Recall is a feature in Windows 11 that regularly creates screen recordings and saves them locally. This also involves processing with AI so that users can search through the data. The aim is to make past work steps, websites, or documents retrievable via a search feature. Microsoft first introduced Recall in 2024, but withdrew it after massive criticism due to insufficient security. The feature has been integrated again since the current versions of Windows 11 from 24H2. In Europe, it is available as an opt-in and can be completely deactivated or removed. Access is via a timeline or by entering keywords in the search. The results appear regardless of the program or browser window in which the content was originally visible. Chris Hoffman / Foundry Tip: If you are using Windows 11 Home, you will miss out on the many advantages of the Pro version, which you can get for a significant discount at the PCWorld Software Store. Activation and everyday use Recall is an optional feature in the current versions of Windows 11, which is only offered on Copilot models. This includes computers with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), at least 16 gigabytes of RAM, and active drive encryption. After installing a corresponding update, the new “Recall and snapshots” section appears in the settings under “Data protection and security.” The feature can be activated here. Sam Singleton The system only starts to capture screenshots after this conscious consent has been given. In practice, Recall checks every five seconds to see if any content has changed and then adds new recordings. After just one working day, several hundred files are created, which can take up several gigabytes of storage space in total. It is operated via a timeline in which you can jump back to specific points in time. Alternatively, a keyword search can be started. One example is entering “orange sofa,” whereupon Recall suggests a shopping page with the product you are looking for. Content from Office documents, PDFs, or locally saved images also appear in the hits. Deactivation via settings and group policies The feature can be paused or completely deactivated at any time via the settings. Companies have further options via group policies. The “Allow Recall to be enabled” policy exists there. If it is set to “Disabled,” the feature disappears completely from the system, the associated files are removed, and a restart completes the process. This method is intended for the Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows. The recall search via keywords divides the results here into text and visual matches. Text matches are assigned to the applications from which the recorded content originates.Mark Hachman / IDG Windows 11 Home users must use the registry editor. Under “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI,” a new DWORD value with the name “AllowRecallEnablement” can be created and set to 0. After a restart, all components are removed. Microsoft also offers administrators the PowerShell command “Disable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName ‘Recall’ -Remove” which also removes the feature from the system. Security protection The data that Recall collects remains stored on your own computer. It is not automatically transferred to Microsoft servers or a cloud. To ensure that no one can access these recordings unnoticed, Windows requires you to log in via Windows Hello. This means that you must either enter your PIN or use a biometric method such as fingerprint or facial recognition. The recall search via keywords divides the results here into text and visual matches. Text matches are assigned to the applications from which the recorded content originates.Chris Hoffman / Foundry Windows also protects the recall data with a technology called VBS Enclave. You can imagine this as a closed area in the computer that is separated from all other programs. Only Windows itself is allowed to look into this area. This prevents external programs from simply reading the recall data. This is exactly what has happened in the past. Microsoft therefore withdrew this feature at the end of 2024. Encryption keys are anchored in the device’s TPM chip. In theory, this prevents attackers from reading the database without a valid login. However, our tests have shown that this protection has its limits. If a device is controlled via remote software such as Teamviewer, it is sufficient to enter the PIN to gain access to the entire recall history. Biometric procedures can be bypassed in this scenario. The risk of an external connection allowing access to all stored content remains. Filter mechanisms and their limits To protect sensitive data, Microsoft promises a filter that removes passwords or credit card information from the recordings. In practice, this only works to a limited extent. Although passwords are hidden in bank login windows, user names still appear. Credit card numbers in form fields are