature operating systems that are each very capable. Android 16 and iOS 26 are the latest software versions available for Android and iPhone, each turning the handset in your pocket into a powerful personal computer. The phone may be the first device you pick up for chores that would have required a laptop or desktop in previous years. That mobile computer is even more versatile if it runs Android, as it makes possible a few types of actions not available on iPhone.

An Android phone will handle multitasking better than iOS, and it’ll give you access to a richer file management system. Android phones can run almost any app via sideloading, whereas iPhones are mostly restricted to the App Store. All of that adds up to a more PC-like experience on Android than you get on iPhone. And finally, we can’t ignore the emergence of AI, where Google has a massive advantage over Apple.

An Android phone (and skin) for every whim, taste, and budget

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iPhones are often described as boring, as Apple prefers to refine an existing design for several years before introducing novelties. The Android camp offers a much wider selection. Want the closest thing to an iPhone that Android has? You buy one of Google’s latest Pixel 10 phones, which feature high-end specs, great camera capabilities, the latest Gemini AI features, and Google’s ideal version of Android, which receives the latest software update the fastest. Want a foldable phone? Samsung and Motorola make clamshell handsets, while Google, Samsung, and others sell book-type foldables. Samsung also has a new Galaxy Z TriFold model, a phone that might completely change tablets forever.

Price is another reason why Android as an ecosystem is more powerful than iOS. For $499, you can buy the Pixel 10a mid-ranger, which offers the same chip as the Pixel 9, a strong camera, and lots of AI features. British vendor Nothing has a series of Phone A-series models that target budget buyers. The entry-level Galaxy A16 was Samsung’s best-selling handset of 2025. The budget iPhone 16e starts at $599, while the most affordable iPhone 17 retails for $799.

But that’s just one side of the equation. Because Android is open source, device manufacturers can customize the OS to fit this wide variety of hardware. These bespoke versions of Android are known as OEM skins, with Samsung’s One UI being the most famous example. As a result, Android offers power-user features like Good Lock on Galaxy phones for major UI tweaks, Mind Space on OnePlus devices for AI-assisted memory, or Moto Actions on Motorola phones for quick gesture shortcuts. Put simply, Android’s hardware variety drives software innovations that Apple’s ecosystem is less equipped to foster.

The computer experience: Customization, multitasking, and file management

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Generally, the more money you spend on an Android device, the better the experience will be. Android has always offered better customization options that allow users to configure the phone as they see fit. It’s not just the ability to use dynamic wallpapers, modify icons, or install custom launchers. Android lets users replace default apps in ways iOS might not. For example, you can pick your browser of choice, your digital assistant, and the phone and messages apps you want to use on Android.

Then there’s Android 16’s massive redesign that makes the user interface more reactive and intuitive than before. Actionable menus are more obvious, thanks to the use of color or a differently shaped button. All of that may make interacting with apps faster or feel more natural. Android 16 aside, you can even get an Android experience that doesn’t feature any Google apps. On iPhone, you can’t install alternative iOS versions, though in some cases you can jailbreak the handset to run additional apps.

Multitasking is also better on Android, as users can run more than one app on the screen at the same time. The feature is especially handy on foldable phones where there’s more screen real estate to use. Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold even comes with a unique DeX mode that turns the device into a desktop-like experience when it’s unfolded. File management is another experience that shines on Android. Users can access the entire storage partition, which makes managing data a lot easier than on iPhone. iOS features an improved Files app that’s been updated in iOS 26, but Android has a wide variety of file manager apps to choose from that can be even more robust.

Sideloading apps is much better on Android

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Power users are more likely to need specific apps that might not be available from the Google Play Store. This is where Android’s sideloading support comes into play, a feature that has been a longstanding advantage of Google’s OS. Android allows third-party app stores like the Galaxy Store. You can also install apps by downloading an APK from a third-party provider or website, whereas iOS requires a signed IPA, and sideloaded installs usually expire unless you re-sign them. Apple only allows third-party app stores in the European Union and Japan, and even that is a limited experience.

The downside of installing any app you desire, ignoring its provenance, concerns security. That’s Apple’s main point about restricting support for sideloading. If the App Store is the only place where you can get apps, and Apple manages that space securely, it’s unlikely that iPhone users will install malware. Android users have similar protections when installing apps from the official Google Play Store, but for sideloaded apps, the responsibility is more on the user to safeguard their device.

That said, the ability to run any apps, including specific applications you may build yourself for home or work tasks, can be a key differentiator. Especially for the power user who knows how to protect themselves when sideloading apps.

Google apps shine in the era of AI and Android XR

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Install Gmail, Google Maps, Google Photos, YouTube, Chrome, and other Google apps on your iPhone, sign into your Google account, and you can ignore alternatives from Apple already present in iOS. However, the Google apps work even better on Android, where Google controls the underlying operating system. For instance, Google can make app data available to the built-in voice assistant for deeper voice interactions. Now that we’re in the Gemini era, Google’s AI assistant is able to interact with your other Google apps to surface personal information when you need it. Ask the AI questions by voice about email or calendar data, and Gemini can respond.

Gemini is also built into apps like Google Maps, allowing users to have conversations tailored to travel or navigation. Google Photos lets you edit images with AI, including Nano Banana. Gemini serves as a camera coach on Pixel 10 phones to help you take better photos. Gemini also works in Google Search, via AI Mode, and is available as a standalone app. In addition to Gemini features, Android phones also support third-party AI solutions that smartphone vendors develop for their handsets, such as Samsung’s Galaxy AI platform. iOS will eventually offer similar features via a planned Siri revamp, but you don’t have to wait for those AI experiences if you’re on Android.

Finally, Android XR is also relevant here; the AI-centric Android platform that Google developed for wearable devices, like spatial computers (Galaxy XR) and smart glasses. Android XR places Gemini on the user’s face, giving the AI eyes and ears to see and hear everything the user sees and hears.

