When you sign up for Netflix with a gift card, you might expect it to work like any other form of payment, allowing you to cancel and resume the subscription at any time. But that’s not the case. If you cancel Netflix while paying with a gift card, the subscription will continue every month until the balance is depleted. You can’t put the subscription on hold and save some of the credit for later. Disney has the same policy for Disney+ and Hulu gift cards, and NBCUniversal appears to have similar terms for Peacock gift cards. Spokespeople for Netflix and Disney declined to comment on the record about the rationale for their gift card policies, and a Peacock spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. No pause button These gift card policies aren’t new, but I became aware of them last month after hearing from Doug Wheeler, a reader who accrued a lot of Netflix credit from Christmas gifts over the past few years. Wheeler activated his subscription in September, and then cancelled in December with $151.37 worth of credit remaining. He planned to restart the subscription after several months of using other streaming services instead. To his surprise, Netflix continued to withdraw from the gift card in January and showed a message on his account page: “Your membership will be cancelled after your gift card is used up.” An email from Netflix confirming his cancellation said that the subscription would run through December 2026. Netflix’s account page, showing that an account can’t be cancelled with a gift card balance on it.Doug Wheeler According to Wheeler, Netflix’s phone support representatives refused to put the subscription on hold, citing the company’s gift card terms of service. But he points out that those terms weren’t disclosed on the digital gift card he received via Amazon. The gift card listings on Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy contain a URL for Netflix’s full gift card policy, but they don’t disclose the cancellation policy directly. Wheeler has since been trying to get the word out, contacting local politicians, news outlets, and the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection. “Netflix may be able to steal my (at this point) $151.37, but I am determined to make it cost them a lot more to not do the right thing by their customers,” he said via email. Streaming gift card policies compared Netflix isn’t alone in barring users from pausing their gift subscriptions. The terms of service for Disney+, for example, state that “cancellation shall become effective when the Gift Card Credit is fully exhausted.” The Disney Store has a similar disclaimer on its Disney+ gift card page. The fine print when buying a Disney+ gift card through the Disney Store.Jared Newman / Foundry Hulu’s policy appears to be more drastic, stating that gift card balances “will be forfeited upon cancellation,” but a Disney spokesman says Hulu’s policy is the same as that of Disney+. Peacock’s policy is a bit more ambiguous, but implies that pausing a gift subscription isn’t allowed. (“Once the Gift Card is redeemed to an account, the entire Gift Card balance will appear as a credit to the account until used,” Peacock’s terms say.) By contrast, Paramount+ deserves credit for explicitly allowing customers to put gift subscriptions on hold, with terms that say any unused balance will remain “indefinitely” available until starting a new subscription. Apple and Amazon allow you to start and stop subscriptions with gift card credit as well. HBO Max, meanwhile, has avoided this whole issue by not offering gift cards at all. One happy ending At least for Doug Wheeler, the campaign to complain about Netflix’s gift card policy had a positive outcome. One month after writing to the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection, he got an email response saying that Netflix had resolved his complaint. He then checked the email address associated with his Netflix account, and found six Netflix gift cards with a total value of $151.37, the same amount he expected to have after cancelling his subscription. Complaining to state officials can work.Doug Wheeler So, if a streaming service’s gift card policy catches you off guard, consider complaining to your state’s consumer protection office or Attorney General. The streamers may be willing to kick over some gift card credit to make the problem go away. As for Wheeler, he says he’s going to keep making noise about the issue regardless. “They are not changing their rules,” he says. “They simply gave me back my money, in a form I find acceptable.” Sign up for Jared’s Cord Cutter Weekly newsletter for more streaming TV advice. Read...

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RAM, short for random access memory, is an essential PC component that directly impacts the performance and speed of a PC. It is responsible for storing data that a computer is using, allowing for quick access and retrieval. However, just like any other PC component, RAM has a limited lifespan. It can wear out and start experiencing problems leading to a decline in performance, or even a complete failure. Therefore, as a PC user it’s important to understand the factors that affect the lifespan of RAM, how to recognize the signs of failure and identify what you can do to extend its lifespan. What’s the average lifespan of RAM? While it’s difficult to give an exact timeframe on how long RAM will last, it is generally expected that RAM will last for several years before showing signs of failure. On average that could be anywhere from three to 15 years. High-quality RAM from reputable manufacturers generally has a longer lifespan compared to lower-quality alternatives. That’s a general guideline. It’s important to note that experiences can vary. There are many factors that play a role in determining the longevity of RAM modules such as environmental conditions and overall system maintenance. Factors that affect RAM lifespan The lifespan of RAM can vary based on several factors. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing and maintaining your RAM. Here are some of those key factors. Quality of RAM: High-quality RAM from reputable manufacturers tends to last longer than lower-priced alternatives. Usage patterns: The way you use your computer can affect the longevity of RAM. Running memory-intensive tasks for extended periods — think gaming or encoding — can put additional strain on the RAM modules. Frequent read/write operations and constant data transfers can contribute to wear and tear over time. Operating conditions: The operating conditions of your computer, such as the temperature and humidity, can affect the lifespan of the RAM. Excessive heat or moisture can cause damage to the RAM modules over time. Voltage stability: The stability of the voltage supplied to the RAM modules can affect longevity. Fluctuations in voltage can cause damage to the RAM module over time. If the power supply is stable and from a competent power source, issues can be largely avoided. Overclocking: This refers to running RAM at higher frequencies than its default specifications. While overclocking can provide a performance boost, it puts excess stress on the RAM module, reducing its lifespan. Electrostatic discharge: This can occur when handling RAM modules without the proper safety precautions. For example, if you don’t use an anti-static wrist band. Therefore, it’s important to follow correct electrostatic discharge practices when handling or installing RAM. Pexels: Cottonbro Studio Signs of RAM failure RAM failure does not usually occur abruptly, but rather it often starts with system crashes, errors, and slowdowns that get worse over time. It’s also usually intermittent, in that the RAM will work sometimes and not other times. Here are some more common signs that RAM is failing. Frequent system crashes: Crashes, freezes, or blue screen errors that occur frequently could all be signs of RAM failure. Your computer relies on RAM to store and retrieve data and when the RAM is faulty it can lead to unstable behavior. Memory-related errors: Any error messages related to system memory such as Memory Management or Bad Pool Header can indicate problems