recognized in most cases, but in emails or unprotected text documents they end up unchanged in the recordings. Account balances from online banking applications also regularly appear in the database, even if parts of the page are anonymized by the filter. The handling of self-created password lists is also problematic. If a text file does not contain any unique keywords such as “password,” it is saved by Recall without restriction. This means that access data can be searched for in plain text if it is visible on the screen in an unprotected document. Benefits in everyday working life Regardless of the risks, Recall certainly offers advantages. In an environment with many applications open in parallel, the search makes it easier to find your way around. If you switch between projects, you can pick up where you left off with just a few clicks. The feature also saves time when researching on the web when dozens of tabs are open. Instead of laboriously searching through the history, a keyword is enough to open the page you are looking for. Recall can also be helpful for users who frequently work with visual content. A designer reviewing visual material can use the keyword search to find screenshots that were only briefly displayed. In this use case, Recall replaces manual documentation of work steps. Legal framework conditions in Europe The delayed introduction in the European Union shows that the regulatory framework plays a central role. Data protection authorities only gave the green light after Microsoft designed the feature as an opt-in and created the option to uninstall it. Users must actively agree before Recall starts. The European version also allows the feature to be removed completely. Mark Hachman Additional requirements apply for companies. Recall may not be used without the consent of employees. Administrators can control the provision, but cannot force snapshots. Microsoft is thus complying with the General Data Protection Regulation, which sets particularly high standards for the processing of personal data. Weighing up the benefits and risks The tests so far have made it clear that Recall is a tool with considerable potential, but also with clear weaknesses. While local storage and encryption provide a solid foundation, the filters remain unreliable. Confidential information can end up in the database and be accessed remotely. Anyone using Recall must be aware that the added convenience of seamless documentation comes with a loss of control over sensitive data. This may be acceptable on private devices with manageable risks. In a corporate environment, however, the concerns outweigh the benefits. Recall should only be used here after careful consideration if there are clear guidelines on the use and protection of data. Conclusion Recall in Windows 11 is technically mature enough to be used productively, but at the same time not yet reliable enough to dispel security concerns. The feature creates transparency about past work steps, but inevitably also saves content that does not belong in a search database. If you want to use Recall, you should check the settings carefully, adjust filters, and empty the database regularly. For security-conscious users, deactivation via group policies, registry, or Powershell remains a necessary means of minimizing risks. It is to be expected that Microsoft will make improvements, but it is also to be expected that tools will appear that can override Recall. From our point of view, the use of Recall is currently not recommended. Further reading: Windows Recall is too risky for your PC. I can’t recommend it Read...

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If you’re in the market for a Thunderbolt docking station and you’re biding your time until Black Friday, know this: smart shoppers can save by buying a slightly older Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 dock instead. Buying tech always comes with a choice, as prices of new technology climb higher. You can either buy the latest and greatest and insulate yourself from change for a few years or buy used and save a few bucks. For 2025 and 2026 docking stations, the latter choice appears to be the right one. Docking stations have been in a transitional period for the last few years. Thunderbolt 3 / USB3 and Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 are almost identical in terms of their bandwidth, which is still one of the defining features of a docking station. In the real world, the 40Gbps bandwidth both standards offer are enough to connect 4K displays running 60Hz. Thunderbolt 5 was the next big thing, with 80Gbps (and in certain scenarios, 120Gbps) available for those 4K displays to run at 144Hz, which is good enough for gaming. Here’s the key point that you need to know: Intel’s current laptop platform, the Core Ultra Series 2 (Lunar Lake) as well as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chips, only support USB4 and Thunderbolt 