Android’s ‘Aluminium’ future is poised for even more power

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Apple introduced a feature called Continuity years ago that allows users to seamlessly switch between iPhone, iPad, and Mac when performing specific actions. Maybe you were reading or editing a document on the handset and you want to take advantage of the larger display of the Mac. While Google has worked to implement similar features in the years that followed, the company is now looking to turn Android into a desktop operating system. First, Google is merging ChromeOS with Android, which will mean future Chromebooks and other Android PC models will offer experiences more similar to Android phones. That’s called Aluminium OS, with Google expected to deliver the Android-ChromeOS merge in 2026.

Android already offers PC-like features on smartphones. Running multiple apps side-by-side on a mobile phone, moving files with ease via a desktop-like filesystem, and installing any app you want, not just what’s available on Google Play, is possible on a small-screen device. But to be more of a full-fledged desktop OS, Android needs a larger canvas, and Aluminium may deliver that. Also, many Gemini AI features available on Android phones should transition to Aluminium. When that happens, an Android user may be able to seamlessly switch to an Android desktop or laptop and run all the apps and tasks they had open on the handset, not just some of them. Add Gemini AI assistance on all these devices, and productivity may improve significantly on Android, but that’s just speculation.

Even without Aluminium in place, Android users can connect their phones to Windows devices to manage the handsets from their computers. Separately, Samsung’s DeX functionality lets users connect some Galaxy phones to displays and peripherals, which enables a desktop Android experience.

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We’ve long known that procrastination, in general, is not a laziness problem or a time problem but has more to do with human behavior and psychology. It doesn’t have much to do with poor time management either. Productivity tends to fall off if you don’t have the right motivation or the right work schedule, and no, that doesn’t mean working nonstop all day, every day. One way to deal with all of it, and potentially build more focused work sessions, is to use a technique called the Pomodoro method. You work for a certain amount of time, unhindered and focused, and then take a certain amount of time off, as a small break. Usually, you work in 25-minute intervals with five-minute breaks in between. You track these sessions using a special timer called a Pomodoro timer.

There are many different types of Pomodoro timers with varied designs and styles, and they’re one of the most useful gadgets for boosting productivity when working from home. One on Amazon is making the rounds, and Amazon reviewers absolutely adore it. The OORAII rotating Pomodoro timer, available for a mere $17, currently has over 870 reviews on Amazon with a 4.7 out of 5-star score. A whopping 85% of those reviews are 5 stars, with a further 9% at 4 stars, meaning 94% of all reviews are 4 stars or higher. People really seem to love this thing.

Some of the comments praise it as being “elegant, functional,” and “almost perfectly designed.” Others have said it’s an “essential task timer,” or that it was precisely what they needed to stay focused and energized throughout their day.

Why does the Pomodoro technique work?

Invented in the 1980s by a French university student trying to improve their studying, named Francesco Cirillo, the Pomodoro technique specifically addresses natural burnout. He originally used a small manual timer or egg timer, like a digital kitchen timer. Cirillo learned, however, that the small breaks in between focused sessions can give your body enough time to relax and unwind and keep you going, provided you’re following the regimen and truly take a break.

The Pomodoro technique has been known to provide several benefits during intense work or study sessions, including improved focus, minimized distractions, fewer feelings of burnout, and overall better motivation. It also reduces stress and anxiety related to the work itself, such as the impending doom of pressing deadlines.

The $17 OORAII Pomodoro timer from Amazon works by allowing you to track your individual 25-minute focused sessions, interspersed with five-minute breaks. There are preset intervals to make them easier to select, along with additional 10-minute and 50-minute intervals. Once the timer is set, it will sound an audible alert with three volume settings — silent, low and high — to let you know the timer is finished. It senses which interval you choose via a gravity sensor, and when you flip it, the system knows. Moreover, it offers a long battery life with USB-C charging for convenience. Sure, you could technically use one of the more obvious Amazon gadgets out there, like an Echo speaker or Alexa-enabled device. But the OORAII Pomodoro timer has the presets ready for the technique, so there’s no need to fiddle with a clock or timer, and it’s really convenient to use and get going. Plus, it’s only $17, which is less than your average fast food meal these days.

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Organisations understand the importance of giving their employees the opportunity to learn new skills, but many are falling short, according to research.

A study from tech training provider Pluralsight found almost 95% of business leaders in the UK believe providing employees with tech skills should be top of the agenda, but approximately the same amount don’t have the resources to make it happen.

Matt Lloyd Davies, cyber security researcher and principal author at Pluralsight, said: “While nearly all executives acknowledge the strategic importance of a learning culture around technology, the fact that 95% of professionals still feel under-resourced reveals a clear gap between leadership intent and day-to-day enablement.

“Closing this gap requires leaders to move from aspirational statements about culture to measurable action, embedding continuous learning into performance reviews, workforce planning and leadership accountability.” 

Skills gaps in the technology sector have been an ongoing issue, making it difficult for organisations to find the talent they need for certain roles, especially when it comes to rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber security.

To improve the skill level of tech workers, implementing plans for continuous learning within firms is something that has been spoken of and recommended by the government for years.

Pluralsight’s Tech skills report 2025 found that 95% of IT executives in the UK want to create a “culture of learning” in their organisations, especially as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an increasing part of business.

Almost half of AI-related projects ended up unfinished across 2025 as a result of a lack of appropriate skills, and this issue is likely to continue into the next year without an increased focus on tech learning.

But there are barriers to providing the level of upskilling needed for employees to be ready for AI adoption – Pluralsight found half of employees in the UK said they don’t have time for training, and 93% said a lack of support is the biggest barrier to upskilling.

While all organisations asked said they have a strategy for upskilling, 56% of leaders are very aware of the blockers in the way of achieving this, and almost all claimed skills shortages are a current barrier to successful teams.

