Google plans to launch ChromeOS 134 in March 2025. The latest version of the operating system for Chromebooks will birng some new features, one of which will help extend the battery life of your Chromebook. Once ChromeOS 134 is here, you’ll be able to set a maximum battery charge limit so your laptop will never fully charge. Why? Constantly charging a battery to 100 percent shortens its lifespan, so you get more overall lifespan out of it if you stop short. (The optimal battery charge window to minimize wear and tear is between 30 and 70 percent.) The new feature will be automatically enabled when ChromeOS 134 launches, but the battery charge limit will remain at 100 percent by default. If you want to protect your laptop’s battery lifespan, you’ll have to adjust the charge limit yourself when available. Further reading: Beginner tips for Chromebook users Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Easy setup Compact design Power-failure protection Not dependent on Wi-Fi or a broadband connection Cons No smart home integration No control when you’re away from home No less expensive than connected smart plugs offering more features Our Verdict The Tessan Remote Wall Outlet is a simple and reliable way to wirelessly control lamps and small appliances. Some will value its independence from the internet; but for a similar price, a smart plug with app and voice control offers far more versatility. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today The Tessan Remote Wall Outlet is a no-frills way to control lamps, fans, and other household devices without getting off the couch. Instead of relying on Wi-Fi, an app, or a voice assistant, it uses a simple remote to turn a plugged-in light or small appliance on and off. That makes it an easy option for anyone who wants wireless control without dealing with smart home hubs, apps, or the accounts associated with them. And since it doesn’t connect to the internet, it erases privacy and security concerns, too. But those benefits come with significant trade-offs. Without a connection to the cloud, this outlet can’t work with Alexa, Google Home, or Siri. Nor can it be integrated with a Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or any other flavor of smart home hub. If you’re looking for a smart plug that fits into your chosen smart home ecosystem, this isn’t it. It’s a purely standalone solution—handy for some, but limiting for everyone else. Specifications The plug has a compact design that won’t block the adjacent socket in a duplex outlet (it might block one in an outlet strip, depending on the strip’s design). It’s a simple white box with no extra bulk, just a power button on the side and an LED indicator on its face to display its state. For anyone who wants a simple, hassle-free way to control a lamp or appliance, this plug does the job. The included remote control is equally straightforward, with just two buttons: On and Off. The remote has a magnetic backing that makes it easy to stick to a fridge or any metal surface, so you won’t have to worry about misplacing it. Tessan also offers a $32.99 3-pack of these smart plugs that comes with a 6-button remote (On and Off for each outlet). The Tessan Remote Control Outlet is compact and won’t block adjacent sockets. Tessan The remote operates at a range of up to 100 feet, even through walls and doors. The outlet itself supports devices up to 15A/1875W, which covers lamps and most small household appliances, including fans, space heaters, and coffee makers. Needless to say, it doesn’t have a dimmer function. It offers practical power-failure protection: If the power goes out, the outlet remains off when the power comes back on, preventing unexpected restarts that could damage sensitive electronics or waste energy. It’s a small but useful touch for devices you don’t want turning on automatically after an outage. Setting up the outlet is as easy as it gets. Just plug it into a wall outlet, plug in a device, and you’re done. There’s no need to download an app, create an account, pair it to your smartphone, or look up your Wi-Fi password. The remote comes pre-paired, so it works right out of the box. For anyone who wants a simple, hassle-free way to control a lamp or appliance, this plug does the job. It’s especially useful for people with limited mobility who might struggle with hard-to-reach switches. Instead of getting up or reaching behind furniture, you can just press a button on the remote. The remote operates at a range of up to 100 feet, even through walls and doors. Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Day-to-day use In my testing, the remote worked consistently within its advertised 100-foot range, providing reliable control from across a room or even another part of the house. There’s no noticeable lag between pressing the button and the device responding. Unlike Wi-Fi-connected smart plugs, there’s no risk of connectivity issues, router resets, or cloud outages interfering with operation. The biggest downside is its lack of smart home integration. Smart plugs that support Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Matter integrate seamlessly with smart home ecosystems, letting you control them with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Home. They can be grouped with other devices, scheduled to turn on and off automatically, and controlled remotely from a smartphone. Standards-compliant smart plugs also give you multiple control options: voice commands, app-based toggles, and automation rules that trigger actions based on time, motion, or other factors. A Matter or Zigbee smart plug can be integrated into routines—for example, turning on a lamp when the front door unlocks or a security camera detects motion. [Further reading: This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart plugs.] With the Tessan outlet, there’s no voice control, no automation, and no remote access beyond the included clicker. That’s important to consider because at $18.99, the Tessan plug is affordable, but it’s not significantly cheaper than many other smart plugs that do support voice control and automation. Should you buy a Tessan Remote Wall Outlet? If all you need is a simple way to turn devices on and off without fussing with apps, accounts, or Wi-Fi connections, it’s a solid choice. It’s reliable, easy to use, and the included remote makes it a convenient option for those who prefer physical controls over smartphone apps. But if you’re looking for more than basic power toggling, a true smart plug is the better buy. Read...