4. (Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 are also functionally identical; in this case, Intel won’t certify a non-Intel chip as a “Thunderbolt” product, so USB4 is the generic equivalent.) And, somewhat shockingly, the next-generation of 2026 laptop platforms, the Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite, don’t include integrated Thunderbolt 5 support, either. No integrated Thunderbolt 5 chip support means very little Thunderbolt 5 laptop support, which means very little reason to buy a Thunderbolt 5 docking station. Sound familiar? It should. I was expecting Thunderbolt 5 to make a decent showing at CES 2025. Nope. Intel Intel does sell a discrete Thunderbolt 5 chip that costs extra, and because of this you’ll see Thunderbolt 5 ports appear on expensive gaming laptops like the Razer Blade 18. But they’re not really necessary. The Blade 18 includes a stellar 4K+ display that actually exceeds Thunderbolt 5’s capabilities (3840×2400, 240Hz). Why would you want to use an external display when the laptop’s built-in display is even better? Not all gaming laptops include the same quality of display, but the argument generally holds true: gaming laptops with Thunderbolt 5 ports generally offer superior hardware right now. A Thunderbolt 5 dock isn’t cheap, either. Thunderbolt 5 docking station manufacturers tend to charge roughly $100 more for one. Plugable’s TBT-UDT3 Thunderbolt 5 dock is reasonably priced at $300 — it is! — but our top pick for the best Thunderbolt docking station, the Kensington Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Dock (SD5780T, is $185 at press time. Yes, there are some things to consider. One, AMD hasn’t announced its next-gen laptop platform for 2026, and the 120Gbps version of USB (USB4 V2) could certainly make an appearance. Two, docks like the Sonnetech Echo 13, a Thunderbolt 5 dock with an integrated SSD, provide almost-but-not-quite internal-SSD speeds for external storage. An issue with any gaming PC is simply the available storage, and being able to connect an external SSD with gaming-capable speeds is an enormous plus. Thunderbolt 5 docks like Sonnet’s deliver. Three, Thunderbolt 5 supports external GPUs, and we might see a forthcoming notebook designed with a Thunderbolt 5 port to connect to an external GPU dock like the Razer Core X V2. Business during the day, gaming after hours: that’s part of the promise of Thunderbolt 5. But times are not easy, and the ongoing economy and tariff wars mean people are going to want to save money during Black Friday and other holiday sales. If you agree, don’t plan on spending big on a Thunderbolt 5 dock. PCWorld plans to monitor e-tailers for any ongoing sales of Thunderbolt and USB4 docks for laptops, and we’ll be prioritizing Thunderbolt 4 and its cost-effective competition, DisplayLink. You should, too. Read...

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If I offered you an alternative to conventional tracking cookies on the web, you might be interested, especially if you care about digital privacy. If I told you it was made by Google, the biggest provider of advertising and tracking data on the planet, you might be a lot less interested. Maybe that’s why Google’s “Privacy Sandbox” flopped so hard. Six years after proposing the new system as an alternative to digital cookie files that would boldly replace the decades-old cookie system on the dominating Chrome browser, Google has officially canned the project. The company’s Vice President of Privacy Sandbox Anthony Chavez, who presumably will be looking for a new title, announced it on the system’s official blog (spotted by Engadget). Google decided to give up on the technology “after evaluating ecosystem feedback about their expected value and in light of their low levels of adoption,” Chavez said. Privacy Sandbox was controversial from the very start, as Google proposed replacing cookies with a grouped user approach called “Federated Learning of Cohorts” that allegedly maintained a greater degree of user anonymity. In addition to doubts that Google could be trusted to control even more data used for tracking and advertising, critics alleged that the system could actually be combined with conventional cookies to make even more detailed tracking of users possible. It surely didn’t help that Google was trying to use its position as the owner of Chrome—the world’s most popular web browser—to push the new system through. (Not a great look if you’re fighting entirely justified accusations of monopolistic practices.) Mozilla, Apple, and Microsoft all objected for Firefox, Safari, and Edge browsers, respectively, and independent browsers also disabled the feature for the sake of their users. But even if you don’t care about privacy, trying to replace a system that’s so ingrained and essential to the web was a tall order. Google significantly delayed its plans for a hard switchover a few years ago, then made it optional after that. Read...

