It’s certainly easy to feel jaded by the modern gaming space.
Great games continue to release apace; this month along has already seen bangers in Nioh 3and Romeo is a Dead Man. Yet when many big-budget AAA games boil down to that samey open-world format, or developers experience huge layoffs weeks after releasing a new title, it can all leave one feeling mightily cynical at the state of things.
Not to sound like ‘yer da’, but there really is something to be said for the simplicity and often expertly-crafted nature of games released 20, 30, even 40 years ago and beyond. What we now refer to as retro games were once pioneering pieces of art, and hold up tremendously well against the ravages of time.
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There have been numerous pieces of specialist retro gaming-adjacent hardware in recent years that have really reignited my love of classic games. Whether that’s revisiting old arcade favorites in the palm of my hand with the Super Pocket, or experiencing PS2 and GameCube hits with quality upscalers like the mClassic, there’s so much on offer for the curious.
Diving a bit more into those two specifically, the Super Pocket is an excellent handheld console with a Game Boy-like silhouette. Created by Blaze Entertainment, it uses the brand’s Evercade cartridges to play and display retro games on a crisp 4:3 display. Different versions of the Super Pocket also come with a selection of games built in, from Capcom or SNK, for example.
The mClassic does require a bit more setting up. It’s primarily an upscaler for the Nintendo Switch and one that console often desperately needs; boosting resolution and applying some much-needed anti-aliasing. However, it also has a dedicated 4:3 mode for retro hardware, and can be used with anything from the SNES and PlayStation to the Dreamcast and GameCube – provided you have a HDMI converter that’s compatible with your system of choice.
Whether you’re a younger gamer curious about exploring the wide world of retro games for the first time, or a seasoned oldhead looking to shake the dust off that old system that’s been lying dormant in your attic, I can highly recommend the following products for those looking for an experience quite different from the latest big-name releases.
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Chosen by
Rhys Wood
As TechRadar Gaming’s Hardware Editor, I’m on the frontlines of informing you about the very latest (and hopefully greatest) in gaming tech. That includes controllers, headsets, must-have accessories, and of course the consoles themselves.
And of course, you can also follow TechRadar on YouTube and TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.
Malaysia’s artificial intelligence ambitions took a visible step forward this week as Strateq Group (Strateq), one of the nation’s longest-standing tech integrators turned digital solutions firm, hosted the Strateq AI Forum 2026.
Held on January 27, the forum brought together voices from government, industry, and academia with one shared message: AI is a central means for organisations to operate, compete, and create value.
The event also saw Strateq announce a strategic partnership with MaiStorage, a fast-growing AI and data-centric tech company, in a bid to drive enterprise-ready AI solutions in Malaysia.
The forum was officiated by YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, Deputy Minister of Digital, who underscored the government’s view that AI is now a strategic national asset rather than an optional add-on.
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“The year 2025 marked a pivotal turning point for Malaysia’s digital landscape,” the YB said, referencing the shift in how organisations are investing in AI tools, talent, and regulatory frameworks.
“Through initiatives such as Malaysia AI Nation 2030, supported by strong regulatory frameworks, ethical AI principles and close collaboration between government and industry, Malaysia remains committed to building a trusted, inclusive and sustainable AI ecosystem.”
An ecosystem designed for practical adoption
From keynotes to panel sessions, the forum’s discussions centred on how AI can tangibly benefit organisations across sectors, such as boosting productivity and automating routine tasks to enable entirely new digital experiences.
Image Credit Strateq Group
At the heart of Strateq’s forum, though, was the firm’s AI Ecosystem, a structured platform built with input from partners, customers, and government agencies. Its goal is to move enterprises from experimentation to real-life AI use-case deployment.
As part of this initiative, Strateq Group will roll out AI Learning programmes and AI Transformation Workshops to equip organisations with the capabilities and roadmap required to execute their AI transformation agendas.
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“This AI Ecosystem is our commitment to delivering not just incremental improvements, but a step-change in productivity, innovation, and competitive advantage,” said Datuk Tan Seng Kit, Group Managing Director of Strateq.
Datuk Tan Seng Kit, Group Managing Director of Strateq Group / Image Credit: Strateq Group
Strateq and MaiStorage also showcased its aiDAPTIV+ solutions suite, a set of AI components and use cases that organisations can immediately adopt to operationalise AI across functions and verticals.
Bridging national policy and enterprise adoption
At the event, Dato’ Pua Khein Seng, Founder and Group CEO of Phison Electronics & MaiStorage Technology, described AI progress as something that must be built from the ground up with people and experience at the centre.
