Peripherals and accessories can unlock more potential than you might expect. In this article, we’ll highlight the components that turn a solid PC into a noticeably better gaming system, whether you’re into shooters, MMOs, or story-driven games. A programmable mechanical keyboard is one of the first underestimated devices. Whether it’s macros, hotkeys, or your own RGB profile, customizing your setup can improve focus and responsiveness. Equally important are the switch quality, actuation point, and ergonomics, which ensure greater comfort in the long run. Regular gamers benefit when the keyboard feels precise and consistent, even after hours of use. Hot-swappable models let you replace the switches yourself. This allows you to customize the typing feel exactly to your own preferences. High-quality mouse pads are also often forgotten. Anyone who has played on a smooth, large surface with good grip and tracking will immediately notice the difference, especially in fast-paced shooters. Texture, gliding behavior, and size play a decisive role here. Your mouse and mouse pad should complement each other for the best performance. A precise gaming mouse with a high-quality sensor only develops its full potential when it is moved on a clean, friction-optimized surface. BeQuiet A good gaming headset not only influences the sound, but also the response time. If you can locate opponents precisely, you gain a real advantage and not just in multiplayer games. Comfort, microphone quality, and long battery life ensure a more comfortable gaming experience. Modern headsets offer features such as surround sound, active noise cancelation, and smart audio profiles. Especially in story games or immersive titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Hellblade, they enhance the gaming experience enormously. For MMO fans, a mouse with multiple thumb buttons is often more than just a proverbial game changer. Accessing up to 12 abilities with your thumb reduces complex key combinations, keeping you in the flow. Especially in hectic battles or in raids, where timing is crucial, this can make the difference between success and failure. The same applies to games such as MOBAs or battle royales, where speed counts. Yeelight Even inconspicuous details such as a high-quality USB hub on the desk can help. Less cable chaos, easy device changes and charging ports in the right place save time and nerves – especially if the mouse, keyboard, headset, controller and webcam are regularly plugged in and unplugged. Models with power delivery (USB PD) or SD card readers further expand the possibilities. And once you’ve played on a 120 or 144 Hz monitor, it’s hard to go back to a slower display. The higher frame rate not only ensures smoother movements, but also makes inputs more precise and motion blur almost invisible. The difference is particularly noticeable in shooters or racing games. It gets even better with G-Sync or FreeSync–adaptive synchronization prevents tearing and noticeably reduces input lag. Asus A high-quality monitor arm can improve your gaming experience by creating desk space, allowing flexible screen alignment, and promoting better posture. Ergonomic chairs, wrist rests or a height-adjustable table also help to ensure that gaming does not become a strain in the long term. Not every upgrade has to be expensive; even small improvements have a direct effect on your gaming experience. If you invest in the right components, you’ll realize the difference often lies in the details. Read...

If you’re using a laptop as your primary workstation and you want to upgrade your workspace and boost your productivity, then you should really look into getting a docking station. It’s the ultimate solution for expanding what your laptop can do, especially if you get one that’s better than the cheaper entry-level options. I’m talking about something like this crazy 17-port Baseus USB-C docking station that’s now on sale for just $90 on Amazon. That’s a 25% discount off its original $120 price and matches the lowest price it’s ever been. View this Amazon deal This docking station plugs into your laptop’s USB-C port and turns it into 17 full-blown ports that can all be used at once. Yup, seriously. One of the best things about it is that it supports up to three 4K monitors via two HDMI and one DisplayPort, allowing you to craft your dream workstation setup whether you’re a creative, professional, or student. Three 4K monitors should be enough for most folks, especially since the dock also features a ton of other connectivity options. So, what are those other connectivity options? You’re looking at a 100W USB-C Power Delivery port for passthrough charging of your laptop, two USB-C data ports and three USB-A data ports for fast transfers, two USB-A ports for peripherals, SD and microSD card slots, a Gigabit LAN port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s also a 36W DC power input as well as the host port that connects the dock to your laptop. Extra bonuses with this docking station include the LED indicator for connection activity and the detachable stand that allows you to prop it up, freeing up desk space when things feel cluttered. Snag this Baseus 17-in-1 docking station for just $90 and finally get the efficient laptop workstation you’ve been pining for! Save 25% on this super-versatile USB-C dock for your laptopBuy now at Amazon Read...

