We all know RAM prices have skyrocketed. We all know why—data center demand. We even know that this won’t end any time soon, barring a collapse of the AI sector. You’ve heard these talking points endlessly in the last couple of months. Less hammered on: The possible coming developments from this madness. Sure, we’ve already seen direct consequences like Micron’s deep-sixing of its 30-year-old Crucial consumer brand. But as touched on in this week’s discussion with former Anandtech writer and More Than Moore chief analyst Dr. Ian Cutress, the progression of memory technology appears far less linear than before. Literally. Welcome to The Full Nerd newsletter—your weekly dose of hardware talk from the enthusiasts at PCWorld. Missed the surprising topics on our YouTube show or latest news from across the web? You’re in the right place. Want this newsletter to come directly to your inbox? Sign up on our website!  One tantalizing development that came up during our conversation was stacked DDR memory—think of it as somewhat similar in concept to AMD’s approach with its 3D V-Cache processors. Called “Z-Angle” memory, this new architecture is under development by SoftBank subsidiary Saimemory, in partnership with Intel. As Ian describes it, the effort is to “essentially grow DRAM on top of chips,” where DRAM is built layer by layer on top of a CPU wafer, in order to not just compete with HBM in data center applications, but outperform with higher capacity, greater bandwidth, and lower power consumption. But this approach could find its way to consumer products as well—for example, smartphones. But other, less positive outcomes hover in the air as well. In almost the next breath while discussing Z-Angle memory, Ian mentioned the threat of annihilation for smaller memory makers—those who put memory onto modules. If unable to get enough memory to maintain revenue, they could fold. That would hit us consumers hard, and prolong the rebound on PC building. Also part of our conversation: The greater difficulties of memory production, relative to CPUs.TSMC What’s clear, though, is that pressure continues to mount for greater efficiency in both memory production and memory use in software. In this past decade, consumers benefitted from such intense attention. Now consumers have taken a backseat, and must wait for progress to trickle down to us. In the meanwhile, we may see beloved pet projects die on the vine…like the upcoming Steam Machine. What seemed like such a hopeful announcement last November now looks more grim, with last week’s reveal of further delays for price information and product release. After having lived through the first Steam Machine’s quiet, prolonged, and arguably tortured fight for existence, I wonder if Valve’s initiative may once again fail. But this time, it would be due to economic factors out of their control. And this PC-building winter may stretch on further anticipated, too. When asked how long it will last, Ian thought it could extend into late 2028. Movement toward new technology takes years still. Unfortunately for us. So as Ian himself said to Adam a bit ago, “Just be happy with what you’ve got right now.” And I guess take joy in the fact that while we consumers are shut out from enjoying cutting-edge technology, we can still follow some cool developments from the stands. In this episode of The Full Nerd In this episode of The Full Nerd, Adam Patrick Murray, Alaina Yee, Will Smith, and special guest Dr. Ian Cutress (TechTechPotato himself!) dive deep into the nuances of the RAM crisis, Intel and Nvidia’s partnership, and the yields from Intel’s 18A. If you love technical detail, make time for this packed episode—it’s definitely worth your time. What I wrote about above? Just a fraction of the detail we cover while discussing memory. We also learned that Ian plays games that turn into “spreadsheet simulators,” in his own words. I can’t say I’m surprised by that reveal, only that he seemingly juggles so many. And we said farewell to Willis this week—the show won’t be the same without you, man. Alex Esteves / Foundry Missed our live show? Subscribe now to The Full Nerd Network YouTube channel, and activate notifications. We also answer viewer questions in real-time! Don’t miss out on our NEW shows too—you can catch episodes of Dual Boot Diaries and The Full Nerd: Extra Edition on our channel, too. PLUS: Adam just teased episode zero for his new joint endeavor with Retro Gaming Corps… And if you need more hardware talk during the rest of the week, come join our Discord community—it’s full of cool, laid-back nerds. This week’s bumpy nerd news I may have had an emotional roller coaster sifting through the