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Lenovo ThinkPad 8550 headset review: great on calls, weak on music

2026-08-24T20:02:14Z

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

The Lenovo ThinkPad Dual-Mode Wireless ANC Foldable Headset 8550 (Aura Edition) is a headset built around one goal: making you sound good on a work call. It does that job better than almost anything else I've tested, and every design choice, from the controls to the connectivity, is built around that task.

+ Pros

Outstanding call quality, even in noisy environments
USB-C dongle crushes Bluetooth range
Tactile, reliable physical controls
Smart pull-down boom mic
Seamless two-device multipoint

– Cons

Flat, forgettable music sound
On-ear fit presses on ears
No mobile app
Unreliable double-tap playback
Laggy handoff back to phone

"For anyone who lives on calls, outstanding call quality and noise canceling make this headset easy to recommend."

Call quality is why you'd buy this

Call quality is excellent and is the reason I don't hesitate recommending the ThinkPad 8550. I took a call with a coworker while standing outside in New York City, wind and street noise included, and there was no audible difference between that and a call from a quiet office. A five-microphone array with beamforming and AI-driven noise reduction delivers some of the best mic performance I've gotten out of a headset in that kind of environment.

Noise canceling holds up outside of calls, too, which is important for a headset meant to be worn all day. I used it at my desk with an air conditioner running constantly in the room, and the ANC silenced it almost completely.

Music quality is an afterthought

Music quality is a different story, and it's the clearest sign this is a business headset first. The response is flat: no boosted bass, no scooped mids, nothing that makes a song feel bigger than it is. A flat response can work in a headset's favor if it reproduces audio faithfully, with clean separation between instruments. This one doesn't pull that off. The sound is soft, and even with spatial audio turned on, there's no sense of being transported into the performance. It's fine for background listening while you work, but I wouldn't reach for it to enjoy music at home.

Controls built for someone on calls all day

Physical controls are a must for anyone on calls all day, and the ThinkPad 8550 has them for the functions that matter. A boom mic pulls down to expose the microphone and answer a call, then swings back up to end it, and I like that mechanic more than I expected to. There's a dedicated mute button on the boom itself, which comes in handy the moment you're hunting for a mute toggle mid-meeting. Three separate physical buttons on the earcups handle other core tasks: one for answering and ending calls, one for cycling through ANC modes (talk-through, active noise canceling, and off), and one for cycling through spatial audio modes (fixed, regular, and off). Each has a satisfying tactile feedback that confirms you actually changed something.

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

The left earcup also has a touch surface for play/pause, volume, and track changes during music playback. It's sensitive and easy to use for volume, with an audible click confirming each tap, but the double-tap gesture for play and pause isn't reliable. Given the option, I'd take a physical button over touch for that function too.

Another feature of the ThinkPad 8550 headset that I love is the "on a call" indicator. When I'm on the phone, red lights glow at the bottom of both earcups. It's easy for my co-worker and kids to see at a glance that I'm on the phone and we don't have to go through the frantic "I'm on a call" gesturing.

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Software customization, but only on desktop

Lenovo has a companion app for Windows 11 and macOS, called Lenovo Accessories and Display Manager. It lets you customize head gestures for answering calls, set adaptive volume, and choose your ANC level or let it adapt automatically. None of that customization is available from your phone, which is a real miss for a headset that also supports phone pairing.

Solid connectivity

Multipoint worked exactly as advertised: connected to both my laptop and my phone at once, it switched between them automatically without me doing anything. Switching from phone audio to your PC happens instantly the moment you stop phone playback, but switching back to the phone lags noticeably, something you'll notice if you bounce between devices often.

The included USB-C wireless receiver is worth using if you like to move around while you talk. My apartment has concrete walls that regularly kill a standard Bluetooth connection. With the USB-C dongle, I can walk around the entire apartment without a drop, which is the kind of range a Bluetooth-only headset can't match.

Comfort and build quality

Comfort depends entirely on whether you prefer on-ear, over-ear, or open-ear headphones. This is an on-ear design with soft, padded ear cups. I could wear them for a couple of hours at a time, but I never forgot I had them on: on-ear means constant, if slight, pressure on your ears the whole time you're wearing it. If you specifically prefer open-ear headphones or an over-ear design that doesn't rest directly on your ear, skip this one.

Build quality is solid without being flashy. The materials feel good, if a little plasticky, and the construction feels durable, but it doesn't have the design flourishes or soft-touch finishes you'll find on premium noise-canceling headphones. The case reads as professional rather than fashionable, with a textured pleather exterior and zipper with the signature ThinkPad red.

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Open the case and the headset folds to fit in snugly. The USB-C dongle is tiny enough that I'd worry about losing it, but the case has a dedicated slot for it, which solves the problem.

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Battery life

I haven't run a formal battery test, but Lenovo's rated 24 hours with ANC on, or 50 hours with it off, tracked with my real-world use. I left it powered on all day with Bluetooth active and got multiple days of use before needing to recharge. It also fast-charges: five minutes on the cable delivers two hours of use.

Verdict: should you buy the ThinkPad 8550?

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Buy the ThinkPad 8550 headset if you spend your day on video calls and want a headset that makes you sound like you're in a quiet studio, no matter where you actually are. The mic array, ANC, and USB-C range make it a pleasure to use day to day, and the physical controls hold up under constant use.

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Kids are heading back to the classroom, so is a lens that slows myopia

2026-08-24T15:11:24Z

EssilorLuxottica

Like many nearsighted kids, I didn’t know anything was wrong with my eyes. I just knew I couldn’t read what my teacher wrote on the blackboard from my seat in the back row of my second-grade classroom. Eventually, after enough complaints, I was diagnosed with nearsightedness – now known as myopia – and embarrassingly fitted with my first pair of eyeglasses.

Like millions of children before and since, that wasn’t the end of the story. My myopia grew worse, requiring a stronger prescription and ever-thickening lenses every couple of years, continuing well into my present advanced adulthood.

That familiar childhood myopic deterioration may no longer be inevitable.

EssilorLuxottica, by far the world’s largest eyewear company whose brands and retail chains include Ray-Ban, Oakley, LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and Target Optical, has introduced the Essilor Stellest lens in the U.S., the first eyeglass lens authorized by the FDA clinically shown to slow the progression of childhood myopia.

In nearly six years of global clinical testing, children wearing the Stellest lenses experienced an average 71% reduction in myopia progression over two years compared with conventional single-vision lenses.

The Stellest lenses are now available through many independent optometrists carrying EssilorLuxottica products, as well as LensCrafters, Walmart Vision Centers, MyEyeDr., and other participating retailers. VSP Vision Care and other vision insurance plans also provide coverage, although pricing varies by provider.

“This is a huge public health service that all of us are part of today,” reported Dr. Monica Jong, EssilorLuxottica North America’s chief medical officer. “What is lacking is awareness about myopia. And it is parents and teachers and pediatricians as well as eyecare practitioners together holding hands to let everybody know how important myopia is.”

Myopia is more than an affliction

There’s a difference between corrective lenses and lenses designed to treat a chronic disease, which is what myopia is now considered.

“A normal shaped eye should be round like a basketball, so that when light rays enter the eye, they focus exactly on the back of the eye, giving a clear image,” Dr. Jong explains. “Now, in myopia, what is happening is the eyeball is starting to grow too fast and becomes too long, and it's expanding a bit like a football. This axial elongation, or faster rate of expansion of the eye, actually causes structural changes to the eye. It’s like a balloon that’s being blown up too big [which could lead] to a significant increase in the risk of ocular health complications, diseases such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment, tears, as well as glaucoma and cataracts.”

So instead of simply sharpening images, Stellest lenses are designed to slow that myopic eye elongation. Embedded within what otherwise appears to be a conventional eyeglass lens are 11 treatment rings containing more than 1,000 microscopic lenslets. Together these lenslets create optical signals designed to slow the abnormal growth of the eye while still providing normal vision correction.

These lenslet treatment zones are essentially invisible to both the wearer and anyone looking at the glasses. EssilorLuxottica says children wearing the lenses still achieve normal 20/20 vision under a variety of lighting conditions.

Solving a common childhood experience

My own childhood experience turned out to be remarkably common.

Entrepreneur and influencer Hannah Bronfman recalled being diagnosed with myopia at age 11 after repeatedly telling teachers she couldn’t see the classroom chalkboard – only to have them dismiss her complaints as attention-seeking. Bronfman eventually got glasses, but, like me and millions of other kids, suffered as her prescription worsened over time. She later dealt with contact lenses, corneal injuries, and corrective eye surgery.

“If I had these lenses when I was a kid,” Bronfman related regretfully, “I not only would have been able to reduce my myopia, but also probably would have saved myself my scratched cornea…and maybe I would have been able to have PRK [Photorefractive Keratectomy, a type of eye laser surgery]…at a younger age.”

Unfortunately, childhood myopia is becoming more common and could soon precipitate a major global health crisis.

EssilorLuxottica estimates that half the world’s population could be myopic by 2050, including roughly 740 million children. More than four in 10 North American adults and one in four children between ages 6 and 19 already have myopia, and the prevalence continues to climb.

Why are we seeing more childhood myopia?

Dr. Jong reports that genetics plays an important role: children with one myopic parent face roughly double the risk, while those with two myopic parents face an even greater likelihood. Lifestyle appears to contribute as well.

“The modern lifestyle has meant that a lot of kids are spending more time indoors,” which Dr. Jong explained is “driving a lot more children to start developing myopia a bit earlier.”

Spending an additional two hours outdoors each day has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia, Dr. Jong advised, likely because of brighter natural light and the eye’s opportunity to focus on a variety of near and distant objects instead of screens and other nearby tasks.

“Being outside is protective, and we know that,” Dr. Jong added. “And unfortunately, lifestyle is very difficult to change.”

Check early, check often

Dr. Jong also stressed that parents shouldn’t wait until children complain they can’t see the board in school.

Only about 6% of U.S. schoolchildren receive a comprehensive eye examination each year, Dr. Jong noted, despite vision accounting for roughly 80% of learning. Comprehensive eye exams can detect not only myopia but numerous other eye conditions before they become more serious.

“Don’t wait for your children to tell you they cannot see clearly,” Dr. Jong strongly advise, “because often children don’t have the verbalization to explain that.”

As for those of us who have long since graduated from elementary school, the myopic news is less definitive. Stellest has been clinically studied only in children, although “anecdotally, practitioners are prescribing them when they see that there’s a benefit outweighing the risk of not doing anything,” according to Dr. Jong.

Research is continuing into additional age groups and future technologies, including smart glasses that could monitor whether children wear the lenses long enough each day.

Had technology like Stellest existed when I was squinting at that second-grade blackboard, the world – and the lenses through which I saw it, and through which others saw me – might have looked very different indeed.

Viral Darth Vader video fools dozens of news outlets

2026-08-21T20:18:01Z

Image credit: Matt Novack

A video showing Darth Vader speaking at a San Diego Public Safety Committee meeting is fooling news outlets across the country. It isn't real.

The clip shows a costumed Darth Vader telling committee members he supports Flock Safety's cameras, the controversial license plate reading cameras that police departments use to track vehicles. Flock's cameras have been sparking privacy debates in cities nationwide, with many jurisdictions electing to ban their use. But it should be no surprise that this type of technology would appeal to a leader of the authoritarian Empire for rooting out “rebel scum.”

In the fake video, Vader says "the emperor is a fan of Flock" and jokes that the cameras would help track those pernicious rebels from “playground to pool.”

404 Media and Gizmodo reported the video early in the afternoon on August 20. Fox News, UPI, CNN, The Hill, and dozens of other outlets picked up the story over the next day.

The City of San Diego's official recording of the meeting tells a different story. Techlicious checked the viral clip against San Diego's public meeting archive, which anyone can watch for free online. The comparison shows the fake video clearly doesn't reflect what actually occurred.

In the real meeting, a committee member calls for a public speaker named Darth Vader to come forward. Nobody does, and the meeting quickly moves on to the next speaker.

Image credit: City of San Diego

With the fake clip below, Vader is shown waiting to take the mic, along with supporting audience members. None of these people are present in the real city recording. The chiron has also been changed to read "Non-Agenda" Public Comment. If you're into puzzle games, you can see numerous other artifacts from what is presumably an AI transformation.

Image credit: @Matt Novak/YouTube

When you see this video shared online, enjoy it for what it is: a clever joke, not real news. And if a viral clip ever seems too good, or too strange, to be true, checking the original source is often just a search away. As AI has continued to improve, even journalists, such as ourselves, are at risk of being taken in by stories that are just too good to resist.

Walmart is finally adding tap to pay at checkout

2026-08-21T16:14:59Z

Image credit: BigStockPhoto/Tupungato

Walmart is adding tap to pay at the checkout counter, a move that ends years of the retailer refusing to accept the contactless payment method most other major stores adopted long ago.

Starting August 24, select Walmart and Sam's Club locations will let shoppers pay by holding a contactless card, phone, or smartwatch near the terminal instead of swiping or inserting a card. Walmart says every store and club location in the country will have it by the end of 2026.

Walmart has been the biggest holdout among major U.S. retailers, blocking Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay at its more than 4,600 U.S. stores even as Target, Kroger, Home Depot, and Costco all made the switch years ago. Walmart has accepted Apple Pay at its Canadian stores since 2020.

The reasoning has never been much of a secret. Tap-to-pay wallets from Apple, Google, and Samsung tokenize your card number, which keeps Walmart from seeing and using your actual payment details the way it can when you pay through its own Walmart Pay app or scan a physical card. Walmart has pushed its own tools instead, including Walmart Pay's QR-code checkout and Sam's Club's Scan & Go, both of which keep transaction data inside Walmart's own systems.

That data-control incentive hasn't gone away, and it shows in how Walmart is rolling this out. Tap to pay works alongside Walmart Pay and Scan & Go rather than replacing them, and Walmart's own OnePay card is one of the payment methods getting the tap-to-pay treatment when it's loaded into a digital wallet.

Gas pumps are the last piece. Tap to pay won't reach Walmart and Murphy USA fuel stations until mid-2027, so if you're used to tapping your phone at the pump elsewhere, you'll keep swiping your card at Walmart gas stations for close to another year.

For now, check whether your local Walmart or Sam's Club has the new terminals before you leave your wallet at home. The rollout starts small next week and expands through the rest of the year, so tap to pay may not be live at your store on day one even after the August 24 start date.

Samsung built a microwave that really sucks (in a good way)

2026-08-21T15:14:37Z

Image credit: Samsung

Samsung just redesigned the one part of an over-range microwave that never worked as well as a real range hood: the vent. The new Bespoke over-the-range microwave uses what Samsung calls DualVent technology, and it's built to solve a problem anyone who's seared a steak under one of these things has already experienced.

For anyone who sears steaks or fries up Thai chili paste, a range hood makes an enormous difference in how fast smoke and fumes clear out. That’s why serious home cooks treat the built-in microwave vent as decorative at best.

The problem is that a standard over-range microwave vents through a single intake at the back, which means it mostly catches whatever rises straight up from the rear burners. Fire up a pan on the front burners, the ones people use most, and the smoke drifts past the vent instead of into it. Samsung's fix is to add a second intake at the front of the unit, positioned closer to where most of our cooking usually happens. Samsung says the combination hits an 82% fume capture rate, on par with the company's standalone range hoods in its own testing.

LG already has a solution to the front-burner problem with a technology it calls ExtendaVent, which physically extends the vent hood forward over the cooktop to widen its catch area. It works by brute force: more hood surface area means more smoke gets caught before it escapes into the kitchen. Samsung's approach is the more elegant solution. It repositions where the suction happens rather than extending the hardware outward. And the front vent has a curved lip to redirect smoke to the back so it doesn't escape before being sucked in.

Image credit: Samsung

My own kitchen in a New York apartment, sadly, doesn't have a vented hood. If DualVent performs the way Samsung claims, it would change how and what we cook. Right now, a hard sear means closing the kitchen door and living with the eye-watering, cough-inducing fumes or risk setting off every one of our smoke detectors.

The Bespoke DualVent microwave holds 2.1 cubic feet, syncs wirelessly with compatible Samsung ranges and cooktops so both turn on and off together, and connects to the SmartThings app. It comes in a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel finish and is available for a pricey $674 on Samsung's site.

Amazon making Alexa+ free on every Fire TV, no Prime needed

2026-08-20T14:10:38Z

Image credit: Amazon

Amazon is giving every compatible Fire TV owner in the US free access to Alexa+, the company's AI-powered voice assistant, whether or not they pay for Amazon Prime.

Until now, Fire TV customers without Prime had to pay $19.99 a month to use Alexa+ instead of the older, more limited Alexa. The upgrade is rolling out automatically, starting this week, to all current-generation Fire TV Sticks, the Fire TV Cube, Amazon's Ember smart TVs, and compatible Hisense and Panasonic TV sets.

Alexa+ on Fire TV devices understands follow-up questions the way a person would. Amazon says you can ask for a "top-rated thriller," then narrow it down with "something newer" or "with a female lead," instead of searching by exact title. It also handles smart home commands (arming a Ring camera feed on your TV screen, dimming compatible lights for movie night) and general questions without picking up your phone.

Image credit: Amazon

There's no app to download and no setting to turn on. If your Fire TV device is on the compatible list, Amazon says the upgrade applies automatically the next time you use it.

The free tier does have limits. Amazon says Alexa Routines, pulling up specific saved Ring camera moments, and advanced Home Modes automation still require a Prime membership or a standalone Alexa+ subscription, and the free Fire TV access doesn't extend to other Alexa devices like Echo speakers.

Google giving US college students a free year of AI Pro

2026-08-20T14:08:25Z

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

Have a child heading off to college? Google is giving eligible college students in the US a full year of Google AI Pro, its $19.99-a-month AI subscription tier, at no cost.

The free year of AI Pro includes access to Gemini Spark, higher usage limits in the Gemini app, and 5TB of Google storage. Students outside the US aren't left out: Google says eligible college students in more than 140 other markets can get a year of the lower Google AI Plus tier free instead, plus bundled discounts on AI Pro and YouTube Premium.

To claim the offer, students verify their enrollment through SheerID and provide a payment method when signing up at one.google.com/ai-student. Students have until December 31, 2026, to redeem it.