“While AI is advancing rapidly and thought leadership is becoming commoditised, user
experience and the people who build AI within companies remain crucial,” he emphasised.
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MaiStorage has itself been in the spotlight recently for its talent development initiatives, including plans to train engineers in IC design and AI technologies with the long-term goal of strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities in both tech and semiconductor sectors.
Image Credit: Strateq Group
The strategic partnership with Strateq aims to combine Strateq’s enterprise footprint with MaiStorage’s AI and data engineering prowess. According to the firms, this partnership will make AI solutions more accessible and relevant to local businesses.
This aligns with the advice from one of the forum’s speakers Mr Hoo Chuan Wei, Chief Information Security Officer of StarHub Inc., who encouraged companies to build AI models that are fit for Malaysia’s context and industry needs.
With strong government backing, he argued that Malaysia is now well-positioned to lead ASEAN in driving AI adoption.
Closing the gap between ambition and execution
Strateq Group’s journey began as a system integrator back in 1983. Over four decades later, the company has transformed into a full-spectrum digital solutions provider with operations across Southeast Asia, China, and the United States.
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Today, Strateq’s portfolio spans everything from data centre services and industry solutions to data analytics, enterprise platforms, and now AI frameworks.
Though it isn’t a household name like some of the newer AI startups, Strateq Group has quietly amassed partnerships and projects with large organisations across both public and private sectors.
Through the Strateq AI Forum 2026, Strateq reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government ministry and agencies, industry and academia to build a robust and future-ready AI ecosystem that will strengthen Malaysia’s digital competitiveness and support its aspiration to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence.
Claude Opus 4.6 beat all rival AI models in a simulated year-long vending machine challenge
The model boosted profits by bending rules to the breaking point
Claude Opus avoided refunds and coordinated prices among other tricks
Anthropic‘s newest model of Claude is a very ruthless, but successful, capitalist. Claude Opus 4.6 is the first AI system to reliably pass the vending machine test, a simulation designed by researchers at Anthropic and the independent research group Andon Labs to evaluate how well the AI operates a virtual vending machine business over a full simulated year.
The model out-earned all its rivals by a wide margin. And it did it with tactics just this side of vicious and with a pitiless disregard for knock-on consequences. It showed what autonomous AI systems are capable of when given a simple goal and plenty of time to pursue it.
The vending machine test is designed to see how well modern AI models handle long-term tasks built up of thousands of small decisions. The test measures persistence, planning, negotiation, and the ability to coordinate multiple elements simultaneously. Anthropic and other companies hope this kind of test will help them shape AI models capable of tasks like scheduling and managing complex work.
The vending machine test was specifically drawn from a real-world experiment at Anthropic, in which the company placed a real vending machine in its office and asked an older version of Claude to run it. That version struggled so badly that employees still bring up its missteps. At one point, the model hallucinated its own physical presence and told customers it would meet them in person, wearing a blue blazer and a red tie. It promised refunds that it never processed.
AI vending
This time, the experiment was conducted entirely in simulation, giving researchers greater control and enabling models to run at full speed. Each system was given a simple instruction: maximize your ending bank balance after one simulated year of vending machine operations. The constraints matched standard business conditions. The machine sold common snacks. Prices fluctuated. Competitors operated nearby. Customers behaved unpredictably.
Three top-tier models entered the simulation. OpenAI’s ChatGPT 5.2 brought in $3,591. while Google Gemini 3 earned $5,478 in. But Claude Opus 4.6 ended the year with $8,017. Claude’s victory came from a willingness to interpret its directive in the most literal and direct manner. It maximized profits without regard for customer satisfaction or basic ethics.
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When a customer bought an expired Snickers bar and requested a refund, Claude would agree, then back down. The AI model explained that “every dollar matters,” so skipping the refund was fine. The ghosted virtual customer never got their money back.
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In the free-for-all “Arena mode” test, where multiple AI-controlled vending machines competed in the same market, Claude coordinated with one rival to fix the price of bottled water at three dollars. When the ChatGPT-run machine ran out of Kit Kats, Claude immediately raised its own Kit Kat prices by 75%. Whatever it could get away with, it would try. It was less a small-business owner and more a robber baron in its approach.
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Recognizing simulated reality
It’s not that Claude will always be this vicious. Apparently, the AI model indicated it knew this was a simulation. AI models often behave differently when they believe their actions exist in a consequence-free environment. Without real reputational risk or long-term customer trust to protect, Claude had no reason to play nice. Instead, it became the worst person at game night.
Incentives shape behavior, even with AI models. If you tell a system to maximize profit, it will do that, even if it means performing like a greedy monster. AI models don’t have moral intuition or ethics training. Without deliberate design, AI models will simply go straight in line to complete a task, no matter who they run over.