Today, Microsoft will release December’s monthly patch for Windows 11. The last Patch Tuesday in 2025 will be huge, because according to Windows Central, there will be no fewer than 16 new features included in the update. get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro These include various design changes to important elements such as the Start menu, specific improvements to existing functions and completely new features. Let’s take a peek at all new features at a glance. 1. Visual improvement of the Windows search The Windows search field has been visually improved to match the height of the new Start menu design. This should eliminate some inconsistencies in the design. However, there is still the problem that the new Start menu covers large parts of the screen for many users. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address this concern going forward. 2. New “Share with Copilot” feature in the taskbar Microsoft’s Copilot AI is also making its way into Windows 11, this time in the taskbar, where the “Share with Copilot” option will soon appear. You will then see a thumbnail of the app you are currently using and can quickly start a conversation with the chatbot via Copilot Vision. In addition, the transition between apps in the taskbar should be smoother when you move the mouse pointer over them. 3. Changes to Windows Spotlight for the desktop Windows Spotlight, the feature for dynamically changing background images in Windows 11, is also receiving improvements. You can right-click on the desktop to change the background more quickly. There is also the “Explore background” option, which provides more information about the background. 4. Option to disable Drag Tray Microsoft is introducing the option to disable Drag Tray more easily. This normally allows you to select files and drag them to the top of the screen to display options for direct sharing. However, many users found this annoying. After the update, you can deactivate Drag Tray under Settings > System > Nearby sharing . 5. Better dark mode in File Explorer There is also something for fans of dark modes. The dark mode of File Explorer has been improved and given a more uniform design in dialogue windows, for example for copying or moving. The confirmation dialogues and other views are also being adapted. However, it is still possible that some elements do not correspond to the new design or that the File Explorer briefly flashes white on startup. Microsoft will continue to work on this. Windows Central 6. New device information card in the Start settings If you are looking for information about your device, you no longer have to click through menus. This is because a new tab called “Device information” appears right on the start page of the settings, which displays information about your PC’s processor, memory, RAM and graphics card, among other things. 7. Settings for mobile devices in the settings A new configuration menu for mobile devices appears in the Windows 11 Settings app. Here you can add new devices, access the settings of connected mobile devices or remove a device from your account. It’s simple and straightforward. 8. Redesign of the info page Microsoft is also changing the look of the info page with the December update. It will now only contain a thumbnail view of the desktop background with an option to rename your computer. Some sections will also be renamed or receive new entries with further information. 9. Advanced settings with virtual workspaces Changes are also being made to the “Advanced” section. It contains a new page called “Virtual Workspaces”, where you can manage virtualization functions such as the Windows Sandbox or protected hosts. 10. Settings for Bluetooth keyboards and text cursors Under Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Keyboard you will find new options for keyboards and text cursors after the patch. For example, the keyboard repetition rate, reassignment of the copilot key or accessibility. 11. New default configuration for Quick Machine Recovery Since September, users have been able to use Quick Machine Recovery to quickly restore Windows 11. Microsoft is improving the default setting for this option in December to make it easier to use. The new configuration only searches for solutions once and then prevents the user from using other options to resolve the problem. This should prevent the computer from continuing to search for solutions in a kind of continuous loop instead of offering targeted help. 12. Redesign of the widgets board On Tuesday, Windows 11 will introduce a new widgets board with a more consistent design. The new widgets will be more clearly separated from the Discover board and will no longer use a page overlay. Notifications will also be displayed with an icon of the board to which they belong. Windows Central 13. Haptic feedback for digital pens Windows 11 devices with touch function receive haptic feedback for the use of pens in the form of vibrations. These accompany the interaction with certain elements, for example when closing windows. 14. New “Click to execute” action menu Copilot PCs have a new context menu called “Click to execute”. Actions such as open, save, copy or share are arranged in this menu. There is also a new input field that allows you to access Copilot more quickly. 15. Xbox full screen mode for more handheld devices The new Xbox Full Screen Mode is now available on more devices. Until now, users could only use it on the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, but now the full-screen experience in console design can also be used on normal PCs. Navigation should be much easier and smoother, especially with a controller. The mode also reduces the resource consumption of the desktop and saves up to 2GB of memory. You can activate the mode under Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience and then apply the change by restarting. 16. Windows Studio Effects for external cameras If you have a Copilot PC, you can also extend the AI-powered camera features of Windows Studio Effects to secondary cameras. This includes USB webcams and integrated rear cameras. In addition to the new features, the December patch of Windows 11 will also contain some bug fixes and closed security gaps. As always, we will report on these in a separate article. Exclusive: get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro Read...