Alongside the subscription offer, Google is rolling a new "student hub" into the Gemini app: a study-notebook feature that uses diagnostic quizzes to flag knowledge gaps and build a bite-sized study plan, plus the ability to request Gemini Live's Deep Research reports on the go. Google is also adding practice quizzes and interactive visual tools to Search itself for the same back-to-school push.

Google doesn't specify what happens to a student's account or files at the end of the free year. Anyone signing up should expect to either cancel or start paying $19.99 a month once the free period on their account ends. Google is also offering Google AI Pro, bundled with YouTube Premium, for $8.99 per month for up to 4 years.

Microsoft patches a Copilot flaw that let one click steal your data

2026-08-19T18:37:21Z

Image credit: Microsoft

Microsoft has fixed a Copilot flaw that let a single click hand an attacker a user's email, calendar, and chat history. The flaw, which security firm Varonis Threat Labs disclosed and nicknamed CoSnitch, affected Copilot Personal, the free consumer version of Microsoft's AI assistant. Varonis said it reported the issue to Microsoft in December 2025, and Microsoft shipped a final fix yesterday, August 18.

If you've connected Copilot to Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Outlook, or OneDrive so it can search your files or check your schedule for you, an attacker needed just one click to reach that data. According to Varonis, a specially crafted link would open Copilot in your already-signed-in browser session and immediately run a hidden command with the same access you'd granted the assistant yourself, no confirmation screen or second click required.

From there, Varonis showed Copilot pulling full email bodies, including passwords typed into messages, along with calendar details, file names from Drive, and saved chat history, then sending that data to a server the attacker controlled without triggering any alerts. Microsoft's own support documentation says its connectors don't expand what data Copilot can reach beyond what your account already permits. The researchers said they found no evidence the flaw was exploited before Microsoft's fix went out.

This is the third Copilot flaw of this kind Varonis has found this year, following Reprompt, which Techlicious covered in an earlier disclosure, and a separate flaw called SearchLeak affecting the workplace version of Copilot. Each relied on the same weakness: getting Copilot to treat an attacker's hidden instructions as if it was typed by the user.

Microsoft's fix is already live, so the specific attack Varonis demonstrated no longer works. Still, it's worth opening Copilot's connector settings and disconnecting any service you're not actively using. And treat any link that opens an AI assistant showing a pre-typed question the same way you'd treat a link in an unexpected text message: don't click it if you don't recognize where it came from.

Comcast's WiFi can now tell when someone's in your house

2026-08-19T17:17:05Z

Xfinity XB10 Advanced Gateway
Image credit: Comcast

Comcast is rolling out a free feature that turns your home WiFi into a motion sensor. It's part of a new service called Xfinity Shield, and Comcast's newest addition to it, WiFi Motion, works without installing a single camera.

WiFi Motion sends a notification to your phone when it detects movement inside your house. Comcast is including it at no extra cost for Xfinity Internet customers, giving people a basic way to know if someone's home, or shouldn't be, without buying a separate security system.

Here's how it works: WiFi Motion tracks tiny changes in the wireless signal traveling between your Xfinity gateway and other WiFi-connected devices in your house, like a laptop or a smart speaker. When something moves through that signal, the system reads the disruption as motion and sends you an alert through the Xfinity app. No camera records video or images, so there's nothing to watch back later, just a notification that something moved.

Xfinity Shield bundles WiFi Motion with two other free features: CyberSecure, which screens every device on your network for hackers and malware, and Family Settings, which lets parents set screen-time limits and pause WiFi for specific devices. Comcast calls this free bundle WiFi Shield, and it's available now to Xfinity Internet customers who have an Advanced Xfinity Gateway.

Xfinity is upfront that WiFi Motion isn't a replacement for an actual security system. Comcast doesn't monitor the alerts, and the feature isn't professionally monitored, so nobody is calling the police on your behalf. Customers who want cameras, a door and window sensor, and a 24/7 emergency help button can upgrade to Shield Select, a $15-a-month tier Comcast is launching alongside the free version.

If you're already an Xfinity Internet customer, you can turn on WiFi Motion inside the Xfinity app, where the settings sit under the Home tab. It's worth testing before you trust it: the feature needs a WiFi-connected device, like a smart plug or laptop, positioned between your gateway and the room you want to cover, and Comcast recommends confirming you actually get an alert before relying on it.

Beatbot's Labor Day sale cuts up to $1,600 off its pool robots

2026-08-18T19:34:51Z

Image credit: Beatbot

Beatbot, the robotics company that's been pushing pool cleaners toward full autonomy over the past two years, has all three of its AquaSense robots discounted right now, from an entry model under $800 to a $3,825 flagship that empties and rinses its own filter. The timing lines up with Labor Day weekend, the last big pool party of the season and typically when pool water looks its worst after a summer of leaves, sunscreen, and neglect.

Image credit: Beatbot

AquaSense 2: the value pick

The deal: $799.00, down from $1,299.00 (38% off)

The AquaSense 2 is Beatbot's entry-level "3-in-1" robot. It cleans floors, walls, and waterlines with double-pass scrubbing, and it parks itself at the surface when it's done so you're not fishing a robot off the bottom of the pool. It navigates with 16 high-precision sensors, including two ultrasonic sensors for obstacle detection, and covers pools up to 3,230 square feet on a charge.

What you don't get at this price is the AI camera-based mapping or the automatic water clarification of the two step-up models. There's also no self-emptying filter station: you'll still need to pull the filter basket and rinse it yourself. For most backyard pools, that's a fine trade for saving $1,400 or more compared to the flagship.

Get the deal on Beatbot's site and Amazon.

Image credit: Beatbot

AquaSense 2 Ultra: my pick for most people

The deal: $2,199, down from $3,150 (30% off)

What separates the AquaSense 2 Ultra from a standard pool robot is its HybridSense AI camera. It maps your pool and identifies where debris is concentrated, then lets Quick Mode cut cleaning time roughly in half by focusing there instead of running a full cycle across the whole pool. We gave it our Techlicious Editors' Choice Award at IFA 2025 for being the first robotic pool cleaner smart enough to offer a last-minute touch-up before your guests arrive.

It also handles water clarification on its own, dispensing a clarifier made from recycled crab shells that Beatbot claims works four times faster than the manual stuff most people dump in by hand. Its five cleaning functions cover the whole pool – floor, wall, waterline, surface, and clarification – so there's no need to run separate equipment. At $2,199, it's still a serious purchase, but you're getting quite a bit of built-in intelligence to keep things pristine.

Get the deal on Beatbot's site and Amazon.

Image credit: Beatbot

AquaSense X: for the early adopter

The deal: $3,825, down from $4,250 (10% off)

Techlicious gave the AquaSense X a Spotlight Award at CES 2026 for its AstroRinse dock, a novel solution to emptying the debris bin and cleaning the filter. When the robot docks itself, the station blasts water through the filter to clear out debris, then flushes everything into a sealed, disposable bag. The three-minute cycle eliminates needing to touch the pool gunk. The 22-liter bin is rated to go about two months between bag changes.

If you own a large pool or a pool that sees a lot of guests, the AstroRinse dock provides a substantial improvement over the manual waste removal required by most pool robots. You’re paying a premium at nearly $4,000, two to three times the $799 Ultra and $2,100 Ultra 2. However, if you hate cleaning your pool filter and want to spend your time relaxing by the pool, not working on it, a truly self-cleaning pool robot may be well worth it.

Get the deal on Beatbot's site and Amazon

Samsung's Galaxy Buds can now double as hearing aids. Here's the catch

2026-08-18T16:50:42Z

Image credit: Samsung

As the two of the biggest-selling Bluetooth earbud brands, Apple and Samsung will soon compete in a category in which neither company has any real expertise: hearing aids.

Samsung recently received FDA clearance to add over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid functionality to its Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Galaxy Buds4 Pro buds, both of which sell for around $250, the same as Apple's hearing aid-enabled AirPods Pro. Samsung's hearing aid functions are due to become available sometime this fall for compatible Galaxy devices running One UI 8 or later.

On paper, Samsung appears to have checked all the OTC hearing aid boxes. Users can take a five-minute smartphone app hearing test that generates an audiogram for each ear. That audiogram is then fed into the earbuds to correct the wearer's unique hearing loss profile.

Image credit: Samsung

With its addition of hearing aid functions into the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Buds 3 Pro, Samsung seeks to address the growing demand for more accessible, reputable, and lower-priced hearing help. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.5 billion people worldwide experience some degree of hearing loss, a number expected to grow to 2.5 billion by 2050. Yet many people who could benefit from hearing aids never obtain them because of cost, limited access to hearing-care professionals, prescription hearing aids costing in the thousands of dollars, or the stigma some still associate with wearing traditional hearing aids.

This isn't the first time Samsung has tried to address the need for hearing assistance. In 2023, they added the ability to amplify ambient sound through the Samsung Wearable app for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. In my testing, I found the feature to be useful for occasional use, not as a replacement for even a cheap pair of dedicated Personal Sound Amplification Devices. With OTC hearing aid FDA clearance, the Buds 3 Pro and Buds 4 Pro should be proper hearing aids.

Bluetooth bud and hearing aid paradoxes

Samsung’s hearing aid add-on, which follows Apple’s hearing aid-equipped AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 into the category, raises an intriguing question: What has Samsung learned from Apple and other makers of dual Bluetooth earbuds + hearing aids such as the HP Hearing Pro ($399) to solve the natural paradox between hearing aids and Bluetooth buds designed for music listening?

Traditional open-fit hearing aids allow ambient sounds to enter the ear canal naturally to mix with amplification to create a natural hearing experience. Conversely, closed Bluetooth earbuds are designed to seal your ear canal from outside sound to improve high (treble) and low (bass) frequency response as well as aid noise cancellation.

These paradoxical usage profiles have been addressed by dual Bluetooth bud/hearing-aid makers such as HP and Apple, which require compromises, usually at the expense of hearing aid performance.

Samsung, Apple, and other makers of dual Bluetooth bud/hearing aids face three problems, all produced by a Bluetooth buds’ inherent primary design as a music-listening device:

Creating an open natural blend of ambient and amplified sounds through a sealed buds’ transparency or “ambient” mode.
Eliminating the plugged-up sensation — and the unnatural sound of your own voice – that sealed earbuds produce.
All-day battery life. Dedicated hearing aids are designed to operate “all day” on a single charge. But Bluetooth earbuds typically prioritize compact size, music playback, and phone calls over continuous hearing assistance, result in Bluetooth battery life rarely topping six hours on a single charge — hardly “all day” usage.

Can music-first buds be effective hearing aids?

This closed versus open bud conundrum doesn’t necessarily mean Bluetooth earbuds designed primarily for music listening can’t also dually serve as practical and effective hearing aids.

There are a few ways this could play out. Advanced processing could improve a closed buds’ transparency mode. Apple, Samsung, and others could bundle perforated silicone ear tips along with solid eartips to add a more “open” ambience. Or open-ear buds – currently the rage – could get FDA clearance as OTC hearing aids. Fast charging could overcome short Bluetooth bud battery life and allow quicker recharges during natural downtimes.

The Samsung-Apple hearing aid Bluetooth bud/hearing aid competition may intensify before year’s end. Industry rumors suggest Apple is preparing a next generation of premium AirPods, often referred to as AirPods Ultra, that will run on a new H3 chip which could include enhanced health/hearing capabilities, along with camera sensors to enhance gesture control. These rumors could be confirmed (or not) when Apple introduces its iPhone 18 next month.

If the AirPods Ultra rumors are true, the next battle between the world’s biggest Bluetooth bud makers may have less to do with music quality, noise cancellation, or battery life than which earbud can function most effectively as an open hearing aid and be worn comfortably all day.

Apple sued after privacy feature failed to hide your data

2026-08-18T02:47:05Z

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

Simply put:

Clarkson Law Firm filed a class action against Apple on August 11, alleging fraud and false advertising over iCloud Private Relay, a privacy feature included with iCloud+ subscriptions.
The suit centers on a still-unpatched flaw that lets some websites see your real IP address even with Private Relay turned on.
Apple hasn't responded to the lawsuit publicly, and Private Relay remains on and available to subscribers.

Apple is facing a class action lawsuit over a privacy feature that millions of people pay for as part of their iCloud+ subscription. Clarkson Law filed the suit on August 11 saying the feature, called Private Relay, didn't actually keep users' information hidden the way Apple promised. It's the same firm that won a $250 million settlement from Apple earlier this year over delayed Apple Intelligence and Siri features.

If you pay for iCloud+, there's a good chance you're affected. Private Relay is included with those subscriptions and is supposed to hide details like your location from the websites you visit. It works by routing your Safari browsing through two separate relays so your internet provider can only see that you are connected to an Apple server, and websites you visit see a temporary IP address instead of your real one. Private Relay is not a VPN, since it only covers traffic inside Safari rather than everything your device sends, but Apple marketed it as protection against sites and advertisers tracking your location by IP address.

The lawsuit follows an August 4th security disclosure from researchers Tommy Mysk and Talal Haj Bakry, who found several ways websites could still see a user's real information even with Private Relay turned on. The researchers say the flaw isn't limited to Safari. Apple requires every browser on iPhone and iPad, including privacy-focused ones like Tor's OnionBrowser, to run on its WebKit engine, so the same bypass reaches beyond Apple's own browser.

If you're curious how the bug affects your system, the researchers developed a checker tool that shows whether your connection is currently leaking your real IP address.

Apple hasn't issued a public response to the lawsuit. iCloud+ subscribers don't need to do anything to join or track the suit at this stage. In the meantime, if keeping your location private from every site you is important to you, a full VPN will protect all of your device's traffic at the system level, sidestepping this specific flaw.

Flock tightens rules on police use of its license plate cameras

2026-08-17T21:17:42Z

Image credit: Flock Safety

Flock Safety, the company behind a nationwide network of automated license plate reader cameras used by police departments, is requiring every law enforcement customer to adopt a set of accountability tools by the end of 2026. Flock announced the changes on August 13, the same week Georgia's Bibb County Sheriff's Office arrested three former deputies accused of using Flock cameras to track people they had personal relationships with. Bibb County's sheriff specifically credited Flock's newest safeguard, a tool called Audit Assistance, with uncovering the deputies' misuse.

Flock launched Audit Assistance in April 2026 to flag unusual search activity, such as an officer searching for the same plate under multiple different case numbers, for a supervisor to review. About a third of Flock's agency customers turned it on voluntarily before this week; now Flock is making it mandatory for every customer by the end of the year. Flock is also adding a "proactive lockout" that automatically suspends a flagged user's access until an administrator signs off.

The company is also cutting its recommended default data retention from 30 days to seven. By the end of the year, agencies must also attach a case number to every search, with emergencies exempted but automatically flagged for review. A new "offense filtering" option lets a city allow other police departments to search its camera data for, say, a stolen vehicle or a missing person while blocking searches tied to immigration enforcement.

Not everyone is convinced the changes add up to real accountability. ACLU senior policy counsel Chad Marlow wrote that Flock is pointing to recent officer arrests as proof Audit Assistance works, but that without knowing how many officers are misusing the system in total, "we cannot conclude if Flock and its auditing tools are catching 95% of violators or 5%." He's calling for an independent audit of the tool.

If you live somewhere with Flock cameras installed, none of this changes what the cameras capture: your plate, logged every time you drive past one, cross-referenced against a national database available to any agency your local police choose to share with. What changes is the paperwork trail behind each police search of that data and, in theory, a faster flag if an officer searches for reasons that have nothing to do with a case. Whether that flag reliably catches misuse instead of just documenting it after the fact remains to be seen.

If you haven't updated your Mac in the last 10 days, do it now

2026-08-17T19:58:43Z

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

If you haven't installed Apple's August 6 security update for your Mac, do it today. Cybersecurity officials in the Netherlands and the United States have confirmed hackers are actively breaking into Macs that skipped that update, seizing full control of them and installing cryptocurrency-mining software.

The update fixes a flaw in Screen Sharing, the built-in Mac feature that lets you or someone else control your computer remotely, the same way a family member might log into your Mac to help fix a problem. It closes a hole that let an attacker log into Screen Sharing without a valid password. Macs running the fix, macOS Tahoe 26.6.1, Sequoia 15.7.9, or Sonoma 14.8.9, are protected. Every confirmed attack so far has hit a Mac still running older software, according to Apple.

The attacks are real and ongoing. The Netherlands' National Cyber Security Centre confirmed hackers are breaking into unpatched Macs that have Screen Sharing turned on and reachable from the internet, gaining full administrator control and installing software that mines Monero cryptocurrency. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency responded by raising the bug's official severity score from 7.1 to 9.8 out of 10 on August 14, and reclassified the attack method as automatable the next day, meaning hackers can now target vulnerable Macs with little manual effort.

Most home Mac users are not a prime target, as Screen Sharing is switched off by default. But if you've personally turned on Screen Sharing to access your own Mac while traveling or to let a family member help you remotely, treat this as urgent.

To see if you are protected, open System Settings, then General, then Software Update, and confirm you're running Tahoe 26.6.1, Sequoia 15.7.9, Sonoma 14.8.9, or later. If you're not, install the update now.

Meantio turns anyone with a smartphone into a short drama creator

2026-08-15T20:49:26Z

Short dramas – those bite-sized, cliffhanger-heavy episodes built for a phone screen – have become one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment online. The catch is that making one has mostly remained out of reach for regular people. You need a script that holds together, someone who knows how to plan a shoot, and editing chops most of us have never learned. Meantio, a new AI-native short drama app that just launched on iOS, levels the playing field.

The app supports both creators and consumers. As a viewer, you get a free library of short dramas spanning genres like werewolf romance, billionaire drama, campus life, revenge plots, and family sagas, with new episodes landing regularly. Titles already on the platform range from the psychological thriller Light's Out: Who's Out, where an engagement party gets trapped by an AI running a deadly elimination game, to the campy action-romance The IT Girl's Secret Bodyguard, about a CIA agent going undercover as a college freshman. You can browse the catalog without an account, though you'll need to sign up to save your watch history or follow creators.

As a creator, Meantio functions as a full production studio that lives entirely on your phone. Describe a story idea in plain language, and the AI turns it into a script and a shot-by-shot storyboard. From there, the app guides the actual filming, suggesting scene setups and framing so your footage flows naturally. A built-in editing suite for trimming, music, and polish is scheduled to arrive this fall, at which point the whole process, from a one-line idea to a finished episode, will happen inside the app.