with your RAM. Random reboots: Sudden restarts could be a sign of faulty RAM, causing the system to crash and restart abruptly. System slowdowns: If your PC takes longer to boot, open applications, or perform tasks that previously were performed fast, it could be a sign of failing RAM. Data corruption: Faulty RAM can lead to data loss or data corruption. If you start experiencing frequent file errors, inability to save files correctly, or files becoming corrupted it can be a sign of a problem. Failed diagnostic tests: Running diagnostic tests to test the competency of RAM such as Memtest86 can reveal errors or failures. If you have any of the above problems it’s important to run diagnostic tests to try to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Extending the lifespan of RAM While RAM has a limited lifespan, there are some things you can do to extend the lifespan. Here are some tips to doing just that. Invest in high-quality RAM: It makes sense to buy high-quality RAM from reputable manufacturers. Provide proper ventilation: Heat is the enemy of RAM. Because of that you’ll want to ensure that your PC has adequate ventilation to dissipate heat and prevent RAM modules from overheating. One way to do this is to keep your PC dust free. Minimize unnecessary read/write operations: Close unnecessary background applications and processes to reduce the workload of your RAM modules. Avoid excessive swapping or using virtual memory excessively. Pexels: Andrey Matveev Use a reliable power supply: Invest in a high-quality power supply that provides a stable voltage to your RAM. Always use a surge protector to prevent power surges to your PC. Avoid overclocking: To prevent undue stress on the RAM, keep to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure stability and longevity of your RAM. Keep software and drivers updated: You should regularly update your operating system, drivers, and applications to ensure compatibility and stability, and to reduce the chance of RAM problems occurring. Practice safe handling: Use caution when installing or handling RAM to avoid damage from electrostatic discharge. Wear an anti-static wrist band and handle RAM modules by their edges. Unused RAM modules should be stored in anti-static bags to prevent damage from static electricity. Run regular system maintenance: Regular system maintenance tasks like disk cleanup and defragmentation can reduce the burden on your RAM and help with longevity. In summary, RAM has a limited lifespan just like other PC components. RAM nearing the end of its lifespan will start to show signs of failure and there are telltale signs of RAM failure that you can investigate. While there are many factors that affect the lifespan of RAM there are a range of things you can do to make the most of this crucial component and extend its lifespan for years to come. Related content Bring your own RAM? This new strategy for buying a PC hurts How to tell what kind of RAM you have Why mixing your PC’s RAM is a recipe for disaster Read...

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Valve has released a new feature in Steam that allows developers with games in Early Access to specify a planned date for when one of their games will be released in its first official 1.0 version. The tools for editing a game’s store page now include a date field where developers can select either an exact calendar date or a more general time frame. For example: month and year, quarter and year, or just year. When the information is published, it’s displayed openly on the game’s store page and can also be integrated into Steam’s personal calendar, making it easier for gamers to see when the game is expected to move from Early Access to full release. The background to this is that many developers already communicate their 1.0 plans via store text, news posts, and/or social media. This is just another—perhaps more official—way for developers to convey this information. Valve emphasizes that the feature is optional. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Informative LCD screen Excellent performance Nice mix of USB-A, USB-C ports Charging power easily exceeds smartphone needs Cons Odd mix of powered and unpowered data-only ports Our Verdict Mokin’s 160W GaN All-in-One Station is a 13-in-1 USB-C docking station with charging in mind, featuring a clean, nerdy aesthetic that informs you of what’s going on under the hood. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Mokin 160W GaN All in One Docking Station Retailer Price $79.99 View Deal Mokin $86.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices For those of you who want to know what’s going on under the hood of your USB-C docking station, there is Mokin’s 160W GaN All-in-One Station: a nerdy, compact 10Gbps 13-in-1 USB-C docking station designed to keep your devices charged and you informed — via an informative LCD screen. Mokin’s 160W GaN All-in-One Station appears on Amazon (at press time) as the “MOKiN Docking Station, 13 in 1 USB C Laptop Charging Station” and actually features a pair of entries — one for $99.99, and one for $139.99. From what I can see, they’re identical, so choose the cheaper option if they both appear. The dock measures 7.8 x 7.2 inches and about 3 inches high, not taking as much space on your desk as a full-fledged Thunderbolt dock, but more than one of our recommended USB-C docks or hubs. It will not sit vertically, and it’s really too chunky to consider toting along in a backpack or carry bag. By now, I’m used to docking stations whose ports do dual duty as charging options. This isn’t the case here, and the aesthetic seems to be in the vein of Anker’s popular charging products: include a bright, informative display, lots of charging power, and ports aplenty. That’s true here, though pay attention: Some ports provide data, and some ports provide power, and they don’t really overlap. There’s a new trend towards adding screens to just about everything, however, and that’s in play here, too. Mokin’s 160W GaN All-in-One Station is a rather nerdy approach to a powered USB-C charging dock, but the performance was superb and the aesthetic clean. First, though, there’s the power issue. On the left side of the dock’s front sit two 10Gbps USB-C ports and a 10Gbps USB-A port — the latter highlighted in orange for aesthetics, apparently. These ports provide data, but not power. The other three ports on the dock’s front side, to the right, also include two USB-C ports and a USB-A port, too. But these “dummy” ports only provide power, not data. Until you know what’s going on, it’s easy to think that this dock is defective — and based on a few reviews on Amazon’s site, some customers may not have read the manual closely enough. Mokin’s 160W GaN All-in-One Station pops up a summary of what’s connected when you first turn on your connected PC.Mark Hachman / Foundry On the other hand, if you do plug a device into one of these right-hand “dummy” power plugs, you’ll see a demonstration of the neatest feature this dock offers: a 2.26-inch LDC screen that tells you if a device is plugged in, and how much power is being delivered to it per port. That sort of things tickles my nerd nerves, and USB-C hubs like the DockCase 10-in-1 offer it as well. Is it necessary? Of course not. But it does satisfy the part of you that wants to know what’s going on under the hood. On the rear of Mokin’s dock lies the power input, as well as the USB-C power output to your laptop, which supplies a rated 100W. (The dock reported that it supplied 96W to my test laptop via a shortish 2-foot cord, which matched my USB-C meter’s output as well.) If you need an additional, functional USB-A port, there’s another on the rear. You’ll also find a pair of HDMI ports capable of supplying enough data for two 4K displays at 60Hz. The dock will report the output for those displays, as well. Below the display are ports for the power supplied to the laptop and another three USB ports to the right: C1, C2, and the “A” port, in order.Mark Hachman / Foundry Finally, there’s an Ethernet jack, though there’s no official rating in the extremely sparse manual. I suspect that it’s just a standard 1Gbps. The power