Drew Firment, AWS community hero and vice-president of global partnerships at Pluralsight, claimed that where time is an issue when it comes to training, it is more about company culture than anything else.

“A learning organisation doesn’t make time; it builds time into their business model,” he said. “How that happens will differ for every business – it could be through protected learning hours, bite-sized formats or structured development pathways – but it must be a priority.”

There are obviously many benefits to having a skilled workforce, and Pluralsight found retraining already-existing employees saves companies money.

Tech skills report 2025 claimed that in the UK, it is 1.6 times more expensive to hire new people than it is to offer internal talent the opportunity to learn new skills – the research found the average new employee in the UK costs approximately £9,769, while upskilling costs £6,056, and more than 40% of tech leaders said it also takes longer to hire than it does to train.

This route is also more beneficial for employees, with 41% claiming more training leads to promotions, and almost half claiming increased skillsets lead to pay rises.

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The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has committed to extending the Innovate UK-backed Cyber Security Academic Startup Accelerator Programme (CyberASAP), putting an additional £10m of funding behind the project.

Since its establishment in 2017, CyberASAP has helped create multiple new British cyber security companies, commercialised breakthrough security technologies, led to several high-profile acquisitions and raised approximately £47.4m in funding – 68% of that figure from private backers.

The programme was set up to bridge the gap between academia and industry and assist in turning newly researched cyber technologies into commercially viable products. So far, it has supported academics at 80 institutions in the UK in moving beyond their research and into the market, helping tackle pressing challenges around cyber defence, artificial intelligence (AI), digital education, edtech, quantum and workforce development, among other things.

“CyberASAP shows what’s possible when publicly funded research is matched with the right commercial support. Over nine years, the programme has helped academics from across the UK turn ideas into real-world impact…delivering a near four-to-one return on public funding. It’s a powerful example of how we build capability, resilience and growth in the UK’s cyber security ecosystem,” said Emma Fadlon, co-director of CyberASAP at Innovate UK Business Connect.

“The UK’s academic community has had an incredible impact on computing, cryptography and cyber security stretching back 100 years. The CyberASAP programme now equips our brilliant academics with the best possible support to convert inventions and breakthroughs into scaled companies that can make businesses and citizens safer in the AI era,” added Dave Palmer, general partner at Ten Eleven Ventures, a specialist in venture capital funding for the security sector, which has previously backed multiple CyberASAP projects.

This year’s cohort of 14 finalists will showcase their innovative technology, alongside an alumni showcase, at the CyberASAP Demo Day on Wednesday 25 February. This year, some of the projects on display address issues such as child protection, money laundering, privacy, quantum security and ransomware.

PingChen Lin, co-founder and CEO of CybPass, a University of Sheffield spin-out that is working to address security and compliance assurance for AI systems in high-risk, regulated industries, will be participating in the alumni sessions this week.

“Returning to Demo Day feels deeply meaningful, a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to proudly showcase the expanded vision we’re now bringing to market,” he said.

Lin said the CyberASAP programme had played a pivotal role in the young firm’s journey. “[It helped] us leap from academic research into a company ready to solve real-world problems. It challenged our thinking, sharpened our focus on customers and regulation, and gave us the conviction to build CybPass into an investable cyber security venture tackling urgent AI assurance challenges,” he explained.

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AIDA Cruises has engaged Cisco Services to deploy Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) OpenRoaming technology across its fleet.

The cruise industry is currently experiencing rapid growth, but from a networking perspective, ships operate in some of the most challenging environments and remote locations in the world, and with Wi-Fi a staple of any modern holiday offering, AIDA Cruises’ wireless network needs to operate 24/7, span 12-20, manage densely packed connections, and sustain them as users move around the ship.

The WBA’s overall stated aim is to drive “seamless”, interoperable service experiences via Wi-Fi within the global wireless ecosystem, and AIDA is the first cruise brand to introduce OpenRoaming at sea, offering what it calls “seamless” Wi-Fi for staff and passengers as they move around ships, wherever they are in the open sea.

OpenRoaming is designed to offer an automatic and secure connection of billions of devices to millions of Wi-Fi networks, providing a global standards-led approach, removing public-guest Wi-Fi connectivity barriers, and bringing greater convenience and security to the wireless ecosystem.

The WBA insists that OpenRoaming can simplify Wi-Fi, much like the cellular roaming experience. It says companies that join WBA OpenRoaming can allow end-users to automatically connect on any Wi-Fi network managed by a federation member. This, it claims, creates a world where Wi-Fi users move from one network to another without needing to constantly re-register or sign in.

The OpenRoaming framework and standards are based on a number of key features. For cloud federation, this consists of a global database of networks and identities, dynamic discovery and the Wireless Roaming Intermediary Exchange. 

AIDA Cruises is using the Cisco Wireless family of products to enable OpenRoaming across 11 ships, including Cisco Wireless 9800 series controllers and the Cisco Wireless 9100 series access points. The OpenRoaming AIDA network supports operational systems, entertainment and safety. It also provides critical guest services including the onboard information portal for daily programmes, next port information, onboard chat and booking services.

Implemented as part of a broader modernisation of AIDA Cruises’ network architecture, the WBA says OpenRoaming can enable a “frictionless” user experience by eliminating repeated logins in future, supporting seamless, secure Wi-Fi access for passengers and ship staff.

Passengers can connect instantly to Wi-Fi using pre-existing profiles, removing the need for login screens, and enjoy a consistent connectivity experience as they move around the ship. Users with OpenRoaming natively on their phone, via an existing profile or their preferred app, can access Wi-Fi automatically with no usernames or passwords, safe in the knowledge that the connection is secure. 

OpenRoaming is also claimed to support uninterrupted streaming and social sharing for guests, and reliable connectivity for crew workflows throughout vessels, including mission-critical tasks such as servicing and safety-related tasks.

The onboard experience was validated on the first ship fitted out as part of a 14-day repeatable dry-dock programme, in which AIDA and Cisco Services executed a complete network overhaul within a tight window of opportunity before returning the ship to sea.

