There are some decent cheap webcams on the market, but you can go the DIY route and use your phone instead. It takes a little bit of setup, but modern smartphones offer impressive image quality without any extra expenditure.

We all know that built-in webcams look terrible, and that phones take pretty great pictures, so it makes sense to use your phone’s fantastic camera for video calls on your computer. Apple already built this feature into the iPhone, if you have a Mac. Windows users, meanwhile, can use a third party application to turn either an iPhone or an Android phone into a wireless webcam. 

Use Your iPhone as a webcam for you Mac

If you’ve got both an iPhone and a Mac you can use the Continuity Camera feature offered by Apple. All you need is an iPhone running at least iOS 16 and a Mac running macOS Ventura (also known as macOS 13) or later. Both devices need to have both Bluetooth and WiFi turned on and both devices need to be signed into the same Apple ID. 

In any application that uses the video camera, simply select your iPhone as the source. For example, on Zoom, click the arrow beside the video button and then select your iPhone as the camera. It works right away, and you will notice the quality difference. 

Use an iPhone or Android phone as a webcam for you Windows or Linux computer

Windows users don’t have an official alternative to Continuity Camera but Droidcam is the next best thing. This application works with both iPhone and Android phones, and allows you to use those phones as a webcam on a Windows or Linux computer. You will need to install the app on your phone and on your Windows machine. Make sure both devices are on the same WiFi network, then open the app on your phone. You will see an IP address; open the app on your computer and type the IP address there. The camera should start working.

Minimize this window then use your video call app of choice. You will see DroidCam listed as an option for both the camera and microphone. 

I tested this with Zoom, Google Meet, and Jitsi; it worked well for all of them. The free version only offers standard definition quality. You can upgrade to the pro version to get high definition and a few nice-to-have features including brightness adjustments and auto-focus. The paid upgrade costs $4.99 per year as a subscription or $14.99 as a one-time payment. Alternatively you can watch an ad to get one free hour of HD quality. 

A few things to keep in mind

You can position the phone however you want during the meeting, and even pick it up and move around a little bit. A dedicated phone tripod doesn’t take up much room and provides a solid, adjustable base. There are dedicated stands that sit the camera on top of a monitor, but you don’t necessarily need them. I use a business card stand to hold the phone in place, which works great. A car dash-mount for your phone could also do the trick, in a pinch. 

One more thing to note: using your phone as a camera uses up the battery on your phone. It’s probably a good idea to plug it in, either to your computer or a dedicated charger, while you’re using it.

The post How to use your phone as a webcam appeared first on Popular Science.

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Apple has designed its phones and computers to work together as seamlessly as possible.   Users who have both a Mac and an iPhone (and maybe an iPad and Apple Watch thrown in as well) enjoy some truly convenient synergies. That’s especially true for iOS and MacOS devices–iPhone apps will run on the Mac if you know how to set it up.

There are a few caveats to bear in mind: The developer of the iPhone app must have added Mac compatibility, and you must be running a Mac with an Apple chipset inside (so not one of the older Intel-powered ones). WIth those footnotes out of the way, you can get started with running apps on both platforms.

This comes in useful in a few different ways, not least because it enables you to use a phone app on a bigger screen, without having to keep pulling your phone out or unlocking it. Some iPhone apps have proper desktop apps or web apps to use of course, but sometimes the mobile app option works best.

Finding apps

If you open up the App Store on macOS, then click your name down in the lower left corner and switch to the iPhone & iPad Apps tab, you’ll see a list of all the apps you’ve ever installed on an Apple-made phone or tablet that can also be installed on macOS. Click on any of the items listed to take a closer look at its description and other information.

Those apps that are labeled with just “Designed for iPhone” or “Designed for iPad” and nothing else have also been optimized to work on macOS. Those that haven’t been optimized will also have a “Not verified for macOS” note next to them. You can still install these apps on your Mac, but the quality of the user experience may vary. 

With apps that don’t appear at all, that’ll be because the developer has opted out of making them available on macOS. This includes some of the big ones, such as Instagram and Google Maps—presumably because their developers want you to use the web versions of their apps instead.

To install an iPhone or iPad app on your Mac, just click the blue download button, which looks like a cloud with a downward arrow coming out of it. After the download has finished, you can then click Open to launch it. The app appears in its own window (which you may be able to resize), with its own menu options at the top.

You can also look for apps that you’ve never installed on an iPhone or an iPad: Click inside the search box in the top left corner, then type out the name of the app you’re looking for. On the results screen, you’ll need to switch to the iPhone & iPad Apps tab to find the apps developed first and foremost for iOS and iPadOS.

Running apps

Some iPhone apps are easier than others to run on a Mac—obviously you’ve not got the touchscreen functionality, so you might have to take some time working out the trackpad (or mouse) gestures and keyboard combinations that will enable you to control the app properly in its new desktop environment.

Apps that require a lot of typing are actually more straightforward on a Mac, because you’ve got a full-sized, physical keyboard. Take iOS apps such as Letterboxd or Airbnb for example: They both work on macOS if you don’t want to use the respective websites, and running searches or entering details is much quicker than it is on a phone touchscreen.

The macOS platform does give you a bit of help with touchscreen inputs: If you hold down the Option key on your keyboard, for example, you’re able to use a trackpad as a virtual touchscreen, which can make the control of certain apps and games more manageable. In most apps, clicks equate to taps, and swipes on a trackpad match swipes on a screen.

With an app running, you can click on its name on the menu bar and then choose Settings to configure it further: You can set how opening web links is handled under the General tab, while under Touch Alternatives you can set up different ways that touchscreen inputs are replicated on a keyboard (including the Option trick mentioned above).

Games designed for iPhones and iPads work in the same way as apps, so this is also a good way of enjoying some leisure time on your Mac. Well-known titles such as Crossy Road, Monument Valley, and Two Dots are available on macOS, for example, and are fairly easy to operate with a keyboard and trackpad (or mouse).

The post How to run iPhone apps on your Mac appeared first on Popular Science.

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Both Google Maps and Apple Maps are intended to help you get from A to B as efficiently and as safely as possible, and to that end they make use of crowdsourced data on anything that might get in the way of that: Road works, accidents, lane closures, hazards, and speed checks, for example.

We know these apps are smart enough to work out some problems such as traffic congestion on their own, because users will all be slowing down at the same spot. However, it also relies on drivers to report what’s on the road as well, to get a complete picture of what conditions are like.

You can take part in these community reports too, doing your bit to let other users know about problems on the road—these apps don’t just go off one person’s say-so, but if enough reports about something match up, then it’ll be reflected in what you see on the map as you navigate around.

Reporting incidents in Google Maps

You have to be in the navigation mode for Google Maps in order to report something. Tap the icon on the right, that looks like a plus symbol inside a speech bubble: This will bring up the report options. You can get to the same screen by swiping up on the estimated journey time (under the map), to show the Add a report option.

These may vary slightly depending on where in the world you are, but you’ll typically see options such as Crash, Mobile speed camera, Congestion, Roadworks, Lane closure, Stalled vehicle, and Object on road. There are no further options to set, but an Undo button is briefly displayed before the report is logged, if you change your mind.

You can also use your voice to make a report, which is the safer option if you’re driving. Just say “hey Google” and then the report you want to make—”there’s a crash here” for example. As long as your choice of phrasing makes it clear what you want to report, Google Assistant will understand what you mean.

If you’re using Android Auto, at the time of writing, there’s no way to report incidents—either by tapping on the screen or using Google Assistant—so you have to use your phone. It seems a strange omission by Google, but you will still see the incidents and hazards that have been reported by other users on your car’s dashboard.

Reporting incidents in Apple Maps

In Apple Maps on the iPhone, you can report incidents without being in navigation mode (if you’re just walking by, for example): Tap your account picture (next to the search box), then Reports, Report a New Issue, and Report an Incident. If you are in navigation mode, tap the route details underneath the map, then Report an Incident.

The three options are Crash, Hazard, or Speed Check, though they can vary by country. In navigation mode, your report is instantly registered at your current location, but if you’re not using navigation mode then you have the option to specify a location on the map. You can also add some brief written details and even photos to go alongside the report. Tap your account picture on the main maps screen, then Reports to see reports that you’ve previously logged.

All of this can be managed via Siri too, which is also a safer option if your eyes are on the road. Your phrasing doesn’t matter too much, as long as you clearly communicate the gist—”hey Siri, report an accident” or “hey Siri, there’s something in the road” would both be acceptable, for example. If you use Siri, the report is instantly registered.

If you’re using Apple Maps with CarPlay, then you can make use of Siri as described above. If you’re able to use the screen safely, when you’re not navigating, you can also tap on the little blue icon on the left (showing an exclamation mark inside a rectangular speech bubble) to find the report options. If navigation mode is enabled, tap on the route eta box to find the same report options.

The post How to report incidents on your trip in Google Maps or Apple Maps appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Canon 12×36 IS III		SEE IT	If you want sharp, bright, colorful, stabilized, distortion-free images, you want Canon binoculars.
Best high power		Celestron SkyMaster 25X100		SEE IT	Essentially the equivalent of a telescope in your hands, these Celestron binoculars offer a whopping 25x magnification and an objective lens measuring 100mm so you’ll see epic details in the night sky.
Best budget		Celestron UpClose G2 10×50		SEE IT	While they require collimation—the alignment of the lenses—these budget binoculars use multi-coated optics, resulting in a quality image with good contrast and mostly accurate color once adjusted.

While telescopes are popular for stargazing, binoculars for astronomy offer a more portable option for gazing into the heavens. Binoculars are extremely versatile, working well for general terrestrial observations as well as more celestial surveying. You can even use them handheld or on a mount. Whether you want to observe the moon or casually stargaze, the best binoculars for astronomy are great to take into nature and bring you closer to the stars. 

• Best overall: Canon 12×36 IS III
• Best splurge: Canon 10×42 L IS WP
• Best high power: Celestron SkyMaster 25X100
• Best compact: Nikon PROSTAFF P7 10×42
• Best budget: Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 

How we chose the best binoculars for astronomy

Binoculars for astronomy require more specific specs than general-purpose binoculars, so we prioritized options with larger objective lens size and higher magnification. We also aimed to select options at various price points suitable for everyone from beginners to expert stargazers. While binoculars with image stabilization are excellent for astronomy use, they are quite expensive, so we’ve included models both with and without stabilization. In making our selections, we considered optical quality, size and weight, eye relief, and build quality. 

The best binoculars for astronomy: Reviews & Recommendations

Binoculars for astronomy will allow you to gaze up at the moon, spot deep space objects, check out planets, and more. While these advanced optics can be used handheld, we’d recommend a tripod or mount of some variety to offer more stable, high-quality night sky views.

Best overall: Canon 12×36 IS III

SEE IT

Specs

• Objective lens diameter: 36mm
• Magnification: 12x
• Field of view: 5 degrees
• Eye relief: 0.57 inches (14mm)
• Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 5 x 6.85 x 2.76 inches

Pros

• Effective image stabilization
• Relatively lightweight and compact
• Image stabilized
• Excellent optical quality

Cons

• Pricey

Canon makes some of the best image-stabilized binoculars available, so it should be no surprise that our top pick comes from the imaging giant. The Canon 12×36 IS III binoculars for astronomy offer the company’s typical high-end optics and Porro II prisms, resulting in a sharp, bright, colorful image. It also features a double field flattener, which produces a distortion-free image.

The 36mm objective lens diameter is slightly lower than what is typically recommended for astronomy use. However, these still offer plenty of light gathering for stargazing. You’ll also be able to use them for things like bird watching, adding to their versatility. Plus, the smaller objective lens results in a more compact size ideal for most people, which is why it earned our top spot. These Canon binos provide 12x magnification, allowing you to see details on the moon’s surface. 

What really makes these optics stand out is the image stabilization. Canon built these with technology similar to what they use in their EF lenses, resulting in much sharper images when holding the binoculars. You’ll need two AA batteries for power, and they will typically get up to 12 hours of use. Simply put, once you use IS binoculars, you won’t want to go back to anything else. 

Best splurge: Canon 10×42 L IS WP

SEE IT

Specs

• Objective lens diameter: 42mm
• Magnification: 10x
• Field of view: 6.5 degrees
• Eye relief: 0.63 inches (16mm)
• Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 6.9 x 3.4 inches

Pros

• Excellent stabilization
• High-quality optics
• Rugged build 
• Plenty of eye relief

Cons

• Expensive
• Fairly heavy and bulky

If money is no object and you want the best of the best, the Canon 10×42 L IS WP binoculars are the way to go. These powerful binoculars for astronomy offer a large objective lens of 42mm, capturing tons of light for viewing even dim celestial objects. The 10x magnification is plenty for most astronomical observations and offers plenty of eye relief for a range of users.

Like the pair mentioned above, these feature Canon’s impressive image stabilization. It will almost look like you are using a tripod, giving you sharp, clear views. The ‘L’ in the name refers to Canon’s top-tier line of optics. These feature two ultra-low dispersion (UD) lens elements (on each side), which effectively corrects for chromatic aberration. Images will be sharp, bright, and vibrant, offering excellent views of the stars. 

Of course, there are downsides to these binos. First, they are expensive. If you are a casual user, they will be overkill. Second, they are fairly bulky and heavy. You likely won’t want to hold them for long periods, and they will add weight to your pack if you are hiking. But this is the pair to get if you are serious about stargazing with your binoculars. 

Best high power: Celestron SkyMaster 25X100

SEE IT

Specs

• Objective lens diameter: 100mm
• Magnification: 25x
• Field of view: 3 degrees
• Eye relief: 0.59 inches (15mm)
• Weight: 8.75 pounds
• Dimensions: 10.1 x 5.1 x 15.28 inches

Pros

• Massive object lens diameter gathers tons of light
• Lots of magnification
• Comes with a tripod adapter
• Excellent image quality

Cons

• Very bulky and heavy
• Not for handholding

Celestron is one of the top telescope producers, so it makes sense that the company would also produce top-notch binoculars for astronomy. Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 is essentially the equivalent of a telescope in your hands. It offers a whopping 25x magnification and an objective lens measuring 100mm. That massive lens will let in tons of light. Paired with the high level of magnification, you’ll see epic details in the night sky, such as Jupiter’s belts, star clusters, and more. 

These binos feature BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated lenses, enhancing contrast for superb viewing quality. They are ruggedly built with a water-resistant design. The SkyMaster also utilizes a rubber-armored housing, which protects them from damage and provides a better grip. 

Unfortunately, such power comes with great responsibility. In this case, that means lots of weight. The SkyMaster weighs 8.75 pounds and, naturally, is larger than any other option on our list. They also don’t offer any image stabilization. As a result, you won’t want to hold these by hand for very long. Luckily, it has a built-in tripod adapter, making it easier to hook up to a tripod for hands-free use. All of this also comes at a rather reasonable price, so you don’t have to break the bank to see craters on the moon. 

Best compact: Nikon PROSTAFF P7 10×42

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Specs

• Objective lens diameter: 42mm
• Magnification: 10x
• Field of view: 7 degrees
• Eye relief: 0.62 inches (15.7mm)
• Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.12 x 2.17 inches

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Waterproof and fogproof
• Adjustable eyecups and long eye relief
• Versatile

Cons

• No tripod adapter

Weight is an important consideration when backpacking or hiking, even when you hope to take advantage of the dark skies. That’s where the Nikon PROSTAFF P7 binoculars come into play. They are very compact and lightweight, coming in at just 1.3 pounds and just under six inches long. It will be much easier to bring them along on your trips. And, it will be easier to hold for longer viewing sessions as well. 

The PROSTAFF P7 are also ruggedly built and suited for adventures. They are waterproof to 3.3 feet and nitrogen-filled for fogproof performance. The 0.62-inch eye relief works well for those who wear glasses, and the turn-and-slide eyecups are adjustable to work well for a group of people. A rubber-armored body protects from drops and bumps and makes them easier to hold. Nikon used a water- and oil-repellent coating on both the objective and eyepiece lenses, which helps keep them free of water and fingerprints. 

Although these are not specifically designed for stargazing, they will definitely do the job. The 10x magnification is enough for casual night sky viewing, and the 42mm objective lens will gather plenty of light. Nikon designed these with high-quality optics and Phase-Correction coating for superb image quality and clarity. It also features a dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating, which maximizes light transmission. Finally, the locking diopter ring, typically only found on much more expensive optics, keeps your setting locked in.

Best budget: Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 

SEE IT

Specs

• Objective lens diameter: 50mm
• Magnification: 10x
• Field of view: 6.8 degrees
• Eye relief: 0.47 inches (12mm)
• Weight: 1.69 pounds
• Dimensions: 8 x 7 x 2.5 inches

Pros

• Very affordable
• Water-resistant
• Rubber coating prevents slips
• Good optical quality

Cons

• Requires collimation
• Not nitrogen-filled

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get started with binoculars for astronomy. This budget-friendly pair also happens to be great for beginner stargazers. They are compact and lightweight, making them ideal binoculars for hiking. Yet they still offer 10x magnification and a 50mm objective lens. Those specs will allow you to see the moon in all its glory easily, as well as some star clusters and more.

Celestron built these with a rugged design, including a rubber coating to protect from drops and improve grip. They are water resistant, so you won’t need to panic if you get caught in a rain shower. They are not nitrogen-filled, though, so they tend to fog up. 

The main downside to this budget set of binos is that they require collimation—the alignment of the lenses. While not difficult, it does take time away from your stargazing. The good news is that Celestron used multi-coated optics, which results in a quality image with good contrast and mostly accurate color. If you are just getting started or want some kid-friendly binoculars for astronomy, these will do a great job.

What to consider when shopping for the best binoculars for astronomy

Binoculars are, for the most part, rather simple devices without much in the way of fancy technology. But, there is some specific lingo that you should be aware of when shopping for binoculars for astronomy to ensure you pick the right optics for viewing the night sky.

Magnification 

All binoculars include two numbers in the name, such as 10×50. The first number refers to magnification. For stargazing, you’ll typically want at least 10x magnification. If you want to see the moon or planets in more detail or search for smaller deep space objects, 12x will be better. However, remember that more magnification will exaggerate movement while holding the binoculars. So, if you will only handhold the binos, we suggest sticking to 10x or lower.

Objective lens

The second number tells you the size of the objective lens, measured in millimeters. In our example above, that would be 50mm. The objective lens is the lens closest to the object you’re viewing, or the one opposite of the eyepieces. This number tells you how large the binoculars are and how much light they let in. 

Larger objective lenses collect more light, which is better for stargazing. But it also means larger binoculars, which makes them harder to handhold. As a result, you’ll need a balance unless you only plan on using a tripod or mount of some type. For astronomy use, you’ll want at least 40-50mm, though 50-60mm will allow you to see fainter celestial objects. 

Image stabilization

If you’ve ever spent time looking through binoculars, you may have noticed how hard it is to keep them steady. That movement gets even more dramatic in higher-powered binoculars for astronomy, which can make detailed observations quite challenging. If you want superb image quality and don’t always want to rely on a tripod, look for a pair of image-stabilized binoculars. 

There are different types of image stabilization in binos. Some offer passive stabilization (also called mechanical stabilization) with suspended prisms, which don’t require any batteries. Other types of stabilization include digital, optical, and hybrid stabilization (a combination of digital and optical). Each type has pros and cons, though hybrid stabilization offers the best results, albeit at the highest cost. 

Roof prism vs. Porro prism

There are two varieties of binocular design: Roof prisms and Porro prisms. In Porro prism binoculars, the objective lens is offset from the eyepiece, requiring the light to travel in a zig-zag pattern. This design can result in a higher quality image, but they are bulky and heavy compared to roof prism binos. 

The prisms in Roof prism binoculars line up closely, allowing the objective lens to be in a straight line from the eyepiece. The Roof prism design results in a more compact, lightweight form factor. However, it is a more complicated design, which results in a much higher price tag compared to Porro prism binoculars. 

Exit pupil

Exit pupil refers to the round, bright image you see when looking through the eyepiece. The larger the diameter, the brighter the image, which is important for astronomy. To calculate this, divide the objective lens diameter by the magnification. So, for example, a 10×50 binocular would offer an exit pupil of 5mm. 

The key here is to find binoculars for astronomy with an exit pupil roughly the same size as the human pupil when dilated for darkness. In dark conditions, most pupils dilate to around 7mm. Opting for binoculars with an exit pupil of 2.5mm will make the image look quite dark.

Eye relief

Eye relief is the distance from the eyepiece lens to the exit pupil, where the image is formed. Put simply, it is how far you can hold the binoculars away from your eyes and still see the full image without vignetting. If you wear glasses, you’ll need binoculars with longer eye relief. Be sure to go with an eye relief greater than 14mm if you use glasses.  

Weight

Weight might not be the first thing that comes to mind when choosing binoculars for astronomy. However, it can be incredibly important. If you plan on handholding your binoculars, look for a more compact, lightweight option. Otherwise your arms will tire quickly, but more importantly, they will be hard to hold steady. And if you can’t hold them steady, you won’t get a very good view of the night sky. 

If you opt for a heavier option or plan long observation sessions with high magnification, we recommend mounting the binoculars to a tripod. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best binoculars for astronomy

• Best overall: Canon 12×36 IS III
• Best splurge: Canon 10×42 L IS WP
• Best high power: Celestron SkyMaster 25X100
• Best compact: Nikon PROSTAFF P7 10×42
• Best budget: Celestron UpClose G2 10×50 

Binoculars for astronomy can serve as an excellent alternative to bulky telescopes. These optics allow you to view celestial objects on the go, making it a great choice for camping, hiking, or travel of any type. Binoculars are also easier to store, which is ideal for those living in smaller spaces. Despite their convenience, they still allow you to see plenty of wonders in the night sky.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best binoculars for astronomy in 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Whether it’s a piece of paper covered with notes or a whiteboard crammed with scribbled ideas, don’t you wish you could just copy those words and paste them somewhere else? It turns out you can. 

There are all kinds of apps and tools capable of copying handwritten text so you can paste it somewhere else. Such apps are seldom perfect—you can expect a few quirks, like formatting weirdness or the occasional typo. They’re pretty great, though, even if your handwriting isn’t the best. 

I, for example, have truly atrocious handwriting (as you’re about to see). This makes me uniquely qualified to test such apps—if they can deal with my chicken scratches, they can probably deal with yours. Let’s dive in. 

Copy handwritten text using any Apple device

If you own an Apple device you don’t need any app to copy handwriting–you can just take a picture of a document. Then, tap-and-hold to copy the text in the image, the same way you would with text on a website. 

You can then paste the text into the app of your choice. 

The results are pretty good, though you may need to fine tune them. And this isn’t limited to the iPhone: It also works on your Mac. Just open any image with handwritten text using the Preview app; you’ll be able to copy the handwriting as though it were any other text. 

Copy handwritten text using Microsoft Lens

If you’re an Android user, or just want a solution that doesn’t require you to manually copy the text you want, check out Microsoft Lens for Android and iOS. This application is mostly a way to scan documents using your phone but it offers a tool for copying text.

Tap Actions at the bottom of the screen, then use the Capture printed text to extract the feature (it’s the default after you tap Actions.) Now take this picture—Lens will ask you to crop out anything that’s not in the document, then extract the text for you. Tap Copy and the text will be on your clipboard, ready to paste in any app you want. 

Copy handwritten text using Google Docs

Google Docs can convert handwritten text to images, albeit in a less streamlined way. You’ll need to take a picture of the image and then upload it to Google Drive. Right-click the image in Google Drive, then click Open with followed by Google Docs.

There will be a short loading screen after which you’ll see a new document with the image. Below the image, you’ll see the extracted text. 

There’s a bit of formatting weirdness, granted, but it’s perfectly workable. This is useful for extracting longer bits of text and then quickly sharing them with other people. You can just share the document (possibly after cleaning it up a little). 

The post How to turn handwritten notes into digital text appeared first on Popular Science.

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Most of us will find ourselves rather overwhelmed by digital photos these days: The ease with which pictures can be snapped by and stored on a smartphone means we can collect dozens or even hundreds of them per day, most of which we’ll never see again (unless they pop up in some social media recap of the year).

The sheer volume of images we accumulate now, coupled with the frequency with which we switch between multiple devices and share pictures around with friends and family, means that duplicates can quickly appear. Before you know it, you’ve got seven copies of the same meme or the same school photo of your niece on your phone.

Duplicate photos don’t really serve any purpose, other than to take up space on your smartphone (and your cloud storage accounts). Fortunately, weeding them out isn’t too difficult, and there are ways to attempt the task on both Android and iOS that don’t take a huge amount of time or effort.

Finding duplicates on Android

Android phones differ in certain ways depending on their manufacturer, but most Android users are likely to be using Google Photos. You may not realize it, but Google Photos actually has duplicate detection built in: If you try and upload an image that’s exactly the same as an image already in your library, then it won’t be saved. (You can test this feature by copying an image on a computer, and then trying to upload both copies to Google Photos on the web.)

If you do spot photos that look identical in Google Photos, they’re probably just very similar, or set to different sizes. It’s also worth bearing in mind that while Google Photos won’t upload the same photo twice to the cloud, this doesn’t affect the images stored locally on your phone, so duplicates might creep in here. For example, you might have taken a photo and then sent it on through a messaging app, which would create its own backup of the file.

To check for duplicate files (including photos) on an Android handset, you can use Files by Google. Open up the app, then tap the Clean icon on the toolbar at the bottom. If there are indeed duplicate files on your phone, you should see a prompt to delete them with a Select files button: Tap this and you can pick which duplicates you want to delete. To erase them all, pick All duplicates. Note that only the file copies will be wiped—the originals will be left intact.