that this dock delivers varies by port. If you own a USB charger, this should feel familiar: With just one port connected, that port will receive its maximum rated power. (About 100W is always reserved for the laptop.) The other “dummy” ports vary: the first “C1” USB-C port delivers between a rated 100W to 30W, depending on what else is plugged in; the “C2” USB-C port offers between 100W and 15W. The USB-A port provides 12W, always. The two USB-C ports to the left, plus the centered USB-A port, all provide data but aren’t designed to deliver power. The right-hand ports provide power, but no data.Mark Hachman / Foundry (For comparison, an iPhone 17 Pro Max can draw up to 40W while charging, while the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra can pull up to 45W. All other devices generally need less power.) All of this is displayed on the dock’s screen when booted up, though there doesn’t seem to be a way to cycle through the information once connected. (The dock will update the screen if you plug in a new device, however.) Otherwise, Mokin’s dock will always show how much power it’s putting out in aggregate, usually with the bulk going to the laptop. The USB-A port provides data, as do the HDMI ports, obviously.Mark Hachman / Foundry Still, the power output can get a little confusing, especially because there are differences between the two USB-C charging ports and the conditions in which they output power. On the other hand, I can’t think of too many devices that require 60W of power from a charging port. One exception is an external power bank or battery, which I use for testing. For reference, here’s how much power each port can provide, clipped right from the manual. Mark Hachman / Foundry How does the Mokin 160W GaN All-in-One Station perform? Remember, this is a USB-C docking station, so the 10Gbps interface won’t allow for gaming with high refresh-rate displays. But for a traditional Office (Microsoft 365) workload, the dock was perfectly stable. Part of this will depend on your hardware; if your laptop only supports DisplayPort 1.2, expect as little as a single display with 4K30 resolution or a pair of 1080p displays. DP 1.4 supports two 4K60 displays, which first rolled out with the 11th-gen Core chips (Tiger Lake) and the AMD Ryzen 4000. PCWorld’s testing procedures for USB-C hubs haven’t changed: I check thermals and port spacing, then connect multiple displays using a few test laptops. Finally, I measure performance. Mokin’s dock doesn’t get alarmingly hot, though it does get warm. Smartly, Mokin spaced out the USB-A ports, which can get congested with multiple devices plugged in next to one another. The USB-C spacing wasn’t an issue. In general, the power output of the dock matched Mokin’s claims, though I wasn’t able to get the USB-A port to provide more than 7 watts. We mostly live in a USB-C world, however, It’s a little hard to see, but my USB power meter reported 63.63W going into my laptop, which matched what the dock reported.Mark Hachman / Foundry Performance was close to perfect, at least on my newer test laptops. Streaming a 4K video over Ethernet worked perfectly — only two frames were dropped out of over 10,000. My test regimen also connects an SSD to the USB-C port to measure if the dock or hub throttles data, and then repeats the test while again streaming over Ethernet. My tests measured about 113MB/s on both tests, which told me that the dock isn’t throttling data. Should you buy the Mokin’s 160W GaN All-in-One Station? Yes. On one hand, this dock’s LCD screen is a bit of a gimmick. Other docks do just fine without passing on the knowledge of how much power your peripherals are consuming. Still, it’s an interesting way to see how much power your laptop typically consumes, and how it increases or decreases depending upon how much work it’s doing. I also like powerful charging ports, especially because other docks seem to be falling behind the charging needs of today’s most elite smartphones. A basic USB-C dongle will provide similar connectivity for much less, and the DockCase 10-in-1 does offer some of that nerdy detail that this dock provides. Still, it’s not a full-fledged USB-C docking station like Mokin’s offering. Just pay attention to which ports offer data, and which just provide power. Otherwise, you should be happy with Mokin’s charging dock. Read...

If you’re thinking of buying a gaming headset, that’s great. A gaming headset is a quality-of-life upgrade that you won’t regret having as you wile away the hours having fun. In that case you should check out our guide to the Best Gaming Headsets where we’ve reviewed and rated the best of the best. However, there are some top-line things you ought to know before you part with your money and buy a headset. Here I’ve put together a bunch of insider tips that I’ve only come to know by reviewing dozens of headsets over many years. So, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy reading. Wireless is just as good as wired these days First, are you going to tether yourself to your PC or go wire-free? There are compelling arguments either way. But the truth is there’s not that much difference these days. Wired headset fans will put forward a case for audio quality and argue that it’s the best way to remove any issues about connection latency. They’re not wrong about those points. But wireless headsets have come a long way in recent years. In most cases a wireless connection courtesy of a 2.4GHz dongle will sound great, have an almost flawless connection and near zero latency. Some headsets like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless have both wireless and wired connections so you get the best of both worlds. There is one big caveat with wireless headsets though. You’re going to want to avoid Bluetooth for gaming. Bluetooth is useful for taking calls on the go and turning your gaming headset into a roving headphone but even the latest standard of Bluetooth will introduce some latency issues. You might notice your audio lagging behind the action on the screen, so use the Wi-Fi mode instead. The size of the drivers matters Inside the headset are the drivers. These are like small speakers that deliver the sound to your ears. Because they produce the sound, the quality of the drivers is important to your listening experience. Size matters when it comes to the drivers, with a minimum size of 40mm being what you want to get a robust sound. If you can find bigger than that, like the 90mm planar magnetic drivers in the Audeze Maxwell wireless headset, then all the better. You’ll also want drivers that are general purpose rather than for gaming specifically. Plenty of gaming companies advertise the quality of their headset drivers for games and even their surround sound prowess, but a good pair of drivers is a good pair of drivers and if they sound good for music, they’ll sound good for games too. So while it may be tempting to go for a gaming headset with specially tuned drivers, you really should be going for a headset that just sounds great. Indeed, headsets from Razer, Logitech G, Corsair, and HyperX, which are trusted brands will sound great and be suitable for music as well as gaming. Dominic Bayley / Foundry Comfort is of paramount importance Comfort is a very subjective thing that depends on a whole bunch of different factors. It’s also a hard point to make in a headset review because what feels good to one gamer will feel lousy to another. But when it comes to comfort, one simple rule applies: If it looks uncomfortable it usually is. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to headset comfort. No matter the size of your head or how you wear your hair, you’re going to want some serious padding in the earcups and on the top headband to cushion your head over long stints. Additionally, the clamp pressure of the headband should be moderate, neither too hard nor too soft. If it’s too hard you will feel pain, but if it’s too soft it’ll probably fall off your head the minute you look down at your phone or your keyboard. You also want an adjustable headband that you can easily manipulate to fit your ears. With earcup padding it’s important to think about sound isolation and sweat. Leather and leather substitutes can feel very plush and do wonders to passively block out ambient sound, but they can be extremely sweaty at times. On the other hand, mesh fabrics can be remarkably soft and allow you to play without accumulating much sweat. It’s difficult to know what the comfort levels of a headset are before you buy, but I advise paying close attention to any mentions of comfort in reviews before putting down your hard-earned cash. Look for headsets like the Logitech G Pro X2 Lightspeed that really make comfort a priority, with super-soft earcups and highly adjustable headbands. Dominic Bayley / Foundry A detachable microphone is better than an attached flip-up one Microphone quality matters a lot especially if you want to cut through the cacophony of jarring plosive sounds and distortions in multiplayer matches with a rich and more balanced-sounding voice. For such a microphone you want to find one that has a warm and clear sound profile. You then have to think about whether it’s a detachable or an attached flip-up microphone. While many headsets with attached flip-up microphones usually come with automatic mute functionality, which can be extremely convenient when you don’t want to be heard, detachable microphones are my microphone of choice because they allow your headset to look like and double as a headphone. The Logitech G Pro X2 Lightspeed has a detachable microphone so excels in this category. Battery life can be a game changer You don’t want to be in the middle of an epic Fortnite battle only for your headset to power down. Yep, battery life in wireless headsets is a big issue that can make or break your gaming experience. You could find a headset with just 10 to 14 hours of battery life and be constantly charging it several times a week, or you could get something like the HyperX Cloud Alpha with an epic 300-hour battery life that you can charge and forget about for weeks. The HyperX Cloud Alpha is a bit of a standout in this regard. Most gaming headsets will have a more modest 20 to 50 hours battery life, so it’s worth doing your homework to find out which ones can go the longest. As a rule, headsets in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi mode will drain their batteries faster than in Bluetooth mode. That’s unavoidable because we still prefer Wi-Fi mode for gaming. But what is avoidable is RGB lighting that can be a big drain on your battery. Battery life really does equal quality of life when it comes to headsets and gaming, so it pays to get it right. 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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Enjoyable keyboard with spacious layout Lots of connectivity including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, Ethernet Can be a good performance value when laptop is on sale Long battery life Cons Boring design Mediocre touchpad Only 512GB of solid state storage Our Verdict The Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI is a competent business notebook with good battery life, but it doesn’t offer much to get excited about. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices If you’re looking for a portable business laptop you’re likely to turn first to something like a Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBook, or Dell Pro… but the price could well scare you off, as business laptops tend to carry a substantial price premium. The Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI is also expensive on paper, but competitive retail pricing makes it more alluring. Which is good, because the laptop’s design won’t get your pulse racing. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Specs and features as-tested The Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI’s basic specifications won’t set your hair on fire. This is a business portable with a focus on battery life and productivity, so it sticks to modest hardware including an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor. It also has 16GB of RAM, a 512GB solid state drive, and a 1200p display. Model number: TMX414-51-579T CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 226V Memory: 16GB LPDDR5x-8533 Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc 130V NPU: Intel AI Boost (40 TOPS) Display: 14-inch 1920×1200 IPS-LCD 120Hz Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 solid state drive Webcam and microphone: 1080p FHD IR camera with privacy shutter Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 2.0, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio jack Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Biometrics: Windows Hello facial recognition Battery capacity: 65 watt-hours Dimensions: 12.28 x 8.89 x 0.64 inches Weight: 2.75 pounds Operating System: Windows 11 Pro Price: $1,199.99 MSRP, $650 to $850 typical retail The TravelMate X4 14 AI lists an MSRP of $1,199.99, which seems like a lot for a laptop with these specifications. However, the laptop tends to sell for less than that, as I saw pricing down to $687.99 on CDW. It’s also $842.99 on Insight. If you’re curious why it’s not sold on Amazon or Best Buy, that has to do with its business focus. CDW and Insight are retailers that focus on business and enterprise customers. Connectivity is the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI’s greatest strength. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Design and build quality Foundry / Matthew Smith The Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI uses a familiar design language which leans on simple silver or gunmetal colorways, angular features, and a mix of metal and plastic construction. There is nothing necessarily wrong with this approach but Acer’s competitors, most notably Lenovo and Asus, are more aggressive on design with more interesting colorways and more unique finishes. This leaves the TravelMate X4 14 AI feeling a bit too familiar. Build quality, meanwhile, is a bit above average for the price point at which this laptop actually sells, which is usually around the $650-$850 range. There’s very little flex in the chassis, even when it’s handled roughly. The same can be said of the display and the large, smooth hinge provides easy actuation so you can open the laptop with one finger with no trouble at all. Unfortunately, I had one serious quality issue. When I removed the plastic film that protects the camera and other sensors from damage in shipping, the permanent plastic inlay beneath it came along for the ride. It was still a bit tacky, so I was able to slip it back into place, but it didn’t leave a good impression. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Keyboard, trackpad Foundry / Matthew Smith I found the keyboard to be one of the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI’s better traits. It is a reasonably spacious keyboard that’s nearly edge-to-edge, with large keys in a standard layout. Key travel is good and keys activate with a crisp, clicky feel. Most modern Windows laptops have at least an acceptable keyboard even in this modest price range, but I’d say the TravelMate X4 14 AI keyboard is above average. The touchpad is less impressive, though still OK. It’s reasonably large, measuring about five inches wide and about three inches deep, which is large enough to handle even the more elaborate Windows multitouch gestures. The surface of the touchpad has a rather plastic texture that didn’t please my fingertips. It does the job, but no more. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Display, audio Foundry / Matthew Smith A typical 14-inch IPS-LCD display with a resolution of 1920×1200 is available on the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI, and aside from the refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, there is not much about the display that is remarkable or stands out from the crowd. It has a maximum brightness of about 350 nits and it does not support HDR, so it is definitely not the easiest display to read and use in bright settings, and it’s not going to be the best choice for games or entertainment. The display is otherwise good enough. It provides vivid color, and while the 1920×1200 resolution is nothing special for a laptop sold in 2026, on a 14-inch display it still results in good sharpness with a pixel density of approximately 162 pixels per inch, which is high enough to look crisp. Audio performance, on the other hand, is a disappointment. The built-in speakers are downward-firing, so they will be muffled by some surfaces depending on what you place the laptop on. The speakers aren’t loud even at their maximum volume, and despite that lack of volume, the speakers still suffer some muddiness and distortion when handling movies and music. You will probably want to have headphones or external speakers handy. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Webcam, microphone, biometrics Like most midrange Windows laptops, the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI has a built-in webcam with 1080p resolution that can record up to 30 frames per second. It offers decent sharpness but can look grainy in a dim room. In general, it’s fine, but not any better than the competition. I can say the same for the dual microphone array, although compared to the webcam, it’s slightly better overall. The microphones picked up clear, crisp audio when I used them to record. They are still clearly laptop microphones with a hollow, distant sound, but they are well suited for video conferences. Biometric login is supported through Windows Hello facial recognition, made possible by the IR camera on the device, and it works about as expected, providing smooth, quick logins. Also like many modern Windows laptops, the TravelMate X4 14 AI supports presence detection to automatically turn off the display or put the laptop to sleep if the webcam sees that you’ve moved away. A fingerprint reader is not available, so if you prefer that over Windows Hello facial recognition, you’re out of luck. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Connectivity Foundry / Matthew Smith Connectivity is the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI’s greatest strength. The laptop has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, which of course also support USB-C, as well as two USB-A ports—one of which is USB 3.2 Gen 1 and the other is USB 2.0. The laptop also has an HDMI 2.1 port, a 3.5mm combo audio jack, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. The Ethernet port is unusual for a thin and light business laptop, as many such systems no longer provide it, and the overall combination of Thunderbolt 4/USB-C and USB-A ports provides a lot of options. The Thunderbolt 4 ports can also support DisplayPort output and can handle up to 100W of USB Power Delivery, so they can be used to charge the laptop or to connect to an external USB-C monitor or to HDMI or DisplayPort monitors with the proper adapter. Wireless connectivity is also strong, as the laptop supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. A lot of new laptops do support these standards, but I would point out that Wi-Fi 7 is a little less common in laptops that are sold at $1,000 and below, and this laptop indeed does typically sell for quite a bit under $1,000 even though the MSRP is $1,199.99. So it’s good to see Wi-Fi 7 is included. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Performance The Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI that I received for review had an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V chip inside. This chip has an eight-core CPU with four performance cores and four efficiency cores, as well as a maximum turbo boost frequency of 4.5 GHz. The Intel chip is paired with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB PCIe 4.0 solid-state drive. As you might’ve heard, Intel’s Panther Lake chips sold under the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 branding are starting to become available, and as you can see in the graphs below, that puts the older Intel Core Ultra Series 2 powered laptops at a disadvantage. Foundry / Matthew Smith Let’s start things off with PCMark 10, a general system benchmark that runs a variety of tests and strains multiple aspects of the laptop.  Here the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI puts in a respectable score of 6,962. Although that’s obviously not the best result included in this graph (the Asus ExpertBook Ultra B9 with new Intel Core Series 3 chip handily beats it), it’s not bad. Indeed, the Acer is competitive with laptops that have Intel chips from a higher performance tier, such as the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 and the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo. Foundry / Matthew Smith Next up is Cinebench 2024, a heavily multi-threaded CPU benchmark.  This benchmark doesn’t run well on Intel Core Series 2 chips, as shown by their relative performance against the entry-level AMD Ryzen 5 and Qualcomm Snapdragon X.  However, the Acer is once again competitive with laptops that have Intel Core Ultra 7 inside, so this is another decent result for the Acer. Foundry / Matthew Smith Handbrake is another multi-thread CPU benchmark, and one that tends to have a long run duration that stresses a laptop’s cooling system. Here we perhaps see why the Acer performs well, as it increases its advantage over the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 and MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo. Foundry / Matthew Smith Next up is 3DMark. It would be reasonable to expect the Acer to fall behind here because the Intel Core Ultra Series 5 226V only has Intel Arc 130V graphics with seven Xe cores. This is a downgrade from Intel Arc 140V, which has 8 Xe cores. However, the Acer continues to punch above its weight. It nearly matched the Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 and beat the MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo, both of which had Intel Arc 140V. Of course, the new Asus Expertbook Ultra B9 with the latest Intel Arc B390 runs away from the pack, but that’s to be expected. On the whole, then, the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI can prove to be a good performance value depending on the price you pay for it. This level of performance is not impressive if the laptop is sold at MSRP. But if you pick it up for closer to $700 or $800, the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI is a good all-rounder. With one unfortunate exception: the solid state drive. Acer equips this laptop with a mere 512GB of solid state storage. Many price competitive laptops will offer 1TB of storage, so the 512GB SSD is a bummer. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Battery life and portability A 65-watt-hour battery is found inside the Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI. This is a typical size of battery for a 14-inch business laptop. However, the combination of an Intel Core Ultra Series 5 chip with an IPS display keeps the power draw fairly low, and so the laptop is able to achieve very respectable battery life. Foundry / Matthew Smith I’ve reviewed laptops that were able to last long on a charge, to be sure, but over 20 hours in our standardized test (which loops a 4K file of the short film Tears of Steel with the display at 200 nits of brightness) is nothing to scoff at. Real-world battery life will be less, as is true for most laptops, but anywhere from 14 to 18 hours seems reasonable if you’re working at modest display brightness and running apps like Microsoft Office, an IDE, or a web browser. Excluding battery run-down tests, I only had to charge it three times in my week with the laptop. Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI: Conclusion The Acer TravelMate X4 14 AI is one of the more generic laptops I can remember testing in the last year. It’s not exciting to look at and doesn’t have a particular design trait or feature that stands out. On the upside, however, the laptop has strong performance for the price and delivers lengthy battery life. This laptop is impossible to recommend at its $1,199.99 MSRP, but if you see it at retail for under $800, it can make sense. The TravelMate X4 14 AI is also inexpensive for a laptop with Windows 11 Pro, which can be important if you need the features that operating system provides. Read...