Microsoft has introduced a new device category with Copilot+. Only laptops with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), at least 16 GB of RAM and a fast NVMe SSD fulfil the minimum requirements. Intel is addressing these requirements with the Core Ultra series, which combines classic CPU cores with GPU acceleration and a hardwired NPU. This unit alone achieves 40 to 47 trillion computing operations per second – a device is only officially certified as a Copilot+ PC once it reaches this performance level. Put simply, if you want to use AI functions locally, you need a very fast computer with a chip specially optimized for AI. Core Ultra processors with local AI acceleration For modern AI applications, it is no longer just the clock rate that is decisive, but the internal distribution of tasks between the computing units. The Intel Core Ultra 7 268V has eight CPU cores and an integrated Intel Arc GPU. The set-up is complemented by the NPU, which is specially designed for inference-based AI tasks. This allows text analyses, translations, video filters, image generation or language modelling to be carried out directly on the chip – without any detours via the cloud. The Intel NPU cannot be configured separately; its activity is controlled via Windows components. Functions such as Recall, Cocreator or Windows Studio Effects access it automatically; there is no provision for manual assignment. Intel Copilot functions between benefit and control The central innovation in Copilot is not the graphical user interface, but the shifting of AI processing to the device. The Recall feature continuously creates screenshots of all activities. These can be searched through later using a text search. The feature works locally, stores content in encrypted form and can be deactivated for specific applications. However, users have no insight into the data model used. Chris Hoffman / Foundry The Live Captions function covers a special use case. It transcribes any audio signals in real time, regardless of whether they originate from a video, a video call or a locally played file. The Intel NPU takes over the continuous speech-to-text mapping at system level. The output takes place as an overlay directly above the respective window or as a separate bar at the bottom of the screen. Unlike conventional subtitles, Live Captions is speech-agnostic, automatically recognizing speech input and converting it into readable text on-the-fly. No internet connection is required. Translations can also be activated so that English-language content, for example, is automatically subtitled in German. If the NPU performance is sufficient, the delay remains minimal. The function can be used system-wide, which creates real added value, especially for people with impaired hearing or in noisy environments. Program-specific activation is not necessary. As soon as Live Captions are activated, the system analyses all sound sources. However, use is limited to the visible transcript. There is no storage or analysis beyond the current session. Chris Hoffman / IDG Local image synthesis with Paint Cocreator The Cocreator function integrated in Paint makes it possible to create images from simple text input within a few seconds. This requires a Copilot-certified device with an active NPU. The underlying diffusion model runs locally and utilizes both the main memory and the dedicated NPU for image generation. In contrast to cloud services, the entire process remains on the device. A short text-based prompt is sufficient to receive several image suggestions in low to medium resolution, which can then be edited directly in Paint. Users can influence the style, color scheme and complexity of the motif – but only within the specified limits. The model itself remains a black box; external models cannot be integrated. Without an NPU, Cocreator is hidden or refuses to start due to insufficient system resources. Mark Hachman / IDG In addition to pure computing power, Intel Core Ultra notebooks have specialized technologies to optimize the use of AI in mobile operation. The so-called Dynamic Tuning Technology analyses temperature, usage behavior and energy profile in real time and automatically adjusts the distribution of loads to the CPU, GPU and NPU. This is complemented by the Intelligent Display, which controls screen brightness, contrast and refresh rate in a context-sensitive manner, an aspect that can bring tangible benefits in terms of battery life in battery mode. This technology also proves useful for longer video conferences or remote working scenarios, as it relieves the thermal management and optimizes visibility at the same time. The NPU also benefits from the fact that the reduced GPU load creates more thermal headroom for inference tasks. Inference-based processes refer to tasks in which an AI makes decisions or delivers results based on an already trained model. In other words, the actual learning, i.e. the training, has already been completed. During inference, this knowledge is used to process new input. One example would be the automatic subtitling of videos using live captions. The AI has previously been trained with huge language data sets. During inference, it recognizes what someone is saying in real time, converts speech into text and displays it directly on the screen. To do this, it does not reuse the