Samsung offers a similar feature on its Galaxy phones through the Samsung My Files app. Scroll down on the front screen of the app, then choose Manage storage and Duplicate files. If there are any duplicates on your handset, you’ll be able to see them alongside the originals in a list: Select the copies that you want to get rid of, then tap the Delete icon at the bottom.

If neither of those options work for you for whatever reason, there are plenty of third-party tools for the job available on the Google Play Store. One of the best we’ve come across is Duplicates Cleaner. It is fast and free to use—though upgrading to the premium version will give you more advanced search tools and take away the ads.

Finding duplicates on iOS

Over on iPhones, we’re assuming that most people are going to be using the default Photos app that comes with iOS. If you’re using Google Photos, then what we’ve said before still applies: Duplicates can’t be uploaded to the web, even if you have somehow amassed duplicate images on your iPhone’s local storage.

If you open up Apple Photos on your iPhone, you can tap on Albums on the bottom toolbar, and then scroll down to Duplicates to check if there are any on your device. If there are, you’ll be able to see the original images next to the copies in chronological order, with the oldest at the top. Tap the three dots (top right) then Filter to show only photos, only videos, or both together.

Tap the Merge button next to any pair of duplicates to get rid of the extra one. Apple says it keeps the “highest quality version” of the picture and moves the rest to the Recently Deleted album, where they can be recovered if necessary. If you want to select more than one pair of duplicates at a time, tap Select at the top and then Select next to every pair that you’d like to merge.

Opting to select duplicates, rather than simply tapping the Merge buttons, gives you access to some extra features as well: Tap on the three dots in the bottom right corner (with one or more pairs selected) and you have the option to delete both copies of the image, copy them somewhere else, add them to an album, and adjust the metadata associated with them (like the date and time they were taken).

As on Android, there are numerous third-party apps that will do the job of hunting down and removing duplicate photos on your iPhone for you. Remo Duplicate Photos Remover is the best free option that we’ve come across on iOS, which makes short work of finding identical images on your handset and helping you remove them.

The post How to find and delete duplicate photos on Android or iOS appeared first on Popular Science.

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This article was originally featured on The Conversation.

When you enter the gym, which way should you head first? Toward the treadmills and spin studio to get your sweat on with a cardio session? Or toward the free weights and strength-training machines to do some resistance training?

The American College of Sports Medicine suggests doing both types of exercise to take advantage of their unique benefits for improving health and daily functioning and reducing chronic disease risk. But what is the optimal sequence to get the best results?

The answer to this question is… it depends. I’m an exercise physiologist. Recently in my lab we have been studying the effects of combinations of aerobic and resistance training on improving health-related fitness, particularly aerobic capacity and muscular strength.

Research suggests that when you’re designing your exercise program, there are a few factors to take into account, including your age, fitness level and exercise history and goals. You’ll also want to consider the volume of your exercise routine–that is, its duration and intensity–and how you’ll schedule your training during the day.

Benefits of exercise

First, just about any exercise at all is going to be better for you than doing nothing.

Aerobic exercise is rhythmic activity that gets your heart pumping. Examples are walking, running, swimming, cycling and using a cardio machine such as an elliptical trainer.

Aerobic exercise can improve cardiorespiratory function–over time, your heart and lungs get better at delivering oxygen to your muscles to make energy for continued muscle contractions. Aerobic exercise can also reduce several chronic disease risk factors, increase how much energy your body uses and how much fat it burns, and improve physical and cognitive function.

Resistance training involves strengthening your muscles by lifting, pushing or pulling against resistance. This type of exercise can be done using free-weight barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, weight machines or even elastic bands.

Resistance exercise improves muscular strength, endurance and the power and the size of muscles–what exercise physiologists call muscle hypertrophy. Studies show resistance training has health-related benefits, as well, particularly for people who have or are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. It can improve blood pressure, blood levels of glucose and the ability of muscles to use glucose for energy, and it helps maintain lean body mass and bone health.

Training for health benefits

With a limited amount of time to devote to working out, many people include both cardio and weights in the same exercise session. This concurrent training comes with plenty of benefits for your health, including lowering your cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

In fact, doing both forms of exercise together is better, especially for people with chronic disease risk factors, than exercising for the same amount of time but sticking with just aerobic or resistance exercise.

Studies of concurrent training suggest a generalized training effect–similar improvements in aerobic capacity and muscular strength, regardless of the order of aerobic and resistance exercises in a session. These benefits hold for a wide variety of people, including those who are initially inactive, recreationally active, young people and older women and men.

Resistance exercise done before aerobic exercise results in a small increase in lower-body muscular strength without compromising all the other improvements in health-related physical fitness.

So if your exercise goals are along the lines of staying generally healthy and enjoying the mental benefits of moving your body, resistance training first might provide a little boost. Research suggests that overall, though, you don’t need to worry too much about which order to focus on–cardio versus weights.

Training with performance goals in mind

On the other hand, you may want be more thoughtful about the order of your workout if you’re a performance-oriented athlete who is training to get better at a particular sport or prepare for a competition.

Research suggests that for these exercisers, concurrent training may slightly inhibit improvement in aerobic capacity. More likely, it can hinder gains in muscular strength and power development, and to a lesser degree muscle growth. This phenomenon is called the “interference effect.” It shows up most in well-trained athletes undertaking high volumes of both aerobic and resistance exercise.

Researchers are still investigating what happens on a cellular level to cause the interference effect. Aerobic and resistance training unleash competing influences at the molecular level that affect genetic signaling and protein synthesis. At the start of an exercise program, the body’s adaptations are more generalized. But with more training, the muscle changes become more and more specific to the kind of work being done, and the likelihood of the interference effect kicking in increases.

Of course, many sports require combinations of aerobic and muscular capabilities. Some elite-level athletes need to improve both. So the question remains: What is the optimal order of the two modes of exercise to get the best performance effects?

Given research findings about concurrent training for high-level athletes, it makes sense to do resistance exercise first or to train first in the type of exercise that is most important to your performance goals. Additionally, if possible, elite athletes should give their bodies a break of at least three hours between resistance and aerobic training sessions.

Don’t sweat the order

In my lab, we’re studying what we call “microcycles” of aerobic and resistance exercise. Instead of needing to decide which to do first, you weave the two modalities together in much shorter bursts. For instance, one set of a resistance exercise is immediately followed by three minutes of walking or running; you repeat this cycle for as many times as necessary to include all of the resistance exercises in your routine.

Our preliminary findings suggest this method of concurrent training results in similar gains in aerobic fitness, muscular strength and lean muscle mass–while also feeling less challenging–when compared with the typical concurrent routine where all of the resistance exercise is followed by all of the aerobic exercise.

For most people, my current advice remains to choose the order of exercise based on your personal preferences and what will keep you coming back to the gym. High-level athletes can avoid any significant interference effect by doing their resistance routine before the aerobic routine or by separating their aerobic and resistance workouts within a particular day.

Randal Claytor is the Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health at Miami University. Disclosure statement: Randal Claytor has received funding in the past from NIH, AHA, ADA.

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The start of a new year is a time to take stock, a time to make plans, and a time to get your life in better order—and you can, if you like, extend that to the home screens that appear whenever you unlock your smartphone. You’re most likely going to be spending a lot of time staring at these home screens as you navigate between apps and widgets. The better organized they are, the quicker you can get stuff done. 

The more apps you have installed, the more unruly and sprawling your home screens are likely to become, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Both Android and iOS come with features you can use to help bring some order to the chaos. Put aside a few minutes for the job and you’ll soon have your home screens in better shape.

Android

Different Android phone manufacturers take different approaches to home screen management, but some tricks work the same on almost all phones. For example, try dragging one app shortcut on top of another on the home screen: A new folder is created that you can drag more apps into. Tap on a folder to open it and rename it, and drag all the shortcuts out of a folder to delete it.

You can make more room for your app icons by creating more home screens—just press and hold an app icon, drag it to the far right of the screen, and a new home screen will appear–like a new, swipeable page. There’s a balance to be struck between having home screens that are too cluttered and having too many home screens, but you’ve got that flexibility.

On Pixel phones, tap and hold on a blank area of a home screen, then choose Home settings to make further changes. The next page lets you turn off the default behavior of adding home screen shortcuts for every app you install (for a more streamlined home screen). You can also tap Suggestions to have your phone create a bottom row of shortcuts on the first home screen, based on the apps you use the most.

If you’re using a Galaxy phone, press and hold on a blank area of a home screen, then choose Settings to find some configuration options: As on Pixel phones, you can prevent home screen shortcuts from appearing automatically for new apps you install. You can also change the grid size for your home screens and the folders on it.

Widgets are another way of keeping home screens organized: If you have at-a-glance information from an app (like the weather forecast), you may not need a home screen shortcut for it. Tap and hold on a blank area of a home screen, then choose Widgets to see what’s available (the list will depend on the apps you’ve got installed).

[ Related: The best sports widgets for iPhone and iPad ]

To remove an app shortcut from a home screen, press and hold on it, then drag it up to the Remove panel (on Pixel phones) or tap the Remove icon (on Galaxy phones). New shortcuts can be added from the app drawer, where all of your apps are: Swipe up from the bottom of the home screen to find it, then tap and hold on an app to drag a new shortcut to one of the home screens.

iOS

Over on the iPhone, you have your home screens, and also (if you keep swiping to the left) your app library. The app library is where all of your apps are, so you don’t need them all on your home screens too: To change where new apps are added by default, open Home Screen & App Library from the iOS Settings screen, then choose Add to Home Screen or App Library Only.

If there’s an app shortcut on a home screen that you only want in the app library, press and hold on the shortcut, then choose Remove App and Remove from Home Screen—the shortcut disappears, but the app is still available in the app library. You can’t customize the categories that the app library sorts your apps into, but you can use the search box at the top if you’re struggling to find something.

As on Android, just drag one home screen app shortcut on top of another one to create a new folder, which can help reduce home screen clutter further. If you open up the folder, you can rename it by tapping and holding on the current name, and remove apps by dragging them back out again. When only one app is left, the folder disappears.

To find more organization options for your home screens, press and hold on a blank area of any home screen until the apps start shaking. You can then tap on any – (minus) symbol to remove an app shortcut or widget, or tap the + (plus) icon in the top left to add new widgets. You can also drag app shortcuts around to rearrange them.

Tap the dots at the bottom of the screen while you’re in this edit mode, and you’re able to see all of your home screens: Uncheck any of the circles underneath to hide a particular home screen from view, which is handy if there are groups of apps you only use occasionally. Tap and drag on any of the home screens to change the order they’re in.

To add new home screen shortcuts, find the app you want to add a shortcut for in the app library, then tap and hold on it and pick Add to Home Screen from the menu that pops up. If the option isn’t there, then it means there’s already a shortcut for the app somewhere on one of your home screens.

The post How to finally get your smartphone home screens organized appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		DeWalt 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver		SEE IT	Powerful, portable, durable, and available for under $100.
Best for PC building		iFu Mini Electric Screwdriver		SEE IT	An essential kit for anyone who’s part of the right to repair movement.
Best budget		BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver		SEE IT	A no-frills tool that’ll save you time during common tasks for under $20.

An electric screwdriver—which is different than a drill or impact driver in that it’s smaller, less powerful, and less expensive—can be a helpful time-saving tool to have on your belt. This belt-friendly tool can help you insert or remove screws when assembling furniture, a new computer, or taking on any number of DIY projects. If you’d like to make a better effort to take on home improvement tasks rather than paying for them, getting one of the best electric screwdrivers will equip you, literally, with a tool that you’ll reach for continuously.

• Best overall: DEWALT 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver
• Best for PC building: iFu Mini Electric Screwdriver
• Best small: STREBITO Mini Electric Screwdriver
• Best corded: VISLONE Handheld Corded Electric Screwdriver
• Best budget: BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver

How we chose the best electric screwdrivers

Our recommendations for the best electric screwdrivers came from deep research into this tool category, a favorite in our storage shed. We assessed many models’ power levels, size, and price before deciding which ones to feature. We also made sure to include options that are particularly well suited to specific tasks like PC building and general-purpose models that can be used in multiple applications.

The best electric screwdrivers: Reviews & Recommendations

Ready to add another handheld power tool to your tool box? Don’t worry; an electric screwdriver will come in handy more often than you think, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to over a drill or impact driver in many cases.

Best overall: DEWALT 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Cordless: Yes
• Size: 9.5 x 2.06 x 7.88 Inches
• Price: $81.38

Pros

• Speeds up to 430 RPM
• Built-in light
• One hour charging

Cons

• Price
• No bits included

DeWalt makes many of the best tools we’ve seen and tested (including power drills), and its electric screwdriver is no different. In addition to featuring the company’s telltale yellow and black look, the screwdriver is also a lot more powerful than most tools in its category. The screwdriver can spin at a maximum of 430 rotations per minute, which is enough speed to drive a screw through most materials with ease. A light above the bit will engage whenever the tool is in use, so you’ll have ample illumination in dark areas.

One of our favorite features is this tool’s battery indicator, which is comprised of three LEDs on top of the screwdriver. You can check the electric screwdriver’s battery health immediately and know whether you need to pop its battery on a charger or not. DeWalt says it takes an hour to recharge this electric screwdriver’s battery fully. Our only complaint with this tool is that it’s significantly more expensive than our other recommendations, which is exacerbated by the fact that you need to pick up a bit separately. DeWalt offers a bundle that includes this electric screwdriver and a 45-bit set, which is more expensive but may be the way to go if you want a single-purchase solution.

Still, if you want the power of a drill in a much smaller form factor, the only way to go is DeWalt’s electric screwdriver.

Best for PC building: iFu Mini Electric Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Cordless: Yes
• Size: 9.68 x 5.39 x 1.65 Inches
• Price: $71.99

Pros

• Slim profile
• Includes harder-to-find bits
• Magnetized bits

Cons

• Designed for specific tasks

If you’re a tinkerer who likes to repair technology for yourself or others, iFu’s Mini Electric Screwdriver is going to be a game changer. The screwdriver itself is impossibly thin—it resembles a thick marker rather than a tool—and comes in a set with 90 pieces. Many of those pieces are bits, which range from common (Phillips and flathead) to the obscure Pentalobe screws used by tech companies to keep hobbyists out. This repair kit also includes picks, tweezers, a suction cup, and other tools required to get inside gadgets.

iFu’s electric screwdriver has a three-LED light to provide light when working in dark areas, rechargeable battery that can be refilled in one hour, and motor mechanism that has been optimized to provide the perfect amount of power. The screwdriver will have enough strength to get screws in and out of gadgets without the risk of damaging fragile parts in your expensive gaming PC—or the tool itself. It’s frustrating to lose a screw you just removed inside of a smartphone or game console’s case, which is why we’re happy this screwdriver’s bits are magnetized. It can catch those bits before they fall.

It doesn’t have the raw power of DeWalt’s electric screwdriver, designed for heavy-duty tasks. But, if all you need is a solid repair kit for your tech, iFu’s Mini Electric Screwdriver is well worth the investment.

Best small: STREBITO Mini Electric Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Cordless: Yes
• Size: 8.15 x 2.88 x 1.46 Inches
• Price: $35.99

Pros

• Built-in lights
• Magnetized bits
• Comes with a set of tools

Cons

• Weaker than other recommendations

STREBITO’s Mini Electric Screwdriver has most of the features we loved about iFu’s Mini Electric Screwdriver, but in an even more compact design. This tool comes with 30 bits, a spudger, SIM card opener, and neat carrying case. A trio of LEDs engage when the screwdriver is in use to provide light, while a USB-C port at the bottom can be used for charging. While this electric screwdriver is less than half as powerful as DeWalt’s electric screwdriver—this model tops out at 200RPM—that restraint is actually positive when working with fragile gadgets like laptops. SREBITO says this battery can be fully charged in under one hour, and insert or exhume 500 screws before needing to be plugged back in.

The key to this electric screwdriver’s usefulness is its size. At just over 8 inches long and under 1.5 inches deep you could easily fit this tool into a pocket. If you’re working with smaller devices—a game controller, smartphone, or toy, for example—larger screwdrivers, drills, or other tools won’t go over the level of maneuverability necessary to get inside tight spots. STREBITO’s Mini Electric Screwdriver was designed specifically for that purpose so you can get the job done quickly.

Best corded: VISLONE Handheld Corded Electric Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Cordless: No
• Size: ‎10.98 x 4.53 x 2.28 Inches
• Price: $30.99

Pros

• Never runs out of battery
• On-tool torque adjustment
• Incredibly powerful

Cons

• Requires an outlet

If you don’t want to worry about your electric screwdriver running out of battery at an inopportune time or plan to exclusively use it at a workbench, VISLONE’s Handheld Corded Electric Screwdriver is the right choice. It’s relatively small, light, and comes with physical switches and knobs, which can be used to adjust its direction, torque (twisting force), and whether it’s on or off. The screwdriver is relatively short but thicker than many other recommendations. This girth and its textured grip make the tool easier to hold but also increase its weight.

The downside to using a corded electric screwdriver is having to work near an outlet, but the tool’s incredible power completely outweighs that issue. It has a maximum speed of 900RPM, which makes it the most powerful electric screwdriver we’re recommending by a longshot. This results from the tool receiving a steady flow of electricity and not having to make any sacrifices for the sake of battery optimization. At its top speed, this tool can replace an electric drill in most instances, but you’ll need to ratchet it way down for working on delicate projects.

Best budget: BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Cordless: Yes
• Size: ‎9 x 3 x 2 Inches
• Price: $19.32

Pros

• Has a manual mode
• No charging time required
• Price

Cons

• No frills

BLACK+DECKER took a literal approach to designing its incredibly budget-friendly electric screwdriver, and it’s an incredible value at its sub $20 price point. This is a cordless electric screwdriver, but it runs on AA batteries instead of a rechargeable one. That means you can pop in a fresh batch when the screwdriver dies instead of having to plug it into a wall to charge. We recommend using rechargeable batteries to stay eco-friendly. If you don’t have any batteries on hand, you can use this electric screwdriver manually, which you could do during common lightweight tasks to extend the tool’s battery life.

This electric screwdriver doesn’t have LEDs to guide you during repairs and isn’t accompanied by a large bit set (though BLACK+DECKER does have a bundle that includes one), but the basics will serve you well during around-the-house repairs like screwing in new outlet receptacles. That’s perfectly fine given its price point, and you should view this tool as a convenient time saver above all else.

What to consider when buying the best electric screwdriver

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best electric screwdriver for you. Below you’ll find the ones we weighted most lightly when compiling our recommendations.

Power source

Most of the electric screwdrivers we’re recommending are cordless, meaning they run on a battery. However, this means you’ll need to remember to charge them on a regular basis. Corded electric screwdrivers are less common, and you’ll have to tether yourself to an outlet to use them, but they’ll always be ready to work when plugged in.

Size

All of our electric screwdriver recommendations are roughly the same length, but they can vary in width. Thinner electric screwdrivers are easier to hold but are less powerful and have smaller batteries. Thicker electric screwdrivers are bulkier but can be used in more applications.

Cost

All of the electric screwdrivers above cost under $100, but they still vary in price quite a lot. We included models that span a wide range so serious DIY hobbyists and novices alike can find one that works well for them.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best electric screwdrivers

• Best overall: DEWALT 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver
• Best for PC building: iFu Mini Electric Screwdriver
• Best small: STREBITO Mini Electric Screwdriver
• Best corded: VISLONE Handheld Corded Electric Screwdriver
• Best budget: BLACK+DECKER Cordless Screwdriver

Electric screwdrivers have been overlooked due to the ubiquity and popularity of drills, but they’re a smaller and much more cost-effective tool for common DIY tasks. If you’re tired of using a manual screwdriver, even a ratcheting one, but don’t need a lot of horsepower to complete the job, an electric screwdriver is the perfect middle ground. If you take care of it, the screwdriver will likely last a lifetime.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best electric screwdrivers for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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If you’ve followed the tech headlines in recent months, you’ve likely noticed the influx of artificial intelligence features and tools appearing inside many of our apps and gadgets. This phenomenon includes the excellent  Google Photos app. AI has long played an important role in Google Photos, doing everything from grouping images by the people in them, to brightening up dark spots.

With the launch of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones though, the AI capabilities leveled up. These two handsets are the first Pixel phones to support Magic Editor, a new photo trickery feature that lets you apply a variety of effects with a single tap—effects that would’ve previously needed a computer, Photoshop, and a lot of time and skill.

Magic Editor can move people from one spot to another inside an image, or remove people and other objects altogether. You can use it to change the look of the sky, and even introduce elements that weren’t in the original snap.

Google says that “select Pixel phones” (including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro) now have “early access” to Magic Editor. Over time, it should come to more handsets—to see if you’ve got it now, open an image in Google Photos on Android, tap Edit, then look for the Magic Editor icon—a glowing button in the lower left corner.

Making changes with Magic Editor

If you do find the Magic Editor button inside Google Photos, your first step is to select something on the image to manipulate. Options include a person, an object, or even the sky. If you want the app to suggest something to alter, tap the suggestions icon—the magic wand symbol at the bottom.

To make a manual selection, you can scribble over something with your finger, or circle it, or just tap it—the AI in Google Photos will try and intelligently select what it thinks you want to select (this is obviously easier if it stands out from the background). If you need to, pinch your fingers out or in on the image to change the zoom level.

Once you’ve made a selection, you can refine it by adding or subtracting from the selection using the buttons in the lower right corner of the interface. You can also make multiple selections if needed, using the same techniques—handy if there are several objects you need to take out of a picture.

If all you want to do is rub out the people or items you’ve selected, just tap Erase. Alternatively, tap and hold the selection to do something else with it: You can move it to a different position, or you can make it larger or smaller by dragging two fingers further apart on the selection or bring two fingers closer together. When you’re ready to start processing, tap the arrow button in the bottom right corner.

Whatever operation you’ve chosen to do, the app will take a few moments to think and to work with what you’ve given it. If you’ve erased something, for example, generative AI will fill in the space that’s left. The app will display four different versions of the resulting image, which you can swipe between to see the differences.

If you’re happy with what Google Photos has done, you can press the checkmark button (lower right) to save a copy of the image. If you’re not happy, you can go back, or swipe all the way to the right and get the app to generate another four images based on the selections you’ve made.

After you’ve performed one magic edit, you can carry on and do others as well, until you like what you see. You’re able to wipe away passersby who have ruined your family photo, for example, or add in a more dramatic sky to a landscape shot, or bring your pet pooch more into the foreground, using the Magic Editor tools.

It’s all designed to be as streamlined and as accessible as possible, but do remember that this is an early version—it’s going to get a lot better and roll out to a lot more devices over time. In essence, it’s advanced photo editing in an instant, in your pocket, and another example of how quickly AI capabilities are progressing.

The post This hidden Google Photos feature on Pixel phones transforms images using AI appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set		SEE IT	Durability, comfort, value, and the widest assortment of screwdrivers make this the ultimate set.
Best for computers		iFixit Manta		SEE IT	Equip yourself with all the tools you’ll need to open up a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Best budget		Amartisan 10-Piece Magnetic Screwdrivers Set		SEE IT	A 10-screwdriver set for roughly $10.

Screwdriver sets perfectly embody the adage “the right tool for the job.” These sets contain multiple Phillips and flathead screwdrivers of varying lengths and widths. Having one will ensure you’ll be prepared for the DIY project you’re working on, regardless of its scope. Fixing a video game controller and assembling furniture both require a screwdriver, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one best suited for both tasks (unless it’s a multi-bit one with exchangeable heads, which is an option). Picking up one of the best screwdriver sets will make these endeavors—and many more—much more straightforward.

• Best overall: CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set
• Best splurge: Klein Tools Screwdriver Set with Magnetizer / Demagnetizer
• Best for computers: iFixit Manta
• Best compact: R-Deer 8 in 1 Multifunction Folding Screwdriver Set
• Best value: Amartisan 10-Piece Magnetic Screwdrivers Set

How we chose the best screwdriver sets

While screwdriver sets are incredibly simple—the tools are completely analog and share almost identical physical attributes and practical applications—we found a couple of metrics to judge our recommendations. It came down to how many screwdrivers were included in the set, which impacted its overall size and occasionally cost. In every case, we recommend keeping these screwdrivers in a toolbox for safekeeping and easy access.

The best screwdriver sets: Reviews & Recommendations

Ready to add another tool set to your garage, storage shed, etc., and finally tackle that minor home renovation you’ve been putting off for lack of infrastructure? One of the screwdriver sets here will be the key to unlocking an entirely new world of home improvement or refurbishment.

Best overall: CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set

SEE IT

Specs

• Number of screwdrivers: 13
• Magnetization: No
• Price: $27.99

Pros

• Largest number of screwdrivers
• Made from alloy steel
• Price

Cons

• Not magnetized

If you want the most comprehensive screwdriver set available at a reasonable price, you can’t go wrong with this one from Craftsman. The screwdrivers in this 13-piece set range in size from 2.5 to 9 inches long and include a mix of Phillips and flathead models. The smallest screwdrivers in this set have slightly thicker handles, so you can still get a good grip on them. The handles for each screwdriver are slightly rigid, which also helps to reduce the chances of slippage while you twist.