They say there’s a great laptop out there for every wallet, and I certainly think that’s true — especially if you can wait for deals like this one. Right now, B&H is selling Lenovo’s 15.6-inch LOQ gaming laptop for just $750. That’s a sizeable $370 discount off its retail price. There are plenty of reasons to like the Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 on top of its price. It runs on a 13th-gen Intel Core i5-13450HX CPU and a decent 16GB of DDR5 RAM as well as a 512GB SSD. It also features an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card — far from the newest, but the best you can get this far under $1,000. Seriously, this is a steal for $750. The LOQ 15IRX9 has a 15.6-inch 1080p display with 144Hz refresh rate, which is perfectly adequate for decent gaming with that RTX 4060. It also comes with Lenovo’s AI Engine+ and LA1 AI chip, which automatically optimizes laptop performance depending on whether you’re gaming or working or merely chilling out to Netflix. Get yourself the super-affordable Lenovo LOQ 15IRX9 laptop for the bargain price of $750 while this deal still holds at B&H. Save $370 on this affordable RTX 4060 gaming laptopBuy now from B&H Read...

The tiny designs, the affordable prices, the sheer power under the hood — these are all reasons to love mini PCs. And they’re even better when they’re on sale, like this Acemagician S3A mini PC that’s down to $299 on Amazon for Prime members. (Don’t have Prime? No worries! You can sign up for a 30-day free trial to score this special Prime deal.) The Acemagician S3A runs on an AMD Ryzen 7 5875U processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a speedy 512GB SSD. It’s also pretty darn easy to upgrade — way easier than a laptop — and able to support up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of storage. All you have to do is pop open one of the magnetic sides to access the insides. This mini PC also features integrated AMD Radeon RX Vega 8 graphics, so while you won’t be able to play the newest games at the highest settings, you can still play with good frame rates if you drop it down a bit. It can also power three 4K@60Hz displays, which is perfect for multitasking and productivity. It also has six USB-A 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet ports. If you’re on Amazon Prime, you should hurry up and take advantage of this Acemagician S3A mini PC deal for $299. And if you aren’t a Prime member yet, you can start a 30-day free trial to still take advantage of this amazing discount while it’s available. Get this powerful Ryzen 7 mini PC for 25% offBuy now at Amazon Read...

Finding high-quality music and sounds for your videos can be a challenge. It’s not only the need to scour the web for the right tones or melodies to fit the mood of your current masterpiece, there’s also the security of knowing there won’t be any problems with copyright claims afterwards. Now, in a new partnership that’s sure to delight content creators around the world, Wondershare’s award-winning Filmora video-editing suite is joining forces with Universal Music for Creators to deliver a service that not only makes your videos look their best, but sound it too. Pro-level production without the complexity The collaboration between these two excellent platforms is great news for video creators. Not only will they be able to avail themselves of the latest professional editing and enhancement features in Filmora 14, but by going to the Audio tab in the app and selecting ‘Universal Music for Creators’, they’ll now have access to the company’s sound catalog which contains over 50,000 claims-free recordings, as well as 200,000+ custom audio edits. These can be seamlessly imported onto the video timeline, cutting down the usual time-sink of sourcing audio, all while benefiting from the studio-quality recordings that are sure to upgrade the sound quality of a production. Universal Music for Creators regularly updates its carefully curated catalog with the latest music across all genres, trends and styles, so you should have no problem finding something that fits the mood of your video. Wondershare Filmora It’s not only the sounds that are powered up to make life easier for content makers, as the new features in Filmora 14 also make it quicker and simpler than ever to edit and enhance the quality of your videos. New tools like Multi-Camera Editing allow you to seamlessly switch between different angles in real-time and all on the same timeline track. Markers ensure that everything stays synced up, greatly reducing how long it takes to assemble professional-looking multi-perspective videos. If you want to change flat surfaces in videos to something more dynamic – say replacing a blank wall to one that contains text or an image – then the new Planar Tracking tool makes it simple to achieve. Just mark the corners of the space, select what you want to insert, then the software will do the rest. There many new tools and editing features in Filmora 14, all designed to streamline the creation process so you can bring your vision to life rather than stay stuck in the editing stage forever. Get going with Filmora 14 and Universal Music for Creators Combining the new video and audio enhancements with the sound options provided by Universal Music for Creators, means you’ll have everything you need to make high quality movies or short videos right there on your laptop. You can sign up to a free 7-day trial of Filmora 14 with Universal Music for Creators to see how this powerhouse partnership can bring your creative dreams to life. You might just find that the finished results are music to your ears.  GET A FREE TRIAL OF FILMORA 14 Read...