entire training material, but instead uses compact, optimized models. Crucially, inference processes can be executed locally on the device, provided a dedicated accelerator such as an NPU is available. This means that data remains on the notebook and AI reactions are almost instantaneous. Energy efficiency and system behavior under load One advantage of the Intel architecture is the thermal separation of the computing units. CPU, GPU and NPU do not compete directly for power reserves. The NPU only handles inference-based processes. This significantly reduces power consumption when AI features are active. Tests with the Core Ultra 9 285K show up to 25 per cent better efficiency compared to the Core i9 14900K. The battery life benefits noticeably from this shift. Systems such as the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition achieve up to 22 hours of video playback without any loss of performance in AI processes. The decisive factor here is the continuous support by BIOS and Windows. Without the latest UEFI update, the NPU is often underpowered. In addition to the Lenovo Yoga Slim, other manufacturers already offer devices that are explicitly suitable for local AI applications under Windows 11. The Acer Swift Go 14 relies on the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, combined with an NPU that delivers over 40 trillion operations per second. Thomas Joos It is worth taking a look at the specific device basis, as not every laptop advertised as a “Copilot” fulfils the same requirements. Notebooks with Intel Evo certification and Core Ultra 200V processors undergo a validation program that is tailored to real-life usage scenarios. Not only high performance and long battery life are required, but also fast reactivation, smooth multi-monitor connection via Thunderbolt 4 and consistent behavior when using several applications at the same time. For Copilot, this means that functions such as Recall, Live Captions and Cocreator run without any loss of performance, even when switching between mains and battery operation. Evo-certified devices such as the Acer Swift Go or the Surface models from the business segment are thus exemplary for this new class of hybrid AI PCs, which combine everyday usability and technical sophistication. YouTube / Microsoft Intel divides the Core Ultra Series 2 into several model lines that have a direct impact on the field of application of mobile systems. The V models serve as a reference for slim premium devices and impress with their high efficiency and strong NPU performance. H models are aimed at classic high-end notebooks for productive applications with medium mobility requirements. U models are optimized for lightweight, ultra-mobile systems with reduced energy requirements and AI functions. HX models represent the upper performance spectrum with up to 24 physical cores and are primarily intended for workstations, gaming laptops and professional creative environments. V and H models are particularly suitable for everyday use in AI-supported Windows applications, as they offer a good balance between battery life, thermal budget and inference performance of the NPU. What Intel NPUs can do and what is not visible The practical use of the NPU is tied to the respective features in Windows. Independent programming or execution of user-defined models is not possible with on-board resources. Intel does provide developers with APIs, but in everyday life these paths are not accessible to users without programming knowledge. The visibility of NPU utilization is limited to indicators in the task manager or via third-party tools. For power users, it remains unclear which processes are running on which unit and when. Control remains in the hands of the operating system. A separation of CPU and NPU responsibilities can at best be indirectly tracked via utilization profiles. Thomas Joos Intel offers additional functions for corporate use with the vPro platform based on the Core Ultra series. In addition to the integration of security-relevant features such as hardware-based identity verification, the NPU can also be used directly by security software to analyze threats locally and detect behavioral anomalies at an early stage. In addition, vPro Device Discovery supports detailed queries on installed components, energy profiles and configuration states. In combination with Copilot functions, this creates devices that offer a high degree of transparency and control for both IT administrators and users in regulated industries – without direct access to the underlying models. Bottom line With an Intel Core Ultra 200V series device, you gain access to a clearly defined group of AI functions. These run locally, do not require an internet connection and benefit directly from the NPU. However, control over computing execution remains limited: Windows automatically determines which unit becomes active, while the setting options only allow rudimentary intervention. For productive use, this primarily means a gain in efficiency – but not deeper system control. The new device class is therefore more of a platform than a toolbox. Those looking for precise AI customizations will quickly reach their limits. On the other hand, those who rely on stable, locally executed features will find a convincing hardware basis in the Intel-based Copilot devices. Read...