Craftsman tools are known for their durability, and these screwdrivers are no different. They’re made from highly durable alloy steel that won’t chip, scratch, or bend even after repeated use. If longevity is your chief concern when deciding which screwdriver set to get, the materials Craftsman used make a big difference—especially given this set’s sub-$30 price. The tips of these screwdrivers aren’t magnetized, which isn’t a dealbreaker but would have been nice to have. If magnetization isn’t a must-have feature for you, we can’t recommend Craftsman’s screwdriver set highly enough.

Best splurge: Klein Tools Screwdriver Set with Magnetizer / Demagnetizer

SEE IT

Specs

• Number of screwdrivers: 8
• Magnetization: No
• Price: $68.98

Pros

• Wide range of sizes
• Includes magnetizer and demagnetizer
• Cushion grip

Cons

• Price

If money is no object, the best screwdriver set for you is this 8-piece option from Klein Tools. Its assortment of Phillips and flathead screwdrivers aren’t magnetized by default, but this set has a magnetization tool. This orange piece uses rare earth metals to magnetize a screwdriver’s shaft to attract screws. This ensures the magnetic field around the screwdriver is strong and doesn’t wear down over time. If you’re working on electronics or another object that can be disturbed or damaged by a magnetic field, you can use the same tool to demagnetize your screwdrivers. This is about as high-tech as you can get in the screwdriver set world.

For comfort, each screwdriver’s base is fitted with a cushioned grip, which makes them easier to use without gloves. Each base has some raised and lowered sections to provide a little extra tension when turning. These design touches and the magnetizer tool that’ll last a lifetime make this screwdriver set from Klein Tools worth its higher-than-average price.

Best for computers: iFixit Manta

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Specs

• Number of screwdrivers: 2
• Magnetization: Yes
• Price: $69.99

Pros

• Bit set includes obscure pieces
• Magnetized
• Includes a case

Cons

• Price

This screwdriver set from iFixit only comes with a couple of screwdrivers, but its 112 driver bits allow you to tackle any technology repair. This screwdriver set works similarly to a ratcheting screwdriver in that you swap just the heads rather than different tools. What sets the iFixit Manta apart is that it includes tiny specialized bits that are required to open up gadgets made by popular technology companies like Apple and Google, which use more obscure screws that keep tinkerers out.

Of course, some bits allow you to use the two screwdrivers in this set to work with Phillips and flathead screws of any size. Each bit in this set is magnetized, which is particularly important because it can be difficult to find a screw that’s fallen inside a computer’s case. All of the pieces in this set are neatly stored inside a two-piece hard plastic case that stays closed using magnets. Each bit slot is labeled so that you can pick the right one out efficiently. All of the bits are made from steel.

If you’ve become an ardent advocate of the right-to-repair movement, this is the screwdriver set you should keep handy for tech repairs.

Best compact: R-Deer 8 in 1 Multifunction Folding Screwdriver Set

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Specs

• Number of screwdrivers: 8
• Magnetization: No
• Price: $11.99

Pros

• Portability
• Covers a wide range of screwdriver tip sizes
• Easy to store

Cons

• No magnetization

What if an entire screwdriver set fit inside a pants pocket? R-Deer answered that question with this screwdriver set, designed like a multi-tool. Each of its eight screwdriver shafts can be pulled out when necessary and then folded back into a base that’s just 4.65 inches long and 1.65 inches wide. The screwdrivers are made from chrome vanadium steel, with a nickel plating that improves rust resistance.

This ultra-portable screwdriver set has four Phillips and four flathead screwdrivers of varying sizes. They can be used at a 180-degree angle when fully extended or a 90-degree angle when partially extended. This flexibility will allow you to use them in different applications where space may be tight. These screwdrivers aren’t magnetized, but that isn’t a standard feature, given this set’s very low price. If you want a screwdriver set that you can keep with you anywhere—or even keep in the car in case of an emergency—you won’t find a better choice.

Best budget: Amartisan 10-Piece Magnetic Screwdrivers Set

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Specs

• Number of screwdrivers: 10
• Magnetization: Yes
• Price: $10.99

Pros

• Comes in a case
• Magnetized
• Price

Cons

• Pear-shaped base may be uncomfortable to hold

Ironically, the least expensive set we’re recommending has the second-highest number of screwdrivers, which is one of the biggest reasons it’s the best bang for the buck. Amartisan’s set has almost all the features found in our higher-rated, more expensive sets. Each of the 10 screwdrivers is made from steel and has a magnetized tip. The set included a Phillips and flathead portable key screwdriver, which you can keep on your keyring and use in case of an emergency.

One of the biggest surprises is that Amartisan includes a clear, tube-shaped case to store the screwdrivers in when you’re not using them. Our only complaint is that these screwdrivers have an oddly shaped base, which may make them a little more difficult to hold depending on the size of your hands and the strength of your grip. If you find these screwdrivers comfortable to hold, there’s little need to spring for a more expensive screwdriver set unless you have specific needs.

What to consider when shopping for the best electric screwdrivers

You have to make many decisions before determining the best screwdriver set for your needs. Below are the factors we considered most important when researching this story:

Number of screwdrivers

When shopping for the best screwdriver set, the first factor is how many screwdrivers you realistically need. Having a bunch of screwdrivers may seem like the right move—more is more, right?—but it means you’ll have to keep track of (and store) more tools. Screwdriver sets with fewer screwdrivers will cover the most common household and DIY tasks just fine.

Magnetization

Some of the screwdriver sets we’re recommending come with screwdrivers outfitted with magnetized tips, which make it easier to keep screws on them while you’re doing your work. Screws that you’re unscrewing will also stay attached to the magnetic tip instead of getting lost.

Cost

As always, our guide was devised to suit the widest budget range. All but one of our recommendations cost under $50, and most are available for under $20.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best screwdriver sets

• Best overall: CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set
• Best splurge: Klein Tools Screwdriver Set with Magnetizer / Demagnetizer
• Best for computers: iFixit Manta
• Best compact: R-Deer 8 in 1 Multifunction Folding Screwdriver Set
• Best value: Amartisan 10-Piece Magnetic Screwdrivers Set

A screwdriver set is an inexpensive upgrade to your tool supply, and it should sit nicely beside your drills, impact drivers, and saws. Picking up one of these sets will allow you to refurbish rather than replace, and even allow you to keep screwdrivers in a couple of different parts of your house, so the right tool is always in exactly the right place. A single screwdriver (or a two-pack with one Phillips head and one flathead) was not designed to work perfectly for every job. It’s better to be over-prepared with various sizes and shapes in case of an unexpected circumstance rather than having to hop in the car to a hardware store each time you hit a roadblock.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best screwdriver sets for 2024 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Every winter, after the first snowfall in the mountains, hordes of skiers and snowboarders begin their seasonal migration to their favorite ski lifts and powder-covered resorts. And to uninitiated onlookers, the way they glide down groomed trails often seems effortless. But everyone had a first day on the mountain and learning to carve a clean line after dismounting the chair lift takes time and effort to learn.

And while there’s not a right and wrong way to learn how to ski or snowboard, David Handy, the director of the ski school at Nordic Valley ski resort in Utah, says there are certainly more efficient ways. So if you’re ready to put boots in bindings, here are his tips for kicking off the season right so you can spend more time on the slopes and less time learning the hard way.

The case for taking lessons from an instructor

Handy learned to navigate the slopes “the hard way.” Largely self-taught, he spent years snowboarding, falling, getting back up again. Each fall brought a new, painful lesson. “The first time I was ever on a mountain, I remember for hours I was just beating myself up on the snow,” he recalls. But the day he took his first lesson as an adult 15 years later, “It completely transformed and revolutionized my riding.”

It put a voice to and concretely identified what he had or hadn’t been doing for years–and almost immediately made him a better rider. Lessons, he intimately understands now, have the potential to cut a significant amount of time and pain from the learning curve.

But more than that, lessons help beginners understand the rules of the mountain. Like trail etiquette for hikers, ski etiquette helps keep everyone safe on the hill. Lessons are useful for learning things like how to dismount a ski lift properly, how and where to stop, and who has the right-of-way on the downhill (anyone in front of you).

And while you may be able to learn plenty from friends who are more experienced skiers, neither Handy nor Richard Walter, the head of Ski School Arlberg in St. Anton, Austria, home to perhaps the first modern version of a ski school in the world, recommend going that route. At best, your companions may impart their bad habits or improper technique, and at worst, they’ll leave you high and dry at the top of a route you’re not experienced enough to safely complete.

Select a ski slope

The very first thing to do after deciding you’d like to start referring to yourself as a skier or snowboarder is to decide when and where you’re going to learn. If you’re headed to a ski resort for winter break or there’s only one resort with a ski school near you, that decision is likely an easy one.

But if you have a wealth of options nearby, you may have to narrow it down. To do so, Handy recommends identifying a resort that has plenty of beginner-friendly terrain. Because while a world-class destination may offer glittering lodges and picture-perfect photo ops, if it doesn’t have plenty of beginner routes, you won’t have many places to practice once you finish your lessons for the day.

Smaller, beginner-friendly resorts are also frequently less expensive, so if you’re learning on a budget, they’re an excellent option.

In addition to terrain, Handy recommends finding a resort with a ski school that is PSIA-AASI certified. This is a certification for American ski instructors that indicates lessons are built around a standard curriculum designed by lifelong skiers and boarders who outline the best, most efficient, and safest ways to teach. 

Other countries may have different certifications, but most will signify the resort abides by long-approved practices for teaching.

Get your gear

Naturally, you can’t hit the slopes without skis or a snowboard, but there’s plenty more you’ll require, including boots, warm clothes, and, at many resorts, a helmet. But Handy doesn’t recommend running out and buying it all outright before your first lesson (or even your third). After all, all the gear required could easily total over $1,000 and that’s a big investment to make in something you’re not certain you’ll love or even want to do again.

Instead, Walter suggests renting the gear you need, which nearly every ski resort offers. Some larger resorts even have high quality outerwear you can rent during your visit. Staff will help get you fitted for everything to ensure you’ll be as comfortable as possible.

Just make sure to dress in plenty of layers so you stay warm. If your toes tend to get cold, check out socks or ski boots with warming systems, Walter says.

Be prepared to fall

You’re practically guaranteed to fall when you’re a beginner, but, “There are definitely good and bad ways to fall,” Handy says, chuckling. The biggest mistake people make, he points out, is that they try to catch themselves by putting their hands out to break their fall. That’s what leads to broken and sprained wrists which are the most common injuries among skiers and snowboarders.

Instead, tuck your arms and fall on larger, sturdier body parts, Handy advises. On a board, if you fall forward, land on your knees and make your forearms your second point of contact, not your hands. If you fall backwards, roll from your butt onto your back like a turtle with your chin tucked.

If you’re on skis, fall to the side, landing on your butt, hips, and sides to keep from getting twisted up with your skis and injuring your knees and legs.

Don’t rush the process

Sometimes the process of learning how to ski and snowboard can be not only physically painful, but mentally exhausting. Falling, watching 6-year-olds cruise effortlessly past, and a lack of speedy progression can all get you down if you let them. So go in with a good attitude and, “Don’t have high expectations the first day,” Handy recommends. Give it at least three days of lessons and practice and don’t push yourself too hard or beat yourself up if you’re not where you think you should be.

After all, Handy reminds, “Snowboarding and skiing should be fun.”

The post How to learn to ski and snowboard (The right way) appeared first on Popular Science.

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The name Fitbit has become something of a catch-all of just about any wearable fitness tracking device. The now-Google-owned company has earned that esteem by producing versatile, reliable, feature-packed fitness trackers and smartwatches that are simple to operate. There’s lots that these wearables can do.

Part of the appeal of a Fitbit device is that it’ll keep tabs on your activity and your fitness automatically while you wear it, quietly logging stats and syncing them to the app on your phone. But, you can also get more proactive with the Fitbit app by setting goals for yourself too.

That means you go from simply recording what you’re up to, to trying to meet targets. That may sound a little daunting, but you’re able to build up slowly and go at your own pace—and it can do wonders for your overall well being. Note: You should talk to your doctor before starting any fitness-related activities or programs to make sure you’re going to be helping yourself and not doing harm.

Setting your goals

Open up the Fitbit app for Android or iOS on your phone, then tap the You tab, and select See all next to the Goals heading. You’ll then get a list of all the goals you can set, and all the goals you’ve configured already—for those categories where you haven’t already put a target in place, you can tap Set goal to do just that. In some cases, the Fitbit app will have already put a goal in place for you.

There are more options for goal setting than you might have realized: Some relate to data automatically gathered by your Fitbit device (like energy burn), while others draw on data that you’ll have to log manually (like nutrition). Your options cover sleep, movement, weight, mindfulness, and more besides.

The exact procedure for setting a goal will vary depending on the goal type. For example, if you tap on Sleep duration, you can adjust the amount of sleep you want to log each night by tapping on the + (plus) and – (minus) buttons to set hours and minutes. Tap on Hourly activity, and you’re able to choose the hours of the day that count towards your goals.

You can jump back in on any of these goals and make changes as you go, if you find that you’ve been a bit too ambitious (or not ambitious enough). If you prefer, you can also make changes to your goals via the Fitbit web dashboard: Hover over the tile showing the goal you want to adjust, then click the cog icon.

Your Fitbit device also has a main goal attached—this is the one featured most prominently in the app and on the web. To set it in the app, tap the devices icon on the Today tab (top left), then pick your device and Main Goal—your options will vary depending on the device, but you can typically choose from Steps, Distance, and Calories.

Staying on track

Once your goals are set, you can rely on your Fitbit to track your progress. If you need to log something manually (such as water intake), tap on the + (plus) button on the Today tab inside the app, then choose whatever it is you want to log. You can also log activities manually if your Fitbit hasn’t picked them up.

The Today tab keeps you right up to date with how close you’re getting to your targets, with the pale green circles filling up with a darker green shade as you go. Tap on any of the stats (such as steps taken or distance covered) to get a more detailed breakdown, and to look back on previous days.

You can change the look of the Today tab if it’s not highlighting the goals you’re most interested in. Tap the pen icon (top right), then swipe left or right to work through the various layouts—there’s also a custom layout where you can pick exactly which goals are shown at the top of the screen. Further down the settings page you can show or hide particular metrics as well. Tap Save to confirm your choices.

The Fitbit app can send you notifications about your progress if you’d find that useful. To set them up, Tap your account picture (top right), then Fitbit settings and Notifications to make your choices. You can opt into a weekly summary of everything you’ve been doing, for example.

You might also find some encouragement from the achievement badges that appear inside the Fitbit app, which you’ll find on the You tab. Tap on the See all links next to any badge category to see the badges you’ve got, and those that you can still aim for—which might give you some additional motivation in hitting those goals.

The post How to set goals and track your progress on your Fitbit wearable device appeared first on Popular Science.

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When it comes to using your laptop on a train, or anywhere without WiFi, using your phone as a hotspot is a great solution. The only real downside: Computers soak up lots of data. Phones are designed to wait until you connect to WiFi to do things like download software updates, but computers don’t know any better. 

You probably never think about how much data your computer uses when you’re at home where the unlimited Wi-Fi flows freely. It’s different when you’re outside, though—unlimited mobile plans are rare, and going over your monthly allotment can get expensive quickly. Plus, even some “unlimited” plans will seriously throttle your speeds once you get past a certain threshold. I personally hot-spotted my phone during a trip to New Zealand only to discover I almost immediately used up 1GB of the 4GB SIM card I’d purchased at the airport. Here’s how to limit your usage on Windows and macOS devices. 

Enabled metered connection on Windows

Windows downloads a lot of updates and other information from Microsoft every time you connect to the internet, which can eat through mobile broadband quickly. This is why Windows allows you to mark any internet connection—including specific WiFi hotspots—as metered. 

To designate the current network as metered, open the Settings app, which you can find in the Start menu. Then, head to Network & Internet and then click the name of your current WiFi network. Turn on the Metered connection feature. Enabling this feature, according to Microsoft, changes a few things. For one, only priority updates will be installed. OneDrive also pauses automatic uploading of all offline files. App store downloads and screen tile syncing may also slow down. In addition, some apps—not all, but some—are programmed to use less of your data quota when this option is enabled. You can go further, if you want, and set a monthly data limit for the network you’ve marked as limited. Just click Set a data limit to help control data usage on this network and then click Set limit.

From here you can set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit for the metered network. All internet access will be shut down after you reach your limit. This might be a little extreme in most circumstances, granted, but it’s useful if you have a solid data cap and you don’t want to go over it. 

How to limit hot-spotted traffic on Mac

Apple’s computer operating system doesn’t really come with any built-in ways to limit usage. A third party application called TripMode does the job quite nicely, though. The application, which offers a seven day trial, starts at $17 if you buy it directly from the company. 

The application sits in the menu bar, tallying how much data you’ve used since you connected to the current WiFi network. 

Just knowing how much of your plan you’re using is helpful but TripMode goes a step further. Toggle the switch in the top-left corner and every application will be prevented from accessing the internet. You can give back permission to certain apps by checking them. This means only the apps you specifically give permission to access the internet can access the internet. 

TripMode remembers which networks you chose to limit usage on and which ones you don’t. It also remembers which applications you allowed internet access on those devices. The result: once you use TripMode for a while you won’t even have to think about it. 

The post How to use your phone as a hotspot without blowing through all your data appeared first on Popular Science.

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Christmas is in five days. You still don’t know what you’re going to gift to your dad/father-in-law/child in the family/college-age sister who is home for winter break. Enter the cordless drill. Dad and father-in-law will appreciate their new toy, it’s objectively funny to gift a power tool to a child, and you’re doing a favor to college-age sister who will need a power drill in the future. This drill and driver kit from DeWalt is 45% off and will arrive tomorrow with Prime shipping. You’re welcome.

DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit $99 (Was $179)

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This Dewalt drill has a compact and lightweight design that fits into tight areas. A high-performance motor delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power that can help you put together a shelf or build a shed. A high-speed transmission with two speeds (0-450 and 1,500 rpm) lets you use it for a range of fastening and drilling applications. Nothing says “timeless gift” like a good drill.

Here are more tool deals to gift for the entire family:

• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum, Tool Only $118.07 (Was $159)
• DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set, 142-Piece $99 (Was $155)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill, Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit, 2-Tool Cordless Power Tool Set $149 (Was $229)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander $86.14 (Was $179)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw $99 (Was $159)
• DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, SAE and Metric, 1/2, 1/4, 3/8 Drive Sizes, 192-Piece $154.99 (Was $277.99)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade $99 (Was $159)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Heat Gun $98.21 (Was $148.01)
• DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set and Drill Bit Set $44.98 (Was $65.99)
• DEWALT Mechanic Tool Set, 247-Piece $154.99 (Was $181.99)
• DEWALT Table Saw for Josites $299 (Was $419)
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw $124.99 (Was $205)

The post If you’re stumped for gifts, this DeWalt drill/driver kit is 45% off at Amazon and ships before Christmas appeared first on Popular Science.

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Sometimes you just need a quick update on the latest sports scores on your iPhone and Widgets provide the best way to do that. Widgets simply sit on your iPhone or iPad home screen and display regularly updated information you can quickly consume without opening the applications. There are plenty of great sports widgets for iPhone if you know where to look beyond the first-party offerings from teams, leagues, and even broadcast networks. Here are the applications I found that I think are best. These applications support as many sports, and leagues, as possible while providing useful, easy-to-read Widgets. 

Sports Alerts

Sports Alerts is possibly the most complete sports Widget out there right now. You can add Widgets for dozens of different sports leagues all around the world. The selection includes America’s biggest professional and college sports as well as soccer leagues from around the world (including the NWSL, which I’ve had trouble finding in other applications.) 

The app offers two main home screen Widgets—one showing you today’s scores for any given league and another focusing on a specific team. You can add as many of these widgets to your home screen as you want, meaning you could in theory add multiple leagues for an overview. Add too many apps and things start to look cluttered rather quickly, but that’s more than made up for by how information dense and up-to-the-minute accurate these Widgets are. If you want to monitor an entire league without having to open an actual app this is the widget for you. There are also a couple of PGA-specific widgets for golf fans. 

This is the only application I found that offers support for Live Activities, which show up on the iPhone lock screen before you even unlock it. This adds extra details beyond the score, like who is up to bat in an MLB game or who scored the most recent goal in an NHL contest. It’s the best way I’ve found to keep up with a game short of actually watching it, and it gets better: live activities also show up in standby mode and even the dynamic island at the top of the display on certain phones. 

Sofascore

Sofascore offers two main Widgets: a small one that shows you the score for the current game or a medium one that shows both the most recent game and the current and/or upcoming one. It’s not a lot of Widget variety, granted—it lacks the option to see scores from an entire league. But where Sofascore falls short in the Widget category it makes up for in the sheer number of leagues that are supported. I easily found the big four American organizations, of course, alongside every NCAA league you can think of. You can go so much further, though. I found darts—darts!—in this app. From what I can tell if a sport exists this app can give you a widget to track your favorite team and/or athlete in it. 

Superfan

Superfan offers a variety of extremely customizable Widgets that win when it comes to design. The problem: the free version only offers one simple Widget, which shows the current score for games on now or the time and broadcast information for the current game. I like seeing what channel a game will be on—none of the other apps I tested offered this in a widget—and for that reason I think some people will prefer even the free version of Superfan to other apps. 

Superfan offers more to people who are willing to pay. There’s customizable Widgets offering the scores for multiple games and even league standings. There’s also Live Event support, allowing you to see the score on the lock screen or in the dynamic island. The problem, and it’s a big one, is that the price is $2.99 per month—just short of $36 a year. That’s tougher to swallow than a one-time purchase price. 

Apple TV has (some) built-in support for Live Events

I’ve talked a bit about Live Events, which allow you to see live sports scores on the iPhone’s lock screen and on the dynamic island. You don’t necessarily need an app to use this feature. The Apple TV app, which comes pre-installed on your iPhone and iPad, offers it. Just open the application, scroll down until you see Live Sports, and open that. Find the game you want to keep track of, tap it, then tap the Follow live button. 

This feature doesn’t work for many leagues at the moment—it’s limited to the NBA, MLB, MLS, and some European soccer matches. And it’s a little annoying to turn on. You’ll have to repeat these steps every time a game you want to follow live. Still, it’s nice not to have to install anything. Hopefully they add more leagues soon. 

The post The best sports widgets for iPhone and iPad appeared first on Popular Science.

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As movies have become available for digital download or subscription-based streaming, the popularity of physical media has understandably dwindled. Best Buy’s recent announcement that it will no longer stock DVDs or Blu-rays provides an undeniable sign of the times. Digital is quicker, easier, and doesn’t require a trip out into the real world.

The digital model isn’t perfect, however, which makes owning Blu-rays (or even old DVDs) appealing here in the download era. Digital content doesn’t stick around forever—and you may well have noticed content turning up and then disappearing on your streaming service of choice. You’re only really renting access to a library that’s constantly shifting. You may find yourself debating whether you want to pay another four dollars to rent a movie that was on Netflix just two weeks ago.

Complex licensing arrangements can change suddenly and across regions. Even digital content that users “own” can get pulled from a platform completely, as has happened with the PlayStation Store. Imagine spending money to own a digital copy of a movie forever—and then finding it’s been taken away from you.

With all of this in mind—and with home internet connections under more strain than ever—perhaps we’ve abandoned physical media a little too prematurely. There’s still something to be said for building up your own collection of high-definition Blu-ray movies, which will always belong to you in perpetuity (and which will still work even when the Wi-Fi has gone down).

Watching Blu-rays on your TV is simple if you have a proper player (which includes the current Xbox and PlayStation consoles). PC playback requires a bit more work.  You need to make sure you’ve got the right hardware and the right software in place—and you’ll probably need to spend some money—but we’ll guide you through all the considerations.

How to play Blu-rays on a Windows PC

First of all, you’re going to need a Blu-ray player for your Windows PC—they’re not as ubiquitous as they once were, but you can still find them. If you’re buying a custom-made desktop computer, building your own from scratch, or already own one with a free 3.5-inch drive slot in it, then you can go for an internal option like the LG WH16NS40 or the Pioneer BDR-212DBK (both in the $80-90 range at the time of writing).

You will of course need to make sure that your motherboard has the necessary connections to hook up to the drive—SATA (Serial AT Attachment) in the case of the models we just mentioned—so if you’re not sure, get some advice from your local PC builder, or run a web search on your motherboard make and model.

If you don’t want to open up your existing desktop computer, aren’t building a new one, or have a laptop, then an external Blu-ray player is the way to go. Your options here include the Asus BW-16D1X-U ($140) or the Pioneer BDR-XD08B ($145): These drives simply connect up to your Windows PC via a USB cable, and then you’re good to go.

With a Blu-ray drive installed, and a Blu-ray disc of a movie you want to watch, all that’s left is the software. Unfortunately, Windows 11 can’t play Blu-rays natively, so you’re going to need some third-party software to do the job—and due to the video format licensing involved, you’re mostly restricted to paid-for options.

Both CyberLink PowerDVD ($70) and JRiver Media Center ($70) will do the job for you, and you can test them for free first. If you’re ordering a new custom-built PC with a Blu-ray drive included, you might be able to get the software bundled with it for a lower price—but that’s down to the discretion of whomever is building your PC. The good news is that those are one-off costs, and will give you years of Blu-ray watching.

You can watch Blu-ray discs through free software such as VLC Media Player, but it requires a lot of additional, manual work—see here for a comprehensive guide—and isn’t always guaranteed to function properly. If you enjoy tinkering around with software and video codecs, it might be something you want to try first before spending money on software.

The post How to play Blu-rays on PCs (and why you’d want to) appeared first on Popular Science.