Commenting on the deployment, AIDA Cruises CIO Gordon Poppe said: “We’re in the middle of the open ocean, but we actually exceed the connection standards you would experience in many places on land. If you’re on a FaceTime call and you move around the ship from deck to deck, you will always be connected and won’t drop. Connectivity is not only about being connected to the internet, but it’s also being able to connect to our digital touch points on board, from the minute you enter the ship.”

Tiago Rodrigues, president and CEO of the Wireless Broadband Alliance, added: “Cruise guests want connectivity that feels effortless and secure from the moment they step onboard to access ship services and use their own devices. With their OpenRoaming profile, they can even seamlessly connect to OpenRoaming-enabled Wi-Fi at each port and city they visit.

“AIDA Cruises is showing how open, interoperable Wi-Fi roaming can remove friction at scale, improve the guest experience and support operational performance in one of the most demanding connectivity environments.”

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There’s no telling what you may find at a Costco, but we can tell you it’s not going to be a certain video game console. With news like Valve confirming fans’ worst fears about the Steam Machine and the cost of electronic components going up, it’s been a rough time for gamers and consumer electronics in general over the past several months. Now, it looks like the gaming community is suffering another blow, as Costco is no longer carrying Xbox consoles or games in the U.S. or U.K.

While it took users across the web to first make the discovery, Costco has seemingly stopped carrying Xbox gaming systems. While the reasoning is rather ambiguous, there can be several motivating factors for the decision, including rising costs and slumping sales concerning the console. Considering Business Insider notes that Costco is the third largest retailer in the world just behind Walmart and Amazon, the decision can be a significant loss for gamers.

Other video game systems and gaming titles are still available at Costco, and you can even find enough items through the retailer to build your own retro arcade if you want to, but don’t expect to find anything Xbox-related any time soon. This may also stand as further evidence that users should go with the PlayStation 5 over an Xbox in 2026. However, Microsoft has also confirmed that there will be another Xbox console after the X and S series.

Costco no longer carries Microsoft Xbox products

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If you go to the Costco website and search for “Xbox,” it’s likely you will either find nothing or a list of consoles, games, and accessories that have little to do with Microsoft or Xbox. Unfortunately, this has been an ongoing problem for a while now, as ResetEra user kubev first discovered the lack of console stock back in September 2025. Interestingly, both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the PlayStation 5 are still available, though the former is only available to members.

Additionally, Costco had indeed confirmed that it will no longer be carrying Xbox stock, including both the Series X and Series S consoles. Former IGN employee Destin Legarie posted on X that the Costco confirmed it will no longer be stocking the Microsoft systems, citing a “business decision.” Though Costco provided a murky answer, one reason may be that hardware sales have been declining for the past two years, as noted by IGN. There’s also the fact that Microsoft has raised the price of the Xbox numerous times, including another raise in September 2025.

While other retailers such as Amazon still carry the Xbox Series X and the Xbox Series S, it can still be quite an issue for consumers when 2026 is already shaping up to be one of the most expensive years in tech. It also doesn’t help that AI data centers are driving up the cost of everyday items. It’ll be interesting to see how Microsoft tackles its next system.

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Smoke alarms are a vital bit of kit in every home. After all, fire risk doesn’t just come from obvious sources like forgotten candles, but also everyday gadgets like your dehumidifier or power bank. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by 60%. They have been commercially available since the early 1970s, and the core technology behind them hasn’t changed much since, though new features have come in to offer some modern touches. 

For instance, the ability to connect to the home Wi-Fi network means they can send notifications to the owner’s phone when triggered, and they can be linked to other alarms in the home so that all of them sound if smoke is detected in any room. Connected smoke alarms also help cut down on false or nuisance alarms — a common reason people disable their smoke detectors — and that’s led to them quickly becoming an essential smart home gadget. 

However, not all smart smoke alarms are created equal. Some can be restrictively expensive. The more complex technology also opens the door for technical issues that can’t be solved with a simple reset. Other downsides may be more inconvenient than dangerous, like failing to connect to your smart home’s ecosystem, be it Amazon, Google, or Apple.

BGR has rounded up some of the best and worst smart smoke detectors on the market, so you don’t have to find out if you made the right call when you need it most.

How do smoke alarms work

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A smoke alarm’s job is straightforward: detect smoke particles in the air and sound an alarm early enough for people to escape. While modern ones may boast fancy features, most have always worked in one of two ways — using ionization or photoelectric (also known as optical) sensing.

Ionization alarms contain a tiny amount of shielded radioactive material positioned between two metal plates. As it naturally decays, the material releases particles that knock electrons off nearby air molecules, turning them into charged particles called ions. These ions allow a small electric current to flow between the plates. But when smoke from a fire enters the chamber, the particles attach to the ions and interfere with their movement, reducing the current. If the current drops below a preset threshold, the alarm is triggered. Ionization detectors are particularly quick to respond to fast-flaming fires, which produce large numbers of tiny soot particles that disrupt the current more rapidly. Fun fact: ionization technology was actually a NASA invention.

Photoelectric alarms use a light beam and a sensor inside a chamber. The sensor is positioned at an angle to the beam, so that under normal conditions the beam does not hit it. When smoke particles enter, they scatter the light, triggering the alarm only when enough light is detected. These detectors are generally more responsive to slow, smoldering fires, which produce lighter-colored particles that are more reflective. Each technology has its strengths, so the NFPA recommends having both in a household, and many modern smoke alarms use dual-sensor setups.

What makes a great smoke alarm

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There are hundreds of different smoke alarms on the market, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when shopping around. Of course, its ability to detect a blaze and alert the household quickly is the priority, so opting for a dual-sensor alarm is ideal.