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When was the last time you used a USB flash drive? I had to think for a moment myself — and to be honest, I can’t remember exactly. For years, the USB stick was the device of choice when it came to fast and uncomplicated data transfer. Why do these practical storage aids hardly play a role today, and are they possibly even on the verge of extinction? A look at current developments sheds some light on this. Why are USB flash drives no longer popular? As compact and handy as they are, USB flash drives have lost much of their relevance in recent years. One of the main reasons is their comparatively low storage capacity. Many commercially available models end at 256GB or 512GB, which means that large amounts of data such as 4K videos, complete photo archives, or system backups can only be transported to a limited extent. Although there are also some high-end sticks with up to 2TB of memory, such as the Seagate Ultra Compact SSD, many people prefer to use an SSD for such capacities. The reason: SSDs generally use more powerful flash chips, which ensure higher data transfer rates and a longer service life. Another problem: The classic USB-A connection is hardly suitable for modern devices. Most laptops and tablets rely on USB-C, as do smartphones. mentioned in this article Seagate Ultra Compact SSD Read our review Best Prices Today: $79.99 at B & H Photo Although there are now USB sticks with Type C connectors, such as the aforementioned Seagate Ultra Compact. There are also so-called dual sticks with USB-A and USB-C connections, but in practice this is often a compromise. Many of these models rely on simple controllers and cheaper flash memory, which results in significantly slower transfer rates — especially when writing large files. Modern alternatives to USB flash drives External hard drives: Lots of storage for little money External hard drives, such as External drives, such as SSDs, are robust and powerful — with significantly more storage space than the average USB stick.External drives — whether classic HDDs or fast SSDs — are among the most popular alternatives to USB sticks. They offer significantly more storage (up to 4TB and more), and SSDs in particular impress with their high transfer speed via USB-C or Thunderbolt. While HDDs offer a lot of space at a favorable price, SSDs are the better choice for large amounts of data, as they are faster, more robust, and hardly more expensive in higher storage classes than comparable USB sticks. Advantages: Significantly more storage space than USB sticks Shock-resistant and durable, higher-quality flash chips Ideal for backups or large amounts of data Disadvantages: Larger and heavier than a USB stick Sometimes more expensive, especially for SSD models Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD 1TB (portable NVMe SSD) External drive with SSD technology 2.5 inch, USB-C, up to 2,000 MB/s read and write, NVMe SSD, IP65, 5-year warranty buy it on amazon for $119.99 Mattias Inghe Crucial X10 Pro 1TB Portable SSD External drive with SSD technology, USB-C, up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write, IP55 buy it on amazon for $104 Jon L. Jacobi SSK 2TB portable, external NVME SSD External drive with SSD technology, NVMe SSD, 2.7 inch, USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1,050MB/s read and 1,000MB/s write speed buy it on amazon for $134 Amazon Further reading: The best external drives we’ve tested SD cards: Small, fast – but not universal SD memory cards can be used SD memory cards can be used to expand mobile phone memory, for example.SD cards (or microSDs with an adapter) are also a compact alternative to USB sticks. They are standard, especially for cameras, drones, and mobile devices, as well as some laptops. In combination with a USB-C card reader, SD cards can even be used as mini storage drives for notebooks. Further reading: SD cards, demystified: How to decipher the confusing jumble of specs The advantage over classic USB sticks: SD cards can be used more flexibly in many areas, are often cheaper per gigabyte and — depending on the class and model — also achieve high transfer speeds. They are also easy to replace or permanently integrate into devices, such as cameras or laptops with card readers. So if you work with memory cards anyway, you can easily use them as a mobile drive (and save yourself the extra stick). Advantages: Extremely small and light Good speeds with modern UHS-II cards Can be used directly in many devices Disadvantages: Susceptible to loss or damage A card reader is usually required for use on a PC Amazon Basics microSDXC 128GB SD memory card with 128GB and SD adapter, 100MB/s maximum read speed buy it on amazon for $11.99 Sandisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I memory card 512GB Sandisk UHS-I memory card, 512 GB, V30, transfer speed 200 MB/s, U3, 4K UHD videos, Sandisk QuickFlow technology buy it on amazon for $72 SanDisk Cloud services: Storage space always with you The cloud is probably the most modern alternative to USB sticks. Services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or OneDrive offer storage space on the internet that you can access from any device — without a physical drive. Advantages: Access from anywhere with an internet connection Ideal for collaboration and shared files Automatic synchronization possible Disadvantages: Dependent on a stable internet connection Limited free storage, followed by a paid subscription Data protection and encryption are important issues Conclusion: USB drive only for special cases? The humble USB flash drive has not yet completely lost its place — it is quite common and ideal for simple data transfers, firmware updates, or as a boot stick. But as an everyday solution, it is long outdated. The combination of limited memory, decreasing compatibility, and growing requirements makes it a discontinued model. Modern alternatives such as SSDs, SD cards, or cloud services offer better performance, more flexibility and, in many cases, a better price-performance ratio. Further reading: 6 genuinely helpful uses for the USB port on your router Read...