Don’t let the high prices and infrastructure requirements of some top-shelf smart home devices intimidate you. You can get all the convenience and security benefits of living in a smart home without spending a lot, wrestling with complicated installs, or learning entirely new skills. As the smart home market has matured, the prices of smart home components have plummeted as manufacturers recovered their R&D costs—thanks early adopters! Meanwhile, a raft of new competitors has forced many premium brands to further shrink their profit margins to stay in the game. When you’re shopping for products you’ll install in your home, however, you don’t want to shop by price alone—there’s a chasm between inexpensive and cheap. Saving a few bucks here and there isn’t worth dealing with the frustration—and even the security risks—second-rate smart home products can present. But the good news is that we’ve personally tested the devices we’re recommending here, and each one costs less than $100 (most cost much less). If you can afford to spend a little more, we’ll present step-up options in several categories (don’t worry, they’re still priced at less than $100). Since each of these products operates on your existing Wi-Fi network, you won’t need to purchase a smart home hub and worry about everything being compatible with that. (That’s the primary reason why we haven’t included the otherwise excellent Lutron family of smart lighting controls on this list.) While we’re talking about saving money, none of our recommendations hooks you into paying for an “optional” subscription to wring the full value out of the product. Small appliance control Tapo P125M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug Christopher Null/Foundry Why you need a smart plug for small appliances A smart plug is the easiest way to add smart home capabilities to your home, and it’s the simplest and best jump-off point for anyone exploring the technology for the first time. These fall into two categories: On/off smart plugs that can work with small appliances—space heaters, fans, air purifiers, pump-equipped water features, as well as lamps—and smart plugs with dimming capabilities, for lamps. Either way, you gain the ability to turn the devices plugged into a smart plug on and off on preset schedule, with a smartphone app, or—if you also have a Amazon, Apple, or Google smart speaker—you can control the connected device with voice commands. Most smart plugs can also work with motion sensors and other smart home devices, so you’ll never need to enter dark room. Why you’d want this smart plug The Tapo P125M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug from TP-Link is one of the least expensive smart plugs you can buy, with Amazon selling a 3-pack for just $25 as of this writing. While TP-Link’s smart lighting collection isn’t as broad competitors such as Leviton, the company does offer a line of smart light bulbs where Leviton doesn’t. More importantly, The Tapo P125M is Matter-certified, so it can be controlled with voice commands to a smart speaker. The Tapo P125M can handle incandescent light bulb loads up to 1,800 watts, but anyone looking to power a motor would be better off our step-up recommendation, the Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Plug-in Switch (2nd Gen) (model D215P), see below. Tapo’s offering can handle only up to 1/6-horsepower motors (compared to 3/4-horsepower motors for the Leviton smart plug). The Tapo product also lacks a physical remote control accessory—beyond the app on your phone, of course—that enables you to switch the smart plug on from anywhere else in the room. Read our Tapo P125M review. Buy the Tapo P125M Mini Smart Wi-Fi Plug at Amazon Small appliance control, a step-up option Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Plug-in Switch (2nd Gen) Michael Brown/Foundry Why you’d want this smart plug The Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Plug-in Switch (2nd Gen) (model D215P-1RW) is one of our top picks in this category. It connects directly to your Wi-Fi network, so it doesn’t depend on a smart home hub, and its Matter certification ensures universal compatibility with the huge number of other Matter-certified smart home products on the market. In addition to on/off control for lamps, it can also handle small appliances with up to 3/4-horsepower motors. Leviton also offers one of the biggest collections of smart lighting accessories, including the battery-powered Leviton Smart Switch Anywhere Companion (model DAWSC-1BW) ($28 at Amazon), which you can you mount to a wall and use to turn Leviton’s smart plug (or any other Leviton Decora Wi-Fi smart lighting control) as if it were on a 3-way circuit. Read our Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Plug (2nd Gen) review. Buy the Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi Plug (2nd Gen) at Amazon Lamp control with dimming Tapo P135 Kit TP-Link/Tapo Why you need a dimming smart plug for lamps If you want a smart plug that can dim the light in a lamp that’s plugged into it—as well as turn it on and off—pick up TP-Link’s Tapo P125M. It’s not as visually elegant as our step-up recommendation from Leviton (see below), but it’s $19 street price (at Amazon) is tempting, especially when you consider that it comes bundled with a remote dimmer knob that you can mount to a wall in the same room. The Leviton accessory for the same purpose costs $29 on top of the price of the smart dimmer plug itself. Why you’d want this smart dimming plug The Tapo P135 Kit can handle higher-wattage LED loads than the Leviton product can—150 versus 100 watts—but its 300-watt limit for incandescent and halogen bulbs is the same. Meanwhile, its Matter certification ensures compatibility with every important smart home ecosystem. While we haven’t reviewed this particular product, we have enough experience with other Tapo products to recommend it to our budget-conscious readers. Buy the Tapo P135 Kit at Amazon Lamp control with dimming, a step-up option Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Plug (model D23LP-1BW) Leviton Why you’d want this smart dimming plug As indicated in its name, Leviton’s other indoor smart plug, the Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Plug (model D23LP-1RW) ($25 at Amazon), can dim the bulb in the lamp you plug into it, in addition to turning it on and off. Note that this device doesn’t have a ground connection, so you shouldn’t use it to control smart appliances (and you’ll need to make sure the light bulb in the lamp you plug into it can be dimmed without a problem—some compact fluorescents and LED bulbs have trouble doing this). Leviton’s smart dimmer plug can accommodate up to 100-watt LED or CFL bulbs, and up to 300-watt incandescent and halogen loads. Mount the wire-free Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Anywhere Companion ($29 at Amazon), and you can dim the controlled lamp from that location as well as switch it on or off. Buy the Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Plug (model D23LP-1BW) at Amazon In-wall dimmer Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer (model S505D) Christopher Null/Foundry Why you need a smart in-wall dimmer Smart plugs are quick and easy to install, and they’re great for controlling lamps and small appliances, but when you need to control ceiling cans and other hardwired lights, you’ll need to replace the switches in your walls. This is a relatively easy DIY job, and we can guide you through it, but you should hire an electrician if you’re still intimidated. Why you’d want this smart in-wall dimmer Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer is Matter compatible, guaranteeing compatibility with all your other smart home devices, and it’s remarkably inexpensive: $19 at Amazon as of this writing. Be aware that you’ll need to have a neutral wire in the box where you install this dimmer, which is a common requirement. The Tapo’s relatively large dimensions and somewhat unconventional wiring setup—pigtails for neutral and ground, and screw terminals for line and load—presented a minor installation challenge in our review, but this dimmer delivers excellent performance If you’re replacing a 3-way switch, you’ll want to buy the Tapo S515D Kit ($45 at Amazon), which includes a second dimmer. Unlike Leviton’s step-up solution, however, both dimmers in Tapo’s kit must be hardwired, and both depend on the presence of a neutral wire in the respective boxes