Exposing these blind spots before AI systems handle more meaningful work is part of the point of these tests. These issues have to be fixed before AI can be trusted to deal with real-world financial decisions. Even if it’s just to prevent an AI vending machine mafia.
When winter weather bears down, it’s important to take the proper precautions to ensure you stay safe on the road. This can include using a 4-wheel drive vehicle, installing a set of snow tires, or both. But when it comes to putting too much air into a car tire, you may actually be making your situation much worse. This one mistake might cause you to lose traction and if that happens, you could be in real danger.
The problem lies with the part of the tire that meets the road as you’re driving. This area, known as the “contact patch,” is vital because it is the immediate point of traction. When you overinflate your tires, that point reduces, giving you less contact. If the road is covered in snow and ice, or even salt and sand, your tires already don’t have the traction that they would normally have. So, if you’ve added more air than you need, you’re increasing the chances of sliding, and possibly getting into a serious accident.
Even if you manage to keep your grip on the road, overinflation can lead to even more long-term problems. Your tires could swell in the middle of the tread, leading to uneven wear, thus decreasing their life. You’re also more vulnerable to unexpected road obstructions, which bulging tires may not be able to handle. Plus, since your tires are struggling to keep contact in bad weather, the damage can actually get much worse and can impact them much quicker.
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Understanding PSI and tire maintenance
Ivanova Ksenia/Shutterstock
Just as overinflation can lead to tire damage, especially in winter, the same is true for underinflation. While it seems like taking air out of the tires would lead to a bigger contact patch with the road, the fact is that it’s not effective. That’s because there’s not enough air to allow the tread to grip the road like it normally would. Plus, underinflated tires take longer to stop, and they’re harder to handle.
Of course, while overinflating can be intentionally done, underinflated tires can be the result of colder weather. When it comes to the PSI in relation to tire pressure, you can lose around 1 PSI each time the temperature drops by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you’ve taken steps to ensure your tires have the correct amount of air heading into the winter months, those numbers can fluctuate very quickly.
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The best thing you can do is to check the air pressure at least once per month. This is especially important if you know you’re going to be on the road for an extended trip. If you’re adding air yourself, be sure you know the PSI, as it’s not enough to just keep air in the tires. You can find this information on the sticker inside the driver’s car door, or in your owner’s manual. If you have doubts about doing it yourself, the right move is to take your car to a local garage and have them do it for you.
Samsung’s 2025 was filled with new foldables, an ultra-thin new form factor and the launch of Google’s XR platform. After making some announcements at CES 2026, the company has just announced its first Galaxy Unpacked of the year will take place on February 25, where it is expected to introduce the Galaxy S26 lineup. Official invites have just been shared, but actual information on what devices are arriving then is still unknown. But as usual, we know a lot about what’s expected at Unpacked.
Engadget will be covering Galaxy Unpacked live, and we’ll most likely have hands-on coverage of Samsung’s new smartphones soon after they’re announced. While we wait for the full details, here’s everything we expect Samsung will introduce at the first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026.
When is Unpacked 2026 taking place?
According to the official invite that Samsung shared on February 10, Unpacked will happen on February 25, 2026 in San Francisco. The keynote will start at 10AM PT (1PM ET) and be livestreamed on Samsung.com, as well as the company’s newsroom and YouTube channel. The announcement on February 10 also said this launch will mark “a new phase in the era of AI as intelligence becomes truly personal and adaptive.” It’s not a lot to go on, since we’ve heard a version of this from various companies over the last few years, but at least we won’t be shocked when we hear more about AI in just about two weeks.
Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on photo (Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget)
Samsung’s restrained approach to updating its phones will likely continue with the Galaxy S26. Based on leakedimages of the new lineup, the company is not expected to radically reinvent the look of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+ or Galaxy S26 Ultra, and instead will stick with a similar design to what it used on the Galaxy S25. The phones will have a flat front screen and frame, with rounded corners and cameras housed in a vertical pill-shaped plateau on the back. Unlike Apple’s move from the iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro, the biggest difference here will likely be internal components like the screens, chips and camera sensors Samsung uses.
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Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is expected to be in all Samsung Galaxy S26 phones, though Korean news site Yonhap News reports Samsung’s relatively new Exynos 2600 chip could be used in some phones in the lineup depending on the region, a strategy Samsung has deployed in the past. Either way the new phones should be more performant than the previous generation, and in the case of the models with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, particularly good at on-device AI processing.