news over the past several days. Positives include Noctua’s ongoing consumer-friendly support for its coolers, nifty projects that combine old tech and new for funsies, and science helping to further expand our understanding of older civilizations. Less fun: Windows 11’s continuing security vulnerabilities. (Really, Notepad is now something I have to worry about?) Plus more graphics cards going up in flames… Bilibili user ?????? Yikes: A Chinese gamer’s RTX 5090 went up in literal flames. On video. Even if it’s not real, it’s stressful to watch. Arrow Lake in March? Quick, Brad’s not looking. I’m going to slip in a rumor about a possible late March arrival for refreshed Arrow Lake chips. Oh poop: Turns out guano can sustain the rise of whole civilizations—or at least, so says a new paper that studied the economic success of the Chincha, a pre-Inca Peruvian kingdom. AMD ascending: Team Red continues to grow its foothold in desktop PCs, with a double-digit increase in market share percentage over the past year. PCI + NVMe FTW: What happens when you combine 1990s and 2010s era tech? An insane upgrade on the 1990s computing experience. I would have obsessed over speeds this fast back then. (We all would.) No, Discord. No: Discord’s new age-verification requirement sucks. That’s all I have to say. (Not really, I dig into why this won’t fully protect kids while now also exposing adults to risk.) I would like to uninstall: Please, can we stop putting AI into machines before it’s clear that the results are better than human-only options? I do not ever want sinus surgeries to include an accidental skull puncture. First Notepad++, now the OG: Notepad used to be a simple program. Windows 11 made it more complex—which apparently now has left it vulnerable to security attacks. Noctua A company of the people: Noctua just sent out its 500,000th cooler mounting kit upgrade. I can’t speak highly enough of companies that allow you to continue using perfectly serviceable hardware—and helping with the upgrade for free! Kickin’ like it’s 1995: Retro Roadshow’s Huxley Dunsay came back to show us a piece of special computing history—the BeBox, a dual-CPU PC with a custom operating system. And yes, it still works! Bought G.Skill memory? You might be entitled to a cut of a $2.4 million settlement if you purchased G.Skill RAM kits between January 31, 2018 and January 7, 2026.  Not bad: YouTuber Optimum’s torture test of an OLED gaming monitor only showed signs of burn-in after 3,000 hours—500 of which included Overwatch gameplay (and its fixed HUD). $10 for 1,300 games: No, that’s not a typo. If you dislike ICE, this game bundle benefiting immigrants in Minnesota is for you. A good portion of the bundle is physical games, but the subset of video games includes Baba Is You, which Brad still raves about. I’d make this PC: A perfect combo of sleeper build and SFF, hiding inside the shell of an Xbox One S. 10,000 is a lot of hours: Ghost in the Shell director Mamoru Oshii says he’s put over a literal year (about 416 days) into Fallout 4. Without ever doing the main quest. Dang. I saw a video this week where a porcupine took a stroll at the Oregon Zoo and visited a pair of otters. I have no idea why or what happened, and I hope the video is real, because you know what? I needed that. Catch you all next week– Alaina This newsletter is dedicated to the memory of Gordon Mah Ung, founder and host of The Full Nerd, and executive editor of hardware at PCWorld. Read...

Accessory manufacturer Logitech just unveiled a new gaming mouse with a unique new feature. The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike will allow you to customize how deeply you need to click its mouse buttons for the click signal to be registered. Logitech G According to reviews, this new Superstrike technology for adjusting mouse click actuation can improve the mouse’s latency by up to 30 milliseconds. Esports gamers who have already tried the mouse say that the improvement is comparable to playing on LAN even when you’re on a regular public server online. Logitech G The Pro X2 Superstrike uses Logitech’s Hero 2 sensor and has a resolution of 100 to 44,000 DPI. The mouse can handle accelerations of up to 88 G and can read at up to 888 inches per second. You can use the Pro X2 Superstrike wired or wirelessly with Logitech’s Lightspeed connection. The max report rate is 1,000 Hz when wired or 8,000 Hz with a wireless Lightspeed connection. The battery in the mouse should last for 90 hours with constant motion. Logitech G The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike has launched with a price tag of $179.99 and has started shipping to those in the US. Read...