I don’t know how your tech drawers look, but mine are filled with wires I’ll likely never use again because technology has advanced quite a bit. Thankfully, USB-C seems to be here to stay since there is no wrong way to plug these things in. It’s not just smartphones, tablets, and laptops that use these, however, but also a long list of gadgets. We’ve scoured the market for hidden gems: 13 gadgets that will make you think “Wow, I didn’t know I needed that, but it will make my life so much easier!” Let’s dive in and see what cool devices you’ll be able to use your type-C cables and ports with. Unihand rechargeable hand warmers Unihand As the weather is getting colder, you sometimes wish you could warm up your hands a bit faster. Well, these $18 hand warmers are rechargeable and perfectly ready to keep your fingers toasty for up to 20 hours on a single charge. These gadgets feature a temperature sensor chip that helps you pick one of three temps for precise control. There are plenty of colors to choose from, too. Wowstick 1F+ mini electric screwdriver Wowstick If you often have to fiddle around with your computer or other gadgets, this Wowstick mini electric screwdriver may be just what you need. This pen-shaped screwdriver features three LED lights so it’s easier to see what you’re working on and rotates 200 times per minute so you can finish the job faster. The screwdriver has a stylish base so you can hold it on your desk, and a whole collection of 56 aluminum alloy bits. The screwdriver can be charged via USB-C and it can last for hours. This super fun electric screwdriver usually goes for $41. Anker Nano Power Bank Anker One thing you need to have in you bag/pocket/backpack is a power bank because you never really know when your phone will fail you and cry for a recharge. Well, the Anker Nano power bank is tiny enough to fit just about anywhere. It comes with a foldable USB-C connector and a port on the side so you can charge two devices at once if you need to. The 5,000mAh capacity is just about enough for a full phone recharge, so it will be great in a pinch. It’s also only $30, but we’ve seen it as low as $16. Endoscope camera with light Ennovor Although it’s not something you’ll use every day, this Ennover endoscope camera can definitely come in handy. You just plug it in your phone, install and app, and see everything your camera does. Our team swears by it, using it for finding whatever they dropped behind the desk, while working on the car, or looking for pipe leaks. Since it has an IP67 rating, you can even plop it in your aquarium. The camera comes with a 16.4ft semi-rigid cable and several accessories, including a hook, magnet, and a mirror. You can get this one for $17 right now. Blukar flashlight Blukar I don’t care who you are—you need a flashlight. The smaller, the better, because you get to shove it into any pocket. This model from Blukar comes with a built-in 1800mAh battery that you’ll recharge with one of those many type-C cables you have in that tech drawer we were talking about. It can work for up to 16 hours on a single charge, which is pretty decent. There are four different lightning modes to cycle through, including one that will help you signal for help. Plus, one of these is less than $8, so no excuse to pass on this one. Heat It insect bite healer Anyone plagued by mosquitoes in the summer will be particularly pleased with this ingenious gadget. This tiny device, which can be easily connected to your smartphone via USB-C, can significantly reduce the itching of bites and stings with targeted heat. You simply charge the small Heat It bite healer via the app and then hold it on the bite. The heat then does the rest, breaking down the proteins in the mosquito bite that cause the area to swell, itch, and hurt. A true must-have for summer, and it costs only $20 when on sale. A tiny air pump Also perfect for summer is this small air pump from Cycplus, which fits in any bag while on the go. Not only can it inflate a bicycle tire in two minutes at the touch of