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We spend a lot of time staring at the screens on our phones, and those screens are only getting brighter: The iPhone 15 can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, compared with the 1,200 nits of the iPhone 14 that came the year before. Of course, it won’t always operate at those eye-scorching levels, but illumination levels are constantly creeping upward.

While there’s no clear evidence between electronic screens and permanent eye damage, studies are beginning to link excessive phone use with eye strain, at least—and you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your vision. The effect varies depending on your eyes as well. 

Aside from just using your phone less, these devices come with built-in tools to minimize the negative effects of prolonged screen time. For example, both iPhones and Android phones let you reduce the amount of blue light emitted in the evening—something that’s thought to disrupt sleep if consumed at the wrong times. You can find the blue light controls under Display & Brightness then Night Shift in Settings on iOS, and under Display and Night Light in Settings on Android, but here we’re focusing on a different tool: Screen Distance.

Screen Distance is new in iOS 17, so make sure your iPhone is up to date to make use of it. It’s included in iPadOS 17 as well, so it’s available on your iPad if you need it.

How Screen Distance works

The aim of Screen Distance is to make sure you’re not holding your phone’s screen too close to your eyes. There’s some research associating smart device use with myopia, or near-sightedness, and Apple has introduced Screen Distance to reduce this risk and the risk of eye strain in general.

To measure how far your eyes are away from your phone, the feature uses the TrueDepth selfie camera typically used for FaceID. Every premium iPhone since the iPhone XR, the iPhone XS, and the iPhone XS Max (all launched in 2018) has a TrueDepth camera on the front, with the exception of the iPhone SE, which doesn’t have access to Screen Distance. 

The distance that your iPhone will be measuring for is 12 inches or a little over 30 centimeters, and you have to be holding your iPhone closer to your face than that for “an extended period” of time before an alert will pop up on screen, asking you to move your handset further away from your face.

How to use Screen Distance

Screen Distance isn’t enabled by default when you install iOS 17, but you can turn it on by loading up Settings on your iPhone, then heading to the Screen Time menu. This is where you can manage options like daily time limits on apps and content and privacy restrictions, and it’s also where the Screen Distance feature can be found.

Tap on Screen Distance, and the iPhone will walk you through several pages describing what the feature is and how it works—these will only appear the first time that you enable Screen Distance. After that, you’ll be taken to the toggle switch where you can turn Screen Distance on or off. Note that for kids aged under 13 who are part of a Family Sharing group, Screen Distance is turned on by default.

You won’t notice anything different about the way your iPhone operates with Screen Distance enabled, until your handset gets too close to your face for more than a few minutes. An “iPhone is Too Close” message then covers the screen, and you’ll need to move your phone to arm’s length again to be able to tap Continue and to carry on using the device as normal.

The post Use this iPhone tip to reduce eye strain appeared first on Popular Science.

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A power tool is the type of gift that’ll last someone a lifetime, and last-minute shoppers can still get a great deal on one if they shop on Amazon. Big names like Ryobi, Craftsman, and DEWALT are offering excellent deals on gear at Black Friday prices that’ll get delivered before the holidays. Whether you’re shopping for someone who needs a new cordless drill or want to finally pick up a new ratchet set for yourself, don’t miss out.

RYOBI P884 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Combo Kit (6-Tools) $279.95 (Was $359.99)

SEE IT

Instead of settling for a good deal on one tool, how about a great deal on six? This six-tool bundle from RYOBI includes a drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, job plus base, work light, two swappable Lithium-Ion batteries, and a bag. This bundle typically costs $360, which is a good deal in its own right, but Amazon’s $80 discount brings that down to $280. That works out to just $47 per tool. Another benefit to getting this bundle is knowing that the batteries included in it can be used be used to power any of the tools. Getting power tools from different makers means constantly having to keep track of different batteries and chargers.

The best DEWALT tool deals

• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Battery, 5 Ah, 2-Pack $143.92 (Was $259)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill, Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit $149 (Was $229)
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, Cordless, Tool Only $99 (Was $205)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver, 1/2 Inch, 2 Speed, XR 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included $99 (Was $159)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 460 MWO Engine, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Bare Tool Only $116.99 (Was $159)
• DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Oscillating Tool Kit, 3-Speed $118.90 (Was $219)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum, Tool Only $118.45 (Was $159)
• DEWALT Drill Bit Set, 14-Piece $9.97 (Was $16.99)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander, 12,000 OPM, Brushless Motor for Extra Long Run Time, Bare Tool Only $97 (Was $179)

The best CRAFTSMAN tool deals

• CRAFTSMAN Mechanic Tool Set, $219 (Was $319)
• CRAFTSMAN V20 Lithium Ion Battery, $43.05 (Was $149)
• CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Stick Vacuum Kit, $149.99 (Was $199.99)
• CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Impact Driver, $99 (Was $149)
• CRAFTSMAN Mechanics Tool Set, $149.99 (Was $174)
• CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon 6.5 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac, $139.99 (Was $166.65)
• CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, $80.86 (Was $149)
• CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver, $14.99 (Was $23)

The best RYOBI tool deals

• RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact 1/2 in. Drill and Impact Driver Kit, $132 (Was $159.99)
• RYOBI P343 18V One+ Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool, $59.95 (Was $79.99)
• RYOBI – ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. High Torque Impact Wrench, $138 (Was $219.99)
• RYOBI 18V 5-1/2″ Circular Saw, $48.90 (Was $64.99)
• RYOBI P135 18V One+ 6 Port Lithium Ion Battery Supercharger, $79.99 (Was $129.99)
• RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Compression Drive 3/8 in. Crown Stapler, $65 (Was $89.99)
• RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Compact Brushless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw, $84.72 (Was $129.99)

The best 3M tool deals

• 3M Xtract Electric Random Orbital Sander, $392.80 (Was $473.21)
• 3M Random Orbital Sander, $269.64 (Was $337.48)
• 3M File Belt Sander Pneumatic Belt Sander, $706.95 (Was $759.17)
• 3M Manual Cartridge Applicator, $63.36 (Was $116.15)
• 3M EXT-T2TCOIL DBI-SALA Fall Protection For Tools, $14.92 (Was $19.20)
• 3M Scotchlok E-9Y Step Hand Crimping Tool, $29.99 (Was $34.99)

The post Get deep discounts on tools from Craftsman, DeWalt, Ryobi and more with Amazon holiday delivery appeared first on Popular Science.

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Your computer likely offers more storage space than your iPhone or iPad, especially if you’re working on a desktop machine. What if you could access files on your computer from your phone without eating up your built-in storage space? It turns out you can do exactly that, all without the need for any cloud storage.

Both macOS and Windows have built-in file sharing for your local network, and Apple’s mobile operating system can access both of them. Users can browse any documents, photos, videos, or any other files on a computer from the comfort of a mobile device. The process simply requires digging around a little in the Files application. Remember that local file sharing, by its nature, only works if you’re on the same network as the other device. 

Don’t set up file sharing away from home

A word of caution before getting started: local file sharing does involve some risk, especially for novices. If not configured properly you could accidentally give access to all of your files to anyone on your network. For this reason it’s a feature best used at home, on your own network. You definitely shouldn’t enable this feature on if you’re using a public WiFi network; you should use your own discretion while thinking about other networks, including work or a friend’s house. I, personally, only enable file sharing on desktop computers that don’t leave my house.

Share folders in macOS

Open System Settings on your Mac, which you can find on your Dock or by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and then clicking System Settings. Click General in the left panel and then click Sharing. Make sure that File Sharing is toggled on. 

Click the “i” icon to the right of the switch you just turned on to configure your shares. By default only your public folder is shared. You can add any other folder by clicking the “+” icon below the left panel. Choose any folder on your computer and then choose who can access it. I recommend only allowing your current account to access the file. 

Repeat this process for all of the folders you want to share and click Done when you’re ready. 

Share folders in Windows

Sharing from Windows is a little more complicated because of an almost ten year old bug. Basically: if you log into Windows using a Microsoft account, sharing more-or-less breaks. There are workarounds, like disabling Windows Hello, but they’re hard to recommend for security reasons. You could also fix this by not using a Microsoft account to log in to Windows, but I can understand why most users aren’t going to want to do that. 

The best workaround I found is to create a local account on your device and use that only for sharing. To get started open the Settings app and head to Accounts in the sidebar. Click Other users and then the Add account button. The interface will try to push you into adding a Microsoft account; avoid that by clicking I don’t have this person’s sign-in information and then Add a user without a Microsoft account. Choose a username and password for this account, then provide answers to a few security questions. 

Now it’s time to share some folders. On Windows you can start sharing any folder by right-clicking it in Windows Explorer and then clicking Properties. Click the Sharing tab and then click the Share button. Add the account you just created, then give it the permissions you want. 

Click the Share button when everything is configured the way you like it. The folder will be accessible immediately; repeat this process for all of the folders you want to share. 

Access shared folders on your iPhone or iPad

If you already have shared folders on your network you can connect to them in the Files app, which is pre-installed on your iPhone and iPad. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner on your iPhone; the same button is in the top-right corner of the left sidebar on your iPad. Tap Connect to Server.

You will be asked for a server name; type the name of the local computer you’re trying to connect with. After that you will be asked for a username and password. 

If you’re connecting to a Mac use the username and password you use to log into that device. If you’re connecting to a Windows computer use the credentials you created earlier. 

You now have access to the folders you shared earlier, right from your mobile device. You can browse and open files as you would on your computer.

The post How to access your computer’s files on your iPhone or iPad appeared first on Popular Science.

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Over the course of the last decade, I’ve tested nearly two dozen 3D printers with varied specs and prices. For over three weeks, I’ve been using the Bambu Lab A1, and it consistently outperforms every fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer I’ve used. That performance gap widens when it’s equipped with the AMS Lite 4-color multi-spool filament system, which enables super-simple multi-colored prints.

Specs

• Materials Supported: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA
• Print Volume (HWD): 10 x 10 x 10 inches (256 x 256 x 256 mm)
• Connectivity: MicroSD, WiFi,  Ethernet
• Dimension: 15 x 16 x 17 inches (385 x 410 x430 mm)
• Weight: 18.3 lbs.

Pros

• Easy to use, even for kids
• Built-in Bambu HMS diagnosis/help assistant “OBD2 for 3D Printers”
• Simple to maintain by design
  Motor noise compensation makes for quiet printing
• Vibration compensation
• Print monitoring/timelapse camera
• 3.5-inch Color IPS Touchscreen Interface
• Includes WiFi, Ethernet, and a MicroSD slot
• Inbuilt filament run-out, odometry, and tangle sensors
• Excellent power loss recovery
• Large 10 x 10 x 10-inch print area
• Variety of build plates available

Cons

• ABS filament is not recommended
• Must use Bambu Studio slicing software for full functionality (thank goodness the software is excellent and is Mac / PC compatible)
• Wastes filament when changing colors (this is true for most multi-filament printers)

What is the Bambu Lab A1?

The Bambu Lab A1 is an FDM printer, which means it lays down layer upon layer of heated filament to build up structures that become the final models. The A1 borrows heavily from Bambu’s extremely popular (and game-changing) X1, which prioritizes speed and simplicity without compromising print quality. Like the existing A1 mini, the new full-sized A1 can print up to 500mm/s, which is impressively fast, even for larger and more complicated models. 

This hands-on covers the A1 Combo, including the $399 A1 3D printer itself and the AMS Lite Multi-Filament System, which allows for automatic color printing from up to four spools during a single print. While this system wastes some filament as it switches colors, you’d be hard-pressed to find a simpler way to make color 3D prints.

Bambu Lab A1 Combo setup and design

Open a typical 3D printer, and you’ll find a mess of loose bags and parts, along with an assembly manual that reads more like a puzzle than a guide. Bambu packaged the A1 to avoid frustration. The A1’s manual includes simple instructions and color-coded diagrams that match coded labels on the parts. The entire assembly process feels like putting together a LEGO set.

The finished Bambu Lab A1 Combo feels more like a high-end consumer appliance than it does a manufacturing tool. The assembly tolerances are tight—you won’t notice much wobble or play between components. The two-tone gray plastic reminds me of a Super Nintendo console—a realization that made the A1 delightfully endearing to me.

Once assembled, it connected to my WiFi router easily, and then the Bamboo Studio software (available for macOS and Windows) found the printer instantly after it checked the network. But you can also connect via Ethernet if you prefer that to wireless or just carry a MicroSD card to it.

Bambu Lab A1 Combo 3D printing

The A1 paired with AMS Lite simply does everything I asked it to do, and easily rendered the most complicated and intricate custom CAD models I could throw at it. On the whole, it produced smooth surfaces, perfect color changes, and fine details without issue. The A1 does all this at a remarkably break-neck pace. Out of the box, it printed a “SpeedBenchy” model in under 15 minutes that rivals the best Benchy print I’ve achieved on other printers. 

The key to much of this is the A1’s pre-print calibration and vibration compensation. Each time you start a print job, the A1 checks a myriad of variables from temperature to belt tension and then compensates for any instability in the surface it’s operating on. The ability to automatically set new operational values beyond typical bed-leveling before each print, coupled with a direct-drive extruder and other top-tier components, allows the A1 to work quicker and more accurately than any printer remotely near its $399 (or $559 as tested with AMS Lite) price. 

Bambu Lab A1 Combo experience

Beyond all the detailed models and multi-color prints I fed it, The Bambu Lab A1’s greatest success is its ease of use. From the Bambu Studio slicing and painting software to the touchscreen interface and hands-on operation, I never found myself frustrated at all. It actually surprised me several times by detecting manual operations I was doing, like loading new filament into the AMS Lite, and automatically assisting me with on-screen guidance or the whirring of motors.

I realize this is not saying much coming from a guy who almost always has a 3D printer (or two) in motion at his back, so I turned it over to my 12-year-old daughter and offered only basic guidance. She set to work in Tinkercad creating two small plates that would serve to press heart shapes into foil when clamped. She had no trouble loading the file into Bambu Studio using the base A1 profile settings. Slicing and sending her job wirelessly to the A1 was just as intuitive to her as it was to me. Less than 20 minutes later she was littering our house with pieces of heart-stamped aluminum foil. 

So, who should buy the Bambu Lab A1 Combo 3D printer?

The best thing I can say about the Bambu Lab A1 Combo is that it consistently exceeds my expectations and needs at a price that competing 3D printer brands can’t touch. We’ll be updating our lists of the best 3D printers over the next couple of weeks, and this is surely worth inclusion for its super-quick printing, dead-simple setup, and ideal mix of advanced features combined with creature comforts. The automatic calibration process will likely save the average (or even advanced) user considerable time and frustration by cutting down on crummy prints. It’s a fantastic overall experience from the moment a user opens the box.

The post Bambu Lab A1 Combo 3D Printer early review: Fast prints with high fidelity appeared first on Popular Science.

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If you love to roam around on two pedal-powered wheels, it can be hard to resign yourself to leaving your favorite bike at home when you travel. But lugging a bicycle around the country–or the world–is a daunting proposition.

For the uninitiated, flying with your bike can seem overly costly, complicated, and technically challenging. But according to Marley Blonsky, pro cyclist and co-founder of the non-profit All Bodies on Bikes, “It’s a lot easier than it first appears,” so don’t let the logistics intimidate you. Instead, grab the right gear, your tools, and get to it.

Why not just rent a bike?

Why go through all the hassle of transporting your own carbon fiber or aluminum steed if you can just rent one once you arrive? For one, if you need a bike on the smaller or larger end of the spectrum, rental shops may not stock your size, leaving you struggling through an uncomfortable experience.

Rental fees also quickly add up, especially if you plan to ride multiple times during your trip or prefer higher-end mountain bikes, which tend to come with costly daily rates.

Finally, if you’re participating in a race or major bike-related event, you, like Blonsky, will probably be more comfortable aboard the same bike on which you train.

[ Related: “How to fly with film” ]

Things you need to know before flying with a bike

Start by familiarizing yourself with the airline’s bike policies. Fortunately, most major airlines treat bikes like any other type of luggage. As in, the cost to check one is typically the same as for a traditional suitcase. But peruse their website before buying a flight ticket to find out if there are any special requirements or extra charges. Airlines tend to classify bikes as “sporting equipment,” so start your search there.

Depending on the size and shape of your case, you may have to take it to a dedicated oversized drop-off area when you arrive at the airport. And you’ll almost certainly have to pick it up at the oversized baggage area at your final destination.

Finally, the whole package, bike, tools, packing material, case and all, need to weigh less than 50 pounds or you’ll likely incur an overweight luggage fee, which can be hefty.

How to pack a bike for a flight

Before you take your bike on a jumbo jet, you absolutely must consider how you’re going to get it from Point A to Point B without damage. For that, you’re going to require dedicated luggage purpose-built for your specific type of bike (road, gravel, or mountain) with straps to keep everything in place.

There are several options available for those who plan to check bikes as luggage: A hard-side bike case, soft-side bike case, or a bike box—the kind in which bikes are shipped from the manufacturer.

A hard-sided bike case is the most protective but depending on the style, may not be the easiest to pack and often weighs more, meaning if your bike is on the heavier side, the weight of a hard case could push it into the overweight category. We suggest something like the Thule RoundTrip Transition case, which retails for $999. 

Blonsky prefers a soft-sided case, but one with a frame that keeps your bike upright and makes it easier to load and unload. Hard or soft, she recommends getting one with wheels to make it easier to pull through the airport. The Evoc Bike Travel Bag Pro rolls for easier transport.

In a pinch, Blonsky recommends a dedicated bike box. These are comparatively affordable and you may even have one from when the manufacturer shipped your bike. If you no longer have that box, fret not: Most bike shops have a handful in their back rooms, so if you call or pop in a few weeks before your scheduled travel and ask nicely, employees will almost always save you one from a recent shipment.

Make sure to note the measurements of the box and any airline size restrictions for sporting equipment so you don’t incur a hefty fee.

Grab your tools and pack with care

Once you have your travel case, it’s time to disassemble your bike and start packing. You’ll have to remove both wheels, pedals, and the handlebar, which you’ll twist and nestle between the fork stanchions. Blonsky says many cyclists even remove their rotors and derailleurs (the mechanisms that push the chain between gears as you shift) to prevent them from getting bent in transit.

As you take your bike apart, set aside the tools you used and make sure to pack them all up to take with you so you can put everything back together again when you arrive. You’ll also need a pedal wrench and a torque wrench for reassembly. If those tools don’t make your bike case too heavy, you can stash them all in a bag inside the travel case for transport.

Before you seal everything up, take extra care to secure every part of your bike. “You don’t want things moving,” Blonsky says. If your case has straps to secure parts, use them. If not, use bungee cords or painters tape to make sure everything stays put. Then use extra clothes or rags to act as protective cushioning if your case didn’t come with any or cut up cardboard to wedge in the gaps. Components can rub together as the box gets jostled during transit and cause serious damage.

Let some air out of your tires so a tube doesn’t blow as a result of the pressure changes involved in air travel. Pack a small hand pump to reinflate them once you arrive or take it to a bike shop, most of which are often happy to air up your tires for you. Just make sure to leave C02 cartridges at home. They’re not allowed on airplanes and TSA will confiscate them.

Pro tips

If you’re nervous about taking your bike apart and putting it back together, don’t be. It’s easier than you think, says Blonsky. Plus, there are plenty of how-to videos online with instructions. Blonsky says most brands who make travel cases have instructions on their websites for how to disassemble and pack your bike in their products.

As for packing, while it can be handy to keep all your bike gear with your bike, if you have multiple connections and tend to be unlucky when it comes to luggage arriving at the same time you do, Blonsky recommends packing things like your helmet, pedals and shoes (especially if you use clip-in or clipless pedals) in your carry-on. That way, if your bike doesn’t arrive in time for an event, you can still rent a bike and use some gear you’re comfortable with.

Dropping a digital tracking device in your case, like an AirTag, can also bring peace of mind.

Then, “take it one piece at a time,” Blonskey says. “You can do it. It’s pretty darn simple.” And spending 10-30 minutes taking your bike apart and another 10-30 putting it back together again at your destination is a small price to pay for the joy of riding your own beloved bicycle wherever you roam.

The post How to fly with your bike appeared first on Popular Science.

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There’s nothing new about the practice of keeping a daily journal, and there’s nothing new about using a phone to do it—but what is new is Apple’s dedicated app for the job, called (appropriately enough) Journal.

Journal is rolling out now with iOS 17.2, so if you’ve not yet updated your iPhone to the latest software version, you’ll need to do that first. Journal will appear as a new app on your home screen and in your library.

The idea is for users to “capture and write about everyday moments and special events in their lives, and include photos, videos, audio recordings, locations, and more to create rich memories,” says Apple.

Here we’ll guide you through the features available in Journal right now, and why you might want to make use of it. Bear in mind that there are plenty of other great iOS journaling apps out there, including Day One, Moodnotes, and Daylio.

Getting started and options

Launch Journal from the home screen or the app library, and you’ll be introduced to some of its key features: Tap Continue when you’re ready to get started. Clearly your journal is going to look a little sparse until you’ve built up a few days’ worth of entries, but you can create new ones by tapping the large + (plus) button at the bottom of the screen.

At this point you’ll be asked if you want to turn on journaling suggestions: These are prompts based on how you use your iPhone, so they might be based on a FaceTime call you made with someone or a group of photos you took. You can turn them on, carry on without them, or customize the types of suggestions you get.

If you turn on journaling suggestions, you’ll be given some ideas for how to start an entry (with a photo memory for example)—or you can tap New Entry to start with a blank page. If you’re working without journaling suggestions, you’ll just be taken to a blank page, where you can start recording your thoughts.

To manage journal suggestions in the future, you can head to Settings: Pick Privacy & Security and then Journaling Suggestions to turn them on or off (or to turn some of them on). You can also clear the journaling suggestions history, if you’d rather this kind of information wasn’t stored on your iPhone (it’s never sent anywhere else).

Choose Journal from Settings and you’re able to control some aspects of how the app works. You can disable journaling suggestions for new entries (without actually turning the feature off altogether), you can choose to lock your journal behind a separate passcode, and you can choose whether or not to get regular prompts to write something on specific days at a specific time.

Creating and managing entries

When you create a new entry in the Journal app, you get a blank note: There’s nothing too much in the way of form or structure to guide you, so just start writing. Down at the bottom of the new entry screen you’ve got icons for adding photos, voice recordings, and locations to the note you’re creating.

You can also get some smart suggestions for what to include, if the journaling suggestions feature is enabled, by tapping on the icon that looks like a magic wand with stars around it. These suggestions will include writing prompts—you might get asked to think about someone special in your life, for example, or a favorite poem.

Tap the three dots up at the top of the journal entry screen and you can edit the date of the entry, if you need to—very useful for those days when you forget to make a note on the actual day itself, and need to catch up. You can also delete the note from here. You’re also able to bookmark notes using the icon in the top left corner.

Select Done when you’re happy with your entry, and you’ll be taken back to the overview screen, where your posts are listed in chronological order, with a small preview of their contents. You can, if you want, add multiple entries per day—if you need to edit or delete an entry you’ve already made, tap the three dots next to it.

Tap the filters icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner to show specific types of post: Those with photos or voice notes, for example, or those you’ve bookmarked. As you start to use the app in earnest, this filers feature will become more useful in terms of browsing back through previous entries.

The post How to get started with Apple’s new Journal app appeared first on Popular Science.

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You might already be familiar with widgets from your iPhone or Android phone—interactive panels that are something in between shortcut icons and full apps. Using these widgets, you can complete tasks like ticking off a to do list or starting up a playlist right from the home screen, without having to open up the relevant app first.

The same functionality is available on your computer desktop too. Both Windows and macOS let you drop in widgets for checking your schedule, keeping up with the news, showcasing your favorite photos, and much more. They don’t take long to set up, and can be useful in all kinds of ways.

Desktop widgets on Windows

You can bring up the widgets panel in Windows by pressing Win+W or by clicking the icon to the far left of the taskbar: The icon may look like a blue box and a white box, or it may show some dynamic information (like the weather or traffic updates). If the icon isn’t there, head to Personalization then Taskbar in Settings, and make sure the Widgets shortcut is enabled.

Even if you’ve never used the widgets panel before, you’ll see some widgets included. If you click the three dots in the top right corner of one of these widgets, you can hide it from view or pin it to the top. Some widgets will also have a Customize widget link, which lets you change what you see in the widget—the area used for the weather forecast, for instance, or the sports teams you want to see scores for.

To add a new widget to the panel, click the + (plus) button up at the top. You’ll be given a selection of widgets created by Microsoft to choose from, including ones for starting a focused session of work and linking your phone to Windows: Click Pin to add any of these widgets, or Find more widgets to see a broader collection in the Microsoft Store.

While these widgets are close to your desktop, they’re not actually on your desktop: For that, you need a third-party tool called Widget Launcher. If you open the Microsoft Store from the Start menu or from inside the widget panel, you can search for and install the Widget Launcher tool.

From the Home tab of the Widget Launcher, you can see the widgets that are available, covering everything from notes to clocks to calendars. When you find one that you like, click Launch Widget to add it to the desktop—then click and drag on it to reposition it. You’ll notice that many widgets come with a variety of customization settings attached, which you can edit in the Widget Launcher window or by clicking the cog icon next to an individual widget.

Desktop widgets on macOS

Widgets can live in a pop-up sidebar on macOS, which you can see if you click on the time and date up in the top right corner of the screen. They can also be added to the desktop as well, if needed: Ctrl+click on a blank area of the desktop, then choose Edit Widgets to browse through the available selection.