Power source is equally important. You don’t want to have to replace it too quickly, or find out it’s not working during an emergency situation. Many models come with long-life lithium-ion batteries. Others are hardwired into your home’s power, with a backup battery to keep them running during outages. Some have sealed batteries to stop the user from removing them and forgetting to install replacements.

Other useful features include a large, clearly visible test button which makes it easy to check that the alarm is working, and the ability to detect carbon monoxide as well as smoke.

Smart smoke alarms offer a variety of additional features, so it’s important to choose a model that fully integrates with your home’s digital ecosystem to make the most of its capabilities. Top-of-the-range devices will offer smartphone alerts, low-battery warnings, and self-testing capabilities. In-app silence buttons will quickly put a stop to any false alarms and save you from frantically trying to reach the physical reset button while the siren blares around you. Quality devices will also connect to other alarms on the network, which is helpful in large houses where one alarm may not be audible from all rooms.

Best: X-Sense SC07-MR Smart Smoke & CO Alarm

The best smart smoke alarm on BGR’s list is the X-Sense SC07-MR Smart Smoke & CO Alarm. At a glance, the $45.99 device looks like nothing to write home about, offering the typical loudness of 85 dB at 10 feet away and no integration with any of the top three smart home ecosystems of Apple, Amazon, and Google. The manufacturer guarantees a 10-year lifetime, which is fairly standard, and the device is powered by a single replaceable CR123A battery rather than connecting to the mains.

However, the added features put it at the top of our list. When paired with the SBS50 base station (which will set you back an additional $22.99), the alarm volume increases to a powerful 100 dB, and it can connect to the X‑Sense Home Security app, enabling notifications, remote monitoring, and the ability to silence the alarm from your phone.

The alarm uses both ionization and photoelectric sensors to detect smoke, so it’s extra safe, and it even has the ability to automatically alert a 24/7 professional monitoring center as soon as the alarm is triggered. An agent will contact someone from the household, either via a phone call or message, and can quickly dispatch emergency services if the emergency is verified. Note that to access this service, users must subscribe to Protect+ Premium for $4.99 per month, which offers automatic emergency dispatch. The basic $2.99 plan will provide the same service, but you must manually alert the monitoring center by pressing a button in the app.

Best: Meross MA151

Another great smart smoke detector option is the Meross MA151, available for $41.99 without the base station or $61.99 with it. Like the X-Sense model, by itself the alarm is not hugely impressive, offering a volume of 85dB, no ecosystem integration, and a 10-year lifetime. It is not dual-sensor either, though it does have two optical sensors within the sensing chamber to increase accuracy.

With the Matter hub, however, the alarm can connect to Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. It also boosts alarm volume to a whopping 110 dB and allows it to connect to up to 16 other alarms in the household. If you also have other sensors for your doors and windows, the alarm can double up as a security system that is triggered when an intrusion is detected.

The Matter hub allows the MA151 to connect to the Meross app for real-time alerts, including those for low battery and tampering. On the negatives, it does not offer emergency service integration, and you do need to buy the Matter hub to utilize the coolest features. The two AA batteries are replaceable, but this has the disadvantage of meaning that you are the one who needs to replace them, which can be a chore.

Best: Sensereo MSC-1

Our next best smoke alarm is the Sensereo MSC-1, which is a little more expensive at $69.99. We must caveat that currently this device is only certified for use in the U.K. and EU, but a U.S.-certified version will be released at a later stage. Indeed, you can order it to the U.S. and U.S. owners have reviewed the device, but using it there could nullify insurance claims.

Like the Meross MA151, this alarm can pair with a Matter hub to boost the number of ecosystems it is compatible with, but unlike the Meross option, it detects carbon monoxide as well as smoke. In fact, it displays the exact ppm on its built-in screen. Its built-in alarm is the standard level of  85 dB at 10  feet, and the Matter hub does not increase this.

The MSC-1 is not a dual-sensor device, relying only on photoelectrics to detect smoke. That being said, the manufacturer does boast that it has an “optimized chamber structure” designed in a way that minimizes interference from external light to reduce false alarms. Reviewers say that it takes about 20 seconds to detect smoke during tests. It requires one replaceable CR123A battery to function, which may be preferable to the more expensive mains power connection, or less preferable if you really don’t like changing alarm batteries.

Best: Owl Wired

Our final choice to round out the top four is the Owl Wired. While this option detects smoke using only a photoelectric detector, it contains a host of other sensors to pick up carbon monoxide, motion, noise, temperature, and humidity. Motion and sound detection help with security, as the device can alert you in the case of unexpected activity, while temperature and humidity readings are useful for assessing potential for damp or mould.

The detector connects to three smart home ecosystems without the need for an additional hub: Apple, Google, and IFTTT. The latter is especially good for automating smart actions based on sensor triggers, such as turning on lights when motion is detected or sending you an emergency call in the case of smoke or carbon monoxide. Even if you don’t use Apple HomeKit or any of the other setups, the Owl Home app will also display readings from the sensors.

The Owl Wired is powered by your home electricity, so owners won’t have to fiddle around changing batteries every few years, but the initial setup will be more technical and more expensive. It does have an internal backup lithium battery for use in a power cut, but the manufacturer says this only has a lifetime of about a week (it is looking to improve this via an over-the-air update.) You can connect up to 20 detectors in a household, but this will cost you, as each device retails for $169. They do come in a sleek black color as well as white, though, which is unique.

Worst: Kidde Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm

It wasn’t easy to single out the worst smoke detectors, as most models still offer useful features, but the first on our list is the Kidde Smart Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Retailing for about $75 on Amazon, this dual-sensor device can connect to Amazon Alexa and Ring systems, and with a subscription to Ring’s smoke & CO professional monitoring plan, it also provides access to a 24/7 monitoring center that can contact emergency services if an incident is confirmed. On paper, it ticks a lot of boxes for a smart smoke alarm.