Getting started is easy once you’ve downloaded the app and created a free account. Write your script with the AI tool, shoot with the guided prompts, and then edit and upload. Keep posting to build a channel.

Discovery on Meantio runs through what the platform calls the Seed Creator Program, and visibility comes from storytelling quality. Selected creators get dedicated traffic support, one-on-one mentorship, and access to brand partnerships and custom IP development deals. Meantio also publishes its revenue-share terms and platform policies openly, so creators can see exactly how their work gets promoted and paid before they commit to building a channel there.

Ad revenue splits pay creators up to 60%. Episode sales, where a creator sets their own per-episode price, pay up to 85%. Channel memberships, essentially a subscription tier fans pay into directly, also pay up to 85%. Meantio says actual shares vary by creator tier and content quality, but those ceilings put it well above what creators typically see on ad-supported platforms elsewhere. Creators also keep ownership of what they make. Uploading grants Meantio a license to host and promote the content, not a transfer of rights.

There's also a social layer built around the content itself. Creators can message fans directly, and viewers can post reactions, theories, and hot takes on individual episodes.

Meantio doesn't replace good storytelling instincts. The AI can generate a script and storyboard, but a compelling short drama still lives or dies on pacing, character development, and a hook that makes someone tap through to episode two. What Meantio removes is the technical wall that's kept a lot of people with good story ideas from ever starting: the software, the equipment, the editing timeline that used to eat a weekend.

Meantio is available now on the App Store for iOS, with an Android version in development for a broader global rollout. You can browse the full library, watch sample episodes, and read the Seed Creator Program terms at meantio.com.

Apple warns iPhone users in 110 countries of spyware attacks

2026-08-14T20:49:26Z

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

Apple sent a fresh wave of "Threat Notification" alerts on August 13, warning iPhone owners that the company detected a mercenary spyware attack aimed at their device. Apple confirmed the wave to TechCrunch, including that it reached users across 110 countries. Apple hasn't said how many individual people were notified. This wave brings the cumulative total to more than 150 countries where the company has issued at least one notification.

Mercenary spyware is surveillance software built and sold to government intelligence and law enforcement agencies around the world to secretly monitor a specific person's phone. Once the spyware is installed through a malicious download mechanism, it can read the target's messages, track their location, and turn on the microphone or camera without the owner's knowledge.

The best-known example is Pegasus, spyware built by Israeli firm NSO Group and tied to surveillance of journalists, activists, and politicians in multiple countries over the past several years. Apple hasn't said which tool is behind this week's alerts, but the company names Pegasus in its own guidance as a reference point, and outside forensic investigations have confirmed Pegasus infections behind some of Apple's past threat notifications.

If Apple detects an attack, it sends both an email and an iMessage to the addresses and phone numbers tied to your Apple Account. Apple calls these "high-confidence alerts," meaning the company's own investigation, not just a suspicious pattern, led to the warning.

Image credit: Apple

A genuine alert will never ask you to click a link, open a file, install an app, or hand over your Apple Account password. If a message asks for any of that, it's a scam impersonating the real thing. You can double-check any alert by signing in directly at account.apple.com; a real Apple threat notification shows up at the top of the page once you're logged in.

If you get a verified notification, Apple recommends turning on Lockdown Mode, which sharply restricts the features spyware relies on, and contacting the Digital Security Helpline at the nonprofit Access Now, which Apple names as a resource for notified users.

For everyone else, this week's alerts are a reminder rather than a warning. Apple advises that the "vast majority of users will never be targeted by such attacks." But it's still smart practice to keep your iPhone's software updated, since Apple patches security flaws mercenary spyware exploits as it finds them.

Delta flight hit by fake Wi-Fi network posing as the real one

2026-08-14T19:58:07Z

Image credit: Delta

A fake Wi-Fi network popped up on a Delta Air Lines flight this week, serving as a wakeup call that a scam can hit any public Wi-Fi network, even in the air.

According to Delta, an unauthorized Wi-Fi network, called called "DELTA WIFI FAST", appeared on flight DL591 from Las Vegas to Atlanta on August 10. The flight crew believed that a passenger set up the network to scam other passengers. The crew disabled the plane's Wi-Fi for about 30 minutes as a precaution. Delta says there was no hack of its aircraft systems and that flight safety was never at risk. The airline is investigating the incident with federal law enforcement.

This is a classic example of a "honeypot" or "evil twin" attack: a fake Wi-Fi network created to look like a real one, using a name that's identical or nearly identical to the legitimate service. Once a device connects, the attacker can inspect its traffic, probe it for vulnerabilities, or redirect it to a fake website designed to steal logins or payment details. In this instance, it would have been easy to harvest SkyMiles account login information since passengers expect to log in to their accounts to access free Wi-Fi onboard.

There are a few things you can do to avoid connecting to a fake Wi-Fi hotspot on a flight. First, turn-off auto-join for Wi-Fi hotspots. You can do this inside your device's Wi-Fi settings. This will prevent your phone or laptop from automatically connecting to a fake Wi-Fi hotspot with the same name as the real one.

When connecting to in-flight Wi-Fi, double check the name of the network with seat-pocket information or a flight attendant. There should only be one public network for your plane (one without a lock symbol), so if you see two, that's a red flag.

You can also use a VPN to prevent a malicious Wi-Fi hotspot from redirecting you to a fake website to steal your passwords and credit card information. The challenge with using a VPN on planes is that it often needs to be turned off during the initial login, which leaves your SkyMiles account information exposed. However, once you are logged in, it can be turned on to prevent any further exposure from a potentially malicious network.

WhatsApp has a new feature to stop scam messages

2026-08-14T19:13:04Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

WhatsApp has begun testing Scam Alert, a new feature that checks incoming messages for signs of a scam and warns you before you respond. When the model flags a likely scam, you'll see a notice inside the chat with options to block the sender, report them, or continue the conversation anyway.

If you think a warning was wrong, you can mark that chat as trusted, and WhatsApp won't flag it again. From a trusted chat, you can also choose to share the last five messages with WhatsApp to help improve the feature.

The feature runs a machine learning model directly on your phone, comparing messages from people outside your contacts against patterns common in scam conversations. No message content leaves your device for that check, and nothing is automatically reported to WhatsApp or Meta.

Scam Alert is rolling out now as a limited beta, starting with members of WhatsApp's Bug Bounty research community, so it will likely be a while before it reaches most phones. It's optional, and WhatsApp says users will be able to turn it off at any time.

This adds to other anti-scam features Meta has built into WhatsApp this year, including a warning system for suspicious device-linking requests aimed at preventing account takeovers, and "Strict Account Settings," a lockdown mode designed for journalists, activists, and other high-risk users.

With over 3 billion people using WhatsApp worldwide, scams sent through the app (fake delivery notices, phony job offers, romance scams) reach an enormous number of people every day. Once Scam Alert update reaches your phone, it's worth leaving it on.

Chess.com data leak puts 7 million players in check

2026-08-14T17:13:29Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

A hacker posted a database on a cybercrime forum this week claiming to hold information scraped from more than 7 million Chess.com accounts. Chess.com hadn't confirmed the incident as of publication, but the security outlet Hackread, which obtained and reviewed the file, verified that a sample of the listed accounts do exist on the site.

Hackread's analysis found the file contained 7,337,396 rows, each corresponding to one account, and 4,656,791 email addresses among them, along with usernames, account IDs, names, countries, ratings, account creation dates, and last-login timestamps. Some records included avatar links and labels showing which Chess.com promotional groups an account belonged to, and a portion of the login timestamps were from just days before the leak surfaced, suggesting at least some of the data is recent.

No passwords or password hashes turned up anywhere in the file, according to Hackread, so this leak alone can't be used to log into your account.

What leaked can still arm scammers with information – your username, rating, and country – for phishing: emails or messages designed to look like they're from Chess.com in order to steal more of your information. A message about a tournament invite, a subscription renewal, or an account security alert now carries real personal details, making it harder to spot as fake.

How the data was collected still isn't clear. The hacker described it as scraped from public profile information, but Hackread notes that email addresses and some of the account labels found in the file aren't normally visible on public Chess.com profiles, so scraping alone doesn't fully explain how they ended up in the database. Hackread says it couldn't independently confirm whether the data came from an exposed interface, unauthorized account access, or another source.

Chess.com has been through this before. A hacker posted 800,000 scraped records in November 2023, then a second batch of 476,000 records days later.

Normally, we recommend turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) when these incidents occur. Unfortunately, Chess.com doesn't currently offer 2FA, and has stated in the past that, "We are never going to add this for members...there is nothing so personal and sensitive that needs that level of protection."

What you can do if you have a Chess.com account is to treat any unexpected email or message referencing your account, tournaments, or billing with extra suspicion. Don't click login links inside them; go to chess.com directly instead.

Back-to-school tech 2026: 10 gadgets students and families need

2026-08-13T19:02:37Z

Image credit: Generated with Gemini

Back to school shopping is about a lot more than composition notebooks and clothes now. With kids having more advanced schoolwork and more complicated schedules, the tech on the list is the part that needs the most thought. We put together a set of picks that will carry a student through the school year, from a budget MacBook that can handle all of their schoolwork to a family calendar that keeps everyone’s schedules straight.

Image credit: Apple

Apple MacBook Neo: The budget Mac built for school

The price: $699.99

When Apple launched the MacBook Neo earlier this year, it became the budget laptop pick for students almost overnight. I’ve used the Neo, and it’s perfect for schoolwork. Macs also don’t slow down over the years as easily as a budget Windows laptop will, so it should last your kid well beyond one grade. I’d also pick it over a Chromebook for a student, since you get proper macOS apps and easy iPhone integration for not much more money.

You get Apple’s A18 Pro chip, the same one that powers the iPhone 16 Pro, with a sharp 13-inch Liquid Retina display, a 1080p camera for video calls, and up to 16 hours of battery life, so it’ll get through a school day without the charger. The aluminum body is light and comes in four colors, and there are no fans inside, so it runs silently. The 8GB of RAM may seem low on paper, but macOS handles it well, and it’s fine for documents, browsing, and streaming, which is mostly what a student needs. It’s $699 for the 256GB model on Amazon, and if you’re buying for a college student, you can buy it from Apple for $599 through its education store.

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Image credit: Puro Sound Labs

Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus: Headphones that protect young ears

The price: $99.00

Kids have the habit of cranking the volume on any headphones you give them, and the BT2200 Plus caps it at a safe 85dB, so their hearing doesn’t pay for their music habit. We have tested and recommended these in the past, and found surprisingly good sound quality for a kids’ pair, with soft earcups and a soft headband, which keeps kids’ hair from being pulled.

You get up to 20 hours of Bluetooth playtime, and the included 3.5mm cable will let you use them wired when the battery runs out. You can swap the cushions between on-ear and over-ear fits as your kid grows, and there’s a hard case to protect them in a backpack. There’s also a daisy-chain cable in the box that can connect two headphones to one device, so siblings can share a screen without sharing an earbud. They come in blue, pink, purple, and teal.

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Image credit: Chipolo

Chipolo Loop: A tracker for the backpack that keeps it safe

The price: $39.00

I forgot my bag at school once, and it’s scary when you’re that young. With everybody carrying phones now, it just makes sense to put a tracker on your kid’s bag. The Chipolo Loop’s flexible silicone strap attaches to a backpack zipper or handle, with no keychain or accessories needed. That saves a few bucks extra by skipping a separate keychain holder.

It works with either Apple Find My or Google’s Find Hub, so it’ll match whatever phone your family runs, and the 125dB ring is loud enough to hear from rooms away if you’ve lost the bag at home. Unlike an AirTag, you can recharge it over USB-C instead of replacing coin batteries, and a charge will last up to a year. It comes in a bunch of colors, including a six-pack if you have more than one child that may lose more than one bag.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INIU

Image credit: INIU

INIU SnapGo Air: A snap-on power bank for a kid’s phone

The price: $54.99

A dead phone after classes or practice means a kid you can’t reach, and for a child with a phone, a small snap-on power bank makes far more sense than a big one. I remember my early college years, when keeping my phone alive meant hauling around a big, bulky power bank, and it was a pain to take anywhere. Magnetic banks solve all of those issues, and the SnapGo Air will charge an iPhone wirelessly through its magnetic mount, with nothing to plug in and nothing for a kid to lose.

The whole power bank measures half an inch thick, holds 10,000mAh, and will refill an iPhone 17 about 1.8 times by INIU’s numbers. Its Qi2.2 certification means you can get 25W wireless speeds on the iPhone 16 Plus, 16 Pro Max, and the 17 series, with standard magnetic charging on the iPhone 12 through 15. It also works with Google’s Pixel 10 and Pixel 11 phones. If the school run needs a faster top-up, the detachable GoCord cable can deliver 45W over USB-C, and the built-in display will read out the remaining charge, so your kid will know before leaving whether the bank needs to be recharged. It comes in black, blue, brown, purple, white, and orange, so your kid can pick their color.

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Image credit: Apple

Apple Watch SE 3: The best-value accessory for a kid’s wrist

The deal: $219.00 (usually $249.00) — 12% off

The first-generation SE was the Apple Watch I owned in college, and it was excellent for the price. I found it less distracting than a phone when I needed to focus, since I could watch for calls without picking my phone up again and again, and that logic works even better for a younger student.

The SE 3 is the one I’d recommend, because it’s the best value in the Apple Watch lineup. The pricier models, like the $299 Series 11, mostly add things a student can live without, like a bigger screen and more health sensors. Also, non-Apple alternatives don’t play as nicely with the iPhone, which is the overwhelmingly popular phone choice among students.

Apple’s family setup means kids can call, text, and share their location without owning an iPhone, since you can set it up from a parent’s phone. If you want your student to use the watch without a phone, you’ll have to get the GPS + Cellular model, which costs $269 and needs a carrier plan for the watch (usually a $10-$15 add-on). The watch can also detect a hard fall or a car crash and help connect to emergency services. The Check In feature can notify you automatically when your kid arrives where they’re going. You get an always-on display, sleep tracking, and 18-hour battery life. Fast charging adds up to 8 hours of use in 15 minutes. You can choose from 40mm and 44mm sizes.

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Image credit: Samsung

Samsung 32" Smart Monitor M8: One screen for homework and entertainment

The deal: $399.99 (usually $699.99) — 43% off

A laptop is solid for work on the go, but when your kid needs to sit down and concentrate, it makes sense to dock it at a desk with a big monitor. The Samsung 32" Smart Monitor M8 is 4K, and I’d recommend not skimping on resolution. I’ve spent my whole life in front of screens that were thankfully sharp enough, and my eyes never paid a price for it.

You can also use the M8 as the room’s TV, with Samsung’s smart TV apps and live channels built in, and your kid can stream Xbox and other game services through Gaming Hub without a console. That way you’re buying one screen instead of a separate monitor and TV for their room. A single USB-C cable will dock a laptop like the MacBook Neo and charge it while driving the screen. The 43% discount makes it the biggest price cut on this list, so this is the one to grab while the deal holds.

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Image credit: Keychron

Keychron K10 Max: A mechanical keyboard that helps improve typing

The deal: $89.99 (usually $119.99) — 25% off

Keychron is one of the best mechanical keyboard brands around, and I recommend its keyboards regularly. In my experience, a proper mechanical keyboard will actually help a school kid become better at typing than a laptop’s flat keys or a touchscreen ever could, and typing is one school skill that pays off forever.

The K10 Max is a full-size board with 108 keys, which means your kid also gets a proper number pad for math homework, and it can connect over 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth (three devices at once), or a cable, and it works with Mac, Windows, and Linux. Mechanical keyboards are also typically easier to repair in case of a spill, and this model has hot-swappable switches, which means you can replace the mechanism for each key instead of needing a costly overall repair. You also get durable PBT keycaps and RGB backlighting, and it’s currently at its lowest price in the past 30 days.

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Image credit: Logitech

Logitech POP Mouse: A small mouse for small hands

The deal: $23.99 (usually $39.99) — 40% off

Most mice are made for adult hands, and a kid gets a better grip on something smaller. The POP Mouse is a compact mouse that will fit a middle or high schooler’s hand properly, and it’s light enough to live in the backpack if your kid doesn’t like using the laptop’s trackpad. There’s also a customizable button on top, which your kid can map to something they use constantly, like copy-paste or screenshots, through Logitech’s app.

Logitech says its Silent Touch clicks cut 90% of the click noise, so it won’t bother anyone in a quiet classroom or library. We’ve used other "silent" mice from Logitech and they are much quieter than a regular mouse. It can pair with up to three devices over Bluetooth, with a button to switch between them. The POP Mouse runs off a single AA battery for up to two years, and it comes in eight colors your kid can pick from. This is a limited-time deal, and some colors drop as low as $15.

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Image credit: Monoprice

Monoprice Rotating Surge Strip: Eight outlets for the after-school recharge

The price: $36.79

I’ve watched my nephew charge his phone, headphones, and laptop all at once, because kids come home, top everything up, and head back out with all of it. I kept a power strip in my room at school so my phone and laptop could charge together, and it’s one of those basic things that adds a lot of convenience to a kid’s room.

The Monoprice Rotating Surge Strip has a 6-foot cord and a slim space-saving design with six rotating outlets and two stationary to accommodate bulk AC power adapters. Most slim surge protectors don’t have enough room between outlets to plug in big bricks.

The cheapest power strips tend to skip the protection features, and that’s where this one earns its price. A surge protector lets power through until it reaches what’s called the clamping voltage, the point at which it absorbs the excess to protect your devices and shuts off if it fails. The lower a surge protector’s clamping voltage, the better the protection. The Rotating Surge Strip clamps at 330V, low enough to protect your most sensitive devices. It also offers 2,160 joules of protection before it wears out, enough for one big power spike or a few smaller ones. (Learn more in our article How to pick the best surge protector.)

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Image credit: Cozyla

Cozyla Calendar Neo: The schedule, off the fridge and onto a screen

The price: $169.99

My mom tracked everything on paper notes and schedules when I was in school, and a shared screen like this would’ve helped a lot, given how much kids have going on now. The Calendar Neo is a 15.6-inch touchscreen that can sync Google, Apple, and Outlook calendars onto one family timeline, with color-coded profiles, chore charts, to-do lists, and a parental lock, and you can put it on a counter or mount it to the kitchen wall.