You’ll see there are plenty to choose from, but the exact list will vary depending on the applications you’ve got installed. Click on any entry on the left—like Reminders or Clock—to see the different shapes and sizes of widget you can pick from in that category. In Calendar, for instance, you can just have a badge showing the day and date, or see a more detailed list of your upcoming events.

Click and drag on a widget to position it on your desktop manually, or click the green + (plus) icon on a widget to have it neatly positioned on the desktop alongside other widgets. You can also drag widgets across from the pop-up sidebar (the desktop and sidebar selection don’t have to match, if you don’t want them to).

Ctrl+click on any widget on the desktop to change its size (if multiple sizes are available), and to edit its settings (if any settings are available). In the case of the weather widget, for example, you can choose between a small, medium, or large widget, and set the location for the weather forecast.
If you already use app widgets on your iPhone, you can quickly transfer these over to your macOS desktop as well: Open the Apple menu on your Mac, then pick System Settings and Desktop & Dock: Make sure the Use iPhone widgets option is enabled to see them on macOS. You can also adjust the Widget style setting to choose between monochrome and full color widgets.

The post How to add widgets to your desktop on Windows and macOS appeared first on Popular Science.

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Reminder apps play a larger and larger role in our increasingly busy lives. They work diligently away in the background to make sure we don’t forget groceries, anniversaries, chores, and whatever else might otherwise slip our minds.

There are a whole host of apps in this category to pick from, and of course that includes options from Google and Apple. Google offers  Google Keep, and Apple built its Reminders app directly into the software for  iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, and the web.

While Reminders may look rather basic on the surface, it has plenty to offer, and it’s always close at hand on your Apple devices. Here we’ve collected a few of our favorite and tricks tips for getting the most out of the app.

For the sake of simplicity and brevity we’ve focused on the Reminders app on iOS, but the same features aren’t difficult to find on the same app in iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and through the online iCloud portal.

1. Sort your grocery lists

In iOS 17 (and the equivalent updates on other platforms), the Reminders app offers a Groceries list format.  You can choose this from the List Type selection when you create a new list inside the app, and the main benefit is you get your shopping items categorized for you.

Try adding new items to your list, and you’ll see that the app automatically moves them into subheadings like Bakery and Dairy. It should mean you shop more efficiently—whether you’re wandering around an actual store or ordering online.

2. Get reminders when you’re messaging

You might often find that your reminders are associated with a particular person. Maybe you need to ask them something or follow up on a previous conversation. Apple’s app has you covered in those situations

When you create a reminder (or if you tap the small “i” info button next to it after it’s created), you can turn on the When Messaging toggle switch and pick a contact. You’ll then get a notification about the reminder when you’re chatting with the relevant person in the Messages app.

3. Create list templates

If you’ve set up a list that works particularly well for you and that you think you’d like to use again, make it into a template. You’ll be able to add new lists in the same format and even share them with others.

To create a template, open up a list, tap the three dots in the top right corner, then choose Save as Template. A copy of the list in its current state is then made, and you can access it by going to the app’s front page, then tapping Add List and Templates.

Tap the info button (the small “i”) next to a template name to find the options for editing, sharing it, or deleting it. Tap on the template name itself to create a new version of this list, which you can then edit and work on independently as normal.

4. Make use of subtasks

Sometimes you’ll need lists within lists. For instance,  the reminder to pack your bags for a trip can include an actual list of things you need to bring. This type of scenario calls for subtasks

To create a subtask, tap the small “i” info button next to a reminder, then choose the Subtasks option. Alternatively, you can drag a reminder on top of another to add it as a subtask, or swipe right on a reminder and choose Indent—this makes the reminder a subtask of the reminder above it.

5. Build a smart list

Smart lists are great for pulling together a variety of reminders based on certain criteria such as the time they’re due, or a location they’re associated with. If you’re trying to manage a lot of different reminders and lists, it can be a big help.

When you create a new list, pick Smart List from the List Type drop-down menu, and you get a new Edit Filters option. Tap on this, and you can specify your filters, based on a reminder tag, date, time, location, flag, or priority. You can also limit the reminders that get included to those on specific lists that are already created.

6. Load up on widgets

If you’re using Reminders on your iPhone (or iPad), you can get even easier access to your lists and reminders by setting up widgets on the home screen. Press and hold on a blank area of a home screen, then tap the + (plus) button in the top right, then choose from the options under Reminders.

When iOS widgets first launched, they weren’t interactive—they just sent you to the Reminders app. Now though you can tick off items right from the widget without launching the app, which is much more convenient.

7. Get earlier reminders

When you create a reminder with a time and date attached, by default you’ll get a notification at that time or on that date (at 9am if it’s an all-day reminder). However, you can also get a reminder about your reminder in advance, if you need to.

When you’re creating a reminder, tap Date or Time on the Details page, then look for the Early Reminder option. You can also find it later by tapping the info button (the small “i”) next to a reminder.

Early reminders can be set for days, weeks, or months before the reminder is actually due. Tap on Custom from the drop-down list to make your own choice.

The post 7 tips for Apple Reminders to help you get your life together appeared first on Popular Science.

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Many of us spend hours each day interacting with a web browser like Google Chrome or Apple Safari. Those long sessions mean even small impacts on performance can end up making a big difference in terms of day-to-day productivity. Waiting just an extra half-second for each webpage to load can really add up over weeks, months, and even years.

Just like your computer in general, web browsers can slow down over time, as you start to do more and more with them. Whether that’s having more extensions installed or having more data cached to your computer’s local storage, it takes a toll.

You don’t have to just settle for this increasing sluggishness though, because there are ways to bring back the zippy performance that your browser had when it first started up. Some of these tricks are specific to one browser, but most work across the spectrum.

Installing updates

First and foremost you need to make sure you’re always running the latest version of your web browser of choice. This is so important that it’s now quite difficult to let your browser get out of date, in fact, without being nagged to install the upgrade.

Running the latest code means you have the newest features and the most up-to-date optimizations installed, and that you’re well protected against security exploits and nasty software bugs. It also means that your browser won’t get tripped up by any newer web technologies or complex web apps that it needs to work with.

Updates will be largely handled automatically, but you can check manually too. In Chrome, click the three dots (top right), then Help and About Google Chrome; in Edge, click the three dots (top right), then Help and Feedback and About Microsoft Edge. For Firefox on Windows, click the three horizontal lines (top right), then Help and About Firefox and in Firefox on macOS, open the Firefox menu and choose About Firefox.

When it comes to Safari, the updates for the browser are bundled in with updates for macOS. To make sure macOS is up to date, open the Apple menu, click System Settings, then choose General and Software Update.

Auditing extensions

There’s no doubt browser extensions can be very useful for getting around the web and doing more without having to launch another full program. But install too many of them and they will slowl things down. That’s especially true for add-ons that constantly analyze what you’re pulling up on the web.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to run a regular audit of the extensions you’ve got in-place. Remove the ones you don’t make a lot of use of (you can always install them again in future), and you should get a snappier browser as a result.

In Chrome, you can find your extensions by clicking the three dots (top right), then Extensions and Manage Extensions—use the toggle switches to disable add-ons, and the Remove buttons to uninstall them. With Firefox, you need to click the three horizontal lines (top right), then Add-ons and themes: Again, you’ve got toggle switches for enabling and disabling extensions, but you can click the three dots and Remove to uninstall them.

If you’re using Microsoft Edge for your browsing, click the three dots (top right), then Extensions and Manage Extensions to find the toggle switches (for enabling and disabling) and Remove buttons (for uninstalling). Finally, in Safari, open the Safari menu and pick Settings then Extensions—the checkboxes let you enable and disable the add-ons, and the Uninstall buttons let you remove them.

Enabling optimizations

This one is a bit more specific to your web browser, but most modern day browsers come with a feature or two that’s designed to optimize your browsing experience. Make sure you know what’s available in the browser you use, and how you can enable these features in the browser settings.

In Google Chrome, click the three dots (top right), then Settings and Performance: You can turn on Memory saver to ‘snooze’ inactive tabs and free up memory, and Preload pages, which loads pages you’re likely to visit next in the background. Switch to the System tab to enable hardware acceleration, which delegates more intensive visual and audio tasks to your computer’s dedicated graphics and audio components for more efficient handling. 

You can find hardware acceleration, tab snoozing, and a few other performance-enhancing features in Microsoft Edge by clicking the three dots (top right), then Settings and System and Performance. You can also choose a balance between power (using all your system’s resources) and efficiency (saving the energy demands of the browser).

Firefox has just one setting you should turn on: Click the three horizontal lines (top right), then Settings and General to find Use recommended performance settings, which enables hardware acceleration. In Safari, meanwhile, you can pick Safari, Settings, and Tabs to have inactive tabs automatically shut down after a certain amount of time, freeing up system resources.

Starting again

There is one more option here, which is to uninstall your browser and start again from scratch (although you can’t do this with Safari or Edge, which are tied to their operating systems). It means all of your extensions and personalized settings get cleared out, as well as any temporary data files that haven’t been properly cleared. This is like a fresh start for your browser, and it should mean it gets back to its original speed.

You can uninstall applications in Windows by opening Settings from the Start menu, then choosing Apps and Installed apps—each app has three dots next to it, that you can click to find the option to uninstall. Over on macOS, open the Applications folder in Finder to locate your browsers, then drag the relevant icons down to the trash can icon on the dock to remove them from the system.

If you get asked if you want to clear the data associated with your browser at the same time, you should say yes to this if you want a properly clean start, without any of the baggage that has built up. You can then take to the web to redownload your browser of choice and start the setup process again.

Firefox comes with a feature that lets you do a reset of the software (returning it to its original state) without actually having to go through the uninstall and reinstall processes. Click the three horizontal lines (top right), then Help and More troubleshooting information, and then Refresh Firefox.

The post How to speed up your web browser appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		Google Nest Learning Thermostat		SEE IT	Google’s Nest Thermostat is still the best designed, simplest to set up, and easiest to use.
Best for multiple zones		ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium		SEE IT	If you need to evenly heat or cool a large home, ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Premium has you covered.
Best value		GE CYNC Smart Thermostat		SEE IT	Support for external sensors and integration into a larger smart-home accessory ecosystem help this smart thermostat stand out.

Heating and cooling bills can quickly skyrocket if you don’t have a systematic method for controlling your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system—which is why you want a smart thermostat. This gadget gives you one of the most hands-off ways to combat cost and conquer comfort. It can monitor the temperature in your home, automatically make adjustments based on your schedule, and allow you to turn up the heat or air conditioning remotely. The best smart thermostats will keep you and your home’s heating and cooling system in sync and work so seamlessly that you’ll forget how much work it’s doing behind the scenes.

• Best overall: Google Nest Learning Thermostat
• Best for Alexa: Amazon Smart Thermostat
• Best for electric heating systems: Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric in-Floor Heating
• Best for multiple zones: ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
• Best value: GE CYNC Smart Thermostat

How we chose the best smart thermostats

A smart thermostat is one of the most important network-enabled gadgets you can install in your home, so we took great care when sifting through the dozens of options available today. This smart-home accessory will literally impact how comfortable you are at home and how comfortable you are with your monthly utility bill. Getting a flaky smart thermostat is not an option. We conducted some hands-on testing along with our research and only recommended options from the most well-established players in this space.

Installing a smart thermostat used to be one of the more expensive smart-home upgrades, but our research revealed companies like Amazon and GE have stepped in to provide genuinely competitive options for under $100. You’ll still have to shell out a lot more for the most premium smart-home thermostats, but you won’t need to if your needs are basic. If you’ve already gotten comfortable with some basic smart-home accessories, this is the next logical step to take your house into the future.

The best smart thermostats: Reviews & Recommendations

Smart thermostats offer distinct advantages over traditional models by taking home temperature control to a new level. These models use WiFi or Bluetooth to connect to an app that lets you monitor and control the temperature from anywhere you can get a connection. Through the app, you can set weekday or weekend schedules, access temperature controls before you step foot into the house, and get detailed analyses of your energy use or temperature patterns. 

Smart-home thermostats don’t skimp on technology. Some models feature geofencing, GPS, and touchscreens among their features and options. Advancements now allow some models to learn your behaviors and preferences and then adapt the temperature schedule to anticipate your needs. It comes down to the fact that the best smart thermostats give you one less thing to worry about while saving money on your energy bill. 

Best overall: Google Nest Learning Thermostat

SEE IT

Specs

• Smart-home platforms: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
• Supports external sensors: No
• Price: $205

Pros

• Easy to see at a glance
• Color display
• Physical buttons

Cons

• Price

The Nest Thermostat was a phenomenal success years before Google acquired its parent company, and it’s still the best option based on our hands-on testing. Instead of relying on touch controls, which can be finicky and harder to use for less tech-savvy, you turn the temperature up and down by twisting the thermostat’s outer ring. You’ll feel resistance and hear the sound of a click every time you increase or decrease the temperature. This is a big user experience win and easy to explain to folks staying at your place while you’re away.

Setting up this thermostat took about a half hour, which included the time it took to remove the old thermostat, screw in the Nest’s backplate, plug the wires into said backplate, attach the Nest, and connect it to our WiFi router. Google provides all the tools you’ll need (a screwdriver) to install the thermostat yourself, and the included step-by-step instructions make said installation a breeze. Just make sure to have your home’s WiFi password handy since you’ll need to input it during the setup process.

Once the Nest was set up, we could control it through the Google Home app (iOS and Android). Tapping on the thermostat within the app showed its current temperature, allowing us to turn it up or down or set the thermostat on a schedule. You also have the option to have the Nest Thermostat learn your schedule to manage your HVAC system more efficiently.

We’d argue that this smart thermostat’s best feature is its large color display. The screen makes it easy to see your current temperature at a glance, and it’ll turn blue or orange when you twist its outer ring to make your home cooler or warmer. Monochrome displays look cool but are more challenging to read—literally.

In our experience, the Nest did a commendable job learning our schedule, but we ultimately opted to use it manually most of the time. We appreciated having complete control over our HVAC system instead of relying on AI, but this says more about us than it does about the Nest. You may rarely have to touch this smart thermostat’s dial after giving it a couple of weeks to learn when you and the other people in your home are active and go to bed.

It may be expensive, but the Google Nest Thermostat’s intuitive interface and top-notch hardware make it the top choice.

Best for Alexa: Amazon Smart Thermostat

SEE IT

Specs

• Smart-home platforms: Amazon Alexa
• Supports external sensors: No
• Price: $79.99

Pros

• Has a model with a C-Wire adapter
• Made with recycled materials
• Supports Amazon Home Services installation

Cons

• Only works with one smart platform

Amazon’s smart thermostat is an easy buy-in if you’re all-in on Alexa. It uses hardware developed by Honeywell Home, the consumer tech arm of a company that’s been around for nearly 120 years. It has an all-white minimalistic industrial design, with a digital readout of the temperature featured front and center. We’d prefer it if the temperature color on the smart thermostat were a color rather than all-white, but this won’t matter if you control it using the app (iOS and Android) or through an Alexa-enabled smart speaker.

Amazon offers this thermostat in two configurations; the only difference is that one comes with a C-Wire adapter if your home doesn’t have one. The C-Wire (known as the common wire) provides your smart thermostat with a constant power source. Most newer homes have a C-Wire running from the HVAC system to the thermostat, so this shouldn’t be an issue. That said, it’s nice that Amazon has an option for those who don’t.

The functionality of this smart thermostat is pretty basic. Still, Amazon has differentiated itself by offering installation via its Home Services program for an added fee in case you’re uncomfortable doing any electrical work. It’s also prioritized sustainability by making parts of its thermostat out of recycled materials. This is an excellent choice if you’re cost-conscious and have bought into Amazon’s hardware ecosystem.

Best for electric heating systems: Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric in-Floor Heating

SEE IT

Specs

• Smart-home platforms: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
• Supports external sensors: No
• Price: $199

Pros

• Unobtrusive look
• Very simple controls
• Supports all three smart-home platforms

Cons

• Designed for heating only

This is the only smart thermostat designed exclusively for one type of heating system, but if you have underfloor heating, there’s much to recommend. This is the smallest smart thermostat we’re recommending, and its gray color will look understated but nice against almost any wall. We’re pleased Mysa went with a gray body because it makes the temperature, displayed in white, easier to see. While we’d still prefer a color display, we like that an arrow up and arrow down—used to change your home’s temperature—are clearly visible and easy to tap.

Of course, you also have complete control over the thermostat via an app on your phone (iOS and Android). The most important thing to understand is that this smart thermostat only works with heating systems, not cooling. So if you have central air, you’ll have to look elsewhere. This won’t be an issue if your home’s cooling system comprises individual window air conditioning units. We’re pleased that Mysa went through the trouble of designing its smart thermostat with compatibility with Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple Homekit, so it’ll work regardless of your smart platform of choice.

If you only need a smart thermostat for your home’s heating system and have either a baseboard or in-wall heating system, Mysa’s Smart Thermostat is a great choice.

Best for multiple zones: ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

SEE IT

Specs

• Smart-home platforms: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit
• Supports external sensors: Yes
• Price: $249

Pros

• Monitors air quality in addition to temperature
• External sensor support
• Support for all three smart-home platforms

Cons

• Price

If you want to control the temperature in a large home, your best bet is to use a smart thermostat that supports external sensors. This will ensure that every room of your place—even those furthest from the thermostat—will be heated or cooled evenly. The best option in this category is ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Premium, and it isn’t even close. The face of this thermostat is black, which makes the temperature, which is displayed in white, stand out. You’ll be able to clearly see the current temperature at a glance and change it with a couple of taps. You can also make changes through ecobee’s iOS or Android app.

Ecobee bundles its smart thermostat with a single sensor, but you can get more based on your home’s needs. The sensor must be plugged into power but will wirelessly communicate data to the thermostat. Both the thermostat and sensor can also monitor the air quality in your room, which is a nice touch. If your smoke alarm goes off, this smart thermostat can detect it and notify your phone.

All of our smart thermostat recommendations work with one or more smart-home assistants, but this is the only one with a built-in microphone that allows you to communicate directly with Amazon’s Alexa. This is a great feature if you don’t have an Echo or the one you use isn’t in the same room as your thermostat. The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium also works with Apple’s HomeKit and Google Assistant (and is actually part of our recommended Google smart-home set-up); however, using these assistants with the thermostat will require additional hardware.

If you’ve been struggling to get your HVAC system to moderate the temperature of your entire home and don’t mind spending the money on a smart thermostat and sensor, ecobee’s Smart Thermostat Premium is your best splurge.

Best value: GE CYNC Smart Thermostat

SEE IT

Specs

• Smart-home platforms: Amazon Alexa, Google Assitant
• Supports external sensors: Yes
• Price: $99

Pros

• External sensor support
• Part of a larger smart-home ecosystem
• Price

Cons

• Bulky

This smart thermostat is a little bigger than our other recommendations, but its value is undeniable if you don’t mind its size. This is one of only two smart thermostats we’re recommending that work with external sensors to provide consistent heating and cooling to every room of your home. GE doesn’t bundle its smart thermostat with any sensors but only charges $17.99 for one. You could outfit several rooms with these sensors at that price without hitting the price of ecobee’s smart thermostat. However, that one supports HomeKit, has Amazon’s Alexa built-in, and can sense smoke detectors, which are features this model lacks.

Still, GE made smart design decisions, like making the front of its thermostat black so its temperature reading and controls are easy to see and manage. You can also access these settings through GE’s iOS or Android app. While it doesn’t work with Apple’s HomeKit, this smart thermostat can be integrated into smart homes based on Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant. And unlike our other smart thermostat recommendations, this one from GE is part of a larger ecosystem of smart-home accessories. If you invest in GE’s Cync light bulbs and smart plugs, you can manage them through a single app.

If you want a smart thermostat that punches well above its weight, GE’s Cync Smart Thermostat is the best value and a clear choice.

What to consider when shopping for the best smart thermostats

There are many factors to consider when selecting the correct smart thermostat for you. These are the ones we considered most heavily when selecting the models for this story.

Supported smart-home platforms

Every smart thermostat can be controlled using an app on iOS and Android, but many can also be connected to smart-home platforms designed by Amazon and Google. This will allow you to adjust your home’s temperature by using smart-home assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.

Size of your home

If you have a multi-story home, there’s a good chance it’s been split into different heating or cooling zones. You’ll know this is true if your house or apartment has multiple thermostats. If that’s the case, you’ll need to replace every thermostat in your home with a smart one to gain complete control over your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) system (and maybe remember to replace your HVAC filters while you’re at it). You can install one smart thermostat at a time, but you’ll only be able to adjust the temperature in that zone.

Remote sensors

If your home has a single zone, there’s still the chance that one room far away from the thermostat and HVAC system won’t be comfortable. This is because the thermostat’s temperature sensors, which determine when to turn it on and how long to engage your HVAC system, can only use data from the room they’re in. Some smart thermostats work with remote sensors, which can be installed in those rooms to feed additional data to the thermostat. If you use a remote sensor, your HVAC system will stay on until every room in your home reaches your specified temperature.

C-Wire

The common wire (abbreviated to C-Wire) is a cable that needs to run from your HVAC system to your smart thermostat to provide power. The color of this cable is typically blue, so you can check whether your current thermostat is connected to this wire by removing it from your wall without disconnecting it. If you don’t have a C-Wire, you’ll need to call an electrician to run one.

HVAC system

Many smart thermostats will work with multiple types of HVAC systems, but some were designed with specific heating or air conditioning equipment in mind. The more limited smart-home thermostats are less expensive but may not work if you upgrade your HVAC system down the line or take them with you to another home.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best smart thermostats

• Best overall: Google Nest Learning Thermostat
• Best for Alexa: Amazon Smart Thermostat
• Best for electric heating systems: Mysa Smart Thermostat for Electric in-Floor Heating
• Best for multiple zones: ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
• Best value: GE CYNC Smart Thermostat

The best smart thermostats monitor the temperature for you. They collect information that helps you (or them) make informed decisions about energy usage. These new thermostats take work out of your hands, so you can relax in your home’s cozy warmth or blessed chilliness, depending on what you prefer. Look for features that work with your lifestyle, like geofencing if you want your house to jump to attention when you pull up or learning capabilities if you want it to adapt the schedule to your preferences. In the meantime, the best smart thermostat will reduce your energy bill, save time, and make your home look ultra-modern.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best smart thermostats in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

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The Original		Blue Yeti		SEE IT	Still great, the Blue Yeti is a user-friendly option for a new streamer or podcaster who wants a plug-and-play, reliable USB microphone with a proven sound.
The Upgrade		Blue Yeti X		SEE IT	The Yeti X improves the audio quality, updates the design, and adds some extra features while also keeping the same basic operational and connectivity features as the Yeti.
The latest		Logitech G Yeti GX		SEE IT	A compact streamer-focused mic that offers a broadcast-style supercardioid capsule and RGB gamer styling.

Way before there were dozens of companies making hundreds of USB microphones, Blue Microphones introduced the Yeti in 2009 and it held a legitimate claim to being among the best USB podcast microphone for some time. With increasing competition, the Blue Yeti had to evolve, and the following iteration, the Yeti X, can claim to be more expressive … for a price. But just how wide is this generation gap? If you’re searching for the best microphone for whatever your project is and you’ve narrowed it down to Blue Yeti mics, chances are you’re comparing the classic to the new hotness, so here’s our Yeti vs. Yeti X primer to help you decide.

Is something wrong with the original Blue Yeti mic? Why another version?

SEE IT

The Blue Yeti USB microphone ($109.99) was originally launched as a “premium” USB microphone aimed at pro, semi-pro, and aspiring broadcasters, singers, and musicians. At that time, many USB mics looked like novelty designs and lacked professional features and audio quality of broadcaster standards like the Shure SM7B. They did have the benefit of not requiring an external audio interface, however, and soon caught on and caught up. The Yeti raised the bar for USB microphone quality and became one of the most popular models worldwide for years and a common feature on many podcaster’s desks.

Since then, however, the USB mic landscape has exploded with professional options matching or exceeding the Yeti. Blue has kept pace by introducing a series of Yeti USB mics for various needs. The sub-$100 Yeti Nano, for example, is a smaller mic with fewer options. At the same time, the $249.99 Yeti Pro adds musician-focused features such as an XLR audio connection and 24-bit/192kHz studio-grade audio resolution. 

While those are targeted for specific use cases, the $169.99 Yeti X is the closest thing to an updated version of the Blue Yeti USB microphone, adding several small but noticeable improvements to the still-capable original. The Yeti X improves the audio quality, updates the design, and adds some extra features while keeping the same basic operational and connectivity features as the Yeti. But the original Yeti is still a great, user-friendly option for a new streamer or podcaster who wants a plug-and-play, reliable USB microphone with a proven sound. There’s nothing wrong with the original, so the pertinent questions for potential buyers are whether they want the Yeti X’s extra features and, if so, are they worth the extra $60? Let’s discuss …

Yeti vs. Yeti X microphones: What are the differences?

Blue (now known as Logitch for Creators and part of the Logitech G brand) won critical acclaim when it introduced the Yeti X in 2020, as the update adds a little bump to everything its best-selling predecessor does. The Yeti X steps up its digital audio resolution to 24-bit/48kHz, compared to 16-bit/48kHz for the Yeti. In theory, that higher bit depth represents a massive increase in captured digital data to recreate sounds more accurately. In practice, many people may not notice the difference in the audio quality, and many users may not even need or use the extra audio resolution in their streams, podcasts, and other broadcasts. 