One notable difference between the Galaxy S26 and the Galaxy S25 could be the phone’s screen. The new phone will reportedly feature a 6.3-inch FHD+ display according to specs shared by leaker Ice Universe, which makes it ever so slightly larger than the 6.2-inch display used on the Galaxy S25. The S26 will also allegedly come with 12GB of RAM, either 256GB or 512GB of storage and a slightly larger 4,300mAh battery. Samsung isn’t changing the cameras on the entry-level phone, though: leaks suggest it’ll feature the same 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10-megapixel 3x telephoto and 12-megapixel selfie camera as the previous generation. Changes appear to be even more minor on the Galaxy S26+. Other than the new Snapdragon chip, the phone will reportedly feature the same 6.7-inch FHD+ screen, 4,900mAh battery, 12GB of RAM and the same camera array used on the base Galaxy S26.
The difference between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra is reportedly a bit clearer. According to Android Headlines, the new phone’s cameras will be slightly more raised, and stand out thanks to a new metallic finish. Samsung may also switch back to using an aluminum frame on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, after using titanium frames on both the Galaxy S24 and S25 Ultras. Most importantly, to make the phone actually support Qi2 rather than only technically work with the standard when a case is attached, rumors suggest Samsung will remove the S Pen digitizer layer in the phone and adopt a new method for accepting stylus input. It’s not clear what that new method will actually be, but it could let the Galaxy S26 Ultra more easily work with Qi2 accessories without losing its stylus.
Android Headlines also recently shared what appear to be full image renders of the S26 series, and they generally line up with what has already been rumored, leaked and reported so far. If these pictures are accurate, they give us a clearer look at the camera bump and two color variants of the S26 Ultra.
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Fans of magnets may continue to be disappointed by Samsung if the latest rumors are accurate. Despite the launch of the Qi 2 wireless charging standard adding support for convenient magnetic alignment years ago, Samsung has yet to bring that feature to its phones. Though the S-series have the higher speed charging rates that the spec enables, Nieuwemobiel.nl is reporting that, due to images it received of cases with magnetic rings, the S26 series likely won’t have built-in magnets. Samsung has made these cases to add the magnetic capability to its S-series in the past, and the existence of the images of these accessories lends weight to the idea that the company will continue this approach.
Galaxy Buds 4
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro in case. (Engadget)
Samsung released the Galaxy Buds 3 and 3 Pro in 2024, with a major redesign that brought them much more in line with Apple’s AirPods. The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro Samsung is rumored to be announcing soon won’t necessarily change that, though they will feature a more compact case and less angular stems, according to leaked images from the Samsung Tips app.
Support for head gestures to accept and decline calls, a feature Apple includes on the AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4, is also rumored to work on both versions of the new Galaxy Buds. SamMobile reports the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro may also ship with a new Ultra Wideband chip that will make them easier to find with Google’s Find Hub network.
Galaxy Z Trifold
Yes, the TriFold has a crease, two in fact. But they still don’t ruin the experience. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
Samsung announced the Galaxy Z TriFold in late 2025 without firm details of when the new smartphone-that-folds-into-a-tablet would be available in North America. That info came on January 27, when the company announced the TriFold would be available in the US on January 30, for a whopping $2,900. Considering we’ve already seen the device in person at CES 2026 and people are most likely to have had a chance to look at, if not buy the foldable for themselves by the time Unpacked rolls around, we don’t expect Samsung to spend too much time dwelling on it, if at all.
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Galaxy S26 Edge
At just 5.8mm thick, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is one of the thinnest smartphones ever made. (Sam Rutherford for Engadget)
When the Galaxy S25 Edge was announced in 2025, it seemed possible that Samsung could replace its “Plus” smartphone with a unique form factor, just like Apple has opted to do with the iPhone Air. There have been conflicting reports on the matter, but it seems like Samsung will not be doing that with the Galaxy S26 Edge.
Instead, the smartphone will reportedly remain another option, much like foldables are for customers not swayed by Samsung’s traditional smartphones. The Galaxy S26 Edge is rumored to feature a slightly different design than last year’s model, according to Android Headlines, with a large rectangular camera plateau that’s reminiscent of Google’s Pixel phones, and the raised oval Apple used on the iPhone Air. Beyond that, the phone is also expected to be ever so slightly thinner at 5.5mm than the 5.8mm Galaxy S25 Edge.
Bixby and other AI features
Samsung already acts as a first place Google can show off new AI features for Android, but the company is reportedly exploring other AI partnerships, too. In June 2025, Bloomberg reported that Samsung was nearing a deal with Perplexity to integrate its AI-powered search engine across OneUI and its homegrown mobile browser. Perplexity already has a deal with Motorola on its Razr phones, so the only thing that would make a deal with Samsung unusual is the close relationship the company already has with Google.