One of the best things you can get for your sanity and your device’s health is a good charger block—something fast, something versatile, something with safety features like temperature monitoring. The Ugreen Nexode is a great option, especially now that it’s on sale for $34 on Amazon. That’s not only a lovely 38% discount off its MSRP, but also the lowest price I’ve ever seen for this model. View this Amazon deal This is a multi-port power adapter that’ll make you forget all about juggling multiple chargers and adapters, which can be a huge inconvenience whether you’re at home or traveling to hotels, Airbnbs, etc. With four ports—three USB-C and one USB-A—you can charge up to four devices at once, everything from phones to tablets to earbuds to headphones, all at the same time. And with a max output of 100 watts, it’s even enough to charge a lightweight laptop. (Ugreen claims it can charge a MacBook Air up to 55% in just half an hour.) Built with GaN technology, this charger is better than older power adapters because it’s smaller (fits in the palm of your hand), faster, and more efficient (produces less heat). The foldable plugs make it ideal for travel as your other gadgets won’t get scratched up in your bag, nor will the prongs catch and potentially break. The GaN tech also brings in plenty of safety features and dynamic temperature sensors. Now, there’s only one catch with this deal: it’s a Prime-exclusive discount. But it’s okay if you don’t have Prime yet—you can still score this all-new low price with a free 30-day Prime trial. Start your trial and grab this compact 4-port USB-C charger for $34 before this deal expires! Save 38% on this versatile and fast USB power adapter for 4 devicesBuy now at Amazon Read...

Smart home and home security service provider Vivint today released the results of a study analyzing how home life has evolved over the past five years. One of the most interesting findings was that 53 percent of homeowners think the smart home is still too expensive, even though 55 percent nonetheless plan to buy one or more new smart devices over the next 12 months. When Vivint asked 5,000 homeowners about the future of the smart home and which categories they were most excited about, 37 percent named security and protection. One in five respondents (20 percent) said they intended to purchase an outdoor security camera, and 20 percent planned to buy a smart doorbell in the next year. That said, more than half of respondents—53 percent—said the cost of attaining a smart home was their number one consideration. Ease of installation and day-to-day use of a smart home system were also major impediments, with 20 percent of respondents saying there are too many smart home apps and ecosystems, and 18 percent citing a lack of compatibility with their existing devices as a barrier to buying new devices. Vivint says security is the primary reason the smart home is becoming a mainstream phenonenon. Vivint Vivint Home Protect and Home Protect Pro Vivint already offers our favorite professionally installed smart home system, but it can be expensive. The package we reviewed earlier this year cost about $2,800; plus $55 per month for professional monitoring.  Vivint renamed that service Vivint HomeProtect Pro in November and launched a new, lower-cost version—dubbed simply Vivint HomeProtect—at the same time. While the company still doesn’t have a DIY-install option to compete with the likes of SimpliSafe or the DIY version of the ADT Smart Home Security System we reviewed in October (our review system was professionally installed), Vivint Home Protect looks to be very affordable, and it includes the same professional monitoring service you get with the more comprehensive Pro version, which includes smart home features as well as home security. Vivint Home Protect costs $199.99 with free installation, but you’ll need to commit to a 36-month contract for professional monitoring at $24.99 per month. A starter kit includes a Vivint Security Hub, a keypad for arming/disarming the system, three door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and a Vivint yard sign. You’ll control the system with the Vivint app on your smartphone. If contracts give you hives, you can opt to pay $349.99 for a Vivint Home Protect System, plus $199 for installation and pay $29.99 per month for professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis for as long as you want it.   Buyers of either package can add one of each of the following devices when they place their order: a Vivint Smart Thermostat ($200); a Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro with a chime extender ($250, plus $7/month for cloud recording and playback); and/or a Kwikset  model 620 Z-Wave smart lock, available in four finishes (starting at $180). The doorbell will cost $310 if it’s ordered after the contract is signed, and there will be installation charges for any devices ordered after the system’s initial setup. If you want to step up to the company’s complete smart home/home security system, Vivint Home Protect Pro includes the Vivint Smart Hub touchscreen panel, four door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and a Vivint yard sign. The Pro version also supports smart lighting options as well as indoor and outdoor security cameras, in addition to Vivint’s video doorbell. That system starts at $599.99 for the hardware—including installation—and professional monitoring starting at $44.99 per month. If you’re not familiar with the concept of professional monitoring, the service involves the company you contract with monitoring your home security system for police, fire, and medical emergencies, and dispatching local first responders in the event of a break-in or other crisis as triggered by a door/window sensor, smoke detector, or a similar device. Most services also have provisions for you to contact the monitoring office for help directly. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Small thumb drive form factor Both Type-A and Type-C connectors Affordable 10Gbps performance with everyday operations Cons Writes slow to a crawl off secondary cache Connector covers aren’t captive Our Verdict For everyday write operations, this versatile (Type-A/C) thumb drive SSD delivers the goods. But it’s slow as molasses (on a very cold day!) when it runs out of secondary cache. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Addlink P50 thumb drive SSD Retailer Price $66.44 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket I’ve seen quite a few USB thumb drives lately sporting dual Type-A/Type-C connectors on either end — it’s become a popular way to assure connectivity across the largest number of devices. The Addlink P50 reviewed here is another such tiny, lightweight beastie that performs around the 10Gbps median — with normal amounts of data. However, write speed drops drastically (an understatement) when it runs out of secondary cache. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best external drives for comparison. What are the Addlink P50’s features? The P50 is a USB 3.2 10Gbps (Gen 2) thumb drive with a Type-A connector on one end and a Type-C connector on the other. Both are covered by removable end caps to protect the connector/s not in use. The P50 is 3-inches in length, 0.75-inches in breadth, and roughly 0.4-inches in thickness. Weight is 16 grams (0.6 ounces). Our unit was rendered in steel blue with brown tinted end caps. If I have any complaint about the solidly constructed P50, it’s that the end caps aren’t captive — i.e., they’re very easy to misplace. At least for hasty, forgetful folk such as myself. The Addlink P50 with its end caps in place. Addlink warranties the P50 for three years, which is the norm for affordable external storage. No TBW rating (terabytes that may be written before read-only) was provided, but given the light-duty role, the drive should hold up for a decade at the very least. How much is the P50? At the time of this writing, the P50 was $66.44 in the 500GB capacity, $104.44 for the 1TB version we tested, and $188.44 at the 2TB level (Amazon). That’s about what you’ll pay for the 10Gbps competition. Why the 44 cents when not a percentage discount? Couldn’t tell you. But no doubt, a calculator was involved. How fast is the Addlink P50? For normal operations, the P50 is largely on par for a 10Gbps USB SSD/thumb drive. That said, the only 10Gbps drive (including all types) it actually beat overall was the 1TB PNY Duo Link V3, and it didn’t do so by very much. The P50’s CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential throughput numbers were good, if not up to the 2TB Teamgroup X2 Max’s. The P50’s CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential numbers were good, but not up to the Teamgroup X2 Max’s. Longer bars are better. CrystalDiskMark showed the one area where the P50 really lagged behind the Duo Link V3 — random ops. Then again, so did the X2 Max. The P50 fell well behind the Duo Link V3 in CrystalDiskMark’s 4K tests, though so did the X2 Max. Longer bars are better. With normal large transfers (48GB is about a dozen 1080p, full-length movies), the P50 was within spittin’ distance of the X2 Max and sometimes the Duo Link V3 — depending on the test. Note that if you’re not using the time-saving FastCopy, you should be, though it’s of far more benefit with internal NVMe. The P50 was okay in our 48GB transfer tests, but not quite as okay as the X2 Max. Shorter bars are better. The Addlink P50 shares a not-so-wonderful trait with the PNY Duo Link V3 — it’s dead slow once it runs out of secondary cache. It took about eight minutes for the P50 to write the first 270GB of our 450GB file. Not bad for 10Gbps. However, it then took the better part of two hours to write the remaining 180GB. Argh! Write speed during this second phase hovered around 25MBps. Occasionally bubbling up to around 70MBps, but not for very long and often dropping to 5MBps. This is almost two hours folks. You do not want to exceed the P50’s secondary cache if you are in a hurry. Shorter bars are better. Though the Teamgroup X2 Max was a 2TB drive, even off-secondary-cache speed only dropped to around 675MBps — far faster than either of the other two drives shown. Further illustration of the 1TB P50’s yin and yang performance is shown below. It’s good (for 10Gbps) until it’s most decidedly not. The P50’s write performance is very good (for 10Gbps) until it’s most decidedly not. Overall, for the vast majority of users and nearly all normal write operations, the P50 is just fine. But if you want to fill it every time you use it, get something else. You might consider the 2TB version for more time on secondary cache; don’t opt for the 500GB version that will run out of secondary cache in half the time shown above. Should you buy the P50? For light-duty storage and transport, the P50 is fine. However, despite the Addlink hype about AI and 4K video, prosumers looking to offload hefty amounts of content should look elsewhere (X2 Max). Or at least to the 2TB version, which won’t run out of steam as quickly. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11 24H2, 64-bit running off of a PCIe 4.0 Samsung 990 Pro in an Asus Z890-Creator WiFi (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard. The CPU is a Core Ultra i5 225 feeding/fed by two Crucial 64GB DDR5 5600MHz modules (128GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 5 are integrated into the motherboard and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. Internal PCIe 5.0 SSDs involved in testing are mounted in an Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 adapter card sitting in a PCIe 5.0 slot. We run the CrystalDiskMark 8.04 (and 9), AS SSD 2, and ATTO 4 synthetic benchmarks (to keep article length down, we report only the former) to find the storage device’s potential performance. Then we run a series of 48GB transfer and 450GB write tests using Windows Explorer drag and drop to show what users will see during routine copy operations, as well as the far faster FastCopy run as administrator to show what’s possible. A 25GBps two-SSD RAID 0 array on the aforementioned Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 is used as the second drive in our transfer tests. Formerly the 48GB tests were done with a RAM disk serving that purpose. Each test is performed on a NTFS-formatted and newly TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This issue has abated somewhat with the current crop of SSDs utilizing more mature controllers and far faster, late-generation NAND. Our testing MO constantly evolves and these results may not match those from previous articles. Only comparisons inside the article are 100% valid as those are gathered using the current hardware and MO. Read...

From sound quality to connectivity, the right features in PC speakers can make all the difference in how you enjoy your music, movies and games. Here we highlight five important features to look for that will help you make an informed choice. 1. Superior sound quality It’s important to focus on sound quality to identify the best computer speakers for your needs. A high-quality sound should emphasize a wide range of frequencies. The frequency response refers to the range of sounds produced by your speakers measured in hertz (Hz). Ideally what you want is a wide frequency response of between 20Hz to 20kHz in good-quality speakers. You should also check the accuracy of the sound reproduction. What you’re looking for is a distinct lack of distortion. You want to hear a clean, clear sound free from unwanted artifacts that can muddle your listening experience. By choosing speakers with minimal distortion, you’ll benefit from more authentic audio playback, allowing instruments and vocals to shine through as intended by the artist. 2. Versatile connectivity Assessing connectivity options is vital to ensure your speakers are compatible with your existing devices. Speakers can connect through various methods such as USB, Bluetooth, or traditional audio jacks. If you frequently switch between devices or use multiple platforms, look for speakers that offer versatile connectivity to streamline your experience. If you want to be moving your speakers around a lot, consider a wireless setup that also makes using them with your smartphone effortless. You’ll ideally want to consider the ports available, whether the speaker has AUX, USB, or optical ports, as these will determine how well your speakers integrate with your devices. Compatibility with HDMI ARC can be a game changer for those with TVs because it allows you to control your TV and speakers through a single remote. 3. Adequate power You need to select speakers with the right wattage for your space for an optimal sound experience. To do that, consider the dimensions of your room and how much sound it can accommodate without losing clarity or depth. Smaller environments can get away with speakers with 20 to 50 watts of power. While larger rooms may need 100 watts or more to adequately fill the space and prevent sound from being muted. Understanding your room’s acoustics is equally important. Rooms with hard surfaces can amplify sound making lower wattage speakers perform better, while rooms with soft surfaces may benefit from a higher wattage to create a balanced sound. You should aim to get speakers to fill the room with sound without being cranked to maximum power which can distort the sound quality. By doing so, you can enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable listening experience that suits your specific environment. Pexels: Marinko Krsmanovic 4. A good design and build The design and build of your speakers can influence both the aesthetics of your speaker but also how they perform. Ideally you want speakers that blend seamlessly with your décor and enhance your environment’s overall look. To that end look for finishes and styles that resonate with your taste. Durability is also important, particularly regarding the materials used in their construction. High-quality materials not only prolong the life of the speakers, they also improve the sound performance. For example, wooden enclosures are tough, but they also resonate better than plastic, producing warmer and richer sound profiles. Then again, aluminum or reinforced plastic is super strong and can protect against wear and tear and extend the life of the speaker. 