Microsoft recently announced important new features relating to Windows 11. As usual, these will be first introduced to Windows 11 Insiders, then eventually to everyone else. One important change is a new laptop battery indicator that visualizes the charge level with new symbols. This change was actually supposed to be implemented last month, but the release was postponed on short notice. But now the time has come and Windows 11 Insiders are getting their first taste of the new battery display, as Windows Latest reports. The new battery icons in Windows 11 The battery icon in the taskbar is getting a completely new look in Windows 11. Previously, the small black symbol wasn’t very informative and didn’t tell enough about battery status at a glance. Going forward, the new battery icon will look a lot more like what you see on smartphones, which have long understood what users want to know about their batteries. The indicator will use a new design along with new colors, replacing the bland and useless one we’ve had thus far: Microsoft / Windows Latest Battery (when the PC isn’t connected to the power supply) Energy saver (colored yellow when this feature is active) Charging (a lightning bolt icon with a green fill) Smart charging (to indicate battery charging protection) Slow charging (an error symbol with a solid color fill) Low battery level (a narrow red bar when between 1% and 5%) Battery unknown (a cross symbol indicating there’s no battery) It’s also notable that the new icons are slightly longer than the previous ones. This makes it easier to see how much battery remains as the bar fills up or empties. Testers have already been able to try out this improved battery display in an earlier preview, as we reported in this article. Get Windows 11 Pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro However, the red, yellow, and green colors are the clearest way to draw attention to the current charge level. Overall, this new look is much more user-friendly and, as already mentioned, is based on Android and iOS devices, which gives it a certain recognizable value. According to Microsoft, the display will continue to be based on your selected theme. If you’re using the classic light theme, the battery will be black at 100% charge. With dark theme, the battery will be white. When is this change coming? For Windows 11 Insiders, the new battery display is expected to be introduced with one of the next updates. The majority of Windows 11 users will have to be patient until they can test the new look. However, we assume that the new battery indicator will be introduced for everyone within the next few months. Further reading: How to check your laptop battery’s health Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Fast PCIe 5.0 HMB performer Affordable for the speed Maintains a decent write rate after secondary cache is exhausted Cons Not as fast as PCIe 5.0 DRAM designs Our Verdict The PNY CS2140 is affordable for PCIe 5.0, and excelled (for a host memory buffer design) in both synthetic benchmark and real-world testing. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: PNY CS2150 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD Retailer Price PNY $103.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The PNY CS2150 is the second host memory buffer PCIe 5.0 SSD we’ve tested and it’s a very good performer. It can’t quite match the best DRAM designs, but it’s also a heck of a lot cheaper and very fast in the grand scheme of SSDs — 9th fastest among all. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best SSDs for comparison. What are the PNY CS2120’s features? The CS2150 is a PCIe 5.0 x4 NVMe SSD in the 2280 (22mm wide, 80mm long) form factor, built around a Phison PS5031-E31T controller. As noted, it’s a host memory buffer design (your device’s memory serves as primary cache) utilizing 218-layer, Kioxia BiCS8 TLC NAND. Secondary caching is implemented by writing portions of the TLC as SLC. The reduced error checking required for two-state cells makes this much faster than checking the eight possible voltage states of TLC written natively. The CS2150 carries a five-year warranty that’s mitigated by a 600TBW (terabytes that may be written) per 1TB of capacity rating — i.e., the warranty expires after you’ve written that much data, like car warranties expire after you’ve driven the allotted number of miles. How much does the PNY CS2150 cost? The CS2150 is $104 for the 1TB model and $188 for the 2TB capacity on the company’s website at the time of this writing. That’s not strictly bargain basement, but not bad at all for a PCIe 5.0 SSD with its type of performance. How fast is the PNY CS2150? The 2TB CS2150 I tested is very fast in the grand scheme (9th place), nearly dead even with the other PCIe 5.0 HMB SSD I previously tested — the Corsair MP700 Elite. However, it’s not particularly fast for a PCIe 5.0 SSD if you include DRAM designs such as the big daddy Crucial T705 shown in the charts below. The WD Black SN7100 is a PCIe 4.0 HMB design included to show the real-world transfer differences between PCIe 4.0 and PCIe 5.0. Due to Windows limitations, the difference is not nearly as large as it is in the synthetic benchmarks. The CS2150 barely lost to the MP700 Elite in CrystalDiskMark 8’s sequential transfer tests. But lose it did — by less than a percentage point. The CS2150 barely lost to the MP700 Elite in CrystalDiskMark 8’s sequential transfer tests. But lose it did — by less than a percentage point. Longer bars are better. The CrystalDiskMark 8 random tests were a mixed bag for the CD2150, winning one and losing on three tests to the MP700 Elite by a small but noticeable margin. The CrystalDiskMark 8 random tests were a mixed bag for the CD2150, winning one and losing on three tests to the MP700 Elite. The contest was very close but again was in favor of the CS2150’s rival. Longer bars