The company also accidentally announced a new version of its Bixby AI assistant, which will likely also be integrated with Perplexity and could serve as an alternative to Google Gemini. Both a new Bixby and a deeper integration with Perplexity seem like natural new software features to show off at Galaxy Unpacked.
Update, January 27 2026, 11:55AM ET: This story has been updated to reflect the latest news around the Galaxy Z TriFold’s price and availability in the US.
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Update, January 30 2026, 12:45PM ET: This story has been updated to include the latest leaks on the possible dates for Unpacked 2026.
Update, February 02 2026, 11:30AM ET: This story has been updated to include the latest leaks with full image renders of the S26 trio of devices.
Update, February 03 2026, 11:00AM ET: This story has been updated to include the latest leaks about the possible lack of magnetic support on the S26 series.
Update, February 10 2026, 7:15PM ET: This story has been updated to include the official date of Galaxy Unpacked as Samsung announced it today. The intro was also edited to reflect that detail.
Paris-headquartered Naboo has raised a $70m in Series B as it accelerates its ambition to become the operating layer for how large companies plan, book, and control corporate events. The round is led by Lightspeed Venture Partners, the same investor that backed Mistral AI in 2023, and lands just a year after Naboo closed a €20m Series A. Naboo positions itself as an AI-powered procurement platform for corporate events, covering everything from venue booking and travel to supplier coordination and budget control. Founded in 2022, Naboo built its name on simplifying how companies organise and run corporate events, from booking… This story continues at The Next Web
We had a first look and first listen at CES 2026, and Focal was very clear about one thing right out of the gate: don’t call the Mu-So Hekla a soundbar. After spending time with it, that pushback makes sense. Yes, it sits under a TV and replaces the usual clutter of boxes and speakers, but the intent here is different. The Mu-So Hekla is an all-in-one wireless speaker built around performance first, not simply convenience.
Tuned by Focal and powered by Naim’s Pulse platform, Hekla delivers a wide, immersive Dolby Atmos presentation, deep and controlled bass, and intelligent room calibration that adapts to real spaces instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all sound. It clearly targets the same high-end buyer looking at premium “soundbar alternatives” like the KEF XIO, but Focal’s argument is simple and valid: this isn’t about dressing up TV audio—it’s about delivering serious sound in a single, elegant enclosure, without the setup drama in your room.
Focal Mu-So Hekla Wireless Speaker
Named after Iceland’s Hekla volcano, Focal’s Mu-So Hekla is designed for listeners who want immersive audio without the usual cable clutter. Using the Focal & Naim app, users can access Sphere Music and Sphere Movie modes—sound profiles developed by Focal and Naim engineers to tailor playback for music or home cinema use. This goes beyond simple virtualization, combining multiple discrete front-firing, up-firing and side-firing drivers (15 drivers in total) with Focal’s ADAPT (Adaptive Acoustic Personal Tuning) room correction, first developed for the Focal DIVA Utopia wireless speakers, in order to create a true dome of sound, optimized for the customer’s specific room.
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Focal’s ADAPT room correction process is incorporated into the Focal & Naim mobile app. It involves entering some simple room and speaker placement measurements into the app and cycling through a few audio test sequences in order to optimize the sound for the room. Once optimized, the customer can engage “Sphere Music” or “Sphere Movie” mode in the app. And our first impressions are that these modes are very effective at creating an immersive surround sound field without the need for rear speakers. Movies and music encoded in Dolby Atmos sounded full and enveloping, making us double check to make sure there were no rear speakers. And the unit’s bass response is said to be down only 3 dB at 30 Hz, so adding a subwoofer (or two) is entirely optional.
Once the ADAPT calibration is complete, the remaining set-up is simple and straightforward, with intuitive day-to-day operation. The Mu-So Hekla connects easily to common sources, including high-resolution streaming services, and internet radio stations, and can be controlled via the Focal & Naim app, compatible Apple and Samsung smartwatches, supported voice assistants, or integrated home-automation systems. A large, tactile volume dial offers direct access to playback and key functions without forcing users into menus or screens.
With 15 discrete drivers, all designed and manufactured by Focal, the Mu-So Hekla offers theater-like sound from a single elegant component.
The enclosure is crafted from brushed, anodized aluminum, pairing a minimalist form with precise detailing. Alternating brushed and bead-blasted finishes borrow cues from fine watchmaking and echo the design language seen in Focal’s Diva Utopia. The raised proximity-sensing circular control panel subtly references the shape of the Hekla volcano — complete with white snowcap — while maintaining a clean, balanced aesthetic.