However, BGR found a significant number of reviews highlighting frequent false alarms, often in the middle of the night and without any obvious trigger. Furthermore, the alarm emits a persistent beeping at the end of its 10-year lifespan, which some find frustrating, especially given instances where it apparently began less than a year after initial purchase. The brand is also let down by its customer service, as it has received widespread criticism on TrustPilot, with many describing support as unhelpful or slow.

Worst: First Alert SC5

Like the Kidde detector, the First Alert SC5 has several strong selling points. It includes a carbon monoxide sensor, voice alerts that state what type of hazard has been detected and where, and built-in integration with Google’s smart home ecosystem. That compatibility made it a popular replacement after Google officially discontinued its Nest brand in March 2025. On paper, the SC5 looks like a natural successor for households already invested in Google Home.

However, the alarm also suffers from many of the same complaints as the Kidde model. Despite retailing at a not-cheap $129.99, it has attracted numerous reports of false alarms. Some former Nest users on Reddit have described it in harsh terms, calling it “junk” and “garbage,” particularly due to alarms that trigger without an obvious cause. Several reviewers also claim that silencing the alarm can be frustrating, with the app insisting there is “too much smoke” even when there isn’t. Others mention unexplained network disconnections that undermine its smart functionality. Despite a straightforward setup and self-testing features, the volume and consistency of negative feedback suggest this is one to avoid.

Worst: Place Any Space

The Place Any Space smoke alarm is quite new to the market, having been released last summer, meaning that the reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt. However, for a price tag of $138.95, it is not massively impressive. The Any Space model comes with just photoelectric detection technology and does not natively integrate with any of the main smart home ecosystems. It is only available as a hardwired model, limiting installation flexibility. It won’t alert the emergency services to a fire automatically, and It’s not even that loud, with a volume of 79 db at 10 feet.

Not everything is bad, though — many reviewers say it has a good motion-sensing night light feature. It also has temperature and humidity sensors like the Owl Wired, and voice alert options like the SC5. Improvements could be on the horizon, too. Last summer, the manufacturer told The Verge it is working toward Matter hub and Google Home functionality. However, it might be a good idea holding off on investing in the Place Any Space before that happens.

Worst: First Alert Z-Wave Plus Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Rounding out the four worst smart smoke alarms is another model from First Alert; the Z-Wave Plus Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm. The first red flag is that the word “Monoxide” is spelled “Monxide” on the vendor’s official website at time of writing. Its specs are also relatively unimpressive, with the standard offering of 85 dB and a 10-year lifetime, no ionization-based sensor, and native support for only one smart ecosystem, Ring. The Ring integration does mean that users can take advantage of Ring’s 24/7 monitoring service, as with the Kidde device, but this will, of course, mean forking out for a Ring-branded alarm or base station as well as the Ring Protect subscription itself. A Z-Wave gateway hub can provide other smart home integrations, but it will also necessitate an added cost, on top of the roughly $59 alarm.

Just like many of the others on our list, this First Alert device is prone to unexplained false alarms, according to online reviewers. The manufacturer recommends vacuuming it out once a month, which seems an excessive level of ongoing maintenance.

Methodology

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BGR began by compiling a long list of smart smoke detectors frequently discussed in user reviews across forums such as Reddit and technology review sites. From there, each model was evaluated and ranked using a set of objective criteria, which included the price, the number of compatible smart home ecosystems (such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit), whether the device offers emergency service integration, whether it features dual-sensor technology (with both ionization and optical detection), battery life, and maximum decibel rating.

Beyond technical specs, BGR also considered more subjective themes in user feedback. Factors like ease of installation, app reliability, and connectivity stability were taken into account when they appeared consistently across multiple reviews. BGR identified the four highest-performing models and the four lowest-performing models from the longlist for featuring in this article.

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With space getting more crowded, operators of smaller craft are struggling with radio spectrum licensing, often facing a higher risk of signal interference as well as having to sacrifice downlink speed to afford missions. Looking to offer a boost to “smallsat” players, Astrolight has announced tests of technology designed to offer secure and high-speed space-to-ground links for small satellites.

European space-tech company Astrolight said that it will demonstrate its low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) Atlas-1 laser communication terminals in space for the first time in March 2026. The terminals demonstrate high bandwidth (up to 1 Gbps), secure space-to-ground links aboard two customer satellites, scheduled for launch this March with SpaceX’s Transporter-16. 

Explaining how the service advantages can be gained, the company noted that as laser communication uses narrow, focused beams of infrared light, it can transmit data at up to 100 times faster rates than traditional radio frequency (RF) and is immune to electronic interference, jamming and interception.

Ahead of the demonstrations in space, each Atlas-1 terminal is said to have undergone “comprehensive” client-led testing to confirm reliable and consistent operation on satellites across a range of environmental conditions.

“These in-orbit missions are a big milestone for the global small satellite industry,” said Astrolight CEO Laurynas Mačiulis. “Smallsat operators have long faced the issue of having to sacrifice data traffic due to the limitations of radio spectrum and the need for big antennas. Because Atlas-1 is laser-based, it provides high data rates, but with equipment that is smaller and more affordable than many other solutions on the market. Laser communication is also much more secure than traditional radio frequency.

“With orbit becoming more crowded, operators relying on traditional radio-frequency links are facing growing exposure to unintentional interference and increasing spectrum licensing limitations. Integrating laser communication into space systems is one of the best ways to deliver secure, high-throughput connectivity while reducing dependence on scarce RF spectrum and its constraints.”

In one of the first applications of the technology, two satellites carrying Atlas-1 will be part of Greece’s national small satellite initiative, backed by the European Space Agency. Operating within the Ermis satellite constellation and the PeakSat mission, they will look to demonstrate gigabit-per-second downlinks to optical ground stations (OGSs) in Greece, helping to advance Greece’s national space infrastructure.