Popular alternatives cost a lot more upfront and their best features are locked behind subscription plans, so the Calendar Neo is the cheapest way into this category that still covers the basics. The $169.99 price includes a free month of Cozyla’s Essential plan, which unlocks the voice assistant, the rewards system, and meal planning, and it’ll auto-renew at $79.99 a year after 30 days. The core features, including the synced calendars, chores, and to-dos, keep working without paying anything.

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Google's Pixel 11 Lineup Is Here – and Gemini Is Running the Show

2026-08-13T02:25:46Z

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Google has taken the wraps off its 2026 phone lineup: the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL, plus the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. All four are up for preorder now at the Google Store, Amazon, and Best Buy, and they'll be on shelves August 20, in colors that include Olive, Hibiscus, Canyon (a dusky rose), and a new all-matte Obsidian on the Pros. The Pixel 11 starts at $899 (includes a $100 Amazon gift card), the Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099 (includes $200 Amazon gift card), the Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299 (includes $200 Amazon gift card), and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold at $1,899 (includes a $350 Amazon gift card).

What the new prices get you

Google has dropped the 128GB option entirely, so every Pixel 11 now starts with 256GB of storage. That means the Pixel 11 and 11 Pro start at $100 more than the Pixel 10 and 10 Pro base models did, but you're paying the same price as last year's 256GB option. The Pro XL and the Pro Fold models already started at 256GB, and those two are getting a proper $100 increase.

Apple did more or less the same last September: the iPhone 17 lineup dropped its 128GB tier and doubled base storage, and the iPhone 17 Pro starts at the same $1,099 as the Pixel 11 Pro.

The storage price hike was fine by me, but I'm not a fan of the RAM options on the base models. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL come with 12GB of RAM as standard, and if you want the 16GB option, you'll need the 512GB or 1TB storage tiers. Last year's Pro phones had 16GB across the board. I know RAM is expensive right now, but given how AI-forward the marketing is, I would have liked Google to at least throw 16GB into the base configurations, especially with the $100 increase.

Gemini in every corner

Every Pixel 11 runs Android 17 on Google's new Tensor G6 chip, which the company says handles on-device AI tasks up to 3.5 times faster than the last generation. Google seems to have designed the hardware with extra headroom for Gemini.

There are a ton of AI features on board, some of which sound very promising. We got a preview at today's press event and came away impressed.

Proactive Assistance will pop up suggestions like live flight details or a nudge to save an event to your calendar. Live Translate can now dub podcasts and videos in near real time. There's also a new Creator Suite in the camera app, with a teleprompter and framing guides for social media apps. We found that live translation (as in Google Translate, not the above feature) seemed smoother than before, but still with a short pause before it kicks in.

We also saw a demo of a very cool new tool called Magic Capture. It analyzes frames from a video and picks out your best shots, building them into full-resolution stills from raw camera data. If the AI misses the moment you wanted, you can also go back into the captured session yourself and pull out any frame as a high-quality photo.

A single image extracted with Magic Capture during our demo.
Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

The Pro models also get HiLight, a ring of LEDs around the camera flash that will glow in patterns when Gemini is listening, thinking, or responding, and can pulse in custom colors when favorite contacts call. I'm particularly excited about this feature because I loved the notification LED on Android phones. It's great to see it return in some form.

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

The HiLight glows yellow.
Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

The cameras get the biggest hardware upgrades

The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL move to a new 50-megapixel main camera and a 48-megapixel telephoto that Google says captures 30% more light, which should make a difference in dim restaurants and at concerts. It's a 5x optical zoom lens, and you get digital zoom of up to 120x (up from last year's 100x), and Night Sight can shoot up to 4.5 times faster. The $899 Pixel 11 and the Pro Fold get the same pair of upgrades: a new 48-megapixel main sensor that captures 56% more light for better night shots, and a bump for their 5x telephotos from 20x to 30x Super Zoom.

The backs of the Pixel 11 Pro series from the left: 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, 11 Pro Fold.
Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Google is also leaning away from over-processed photos. A new Camera Looks feature lets you set a default style at the moment of capture, with the three main options (Natural, Shadows, and Vanilla) tuned to look less digitally polished.

Will any of the camera features discussed be coming to older Pixels? Google told Techlicious that Magic Capture definitely will not coming to prior Pixel models. The company had no official comment on whether Camera Looks or Creator Suite will show up on them, though.

Displays, battery life, and durability

The Pixel 11 and 11 Pro both have 6.3-inch displays, the Pro XL takes that up to 6.8 inches, and the Pro Fold pairs a 6.5-inch outer screen with an 8-inch inner one. The base Pixel 11's camera bump is also noticeably smaller in person this year, while the Pro models' bump stays about the same size as the Pixel 10's. The Pro and Pro XL screens come with a new coating that Google says more than doubles their scratch resistance. So, you may be able to get by without using a screen protector on these phones. IP68 dust and water resistance rating is standard across the whole lineup.

Image credit: Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Google rates the Pixel 11, 11 Pro, and Pro XL at 30-plus hours of battery life and the Fold at 24-plus. All models now supports 25W wireless charging. The Pro XL has a 45-watt quick charge feature that Google says delivers around 15 hours of use in just 15 minutes.

The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is nearly 10% lighter and about 1mm thinner than last year's model, with a new gearless hinge, a first-for-Pixel ceramic glass cover on the outer screen, and a glass-fiber composite back that Google claims is nearly impossible to crack (time for a Will it Blend revival?). Because of these improvements, Google says the Fold is three times more durable than last year's model. All four phones will get seven years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates.

If you have a Pixel 10, the hardware alone probably isn't worth the jump, though Magic Capture staying exclusive to the new phones may tempt you. If you're coming from a Pixel 8 or older, the cameras, battery, and seven years of updates will feel like a proper upgrade.

Amazon warns that product recall text message is definitely a scam

2026-08-12T22:54:39Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

If you got a text message saying an item from a recent Amazon order was recalled, don't click the link. It's almost certainly a scam, and the Better Business Bureau says this long-running phishing attack is spreading again. Local police departments have flagged it across the country this summer, from Arkansas to North Carolina.

The message typically claims to be from Amazon's "Product Safety Team," names a recent order, and says the item was recalled for safety reasons. It tells you to click a link to confirm your address or claim a refund. That link leads to a fake Amazon login page built to steal your username and password.

According to Amazon, when a product you bought is actually recalled you will be notified through your account – via an email, a notification, or the "Your Recalls and Product Safety Alerts" page inside the app. They never send recall notices using text messaging.

If you get one of these fraudulent texts, don't tap the link and don't reply. If you made the mistake of clicking and entering your Amazon login details on a phishing page, change your password immediately. Also be sure to turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Amazon account. With 2FA enabled, hackers can't get into your account even if they have your email and password.

Fake job offer, real hackers: North Korea's new Windows attack

2026-08-12T21:49:04Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

Microsoft released its monthly security update yesterday, and one of the fixes closes a hole that hackers were already using to break into Windows computers. Security firm Check Point says the attacks come from Lazarus, a hacking group tied to North Korea. It is the latest version of a campaign of similar attacks dubbed Operation Dream Job, which security researchers have been tracking for years.

According to Check Point, this new campaign "focused heavily on the defense sector, particularly organizations involved in military technologies such as surveillance sensors, drones, and robotics." The scheme begins with a fake job offer: a recruiter reaches out about a role at a company the target would recognize and sends a PDF describing the position. Opening that PDF leverages a Windows system flaw to take full control of the machine.

The flaw sits in the Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock, a system-level driver that manages network connections. An attacker who already has a foothold in your PC can exploit the bug to grant themselves SYSTEM privileges, the highest level of Windows access. Microsoft hasn't said whether the flaw has been used in attacks beyond the one Check Point identified.

Windows normally downloads security patches automatically, but you can check yourself and install it manually, if needed. Open Settings, go to "Windows Update," and select "Check for updates." If an update is ready, install it and restart your PC.

Your ASUS laptop may qualify you for free Google AI Pro

2026-08-11T21:08:07Z

ASUS

ASUS is giving owners of eligible laptops three months of Google AI Pro or Google AI Plus at no extra cost, redeemable through the MyASUS app. This offer isn't limited to new purchases. Anyone who already owns a qualifying ASUS or ROG laptop can claim it, whether they're new to Google One, currently on a free plan, or already paying for one.

The ASUS offer applies to a broad range of its Windows laptops, including current and recent models, in the Vivobook, Zenbook, ProArt, ROG and TUF Gaming lines. That includes Copilot+ PCs such as the Vivobook 16, Zenbook A14 and ProArt P16, as well as some older models dating back several years. You can check your model against ASUS's eligibility list.

Which plan you get depends on your specific laptop model. Google AI Pro, normally $19.99 a month, includes 5TB of cloud storage and expanded access to Gemini's most capable models, image and video generation, and Google's coding tools. Google AI Plus, normally $4.99 a month, includes 400GB of storage and a lighter version of the same features.

To redeem, open the MyASUS app, sign in with your ASUS account, go to User Center, then Member Exclusive Coupons, and follow the prompts to Google's sign-up page. The offer window runs through August 9, 2027.

Before you sign up, read the fine print. Your free trial converts automatically into a paid Google One subscription at your plan's standard monthly price once the three months end, unless you cancel first. If you're already paying for a Google One plan, redeeming this offer cancels that plan and starts the trial in its place, with a refund for whatever time was left on it.

Anker's back-to-school Amazon sale drops chargers to Prime Day lows

2026-08-11T20:38:53Z

Image credit: Anker

Anker is cutting prices on chargers, power banks, and charging stations sold directly through its Amazon storefront for a back-to-school sale that runs through August 23. A few of the discounts match the lows those same products hit during Amazon's Prime Day event earlier this summer.

Image credit: Anker

The Anker Prime 3-in-1 Qi2.2 MagSafe Compatible 25W Wireless Charging Station is down to $134.99 in white, a $95 cut off its regular $229.99 price. It charges an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and a pair of AirPods all at once from a single power outlet.

There are lots of 3-in-1 chargers on the market, but what sets this model apart is the built-in touch-screen display, which shows live power flow and charging temperature. You can use the display to switch between a Boost Mode for a quick top-up, an Ice Mode for cooler overnight charging, and a Sleep Mode that goes dark, and used as a clock when idle.

It also packs plenty of power. Its main pad pushes 25W – that's fast enough to take an iPhone 17 Pro from empty to 50% in about 22 minutes. The Apple Watch and AirPods pads each top out at 5W, plenty for a watch or earbuds overnight.

The Phantom Grey version costs a bit more at $139.99; the white model at $134.99 is the better buy if color doesn't matter to you.

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Image credit: Anker

The Anker Prime 25W Qi2.2 Palm-Sized 3-in-1 Foldable MagSafe Charger is marked down to $99.74 from $149.99. Folded, it's about the size of a deck of playing cards and it weighs just 8.11 ounces.

This svelte travel model delivers the same 25W phone speed and 5W Apple Watch and AirPods charging as the full-size station above. The Apple Watch pad pops up with a single press when needed. An LED ring shows charging and cooling status. When your phone is charging at full speed, the cooling unit runs at 19 decibels, closer to a whisper than a fan.

Pick one of these up for your next travel adventure.

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Image credit: Anker

For anyone who wants one tiny fast charger, the Anker Nano 45W USB-C charger with Smart Display is the one to get. And the price just dropped to $25.99 from $39.99, the lowest yet.

I've been using Anker's line of Nano products for years and they are my go-to charger when I'm traveling light. You'll hardly notice it's in your bag: it's about the size of a mini candybar and weighs just 2.65 oz.

What I love about this Nano is the built-in display showing you the charging speed and mode – something that's rare for a charger this size. Plus, a "Care" mode protects your device's battery by charging more slowly overnight. It comes in black, white, orange, and blue to give you some fun color options.

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FTC halts $200 million credit repair scam that targeted the military

2026-08-11T14:19:14Z

Image credit: Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has gotten a federal court to shut down Credit Glory, a network of 16 companies accused of collecting nearly $200 million from consumers through fake credit repair services and illegal fees. According to the FTC's complaint (PDF), the operation ran since at least 2016 under Credit Glory and more than a dozen related company names. A judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona has temporarily frozen the operation while the case proceeds.

The FTC says Credit Glory bought Google search ads that appeared when consumers looked up specific creditors, including military-related lenders like the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and USAA. Credit Glory then used those ads to route servicemembers and other consumers to its own telemarketers instead of the real creditor.

Those telemarketers then led consumers believe they'd reached the actual debt collector or creditor, according to the FTC. Once on the phone, Credit Glory charged a small fee, often described as needed to "verify" the consumer's identity or review their credit report, then followed with a second charge of several hundred dollars before doing any work. Under the Credit Repair Organizations Act, that's illegal: a credit repair company can't charge you until it has finished the work it promised.

The FTC also says Credit Glory kept billing consumers on a recurring basis without clearly disclosing that the charges would continue, and routinely denied refund requests when customers tried to cancel. In some cases, the company disputed consumers' legitimate debts and filed false identity theft reports on IdentityTheft.gov without telling them.

If you've paid any of Credit Glory's companies for credit repair – Credit Glory, Credit Sage, Joy Credit Software, Clerk Credit Systems, Standard Scores, Collection Payments, Collections Dispute, Collections Expert, Collections Support, Credit Cop, Dispute Collection, Glorious Credit, or Joyful Credit – you can report it to the FTC directly.

To avoid these scams, remember this rule: a legitimate credit repair company can't ask you for money before it does the work. If someone asks you to pay a fee just to "verify" your identity, hang up and contact the creditor yourself using the number on your own billing statement.

Samsung may be building a cheaper, longer-lasting Galaxy Watch

2026-08-10T22:03:01Z

Samsung's newly launched Galaxy Watch9
Image credit: Samsung

Samsung's flagship Galaxy Watches have gotten more expensive with each generation, and battery life on the just-launched Watch9 and Watch Ultra2 still tops out at roughly one to three days per charge. But there's good reason to think there might be a lower-cost, longer-life watch on the horizon.

SamMobile found references to a device codenamed Galaxy Aero inside Samsung's own Galaxy Wearable app. The code points to "galaxy_rtos_watch," meaning the device would likely run RTOS, a lightweight operating system, instead of Wear OS, the software that powers the current Galaxy Watch lineup.

RTOS trades away features like a full app store and built-in voice assistant. Samsung's Galaxy Fit trackers already use it, and it's part of why they run for a week or more between charges instead of one or two days. Cheaper hardware requirements tend to mean a lower price too.

The Aero would likely slot between the budget Galaxy Fit 3 ($47.99) and the mid-range Galaxy Watch FE ($189.55). Samsung could still release the mystery model under a different name, delay it, or shelve it entirely. Nothing about pricing, launch timing, or final features is confirmed yet.

If you've held off on a Galaxy Watch because of the price or short battery life, I'd wait to see what Samsung launches in the coming months. The Galaxy Fit 3 and Galaxy Watch FE are both 2024 models, so they're due for a refresh. And now there is the mystery Aero model in play.

Google Wallet now lets parents send kids money to tap and pay

2026-08-10T17:49:36Z

Google

Google Wallet just gained a feature that lets parents hand their kids spending money without opening a bank account for them. Now, parents in the US can set up a secure balance on Google Wallet for children and teens under 18.

Once that balance is funded, kids can tap to pay in stores using an NFC-enabled Android phone or Wear OS smartwatch, the same way an adult would use Google Pay. There's no credit card stored on their phone, no prepaid card to lose, and no separate app for the child to manage.

The launch lands just in time for back-to-school shopping season. When my kids started enjoying "out lunch" privileges in middle school, I gave them cash because I didn't want my credit card on their phones for tap to pay. This would have been a much better solution.

Parents keep control through Family Link, the app Google already uses for screen-time limits and app permissions. From there, you can transfer money directly from your own account into your kid's balance, set a spending limit, and check transaction history in real time. If something looks off, you can lock the balance instantly and sort it out later. Google says automated recurring transfers, useful for a weekly allowance, are coming soon but aren't available yet.

The money-transfer feature is limited to the US for now. Google's broader kids' Wallet tools, covering tap-to-pay and storing passes like event tickets and library cards, are already live in the UK, Australia, Spain, and Poland, so a wider rollout of money transfers is plausible.

To set it up, open Family Link, select your child's account, and look for the Google Wallet option under their settings. You can find step-by-step instructions on Google's support page.

AEKE's AI home gym turns Kickstarter backing into a global launch

2026-08-10T16:39:43Z

Home gym equipment used to mean a rack of dumbbells, a resistance band, and a phone propped against the wall running a workout app. That's changing. A new wave of connected fitness hardware is trying to do what a personal trainer does: read your body, adjust the resistance in real time, and tell you when your form is off before you get hurt.

The appeal is easy to understand. People training at home are often squeezing workouts between work and family, and they don't want to spend that time guessing whether they're using the right weight or the right form. They want equipment that thinks, adapts, and gives them feedback a static machine never could.

The demand for that type of integrated home workout solution just showed up in a big way on Kickstarter. AEKE's S1 Pro closed its 39 day campaign on June 29, having raised $5,866,348. That made it the most funded home gym project on Kickstarter in 2026.

Building a plan around your body, not a generic template

The AEKE S1 Pro is built around two upright posts joined by a crossbar that holds a touchscreen, with cables running down through pulleys to a base platform that unfolds into a stepped mat for footing. Before a new user lifts anything, the system runs a six-dimensional assessment, covering body composition, strength, flexibility, posture, endurance, and movement pattern, which AEKE says is grounded in the American College of Sports Medicine's physical fitness assessment model. From that baseline, the S1 Pro recommends a starting weight for every major movement, then remembers it: each session carries the previous one's numbers forward, and the system leans on velocity-based training principles (tracking how fast a lift moves) to judge when you’re ready to add weight.

Users choose a primary goal, muscle gain, fat loss, or general health, then layer in a functional focus such as endurance, power, recovery, mobility, or sport-specific performance. You can even flag movements to avoid based on past injuries and the system builds a program around them.