A finely perforated front grille completes the design, balancing acoustic transparency with understated elegance. Around back, Naim’s signature heat-sink structure serves a practical role in thermal management while discreetly housing Wi-Fi connectivity—reinforcing that the Mu-So Hekla’s design choices are driven by performance as much as appearance.
The Bottom Line
For more information about the Focal Mu-So Hekla, make sure to also watch Chris Boylan’s in-depth video, which lays out exactly why this is very much not a soundbar. The Mu-So Hekla will sell for $3,600 USD and $4,000 CAD, with availability beginning in Q1 2026 (March for North America). U.S. audiophiles will get their first public hands-on opportunity at the Florida International Audio Show in Tampa this February, marking Hekla’s American debut.
Sold exclusively through the Focal Powered by Naim retail network, Mu-So Hekla combines the technical DNA of Focal and Naim, though it isn’t without compromises. There’s no DTS support, and while a subwoofer output is provided, no subwoofer is included. The industrial design leans more toward Naim than traditional Focal, and a future finish lineup that includes gloss walnut or white lacquer would likely broaden its appeal (though no alternate finishes have been announced).
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Bluetooth functionality is receive-only, allowing pairing from phones, tablets, or computers, with no transmission to headphones, no Auracast and no support for aptX Lossless. Within the Focal & Naim ecosystem, however, users still benefit from Multiroom and Party Mode across compatible streamers via the Focal & Naim app. The latest App 8.0 update adds an integrated radio player with thousands of internet stations, including Naim Radio. Focal’s Bathys and Bathys MG headphones can also access those stations by streaming from a smartphone over Bluetooth, extending the ecosystem beyond the living room without pretending this system is something it isn’t.
While there are multiple reasons why you may want to stop using HDMI cables, this largely comes down to issues with the cables themselves rather than their ports. As it turns out, though, there may be a good reason to look twice at HDMI ports as well, specifically those on the back of TVs. If you have a smart TV, there’s a good chance that those seemingly innocuous ports are spying on you when in use via automatic content recognition (ACR): a method of data collection that utilizes the connection between a smart TV, an HDMI cable, and an external device like a laptop or gaming console.
Like seemingly everything in the technological world, ACR has become so wide-reaching thanks to its ability to make money. As mentioned, it exists to collect data on the media you consume; this way, your TV can more effectively push content that fits your viewing profile. On top of that, it also helps those in marketing send targeted advertisements that are catered to your needs and interests, increasing the likelihood you’ll buy the products or services your TV displays. Worse yet, like anything on the Internet, once it’s out there, it’s out there. All you can do is try to prevent it from getting into the hands of other entities to begin with.
If this level of snooping through your TV’s HDMI port makes you uncomfortable, know you aren’t entirely powerless against it. There are things you can do to counteract ACR and its shady data collection practices.
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Protecting your data from smart TV HDMI port-enabled ACR
RSplaneta/Shutterstock
Unfortunately, in the modern era, data collection is everywhere. The best thing we can do is a little bit of digital maintenance to keep those wanting to exploit our information at bay. As mentioned, ACR is an issue with smart TVs, meaning those that can connect to the Internet. Without this connection, data transfer just isn’t possible. Therefore, if you really want to be free of it, getting an older “dumb” TV is a good way to do so. Unfortunately, not only do these models lack features, but they’re becoming increasingly difficult to find. It may take some time, effort, and money to get a strong non-Internet-connectable model.
Alternatively, if you want to keep your smart TV around, a key safeguard lies in its settings. While the specifics vary from brand to brand, Consumer Reports found that most major smart TV labels allow you to go into your privacy settings and disable data collection in some form or fashion. Some, like Google, for example, don’t technically collect data via ACR, though most that do let you opt out once the initial setup is complete. At the end of the day, it’s worth doing some research into your specific TV or TVs and the companies behind them, to know exactly what you’re dealing with.
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There are signs that things like apps are stealing your data, but with a smart TV and ACR technology, it’s far more difficult to figure out. That’s why it’s crucial to know what you’re signing up for with such a device and the ways to protect your data to the extent possible.
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Garages offer a lot of freedom and room for imagination. For some, it can be a place to store all the things and knick-knacks that don’t have a place elsewhere. For others, it can be a place for creativity, such as making models for your board games, crafting jewelry, building furniture, or bringing a vintage vehicle back to life. Whether you’re using your space to make small accessories or playing with large power tools, there’s bound to be a gadget that can help upgrade your experience.
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Since everyone uses their garage for different purposes, there are nearly endless ways you can upgrade your garage to be more functional. But while there are plenty of handy garage gadgets on Amazon, not all of them are cheap. Thankfully, there are plenty of options under $50 that can help make your garage a better place to be.