are better. In truth, the CS2150 and MP700 Elite are basically the same drive — same controller, same NAND — which is reflected in their tie in the 48GB transfers. The margin of error in these tests is a couple of seconds. The CS2150 and MP700 Elite are basically the same drive — same controller, same NAND — which is reflected in their tie in the 48GB transfers. The margin of error in these tests is a couple of seconds. Shorter bars are better. Even though the CS2150 lost to the Corsair MP700 Elite in the 450GB write, it was a relatively close contest. This write can be affected by the current state of the SSD. We format and TRIM the SSDs before each test, but not every SSD recovers in the same amount of time. Even though the CS2150 lost to the Corsair MP700 Elite in the 450GB write, it was a relatively close contest. Shorter bars are better. The CS2150 even survived our post-main testing 900GB write test. While the drive slowed from 3GBps to around 2GBps in short order, it didn’t dip further until about 90 percent of the data had been written. Even then it was only to a tolerable 600MBps. Nice. In total, the CS2150 is a very fast SSD that on another day might have outperformed the Corsair MP700 Elite. It’s a toss-up really. Should you buy the PNY CS2150? If you’re looking for top performance, without a top-shelf expenditure then the PNY CS2150 should be on your short list. It can’t match a good PCIe 5.0 DRAM design, but it’s still darn fast and again — a lot more affordable. Indeed, while it’s in a near dead-heat with its HMB peer Corsair MP700 Elite, the CS2150 is about $30 less than that SSD in both 1TB and 2TB options, making it the clear value choice for PCIe 5.0. How we test IDG’s storage tests currently utilize Windows 11 (22H2) 64-bit running on an X790 (PCIe 5.0) motherboard/i5-12400 CPU combo with two Kingston Fury 32GB DDR5 modules (64GB of memory total). Intel integrated graphics are used. The 48GB transfer tests utilize an ImDisk RAM disk taking up 58GB of the 64GB total memory. The 450GB file is transferred from a Samsung 990 Pro 2TB, which also contains the operating system. Each test is performed on a newly formatted and TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that as any drive fills up, performance will decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, and other factors. The performance numbers shown apply only to the drive we were shipped as well as the capacity tested. SSD performance can vary by capacity due to more or fewer chips to read/write across and the amount of NAND available for secondary caching (writing TLC/QLC as SLC). Vendors also occasionally swap components. If you ever notice a large discrepancy between the performance you experience and that which we report (systems being roughly equal), by all means—let us know. Read...

Buying a game controller for your PC is a task fraught with uncertainty and confusion. While gaming on a console typically locks you into whatever stock controller came with the system (or a few alternatives), gaming on a PC opens up a much wider range of options to explore. Not sure where to begin? I’ll take you through it! Here’s the ultimate guide to buying a game controller for PC gaming. I’ll tell you all about the different types of controllers, their various pros and cons, the features you need to be aware of, and any caveats worth keeping in mind. Xbox controllers work well out of the box If you’re gaming on a Windows PC, Xbox controllers have some of the best out-of-the-box support available. Recent models made for the Xbox Series X and S work especially well with gaming PCs. Thiago Trevisan / IDG Most major game libraries, including Steam and Microsoft Game Pass, will recognize Xbox controllers natively. Inputs and controller overlays in games will show up accurately, just as if you were playing on an Xbox. Thiago Trevisan / IDG So, for many gamers, a basic no-frills Xbox controller will serve perfectly well for hours-long sessions. You’ll want to download the Xbox Accessories app, though, found in the Microsoft Store. This app allows you to make effortless customizations to your controller, adjust the LED lights, and update firmware. Which Xbox controller is best? The simplest choice is the standard Microsoft Xbox controller, which has an MSRP of $59.99 but can often be found for $50 or less. It’s widely available in over a dozen different color schemes. Thiago Trevisan / IDG Microsoft also offers the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, which is a more expensive pro-level product. It comes with a carrying case and charging dock, along with the usual accessories needed for the controller. The biggest difference between the stock Xbox controller and the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller? Four paddles on the back, which can be remapped to other buttons and actions. This can make action-heavy games easier and more enjoyable, letting you keep your thumbs on the thumbsticks while your other fingers do most of the work. Thiago Trevisan / IDG The Xbox Elite Series 2 also offers trigger stops, which shorten the actuation distance of the left and right triggers so they’re quicker to respond. With a simple slide of the rear toggle, you can switch back and forth between standard and shortened trigger. While the Xbox Elite Series 2 has an MSRP of $179.99, it can often be found closer to $140 on sale. Microsoft also offers the Xbox Elite Series 2 Core version without accessories for $129.99 MSRP. You’ll need to buy the paddles and carrying case separately, but it’s essentially the same controller as the more expensive version. PlayStation controllers work, with caveats With the Sony PlayStation 5 outselling Microsoft Xbox consoles, it’s no surprise to see a sea of DualSense controllers out there. The great news here is that DualSense controllers work quite well on gaming PCs, but with a few more