5. Value for money Finding the right balance between price and value is key when selecting PC speakers. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, speakers will vary in price considerably due to differences in their sound quality, build, and other features. That’s not to say that the most expensive are always the best. You should consult product reviews like the ones in our article about the best budget computer speakers and make an informed decision before buying any speaker. Before you begin shopping it’s important to determine your budget. Computer speakers range from budget-friendly models under $50 to high-end options exceeding $500. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend enables you to focus on models that offer the best features within your range, ensuring that you don’t overspend or settle for less-than-ideal performance. Related content I ditched my PC speakers for a soundbar and never looked back Please stop using your monitor’s crappy built-in speakers How we test PC speakers at PCWorld Read...

As a mom to six kids in rural Nebraska, it’s been hard for me to accept that the world is changing. Except for a few years in Omaha, I’ve lived in small rural communities almost all my life. It’s actually not uncommon in my community to leave your car—or home—unlocked and to know all your neighbors by name. But things are different from the way they used to be. We’ve had some close calls in the area with home break-ins and jail breakouts (which can be frightening if you’re home alone at night). While I knew I needed to get serious about securing my home, I’d been reluctant to go high-tech. After all, I live in an area that frequently loses power during bad weather and struggles to maintain good internet connectivity, which means app-based solutions can sometimes leave me in limbo. Giving smart locks a try But then I was approached with an interesting opportunity: PCWorld asked me to install a smart lock—my first—and share my experience. They knew that while I love gadgets and have written about dozens in the past, I was leery of trusting one with my home security. I can’t be the only person who’s had intrusive thoughts of being locked out of my home at 3 a.m. due to an app crash or because I forgot my PIN code.  Level Lock Pro Read our review Plus, I’m busy and not particularly handy, so my mind raced with concerns. Will it take a long time to install? Will my tech-averse husband hate it? Will we install it and then just never use that door again? Never one to back down from a challenge (I’m raising five boys, after all), I said I’d give it a shot. The biggest surprise? I can’t believe I didn’t try this sooner.  A smart lock has been the least complicated part of my home security routine, and it’s as smart as I want it to be—a big must if your household members have varying levels of tech comfort. You may be as surprised as I was at how uneventful the entire experience turned out to be (and that’s a good thing!) Installation was surprisingly easy First, before you ever buy a lock, get to know the doors in your home. You likely have an entry point in mind, but not all doors work with all locks. Most standard smart deadbolt kits, like the Schrage Encode Plus that I tried (read our expert’s review of the Schrage Encode Plus), have clear specifications on the packaging to confirm a fit. Even if it’s not explicitly stated, a given lock may not work on an antique, non-standard, or glass-filled door (e.g., French-style).  Linsey Knerl/Foundry We chose a door that was close enough to be in range of our home Wi-Fi network, but far enough away that we’d appreciate the convenience of locking it without having to physically walk to the door. In our case, this was the front door to our very cold-in-winter garage—which did not, unfortunately, have an existing lock. If your preferred door doesn’t have a deadbolt already, you can cut holes for one—which is what we did. Most hardware stores sell door lock installation kits, but be sure you purchase both the hole saw component and the latch plate jig. They may not be bundled together in the same kit. (If you don’t have a handy spouse like I do, this is a quick job for a handyman that should take less than an hour.) After we had a deadbolt hole and a place for a latch plate, the installation itself was super simple. The entire process took less than 10 minutes, so if you’re looking for a weekend project, this won’t even take the whole weekend. (Meaning, you can’t use it as an excuse to miss your least-favorite cousin’s wedding.) Linsey Knerl/Foundry Here are some highlights and tips from our installation: The door lock we chose came with an instruction booklet and an app to guide us through. I preferred the app because it had animated videos that really helped someone like me, who has little spatial ability. Reading all the steps before you start can be very helpful, as well.  The unique security code for your lock is likely printed on the instructions. Snap a photo of this with your phone so you’ll always have it, even if you lose the pamphlet.  