However, the Yeti X has another trick up its sleeve: a fourth condenser capsule, compared to the Yeti’s three condensers. The condenser capsules in microphones convert sound waves into the mic’s signal, so having four instead of three condensers can contribute to greater audio clarity. At comparable prices, many other USB mics use four condensers to capture audio.

Aesthetically, the Yeti X looks sleeker in its design and has shinier finishing elements to the microphone and its stand base. The flatter microphone head contributes to Yeti X’s retro-futuristic appeal. The Yeti X is also slightly smaller than the Yeti but weighs a bit more; including the microphone and the stand, the Yeti X weighs 2.8 pounds, compared to 2.2 pounds for the Yeti and its stand.

Perhaps the most noticeable difference visual is the multicolor, multifunction LED ring around the Yeti X’s level encoder/mute button on its front. By default, these LEDs show the mic’s input level meter in green, yellow, and red, so you can see immediately if your levels are too hot. The encoder also controls the levels for the microphone input, headphone volume, and monitoring balance between the mic volume and computer volume. Holding the mute button switches between level modes and the LEDs show the levels as you turn the encoder. This Yeti X functionality gives you all your level controls in front, whereas the Yeti has a headphone volume knob in front and a microphone input level knob in back. Besides looking cooler, the Yeti X’s LED ring gives you the extra monitoring balance function, which the Yeti doesn’t have.

Finally, the Yeti X gives you extra options when paired with the included Logitech G Hub desktop software. Using G Hub you can customize the Yeti X’s LED ring colors, and apply “Blue VO!CE” vocal effects, which are EQ settings for treating your voice with presets—including “Warm and Vintage,” “Crisp and Modern,” and “AM Radio”—or dialing in your settings.

Cool, then how are the Yeti and Yeti X similar?

Both mics are USB-powered and can detach from their stands to be mounted on standard mic stands or boom arms. Detaching the Yeti from its stand can send several small, easily lost washers in all directions, and those parts also make reattaching the Yeti to its stand somewhat of a hassle. Thankfully, the Yeti X’s design doesn’t use any of those washers, so detaching and reattaching it to and from its stand makes for a better experience.

Both mics are also very sensitive in picking up sounds and have the same four pickup patterns—internal settings that focus the mic’s audio capture to specific areas in front, behind, or all around it. These four patterns are: cardioid (in front), most common for a single person talking or singing; omnidirectional (360 degrees), best for representing the entire ambiance of a space; bi-directional (front and back), ideal for two people sitting across from each other; and stereo, which creates a wide audio image and is well suited to recording instruments or multiple sound sources in front of the mic. On the Yeti, the Pattern control for choosing these pickup patterns (a dial) is a bit stiff to switch, but the Yeti X employs a better button switch with LED icons for showing the active pattern.

Once set up, the original Yeti earned its esteemed reputation for combining crisp, strong, detailed sound with a sturdy and durable metal design and professional looks. For any streamers who like to keep their mics in sight of the camera, the standard Yeti comes in a variety of colors—including blue, silver, teal, red, and black—while the Yeti for The Aurora Collection edition adds Pink Dawn and White Mist. It also has a headphone output, which lets you monitor the mic’s input with no latency while listening to your computer’s audio—an excellent and very handy feature. The Yeti X has all those traits as well, with the aforementioned audio-quality boosts. 

Is the improved sound quality of the Yeti X really noticeable?

When comparing 16-bit/48kHz recordings from the Yeti to 24-bit/48kHz recordings from the Yeti X, there is a noticeable difference in the fidelity of the Yeti vs. Yeti X. The Yeti sounds slightly harsher for “esses” and other consonant sounds, as well as breath sounds. Spoken words are clearer and musical instruments ring just a little more textured and resonant on the Yeti X. Even when comparing recordings at 16-bit/48kHz resolution from both mics, there was a smaller, but still noticeable difference in the clarity coming from the Yeti X. 

Note: If you want the full audio resolution from the Yeti X, you may have to dig into your recording software or streaming software settings to use the 24-bit/48kHz resolution.

That said, untrained listeners frequently do not notice the difference between 16-bit audio and high-resolution (higher than 16-bit) audio. And millions of people listen to podcasts and livestreams every day in compressed audio formats like MP3, so using a microphone with 24-bit or 16-bit audio would not really make a difference.

If I’m just recording myself talking, why would I want the Yeti X?

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While the practical need for 24-bit audio is not currently essential to many podcasters and streamers, the Yeti X still has an edge in clarity over the Yeti due to its fourth condenser. And suppose you are starting a podcast or other type of show in 2021. In that case, there is currently a push toward lossless audio on streaming services, so it may not hurt to “futureproof” your setup with a 24-bit audio USB mic that would stay relevant if audio quality expectations continue to go up over time. For example, 24-bit/48kHz audio (or higher) is already the preferred choice for recording music so that it can be delivered to high-definition formats.

Besides its audio, the Yeti X may be more appealing to those thinking about the on-camera appearance of their mic for their videos on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and so on. Whether you think the Yeti or the Yeti X looks better is a subjective matter, but having the LED level meter with customizable colors is certainly a way to stand out, and the Yeti X is at least much less common (for now). In contrast, Blue claims there are millions of the original Yeti in use.

But what if I’m streaming? An aside about the Blue Yeti GX

The Blue Yeti GX is the Yeti line’s answer to the rise of streaming. Its streamlined body and RGB aesthetic are meant to illuminate, but not dominate, the area around your mouth and face as you speak, calmly we’re sure, into its dynamic supercardioid capsule designed to focus on your voice, not keyboard/mouse clicks. You can run your voice through Blue VO!CE filters and effects and there’s also an analog limiter to prevent clipping and a downward expander to reduce ambient background noise. Meanwhile, a heavy base reduces rattling if you happen to “fist pump” your desk during a heated gaming moment, and, likewise, the Yeti GX detects movements to dampen the mic and reduce this sort of interference (it can also be fitted to a boom arm).

Note, also, that the Yeti GX is quite easy to use. If you can plug its USB-C to USB-A connection in, you can use a Yeti GX effectively. In fact, for most people the standard options will sound fine and you’re likely to spend as much time in the Logitech G Hub software adjusting RGB as you are choosing a preset that sounds fine. More advanced options are there for those who want them. For streamers, especially, the simple on-mic controls will be useful for on-the-fly adjustments.

The big question is, however, if the Yeti GX is a buy and if it beats out the Yeti or Yeti X. As per the ideas of the mic’s makers, the primary people to be interested in this mic are streamers who will appreciate its simplicity and beauty. The associate Streamlabs Ultra free trial that goes with the Yeti GX can attest to that. If you are currently seeking your first, backup, or next streaming mic, such as if your current one has died, the Blue Yeti GX is a no-brainer. However, if you already have a Yeti mic that you enjoy for streaming, holding off on the buy button until you see a sale or special deal is more advisable. — John Alexander

So, is the original Yeti still good enough?

There are plenty of people using the Blue Microphones Yeti today for a podcast, a Twitch stream, a YouTube channel, etc. Their shows probably don’t suffer at all for using the Yeti instead of the Yeti X. So, if you really want to save money or if you just prefer the silver or blue Yeti colors that aren’t available for the Yeti X, which just comes in black or white, you will get one of the best USB microphones for the money in the original Yeti. 

On the other hand, you would also get a considerable amount of improvements for the extra $60 for the Yeti X, which upgrades the Yeti in almost every conceivable way. The Yeti X offers a clearer, richer sound from its additional condenser capsule and digital audio resolution, additional hands-on audio controls, a customizable multicolor LED level meter ring, voice EQ settings through software, and a slicker design that offers a cleaner experience for detaching and reattaching the mic to its stand. 

Regardless of the model you choose, the Blue Yeti vs. Yeti X debate features USB mics that have deserved reputations as two of the best for the price. There are new challengers in the USB mic market what feels like almost daily—such as the AKG Ara or MSI Immerse GV60 or Sennheiser Profile—but the Yetis remain strong in build yet sensitive to sound. They are an accurate, reliable, and easy-to-operate plug-and-play option for computer- and smart device-based broadcasting. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti vs. Yeti X: Which podcasting mic should you buy? appeared first on Popular Science.

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If you’ve got an Apple HomePod or HomePod Mini installed in the place where you live, it will support Apple Music out of the box—but there are also a limited number of other streaming services you can switch to instead.

Changing the default music service means that Siri voice commands to hear artists, songs, albums, or playlists will be sourced through a different streaming app. There won’t be much difference in terms of your user experience—what you say and hear—but it will be a different platform serving up the tunes you want to listen to.

You can say “hey Siri, play…” followed by the name of a band, for example, or a particular genre of music that you want to listen to. In certain situations (or all the time, for some people), this feels more natural and convenient than tapping away on a phone.

Perhaps the main reason to do this is to access playlists you’ve created on your music streaming service of choice, but it also means you don’t have to subscribe to Apple Music to play music through your HomePod.

Music playing options

The HomePod speakers come with AirPlay built in, which means you can beam audio from a Mac, iPad or iPad with a few clicks or taps. You can play anything from any app you like, or from any browser tab you like—you just need to make sure your HomePod and the device you’re playing from are on the same Wi-Fi network.

On a Mac, start some audio, then click the Control Center icon on the menu bar (top right—it looks like two toggle switches). Click the AirPlay icon (the upward arrow and two circles) next to the volume level slider, then pick your HomePod from the list that appears to transfer playback duties.

On an iPad or an iPhone, open the app you want to play audio from, then start playing it. Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right of the screen, then tap the AirPlay icon (the upward arrow and two circles) next to the playback controls—when your HomePod shows up in the list, tap on it to connect.

Supported music services

When it comes to talking to your HomePod and telling it what you want to hear with voice commands—rather than taking the AirPlay route—you can only pick from a certain number of supported services. More supported services have been added over time, but the selection may vary depending on where in the world you are.

At the time of writing, in the US, these are the supported music services other than Apple Music: Deezer, iHeartRadio, Pandora, TuneIn, and YouTube Music. Oddly enough, Apple doesn’t publish a definitive list itself, but a quick web search will turn up the right results for you (and you can always check compatibility with a specific service in the same way).

The biggest name not on that list is Spotify, which, it would seem, is in no rush to enable a closer integration between the music platform and Apple’s smart speakers. If you want to listen to your Spotify playlists on your HomePod or HomePod Mini, then you need to make use of the AirPlay method as described above.

Changing the default music service

The music service that’s the default is the one that activates when you say “Siri, play…” in front of your HomePod. You can in fact use any connected service, but if you want to use something other than the default, you need to specify that: So something like “hey Siri, play Billie Eilish on Spotify” for example.

Connecting a service is usually done inside the specific music app you want to connect: Though the process differs slightly depending on the app, the option shouldn’t be too hard to find. In the case of YouTube Music for iOS, tap your profile picture (top right), then Settings, Connected apps, and Connect with HomePod. Other supported apps will have similar options on their settings pages.

With that done, you can use the music service on your HomePod with Siri voice commands. To set which streaming service is used by default, if you don’t specify one by name, open the Home app on your iPhone: Tap the three dots (top right), then Home Settings, then your name. You’ll see a list of all the music services you’ve connected and you can tap Default Service to specify the default one.

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You are more than a data point. The Opt Out is here to help you take your privacy back.

IN THE LAST DECADE, direct-to-consumer genetic tests like those from Ancestry.com and 23andMe have become ubiquitous in the US. These services cater to Americans looking for distant relatives, a missing piece of their history, or insight into their health. But if you can’t wait to swab your cheeks or spit into a plastic tube (or have done so already), you should know the privacy risks involved in putting your entire genome in the mail. 

Maybe your information becomes a financial asset in a merger, or the service’s terms and conditions change without notice, or the company stores your biological sample in perpetuity. All of these scenarios might allow companies to handle and analyze your data in a way you haven’t consented to. This could be especially perilous if upcoming technologies and methods permit others to use your genome in currently unknown ways, creating problems we cannot even imagine.

The law is lacking

There’s a big difference between genetic testing in a medical setting (at places like a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office) and at home. The first kind is protected by two powerful laws: the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which says Americans have to explicitly consent before their health data can be shared with third parties, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which protects against labor and insurance discrimination based on genetic data. 

Unfortunately, these two pieces of legislation do not apply to direct-to-consumer genetic testing. The only government agency that has jurisdiction over this market is the Federal Trade Commission, which defends consumers against fraud and unfair practices and can penalize companies whenever they fail to fulfill promises to their customers. This entity does not, however, provide specific protections to consumers when it comes to the sharing of biological data, and it has jurisdiction only when companies do not fulfill an advertised promise for confidentiality or security. 

Back in June, the FTC fined 1Health.io after it “deceived consumers about their ability to get their data deleted, and changed its privacy policy retroactively without adequately notifying and obtaining consent from consumers whose data the company had already collected.” The agency fined the $40 million San Francisco-based company the underwhelming amount of $75,000, which the FTC will use for customer refunds. 

“[The FTC has] not been extremely aggressive in this area. They do have a fair amount of authority, but they haven’t exercised it as much as they could have,” says Christopher Slobogin, an expert in criminal law and procedure as well as a faculty member of the Center for Genetic Privacy and Identity in Community Settings (GetPreCiSe) at Vanderbilt University. 

Multiple constraints and a lack of clarity and resources have forced the FTC to take a communication-driven approach, concentrating its efforts on issuing consumer bulletins and general guidelines for vendors and manufacturers of direct-to-consumer genetic tests, Slobogin says. As a result, companies are left to self-regulate, and the only documents governing the relationship between them and consumers are the privacy policies and terms and conditions set by the companies themselves. And there’s a whole bunch of problems with those. 

At-home genetic testing companies’ terms of service are often lacking

In 2018, Slobogin and his former GetPreCiSe colleague, James Hazel, conducted a study that looked into the privacy policies of 90 US-based at-home genetic testing services and found several reasons to be concerned. 

For starters, more than 40 percent either didn’t have readily accessible policies, or the ones they had governed the use of their website but didn’t address the handling, use, analysis, and storage of genetic information. This prevents users from making informed decisions before signing up for the service on the website or purchasing a test kit. Two-thirds of the companies in the study suggested they might make unilateral changes in their privacy policies, which they say they can do at any time. Most didn’t mention an obligation to notify customers of these edits, and instead indicated users should search for privacy policy adjustments on their own. 

This unequivocally burdens users with the responsibility of staying up to date with the comings and goings of a specific company and its privacy policies. This is difficult not only because very few people read terms and conditions in the first place, let alone multiple times, but also because these documents are incredibly long and difficult to understand. 

“Unfortunately, [reading terms and conditions] can be a real chore—they’re written by lawyers, for lawyers,” says Slobogin.  

This gives companies the right to change the rules of the game whenever they want, without having to tell you about it. And that’s not all: Most companies (57 percent) provided only vague information about what exactly they share about you with processing labs, and only 39 percent said they made some effort to remove personal data to keep you as anonymous as possible before sending your biological data for analysis. The study was not precise as to whether this means biological markers in the sample, or identifying information on a sample’s label, for example.

By default, most companies keep your data (and sample) and share it 

When you take an at-home genetic test, you can expect that the service will share and sell your genetic information with third parties like universities and other educational institutions, which will usually use the data for scientific research. Some companies don’t give users a choice in whom they share your data with, but others do. For example, GEDmatch and Family Tree DNA allow customers to opt in if they want to share their data with law enforcement, which could help solve violent crimes. It’s good that this isn’t the default for these companies, but the arrangement came only after the companies received consumer backlash for providing customer data to aid ongoing investigations. And unfortunately, opting out is not even an effective way to keep your genomic information away from the police, as they have been able to get their hands on the biodata of people who think they have opted out. 

Be it for policing or research purposes, no company provided a full list of all the third parties it shared customer data with (anonymized or otherwise), and corporations were frequently vague or ambiguous regarding this point, GetPreCiSe’s 2018 study says. The situation is similar regarding the biological samples people send in for analysis.   

A 2016 study published in the journal New Genetics and Society found that consumers expect at-home genetic testing companies to analyze their sample, share the results with them, and immediately destroy the sample afterward. Sadly, that’s not the usual procedure. 

According to the GetPreCiSe study, only a few companies addressed the fate of customer samples in their privacy documents. Among those that did, most said they’d store them. That means these services could use future technologies to reanalyze samples, which could result in them getting more data about you. One of the biggest at-home genetic test companies in the US, 23andMe, will store your saliva for an indefinite time, but you can easily go into your account settings and tell the company to discard your biological sample. 

Whether you agreed to let a company keep your sample (or forgot to opt out) or told it to destroy the sample after it sent you your report, it’s essential that you know what will happen to your biological material and biodata if the company you tested with goes bankrupt, merges with another, or is acquired by new owners. Unfortunately, only 36 percent of these services addressed this possibility in their terms of service, according to GetPreCiSe’s study. In those cases, the terms generally dictated that users’ biodata would be treated as financial assets and transferred to new ownership, and only half of the companies even considering this issue promised that the data would be bound to the same privacy practices in effect at the time of testing. This results in consumers having a total lack of control over their biological samples and their genetic data, which new companies could use at their discretion without having to notify them or get their consent. This is important because of the industry’s dynamism: Eight months after the study was conducted, six companies had shut down and three had either changed names or merged with others.  

Should you take an at-home genetic test?

There are lots of reasons you might want to pick up a genetic test kit. A 2021 survey published in PLOS One that focused on ancestry and biological relationship tests found that motives vary widely—from mere curiosity and the desire for entertainment to the hope of filling in the gaps of family history. The latter is especially important among those who were adopted or have few living relatives. But to others, Slobogin says, these services often provide a cheaper alternative to more comprehensive medical testing, even though their quality and accuracy is debatable. 

Whatever the reason, mailing a vial of your saliva is a personal decision, and only you can determine whether there’s enough potential value there to outweigh the risks. But the truth is that genetic data is extremely sensitive, and several studies have shown that anonymized information can be re-identified. That means that with the right resources and skills, someone could find your anonymized biodata in a raw dataset and trace it back to you, probably learning way more about you than you’d like a stranger to know. 

Forgoing at-home genetic testing sounds like a good idea, mainly because it lacks the legal privacy protections you’d find for similar services performed in medical settings. But if you decide to go ahead and buy a kit, Slobogin says you should opt for one of the bigger brands that advertise confidentiality as a selling point. He explains that these companies usually have more comprehensive privacy policies and even provide policy summaries to consumers, which comes in handy when you’re trying to understand the terms and conditions. 

Whatever company you choose, just make sure you’ll be able to ask it to delete your data and destroy your biological sample, and do so as soon as you’re done with the service. That’s the best chance you have of ensuring the only one with your sensitive biodata is you.

The post The Opt Out: 5 reasons to skip at-home genetic testing appeared first on Popular Science.

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Here at Popular Science we celebrate innovation. Whether it’s a new medical treatment, infrastructure project, consumer product, or big idea, they almost always spring up as the solution to a problem. Some honorees address age-old annoyances while others speak to larger and even existential issues that profoundly affect people around the globe. This year, we’ve selected honorees that exemplify this desire to improve people’s lives, just as we have every year since 1988.

Here are the innovations that affected our world in 2023.

• Health
• Engineering
• Auto
• Sports & Outdoor
• Entertainment
• Home
• Personal Care
• Gadgets
• Aerospace
• Emergency Service and Defense

Health

It takes time for scientists and drug makers to move the needle in medicine. But during public health emergencies like the pandemic, they need to act urgently without compromising safety, quality, and effectiveness. Opill is a shining example of that. The US Food and Drug Administration approved the over-the-counter contraceptive in just 13 months (some approvals take longer than a decade). The open access will benefit millions of people, which is why PopSci chose it as the 2023 “Innovation of the Year.” Timeliness also factored into the FDA’s decisions to green-light extraordinary new treatments for RSV, Alzheimer’s, and muscular dystrophy this year. Finally, the budding field of space medicine took a big leap with a successful 3D printing experiment in microgravity.

Innovation of the Year

Opill by Perrigo: The first over-the-counter birth control pill in the US 

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When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, Americans were stripped of a crucial female reproductive healthcare right. Nearly half of the 6.1 million pregnancies in the US are unplanned. But the release of an affordable birth control pill means that anyone can get contraceptives anywhere in the country. It’s the first over-the-counter option since the FDA approved birth control pills back in 1960. 

Opill is a progestin-only tablet that’s up to 98 percent effective when taken at the same time every day. The generic version, norgestrel, was developed by Pfizer and prescribed for decades. Perrigo purchased the license in 2015, rebranded the drug, and applied for nonprescription status just days before the US Supreme Court ruled against abortion. The contraceptive has a few nominal side effects, including nausea, headaches, and cramps, but shouldn’t cause disruptions like mood swings and weight gain. Though Opill won’t be available in pharmacies and online retailers until early 2024, its arrival represents one solution for the country’s current reproductive health battles.

LEQEMBI by Eisai: A life-changing treatment for early Alzheimer’s disease

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By 2060, the number of people around the world living with Alzheimer’s is expected to triple to 14 million. LEQEMBI, a newly approved antibody treatment, has been hailed “revolutionary” by neurologists because it is the only drug clinically shown to reduce the number of amyloid plaques that build up in the brain with the disease and slow down cognitive decline. It is only for patients with mild memory loss and other symptoms—about 15 to 20 percent of the affected population—and is delivered through an IV infusion every two weeks. LEQEMBI is expected to be covered by Medicare and reach at least 10,000 individuals by 2024. 

Abrysvo by Pfizer: Building immunity in the womb 

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RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization in the US. While there is a vaccine available for babies and toddlers, it’s now possible to immunize them even earlier. Abrysvo is the first FDA-approved shot targeting the respiratory illness in individuals who are expecting. One dose, administered between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, can deliver antibodies to the fetus through the placenta. A clinical trial involving nearly 3,700 vaccinated individuals and their infants found Abrysvo was 81.8 percent effective in preventing the virus up to 90 days after birth.

3D Biofabrication Facility (BFF) by Redwire: Printing knee replacements in microgravity

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Your next knee replacement could be out of this world—literally. In January, NASA astronauts installed a bioprinter on the International Space Station that uses human tissue cells to replicate meniscuses, which are notoriously hard to repair. Meniscal tears are one of the most common knee injuries, affecting 12 to 14 percent of people and many US veterans. The microgravity in orbit helps the printed part hold its shape until the cells are fully cultured. The BFF produced its first test meniscus in September: The sample survived the journey back to Earth and is now being analyzed at a military medical school.

Elevidys by Sarepta Therapeutics: A profound way to treat muscular dystrophy

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Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a potentially fatal genetic condition where children can’t produce dystrophin, a key protein for muscle contraction, making it hard for them to walk and for their heart and lungs to function. Surgeries and steroids can delay these debilitating effects, but Elevidys is the first gene therapy for Duchenne and delivers a gene that codes for a shortened form of dystrophin to muscle cells, with the goal of protecting the muscle from damage. The one-time therapy has to be administered between 4 to 5 years of age, and its long-term benefits need to be studied. Still, the FDA fast-tracked approval in June to give patients with muscular dystrophy a chance to get ahead of the disease.

Engineering

As more countries invest in renewable energy and carbon-efficient tech to blunt the destruction caused by climate change, it’s no surprise that new solutions are springing up across disciplines, even in risk-averse fields like construction or utilities. Ideas have moved off the drawing board and into the real world, and scientists, governments, and funders are all getting more thoughtful about using and consuming energy. From a computer server-based system that repurposes extra heat for homes to carbon-conscious cement that meets construction standards, here are the coolest engineering wins from the past year.

Grand Award Winner, Engineering

Carbon removal and electrolysis plants by Equatic: Pairing carbon capture with green hydrogen production

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Capturing carbon dioxide directly from ambient air is a great idea in theory, but in practice can cost more than $1,000 a ton to sequester. It’s also about 150 times more concentrated in seawater than in the air. Equatic, a US startup with pilot plants in Los Angeles and Singapore, has a novel way to sequester the compound directly from the ocean, and simultaneously produce green hydrogen that can be sold or used to help trap even more emissions. 

The company runs an electrical current through pumped seawater to split H₂O into hydrogen and oxygen without producing corrosive chlorine gas—the traditional byproduct of electrolysis with water from the ocean. The current also divides the seawater into basic and acidic streams. In the basic seawater stream, calcium and magnesium react with CO₂ in the seawater and air, turning it into calcium carbonate and magnesium bicarbonate. After rebalancing the pH of the two streams, the seawater and immobilized carbon are released back into the ocean, in accordance with American and Singaporean environmental regulations. As it scales up its plants, the company says it can slash carbon-sequestration prices by up to 90 percent.

Awarion by Charles River Analytics: Blind-spot alert for whales around wind turbine construction

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With 62 turbines producing more than 800 megawatts of power, Vineyard Wind will be the largest offshore wind installation in the US when completed in 2024. As construction picks up near the Massachusetts coast, trained observers use advanced acoustic monitoring tools to detect marine life like North Atlantic right whales and help boats avoid collisions in crowded shipping lanes. But right whales don’t sing as much as humpbacks, so the team recently doubled up with Awarion, a new computer vision system trained to ID marine life and vessels on infrared camera images, as well as electro-optical images. In dark, foggy, or rainy conditions, the AI program can outperform experienced humans in whale watching. The tool has achieved 80 percent accuracy in recognizing whales nearly two miles away, based on testing data announced last year.