The hardware behind the real-time AI feedback

All of your input and feedback runs through a 27-inch touchscreen mounted on the crossbar, which tilts from negative 6 to 90 degrees to stay visible whether you’re standing, seated, or lying down. A 130-degree wide-angle camera above the screen watches your body from nearly every position; AEKE says it holds 95% tracking accuracy and covers 80% of the body in frame. That feeds an on-device processor that responds within milliseconds, so a movement correction is recommended the moment an error happens rather than after the set ends. When a workout is over, a magnetic cover snaps over the camera to protect your privacy.

That tracking covers 42 skeletal key points in real time, which AEKE describes as the most comprehensive body-tracking model available in a home gym today. The system is built to catch specific breakdowns in form, including a rounded lower back, a caving knee, a shrugging shoulder, a forward head, and a collapsing spine, the kind of errors a personal trainer would call out mid-set, but you might miss yourself if you were just using a mirror.

Every session ends with a summary: which muscles were worked, what errors came up, and a correction course queued for next time, alongside rep counts, duration, calories, and load volume. AEKE built the underlying program around long-term health development rather than a single workout cycle. Users are moved through five stages – Movement Foundations, Functional Fitness, Fitness Transformation, Performance Breakthrough, and Specialist Training – and advance only once the current stage feels solid. The schedule flexes around a missed session or a lighter week rather than resetting the plan, and AEKE frames the long-term goal less around a single number on a barbell and more around everyday strength: carrying groceries without strain, keeping pace with kids, and staying capable years down the line.

One machine replaces a room full of equipment

The S1 Pro is built for someone who trains a few times a week, wants to get stronger or stay in shape, and doesn't have hours to spend commuting to a gym or researching whether their squat form is correct. A single unit replaces more than 23 traditional machines, covering everything from a rear lunge off the folding platform to a standing lat pulldown to a backward sled drag. The screen tracks each set with a resistance dial and rep counter, and saved programs, like a custom two-move routine pairing a sled drag with a single-leg deadlift, show up as editable workouts a user can pull up and start again later. Digital resistance goes up to 220 pounds, adjustable by the pound, across five training styles, from slow controlled strength work to faster rowing intervals.

Training alone, with a safety net built in

Training alone at home also raises an obvious question: what happens if a rep goes wrong and there's no spotter in the room? AEKE addressed that directly, building in gradual resistance loading, a hydraulic soft drop pedal, an Auto Stop function, and a Smart Assist mode designed to catch a lift that's failing. The frame itself is rated to handle the load, with an arm system built to support up to about 330 pounds per side and a platform rated for about 1,587 pounds, backed by high tensile structural steel and a resistance cable tested to 91,200 repetitions.

Fitting into your home instead of taking it over

Space constraints are always an issue with home gyms. The S1 Pro folds down to a footprint of about 3.2 square feet when not in use, expanding to about 9.7 square feet unfolded. It doesn't need to be mounted to a wall, and there's no involved setup process before the first workout. For households where more than one person trains, the system supports up to nine separate user profiles, each with its own assessment, program, and progress history.

No subscription fees, and a training library built to keep growing

In a refreshing change, AEKE is skipping the subscription model that's become standard on connected fitness equipment. Buyers get lifetime access to the AI coaching system along with a library of 165 expert-led classes across 10 categories and 320 individual movements, spanning strength training, hypertrophy work, HIIT, boxing, yoga, dance, meditation, and mobility. AEKE says the library keeps expanding after purchase, so the machines ordered today will continue to gain new programs over time.

From backers to buyers

The S1 Pro has since moved from Kickstarter to general availability. It's now sold directly through AEKE's website, with free shipping and a 30-day return window.

Kid heading off to college? This is the tech we recommend they bring

2026-08-09T19:22:10Z

Image credit: Generated with Gemini

A dorm room does the job of an entire apartment, and you have to set it up in a small shared space that often doesn’t have enough outlets. As such, you need tech that can do the job efficiently and let you make the most of your dorm space.

Our Editor-in-Chief, Suzanne Kantra, and I put our heads together to come up with our picks for setting up your dorm room. She’s had kids in college for the last seven years and is getting her third ready to start his freshman year next month. So, she knows what a student needs to study, sleep, and have fun with their friends.

These devices cover every scenario you’ll run into in a dorm, from a budget laptop that lasts a full day of classes to a sound machine that drowns out noisy suite-mates to a tiny projector that turns any room into a movie party.

Image credit: Anker

Anker Nano Power Strip: Desk-edge outlets that skip the wall

The price: $69.99

It’s difficult to find a good place to keep a desk in your dorm room that’s also near a decent number of outlets, and students have plenty of stuff they’ll need to plug in and recharge. The Anker Nano Power Strip solves this problem at the desk itself. It clamps onto any tabletop edge (between 0.6 and 1.8 inches thick) and has a 5-foot power cord, so your outlets sit right where you need them instead of behind the bed.

The Anker Nano provides six AC outlets plus two USB-C ports that push up to a combined 70W, enough to fast-charge a laptop. It even offers a basic 1500 joules of surge protection.

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Image credit: INIU

INIU 100W 3-Port GaN Charger: One brick for the laptop, phone, and earbuds

The price: $32.98

Outlets are usually limited in dorms and classrooms, and this charger will let you get one outlet to do the work of three. I remember carrying three separate bricks to college because I needed to charge stuff midday, and having one brick would’ve made my backpack much lighter. We’ve tested this power brick, and can confirm it works reliably and is very easy to carry.

A single USB-C port pushes up to 100W, enough to charge most laptops at full speed. And with all three ports in use, it splits to 45W, 30W, and 18W across two USB-C ports and one USB-A. That covers a laptop, a phone, and earbuds charging from one wall outlet. The outlet prongs fold flat for easier portability, and INIU includes a 5-foot 100W USB-C cable in the box, which most chargers make you buy separately. At $32.98 in black and blue, it’s currently at its lowest price of the past 30 days, so this is a good time to grab one.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LENOVO

Image credit: Sherri L. Smith/Techlicious

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Gen 11: A budget laptop with marathon battery life

The deal: $999.99 (usually $1,399.99) — 29% off

I spent part of college with a lower-end laptop that made it difficult to get work done on time, and upgrading made a lot of things easier. So, investing upfront in a model with enough power to last all four years is well worth it. The IdeaPad Slim 3i Gen 11 fits the bill, covering a full day of classes without a charger. In our testing, it ran for more than 14 hours on a charge, so you can safely leave the power brick in your room.

You get an Intel Core 7 350 processor with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, which will handle classwork and streaming without slowing down, and the 15.3-inch IPS LCD touchscreen runs at 1,920 x 1,200 resolution with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. At 3.5 pounds, it fits into a backpack easily. It’s our pick for budget-conscious shoppers.

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Image credit: Amazon

Amazon Echo Spot: A smart alarm clock that keeps your phone out of bed

The price: $79.99

It’s hard to overemphasize how important having a reliable alarm clock is for college students. And while a phone alarm may seem like an obvious solution, it can’t wake you if you forgot to charge your phone overnight. That’s why we recommend a smart alarm clock like our pick, the Echo Spot. Alexa handles alarms and reminders by voice, and can even provide your day’s agenda so you’ll remember everything you need to pack in your the backpack.

Beyond scheduling, the screen shows the weather (on the off chance your student actually will use an umbrella), and your student can play music for themselves or friends with surprisingly clear vocals and deep bass for a speaker this size. It can even control smart plugs and lights, so you can turn off room lights from your bed.

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Image credit: Yogasleep

Yogasleep Dohm Classic: The original white noise machine for thin dorm walls

The price: $49.99

Falling asleep in a dorm can mean dealing with hallway conversations at 1 AM and the hacking cough of sick roommates. The Dohm Classic covers them up the old-fashioned way – it spins a real fan inside its shell to make white noise. The sound is far more natural than recorded sound loops that come out of a speaker, and doesn’t get hiccups or breaks the way recordings do when the loop restarts.

You get two fan speed settings, and you can twist the housing to tune the tone and volume until it’s just right. There’s no app and no subscription, and setup is as easy as plugging in the 7-foot cord and flipping the switch.

Yogasleep has been making this machine since 1962, and it’s known as the first white noise machine ever created. Suzanne has been using this at home for decades to mask the sounds of New York City and sent each of her kids off with one to college.

The Dohm Classic comes in five colors, and it’s proven to be the best insurance for getting sleep in a loud dorm (or frat house). Her son who just graduated said, "It was a great investment. 100%!"

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Image credit: XGIMI

XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro: A movie theater that fits on a dorm shelf

The price: $359.00

If you want a TV for your dorm room, consider a projector instead. You can get a big screen for the same amount of money or less, and you can even bring it to a common room for a dorm movie party.

A tiny projector is also far easier to pack up and bring home or put in storage than a full-sized TV, making it the better long-term investment. Suzanne’s daughter bought a projector and she’s still using it three years after graduation. Her son purchased a regular TV and had to sell it for peanuts because he couldn’t bring it home with him on the plane.

When choosing a model, I’ve tested and am a fan of XGIMI’s projectors, including this pint-sized entry-level MoGo 2 Pro. It throws a full HD 1080p picture ranging from 45 to 120 inches onto a bare wall, and its 430 ISO lumens of brightness will do the job when the lights are low. Google TV is built in, so you can stream on it without attaching a stick or a laptop, and the two built-in 8W speakers mean you don’t need a soundbar or external speakers. Auto focus and auto keystone correction will line up the picture whenever you move it.

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Image credit: Apple

Apple AirTag 2: A tracker for the backpack that goes everywhere

The deal: $27.00 (usually $29.00) — 7% off

You’re bound to leave your backpack behind in libraries, lecture halls, dining halls, and friends’ rooms, and the AirTag 2 will help you keep track of where it ended up. I forgot my backpack in college on more than one occasion, and the worst part was that I forgot which building I left it in, so a tracker would’ve helped immensely. You can drop the AirTag 2 in a pocket or attach it with a keychain and your bag will show up in Apple’s Find My app.

While you’re at it, pick up a few extras for athletic bags, musical instruments, and anything else your student is likely to leave behind or have "borrowed" by a fellow student.

The second-generation AirTag increases Precision Finding range by up to 50% over the original, giving you on-screen directions to within arm’s reach of the bag, and the speaker is 50 percent louder, so you can hear it from under a pile of coats. Apple rates the replaceable battery for more than a year. You need an iPhone or iPad to set it up and track it, so if you’re an Android user, you need a Bluetooth tracker that works with Google’s Find Hub instead, like our pick, the Pebblebee Clip 5 ($34.99), which comes in three bright colors and is rechargeable.

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Image credit: Anker

Anker Soundcore Space 2: Noise cancellation that fits a student budget

The price: $129.99

A roommate’s late-night gaming session or a party in the hallway can keep you from finishing up class assignments. Our solution is noise-canceling headphones paired with white noise. The adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) takes care of continuous sounds, like a droning air conditioner or a whirring mini fridge, while the white noise masks the rest. With the Anker Soundcore Space 2, the white noise is built in: You can choose from Rainstorm, Blizzard, Rainy Park, and Babbling Brook at the touch of a button.

We’ve tested the Space 2 and found the sound and ANC to be almost as good as much pricier models from Sony and Bose. You get a battery life of up to 50 hours with noise cancellation on and 70 hours with it off, so you should get through more than a week of use between charges. You also get LDAC hi-res audio support and three mics with AI noise reduction for clearer calls when phoning home. We’re also big fans of the sea foam color option (shown) and think your student will be, too.

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Image credit: INIU

INIU SnapGo Air: A slim magnetic power bank for long days on campus

The price: $54.99

The SnapGo Air is a 10,000mAh magnetic power bank that snaps onto the back of your iPhone, so you can top up between classes without hunting for an outlet. In college, I carried a power bank in one pocket with a cable running to the phone in the other, which was cumbersome. A power bank that snaps onto the phone is much easier to move around with. I carry magnetic banks daily now, and this one would’ve been a godsend back then.

The SnapGo Air is a svelte 0.5 inches thick, so it’ll disappear into a backpack pocket, and the TSA-compliant capacity means Its capacity falls within TSA limits, so it can fly home with you on breaks. It’s Qi2.2 certified for 25W wireless charging, which should take an iPhone 17 Pro from 0% to 50% in 33 minutes. The magnetic mount works with the iPhone 12 through 17 series, and Google’s Pixel 10 series. If you’re in more of a hurry, the detachable USB-C GoCord cable can push 45W wired charging, and a small digital display shows you exactly how much charge is left.

It comes in black, blue, brown, purple, white, and orange to match your college colors.

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Image credit: ESR

ESR Flex Keyboard Case: A keyboard that turns the iPad into a laptop

The price: $59.99

A keyboard on an iPad is a setup I used in college, and having one means you could skip carrying a laptop to class for most occasions. The keyboard attaches magnetically and detaches just as fast, so your iPad can go back to being a tablet when class ends.

When we recently tested iPad keyboard cases, we found the ESR Flex was the best lightweight option; its keys offer nice tactile feel and it’s comfortable to carry. The stand can rest your iPad at two angles, 65 degrees for typing and watching, and 20 degrees for writing on the screen, and the trackpad is 65 percent larger than the ones on typical keyboard cases. Plus, you get the same multipoint touch gestures and other features of the Apple’s $249.00 Magic Keyboard for a fraction of the cost. One caveat: there is no keyboard backlight, so you’ll have to rely on the screen’s light if you’re in a dark environment.

ESR makes the case for the iPad 11-inch (A16), 10th-generation iPad, iPad Air M4, and iPad Air M3.

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Apple patches Mac Screen Sharing bug: update macOS now

2026-08-07T21:03:51Z

Apple

Apple has released security updates for macOS that fix a bug in Screen Sharing, the built-in tool that lets someone remotely control your Mac. That bug could have let another device on the same network connect without your password.

The flaw affects how macOS checks credentials before starting a Screen Sharing session. Apple says an attacker on the same Wi-Fi or wired network as your Mac could exploit the bug to connect without valid login information. The fix ships in macOS Tahoe 26.6.1, macOS Sequoia 15.7.9, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.9.

Screen Sharing is turned off by default on Macs, so only people who manually enabled it are exposed. However, Screen Sharing is commonly used for remote tech support or reaching a home computer from elsewhere, so it's a good idea to check if you've ever enabled the feature. Apple's release notes don't indicate the bug was exploited before it was found. Screen Sharing is a Mac-specific feature, so iPhones and iPads aren't affected.

To install the fix, open System Settings, then General, then Software Update, and install the latest update available for your version of macOS. If you don't use Screen Sharing, you can turn it off entirely in System Settings under General, then Sharing, which removes the risk whether or not you've updated yet.

Beats Pill with Find My drops to $99.99 at Amazon

2026-08-07T21:00:14Z

Beats

Amazon has marked the Beats Pill portable speaker with Find My down to $99.99, a $50 cut from its $150 list price. That's 33% off, and it matches the lowest price I've tracked for this speaker. The deal covers all three colors: black, red, and champagne gold.

If you're an iPhone owner, this speaker is built for you. It pairs with one touch, syncs to iCloud so it's ready on your other Apple devices automatically, and hands audio off to your Apple Watch the moment your iPhone drifts out of range. Beats also built in Apple's Find My network, so if the speaker ends up buried under a beach towel or left behind at a barbecue, you can track it down the same way you'd track a lost AirPod. None of that requires an iPhone, either: the Pill pairs over standard Bluetooth with Android phones too, you just won't get the one-touch and Watch handoff extras.

Here's what to expect from the sound: this is a bass-forward speaker, and it delivers on that promise. The redesigned woofer that gives music a little punch and the tweeter keeps mids and treble stable. Turn up the volume too high, though, and you'll hear a bit of distortion creep in.

Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours per charge, and the USB-C port doing the charging can also top off your phone in a pinch. If you want better fidelity than Bluetooth allows, you can skip the wireless connection entirely and run a USB-C cable straight from the Pill to your laptop for lossless audio.

At $99.99, you're getting a speaker Beats still sells new for $150, with Apple ecosystem perks most competitors in this price range don't offer. If you live in Apple's world and want a speaker that gets reasonably loud and punchy without falling apart in the rain (it's IP67-rated), this is the one to grab before the price climbs back up.

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Bose's tiny waterproof speaker just hit its lowest price ever

2026-08-07T20:58:32Z

Bose

Grab the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) Bluetooth speaker at $99 on Amazon right now, and you're getting Bose's smallest waterproof speaker for $30 off its usual $129. This is the lowest price we've tracked since it launched last summer, and if you travel, hike, or just want something that can live on your kitchen counter and survive a splash from the sink, it's worth grabbing.

Set your sound expectations according to the speaker’s size. This speaker won't deliver deep bass or fill a large room, but it's not meant to. What you get is clear, balanced sound, good for podcasts, a workout playlist, or background music on a patio.

The puck-sized speaker is built for durability and portability. This second generation added USB-C charging, multi-point pairing, and an IP67 rating, so it shrugs off rain, pool splashes, and dust without a protective case. You'll get about 12 hours per charge, and you can pair two units for stereo sound if you want a fuller setup for a backyard party.

At $99, the SoundLink Micro (2^nd Gen) outperforms most speakers in the under-$100 category, and the IP67 rating beats what many competitors offer at this price. There's only one catch: the deal price only applies to black and Blue Dusk. The other three colors are still the full $129.

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Fake Zoom update scam that hit Windows PCs now targets Macs too

2026-08-06T18:56:52Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

If you get a prompt telling you to update Zoom, don't click it, at least not without checking first. A scam is using fake Zoom update messages to trick people into installing software that gives an attacker remote control of their computer, and it has just expanded from Windows PCs to Macs.

The scam works because the file victims install doesn't look like malware. In fact, it's a legitimate remote-support tool called ConnectWise ScreenConnect commonly used by IT help desks. Someone who installs it thinking they're updating Zoom is instead handing a stranger the ability to see their screen, access their files, and record anything they type.

Security firm Securonix is tracking the campaign, which researchers have named SMOKE#SCREEN. It reported this week that a new installer built for Mac, named "ZoomUpdateInstaller.pkg," traces back to the same infrastructure as earlier attacks on Windows computers.

This isn't the only time attackers have used a fake Zoom update as bait. We wrote about a related scam earlier this year that abused real emails from Zoom's own system to push the same kind of software.

The safest move is to never install Zoom, or any other software, from a link in an email, text, or pop-up. Zoom updates itself automatically, or you can check for updates manually inside the app: open Zoom, click your profile picture, and select "Check for Updates." Whether you're on Windows or a Mac, if a message asks you to download an update or "desktop app" from anywhere else, be very cautious before you do.