Coordinated by the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Ermis is Greece’s first small satellite constellation mission and aims to establish novel space communications services such as low-earth orbit (LEO) 5G-IoT, Inter-Satellite Link and optical downlink. The latter, enabled by Atlas-1, will support hyperspectral Earth observation capabilities for national needs, including precise agriculture. Laser-based connectivity will be tested with links established between Atlas-1 and Helmos OGS in Greece.

The PeakSat mission, designed by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, will also specifically evaluate the operational performance of the Holomondas OGS as it attempts to pave the way for the broader adoption of optical communication technologies in Greece. The laser link between Atlas-1 on board the satellite and the ground station will be tested across a range of scenarios, including different elevation angles, weather conditions and illumination environments.

To ensure precise alignment of Holomondas OGS with the satellite’s laser terminal and enable data reception at speeds of up to 1 Gbps, Astrolight has upgraded the station with an advanced 808-nanometer Laser Beacon and a compatible C-band optical receiver, designed to meet the demands of laser communication under varying atmospheric and operational conditions.

“With this first in-orbit demonstration of Atlas-1, we want to prove that high-speed, secure downlinks don’t have to be reserved for large spacecraft,” added Mačiulis. “In the near future, laser links will save small satellite operators time and resources necessary to pursue more high-scale missions, while enhancing the throughput and security of communication.”

After the development of Atlas-1, Astrolight said it would be working on Atlas-2, a low-SWaP laser terminal for both inter-satellite and space-to-ground communication. 

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iPads might seem like a glorified iPhone to some, but they’re actually more powerful than you think. In fact, you can use your iPad as a laptop replacement. The new windowed app feature lets you open multiple apps and resize and arrange them just like how you would on a computer.

Your iPad also comes with nifty tricks for taking notes. For instance, you can enable a setting in the Notes app to refine your handwriting and add grids or lines as the background. Then, there’s other handy iPad features like the floating keyboard option, full-page screenshot in Safari, and multi-finger navigation gestures for everyday tasks.

Beyond these iPad tips and tricks are several lesser-known functionalities you might have been missing out on. They’re hidden in plain sight, but once you discover them, they can quickly change how you use your device. To that end, here are five of the cool functions you probably didn’t realize your iPad can do.

Merge files into a PDF in the Files app

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There are times when you’d need to merge several files into a single PDF. Maybe you’re sending different artwork samples to a client. Or perhaps you prefer accessing all your bills and receipts in one place. Instead of dealing with multiple files, you can combine them into one PDF. This way, you can declutter your storage and share the file much easier. 

To merge files into a PDF, you’d normally rely on a third-party app. But on an iPad, you won’t need to install one. There’s already a built-in feature in the Files app that allows you to quickly convert a set of files into a PDF. You can use it to create a PDF out of the same file type,  such as all JPGs or all DOCs. But it also supports combining different file types — say one JPG, one PDF, and one TXT file. Here’s how to merge files with this tool:

1. Go to the Files app. 
2. Locate the files you want to merge into a PDF. 
3. Press Select at the top. 
4. Mark the files. 
5. Tap the More icon (three horizontal dots) in the upper-right corner. 
6. Choose Quick Actions. 
7. Hit Create PDF. 

The generated PDF will then appear in the same folder as the files. You can open it with any PDF reader to check the output. Keep in mind, though, that the files you added to the PDF won’t automatically be deleted. If you no longer need them, you’ll have to delete them manually. 

Quickly open a note with an Apple Pencil gesture

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Ideas can strike you anytime, and before they slip away, you’d want to jot them down. A quick way to do so is with an Apple Pencil and iPad. All you have to do is tap once on the Lock Screen with your Pencil. If your iPad is already unlocked, simply swipe up from the bottom-right corner of the screen. Both Pencil gestures will open a new Quick Note, and you can start scribbling away. However, saving the note works differently between the two methods. When it’s opened from the Lock Screen, you need to hit All Notes and unlock your iPad. When it’s opened from the corner, it takes a single tap on the yellow checkmark at the top.

Conveniently, Quick Notes opened from the corner also lets you do more. For instance, you can move the window around by grabbing the handle at the top, or even temporarily hide the Quick Note by swiping the same handle to the right. To open it, just tap on the arrow on the side of the screen. Like any other notes you make, your Quick Note will be accessible anytime on the Notes app. You can find it under the Quick Notes section and in the Notes folder. While this Apple Pencil feature comes in handy for Apple Pencil owners, you don’t really need to buy one to do the same gesture (at least for the corner swipe). You can also use your finger. To enable it, follow this guide:

1. Go to the Settings app. 
2. Navigate to Multitasking & Gestures.
3. Toggle on Swipe Finger from Corner. 

This gesture is only available in the Full Screen Apps mode, though, not in the Windowed Apps or Stage Manager mode. 

Add File folders in the Dock

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By now, you probably already know you can personalize your iPad Dock for quicker access to frequently used apps and app folders. But besides apps, there’s actually one other thing you can pin to the Dock to boost your productivity: Files folders.

Just like how you can add folders to your macOS Dock, you can now do the same thing on iPads running iPadOS 26. This feature can come in handy if you find yourself constantly going to the Files app to open work reports or favorite eBooks. Instead of switching to a different app and breaking focus, you can simply go to your Dock and access the folder right there. Here’s a quick guide on how to pin folders to your iPad Dock:

1. Launch the Files app. 
2. Go to the folder you want to add to the Dock. 
3. Press and hold the folder. 
4. Select Add to. 
5. Tap on Dock.

You’re free to place multiple folders in the Dock, and they’ll show up as a small stack of files. That means if the folder has documents, you’ll see a tiny stack of papers with lines; if the contents are pictures, the images themselves will appear in the Dock. You can easily customize the files’ arrangement in the stack by long-pressing on the folder in the Dock. Then, under Sort by, select how you want to sort them (e.g., by name, date modified, kind). There’s also an option to change how the folder opens when you tap it, either in a fan style or as a grid. If you no longer want the folder in the Dock, press and hold it, go to Options, and tap on Remove from Dock. 