The Brimstone Process by Brimstone: A way to make carbon-negative cement

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Concrete, which accounts for 7.5 percent of the world’s carbon footprint, has been tough to decarbonize. The process to make the most important component, Ordinary Portland Cement or OPC, requires burning fossil fuels to heat limestone to 2,500-plus degrees Fahrenheit. The chemical reaction also releases additional CO₂.  

Brimstone, a startup that has raised $60 million planning its first pilot plant near Reno, Nevada, has devised a better mousetrap. It uses carbon-free silicate rock rather than limestone, which avoids the release of greenhouse gasses from the feedrock. Additional bits of magnesium (depending on how they’re processed) can react with CO₂ in the air, rendering the process reduced-carbon or even carbon-negative. The final material is OPC, the same material produced by the conventional process, which gives Brimstone an edge in a crowded field.

The Heata unit by Heata, supported by British Gas and Innovate UK: A data server that warms your bathwater

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Instead of relying on noisy fans to cool the sauna-like temperatures in computer servers, UK-based startup Heata built a custom thermal conductor that carries heat from the hardware to the hot water heater in a person’s house. Unlike a giant server farm with many devices, Heata has created a ‘distributed data center’ by hosting individual servers in people’s homes, using their hot water cylinders as the heat sink for the waste heat byproduct of the processing. The company rents out server space to clients, primarily architecture rendering firms, and pays for the electricity. The homeowner, in turn, saves on utility bills by using the heat for their boiler: It can cover up to 80 percent of the hot water needs of a typical UK household. The system is not secure enough for military secrets or medical records, but experts say it works for lower-value data. Each Heata unit can save about a ton of CO₂ per year at typical utilization and grid carbon intensity levels. In a trial in 80 homes running through this year, participants get deeply discounted hot water compared to current UK energy prices.

Space Solar Power Demonstrator (SSPD-1) by Caltech: An orbiting solar demonstration project

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Imagine a fleet of satellites able to beam solar power to a receiver on the ground in a disaster area or war zone. Or, a space-based system that could shift electricity from New York City to Buenos Aires in milliseconds in response to a heat wave. Flexible, lightweight solar panel arrays in low-Earth orbit could provide energy to any place with the right infrastructure, 24/7.

Now, we have a proof of concept for the orbital model. A Caltech team, headed by engineering professors Ali Hajimiri, Harry Atwater, and Sergio Pellegrino, made headlines in June when it powered LEDs on a satellite with multiple wireless receivers at a distance of about a foot. By showing that solar panel arrays with low-cost custom chips can accurately beam electricity amid the harsh temperatures and radiation of space, the SSPD-1 effort achieved a major milestone. Though it will take another decade or so for this method to compete with the sweeping solar farms on Earth from a price and volume standpoint, the US Navy and Air Force are racing China’s researchers and the European Space Agency to harvest the sun’s rays on the fly.   

Auto

We’re in the midst of an automotive renaissance, with most of the excitement and innovation stemming from the burgeoning EV industry. Automakers are finding new ways to make cars lighter, and are also creating new body styles that look and feel modern without the quirky appearance of EVs of the past. Electric vehicles don’t have to be boring anymore, and we’re seeing creativity with how companies approach accessories, interior materials, and even tires. It’s clear the industry has turned when Lamborghini finds a way to build a hybrid powertrain that makes the car even more powerful than before, adding a touch of green without sacrificing the brand’s character. Below are the automotive innovations we’re most excited about. 

Grand Award Winner, Auto

ActivAir tire inflation system by BFGoodrich: An off-roader’s best friend

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Just about any vehicle on the road today wears a sticker on the inside of the front driver’s-side door that lists the appropriate tire pressure per square inch (PSI) for the car’s rubber shoes. When cruising on the highway, following these instructions is the key to both better fuel efficiency and safety. When leaving the pavement, however, airing down is the best way to expand the tires’ footprints, giving them better traction on gravel or sand. To make the process easier, BFGoodrich created ActivAir, a tire inflation system. Choose from pre-set modes like road, rock, sand, and mud, or dial in an exact setting for the best experience, and never leave the car. In inclement weather, the feature is a real time and sanity saver. 

EV9 by Kia: Going green never looked so good

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Kia’s new EV9 may be an impressive-looking electric vehicle, but what’s inside may be even more important. To deck it out in a green way, the automaker is sourcing recycled materials from items like single-use water bottles, textiles, and discarded fishing nets to create plush, upscale materials way beyond the vehicles’ price point, adding value. Starting at just under $55,000, this three-row electric SUV is impressively affordable, as well. In a unique partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design, Kia and its parent company Hyundai Motor Group are exploring the intersection of art, nature, and design to harness the materials we already have on hand instead of creating new disposable goods. 

Revuelto by Lamborghini: The Raging Bull electrifies its iconic V12

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A Lamborghini is supposed to be loud and bold, with massive engine power. That’s still true for the all-new Revuelto, the Italian brand’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The newest pony in the Raging Bull’s stable starts with the components fans love about its supercars, like that powerful, roaring V12 and distinctive body style. Then Lamborghini added three electric motors, kicking the horsepower up to 1,001. The result is a hybrid designed for breathtaking performance, and it’s still unmistakably a Lamborghini when it rolls past, even in all-electric mode, in which it can travel just over six miles.

Volvo EX30 by Volvo: Setting the standard for affordable, high-quality EVs

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As the US (and the world) gears up for the transition to EVs, automakers are looking to beat the market leader: Tesla. In June, the Swedish manufacturer unveiled its EX30, a five-seat SUV that starts at a shade over $36,000. Volvo has a reputation for building attractive cars with solid safety features, and this new crossover is aimed squarely at the mass market. With renewable interior materials, two powertrain options, and up to 275 miles of range, the EX30 is positioned well for EV adoption. And in a market where many EVs start at $50,000 or more, a vehicle at the EX30’s reasonable cost is great.

RANGER XP Kinetic by Polaris: Rugged, all-electric utility

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This year, Polaris delivered its newest RANGER side-by-side: the all-electric XP Kinetic utility task vehicle (UTV). The company established a 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles for the RANGER XP Kinetic electric powertrain, which boasts 110 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. The RANGER XP Kinetic can also tow up to 2,500 pounds and haul 1,250 pounds, which leads the segment and makes life easier for those who rely on UTVs as working machines. Farmers, ranchers, or anyone with a large property can use it as an electric pack mule, and all you have to do to feed it is plug it in. 

Sports & Outdoor

Best of What’s New innovations often involve completely new products designed to solve massive problems. However, you only need one tiny spark to start a fire, and this year’s sports and outdoors innovations largely highlight small-but-powerful ideas that cause an outsized improvement in the ways we compete and have fun. Mint can wick odors sustainably, performing better than its eco-antagonist, copper-infused kin. Vacuum-insulated coolers allow you to pack more while using less space–no foam necessary. A fabric that was famous in the 80s is changing how we recycle camping gear. And, one winner changes an entire industry by deprecating a single small component. The best sports and outdoors innovations prove that small changes can make big impacts. 

Grand Award Winner, Sports and Outdoors

SRAM Eagle Transmission by SRAM: Bye bye, broken derailleur hangers

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The derailleur hanger is a bike’s Achilles heel. Drop your bike on the drivetrain side or clip an errant rock and suddenly your misaligned derailleur won’t allow you to shift. This means your bike gets left in the garage unridden, since diagnosing and fixing a bent derailleur can be tricky. SRAM’s Eagle transmission turns the weakest point of a bicycle into one that’s strong and damage-resistant. SRAM bolts the derailleur directly to the bicycle frame and rear axle, eliminating the derailleur hanger completely. Direct mount of the derailleur to the frame offers a stiffer, more precise shift and overall performance. For now, it’s on high-end mountain bikes. However, it has already started to come down the line with the cheaper GX Eagle. Hopefully, it will continue to trickle down and save components for every rider.

Tempo cooler by Oyster: A cooler cooler, no ice required

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You probably encounter vacuum insulation every day in your travel mug—a vacuum trapped between two metal walls creates a thermal barrier to keep contents cold. It’s easy to do with a mug, but much harder on a large cooler. The Oyster Tempo features Oyster’s DLTA technology, a patented integrated vacuum insulation system constructed with recyclable aluminum and chemical-free silica. This construction allows for the cooler’s optimal thermal insulating performance. The end product is a cooler that’s half as big, offers three times the internal space, and stays three times colder than a typical hard-sided model. It’s 100% recyclable, and the company says the DTLA thermal technology they created for the cooler can be used for medicine, organ transports, and more. 

Fresh Face Odor Control by Polartec: Using the power of mint to stop smell

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Synthetic materials offer thermal and durability advantages in outdoor gear, but they also tend to augment the body’s natural (and not-so-pleasant) odors. While effective, many odor-wicking fabrics use metallic elements: Finite resources whose long-term effects on the environment, specifically aquatic life, are called into question. Polartec’s Fresh Face is made from a naturally sourced mint oil that’s harvested and distilled in Willamette, Oregon. The threads in the performance fabric are infused with the mint extract. The result is a powerful odor control that is a naturally-derived, long-lasting solution to a major problem without any lingering mint smell. You can currently find the fabric in Rabbit’s Fuel n’ Fly shorts, but expect more Fresh Face in the future. 

Pioneer Pro Inflatable Hardboard by Isle: An inflatable SUP that feels like a hardboard

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Inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUP) typically sacrifice sturdiness for exceptional portability. SUP manufacturer Isle’s Pioneer Pro is an inflatable hardboard that’s up to three times more rigid than other inflatables and considerably lighter weight and less bulky than traditional hard boards. Two new technologies make the Pioneer Pro possible. A patented composite material called InfinityFiber combines fiberglass and thermoplastic to create rigid surfaces. A technique it calls PowerFuse mechanically bonds the top and bottom layers to the rail layer using heat and pressure in a welding machine. According to the company, the military is looking at using this material in unmanned spacecraft and unmanned submersibles.

Forte Endless Promise sleeping bag and Endless Promise line by NEMO: The circle of (gear) life 

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IN 2018, the EPA estimated that 17 million tons of textile waste ended up in landfills—only 2.5 million tons of that were recycled. NEMO’s Endless Promise line—currently consisting of the Forte sleeping bag—is circular, meaning old products are used to make new ones. To make a circular sleeping bag compatible with recycling systems, the company needed to build the majority of the bag from a single polymer. With so many elements, including the fabric, insulation, hardware, and trims, a typical bag includes 10 or more unique materials. The solution lay in good ol’ polyester. The sleeping bags can be repaired, completely recycled, or resold when sent back to NEMO. The company will introduce Endless Promise packs and down sleeping bags in 2024.

Entertainment

Televisions have gotten bigger, faster, brighter, and cheaper over the past two decades. A 70-inch TV was a novelty just 15 years ago, and now they’re available at Black Friday-like prices all year round. Our category winner this year is a TV, but the award isn’t about picture quality or backlight tech. It’s about finding a clever way to move image and sound data from one place to another to make life a little simpler. This year’s list also includes the world’s fastest monitor, a game controller made for truly anyone, and a massive spherical digital emoji in the middle of the desert.

Grand Award Winner, Entertainment

Signature OLED M TV by LG: A wireless TV without compromise

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LG took a big step toward cutting the cord this year. The company debuted its 97-inch Signature OLED M TV, which sports a power cable—and that’s it. The ports all exist on a device it calls the Zero Connect box. The box has all the normal connectors you’d expect on a high-end TV, including three HDMI 2.1 ports, a pair of USB-A ports, a LAN connection, a coax socket, and an infrared audio port. But no physical wire connects that box (and ultimately your streaming or gaming devices) to the actual display. Instead, LG has developed proprietary wireless technology that it says offers three times the speed of WiFi 6E. As a result, it can chuck 4K video at 120 fps over a distance of 30 feet. 

Access controller for PS5 by Sony: A modular gaming controller setup designed for accessibility

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Everyone deserves to enjoy video games regardless of whether they have a physical disability or the dexterity required to use a conventional controller.  The Access controller is an accessibility controller kit for the PS5 that can interface with many popular third-party accessibility devices via four built-in 3.5mm aux ports. Out of the box, the controllers are arranged like daisies; the buttons are like petals, and the players can arrange them however they like. Players can customize the controller’s inputs on their PS5 console and store up to 30 control profiles. The Access controller can work independently, in pairs, or even in concert with the innovative DualSense controller for PS5.

PRO X 2 LIGHTSPEED gaming headset by Logitech: The first gaming headset with true graphene drivers

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To create speaker drivers that would be as stiff and light as possible for its high-end gaming headset, Logitech relied on a familiar-but-finicky material known as graphene—essentially a lattice made of carbon. Each 50mm driver in the Logitech headset has a graphene diaphragm instead of the typical Mylar material found in most other headsets. That allows the driver (which physically produces the sound) to move more without introducing unwanted vibrations and deformations, which cause distortion. When you’re surrounded by video game enemies and laser blasters are going off all around you, Logitech’s headset can clearly differentiate between sounds and maintain the spatial immersion players need to play your best.

Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor – AW2524H by Dell: The fastest monitor around

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It’s tough for a monitor to stand out of the pack these days, but the real battle for supremacy is in the refresh rate column of the spec sheet. Alienware’s 500GHz monitor refreshes its on-screen image up to 500 times every second, which was faster than any other display when it debuted. Hooked up to a fast enough machine, this monitor can all but eliminate lag and distracting motion blur for ever-smoother gameplay. It also has NVIDIA G-SYNC variable refresh rate technology and NVIDIA Reflex Analyzer to measure overall system latency to reduce screen tearing and other game-ruining weirdness.

The Sphere in Las Vegas by Sphere Entertainment Co.: A truly immersive theater experience

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At 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, this massive structure on the Las Vegas Strip stands out due to its truly impressive engineering. The Sphere’s outside shell is covered in 1.2 million LED lights that allow the building to take on any appearance, including a giant emoji. Inside, the sound system is the largest of its type, and the venue can create wind, seat vibrations, and even scents for the audience to enjoy. The screen inside is also so massive that it requires a new camera system just to capture 18K footage to fill it. It’s an unreal experience, and it still has a ton of potential as creators push the limits of what it can do.

Home

Innovation doesn’t always start with an enormous change from what came before. Sometimes, it’s the small adjustments that have outsized effects well beyond their own industries. Sure, the list includes a 50-pound solid-state battery power station—a type of tech that’s been notoriously difficult to scale—but there’s also a small spring in a shock-absorbing hammer, and a little lever in an easy-to-install power outlet. These sometimes seemingly iterative changes can ripple and we expect to see the effects of this year’s winners for a long time coming.

Grand Award Winner, Home

Solid-state technology by Yoshino: The first portable power stations to use solid-state batteries

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Type “solid-state batteries” into Google and you’ll see a list of frequently asked questions along the lines of, “Are solid-state batteries coming?” Well, if you need a portable power station capable of providing 330 to 4,000 watts of juice, they’re already here. Solid-state batteries promise to provide longer-lasting, more powerful replacements for lithium-ion batteries, but the cost has made them impractical for most usages, especially in larger sizes. Yoshino has found a way to scale solid-state cells into portable power stations that weigh anywhere from 10 to 54 pounds. They’re the first devices of their size to run on solid-state batteries. What’s more, is you won’t have to worry about damage causing a dangerous fire. Unlike liquid electrolyte-based lithium-ion batteries, which can explode in flame when punctured, solid-state batteries are, well, solid and much more rugged. 

Decora Edge outlets and switches by Leviton: The easiest DIY power outlet installation ever

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Electrical work and plumbing are two trades many DIYers won’t touch. The respective risks of fire and flooding make it intimidating for enthusiasts. But Leviton’s Decora Edge line of power outlets and wall switches might convince a few more people to hook these electrical endpoints up themselves. Decora Edge outlets and switches offer color-coded lever terminals on the back that clamp wires in place. It holds the wires more firmly than the old connection methods, and the case itself contains no exposed metal that could send electricity to a place it shouldn’t be like your body.

Eletta Explore espresso machine by De’Longhi: Finally, automatic cold foam

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At this point, pretty much all of the at-home coffee-making has been automated. Grinding, brewing, and even pouring can happen automatically. But one holdout has been cold foam, which is necessary for an exquisite, iced latte that rivals any cafe, and many other cold coffee drinks. Until now, you’ve needed an immersion blender or some other manual tool to whip cold milk into a frothy topping, but De’Longhi has automated that process in their full-service Eletta Explore espresso machine. The system delivers milk frothed to the perfect texture and dispensed at the perfect temperature to coincide with your drink, all without a hint of learning curve. Combined with DeLonghi’s patented cold brew extraction technique (which takes just three short minutes), it’s basically a gourmet coffee shop on your counter.

ShockStop hammers by ToughBuilt: A shock-absorbing framing hammer

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Framing hammers are big, heavy, and have essentially remained unchanged for ages. After all, what’s better at driving long nails through wood than a block of metal on a stick? One side effect of framing, though, is that the shock of repeatedly striking one object with another eventually makes its way into your arm and causes soreness, at best, and permanent damage at worst. ToughBuilt found a way around that by stuffing a shock-absorbing spring into the head of their ShockStop hammers. They still provide a satisfying impact, but the reduced vibration mitigates fatigue and damage to your arm. The added flex also helps prevent destructive microcracks from forming in the head, which could make it last longer before it needs replacing.

Mach V1 Ultra by Eufy: A vacuum, mop, and steamer all in one

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Household messes come in countless forms, and it’d be nice if you only needed one tool to clean them all. Eufy’s Mach V1 Ultra comes closer than any stick vacuum before it, with the ability to suck up dry detritus like a traditional vacuum, swallow wet spills like a mop, and even steam-clean hard surfaces like, well, a steamer—no cords involved. With 16,800 pascals of suction power, 230-degree steam, and the ability to suck up wet and dry debris at the same time, it’s a Swiss Army Knife of a cleaner. But, it doesn’t compromise in its performance. It’s the first device of its kind to earn a TÜV Rheinland certification for killing 99.9 percent of common bacteria with its scalding hot steam.

Personal Care

The beauty and wellness industry often relies on science-y buzzwords and flashy packaging more than actual innovation. But consumers are starting to see through the marketing tricks and are now demanding products that truly break the mold. This year’s Personal Care awards highlight companies that address this need and tackle real problems with smart solutions. From acne care that conceals and heals to a recovery app made by and for long COVID patients, these winners use serious research, testing, and improving to give your wellness routine the makeover you’ve been waiting for.  

Grand Award Winner, Personal Care

Visible Plus by Visible Health: An app that helps long COVID patients manage their symptoms

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Millions of people suffering from long COVID worldwide—and other chronic conditions like myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)—face the daunting task of tracking symptoms, identifying triggers, and budgeting their energy to avoid crashes. Launched by long COVID patient Harry Leeming in 2022, Visible is an app designed to empower patients and fuel new research. Currently available through an early access program, the upgraded version, Visible Plus, pairs the platform’s symptom-tracking interface with a Polar heart rate monitor to capture pulse variability. This is a good indicator of the stability of the autonomic nervous system, which can trigger symptoms for various chronic conditions when disrupted. New data from thousands of patients inform Visible’s algorithms, revealing trends in symptom severity and reminding users (in real time) when they need more rest. So far, it’s only available in English in a handful of countries, including the US. 

The New RevAir by RevAir: A hair dryer that works in reverse

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One of the best hair dryers on the market this year looks more like a vacuum cleaner than a bathroom appliance. The New RevAir uses reverse-air technology to suck in tresses and quickly dry, smooth, and straighten them with less heat than traditional methods, leaving your mane shinier and less prone to damage. The upgraded styling tool, made to be smaller and quieter than its predecessor, excels at straightening tight curls and coils, stretching strands more gently than a hot comb. Users can even insert braids and twist-outs into the RevAir wand to dry them completely in seconds.

Theragun PRO Plus by Therabody: The ultimate multi-therapy massage device 

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Therabody is known for crafting the industry’s top percussive massage guns, but its latest model is in a league of its own. The Theragun PRO Plus is sleeker and more compact than its predecessor, and features a new suite of recovery tools. Near infrared LED light therapy helps stimulate circulation and boost healing, while heat and cold therapies help loosen up stiff muscles and soothe inflammation. The device also overcomes one of the biggest shortcomings of at-home massagers by offering a vibration setting to safely relieve joint pain. Users can even access built-in routines to track heart rates and guide their breathwork during treatment. 

Invisible Bandage by Violette_FR: Reinventing a first aid staple to fight acne

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Applying makeup on blemishes rarely works well, since it can add injury to insult by making pimples even more inflamed. Taking inspiration from the liquid bandages often found in first aid kits, French beauty company Violette_FR changed the game by replacing skin-irritating ingredients with a common food thickener, polysaccharide xanthan gum, and sap from acacia trees. The result, Invisible Bandage, glides on as a smooth, quick-drying layer to protect your pimple from any makeup you place on top of it. Even better, the clinically tested product contains soothing ingredients like CM-Glucan granules to soothe the infection and heal your zits, even if they’re hiding.

Loona by Boom Home Medical: A bedside urinal with serious style

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Injuries, pregnancy, and balance and mobility issues can sometimes make it difficult and even dangerous to get up and use the toilet without help. Dissatisfied with the current options for women and other people with vulvas, the founders of Boom Home Medical set out to create a comfortable and colorful personal urination device that doesn’t look like a contraption out of a hospital room. The Loona’s soft, contoured funnel aligns effortlessly with bodies of many shapes and sizes, while its snap-close lid limits the risk of spills. The integrated handle diverts flow into smaller streams, minimizing noise and helping the urinal blend in at home. 

Gadgets

Any real gadget innovation should allow people to do something that they couldn’t do before. That may sound like a tall order, but every year devices present people with new opportunities thanks to technological advances, big or small. This year’s list is full of innovations that help people create something from nothing. Our grand prize winner harnesses the power of generative AI and presents it in a way that’s wildly accessible to just about everyone. Meanwhile, 3D printers have also gotten easier to use, especially the latest from Bambu, which makes printing fast and simple. And Meta delivers on a promise several now-defunct companies have made for years. It’s a fascinating time to be a creator—and a great time to be a gadget nerd.

Grand Award Winner, Gadgets 

Photoshop Generative Fill by Adobe: A tool to turn anyone’s words into art

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Generative AI has been the biggest technology story of 2023, and for good reason. The ability to generate full-fledged artistic creations from a simple text prompt appeals to a wide range of people, and Adobe has dropped that tech into the most popular photo editing program in the world. Many other generative AI tools require complex setups and can present other hurdles for a new user. Adobe’s solution, however, nestles neatly in with traditional image editing tools. During the beta period, the internet exploded with people using Photoshop’s new feature to create countless weird, wonderful, and sometimes unnerving images. The tool now resides in the official version of Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe’s other apps, and the results are often impressive, if sometimes confounding.

P1P by Bambu Lab: An accessible 3D printer that doesn’t make you choose between quality and speed

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Even as 3D printing gets more accessible, it can still be painfully slow. But Bambu’s P1P has streamlined both the speed and quality of the process. The P1P is ready to print in just about 15 minutes after taking it out of the box, which is refreshing compared to some models that take hours. Once it’s running, the P1P can print at a rate of up to 500 millimeters per second (mm/s), which is nearly twice what printers at this price typically output. Plus, the head accelerates at an impressive 20,000 mm/s². Despite its speed, this machine spits out objects that are smooth, detailed, and free from errors. Bonus: It costs less than $1,000. 

MX2A by Cherry: A classic mechanical keyboard switch gets a high-tech makeover

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You probably never think about it, but every time you press a key on your keyboard, you’re activating a switch. The original Cherry MX keyboard switches hit the market in 1983, winning the hearts of nerds everywhere with their impeccable feel and clacky sound. The MX2A redefines those classic switches for an even better feel and longevity beyond the 100 million strokes promised by the originals. Cherry developed a new proprietary lubrication mix and technique for applying the slippery stuff to the socket dome in the key’s rear housing. Along with a stronger barrel-shaped spring (instead of a typical cylinder), six ribs that keep the key centered, and redesigned socket geometry, these upgrades create the bounciest, clickiest keys yet.

Quest 3 by Meta: Accessible mixed reality for the real (and virtual) world

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Years ago, a company called Magic Leap promised immersive mixed reality (MR) that blended digital objects with the real world at a consumer level. It worked, but it wasn’t practical enough to catch on thanks to its clunky hardware and clumsy images. The Meta Quest 3, however, delivers that promised MR experience in an accessible way. A pair of cameras and a depth sensor dutifully recreate the real world in the headset’s 4K+ infinite display. Digital objects seamlessly blend into the terrain so convincingly that taking off the headset can feel slightly disorienting—it’s a truly impressive experience from a standalone headset.

Deep Dark Technology by Unistellar: A chance for city dwellers to see the stars

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Light pollution makes stargazing all but impossible in many urban areas, but Unistellar built a solution for that view-ruining haze. The company has analyzed millions of images captured by its smart telescopes to collect a comprehensive view of the night sky. Its Deep Dark tech assesses the scene a telescope user is looking at, recognizing which objects belong there and which are simply products of light pollution. The result? A clear, detailed map of deep space objects that would otherwise be impossible in a well-lit area. 

Aerospace

It’s been an exciting year in the aerospace industry. Two heavyweights—NASA and Boeing—announced that they were teaming up to create a new research aircraft called the X-66A, also known as the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator. The goal of the program is to make an experimental passenger aircraft that will be more efficient with the fuel it consumes. And speaking of sustainability, two different companies working on electric aircraft—Joby Aviation and Beta Technologies—delivered battery-powered flying machines to the Air Force for testing. What’s more, Alaska Airlines claims to have concocted a coffee blend that it says tastes good up at high altitudes. (What will they think of next?) But the biggest breakthroughs of the past 12 months include a giant rocket, exciting new space exploration missions, and a sixth-generation bomber for the Air Force. Take a look. 