These days, if you’re still relying on the charger block that came with your laptop, you’re behind the times. Those things are bulky at best, slow and inefficient at worst. What you really need is a power-efficient, space-efficient GaN charger that charges fast—and not just that, but can charge multiple devices at once. You’re missing out! Right now, Amazon is selling the Ugreen Nexode 4-port GaN charger for just $49.98, and you’re gonna want it at this price. View this Amazon deal So, what makes this charger stand out and worth getting? For starters, the retractable USB-C cable! When you need to charge your phone or laptop, you just pull out the cable and plug it in. So easy, so convenient, and it extends up to 29.5 inches. Plus, when you have multiple devices to charge, you just plug them into the extra 2 USB-C ports and/or USB-A port. That’s right—this thing can charge up to 4 devices at a time. All of that is great with this charger’s max output of 100 watts, which is super fast (so you can juice up your phone in well under an hour) and enough to handle most laptops (including MacBooks). The GaN technology inside means it doesn’t waste energy, doesn’t overheat, while remaining super compact and portable. It’s perfect to take with you on travels—an all-in-one charging solution for your gear. And now that it’s on sale for $49.98, you’re gonna want to jump on it before the price shoots back up again. Snag this charging accessory with this limited-time deal while you can! This 4-port 100W charger with retractable USB-C cable is awesomeBuy this GaN charger block on sale Read...

Microsoft typically releases new security updates on the second Tuesday of this month, known as Patch Tuesday. But today, Microsoft also has some new features that it will gradually push to PCs like yours: the ability to resume Spotify on multiple PCs, better Windows Hello protections, and a handy new device card, among others. Officially, this is the KB5074105 update for Windows 11. Yes, there will be minor bug fixes that will be rolled out as part of today’s update, but Microsoft characterizes the features below as part of a “gradual” release, so that you may not see them immediately. Expect them soon, however. There is one immediate change (fix?) that may cause you to scratch your head: accessing the Storage settings (Settings > System > Storage) will require administrator access via the Windows User Access Control. It’s an odd change, but Microsoft says that it’s making it to prevent unauthorized access to system files. Cross-device resume: Pick up where you left off The most interesting feature of this new update is an improved cross-device resume function, which will allow you to play a song on Spotify on your phone, pause it, then resume playback on your PC. Microsoft also says that Honor, Oppo, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi phones — sorry, Google — will be able to open files that you opened in the Copilot app on your phone on your PC as well. Presumably this functionality will be opened to more phones and more apps in the future. If you don’t have the required Microsoft 365 app on your PC, it will open in a web browser. If you have a Vivo phone, there’s an extra benefit: You can pick up where you left off on the Vivo browser from your phone on to the Vivo browser on your PC. Device cards get unified This small update also brings with it the “device card” that Microsoft previewed in a Dev Channel preview last June. Microsoft has been tweaking its Settings “cards” for a while now; if you go into the Windows 11 Settings > About tab, you’ll probably see a bundle of small cards describing your CPU, storage, RAM, and so on. The updated card brings that information together into a more unified summary slide. A more secure Windows Hello You’re undoubtedly familiar with Windows Hello, the technology that began with the biometric depth camera in Windows 10, and expanded into fingerprint sensors, too. The latter technology works within desktops, but also allows desktops to get in on the action, too. You can also buy a Windows Hello webcam, too. Windows allows webcams to store your biometric information in the Trusted Platform Module as part of Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, which adds an extra layer of protection to your biometric credentials. What this update does is extend this added protection to fingerprint readers. Personally, I prefer a Windows Hello webcam for the additional functionality it offers. However, if you’re a desktop PC owner and prefer a fingerprint reader instead, this update helps protect that information, too. Smart App Control, without the pain My colleague Alaina Yee has written about a nifty Windows technology called Smart App Control, which protects your PC from malware by screening and then analyzing apps. The problem? It only runs via a clean install. If you haven’t set it up initially, turning it “on” means that you have to reset your PC. No longer! Thankfully, this particular aspect of Smart App Control will be a thing of the past soon.PCWorld Now, Microsoft has improved Smart App Control to eliminate the need to reset your PC.  