Want a Nintendo Switch 2? Better buy it before September 1st

2026-08-06T16:51:41Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Nintendo is raising the U.S. price of the Switch 2 console from $449.99 to $499.99, starting September 1st. That $50 jump applies to every configuration sold in the US.

Nintendo's announcement points to "changes in market conditions" and the company's "global business outlook" as the reasons behind the increase, without naming a cause. However, increases in demand for RAM chips for AI infrastructure has driven up pricing across the board for tech products. The company already raised Switch 2 pricing in Japan in May, from ¥49,980 to ¥59,980, and lifted prices on the original Switch and Switch Lite in Japan the same month.

If you want to buy before the deadline, Amazon currently sells the Switch 2 Choose Your Game bundle for $499.00. It includes your choice of a digital download of Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, or Pokémon Pokopia, plus the console, Joy-Con 2 controllers, dock, and charging cable, all bundled at a savings of up to $29.99 off buying the console and game separately.

The Switch 2 Choose Your Game hardware bundles – Console + Pro Controller ($588.00), Console + Case ($525.99, usually $529.98), and Console + microSD Card ($558.00) – offer, at most, a few dollars of savings. What we don't know is if those accessory prices will go up, too. Buying now locks in today's price for as long as Amazon's stock holds out.

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Your Nintendo Switch 2 launch kit: The best accessories

2026-08-06T16:33:55Z

Nintendo

If you’re buying Nintendo’s Switch 2 console, you’re going to want to kit out your shiny new device with the best accessories to show it off and give your game time a boost. From controllers to carry cases, cameras to microSD cards, there are plenty of ways to maximize your Switch 2 experience. So without further ado, here are our favorite Nintendo Switch 2 accessories currently.

Best Controllers for a Premium Play Experience

Nintendo

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

If you’re planning on couch-playing with your Switch 2 in docked mode, a decent controller is an absolute must-have, and the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is one of the best that money can buy. This wireless controller offers responsive buttons, precise analog sticks, and ergonomic grips designed to keep your hands comfortable during extended play sessions. It also features built-in motion controls and HD rumble, making it the ideal choice for both casual and competitive gameplay.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller stands out for its ability to adapt to a variety of genres, providing players with greater control in everything from RPGs to racing games. Whether docked or in tabletop mode, it brings a premium console feel to this handheld hybrid. Plus, if the dreaded Joy-Con drift has ever hampered your gaming sessions on the original Switch, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a reliable upgrade worth adding to your setup.

Price: $84.99

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Cameras for Streaming, Chatting, and Multiplayer Fun

HORI

HORI USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

The ideal accessory for video chats with your buddies or capturing gameplay highlights, the HORI USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2 is an officially licensed add-on that plugs directly into the Switch 2’s dock. It features a 720p HD lens with a wide field of view and is equipped with a built-in microphone, making it ideal for streaming or in-game communication.

It also works seamlessly with supported titles, allowing players to appear on-screen during multiplayer games or video calls. So, if you’re planning to get involved in online communities or want to stream your gameplay with added personality, this camera is a convenient and easy-to-use option.

Price: $59.99

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Coolwee

Coolwee Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

Most cameras designed for the Switch 2 assume you’re playing in docked mode – but not this one. The Coolwee Camera stands out for handheld gamers, thanks to its detachable camera head that plugs directly into the Switch 2’s USB-C port. That makes it one of the only camera accessories that works seamlessly whether you’re playing on the big screen or curled up on the couch in handheld mode.

You get 720p HD resolution and a flexible neck to help you find the perfect angle, whether you’re chatting with friends or using the GameChat feature in supported games. It includes a tabletop stand for docked and TV stand setups, and a sliding lens cover for privacy when not in use.

Price: $39.99

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Protective Cases and a Bag That Combine Style and Function

Belkin

Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Grip Case

Protection and style go hand-in-hand with the Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Grip Case. This sleek case keeps your console safe from everyday bumps and scratches and comes with textured non-slip gaming grips long gaming sessions. It also includes a built-in kickstand that allows for easy tabletop gaming without having to rely on the console’s own stand.

The Grip Case’s snug fit means you can dock your Switch 2 with the case attached. And you can remove the Joy-Cons from the console with the gaming grips attached. It’s available in black, lilac, and olive green.

Price: $39.99

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tomtoc

tomtoc Sling Crossbody Bag for Nintendo Switch 2

The tomtoc Sling Crossbody Bag is a compact and stylish carry solution for taking your Switch 2 on the go. It features multiple compartments for your console, games, accessories, charger, and even a Pro Controller, all while staying lightweight and easy to wear. The adjustable strap makes it comfortable for daily use, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or heading to a friend’s house for a multiplayer session.

Its water-resistant fabric adds an extra layer of protection, while the interior padding keeps your gear safe from bumps and drops. Nailing that all-important balance between fashion and function, this snappy carry case helps keep your Switch 2 more portable than ever.

Price: $49.99

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tomtoc

tomtoc Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2

The tomtoc Slim Carrying Case is perfect for anyone who wants minimalist protection without bulk. Designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2, this case fits the console like a glove, complete with cutouts for buttons and Joy-Con sticks to prevent pressure damage. Plus, inside, you’ll find ample space for game cartridges and accessories, all neatly organized in a soft-lined interior.

It’s slim enough to slide into a backpack or larger bag, making it ideal for gamers who want to travel light. The durable hardshell exterior and quality zippers provide peace of mind, ensuring your console stays safe and protected during transport.

Price: $36.99

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Storage Upgrades for Download-Heavy Gamers

PNY

PNY 256GB microSDXC Card

As all Switch gamers can probably attest to, one of the big drawbacks of the original console was its lack of internal storage space. And while the Switch 2 boasts a much larger 256GB of storage (compared to the Switch’s 32GB), chances are that the avid gamers among you are going to burn through that space at a rate of knots, especially if you’re planning to download a library’s worth of digital games.

If you’re planning to load up your Switch 2 with large digital titles, the PNY microSD Express Card is the speed-focused upgrade you’ll want. Designed for next-gen devices like the Switch 2, this new card uses PCIe Gen3x1 microSD Express technology to deliver blazing-fast performance – up to 890MB/s read and 750MB/s write speeds. That’s more than 4x faster than standard UHS-I microSD cards, which means quicker downloads, shorter load times, and a smoother overall gaming experience.

Available in capacities up to 1TB, the PNY card gives you room to quadruple your storage for AAA games, DLC, and save data without breaking a sweat. It’s also backward compatible with older devices using UHS-I or UHS-II slots, so you don’t need to ditch your existing gear. And thanks to its built-in heat management system, it runs cool even during long play sessions.

Price: $49.99 (256GB)

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Screen Protection That Doesn’t Get in the Way

JSAUX

JSAUX Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch 2

There’s no escaping the fact that human fingertips are oily, mucky things that can really leave their smudgy mark on a glistening new touchscreen. So to avoid bespoiling that pristine screen, you should consider investing in a high-quality screen protector for your Switch 2, like this JSAUX Screen Protector.

It offers scratch-resistant tempered glass protection that doesn’t interfere with touchscreen sensitivity. Designed specifically for the Switch 2, it ensures a precise fit with no bubbles or misalignments. This pack includes three screen protectors, cleaning tools, and an easy-to-use installation frame.

Protecting your screen is one of the simplest ways to preserve the value and lifespan of your console. With an anti-fingerprint coating and 9H hardness, this screen protector guards against smudges, scuffs, and accidental drops without compromising visibility.

Price: $9.99 for a three-pack

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Updated on 8/6/2026 with new product picks and pricing

Bose's new QuietComfort headphones get flagship tech for less

2026-08-06T13:00:40Z

Bose

If you’ve admired the terrific sound and features of the Bose QC Ultra Headphones but were put off by the premium ($449) price tag, there’s good news. Many of the Ultra’s previously exclusive technologies are integrated into Bose’s brand new, more affordable ($359; $90 less) QuietComfort Headphones (2^nd Gen), landing August 13.

What’s hot in this more-for-less deal?

Active Sense technology, introduced in the Ultras, now enhances Bose’s noise canceling in the new headphones in multiple ways. Abrupt noise spikes, like a jackhammer, are dampened even when you’re listening in Aware mode, which intentionally lets outside noises in. Better call quality is promised too, with reduced environmental background noise. This smart, six-microphone-based system also promises better compensation for sound leakage caused by gaps in the earcup seals, a less-than-perfect seal being almost inevitable for eyeglass wearers and anyone whose hair or hat drapes over their ears.

Bose Immersive Audio processing, previously exclusive to the Ultra Series headphones, is also coming to the 2^nd gen QCs. Listeners will enjoy soundstage-expanding effects, clearer dialogue in Cinema Mode, and the option to turn off the ANC altogether, a feature some Bose headphone users have begged for, believing that even the maker’s superior noise canceling colors the sound.

Music purists will appreciate a new option for lossless audio playback at resolutions up to 24 bit/48kHz, possible with wired sources plugged into the second-gen QC headphones’ upgraded two-way USB-C port. Both USB-C-to-USB-C and USB-C-to-3.5mm cables are included, the latter for compatibility with analog sources, including in-flight entertainment systems.

That same multitasking port also lets users recharge their headphones while listening, another feature previously exclusive to the Ultras that Bose-aholics have been begging for.

Ergonomics are enhanced too on the 2^nd gen QuietComfort Headphones. While the nifty thermal touch controls of the Ultras haven't carried over, Bose is touting improvements in the access and feel of the QC’s physical buttons. New “pill-shaped” earcups and a redesigned sliding headband, both with upgraded faux leather padding, promise enhanced comfort and a sleeker appearance. Color options include Black, White Smoke, and three new limited-edition colors: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, and Rosewood Mauve.

QuietComfort Headphones Gen 2 colors from the left: Eucalyptus Green, Dewdrop Mint, Rosewood Mauve, White Smoke, and Black.
Bose

The new QC Headphones will open for preorder beginning August 8 on Bose.com for $359, and start shipping on August 13.

Read next: These $130 noise-canceling headphones take on Sony and Bose

Flying soon? Your power bank has new rules to follow

2026-08-06T00:36:20Z

Generated with Gemini

This year, airlines have changed the rules surrounding power banks, most of which have to do with where you can keep them while flying. This comes after the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United Nations agency that writes the global standards for air travel, set new rules regarding batteries on flights back on March 27, and it applies worldwide rather than to any one airline.

According to the new rules, you're limited to two power banks, both of which you'll have to put in your carry-on, and you can't recharge them from the aircraft at any point in the flight. ICAO also recommends you don't use a power bank to charge your phone while you're in the air, though it stopped short of banning that outright.

Where you can carry your power bank now

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines all now have rules that require you to keep your power bank within reach, and on American and Southwest it has to stay visible while it's in use. United Airlines brought its version in on March 1, and American Airlines followed on May 1. In practice, that means your lap, the seat pocket, or the personal item under the seat in front of you. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates civil aviation in the US, asked for this in a safety alert last August, pointing out that a battery stowed out of sight can burn for a while before anyone spots it.

You should check with your own airline, because some of the rules seem to be a bit different for some of them. Southwest Airlines is the strictest on how many power banks you can carry and has allowed just one per passenger since April 20. Alaska Airlines won't let you carry anything rated above 100 watt-hours at all, even though most airlines may approve a larger one on request. JetBlue Airways asks you not to charge anything from your power bank in flight, so on JetBlue you can carry two but you won't really be able to use them.

None of the six airlines have published anything about specific penalties for breaking the rules, so the crew on duty will decide what happens in case you're in violation.

The power banks you should buy if you're replacing one

Before you jump at buying a new power bank, you should check if your existing one is compliant. The number airlines care about is watt-hours (Wh). The problem is that almost every portable battery has the capacity listed in milliamp-hours (mAh) instead. The math is that you need to multiply the milliamp-hours figure by 3.7, then divide by 1,000. That means a 10,000mAh charger is about 37Wh and a 25,000mAh one is about 92.5Wh.

The limit is 100Wh, or roughly 27,000mAh. You may be able to carry a bigger one, as anything between 100Wh and 160Wh needs your airline's approval before you fly. However, that's only going to be the case until January 1, 2027, when the new industry rules airlines follow will kick in, which will stop you from carrying a power bank above 100Wh at all. In other words, most battery packs are already within the limit, and a future-proof one is under 100Wh (unless we see more rule changes soon.)

If you're looking to buy a new one regardless, here are my top picks for flight-compliant power banks.

Anker

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim, Qi2 magnetic charging)

Anker's slimmest MagGo model ($79.99) holds 10,000mAh, about 37 watt-hours. At 0.6 inches thick, it's so slim it disappears into a purse or pants pocket without adding bulk. It charges over USB-C at up to 30W or wirelessly at up to 15W for MagSafe-equipped iPhones. Anker is a reliable brand, and that matters when this is the only battery standing between you and a dead phone at the gate. It's the one to grab if you just need to keep a phone alive through a delayed flight without adding bulk to a bag.

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Andrea Smith/Techlicious

INUI Pocket Rocket P50 (10K, 45W, Wristlet Cable)

If you want fast charging without the bulk, INIU's Pocket Rocket P50 ($32.99) delivers 45W of power in a body about the size of a deck of cards. With 10,000mAh, about 37 watt-hours, it also has plenty of juice for a long flight. In our testing, we really appreciated the detachable USB-C cable that doubles as a wristlet and the easy-to-read digital display that shows the battery level at a glance.

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UGREEN

UGREEN Nexode Power Bank (20K, 165W, Retractable Cable)

UGREEN's 20,000mAh Nexode runs about 74 watt-hours and currently sells for $84.99, down from $99.99. It's about the size of can of Red Bull (4.49 x 2.13 x 1.97 inches) and outputs up to 165W split across a USB-C port and a USB-A port, enough to fill up many laptops. It has a convenient retractable USB-C cable that UGREEN rates for 25,000 retraction cycles, so you're not digging through a bag for a cord. I've used a UGREEN power bank for months, and it's held up very well. It's what we recommend you bring when having access to plenty of power really matters.

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Hackers stole 52 billion cookies last year to hijack your accounts

2026-08-05T15:27:58Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

A hacker doesn't need your password to get into your Netflix account, your Gmail, or plenty of other logins. All they need is a session cookie, the small file a website stores on your device to remember that you're already signed in. Steal the right one and an attacker can load it into their own browser, fooling a site into thinking the hacker is you, no password required.

Security researchers call that session hijacking, and according to new NordVPN research, it's driving a surge in cookie theft: cybercriminals collected more than 52.4 billion stolen browser cookies over the past year, making cookies the single most common type of data lifted by infostealer malware, software built to siphon passwords, files, and login data off an infected device. "We are seeing a fundamental shift in how hackers operate," said NordVPN chief technology officer Marijus Briedis. "It is no longer just about cracking a password. It's about stealing the digital key that is already turned in the lock."

NordVPN's researchers pulled the figures from infostealer logs analyzed through the company's NordStellar platform between June 9, 2025, and June 8, 2026. Alongside the 52.4 billion cookies, the dataset of stolen information included more than 6 billion autofill entries, 2 billion files, 1 billion credential records, 607 million passwords, 341 million victim email addresses, and 1.09 million payment cards. Stolen cookies outnumbered those other categories combined by more than 4.6 to 1.

Advertising and tracking cookies made up the largest share of what got stolen. Fortunately, those can't be used to unlock a login. But stacked together, it hands an attacker a fairly accurate sketch of who you are and what you do online – useful material for a more convincing phishing email or a fake customer service call.

The malware doing the stealing is concentrated in a small number of tools. Three infostealer families, Lumma-C2, RedLine, and Vidar, accounted for nearly four out of every five stolen cookies in the dataset. The tools are cheap, widely available, and don't require much skill to deploy. People typically pick them up through unsafe downloads, fake software updates, malicious ads, cracked apps, game cheats, or infected email attachments.

The stolen-login records NordVPN reviewed skewed toward everyday consumer accounts rather than corporate or banking logins. Google's login page, accounts.google.com, appeared most often with 11.78 million records, followed by Facebook at 8.10 million and Microsoft's login.live.com at 7.85 million. Instagram, Discord, Netflix, and Roblox also placed in the top ten. And a single compromised login rarely stays contained: it can expose saved payment methods, private messages, linked accounts, and password reuse across other services you signed up for with the same email.

NordVPN traced stolen cookies to more than 250 countries and territories. By raw volume, India led with 4.68 billion, followed by Brazil at 2.83 billion, the United States at 2.43 billion, Indonesia at 2.10 billion, and the Philippines at 1.93 billion.

Disturbingly, the research showed that antivirus software is not enough on its own to prevent these attacks. Among roughly 9.8 million stealer logs that recorded which security software was installed on the infected device, 96.3% named Windows Defender. Most of these infections started because someone was tricked into running a malicious file, a process that can be difficult for antivirus scanners to prevent. An antimalware security suite is still worth running, but user diligence plays a key part in effective prevention.

The rest of your defense is taking threats seriously and reacting quickly. If you find get a notification from your security software that a session cookie or login turned up in a stolen-data set, log out of the account everywhere, since logging out invalidates the cookie an attacker would otherwise reuse. From there, change the password, turn on two-factor authentication if you haven't already, and check the account's recent activity, connected devices, recovery options, and saved payment methods for anything unfamiliar. Finally, clear the cookies stored in your browser and run a malware deep scan on all of your devices, since an infostealer that's still active on a device will just keep finding new cookies to steal.

"Cookie theft is a reminder that cybersecurity is not just about prevention," Briedis said. "It is also about how quickly you act when something goes wrong. If a session cookie is stolen, logging out of affected accounts and refreshing that session can significantly limit the damage."

Your LG TV can now display Bob Ross paintings when it's off

2026-08-04T17:20:07Z

LG and Cineverse announced Monday that Bob Ross's paintings are joining LG Gallery+, the art platform built into LG's webOS TVs. Owners of an LG Art TV can now fill an idle screen with his mountains and streams instead of a black rectangle or a stock screensaver.

I watched Bob Ross as a kid and found him mesmerizing. He could take a blank canvas and turn out a full landscape, complete with happy little clouds, in the time it took me to eat an after-school snack. Seeing his paintings land on a platform built for displaying art feels like a fitting next step for someone who spent his career making complicated landscapes look effortless.