To make the process smoother, check what you’ll need before you start and verify that you have each item (screws, plates, etc.) mentioned in the instructions. Our lock came with standard AA batteries, but not all do. Have a fresh set available so you can finish installation.  Separate bolt or screw types by size so you don’t accidentally use the wrong one for a particular step.  As long as you have a standard-sized Phillips screwdriver, you won’t need extra tools, but a second person can help when lining up the lock from the other side of the door.  As a final note, I’d strongly advise picking a door lock that runs on batteries. While hard-wired options are available, these are more appropriate for homeowners with access to an electrician and would likely lead to a more involved installation process. You can decide how smart your smart lock will be I have a love-hate relationship with gadgets due to privacy concerns and app fatigue. If you do too, that’s OK. Smart locks can be used as part of a connected ecosystem of smart devices or entirely on their own.  While you generally need to install the app and sign up for a free account to use a smart lock initially, continued use is optional. Our lock came with a key and a PIN pad, so it is unnecessary to connect to a smart assistant (Alexa, Google Home) unless you want to. In the event of a power or internet outage, I can rely on the lock’s battery power and PIN, or stick with the old-fashioned key on a ring. I also love this type of smart-lock configuration for “Wait Until 8th” households, as it allows kids to come and go without compromising on tech boundaries.  Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Read our review Best Prices Today: $249.94 at Amazon | $319 at Schlage | Not Available at Amazon Prime I also like that our lock came with a guest PIN option, meaning a housekeeper, visiting family member, or dog-sitter can come and go with their own PIN. We can see when they came and went with notifications in the app, or even disable the PIN to revoke access.  Other locks come with fingerprint identification, something I really didn’t want. In the winter, we prefer to keep gloves on, and I’m really hesitant to give more personal data than necessary to any app or device. But you can always balance your unique needs and privacy concerns with any lock you choose.  It gave me peace of mind Ultimately, the right smart lock should make you feel safer than without one. In our case, I was impressed with a few features right from the start. For one, it was easy to check the lock’s status from anywhere, including my bed at three in the morning. This is a key factor in the middle of December, when I’m reluctant to brave the chilly temperatures in the garage to check if my door is truly locked. (Keep in mind that if you choose a Bluetooth-only smart lock rather than a Wi-Fi model or one with a network-connected hub, you’ll need to be physically near the lock to access it.) It also provides some assurance when I leave the kids home alone. Rather than texting to remind them to lock the door (and obsessively waiting for them to text back to confirm they complied), I can just check the phone app. I also get notified when they lock or unlock the door, whether they do so with the app, a connected device, the PIN pad, or the physical key.  My favorite use case is the ability to remotely lock the door immediately. Remember the escaped fugitive I mentioned earlier? It really happened in our small town, and it was nice to lock my door in the middle of the day from my kitchen without making the trek to the garage. While I doubt seconds matter in most cases, it is handy to be able to lock or unlock the door instantly.  Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Enabled Smart Lock Read our review Best Prices Today: $259 at Amazon You can take it with you Finally, I understand the reluctance to spend a lot of money on a nicer smart lock, especially if you’re in a starter home—or if you plan to replace your door at some point. However, uninstalling the lock takes less time than installing it. So, if you keep all the parts from your original lock, it’s just as simple a process to put things back the way they were and bring your fancy lock to your next door (or location). With some of these locks costing hundreds of dollars, I like having the freedom to not be “locked” into a single door.  I’m a smart lock believer now I’m not sold on all new technology and will probably never invest in a smart fridge, for example. But I can’t deny that the smart lock has changed the way I think about security and may have actually enhanced (in a small way) how I live.  Having a smart lock makes safety a one-button push thing, like the fob on my car keys. It’s safety first, but without all the drama of waking up my husband at 3 a.m. to ask, “Are you sure you remembered to lock the door?” It gives my racing mind one less thing to ruminate on while keeping my most prized treasures (my family) a little bit more secure.  But you don’t have to be an obsessive checker like me to get value from a smart lock. Anyone who lives in cold climates or thinks hiding a key under the mat is an outdated idea can probably get on board with the gadget. Because protecting what matters most should feel simple, not stressful. Check out TechHive’s top picks for the best smart locks. Read...