To make changes, go to Windows Security > App & Browser Control > Smart App Control settings.  Voice Typing, Voice Access, and Narrator all improve Fun story: When my wife moved from Minnesota to Alabama as a child, she was told that the other children couldn’t understand her because she spoke too fast. I had a hard time wrapping my head around this one, but people do speak in different cadences. Microsoft’s voice typing now recognizes this by injecting optional delays before voice commands are executed, and helps people who speak slowly be better understood. Microsoft began testing this last October, and now it’s made its way into the release channel for your PC. Microsoft has also added a new AI voice model for Voice Access (those who need to command their PC orally because of difficulty using a mouse or keyboard), and each model is optimized for a chosen language. Narrator was designed for those who have trouble seeing. In this release, Narrator now gives you more control over how it announces on-screen controls. You can choose which details are spoken and adjust their order to match how you navigate apps, Microsoft says. Jamming with MIDI 2.0 I don’t know too much about music creation or production, but the music industry seemed to love the new improvements that MIDI 2.0 brought. Microsoft tested this a year ago, and now MIDI 2.0 is debuting within Windows. For the full list of changes, Microsoft has published a summary. Read...

Even with sophisticated technology it is still difficult to detect fake foods. Read...

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

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Lightweight and sturdy magnesium casing Attractive 2.5K display with 120 Hz and high colour fidelity Future-proof thanks to Intel Ultra 9 with dedicated NPU Generous memory configuration with 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD Extensive connectivity options including USB4 and microSD Cons Cooling is clearly audible under full load The webcam only offers standard quality Our Verdict While many laptops with comparable CPU specifications are either significantly heavier or have plastic cases, the Geekbook offers a balanced combination of performance, mobility, and workmanship. Price when reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro Retailer Price $1,099 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Until now, Geekom was primarily known for its mini PCs. With the Geekbook X16 Pro, the company is now expanding its portfolio to include a notebook. The laptop market is highly competitive and dominated by numerous established manufacturers. Our testing will show how the X16 Pro compares to popular alternatives in terms of workmanship, features, and performance. Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Design The Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro immediately makes a lasting impression on me when lifting it out of the packaging. Geekom uses a CNC-milled unibody made of a magnesium alloy, and the workmanship is precise, with virtually no gaps. The size-to-weight ratio is particularly impressive. Despite its 16-inch format, the device weighs only 2.86 pounds. Combined with its low height of 17 millimeters (even less at its thinnest point), it stands out positively from bulky office laptops. Christoph Hoffmann The case is torsion-resistant in our grip and open test. Even when pressure is applied to specific points on the keyboard or case, the material hardly gives way. The matte finish is resistant to fingerprints, and the hinges hold the display securely in place and allow it to be opened with one hand. While many laptops with comparable CPU specifications are either significantly heavier or have plastic cases, the Geekbook offers a balanced combination of performance, mobility, and workmanship. Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Features The heart of the laptop is the Intel Core Ultra 9-185H. This mobile high-end processor from the first Core Ultra generation (“Meteor Lake”) was introduced at the end of 2023 and is currently used in many laptops. It will be replaced by Intel’s new Core Ultra Series 3 generation (“Panther Lake”), which was unveiled at CES 2026. The special feature of the Intel Core Ultra 9-185H is the integrated NPU (Neural Processing Unit). It’s specially designed for AI calculations. In everyday use, it relieves the CPU and GPU of tasks such as background blurring in video calls or local image processing. Christoph Hoffmann Geekom pairs the processor with 32 GB of fast LPDDR5x RAM. According to HWInfo, eight 4 GB modules from manufacturer Rayson Hi-Tech are soldered onto the motherboard. Soldered RAM does not require sockets. This allows for more compact case designs, while shorter signal paths improve integrity at high clock speeds as well as reducing latency and power consumption. However, this means that the RAM cannot be upgraded. Christoph Hoffmann The Crucial P310 (model CT2000P310SSSD8) installed in the test device is a fast M.2 NVMe SSD with a PCIe 4.0 interface and a capacity of 2 TB. More on transfer rates later. Christoph Hoffmann Overall, I am impressed with the Geekbook X16 Pro’s keyboard. It is equipped with white LED lighting, which makes it easier to work in poor lighting conditions, allowing for better visibility of the keys. The key travel is pleasant, the pressure points are clearly defined, and the layout appears tidy. The keys are printed with large font. Even during longer typing sessions, typing is comfortable and fast. Only the position of individual keys requires a short period of adjustment, but this is hardly noticeable in everyday use. The keyboard is well suited for office work, texting, and productive work. Christoph Hoffmann The Geekbook’s touchpad is a comfortable size. In my tests, it responded precisely to inputs and gestures, enabling smooth and reliable operation overall. The fingerprint sensor in the upper right corner also serves as an on/off switch. It enables biometric access protection when logging in via Windows Hello. Christoph Hoffmann The Geekom GeekBook X16 Pro is equipped with a 2-megapixel front camera that allows recording in Full HD (1080p). This gives it better image quality than many standard laptops. Other features include two microphones and a light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment. What I miss is a physical privacy shutter that would allow the camera to be mechanically covered to protect privacy. When it comes to ports, Geekom shows that mobility does not have to mean sacrificing connectivity. On the right side of the case are two USB-A ports (5GB/s) for external drives, USB sticks, or classic accessories such as a mouse and keyboard. There’s also a 3.5 mm combo jack for headset/audio and a microSD card reader. There are two USB-C ports on the left side of the notebook. One of them is USB4-compatible and supports data transfer rates of up to 40 GB/s – ideal for fast external SSDs, docking stations, or external displays. This port can also be used to power the notebook. The other USB-C port operates at USB 3.2 speed (10 GB/s). External monitors can be connected without an adapter via the HDMI 2.0 output. Christoph Hoffmann The device is also equipped with the latest wireless connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 6E, which enables higher transfer rates, a more stable connection and lower latency, especially in networks with many simultaneously connected devices. This noticeably benefits video calls, cloud services, and large downloads. Bluetooth 5.4 is available for wireless input devices, headphones, and speakers. High performance in a small space requires intelligent cooling. The “IceBlade 2.0” system built into the Geekom masters this challenge in testing: the fans remain pleasantly quiet in everyday use, but kick in audibly during demanding rendering processes and then quickly regulate themselves back down again. Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Display The display is one of the device’s great strengths. The 16:10 aspect ratio offers noticeably more vertical workspace than the classic 16:9 format, which is particularly advantageous when working with documents, spreadsheets, or source code. Christoph Hoffmann The 2560×1600 resolution ensures a high pixel density, so text, icons, and graphics look nice and sharp. With a refresh rate of 120 Hz, scrolling content, animations, and mouse pointer movements feel more smooth than a conventional 60 Hz display. With a maximum brightness of 400 nits, the display is also easy to read indoors and is also suitable for outdoor use in indirect sunlight. Colors appear balanced overall. Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Audio The audio setup of the GeekBook X16 Pro also scores highly in our test, even though the speakers are not top-of-the-line. The notebook has two integrated stereo speakers (2 × 4 ohms × 2 watts) with DTS:X Ultra support. The speakers are located at the front of the case and emit sound downwards. This is then reflected off the table surface. Christoph Hoffmann The wide sound image and spatiality are satisfactory. The volume is sufficient for films and video conferences. Voices are reproduced clearly, although the bass cannot compete with external speakers. Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Battery life A common weak point in lightweight notebooks is battery capacity. Geekom specifies a runtime of up to 17 hours based on its own measurements. This puts it among the leaders in its class, at least on paper. In fact, the lithium-ion battery manufactured by GFL in the X16 Pro, with a nominal capacity of 74,924 mWh, is one of the larger energy storage devices in the 16-inch class. We were curious to see if it would deliver respectable runtimes. The test scenario is a real working day with mixed office use, browsing, and light image editing. According to our measurements, the battery lasted just under 13 hours before the device had to be plugged back in. This is a very good result for such a mobile 16-inch device, surpassing the runtime of many competitors in this category. Christoph Hoffmann Another positive feature is that the handy 65 W GaN power supply is barely larger than a smartphone charger. It charges the battery quickly and is easy to store thanks to its compact dimensions. In our testing, it took about 60 minutes to charge the X16 Pro from 10 to 80 percent. Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Windows 11 Pro The Geekbook X16 Pro comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed. The operating system is factory-set to 24H2 Build 26100 with a release date of October 1st, 2024 and is quick to activate and set up. We updated the system to the latest version using the update function. We then installed the Intel drivers for the NPU and Arc graphics. Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Computing power Geekom wants to set a new benchmark for mobile AI and productivity applications with the Intel Core Ultra 9-185H and 32 GB of LPDDR5x memory. Our benchmark results show whether the concept works. The results in PCMark 10 underline the potential of this overall package: with a score of 8,256 points, the laptop secures a top position in the comparison field. The Lenovo Yoga 9i scores 7,719 points, while the Asus Zenbook S 14 scores 6,598 points. Both laptops use the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V. Christoph Hoffmann The Geekbook’s productivity score of over 15,000 points is particularly impressive. It stands for first-class performance in complex office workflows and spreadsheets. The system also delivers solid results in content creation, although specialized workstations with dedicated graphics naturally remain at an advantage when it comes to rendering tasks. Analysis of the 3DMark CPU profile illustrates the efficient scalability of the architecture. With 973 points in the single-thread test, the processor provides a solid basis for everyday applications. As the number of threads increases, the system unleashes its potential and achieves 6,741 points at maximum utilization. This value elevates the device into the upper class segment. The comparison between eight and 16 threads is revealing: here, the good resource utilization becomes clear, although the flat housing sets thermal limits that prevent full performance. Christoph Hoffmann The graphics performance in the Time Spy test totals 4,073 points. The integrated Intel Arc graphics achieve 3,732 graphics points. This performance is sufficient to display current games smoothly in reduced resolution. However, the hardware is less suitable for demanding titles in native resolution. This is also confirmed by the results in Steel Nomad. With only about seven frames per second, the graphics unit reaches its limits with modern 4K loads. One bright spot is the Intel XeSS function test, which uses AI algorithms. Without upscaling, the system only achieves low frame rates in our test. Activating XeSS technology increases performance by 167 percent. This enables a smoother gaming experience in supported titles. Christoph Hoffmann The results from Geekbench-AI Pro reinforce the focus on artificial intelligence. With a score of 6,137 points, the notebook is well prepared for applications with local AI computing. In this area, the architecture significantly outperforms many older processor generations. Christoph Hoffmann The SSD data throughput in Crystal Disk Mark is impressive across the board. The built-in 2 TB SSD achieves read speeds of 7,000 MB/s. Write operations are performed at over 6,100 MB/s. Such transfer rates significantly minimize loading times for large files or video editing. Christoph Hoffmann The high memory bandwidth effectively compensates for peak loads. The results in Solar Bay, with over 55 frames per second, show that even ray