caveats than Xbox controllers. Thiago Trevisan / IDG For starters, the regular DualSense controller is priced a bit higher than the regular Xbox controller, with an MSRP of $74.99 that rarely goes on sale. Sony also offers a higher-end DualSense Edge controller for $199.99 MSRP, which offers more oomph for hardcore gamers. Sony DualShock controllers (for the PlayStation 4) also work on PC, and they’re priced more in line with regular Xbox controllers. Caveats to keep in mind Controller features may be spotty on PC, though. Some haptic feedback, like when you ride your horse, may only be felt when connected via USB cable. The controller’s speaker will also need to be cable-connected to work. Most other features work with Bluetooth, but note that DualSense controllers can only pair with one device at a time. That could be a pain point if you frequently switch between PS5 and PC. If you’re going to use a DualSense controller on PC, Steam is your best bet, with many games offering native DualSense support — just make sure to disable PlayStation controller support in Steam settings. That may sound counterintuitive, but it’ll give you the best results when playing games that natively support DualSense controllers. On other PC gaming platforms, such as Game Pass and Epic Games Store, your mileage may vary. You may need to use third-party tools, such as DualSenseX, to have it function properly. Which PlayStation controller is best? As with Xbox controllers, the basic no-frills Sony PS5 DualSense controller is more than enough for everyday gamers. The connection is easy to make, the ergonomics are comfortable, and the feel of it in your hand leads to an overall premium experience. Thiago Trevisan / IDG But the Sony DualSense Edge controller is one of the best pro-level controllers on the market. It adds two paddles on the back, plus extra accessories like a carrying case and USB cable lock. Much like the Xbox Elite Series 2, it also has adjustable-length triggers. One standout feature of the DualSense Edge is swappable thumbsticks, allowing you to change them out on demand, which comes in handy when they’re affected by stick drift. You can also customize your controller profiles using the PlayStation Accessories app. What about third-party controllers? As a PC gamer, you have access to an entire world of custom controllers that lean in both Xbox and DualSense directions. Scuf Scuf is one such brand. They have Instinct Pro controllers, which retail for $229.99 and are like the Xbox Elite Series 2. With ergonomic paddles on the back and mouse-click triggers, plus a familiar but tweaked Xbox feel and layout, it’s a satisfying controller to use. Thiago Trevisan / IDG Scuf also offers Reflex Pro controllers, which retail for $219.99 and take after the PlayStation 5 DualSense Edge. You get paddles, mouse-click triggers, non-slip grip, and more. These custom controllers work just as well on PC as the PlayStation 5, so if you have both, it’s an easy buy. Thiago Trevisan / IDG And then you have the Scuf Envision Pro controller, made exclusively for PC and usable via USB cable or wireless dongle. With rear paddles, mouse-click buttons, function keys, and customization via iCue software, it’s almost the perfect PC gaming controller. At $179.99, it’s right there alongside other pro controllers. PDP Some third-party controllers go even further, such as the PDP Victrix Pro Xbox controller. With interchangeable thumbsticks and a modular design, you can add a fight pad for fighting games while keeping the same ergonomic shape. It has multiple trigger stops, remappable back buttons, different D-pads, and connectivity via USB cable, Bluetooth, and wireless dongle. This one retails for $179.99 but has regular sales. Switch The Nintendo Switch Pro controller can connect to PCs via Bluetooth, but support may be spotty if you aren’t using Steam with Steam Input. With a retail price of $79.99, don’t expect it to be anywhere near as configurable as other pro-tier controllers. But if you have a Nintendo Switch, it’s nice to have one controller for both Switch and PC. Others You can use virtually any other gaming controller on your PC, especially ones that connect via Bluetooth, wireless dongle, or standard USB cables. While Xbox and PlayStation controllers are the most common, there are a few less common alternatives. Thiago Trevisan / IDG I can’t cover every third-party brand and product, but I will mention the Flydigi Vardar 4 Pro controller, which retails at $79.99. Featuring Hall effect thumbsticks and clicky buttons, it’s becoming one of the most affordable favorites among PC gamers. The more expensive Flydigi Apex 4 controller has extra bling like a built-in screen. Bluetooth vs. USB wireless vs. USB wired A wired connection is always the most stable option, but wireless gaming is very capable now — and more convenient. When it comes to wireless, you have two options: Bluetooth and USB wireless (2.4GHz). Bluetooth Bluetooth is nice because it’s ubiquitous and easy, as long as your PC has Bluetooth capabilities. You just pair the controller to your PC and it appears as one of many connected Bluetooth devices. Gaming performance is mostly fine, with some minor latency (due to the way Bluetooth works) that you may or may not feel. Even so, Bluetooth can be hit or miss. While gaming performance is good, connection issues are bound to occur. Bluetooth is prone to interference (which can cause lag or disconnections), and reconnecting a controller can be cumbersome. You might even have to re-pair it. Most modern controllers — including the Xbox Core, Xbox Elite Series 2, Sony DualSense, and Sony DualSense Edge — have Bluetooth functionality. It’s what makes them so widely compatible. USB wireless (2.4GHz) On Xbox consoles, Microsoft uses a proprietary wireless connection to pair controllers with Xbox consoles. Fortunately, you can plug a