Gallery+ is LG's curated art library, with more than 5,000 pieces spanning classical painters like Van Gogh, Monet and Seurat alongside contemporary and digital-first work. This marks the first time the platform has carried Ross's landscapes: the mountains, clouds, grass and water that made The Joy of Painting a fixture of public television for over a decade.

"Through the years, we've heard so many times how folks want to enjoy Bob's paintings in their homes, and not just with posters, prints or pages in a book," said Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Inc. "This new Gallery finally fulfills the desire to experience his incredible masterpieces in the most fluid, ethereal way possible."

Gallery+ has a free tier, but the full library requires a paid subscription. LG is offering Art TV owners a three-month trial of Gallery+ premium, which requires a login and payment method on file and renews automatically into a paid plan unless canceled before the trial ends.

"LG TVs have always brought people together, and bringing Bob Ross' legacy to the big screen through LG Gallery+ makes that experience even more personal," said Matthew Durgin, vice president of LG Content and Services at LG Electronics.

The paintings are landing on a TV lineup built around the same idea. Models like the LG OLED evo W6 Wallpaper TV, the OLED evo G6 and the Gallery TV with Frame use technologies LG calls Hyper Radiant Color, Perfect Black, Perfect Color and Reflection Free Premium to keep colors accurate and glare down under normal room lighting. When the TV isn't playing anything, Gallery mode swaps in curated art, personal photos or AI-generated images, so the screen works as a piece of decor when it's off duty.

Fans who want Ross himself rather than his finished canvases can find him on The Bob Ross Channel, LG Channel 588. It's a Cineverse partnership with Bob Ross Inc. and American Public Television that runs nearly 400 episodes of The Joy of Painting on a loop, with monthly programming themes like "Gentle Whispers" and "Falling for Bob Ross."

How to protect your privacy on public Wi-Fi: 3 risks, 5 fixes

2026-08-03T22:13:50Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

Simply put

Stick to sites with HTTPS in the address bar, which encrypts traffic to and from your web browser.
Use a VPN to block “man-in-the-middle” attacks, where hackers intercept your traffic before you've reached your destination to steal passwords, credit card numbers, and emails.
Never install software or paste a command because a Wi-Fi login page told you to: hackers have been breaking into Wi-Fi equipment at places like hotels and conference centers to push malware and steal logins.

HTTPS now encrypts more than 95% of web traffic, according to Google, so someone sitting two tables over at a coffee shop can no longer casually read your email or your bank balance just by watching the network. That old warning about public Wi-Fi is mostly out of date. What's replaced it is narrower but more serious: attackers breaking into the Wi-Fi hardware itself at hotels and conference centers, and legitimate networks collecting more of your data than you'd expect just to let you online.

Here's what's still worth worrying about, and what isn't.

The 3 real risks of free public Wi-Fi

Honeypot and evil-twin hotspots

A honeypot is a fake hotspot set up with an innocuous-sounding name, like “Free Airport Wi-Fi,” built to capture the data of anyone who connects. An evil twin goes further: it copies the name and login page of a legitimate network, and your device may join it automatically if you've connected to a network with that name before. Phones and laptops routinely reconnect to familiar network names without asking, which is exactly what makes the trick work.

There's also a version of this attack that compromises real hotspots instead of faking one. In July 2026, security firm ReliaQuest reported that attackers had gained administrative control of Wi-Fi gateway equipment at hotels and conference centers in multiple U.S. cities, then used that access to redirect guest traffic to fraudulent Microsoft login pages. Microsoft found that guests on the affected networks were served fake browser and Windows update prompts, a social-engineering technique called ClickFix, that installed malware when clicked. That malware didn't stop at stealing credentials: it pulled browser session cookies and login tokens directly off infected devices, letting attackers into accounts like Microsoft 365 without ever seeing a password.

Don't click “install” or paste a command into a terminal window because a Wi-Fi login page told you to. Legitimate connectivity problems don't get fixed that way.

What HTTPS doesn't hide

HTTPS protects the content of your traffic, what you type and what a site sends back, but it doesn't hide where you're going. Two things about your connection still travel in plain text on most public Wi-Fi: your DNS lookup, which translates a site's name into its address, and the “SNI” field your browser sends when it first connects to a secure site. Both broadcast the domain, so someone on the same network can see you're on your bank's site or a health portal, even though they can't see what you type once you're there. A newer standard called Encrypted Client Hello closes that gap, but it's still rolling out unevenly and isn't yet supported in Safari, so the leak is live for a lot of iPhone and Mac users today.

A smaller, separate risk: some older apps and smart-home companion apps still send data over plain HTTP or don't properly verify they're talking to the real server, which an attacker on the same network could exploit. Browsers now block most old-fashioned unencrypted page elements automatically, so this is less common than it was a decade ago, but it hasn't disappeared.

Captive portals collecting more than a Wi-Fi password

Most public Wi-Fi login pages ask for something before they let you online: an email address, a phone number, or a Facebook or Google login. Retailers, malls, and other venues build guest Wi-Fi specifically to collect contact information for marketing and to sell ad placements on the login page itself. Nobody's hacking you here. The network is doing exactly what it was built to do, just not for your benefit.

There's no fix that avoids this entirely if you want the free Wi-Fi. Using a secondary email address for these logins, and skipping the “sign in with Facebook” shortcut, at least keeps the data from getting tied to your main accounts.

Is a personal hotspot safer than public Wi-Fi?

A personal hotspot is much safer than public Wi-Fi. When you tether to your phone's cellular connection, you're the only one on that network, which prevents you from encountering honeypots or evil twins. It also makes a far less attractive target for hackers than a hotel or conference network, since breaking into one person's hotspot doesn't hand over access to every other guest's traffic the way a shared gateway would.

To keep your phone's hotspot safe, set a strong password, rather than the default, and save it to your password manager.

5 ways to stay safe on public Wi-Fi

Know your network name (SSID) before connecting

Before connecting, confirm the network's actual name with an employee rather than trusting whatever shows up in your Wi-Fi list. Turn off automatic connection to open networks in your device settings, so you're always choosing the network on purpose rather than joining whatever your phone picks for you.

Xfinity's “xfinitywifi” hotspots are a legitimate service that runs off the routers of nearby Comcast subscribers. The same caution still applies: treat it like any other public network. Comcast customers who'd rather not share their router's bandwidth with other Xfinity users can turn that sharing off in their account's Wi-Fi settings.

Keep your connection secure with HTTPS

Stick to sites that use HTTPS, confirmed by the lock icon or “https” in your browser's address bar. It's the baseline protection, but as covered above it doesn't hide which sites you're visiting or secure apps that skip encryption. A VPN covers both.

Use a VPN

A VPN encrypts your entire connection, including your DNS requests, routing them through trusted servers before a compromised hotel gateway ever sees them.

Based on our testing, Surfshark is our Techlicious Top Pick for the best VPN overall: fast, covers unlimited devices, and affordable. NordVPN is the pick if you need rock-solid uptime for work travel, with post-quantum encryption built in as a hedge against future decryption risks. And the free tier of Proton VPN is a solid, no-cost option if you only need to protect one device. For the full comparison, see our guide to the best VPNs for protecting your privacy.

Turn on two-factor authentication, or better, passkeys

Enable two-factor authentication everywhere it's offered, so a stolen password or session alone isn't enough to get into your accounts. Where it's available, a passkey is an even stronger option: it can't be phished or stolen the way a password or a one-time code can, because there's no shared secret to intercept in the first place. Check out the pros and cons of each type of 2FA in our guide.

Disable file sharing

Larger, well-run public networks, major hotel chains and airports, typically turn on “client isolation,” which keeps connected devices from seeing each other. Plenty of smaller or poorly configured networks, a coffee shop, a rental's guest Wi-Fi, don't. On those, if your computer is set to share files, a stranger on the same network could potentially reach them. It's convenient at home; on public Wi-Fi it's just an open door you don't need. To disable sharing:

Windows 11: Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings, then turn off “File and printer sharing” and “Network discovery” and save.
Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Sharing. Below Content & Media, turn off File Sharing. Full steps are in Apple's support guide if your menu looks different.

Public Wi-Fi safety FAQ

Is public Wi-Fi still dangerous in 2026?

It's safer for casual browsing than it used to be, since HTTPS now covers most everyday traffic. What's still real: attackers compromising hotel and conference Wi-Fi hardware directly, your browsing history leaking through DNS and SNI even on HTTPS sites, and captive portals harvesting your contact information for marketing. Treat public Wi-Fi as low-risk for reading the news and higher-risk for banking, work email, or anything you don't want tied to your identity.

Does public Wi-Fi sell my data?

Often, yes, indirectly. Many captive portals are built specifically to collect emails, phone numbers, or social logins for marketing, not to secure your connection. It's legal and disclosed in the terms you click past, but it's still your data being monetized.

How can I protect my information when connecting to a public Wi-Fi hotspot?

Confirm the network name before connecting, stick to HTTPS sites, use a VPN, enable two-factor authentication or passkeys, and turn off file sharing. Those five habits cover most common attacks described above.

Are Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots safe to use?

Yes. It's a legitimate Comcast service, not a spoofed network, though the same public Wi-Fi precautions still apply.

How do I know if a public Wi-Fi network is legitimate?

Ask an employee for the exact network name (SSID) rather than guessing from the list on your device, and be suspicious of any network that asks you to install software, run a script, or enter credentials you wouldn't normally give out to get online.

Updated on 8/3/2026 with current research on hotel and conference Wi-Fi attacks, personal-hotspot guidance, and current VPN recommendations.

Apple faces a $32.5 billion lawsuit over Photos face scans

2026-08-03T18:49:06Z

Screenshot via Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

A federal judge in Illinois has certified a class-action lawsuit against Apple that could expose the company to as much as $32.5 billion in damages, on behalf of an estimated 6.5 million Illinois iPhone users. The case, Doe v. Apple Inc.(PDF), accuses Apple's Photos app of automatically scanning faces in a user's photo library and building a biometric identifier called a faceprint, without first getting consent.

Photos has long included a "People" feature that automatically groups pictures by who's in them, scanning faces across a user's library and clustering similar ones together so search and memories work without manual tagging. The lawsuit alleges that process creates and stores a faceprint for each person, then syncs that data across a user's devices through iCloud, all without the specific consent Illinois law requires for biometric data.

That law is the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), a 2008 statute that requires a business to get written consent before collecting biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, iris scans, voiceprints, or face geometry, and to publish a policy for how it stores and eventually destroys that data. Violations carry damages of $1,000 each, or $5,000 if a court finds the violation was intentional or reckless. In a case such as this, covering millions of people, that can add up to a multibillion-dollar figure on paper.

Illinois' privacy law has produced large settlements before. Facebook paid $650 million in 2021 to resolve a BIPA case over its own photo-tagging feature, and Google has faced similar claims tied to its photo services, which resulted in a $100 million payment.

Apple has argued the process doesn't meet the legal definition of a biometric identifier, saying the data it uses to organize photo albums can't be used to reconstruct a face and isn't linked to a person's name or Apple ID. That argument hasn't gotten the case dismissed, and it will now play out with the class-action label attached.

Brinks Home security hacked. Millions of records stolen

2026-08-01T13:16:43Z

Brinks Home

Brinks Home is warning customers that hackers broke into its systems and are threatening to publish stolen data if the company doesn't pay up.

The residential security company, which provides alarm systems, cameras, and smart home devices to more than 1 million customers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, said it identified the intrusion on July 20 and activated its incident response process. Brinks Home says its alarm monitoring and system functionality haven't been interrupted.

The extortion group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for the attack, telling BleepingComputer it broke in on July 13 through a Microsoft Entra vishing attack, a phone call in which an attacker impersonates IT support and talks an employee through completing a fraudulent login or registration step. The group says the technique gave it access to a Brinks Home employee's account.

ShinyHunters has been responsible for a number of high-profile data breaches in recent months, including similar hacks we reported on for Charter Communications and Amtrak.

ShinyHunters claims it stole more than 1.1 million rows of customer data from Brinks Home's Salesforce Contacts records, more than 3.8 million customer support chat logs from the company's Cresta support platform. Brinks Home has not confirmed those figures and says it hasn't yet determined exactly what information was involved or whose. The company says it will notify affected customers directly if it confirms their personal information was exposed.

In the meantime, the company is warning that scammers may try to exploit the breach by impersonating Brinks Home or its investigators. Brinks Home says it will never ask customers for sensitive information through unsolicited calls, texts, or emails, so treat any such request as a red flag, hang up, and contact the company directly through the number on your account statement or its official site.

Read next: How to pick the best surge protector

Apple may charge extra for some Siri features, Tim Cook says

2026-07-31T14:31:55Z

Palash Volvoikar/Techlicious, composited with Canva

Some features of Apple's upgraded, AI-powered Siri may not be available to you unless you pay extra for them, based on comments CEO Tim Cook made on the company's fiscal third-quarter earnings call this week.

"We do believe there will be people that want to use it a lot, and so we will have some kind of upgrade possibilities on iCloud+," Cook said. It's the first time Apple has confirmed on the record that it plans to charge for any part of the new Siri.

The new Siri, unveiled at Apple's developer conference in June, uses large language models, including some built on Google's Gemini, to follow multi-step, conversational requests instead of losing the thread after a single command. We tested the new Siri and found it finally follows what you're saying across a back-and-forth conversation, handling a correction without being told the details again. It still comes up short digging through older call history and completed reminders.

A public beta began this month, with a full rollout expected this fall alongside new iPhones. Apple hasn't said which specific features will require payment, but the most likely candidates are the ones that cost the most computing power to run: image and video generation, and AI agents that carry out complex multi-step tasks on your behalf. Apple's Shortcuts app already lets you build and customize simple multi-step commands starting from a library of ready-made templates. Adding agents is a logical next step.

Cook didn't say what an upgraded iCloud+ tier would cost. Apple has already said that a separate new home security feature coming in iOS 27, which lets Siri describe footage from HomeKit-compatible cameras, will require a paid iCloud subscription.

If you're an iPhone owner who plans to lean on the new Siri heavily, budget for the possibility of an added monthly cost once the feature reaches general availability this fall. Apple hasn't said whether current iCloud+ subscribers get any of the new capacity included, or whether this is an entirely new add-on tier.

The US just banned your next robot vacuum and lawn mower

2026-07-30T22:01:50Z

Generated with Gemini

The FCC has effectively banned new robot vacuums, robot mowers, and most other household robots made outside the US, and it did it without ever naming them. On July 28, the agency added foreign-made "advanced robotic devices" to its Covered List, the roster of equipment it considers a national security risk. Anything on that list can't get the FCC authorization every wireless device needs before it can be sold in the US, so no new models get in. The announcement specified humanoid and quadruped robots, which is why the news broke as a ban on Chinese humanoid robots. Then the FCC confirmed to The Verge that robot vacuums count too, because they fit the definition the agency published.

That FCC definition never mentions vacuums or mowers by name. It broadly covers any robot that moves along the ground, weighs more than 4.4 pounds including its charging dock, has a sensor that lets it see its surroundings, connects to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and runs software that steers it around. Nearly every robot vacuum on the market matches that description. The rule only blocks new models from getting approved, so the one you own isn't affected, and existing models can still be imported.

Pool robots got a pass from the FCC, mowers didn't

Your robotic pool cleaner is exempt, because the FCC order carves out underwater robots as allowed. Cars are exempt too, no matter how many cameras and sensors they carry, along with drones (which got their own restrictions in December), surgical robots, powered wheelchairs, and the fixed robot arms that work in factories.

Robot lawn mowers get no exemption, so the affordable models from Segway, Dreame, Eufy, and others are covered by the ban. As is pretty much the entire robot vacuum aisle. The five biggest robot vacuum makers are all Chinese companies: Roborock, Ecovacs, Dreame, Xiaomi, and Narwal. And the Roomba is no longer the American exception. After iRobot's bankruptcy, the brand was acquired by Picea, its former Chinese contract manufacturer.

The order goes by where a device is made anyway, not who owns the brand. And the ban isn't just about China. The general-purpose home robots that Korean manufacturers Samsung and LG keep showing off at CES will also be casualties.

There is a way back in, technically. Companies can apply for what the order calls Conditional Approval. To count as American-made, at least 65 percent of a device's components have to be US-sourced, which no major robot vacuum maker currently manages. Even Matic, which assembles its robots in California, doesn't hit that number yet, per the same report. The application also asks for a timed plan to move manufacturing to the US, complete with hiring numbers and quarterly progress reports.

Your robot keeps working, and you don't need to rush out and buy one

Robots that already have approval can keep being imported and sold, and the FCC isn't coming for the ones already in homes. Nothing changes for the vacuum in your hallway, and it keeps getting software and firmware updates.

Stores can also keep selling approved models, with no deadline attached, so despite headlines saying almost all robot vacuums were just banned, the shelves aren't emptying out. What the ban blocks are the 2027 and 2028 models. Chinese brands undercutting each other is a big part of why $300 to $500 now gets you laser mapping, mopping, and a dock that empties the bin for you. With fewer new products entering the market, that downward pressure on prices weakens. Whether prices actually go up will depend on how many companies win waivers or move their manufacturing to the US.

Where the security argument gets thin

The National Security Determination the FCC is using to justify the ban isn't working off hypotheticals. It explicitly cites The Verge's reporting on a DJI security failure from February. Sammy Azdoufal, who leads AI strategy at a vacation rental company, built a custom app so he could drive his DJI Romo vacuum with a PS5 controller. In the process, he found that DJI's servers accepted his token for roughly 7,000 other Romos across 24 countries. He could watch and listen through the robots' live camera feeds and pull up floor plans of strangers' homes. He took what he found to DJI and The Verge instead of exploiting it, and DJI rolled out patches in February.

What fixed that problem, though, was a disclosure and a software update, not a rule about where the robot was built. The FCC's order doesn't require any company to fix flaws faster or keep your floor plan off its servers. And American companies have had their own problems here. Images captured by iRobot's Roomba J7 test units, including one of a woman on a toilet, leaked online after being shared with the gig workers who label the company's AI training data.

The country-of-origin worry isn't baseless: China's 2021 vulnerability rules require companies operating there to report security flaws to the government within 48 hours of discovering them, which can put Chinese authorities ahead of the customers whose devices are affected. But the waiver application doesn't ask companies a single question about security. It asks where a robot is designed, made, assembled, and tested, and for the commitment to manufacture in the US. Of course the US has no similar reporting requirement, so companies can withhold security risks entirely.