View files and folders like a Mac

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The Files app on iPad might look similar to the Finder on macOS, but it really didn’t function the same way, especially when it comes to displaying file details. To know a file’s size, kind, and relevant dates, you’d need to open its info panel first. But that was until iPadOS 26 came into the picture. Now, you can easily check the details of files and folders by just changing the view layout. This is one of the iPadOS 26 features that turn your iPad into a touchscreen MacBook. To set this up:

1. Open the Files app in landscape mode. 
2. Go to any of the options under Locations (e.g., iCloud Drive, On My iPad). 
3. Tap the rectangle icon in the top-right corner of the left side panel to close it. 
4. Press the View settings (four-square icon) next to the search icon at the top. 
5. Change the view from Icons to List. 
6. Select the three horizontal dots next to Date Modified. 
7. Mark the details — like Size, Date Created, and Tags — you want to add to the view.

From here, you’re free to change how the layout looks. You can rearrange the order of details by pressing and holding the top of each column and dragging it to your preferred position. If you want to sort the files, tap on the blue column heading to toggle between ascending and descending.

To divide the view into groups, go to the View settings again and select View Options. Then, tap on Group By and select how you’d like to categorize the files — by Kind, Date, Size, or Shared by. To fit more items onscreen, navigate to the View Options and switch “Icons and List Size” to Compact. 

Open two windows of the same app

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So, you’re trying to compare two products from different websites on Safari, but the constant back and forth between tabs just makes things more confusing than it really is. It’d be so much more efficient if you could open two Safari windows right next to each other and compare the products side by side. Well, your iPad can do exactly that. 

On iPadOS 26, you can open multiple windows of the same app and place them right next to each other, just like on a computer. This works for most of the native apps like Safari, Pages, and even Calendar. Some third-party apps, including Google Chrome and Microsoft Word, are also supported. To open an app in two different windows on iPad, here’s what you need to do:

1. In your home screen or app library, find the app you want to run in two windows. 
2. Press and hold the app icon. 
3. From the menu, choose New Window. 
4. Long-press the app icon again. 
5. Tap on New Window to open the second window. 

You can then resize and move the windows as needed. In certain apps, pulling up a second window is as simple as long-pressing an item — like a folder in the Files app, a note in Notes, or a search result in Chrome — and selecting Open in New Window. You can also try dragging and dropping the item anywhere on the screen to create a new window. If you minimize a window or want to see all the opened windows of a certain app, you can retrieve them by long-pressing the app icon on your home screen or app library. Then, go to Show All Windows. All these windows will also show up in your Recent apps screen.

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Your Amazon Fire TV Stick has a variable lifespan. Some Fire TV Sticks last five years, while others could last up to ten years. The longevity depends on the software and hardware. Old Amazon Fire TV Sticks have weaker processors and sometimes unsupported software. But how old is too old?

When your streaming stick is nearing the end of its lifespan, the installed software stops working, or you experience technical hiccups such as freezing, application crashing, or update errors. Plus, there’s a chance your Fire TV Stick’s firmware could stop receiving updates, as Amazon normally guarantees at least four years of software security support.

Amazon Fire TV Sticks are a bit niche, but upgrading one is much cheaper than buying a new Fire TV if your TV OS has aged poorly. However, knowing when your streaming device is ready to kick the bucket can help with budgeting. Even if you pick up the latest Fire TV Stick, you’re still spending well under $80. Keep in mind that even if you’re gaining some savings compared to buying a new Fire TV, you’ll still want to know how long they last and if it’s worth shelling out extra for the newest model.

Your Amazon Fire TV Stick is decently sturdy

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Your Amazon Fire TV Stick plugs directly into your TV’s micro-USB port. But lots of unplugging and re-plug it back in causes the device to wear and tear. However, these streaming devices are built for durability, so as long as you aren’t trying to submerge your Fire TV Stick in liquid or stomp on it with your foot, the device should be fine for a while, at least long after Amazon ceases to update its OS.

Besides the physical condition, another factor that can affect your Fire TV Stick is overheating. According to Amazon, the Fire TV Stick 4K is made from 22% recycled materials, composing 28% post-consumer recycled plastic and 80% recycled aluminum. These materials are suitable for handling natural heat and moderately warm environments.

Even though these devices don’t have cooling fans, Amazon’s Fire TV Sticks have a built-in heat sensor that issues an on-screen warning if it gets too warm. But that’s only if the temperatures spike too high while in use. Your Fire TV Stick won’t suddenly melt if it gets too hot, but the internal components may eventually get damaged if it gets exposed to continuous heating in a poorly-ventilated area (plastics can degrade over time even if they’re heat resistant). Amazon also lists the operating temperature range as 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your Fire TV Stick exceeds or falls below that range, it could be damaged, making it age faster than it should.

Amazon’s supported OS on a Fire TV Stick determines it all

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Amazon’s OS can sometimes feel a bit dated, though that’s changing with Amazon’s Fire OS redesign and Vega OS coming in the future. If you’re already a lucky owner of the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus and the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2nd-gen), you get a first-hand preview of Amazon’s Fire OS redesign. The redesign is cleaner, but more importantly, it should also feel much faster than the old one.

But as a general rule of thumb, how the Fire TV Stick’s software performs with your installed apps is likely the main deciding factor in whether it’s time to deem it too old and get an upgrade. Sluggish apps that freeze or take a while to load might mean your Fire TV Stick is nearing end of life. Plus, if the OS is too old, app developers may stop supporting older OSes (becoming incompatible), meaning you may no longer find or receive updates for those apps in the app store.

That could then force you to sideload to find apps, but doing so could also expose you to buggier apps with security flaws. It becomes a messy ordeal, and isn’t always worth the hassle, especially if you’re not used to it. At that point, you’re almost better off trading your old Fire TV Stick in to gain up to 20% off eligible upgrades with Amazon’s Trade-In program.

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