Microsoft-made USB wireless adapter into your PC to get the same functionality, although finding it on sale has been harder with time. Thiago Trevisan / IDG It’s my favorite way to connect Xbox controllers to a PC. You simply insert the USB adapter into a USB port, hold the pairing button on your Xbox controller, and then the button on the adapter itself. It pairs within seconds, and it can pair up to 8 different controllers at once. I’ve tested this with a variety of Xbox controllers and they all work perfectly. What about non-Xbox controllers? Many third-party controllers come with their own USB wireless dongles, assuming they support the tech. These aren’t as universally useful as Microsoft’s because they only pair with their respective controllers, but if you only have one controller, it’s fine. USB wired For controllers that don’t come with wireless dongles, like Sony’s DualSense, you’re stuck with either Bluetooth or USB wired. Not ideal because if Bluetooth ever starts acting up, you’ll be stuck tethering. Not that tethering is bad, mind you. With a wired connection, you’ll experience less input lag (i.e., less delay between pressing a button and seeing it happen on screen), and you’ll never randomly disconnect due to a spotty wireless signal or interference. That makes it a great — even preferred — option for esports and action-intense games. Plus, you never have to worry about pairing and re-pairing between devices. But the downside is obvious: you’re tethered. You can only go as far from your PC as your controller’s cable length. And that might be fine if you have a 10-foot USB cable, but could be a deal-breaker if you’re stuck with a short cable that prevents you from lounging while playing. What is controller stick drift? Stick drift is when a thumbstick loses integrity, causing the game you’re playing to think you’re moving the stick even when you aren’t touching it. These phantom inputs may cause your character or camera to move on their own. It’s usually due to wear and tear over time, but it can also be caused by dust or debris lodged within the controller. Stick drift is one of the biggest recurring issues in the modern world of gaming controllers. The Nintendo Switch (Joy-Cons and Pro), Xbox (Core and Elite), and PlayStation (DualShock and DualSense) have all seen user reports of stick drift to varying degrees. Lucky gamers can go for years without any stick drift while others may experience it within months of getting a new controller. What are Hall Effect thumbsticks? Unlike traditional thumbsticks, which use potentiometers to detect input, Hall effect thumbsticks use magnets and semiconductors. In a traditional controller, the potentiometer wears out from physical contact, friction, and resistance. With magnets, that isn’t so much of an issue. Thiago Trevisan / IDG The very first Hall effect controller was the stock Sega Dreamcast controller from 1998, but the technique didn’t really catch on until the 2020s — and you can now get Hall effect controllers for pretty cheap, like the GameSir G7 SE and the 8Bitdo Ultimate. Hall effect controllers are popular because they’re less susceptible to stick drift and have longer lifespans. Sadly, name-brand controllers by Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are all still based on potentiometers. If you want Hall effect, you have to go third-party. What are adaptive vs. adjustable triggers? Adaptive triggers are special trigger buttons that can change resistance on the fly, making them easier or harder to press for different things. For example, guns in Warframe feel different to shoot. Because adaptive triggers better simulate game interactions, they’re more immersive. Not to be confused with adjustable triggers, which allow you to change how far you need to press the trigger for it to activate. On supporting controllers, you can switch between short and long throws, with shorter triggers useful in games that demand fast reaction times. Many custom controllers have adjustable triggers, but DualSense adaptive triggers are rare because Sony owns the patent to them. You might see them as features in higher-end models like the Flydigi Apex 4 and Scuf Reflex, but these won’t feel exactly the same as what you get in official DualSense controllers. You can mod your own controllers If you like building PCs, you can build your own controllers, too. I’ve done it myself using readily available parts from eXtremeRate. To be clear, I’m not talking about putting a controller together from scratch. But you can take an old or broken DualSense controller, for example, and switch out the thumbsticks for Hall effect sticks or add paddle buttons to the back of it. And you don’t need soldering skills for most modifications. (Changing out sticks does involve soldering.) A full guide on how to do this and what you can potentially do is beyond the scope of this article. Just know that it’s possible! You have many options, so explore them With Steam, you can use almost any controller you want. It comes down to how comfortable it is and what features you need. You can use stock Xbox or DualSense controllers, which are fine choices. You can go with third-party alternatives, especially if you want Hall effect sticks or non-DualSense adaptive triggers. Between Bluetooth, wireless dongles, and USB cables, you have options — but you’ll have the best out-of-the-box experience with Steam, so keep that in mind. The takeaway is, gaming on a PC doesn’t mean you have to use a keyboard and mouse, and there are plenty of excellent controllers that can give you the console experience on your gaming rig. You should now know enough to buy a PC game controller that you’ll love. Further reading: PCs vs. consoles? The future looks blurrier than ever Read...

New Galaxy A series smartphones bring first-ever Awesome Intelligence, advanced camera features and enhanced durability. Read...