To help you understand the possibilities, we’ve rounded up some handy gadgets that can upgrade your garage. To know more about why we think they’re worth your hard-earned dollars, you can skip to the end of this article for our methodology. But if you want to go slow and get inspired by ways you can improve your garage for $50 at a time, keep reading.
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HFT fluorescent magnifying lamp
Those who do a lot of crafting or who build miniature models may have a garage packed with tools that offer the precision you need. But what good are the best mini power tools for hobbyists if you can’t see what you’re doing with them?
Available on Harbor Freight, the HFT fluorescent magnifying lamp could be the ideal companion for people working on small detail work. The lamp clamps to a horizontal surface and can extend up to 38 inches. Its spring tension system also ensures that you can swing it to an ideal working position and have it stay there. The lamp has a 22-watt bulb and a 1.75x magnifying lens that is 5 inches in diameter. When not in use, this magnifying lamp has a lens dust cover to help keep it clean. Priced at $39.99, the HFT Fluorescent Magnifying Lamp has been rated 4.6 stars by over 1,100 Harbor Freight users. Among people who rated it 5 stars, many praised its excellent magnification and how easy it was to set up with their bench.
Alternatively, if you can’t use a clamp, there are stand models available from other brands. On Amazon, the Krstlv 10X Magnifying Glass with Light and Stand has a 4.3-inch lens that can magnify up to 10x and a dimmable LED light capable of five color modes. Retailing for $35.99, it’s an Amazon Overall Pick product with more than 1,400 users rating it 4.6 stars on average.
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HOTO laser measuring tool
Although there are a lot of tape measure brands out there, accurately reading a tape measure isn’t necessarily straightforward. Some tape measures can be quite bulky, too, so they’re not ideal for those who like clean and minimalist workspaces or those who want a pocketable tool. If both of these issues bother you, you may want something like the HOTO laser measuring tool.
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Retailing for $49.99, this pocket-sized digital laser tape has been rated 4.2 stars by over 1,700 people. With multiple design awards under its belt, the Amazon’s Choice product can measure up to 98 feet, with ±2 mm (0.078-inch) accuracy, in just 0.2 seconds. Despite its small size, the USB-C-rechargeable battery can last 500 measurements on a single charge. In addition, it looks super sleek with its minimalist display, fingerprint-resistant surface, and eye-catching yellow ring, where you can put your finger through.
If you don’t mind something that looks a little more old school, though, the $25.99 RockSeed laser measure might be good enough. While it isn’t that elegant, it is significantly cheaper, great for people who prefer physical buttons, and can measure longer distances of up to 165 feet. Another Amazon’s Choice product, more than 21,000 users have given the RockSeed Laser Measure an average rating of 4.4 stars.
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Esky key finders
For people with an extensive collection of tools and multiple people handling them on a daily basis, it can be difficult to know exactly where all of them are at any given time. This can be a problem if you like using opaque storage solutions or tend to be disorganized with your post-project clean-up. But while we have plenty of tips for organizing tools, like making inventories and designing dedicated workspaces, the reality is that life doesn’t always go according to plan. You could use Apple AirTags to track tools, but their premium price point means that they’re not worth it for everyday items in your garage. Because of this, the Esky key finders could be a better budget solution.
While it doesn’t have an integrated app, the Esky trackers have an LED light and can generate sounds at up to 85 dB. This is more than enough if you don’t plan to bring your tools outside your garage, since it can track up to 100 feet. Esky’s cheapest $29.99 set includes one remote and six receivers. Those who want more unobtrusive receivers will be interested in Esky’s $34.99 set, which has six receivers that are just 0.2 inches thick and weigh just 9 grams (0.31 ounces) each. Collectively, the Esky Key Finder sets have generated an average rating of 4.4 stars from more than 16,800 Amazon users.
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VIBELITE telescoping magnetic pickup tool
Even the most careful person will likely drop small tools or fasteners now and then. While this isn’t a problem for younger, more flexible people, others may find it difficult to keep picking things up repeatedly. Thankfully, some gadgets can help make it easier to find and pick up bits and pieces that may have been lost, like the VIBELITE telescoping magnetic pickup tool.
Apart from its LED bulbs, it has a telescoping neck with a 2.2-pound load capacity, so you can expect to be able to pick up bolts, screws, nails, and other small loose tools with no problem. Although it can be extended up to 22 inches, it packs up to a compact 8.6 inches. Retailing for $29.99, this tool boasts an impressive 4.6-star average rating from more than 16,000 Amazon customers. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product.