you’ll install them in. Leviton’s dimmer also requires a neutral wire, of course, but its companion switch is battery powered and can be installed anywhere. Read our Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer (model S505D) review. Buy the Tapo Smart Wi-Fi Light Switch Dimmer at Amazon In-wall dimmer, a step-up option Leviton Decora Smart Dimmer Switch, Wi-Fi (model D26HD) Michael Brown/Foundry Why you’d want this smart in-wall dimmer If you’re already using Leviton smart plugs and want to use the same app for your in-wall lighting controls, consider the Leviton Decora Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer Switch (model D26HD) ($39 at Amazon). As with Leviton’s smart dimmer plug, you can add a wireless companion dimmer to control the same load from another area of the room—no additional wiring needed. Be aware, however, that you will need a neutral wire in the box where you install the primary dimmer. If you want the lights to turn on as you enter the room, as well as with voice commands, Leviton’s app, or on a schedule, consider the Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer Switch (model D2MSD-1BW) ($60 at Amazon). While we haven’t reviewed the Leviton model D26HD, Michael Brown has had one installed in his own smart home for several years. The Leviton motion dimmer we have reviewed is essentially the same device with the addition of an onboard motion sensor. Buy the Leviton Decora Wi-Fi Smart Dimmer Switch at Amazon Garage door opener controller Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control (model MYQ-G0401) Chamberlain Why you need a smart garage door opener controller Radio-signal garage door openers have been around since the early 1930s, and recent technology allows them to open automatically as a homeowner approaches. What can the latest tech do for you? A smart garage door controller will allow you to remotely open the door for deliveries or visitors and keep track of when someone opens and closes the garage with an event log. For those times when you leave home in a rush and then worry that you forgot to close the garage door, a quick look at an app will let you know–and let you remotely close the door if you did. The best part is that these controllers can retrofit onto your existing system. Why you’d want this smart garage door opener controller The Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control (model MYQ-G0401) ($30 at Amazon) comes at a bargain price. The myQ app is easy to set up and use, and the controller works with Vivint Smart Home, Amazon Key, Ring, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. While it’s not compatible with every garage door opener (check online before you buy), the myQ Smart Garage Control is an outstanding product. Read our Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control review Buy the Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control at Amazon Smart light bulbs Philips Hue White Ambiance (Bluetooth + Zigbee) Michael Brown/Foundry Why you need smart bulbs No smart home accessory is more convenient to install or easier to use than smart light bulbs. Beyond illuminating a space, they can operate on schedules, with voice commands, or be triggered by other devices. Most can be dimmed, you can tune the white color temperature of many, and you can opt for bulbs that can glow in your choice of millions of colors to set a mood or celebrate holidays. Why you’d want this smart bulb When it comes to smart bulbs, there’s Signify’s Philips Hue and then there’s everyone else. Yeah, they’re expensive, but no manufacturer has surpassed their quality, versatility, or the sheer size of their smart lighting ecosystem, which goes far beyond smart bulbs to include smart lamps and hardwired fixtures for the entire home, including your landscaping. If you’re just dipping your toe in the Hue waters, be sure to pick one of the bulbs that supports Bluetooth as well as Zigbee. Onboarding and controlling them with Bluetooth means you won’t need to buy one of the Hue Bridges: the Hue Bridge ($50 at Amazon) or the more powerful Hue Bridge Pro ($100 at Amazon). It will, on the other hand, limit you to deploying just 10 Hue bulbs before you’ll need to buy one of the Hue Bridges (which will also open a host of other smart home options. I should also note that you’ll need one of the Hue Bridges for most of the Hue fixtures). The Philips Hue dimmable warm white A19 smart bulb is the least-expensive entry point (about $14 at Amazon). It delivers up to 1,100 lumens at its maximum brightness (equivalent to a 75-watt incandescent bulb), with a fixed color temperature of a warm 2700K. Moving up to the White Ambiance line (about $31 at Amazon) gives you the ability to adjust the white color temperature over the full spectrum, from energizingly cool to warm candlelight. If you want to choose from millions of colors as well as the full scale of white color temperatures, go for the Hue White and Color Ambiance line ($44 at Amazon). Read our Philips Hue Bluetooth + Zigbee smart bulbs review. Buy the Philips Hue Bluetooth + Zigbee A19 smart bulb at Amazon Smart lock Tapo DL100 James Barber/Foundry Why you need a smart lock A smart lock’s obvious home security mission is enhanced by features you won’t get with a conventional deadbolt: automatic locking; remote monitoring, locking, and unlocking; tamper alerts; integration with home security systems; revocable PIN codes; event logging; eliminating the risk of lost or duplicate physical keys; and more. A smart lock’s convenience features are just as valuable. You don’t need to carry a physical key, for starters, which is especially great for latchkey kids. You can unlock with a PIN code or an app on your smartphone. Need to grant a contractor temporary access to your home while you’re at work? Assign them a temporary PIN that’s only valid during a window of time on a given day. Have a weekly housecleaning service? Give them a PIN that only works on the days and hours they’re supposed to be at your house. Want to track who’s been in your house and when? Just consult the lock’s event log. Why you’d want this smart lock You won’t find many sub-$100 smart deadbolts on the market, but the Tapo DL100 is a value-packed offering at its $70 MSRP, and Amazon was offering it for just $60 as of this writing. Yeah, it’s not quite as pretty as some of its high-end competitors (with the all-but-invisible $350 Level Lock Pro at the top of that heap), and it doesn’t offer as many entry options (it has a rubber-button PIN pad, a physical key, or you can use the Tapo app). You’ll need to spend a lot more if you want modern innovations such as a fingerprint reader, a palm vein scanner, or an integrated doorbell camera. Then again, you can buy a couple of the other smart home devices on this list with the money you save. More importantly, this isn’t a cheap smart lock: Tapo went to the trouble of attaining ANSI Grade 3 certification from the BHMA, a step some manufacturers of more expensive smart locks skip. While that’s the lowest ANSI grade, that standard is for commercial locks (BHMA has a different standard for residential locks, as we explain in this story discussing smart-lock quality). The Tapo DL100 doesn’t support Apple Home or Apple Home Keys, and it’s not Matter certified either, but you can integrate the lock with the Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Samsung SmartThings ecosystems. For the price, the Tapo DL 100 just can’t be beat. Read our Tapo DL100 smart lock review. Buy the Tapo DL100 smart lock at Amazon Outdoor security camera Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit TP-Link Why you need an outdoor security camera Outdoor cameras are great crime deterrents, provided they’re mounted prominently enough to be seen, but high enough that they can’t be disabled. You also want to ensure that the model you pick can withstand exposure to the elements (look for their IP codes. We’ll tell you all about IP codes if you’re not familiar.) Why you’d want this outdoor security camera If you’re willing to sacrifice video resolution to save more than a few bucks, look no further than the Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit. This outdoor security camera delivers only 1080p resolution—compared to higher-end models that can record in 2K, 3K, and even 4K—but the “Kit” in this product’s name tells you this battery-powered camera comes with a solar panel right in the box. What’s more, Amazon was selling the whole thing for just $40 as of this writing. You’ll get person, vehicle, and animal detection—all without a cloud subscription—and if you spring for a microSD card (capacities up to 512GB are supported), you can store your motion-triggered and other video recordings right on the camera itself (you can download them to your phone or PC at any time). Be sure to check our guide to picking a microSD card for your security camera.  