The net-net is that if you're worried about a camera-equipped robot inadvertently putting a map of your house on some publicly accessible server, this rule doesn't help you. Open your robot's app and go through the privacy settings yourself, and check whether the maps and photos it makes are stored on the company's servers or only on the device.

Spotify's new Running Mode matches music to your running workout

2026-07-30T18:43:45Z

Screenshot via Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

Spotify has added Running Mode, a new feature that builds a running playlist around your pace, goals, and music taste instead of leaving you to assemble one by hand. The feature is available now to Premium subscribers on iOS in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden.

To find it, search "Running Mode" in the Spotify app and select the Running Mode genre from the results. The feature doesn't actually surface inside the Fitness Hub, even though Spotify's own announcement frames it as part of that hub.

You can choose from five workout types: Just Run, Easy Run, Interval Run, Pyramid Run, and Long Run. Each type comes with four music genre choices: Pop, Hip Hop, EDM, and Rock. And the playlists include optional spoken audio cues to guide you through your workout.

Running Mode runs on Prompted Playlists, the Spotify feature that turns a written description into an AI-generated custom playlist. Spotify shows you the exact prompt behind each Running Mode playlist, so you can edit it directly instead of just picking from presets. While you can view the prompt on your phone, you can only edit it using the Spotify Web app.

For example, the prompt for the Interval Run - Pop reads: "I am going for a run. Build me a playlist of music to accompany and guide me. Make the music choice random based on what's popular on Spotify, but make it Pop. I want to run for 30 minutes. Make it an interval run. The tempo should be around 150 BPM, matched to my running pace."

I changed the prompt to pull from my listening history instead of what's popular on Spotify, reduced the BPM to 140, and made the music all in a major key. It took about 5 minutes to generate the new playlist, including automatically increasing the tempo and cues for the interval training.

The Spotify Running Mode playlists show the beats per minute and the Camelot Key, which DJs use for harmonic mixing.
Screenshots via Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious

Anyone who already pays for Spotify Premium and runs regularly can try Running Mode as part of their existing subscription. It doesn't require a separate sign-up or add-on purchase.

Read next: The best open-ear earbuds of 2026

Flying within China? Your power bank needs a 3C label

2026-07-30T17:12:12Z

Image: Generated with Gemini

If you have a trip to China coming up and you plan to fly between cities once you're there, you should take a close look at your portable charger before you pack it. China's Civil Aviation Administration banned power banks that don't carry a printed 3C certification mark from domestic flights, and airport security has been enforcing it since June 28, 2025. And unless you purchased your current power bank in China, yours almost certainly doesn't have that mark on it.

If you carry one without the mark, you'll likely lose an expensive accessory on your trip. On a recent press trip we took to China, some of our media colleagues had their power banks confiscated at airport security in Shenzhen. They were none too happy to lose their critical devices in the middle of a business trip. To avoid suffering the same fate, here's what the rule covers and what you can carry instead.

What the rule bans

The CAAC notice covers three things: power banks with no CCC marking, power banks where the marking is unclear, and models or batches that have been recalled. The agency pointed to a run of lithium battery incidents as the reason, with 15 cases of power banks catching fire or smoking on Chinese flights in the first half of 2025. Around the same time, China's market regulator suspended or revoked the 3C certifications of several battery cell and power bank makers, and brands including Anker and Romoss recalled hundreds of thousands of units in the Chinese market.

Why your charger probably fails

3C stands for China Compulsory Certification, and the logo you're looking for on the device is the CCC mark, an oval containing three interlocking Cs. It's China's domestic safety approval, and it has been mandatory on power banks sold inside the country since August 2024. If the bank you own was built for an export market, you won't find the mark on it, even if the factory that made it sits in China. What you have instead is an FCC (United States) or CE (Europe) mark, which is useless to you at a Chinese security checkpoint.

You also need that mark printed or engraved on the body of the device itself. A peel-off sticker won't get you through, and if yours has faded or smudged over the years you should expect screeners to treat it as no mark at all. They want to see a legible watt-hour rating too. You don't get an appeals process at the checkpoint, and you generally don't get the bank back either, though you'll find short-term storage counters at a few of the larger airports.

Check the bank, not the box

A PISEN power bank showing the CCC logo
Image: Palash Volvoikar/Techlicious, composited with Gemini

This is the part I'd pay the most attention to, because it's easy to think you're covered when you aren't. I went through six power banks I had sitting around, and exactly one of them had the CCC logo on the unit itself. Another one had the logo printed on the box with nothing at all on the bank, which does you no good once that box has gone into your home recycling.

So before you order anything, you should go through the listing photos and look for the oval logo on the body of the charger, not on the packaging and not just in the bullet points. If a seller only shows it on the box, you can assume it isn't on the device. When the bank arrives, check it in person and send it back if the logo isn't physically there, because you'll get a charger that's only certified on paper pulled at the checkpoint the same way you would an uncertified one.

Only flights are affected

You can use an uncertified power bank anywhere else in China without a problem. Hotels, taxis, high-speed rail, restaurants, and tourist sites are all unrestricted. The rule as written applies to domestic flights, though travelers have reported having banks pulled at international departure checkpoints in Beijing and Shanghai as well. Fortunately, we didn't experience that issue when we departed out of Shanghai on our trip. You'll usually see the issues arise at airports where domestic and international passengers go through the same security lanes.

You still have the usual airline battery limits to deal with on top of the 3C requirement. You can bring anything up to 100 watt-hours, which works out to roughly 27,000mAh, without asking the airline first. Between 100Wh and 160Wh you need permission from the airline, and you're usually limited to two. Anything above that, you can't bring at all. You also have to keep your power bank in your carry-on, not in checked luggage. Note that some airlines also limit charging a power bank on the plane, so pick one with enough capacity to get you through the flight.

What power bank to use if you're traveling to China

You have three ways to deal with this China's CCC requirement, and which option you go with mostly depends on how much you want sorted out before you get on the plane.

Buy one with the mark before you go

You'll find a handful of sellers on Amazon in the US now marketing 3C-certified banks to travelers. PISEN has a 20,000mAh model ($26.99) and a 10,000mAh model (with 22.5W charging, two USB-A ports, a USB-C port and an LED display. LISEN sells a slim 10,000mAh aluminum bank ($24.99) with a built-in USB-C cable at half an inch thick, and you can look its CCC certification number up on China's certification database if you want to confirm it before you fly.

Buy one after you land

This is what I would do. You'll find certified banks everywhere in China, from convenience stores to electronics shops to JD.com, which does same-day delivery in the bigger cities. Xiaomi, Baseus, INIU, and UGREEN all sell 10,000mAh models in the ¥79 to ¥199 range, or roughly $11 to $28. You'll see them in airport shops too, usually at a markup, but that beats flying with a dead phone.

You're not downgrading by buying locally, either. Chinese brands make some of the best charging gear you can get (frankly, they make pretty much every portable battery charger out there), and the name brand power bank you pick up in Shanghai will usually be better built than a no-name Amazon listing you pick up in the US at the same price.

Or skip internal flights altogether

China's high-speed rail network covers most of the routes you'd actually take as a tourist, and you don't need any certification to bring a power bank on a train. Rail security may check that yours is under 100Wh and clearly labeled, but they leave the CCC mark out of it. And during our high-speed train trip between Hangzhou and Shanghai, we didn't experience any security checkpoints. So if your itinerary works on rail, you're probably fine bringing your regular power bank.

One last thing: you should check your power bank's model number against the recall list on the manufacturer's website. You'll get a recalled unit pulled in China whether or not it carries the 3C mark, and given how many power banks have been recalled in the past year, that's a check you should run regardless of where you're flying.

Hackers hit more than 30 water utilities this week - was it Iran?

2026-07-29T21:37:14Z

Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

A coordinated cyberattack hit more than 30 community water and wastewater systems across Minnesota on July 26 and 27, according to Minnesota IT Services, the state agency that handles cybersecurity for local government systems. The attack targeted operational technology, the specialized computer systems that run physical equipment like pumps, valves, and treatment processes, rather than the office networks most people picture when they hear "cyberattack."

At least four cities have described specific effects. Braham's water treatment plant went offline, and the city asked residents to cut back on water use until treatment resumed. Plymouth reported cellular communication failures at two water towers and several wastewater lift stations but kept running its systems manually. South St. Paul and Maple Plain both said automated utility controls were affected; Maple Plain declared a local state of emergency to support its response.

Minnesota IT Services said it isn't aware of any city asking residents to change how they use tap water over safety concerns, and that water quality has stayed safe throughout. Agency spokesperson Emily Zimmer told Reuters that "the timing, methods of access, and targeted infrastructure share characteristics with other coordinated cyber incidents our federal partners have observed involving critical infrastructure," though she said formal attribution isn't ready yet.

The timing lines up closely with a July 22 update to a federal advisory that expanded a warning about Iran-linked hackers targeting the industrial computers that operate machinery like pumps and valves. That update added Schneider Electric and Siemens equipment to a warning that previously covered only Rockwell Automation devices, and for the first time described attackers copying and modifying the underlying project files that control how the equipment behaves.

While there has been no evidence released tying Iran to this attack, it wouldn't be the first time Iran-linked hackers have targeted U.S. water utilities. Past attacks have exploited the same class of internet-connected industrial controllers, many of which are installed with weak or default passwords and left reachable from the open internet.

FTC sues Hims & Hers, alleges deceptive billing and privacy claims

2026-07-29T19:19:12Z

Screenshot via Suzanne Kantra/Techlicious generated by ChatGPT

The Federal Trade Commission, along with California and Utah, sued the telehealth company Hims & Hers on Tuesday, accusing it of charging customers for prescriptions they never approved and sharing their health information with Meta and Snap.

Hims & Hers has advertised "free consultation" forms for hair loss, weight loss, and erectile dysfunction treatment online since at least 2019, according to the FTC's complaint. The company told customers filling out those forms that they would "only be charged if prescribed."

But the FTC says most customers never got a real conversation with a medical provider. Instead, a provider would write a prescription without any communication, and Hims & Hers would immediately charge the customer's card and enroll them in a recurring subscription, often before the customer even learned what medication had been prescribed.

The complaint also says the company made cancellation difficult for years. Customers reportedly had to click through a maze of screens, none of which used the word "cancel," and then answer survey questions before their subscription would actually stop. The FTC says Hims & Hers didn't roll out a simple, one-click cancel button to most states until 2023, and even that version buried the option behind an "add/remove items from order" button.

On top of the billing complaints, the FTC alleges Hims & Hers told customers their health information was "100% online, private, and secure" and would only be seen by their medical provider, while actually sharing customer data with advertising platforms including Meta and Snap, along with pixel trackers from Microsoft, Google, TikTok, Pinterest, Reddit, and others.

"The FTC's complaint lays out a troubling scenario: consumers unknowingly locked into recurring subscriptions and the disclosure to third parties of consumers' most private health information without their consent," said Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, in the agency's announcement.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, seeks a permanent injunction, refunds for affected customers, and civil penalties.

If you have an active Hims or Hers subscription, check your account now for the next billing date rather than waiting for a renewal notice. Log in and confirm exactly what you're subscribed to and how to cancel it, since the FTC's complaint suggests the cancellation flow may still take several steps to complete.

Wave Browser: The Future of Productive Browsing

2026-07-29T18:28:40Z

Browsers used to compete on one thing: speed. Then privacy took over as the battleground.

Now, many browsers include some form of AI among their built-in features. Heading further into 2026, a different question is shaping the future of web browsers: not just what a browser can do for you, but what your use of it can do for the world around you.

That question shows up in how people choose their default browser, and it's showing up in how companies talk about what they build.

One example is Wave Browser, which combines productivity features with a verified environmental initiative. It is built for how people actually browse and work today. A simple idea, which is to convert everyday browsing habits into ocean cleanup.

This combination reflects how some browsers are expanding beyond traditional performance features by adding productivity tools and broader initiatives to the browsing experience.

Where Are Browsers Headed in 2026?

Before 2025, browsers often competed through faster load times, extension support, and more efficient memory usage.

Now, in 2026, when selecting a browser, these are still the factors that matter, but they do not win the argument for the best browser alone. Currently, most browsers on the market load fast, block trackers, and offer some flavor of built-in AI.

Having these features is now basic, not a pitch for something new.

The future of browsing is now a bigger question about what a browser is even for. Speed remains important, but browsers are also differentiating through productivity tools, customization, and features that reflect broader user priorities.

That is part of why sustainable technology has now moved from just a footnote on a company's About Us page to a real product and research category. This is why browsers are starting to get evaluated the way people evaluate their coffee or their clothes: not just on function, but on what stands behind them.

Wave Browser applies this broader approach by connecting productivity features with a verified environmental initiative. Wave doesn't treat environmental commitment as a side campaign but connects that commitment directly to the browsing experience through a Certified Cleanup Partnership with 4ocean. It funds the removal of plastic and trash from our ocean, rivers, and coastlines through the same browsing you were already doing.

What is Wave Browser?

Wave Browser is a web browser that helps turn everyday browsing into verified environmental impact. Through its partnership with 4ocean, Wave Browser helps fund the removal of plastic and trash from our ocean, rivers, and coastlines while offering features designed to support productivity, organization, and a more efficient browsing experience.

Wave Browser is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Trust and Safety

Trust is an important consideration when choosing a web browser. Wave Browser is certified by AppEsteem, an organization that evaluates software against standards for security, transparency, and responsible software behavior.

This certification reflects compliance with independently established criteria designed to promote a clean and trustworthy software experience.

Productivity With Purpose, Not Just Productivity

Building a browser that helps people get more done isn't hard. Building one where productivity is connected to something beyond the task list presents a different challenge, and it is one Wave Browser has set out to address.

Being productive with purpose does not mean performing separate tasks or adding steps. It means a browser where the tools people already need or use, such as staying organized across devices, tab management or quick research, directly fund the verified ocean cleanup. There is no toggle to switch on, no layout changes, and no reward programs to join. Just daily browsing that you already do, converting into productivity with purpose.

Sustainability matters more in 2026 than it did a few years back.

Therefore, now the attention has shifted from a fast browser to a browser that quietly does its job and simultaneously funds something environment-friendly in the background. This approach allows environmental support to remain part of the browsing experience without requiring additional tasks from users.

Browser Productivity Features Built for the Way We Work Now

These features are only valuable if the browser supports everyday browsing effectively. Wave Browser backs up its mission with a full set of browser productivity features built around how people actually spend their day online in 2026:

AI Assistant, for quick answers and everyday research without leaving the current tab.
Tab grouping and organization, for separating work, research, and personal browsing without losing track of any of it.
Split-screen browsing, useful for anyone referencing one page while working in another.
Reading Lists, for saving content to revisit later instead of letting tabs pile up indefinitely.
Translation tools for browsing and working across languages without a separate extension.
Package tracking and price tracking are built directly into the browser instead of scattered across apps.
Content notifications for staying current without constantly refreshing pages.
Memory Saver and Energy Saver for steady performance during long sessions with dozens of open tabs.
Built-in ad blocker (available on Android, Mac, and Windows) for a cleaner, less cluttered browsing experience.
Customizable browsing experience, so the interface adapts to you instead of forcing one layout on everyone.

None of these features is groundbreaking on its own. Together, they're what a modern productivity browser is expected to deliver as a baseline in 2026: fewer separate apps, fewer interruptions, a browsing experience that stays out of your way until you need it.

Sustainable Technology Is Not an Add-On Anymore

Sustainability used to be separate from the products; it used to rest in an annual report, a donation announced once a year, which used to be forgotten and a business self-claiming responsibility page.

This type of sustainability in books is not the trend anymore, as people want real impact. Now people are asking a sharper question: does using this browser or product daily actually connect to anything real, or is the mission statement just a page nobody reads?

Wave Browser addresses this by connecting its environmental initiative directly to the browsing experience.

In Wave Browser's case, the environmental initiative extends beyond website messaging and supports specific, trackable cleanup outcomes. It's a browser that funds specific, trackable outcomes through an ongoing certified partnership, which is backed by a live impact tracker that shows verified impact milestones as they happen in real-time.

Verified Ocean Cleanup: What Makes Wave's Approach Different

Ocean cleanup can feel distant from everyday browsing, but Wave Browser connects the two through measurable progress reported through its 4ocean partnership.

Through the 4ocean partnership, Wave Browser has already helped support the removal of more than 100,000 pounds of trash and plastic from our rivers, coastlines, and oceans, with a long-term goal of helping fund the removal of 300,000 pounds by 2028.

The number matters, but the way these numbers are being obtained matters more. Wave doesn't ask its users to donate separately or complete extra tasks but ties the environmental commitment directly to the product itself.

The browsing you're already doing, checking email, researching a purchase, and reading the news, is the mechanism. There is no added friction and no ambiguity about who's accountable. Progress is tracked and visible, not just asserted.

That structure reflects Wave's broader voice, too, which is to be confident, clear, and focused on outcomes that people can actually measure. The emphasis remains on measurable outcomes rather than broad environmental messaging. The goal is not to place additional pressure on users, but to connect an existing browsing habit with measurable environmental support.

Why This Model May Define the Next Generation of Browsers

If the last few years of browser development were about matching feature checklists, the upcoming trend is about differentiation through values, which need to be backed by real evidence rather than just empty slogans.

Purpose-driven technology used to sit in a niche corner aimed at a small, environmentally conscious audience. It's becoming a mainstream expectation instead, especially as more of daily life runs through a handful of core digital tools people open dozens of times a day.

Browsers are uniquely positioned for that shift because they sit underneath almost everything else you do online:

A calendar app touches a slice of your day.
A shopping app touches another slice.
A browser touches nearly all of it.

This gives Wave Browser a clear way to connect everyday browsing with measurable environmental outcomes. Whether that becomes the industry standard remains to be seen.

But Wave Browser's approach, pairing real browser productivity features with a transparent, verified environmental partnership, is a working answer to where the future of web browsers is headed: not a browser that asks you to do more, but one that makes what you were already doing count for more.

You don't need separate sign-ups to start supporting verified ocean cleanup through the browsing you were already going to do anyway. Set Wave as your default browser, and the rest happens in the background.