TV antennas aren’t just for cord-cutters looking to cut back on the cost of TV entertainment. A good TV antenna will bring in anywhere from 20 to more than 100 channels, depending on where you live. The stations are free, don’t require a broadband connection (with the exception of some ATSC 3.0 channels using encryption), and boast higher resolution and picture quality than cable or streaming options like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV. But not all antennas are created equal, and there are big differences between indoor and outdoor models. Indoor antennas are supremely convenient, if not always aesthetically pleasing, but a rooftop antenna is always better than one in your home’s attic, which is always better than one that’s installed indoors. Need more guidance on how to choose the right TV antenna for your needs? Follow the in-depth guide at the preceding link before you shop. Why you should trust us TechHive’s editors and writers have been using and testing TV antennas for decades. Martyn Williams has relied on broadcast TV since he cut pay TV more than 12 years ago. He is a licensed amateur radio operator and understands the principles of antenna design, reception, and interference. Our antenna evaluations are performed in a real-world location and rely on signal level and quality measurements across all TV stations. Each time we test a new antenna, we retest a competitor to ensure our comparison takes current reception conditions into consideration. #id67cb43695861c .jw-wrapper::before { content: `` !important; } What is the best TV antenna – Top picks in indoor and outdoor TV antennas Channel Master Flatenna 35 — Best budget-priced indoor TV antenna Pros Very low price Well made U.S.-based customer support Cons Won’t do much for your living-room décor Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Channel Master $20 View Deal $35 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $20 at Channel Master$35 at Amazon Why we like the Channel Master Flatenna 35 The Channel Master Flatenna 35 TV antenna delivers good performance at a low price, provided you live in an area with good local TV signals. It’s a simple matter to install and connect it, so the only thing you need to do is find a good location for it. Who should buy the Channel Master Flatenna 35 If you live close to TV broadcast towers, want to watch the major networks, and don’t want to spend a lot of money, the Channel Master Flatenna 35 TV antenna is a good choice. Read our full Channel Master Flatenna 35 (model No. CM-4001HDBW) review Winegard FlatWave Amped — Best flexible amplified indoor TV antenna Pros Strong reception, clear picture quality Amplifier contributes to good range Amplifier can be powered by a wall wart or your TV’s USB port Cons Not the best-looking thing to have on your wall or window Excess cable can get messy quick Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $59.99 at Amazon Why we like the Winegard FlatWave Amped Winegard’s FlatWave Amped delivers great performance for an indoor antenna. It’s small, lightweight, and includes an amplifier, so should work well in areas that enjoy good local TV signals. Who should buy the Winegard FlatWave Amped If you live in an urban area with TV broadcast towers nearby, the Winegard FlatWave Amped is a good choice for indoor TV reception. Read our full Winegard FlatWave Amplified (model FL-5500A) review Televes Bexia — Best rigid amplified indoor TV antenna Pros Internal amplifier boosts signal level Stable reception Amplifier can be powered from one of your TV’s USB ports Cons Lower performance with VHF frequencies Larger design could make it difficult to hide Why we like the Televes Bexia The Televes Bexia is one the best indoor TV antennas we’ve tested, capable of pulling in signals from medium-power broadcast towers whether resting on its fold-out stand on a piece of furniture or mounted to a wall. Its onboard antenna can be powered by one of the USB ports on your TV or with a USB wall wart if your TV doesn’t have a free port. Who should buy the Televes Bexia If you live in an apartment or just don’t want to install a TV antenna on your roof, the Televes Bexia will do an excellent job of pulling in live TV signals. You won’t even need to aim it as it will automatically adjust its level of amplification for each channel as needed. Read our full Televes Bexia review RCA Multi-Directional TV Antenna (model ANTD8E) — Best rigid indoor TV antenna, runner-up Pros Good reception of most local channels Inline amplifier to boost reception Attractive industrial design for indoor use Cons The antenna’s wide base gives it a large footprint (the stand can be removed if you prefer to hang the antenna) Poor reception of low-power and distant channels Best Prices Today: Retailer Price RCA $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $59.99 at RCA Why we like the RCA ANTD8E Multi-Directional TV Antenna Here’s more proof that indoor TV antennas don’t need to look hideous. The RCA ANTD8E features an inline amplifier that helps it pull in strong broadcast signals, and its cloth-covered form factor will help it blend with your home’s furniture. Who should buy the RCA ANTD8E Multi-Directional TV Antenna If you don’t like the plastic design of the Televes Bexia, RCA’ fabric-wrapped device is an excellent alternative. And it can be placed on an entertainment credenza or mounted to a wall. Read our full RCA Multi-Directional TV Antenna (model ANTD8E) review Ultra-Vizion Transparent — Least visually intrusive indoor antenna Pros Less-intrusive see-through design Reliable reception of local TV channels Long antenna cable Cons Not effective for weaker signals, even with its amplifier Older design could suffer interference from 5G signals Why we like the Ultra-Vizion Transparent Indoor Amplified antenna The Ultra-Vizion Transparent Indoor Amplified antenna works well for local TV reception in areas of strong signals, and its transparent design is much more pleasing to the eye than the competition. Who should buy the Ultra-Vizion Transparent Indoor Amplified antenna The Ultra-Vizion Transparent will work well in areas with strong signals, but it’s mostly for people who want to watch over-the-air broadcasts without don’t seeing a TV antenna taped to their wall or window. Read our full Ultra-Vizion Transparent Indoor Amplified TV Antenna review Televes Dat Boss Mix LR (model 149884) — Best roof-mount TV antenna Pros Strong, sensitive reception Built-in 5G filter Built-in amplifier and indoor distribution amp Cons Large physical size Assembly can be confusing Not designed to tune in low-VHF signals Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $179.