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If you don’t particularly need a flashlight and just want a magnetic pickup tool that can handle heavier loads, Harbor Freight’s PITTSBURGH 15 lb. capacity telescoping magnetic pickup tool might be better suited for you. Capable of extending to over 29.5 inches, this $5 tool has garnered an average rating of 4.7 stars from more than 3,600 Harbor Freight customers. And if you’re interested, Harbor Freight offers a ton of other magnetic gadgets that you might want to consider for your garage, including power strips, LED lights, mats, and sweepers.
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CCCEI tool storage rack
There’s a lot to consider when taking care of power tools, including knowing how to clean them properly and taking care of their batteries. However, one way to make sure you keep on top of both of those is by ensuring you have a proper place to store tools, like the CCCEI tool storage rack. Unlike ordinary storage methods, this particular shelf combines both utility shelves and a heavy-duty power strip into one. The shelves aren’t just for tools, either, and can hold their batteries as well.
While we don’t recommend plugging corded power tools into power strips, having a power strip is a convenient way to make sure your batteries are always good to go. On Amazon, prices for the CCCEI garage tool storage systems start at $39.99. Depending on what you need, CCCEI offers two- to four-layer racks, made up of drill holders, shelves, and organizers.
These various tool racks have collectively received a 4.7-star average rating from more than 1,200 users. Apart from 80% of users thinking it deserves a perfect rating, it’s impressive that only 1% of buyers rated it a single star. Among the most satisfied customers, they mentioned how easy it was to charge multiple batteries at once and loved how it had a place for drills on the side. Some, however, expressed concerns about the frame bending from the weight and the lack of UL certification for the power strip.
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Methodology
To put together this list, we first considered how people might use garages, whether for small or large-scale projects. Next, we thought about the different pain points that different activities will have, including lighting, storage, and keeping track of tools.
Once we figured that out, we looked for gadgets available on prominent online retail platforms, such as Amazon and Harbor Freight, that could address these problems. The main criterion was that these products needed to have at least 4-star ratings from 1,000 or more users. In the same vein, we avoided products that have been listed as frequently returned or those where more than 10% of reviewers left 1-star ratings. Lastly, we made sure to include a wide range of items with price points between $4 and $50.
SpaceX is edging toward the 12th launch of its Starship rocket, which this time will see a new version of the massive vehicle head skyward.
The launch team has just completed a crucial test of the Starship’s first stage — the Super Heavy — at its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas.
It shared a short video and some images (below) of the most powerful booster ever built with the message: “Cryoproof operations complete for the first time with a Super Heavy V3 booster. This multi-day campaign tested the booster’s redesigned propellant systems and its structural strength.”
Cryoproof operations complete for the first time with a Super Heavy V3 booster. This multi-day campaign tested the booster’s redesigned propellant systems and its structural strength pic.twitter.com/RpMQ1DoT5x
No anomalies have been reported, setting the booster up nicely for a static fire test, hopefully in the coming days.
After that, attention will shift to the upper-stage Ship, which will also undergo preflight testing prior to being lifted atop the Super Heavy in preparation for launch.
SpaceX is targeting March for the 12th Starship test flight, according to a recent post on X by Elon Musk, the company’s CEO.
The updated Starship, known as Version 3, stands about a meter higher than its 123-meter-tall predecessor, and comes with more powerful engines and a series of design tweaks to enhance performance.
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In an update on Sunday that surprised many, Musk said that SpaceX is pivoting its near-term focus to building a self-sustaining city on the moon, deprioritizing his previously stated ambition of building a city on Mars.
The CEO said the lunar plan is achievable in under 10 years, with the moon offering a more rapid path due to frequent launch windows (every 10 days vs. Mars’ 26-month alignments) and shorter trips (2 days vs. 6 months).
There’s also the added challenge of safely getting humans to the red planet, a feat that has yet to be achieved.
SpaceX’s Mars‑city efforts will continue as part of a long‑term plan, while the company will continue with its involvement in NASA’s Artemis lunar program using Starship.
Apple set up alternative app stores and external payments in Japan similar to how it is being handled in the EU, but developers say it has “no economic incentive” and want to pay nothing to Apple.
iOS in Japan has been opened up to alternative app stores, but there’s a problem
An ongoing snafu between Apple, Epic, and Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has led to an injunction forcing Apple to allow external payments without collecting a commission. While that is being appealed in the US, developers in Japan want similar treatment. According to a report from The Japan News, seven IT-related industry groups comprising over 600 companies released a statement asking Apple and Google to eliminate new commissions. They mean the ones for alternative app marketplaces and externally linked purchases that were forced into place by the Mobile Software Competition Law (MSCL). Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