tracing effects are possible to a certain extent. Nevertheless, the device remains primarily a tool for productive minds and creative users. Christoph Hoffmann Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Conclusion The Geekbook X16 Pro combines a lightweight, high-quality case with high computing power for this class of device. While many laptops with comparable CPU specifications are either significantly heavier or have plastic cases, the Geekbook offers a balanced combination of performance, mobility, and workmanship. Modern wireless standards such as Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4 also enable fast and stable connections to networks and peripheral devices. With the Geekbook X16 Pro, Geekom is transferring its experience in building compact and efficient mini PCs to the laptop sector. The notebook offers consistent performance with controlled heat generation and remains pleasantly quiet. The long battery life further supports mobile use. The result is a functional and balanced overall package that is suitable for productive everyday use. Geekom Geekbook X16 Pro: Specifications Dimensions: 356 × 248.5 × 17 mm (W × D × H) Weight: 2.86 pounds Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9-185H (up to 5.1 GHz, 16 cores, 22 threads) Graphics: Intel Arc Graphics (integrated) Memory: 32 GB LPDDR5x (dual channel) Hard drive: 2 TB M.2 PCIe Gen 4 x4 SSD (Crucial P310 CT2000P310SSSD8) Display: 16-inch IPS, 2.5K (2,560 × 1,600 pixels), 16:10, 120 Hz, 100% sRGB, 400 nits Housing: Magnesium alloy (CNC unibody) Battery: 75 Wh, up to 17 hours of battery life, 65-watt GaN power adapter Connections: 1 × USB4 (full function), 1 × USB-C, 2 × USB 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.0, microSD slot, 3.5 mm jack Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4 Security: Fingerprint sensor Operating System: Windows 11 Pro Warranty: 2 years and 24/7 support Read...

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Sharp drops hit Wall Street on Thursday as technology stocks fell and bitcoin plunged again to roughly half its record price set last fall. Several discouraging reports on the U.S. job market also knocked down yields in the bond market. Read...

Intel began as a memory supplier. The PC industry faces its most dire memory crunch in years, if not decades. So it makes sense for Intel to move back into PC memory, right? Sort of. Intel said this week that it is indeed working on a new memory technology, called Z-Angle Memory, or ZAM, with a Softbank-backed startup called Saimemory. It’s not so much a new type of memory, but rather a new way of building memory, and one that should be familiar to Intel watchers. As the name suggests, ZAM is tied to “Z height,” the way in which the thickness of various objects are described in the tech world. ZAM is a way to stack RAM on top of one another, increasing the available memory density for anything that needs DRAM, presumably from laptops to servers. The goal is to reduce power consumption and increase the amount of memory in a given volume, via what Intel calls Next-Generation DRAM Bonding, or NGDB. It also could be used as a high-bandwidth alternative to HBM, or high-bandwidth memory, which AMD began using in Radeon GPU chips beginning in 2015. High-speed memory is a critical building block of AI servers, too. Although Intel hasn’t described in detail what NGDB can do, the company developed what’s known as the Foveros technology, first announcing it in 2018. Foveros took Intel’s EMIB technology and extended it vertically, allowing the company to stack logic chips on top of one another, or mount memory over logic as well. Now, Intel is mounting memory over memory in the new venture. Saimemory’s contribution builds on foundational work supported by the Advanced Memory Technology (AMT) R&D Program, managed by the U.S. Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration through the Sandia National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, the companies said in a press release. Saimemory will commercialize (sell) the product, while Intel will provide the technology. The company’s manufacturing operations will begin this quarter, and prototypes are scheduled for 2027. The roadmap calls for ZAM to actually begin selling in 2030. Intel was founded in 1968 as a memory company, making SRAM and DRAM. Though it created the first microprocessor, the 4004, the company sold DRAM through the 1970s before pivoting to become a microprocessor supplier. With AI hyperscalers snapping up as much memory and storage as they can, however, knowing how to use whatever memory is available as effectively as possible might not be such a bad idea. After all, the great memory shortage could last for years. Read...