a button, but it’s also USB-charged. According to the manufacturer, it’s suitable for mountain bikes, road bikes, motorcycles, and even cars! In addition to being an air pump, this practical gadget can also be used as a flashlight or power bank for on-the-go use — all things that come in very handy on a bike ride. And at just $57 (although we’ve seen it for as low as $35) it’s highly recommended if you need quick help with a flat tire. USB-C mini fan These little fans are also pretty ingenious; you can easily carry them in your pocket in the summer and quickly use them whenever you need them. Anyone who’s ever sat on a crowded subway train in 30-degree heat and wished for at least a little fresh air will love this gadget. The mini fan, which costs just $20, has a USB-C port and can be easily powered by power banks, computers, laptops, or USB chargers. There are even smaller and cheaper fans available that can be connected directly to your phone, costing under $10 each. But these also provide less powerful airflow, so we recommend the standalone version. Reading light with a book clamp Anyone who enjoys reading a lot, sometimes late into the night, will appreciate this little gadget: a reading lamp that you can simply clip onto your book. It may not be groundbreaking, but with a total of three color temperatures and five different light modes, you can individually adjust how much light you need for reading. The Gritin reading lamp costs just $8 on Amazon and features a 1200 mAh battery that lasts up to 80 hours depending on usage. Afterward, you can easily recharge it via USB. You can swivel the neck of the lamp back and forth as desired, and there’s even a small charging indicator. What more could you want? External DVD Drive Amicool If your laptop is like mine and lacks a DVD drive, then this little gadget will come in handy for you. This Amicool external DVD drive uses a USB-C (or USB-A) to connect to your laptop and give yout he optical drive you sometimes need. It can read and burn DVDs and CDs with ease, allowing you to install software, copy files, back up data, play games, and so on. You won’t even need to install drives as this thing is plug and play. While this thing’s usually $29, you can often get it for around $20, which is an absolute bargain. Samsung flash drive Samsung The vast majority of flash drives have a USB-A connector, but this one from Samsung has a Type-C connector. With transfer speeds of up to 400MB/s, you’ll move files around in no time. The beauty of this thumb drive is that you can even pop it in your smartphone to record 4K vids directly on it. The Samsung Type-C flash drive comes in multiple storage options, starting at 64GB and up to 512GB and they start at $14. The 256GB version, for instance, is $27 at the time of writing. Type-C microSD card reader Ugreen Most laptops nowadays don’t come with a card reader anymore (I know mine doesn’t), so finding other ways to get data off those little buggers is a must. Whether you need to pull data off your dashcam’s card or if it’s from your camera, this tiny Ugreen USB-C microSD reader will work just fine. This reader is tiny enough that you should probably put it on a keychain of some kind. If you’d rather a slightly more versatile version, Ugreen has a model that also works with SD cards and features both USB-C and USB-A connectors. Any of these will cost you less than $10, so they’re worthwhile investments. USB-C to HDMI adapter Anker If your laptop has a USB-C port but you haven’t updated your monitor in ages, your display won’t feature a Type-C port. This Anker adapter fixes this problem for you, enabling you to connect the regular HDMI cable you plug in your monitor with this gadget. The adapter supports resolutions of up to 4K at 60Hz, which is pretty awesome. This is also a nifty way to connect your phone or tablet to your monitor or TV. This thing’s $20, but we’ve seen it as low as $12. Editor’s note: This article was originally published on May 16, but was updated to include additional devices. Read...