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $179.95 at Amazon Why we like the Televes Dat Boss Mix LR The Televes Dat Boss Mix LR (model 149884) is the best outdoor TV antenna we’ve tested, and a year after our initial test, it remains on my house thanks to its consistently reliable and strong performance. It delivered an excellent performance, pulling in strong signals from local and distant TV towers where reception ranges from good to poor. Who should buy the Televes Dat Boss Mix LR If you’re able to install an antenna on your roof, the Televes Dat Boss Mix LR is an excellent choice. It should provide strong, interference-free reception for years to come. Read our full Televes Dat Boss Mix LR (model 149884) review Antennas Direct DB8e — Best roof-mount TV antenna, runner-up Pros Good reception of weak signals Antennas can be pointed in two different directions Easy to assemble Cons Large size requires a strong mount Not designed to receive VHF TV stations Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $123.61 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $123.61 at Amazon Why we like the Antennas Direct DB8e The Antennas Direct DB8e’s reception is as impressive as its looks. This is a large, heavy antenna that’s cleverly designed to receive weak signals with two antenna arrays. In areas of better reception, in can point to towers located in different directions. Who Should Buy the Antennas Direct DB8e The Antennas Direct DB8e is particularly suited for people in areas where TV stations are available from two locations far apart, as each reception array can be pointed in a different direction. Read our full Antennas Direct DB8e review Winegard Elite 7550 — Best attic/outdoor TV antenna Pros Good reception of strong to medium level signals on UHF and VHF-High Inline amplifier helps boost signals Suitable for attic or outdoor mounting Cons Plastic mounting bracket feels a little cheap Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $139.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $139.95 at Amazon Why we like the Winegard Elite 7550 Despite its smaller size, the Winegard Elite 7550 immediately impressed with its ability to pick up more broadcast channels than most of the competition at higher signal levels. It has a built-in amplifier and performed well on both VHF-High and UHF broadcast bands. Who Should Buy the Winegard Elite 7550 The Winegard Elite 7550 is a good choice for anyone who cannot have a rooftop antenna but wants to pull in the maximum number of channels in their area. It will work well mounted on the side of a house, on a balcony, or in an attic. Read our full Winegard Elite 7550 review Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max — Best attic/outdoor TV antenna, runner-up Pros Good reception of strong to medium level signals on UHF and VHF-High Multidirectional reception for areas with transmitters in different locations Sturdy mount with mounting hardware for attic or outdoor installation Cons No built-in amplifier, so you might need one for weaker channels Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket $149.99 at Amazon Why We Like the Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max The Clearstream 4 Max is a little larger than our top-ranked choice and wasn’t quite as good at pulling in stations, but it’s still a solid antenna. We liked its distinctive double figure-eight design and that it can receive signals from different directions, which is useful if you live in an area with broadcast towers in multiple locations. Who Should Buy the Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max The Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max will work well in areas where TV signals are strong to moderate and come from more than one direction. Read our full Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 Max review How TechHive tests TV antennas TechHive tests TV antennas in a location in Northern Viriginia, in the Washington, D.C. metro area. (Until 2020, we tested in the San Francisco Bay Area, so you might see references to that location in older reviews). This location receives strong signals from local TV stations, but presents several challenges: There are a large number of trees around to influence reception; some of the independent D.C. TV stations are weak and difficult to receive; and channels from the distant Baltimore market can only be received with good antennas. Indoor antennas are tested indoors, and outdoor antennas are tested mounted out of doors. Each time we test a new antenna, we retest our current top pick to ensure a fair benchmark based on current reception conditions. We use a HD HomeRun set-top box to scan for channels and record the number of RF channels received by each antenna, their strength, and quality. Each RF channel carries a number of digital stations, but the number is different per channel and can change, so just counting the number of stations received isn’t a reliable measurement. We scan several times and adjust the direction of the antenna on some rescans. Our top picks are the antennas that receive the largest number of stations with the highest signal level in both the UHF (channels 14 through 51) and VHF-High (channels 7 through 13) bands, which are the primary TV broadcast bands. A word about NextGen TV All the antennas we test are suitable for reception of NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) signals. In fact, the new broadcast standard promises more reliable reception, which should help antenna users. In our Northern Virginia location, there are three NextGen TV transmitters within reach at differing power levels, so these add to the depth of our tests. The new format also promises some interactive and streaming functionality, and many channels employ digital rights management (DRM) encryption, so you’ll also need an broadband connection if you want to enjoy many of the channels. Most TVs and some set-top boxes support encryption and interactive functions; verify the one you’re considering has that feature before you buy it. Other notable TV antennas we’ve reviewed Antennas Direct 91XG: This UHF-only rooftop antenna is great at pulling in weak signals. Televes Ellipse Mix: This is a great choice for areas with medium strength signal reception. In our tests it brought in TV stations with a strong, stable signal and is a good choice for anyone looking for a smaller antenna. Channel Master Pro-Model CM-1776: Here’s a very well-made device that will look good on any house or apartment and is suitable for use in areas of high to medium signal strength. Channel Master Smartenna+: This in-home TV antenna features a built-in tuner that adjusts to pull in the maximum number of channels possible. Clearstream Horizon: A good-looking indoor TV antenna with a companion signal amplifier. It performed well in our tests and should work in areas of good to moderate signals. GE Enlighten HD Antenna with Bias LED Lighting: This antenna neatly combines an indoor antenna and bias lighting in a single package, but one feature limits the utility of the other. Mohu Curve: This antenna is prettier than many, and it’s very inexpensive; unfortunately, it’s just not very powerful. Read...