Google is rolling out a comprehensive security update for Android this month that’s designed to actively protect users from phone scams, phishing attacks, and other fraud attempts. Scam Detection for Pixel phones The first security feature worth knowing about it called Scam Detection and is currently only available on Pixel 6 devices or later with an active SIM card. Based on the Gemini Nano AI model, Scam Detection notifies you of potential scam calls as they happen. When a phone call comes in, Scam Detection analyzes it to detect certain patterns of typical scams. For example, if the caller claims to be a bank employee requesting an urgent bank transfer, or someone who demands sensitive data under time pressure. If suspicious behavior is flagged, the phone will automatically warn you with a message. The entire analysis takes place locally on your device and happens in real time. Audio data isn’t transferred to or processed in the cloud, so data protection is guaranteed. Scam protection in Google Messages Google Messages has been able to detect and warn you about potential scams for several months now, but it’s getting even better with some new additional features and improvements. According to a Google community post, Google Messages will warn you with a “link blocked” message when you tap on a suspicious link that leads to a potentially harmful website. You can override the warning by marking it as “not spam.” This feature is available globally. There’s also a new Key Verifier tool in Google Messages that you can use to verify whether the person you’re chatting with is actually who they claim to be. The feature works by having you scan a QR code on your contact’s phone to mark them as a trusted contact. Group chat warnings in Google Messages Have you ever been invited to a random group chat by an unknown number? Google Messages will now warn you with key details about the group, plus tips on how to stay safe. If you don’t want to stay in the group, you can easily report as spam, block the number, and leave. Check text and links with Circle to Search You can also start using the Circle to Search feature to analyze whether certain bits of text and/or links are malicious. All you do is long-press the Home button on your Android device to launch Circle to Search, then circle the suspicious text/link. Google will then use its AI to check and warn you if the text/link could be dangerous. This feature is also available in Lens and the Google app. See why someone is calling you Google is also introducing a new “Call Reason” feature where a caller can state why they’re calling. As the recipient, you’ll then be able to see the reason before you pick up the phone. This makes it easier to categorize unknown, suspicious, or out-of-context calls. Call Reason is coming to the Phone by Google app this month. All of these features are small on their own, but combined they add up to serious improvements that’ll hopefully keep you from falling victim to scams. Google is going further than many conventional protections (like static blacklists) with dynamic analyses and real-time blocks, though industry experts consider the innovation to be long overdue. Read...

Across the recent fall months, Microsoft added a number of AI features to Windows File Explorer, which not all users appreciated. We’re talking features like AI-powered file search, various AI Actions in the Context Menu, and even AI integrations with third-party apps. Fortunately, it seems Microsoft has listened to the criticism—at least in part. In the latest beta version of Windows 11, it’s now possible to disable the “AI Actions” feature in File Explorer so that they’re no longer visible in the Context Menu. This is great if you never use them. To switch off AI Actions, navigate to Settings in Windows 11 and select the “Apps” menu in the left panel, then select the “Actions” submenu in the main window. There you can uncheck the AI Actions associated with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Paint, and Photos, reports Windows Latest. Microsoft goes into more detail on this—as well as other features and improvements in this Windows 11 beta build—in the recent Windows Insider blog post. Those new improvements include Quick Machine Recovery enabled by default on some PCs, the release of Windows MIDI Services, and native support for the Model Context Protocol that grants AI agents a standardized way to connect with apps and services. Further reading: Sick of AI in Windows 11? Here’s how to get rid of it Read...