Read our Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit review. Buy the Tapo SolarCam C402 Kit at Amazon Indoor home security camera Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220) Michael Ansaldo/Foundry Why you need an indoor security camera Indoor security cameras are just as useful as their outdoor cousins. If an intruder evades your outdoor defenses and manages to get inside your house, you’ll want forensic evidence of the crime. More commonly, these devices are used to keep an eye on latchkey kids, nannies, and pets while you’re away from home. You might even catch the culprit who’s been raiding the refrigerator in the middle of the night. Why you’d want this indoor security camera The best models are easy to set up, easy to move to a different location, and capable of delivering a clear image at a reasonable price. The Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220) checks all those boxes, delivering 2K resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels) from a camera mounted on a motor that can pan 360 degrees and tilt over a 75-degree arc. AI-powered motion detection will even track a figure as it moves through the room, so you’ll never miss anything. The camera can host an optional microSD card (in capacities up to 128GB), so you can record hours of footage without needing to pay for a subscription owners can add hours of storage without a subscription. Alternatively, you can connect it to Eufy’s HomeBase 3 NAS box for even more local storage capacity. Read our Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220) review. Buy the Eufy Security Indoor Cam (model C220) at Amazon Smart speaker Amazon Echo Dot Max Ben Patterson/Foundry Why you need a smart speaker Adding a smart speaker to your home yields countless benefits, ranging from serving as a know-it-all source of general information to playing music, podcasts, and weather forecasts. The Echo Dot Max features Amazon’s powerful new Alexa+ generative AI for more natural conversations and less need to repeat the Alexa wake word. Why you’d want this smart speaker The Amazon Echo Dot Max is a very good speaker for music streaming, too, with a 0.8-inch tweeter and a 2.5-inch high-excursion woofer tuned to deliver three times the bass of the smaller Echo Dot. You can stream music from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tidal, and several other services. Read our Amazon Echo Dot Max review. Buy the Amazon Echo Dot Max at Amazon Smart thermostat Amazon smart thermostat Brian Nadel / IDG Why you need a smart thermostat A true smart thermostat goes beyond manually set schedules of desired temperature targets to learning your lifestyle patterns to automatically adjust the heating or cooling of your home. The best models can even sense when you’re home and when you’re away, to help keep energy costs low by eliminating unnecessary operations. Having one of these devices controlling your HVAC system can save you hundreds of dollars on your utility bills every year. Why you’d want this smart thermostat The Amazon Smart Thermostat has been a TechHive Editors’ Pick for nearly five years because it delivers all the functionality of fancier—and much more expensive smart thermostats—at a price tag of just $79. The unit integrates with Amazon’s Alexa app, of course, and you can use Alexa to control the thermostat via voice commands. It’s compatible with most 24V HVAC systems, but you’ll need a power adapter kit if your system doesn’t have a C-wire. Read our Amazon Smart Thermostat review. Buy the Amazon Smart Thermostat at Amazon Video doorbell Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera Christopher Null/Foundry Why you need a video doorbell Video doorbells have become commonplace home security tools since Ring introduced the first one more than a decade ago. Now there are dozens of models on the market offering homeowners the ability to see who’s at their front door and communicate with visitors without opening the door or even leaving the couch. Why you’d want this video doorbell The Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera offers a full set of features at a price far below that of similarly capable competitors. You get a camera with 2K resolution (2560 x 1920 pixels) and the ability to run the unit on either battery power or hardwired to your home’s electricity. Add a microSD card (capacities up to 512GB) for local recording without the need for a cloud subscription. You also get a remote indoor chime in the box, a feature not usually available at this price. The doorbell works with Amazon Alexa and Google Home smart displays but does not work with Apple Home. If you’re going with the battery option, note that you’ll need to dismount the entire unit when it’s time to change the battery. Read our Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera review Buy the Buy the Tapo D225 Video Doorbell Camera at Amazon Water leak detector Moen Smart Water Leak Detector Michael Brown/Foundry Why you need a water leak detector Water damage caused by an overflowing toilet, broken pipe, failing water heater, burst washing-machine supply line, or countless other similar disasters can be nearly as devastating than a fire, and they’re a lot more common than that. Why you’d want this water leak detector The Moen Smart Water Leak Detector is a simple gadget that can instantly alert you to the presence of water where it shouldn’t be. There are contact sensors on the device itself, and it also comes with a 4-foot extension cable that extends its reach. Moen’s detector doesn’t depend on a smart home hub, as it connects directly to your Wi-Fi network, and it can also monitor ambient temperature and humidity at the locations you deploy them, further alerting you to conditions that indicate the danger of mold growth. What’s more, if you also own a Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor & Shutoff, the leak detector can trigger that smart valve to shut off your main water supply line to mitigate any damage to your home. Read our Moen Smart Water Leak Detector review. Buy the Moen Smart Water Leak Detector at Amazon Smart smoke detector X-Sense XS0B-MR Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm Christopher Null/Fouindry Why you need a smart smoke detector What’s the difference between a smart smoke detector and the dumb ones we’ve all been using for decades? The smart models will send an alert to your phone no matter where you happen to be, alerting you to danger even if you’re not home at the time. Why you’d want this smart smoke detector The best smart models—including the X-Sense XS0B-MR Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm—are interconnected, so that if one sounds off, they all sound off. And this model delivers the added benefit of voice notifications when smoke or fire is detected, informing you precisely which room(s) smoke is being detected in. The detectors are powered by 3V lithium cells that should last for five years, and when they start to fail, the app will let you know which batteries need to be replaced before they start that annoying chirp in the wee hours of the morning. The bundle we reviewed consisted of three smoke detectors and a central hub that connects to your Wi-Fi network. X-Sense also sells a package with the base station and six detectors for $170, or you can add single units to your existing hub for $40 each. Be aware that this is a fire-safety system only; it will not notify you of the presence of carbon monoxide. If that’s a must-have feature, you might consider the X-Sense XP0A-SR. It also offers voice warnings, but it’s a standalone device that doesn’t connect to Wi-Fi, connect to a central hub, or work with the X-Sense app. It also sells for $40 and will get the job done. Read our X-Sense XS0B-MR Interconnected Smart Smoke Alarm review. Buy the X-Sense XS0B-MR Wi-Fi Smoke Alarm at X-Sense Read...

Judge Ema Aitken’s conduct is being examined by a panel including a High Court judge, former judge of the Court of Appeal and former Governor General. Read...