Grand Award Winner, Aerospace

JUICE by the European Space Agency (ESA): On a quest for hidden seas

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Science fiction has long abounded with tales of life teeming in subsurface oceans on worlds like Europa, an ice-coated moon of Jupiter. Soon, we’ll have a close look at Europa and other Jovian moons, thanks to ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), which launched on April 14 this year. JUICE’s science instruments include spectrographs and penetrating radar designed specifically to peer under ice, making it primed to explore not just Europa, but also its fellow icebound moons Ganymede and Callisto. JUICE will arrive at Jupiter in 2031 and, after orbiting the gas giant for more than three years, will move itself into Ganymede’s orbit in 2034 for further study.

Psyche by NASA/JPL and Arizona State University: To deep space without rocket fuel

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NASA’s Psyche is flying through space thanks to a futuristic propulsion system. Psyche isn’t like traditional space probes that rely on thrust from dramatic chemical reactions. Instead, itrelies on solar power, which produces electricity that strips xenon atoms into ions and pushes them out the back. This type of propulsion has propelled spacecraft before, but Psyche uses a type called a Hall-effect thruster; Psyche’s engine relies on a magnetic field to corral the xenon ions, boosting the thruster’s efficiency. In fact, Psyche will be the first time a craft using a Hall-effect thruster has traveled further than the moon (though plenty of spacecraft have used one in Earth orbit). Launched on October 12, Psyche is headed to a stellar body of the same name: a metal-rich asteroid, unique among others made out of stone, and thought to be the core of a planet that never formed.

Chandrayaan-3 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): The first craft to land at the lunar south pole

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Before this year, no one had ever landed in the moon’s south polar region (a region where water ice is plentiful), not even with an uncrewed craft. On August 23, the ISRO changed that when the lander of its latest lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3 (from Sanskrit words meaning “moon craft three”), touched down. In the days that followed, that lander (Vikram) and its attached rover (Pragyan) conducted the first-ever scientific tests of the south polar surface. Unfortunately, a month after its landing, both the lander and rover failed to respond to a wake-up call. Still, Chandrayaan-3 undeniably helped break new ground. There is a good reason that NASA plans to someday land astronauts near the South Pole: The water ice could perhaps support human habitation. 

The B-21 Raider by Northrop Grumman: A stealth bomber for the 21st century

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Way back in 1988, the US Air Force unveiled the B-2 Spirit, the first stealth bomber in its arsenal. That futuristic aircraft, a flying wing, earned a Best of What’s New award from PopSci that year. More than three decades later, Northrop Grumman rolled out that aircraft’s successor, a sixth-generation flying machine intended to eventually replace the B-2, which the Air Force only owns a relatively small number of. The B-21 Raider is designed to be able to evade detection by radar and will have the capability to deploy either conventional or nuclear weapons. As of November 10, it is in flight testing.

Emergency Service and Defense

As technology evolves and iterates, so does war. Breakthroughs in materials science allow for better body armor, hopefully saving lives. An expanded definition of service means providing appropriate clothing for all soldiers, regardless of anatomy. The cheap and widespread availability of quadcopters has changed how squads scout and fight, as hobbyist toys are turned by the tens of thousands into short-range eyes in the sky. And the climate is warming, which means militaries are turning to new ways to ensure the electrical power stays on despite grid failures. This year’s best emergency services and defense innovations meet the world where it is, and offer added protection and redundancy so that more people can live to see tomorrow. 

Grand Award Winner, Emergency Service and Defense

Kevlar EXO by Dupont: Lighter body armor

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On April 14, DuPont announced Kevlar EXO, a new variant on Kevlar that incorporates a third monomer molecule into its fibrous composition. That change makes the new fiber as strong as existing Kevlar but at lighter weights: existing Kevlar weighs 1 pound per square foot, while Kevlar EXO is between 0.65 and 0.7 pounds per square foot. That’s an improvement of over 30 percent, ensuring that the new material can overcome one of the biggest obstacles to ensuring body armor offers protection: the lighter the body armor, the easier it is for a person to wear it. The hope is that Kevlar EXO will be able to meet body armor standards with a thinner layer, letting the armor go from the lab and into the field, where it can save lives.

Army Tactical Bra by U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command: At last, a durable undergarment for all bodies in the military

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The Army Tactical Brassiere, which is currently in its prototype phase, is the first bra designed specifically by the U.S. Army to be worn into ground combat. Created by U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or DEVCOM SC, the stain-concealing black bra prototype is flame-resistant and may have a redundant closure mechanism to endure long deployments. Women make up 17 percent of the active-duty US military and must buy their own support, often layering sports bras. Four Army Tactical Bra variants are designed to fit more bodies, and can work with uniforms, armor, and tactical gear, ensuring the services remain open to anyone capable of the job.

RQ-28A, Short Range Reconnaissance System by Skydio: A US quadcopter for squads and scouts

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Made by Skydio, the RQ-28A drone is the Army’s first “program of record” quadcopter, which means it has gone from idea to a regular part of the Army’s budget and planning. This ends years in which the US Army struggled to find a quadcopter that works in the field, but didn’t have the risks associated with being an off-the-shelf toy pressed into military use. In November 2022, the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia, successfully fielded the RQ-28A. Weighing less than five pounds, it can be carried in a rucksack and quickly deployed. The drone is controlled from an Army handset, and has a camera that shares video in visual and infrared light. 

Oklo Micro Reactor by Oklo Inc: Resilient backup power, no fossil fuels needed

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In August 2023, the Air Force announced the award of a contract to California-based Oklo to design and construct, and then own and operate, a micro nuclear reactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The reactor, intended to go online in 2027, is aiming to provide 5 megawatts of power. That’s less than one sixth of the electricity already provided by Eielson’s coal and oil power plant, but it’s still a good basis for ensuring that emergency functions can continue if the base otherwise loses power. Should the reactor prove successful, power generators like this could become a tool for resiliency in both military and civil grids.

Barracuda Ultra-lightweight Camouflage Screen with Frequency Selective Surface technology by Saab: Camouflage that’s communication-friendly

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Multispectral camouflage netting must hide the people, vehicles, and equipment under it from visual sight, infrared cameras, and detection by radar. But this type of camouflage can block desired radio signals going in and out, leaving those hiding underneath it in the dark when they need to communicate with allies in the field. In August 2023, Saab announced the new frequency Selective Surface technology for its Barracuda Ultra-lightweight Camouflage Screen, which allows certain radio signals to be sent from underneath the netting, while still protecting against detection by radar. That means soldiers hiding under the net are still hidden from foes, but are still in communication with friendly forces.

Credits

Package Editor: Rob Verger

Editors, writers, and researchers: Amanda Reed, Andrew Rosenblum, Annie Colbert, Berne Broudy, Charlotte Hu, Jen McCaffery, Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, John Kennedy, Kelsey Atherton, Kristin Shaw, Purbita Saha, Rachel Feltman, Rahul Rao, Rob Verger, Sandra Gutierrez, Stanley Horaczek, Terri Williams

The post The 50 greatest innovations of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker		SEE IT	A balance of sound and style help the AW6500s to stand out.
Best portable outdoor speaker		Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker		SEE IT	A long-lasting outdoor speaker you can take anywhere, anytime.
Best budget		Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System		SEE IT	A pair of powerful, water-resistant speakers that’ll only set you back $30.

Our yards and patios often have just as much decorating TLC as our indoor spaces, so why shouldn’t they have a set of outdoor speakers, too? Outdoor speakers can turn open-air space from just rocks into the rock and roll garden party of your dreams or allow chill tunes to accompany the natural breeze and rustling leaves. But bringing the boom beyond a climate-controlled room can be challenging. We’ve assembled a list of the best outdoor speakers, from pairs that require permanent wiring to portable options that’ll make your neighbors wish they were on your guest list.

• Best overall: Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker
• Best speaker disguised as a rock: Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker
• Best landscape speakers: Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series Outdoor Landscape Speaker System
• Best for live performances: SOUNDBOKS4 —Bluetooth Performance Speaker
• Best portable outdoor speaker: Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
• Best budget: Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System

How we chose the best outdoor speakers

The only thing predictable about the weather is its unpredictability. But good outdoor speakers should reliably produce a sonic landscape while withstanding the elements. The PopSci team combined our collective experience testing speakers of all sorts with user feedback to create a list anchored in brands with innovative audio engineering and products that fit a range of price points.

The best outdoor speakers: Reviews & Recommendations

We’ve selected speakers for people who want higher sound quality and a more permanent setup in their outdoor oasis. Most will take running speaker wire to an indoor setup, installing mounting brackets, and adjusting the aim until you create a sonic sweet spot. Keep in mind that it takes more speakers outside than it does inside to create the same sound. If installing passive speakers sound like too much work, revisit our best portable party speakers.

All these speakers boast weatherproofing and durable casings. Still, when you dive into user guides, most manufacturers recommend installing them where they have some protection from the elements to prolong how long they will last and make sure the mounting angle doesn’t allow water to pool. Beach and coastal residents may also want to look into how speakers fare in the salt air. Beyond that, just add friends and snacks and the perfect playlist to keep the energy up.

Best overall: Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker

SEE IT

Specs

• Dimensions: 8.88 inches by 14.44 inches by 9.25 inches
• Weight: 9.2 pounds
• Drivers: 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter, 6.5-inch round BDSS bass mid/woofer, 5.5 by 10-inch pressure-driven bass radiator
• Power range: 10-200 watts
• Frequency response: 40Hz to 30kHz

Pros

• Can be oriented horizontally or vertically
• Comes in black or white
• Galvanized steel mounting brackets included
• Can stick to one or add many to the setup
• 5-year warranty

Cons

• Higher end of price scale per speaker
• Relies on receiver/amp to have Bluetooth/WiFi compatibility

Definitive Technology makes some of our favorite indoor tower speakers, but they’re a luxury for the living room. We recommend the Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker to ensure you have great sound during patio party season. Packed into an installation-friendly form and for about $300 each, this passive speaker rocks a 1-inch aluminum dome tweeter and pairs a  6.5-inch Balance Double Surround Sound System mid-woofer with a 10-inch passive bass radiator, resulting in bumping bass whether you’re aiming to be the center of the block party or keep the next great barbecue at a neighbor-respecting volume.

Designed to withstand rain, snow, and heat, the AW6500 is housed in a PolyStone casing and an aluminum mesh grill that can be mounted horizontally or vertically. The included steel mounts allow for 360-degree rotation, so you can fill the space with sound whether you’re working with one or several to fill a vast backyard. According to DT’s user guide, a pair covers about 200 to 400 square feet.

Best speaker disguised as a rock: Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker

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Specs

• Dimensions: 11 inches by 15 inches by 17 inches
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Drivers: Two 3/4 inch polymer dome tweeter, 6.5 inches dual voice coil polymer woofer
• Power range: up to 50 watts
• Frequency response: 60Hz to 20kHz

Pros

• UV-resistant enclosure
• Can be mono or stereo
• Available in granite or sandstone
• Comes with 3-foot pre-attached speaker cable
• 5-year warranty

Cons

• You got a rock

Speakers come in three very broad groups: eye-catching statement designs, traditional enclosures that don’t bring attention to themselves, and then some designs meant to blend in completely. The Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker looks like a rock that is somehow eye-catching but also could vanish into a rustic setting. Whether the granite colorway suits your mountain vista or the sandstone better complements your desert panorama, the Klipsch AWR-650-SM is the best design to be put on the ground where conventional loudspeakers can’t go. The fiberglass enclosure houses two 3/4-inch tweeters and 6.5-inch subwoofer that can be configured for use as a single dual-channel speaker or a pair of single-channel speakers when connected to your receiver or amp. Each rock will set you back about $330, though they seem oddly addictive. Many users note they purchased one and then went back for more.

Best landscape speakers: Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series Outdoor Landscape Speaker System

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Specs

• Dimensions: Speakers without stake 6 inches by 7.5 inches by 8.9 inches; Subwoofer 16 inches by 26.8 inches
• Weight: Speakers 2.7 pounds; Subwoofer 31 pounds
• Drivers: 0.75-inch marine-grade PEI with 10-inch dual voice coil long throw
• Power range: 50 to 150 watts
• Frequency response: 80Hz to 20kHz

Pros

• Weatherproof
• Can cover 3,500 square feet
• Multiple mounting options

Cons

• Expensive
• Installation will take considerable work

When your outdoor living takes place primarily off the patio, the Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series Outdoor Landscape Speaker System might be the investment for you. For about $1,800, the system includes a 10-inch DVC subwoofer and is rounded out by four two-way speakers to help cut through ambient noise and create your own immersive soundtrack. The weatherproof fluorocarbon components can be mounted in the ground with stakes, tucked discreetly in plants, or mounted on trees. The 150-degree pivoting arm allows for plenty of flexibility as you aim to eliminate sound dead spots, no matter how irregularly shaped a yard may be. The system is compatible with most two-channel receivers or amplifiers, but expansions require additional Furrion brand speakers and subwoofers. Two sets—that’s two subwoofers and eight speakers—can cover 3,500 square feet.

This kind of installation may require digging or trenching, so the company recommends checking with the dig agency in your area before picking up a shovel.

Best for live performances: SOUNDBOKS4—Bluetooth Performance Speaker

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Specs

• Dimensions: 20.87 inches by 15.55 inches by 29.17 inches
• Weight: 34 pounds
• Connectivity: XLR or Bluetooth

Pros

• Loud
• 40 hours of battery life (charges in 3.5 hours)
• Portable if you’ve got the space
• Customizable EQ and sound modes

Cons

• Larger and harder to transport
• Only battery-powered

The Soundboks 4 performance Bluetooth 5.0 speaker isn’t for your apartment, main casual speaker situation, or even something you want to toss in your car for a quick trip camping. You could absolutely use it for all of these scenarios, but it is likely overkill, and certain design aspects could prevent challenges—not to mention your need to have extremely understanding neighbors. That being said, the speaker is perfect for a smaller patio party or tailgating and allows you to add up to five other Soundbok speakers if you’re throwing a full-on rager in your backyard. Able to reach up to 126dB while maintaining audio clarity—just into the uncomfortable/damaging level—you don’t have to worry about people talking getting in the way of your cha-cha slide number.

If you are going into the wood or a setting requiring a speaker that can stand up to the elements, the Soundboks 4 has you covered with silicone ball corners that prevent the powdered aluminum frame, steel honeycomb grill, and an IP65 waterproof rating. The built-in carrying handles also make the 34-pound speaker fairly easy to pick up and place in your car if you did need to transport it.

The companion smartphone app gives you all the typical controls over a connected speaker including multiple sound mounds, the ability to customize the EQ, and connecting multiple other speakers. While we don’t love that the speaker is ONLY battery-operated, you can buy more batteries for extra battery life. But to be fair, you get up to 40 hours out of each charge, and we can’t imagine most people needing more than that. If you do, you’re probably on a longer trip and have portable power stations or another type of generator to re-up the battery.

One other standout feature is the speaker’s microphone and instrument input. Perfect for streaming your favorite Spotify artists, you’ll also have a chance to plug in an electric guitar, DJ controller, or vocal mic to host a show or perform. All in all, this is a solid multi-purpose speaker that can be used for anything, but its size might get in the way of some use cases.

Best portable outdoor speaker: Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

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Specs

• Dimensions: 6.38 inches by 4.7 inches by 9.5 inches
• Weight: 4.36 pounds
• Battery life: 17 hours
• Bluetooth range: 180 feet

Pros

• Portable
• Can be wirelessly linked with other UE speakers
• Waterproof, IP67 rating
• Onboard controls
• NFC pairing for Android 8.0 and later

Cons

• No WiFi
• No voice assistant
• No microphone
• No aux port for other sources

The wired life isn’t for everyone, which is why Bluetooth speakers are so popular. For the very digital, the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM offers 360 degrees of big, bassy sound in a durable but attractive package for about $300. In either charcoal or cotton white, the EPICBOOM is a shockproof, dustproof, waterproof device that can be immersed in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Forget poolside; the EPICBOOM can be in the pool. (Its little sibling, the Wonderboom, is also one of our picks for a swim or a soak, as it’s one of the best shower speakers.)

The EPICBOOM needs to be paired with a phone to stream music, but it excels at this. The speaker itself features buttons for fast play, pause, skip, and volume changes, so wet or dirty hands don’t have to handle a comparatively delicate smartphone to change the vibe. The BOOM app adds additional controls, like customizable EQ and connecting several UE BOOM devices together to create a dispersed sound system on the fly.

While some Bluetooth speakers can serve as an access point for voice assistants or pull double-duty as a phone speaker, the EPICBOOM focuses on music and playing music only. However, the EPICBOOM’s battery life is a decent 17 hours, so it will likely last longer than your favorite playlist. Still, anyone aiming to party all night and every day will need to keep a USB-C charger handy (and maybe some comfy patio furniture and some of the best deck lights).

If it’s a smart speaker you’re after, the Sonos Move 2 costs $150 more but adds more connectivity alongside durability (and if you really love the multiroom Sonos ecosystem and are tired of moving things around, the best splurge is to install Sonos by Sonance Architectural speakers, which are $900 a pair).

Best budget: Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System

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Specs

• Dimensions: 3.75 inches by 5.25 inches by 3 inches
• Weight: 2.63 pounds
• Drivers: 1-inch superior dome tweeter, 3.5-inch aluminum injection cone with 1.75-inch-wide dispersion cone midrange with bass reflex vent
• Power range: up to 200 watts
• Frequency response: 70Hz to 21kHz

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Quick connect/disconnect terminals
• Waterproof; IP-44 rating
• Corrosion and stain-resistant mesh grills

Cons

• May want to upgrade the included speaker wire
• Relies on receiver/amp to have Bluetooth/WiFi compatibility

File the Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System under “good things in small packages.” For about $30, this pair of small speakers features are marine-grade, so they can be mounted outdoors on the patio, near a pool, or on a boat without worrying about splishes or splashes. The speaker system is waterproof with stain and corrosion-resistant mesh fronts. These little guys come with removable mounting and can be attached horizontally or vertically. They’ll deliver good sound for the price, but people who want to flood a large yard with tunes may want to look elsewhere. However, this could be a pro depending on whether your neighbors like to lodge complaints. A few users also suggest ditching the included but thin speaker wire for an upgraded one.

Want the best value on something really whimsical? You can hang a 2-pack of the pohopa 20W lantern-shaped waterproof Bluetooth speakers with built-in LED color lights for less than $175.

What to consider when buying outdoor speakers

We love making the great outdoors greater by adding music. As you shop for outdoor speakers, start by thinking about the size and shape of the space you want to fill, what elements the speakers will operate in, and your price point.

Weather resistance

If you’ve ever mistaken water-resistant hiking boots for waterproof ones, you’ll understand the difference between weatherproof and waterproof. Water-resistant boots are good for the occasional puddle or light rain, but crossing a stream will quickly lead to soaked feet. Weatherproof and waterproof speakers are similar. All of the selections in our list have weatherproofing—resistance to elements and more durable, sealed housing—but truly waterproof speakers come with an IP rating. Generally, manufacturers recommend finding spots to mount outdoor speakers that have some protection from the elements, like under an awning or a covered patio. For more extreme climates, like beaches and deserts, look for additional information about how speakers deal with salt air and sand. So, can you leave outdoor speakers in the rain? Many of them, yes. But look at those ratings to be sure.

Installation options

Do outdoor speakers require amplification? It depends. Portable outdoor Bluetooth speakers are best for setting up a sound system without installing amps or anything else. However, more permanent options will require patience and expertise running speaker wires between the outdoor speakers and the indoor A/V components (and sometimes drilling a hole through a wall). The upside is higher sound quality and a wider source selection.

The size and layout of the outdoor space will also dictate some system features. Many systems include wall mounts that allow for adjustable angles, though a space with no walls may need speakers that can go on the ground or on stakes. Little spaces, like a condo patio, don’t need as many watts as trying to turn a large yard into the daytime version of your favorite club.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best outdoor speakers

• Best overall: Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker
• Best speaker disguised as a rock: Klipsch AWR-650-SM Indoor/Outdoor Speaker
• Best landscape speakers: Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series Outdoor Landscape Speaker System
• Best for live performances: SOUNDBOKS4 —Bluetooth Performance Speaker
• Best portable outdoor speaker: Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
• Best budget: Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System

Elevate your outdoor experience by turning it into a concert-in-waiting. Investing a little extra effort into installing outdoor speakers on your porch, patio, or garden offers a higher sound quality while setting a vibe. For durable, traditional aesthetics, consider the refined audio performance of the Definitive Technology AW6500 Outdoor Speaker or the budget-friendly Pyle 3-way Mini Box Speaker System. The Klipsch AWR-650-SM adds a touch of whimsy by disguising itself as a rock, seamlessly blending into its natural surroundings. For larger landscapes or irregular spaces, the Furrion Aurora 4.1 Veranda Series delivers harmonious melodies that resonate far and wide. If portability is a priority, the Soundboks 4 cranks up the volume for dynamic live performances, while the Ultimate Ears EPICBOOM Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker ensures your outdoor gatherings stay waterproof and musically vibrant. Unleash the potential of your outdoor oasis by dragging out a packed cooler and entertaining surrounded by speakers that make every note count.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best outdoor speakers in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Apple pushed out iOS 17.1 to augment the host of new features we got in iOS 17. The new additions include some important changes to AirDrop, Apple’s short-range wireless tech which allows people to quickly share files between Apple devices and the new features are enabled by default.

These updates have implications for the way that you (and the people in your family) share information, so it’s important to know what’s different and how you can disable the new functionality if you want to keep everything on your iPhone locked down.

AirDrop continues to be a hugely convenient and reliable way of sharing files and data between Apple devices, but there are security and privacy issues that come along with it, and that you need to be on top of.

NameDrop

The first new feature in AirDrop is NameDrop, which takes the hassle out of sharing contact information: If you meet someone new who also has an iPhone, all you need to do is unlock your respective handsets and tap them together to bring up a prompt to share contact information.

When the prompt appears, you can tap Receive Only to receive the new contact details, or Share to receive the contact details and send yours back in return. Note that this only works for sharing information about a new contact—you can’t use it to update the details you already have about someone.

It’s of course important to stay up to date with these features, but don’t panic about news reports (some of which have been shared by local police departments) about strangers grabbing the contact details of kids. Nothing is shared automatically: The on-screen prompt must be manually accepted, and the iPhone must be unlocked with Face ID, Touch ID or a PIN, for anything to happen.

It is true that NameDrop is enabled by default once you’ve got the iOS 17.1 update installed on your phone. If you’d rather this enhanced contact sharing feature wasn’t switched on, open Settings, tap General and AirDrop, and turn off the Bringing Devices Together toggle switch.

Proximity Sharing

Next up is Proximity Sharing in AirDrop, which works like NameDrop but for photos and other types of files, not contact details. Essentially, it removes a couple of steps from the normal AirDrop process—just bring two iPhones close together if you want to share something between them.

Head into the Photos or Files app first of all, and get whatever it is you want to share up on screen. Then, if you hold the top of your iPhone next to the top of someone else’s iPhone, and they’re both unlocked, you should see an on-screen prompt to Share whatever it is—tap on this to initiate the transfer.

On the receiving end, the person you’re sharing something with needs to tap the Accept prompt on screen, just as they would with a regular AirDrop transfer. The feature can’t be used to start pushing photos, videos, or any other content to someone else’s iPhone without their permission.

Disabling this feature is the same as it is for NameDrop—go into the Settings panel on your iPhone, choose General then AirDrop, and turn off Bringing Devices Together. AirDrop itself can be turned on or off from the same screen, but Proximity Sharing works independently—you can have it switched on even if AirDrop is disabled.

SharePlay

The final feature that Apple has enabled for two iPhones that are pushed close together is SharePlay: This is a feature that means you can do stuff together with another person on your iPhones. Maybe you want to watch an episode of a TV show in sync, for example, or listen to a particular song together.

To begin with you need to be in an app that supports SharePlay—right now, these are mostly Apple apps, such as Apple Music and Apple TV. As time goes on, third-party developers have the opportunity to build the same tech into their own apps, so you’ll be able to use the SharePlay feature more widely.

All you need to do is open the content you want to share—like a song, a video, or a multiplayer game that works with Apple’s Game Center—and then bring your iPhone close to someone else’s. Tap SharePlay on your screen, and then there’s a confirmation prompt on the other iPhone that has to be accepted too.

The SharePlay feature can be accessed without bringing your phones together—if you’re on a FaceTime call with someone, for example—but the proximity option was added in iOS 17.1. AirDrop needs to be on for it to work via phone proximity, and you can make this via AirDrop under General in Settings. SharePlay can’t be disabled system-wide, but you can disable it in FaceTime by opening Settings and choosing FaceTime then SharePlay.

The post AirDrop changed big time in iOS 17, so check your iPhone settings appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

The holidays are stressful. Good thing having sex and/or masturbating reduces stress and helps you sleep. So drop what you’re doing and get on the gift of getting off with these Cyber Monday sex toy deals at Amazon.

Womanizer OG $159.99 (Was $199)

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Our best overall sex toy pick, the Womanizer OG has lots of intensity levels, can be used for clitoral stimulation or on your G-spot, and its Smart Silent tech keeps things discreet. The Womanizer OG takes all that is good in a bullet vibrator and all that is good in a clitoral stimulation toy and combines it into a versatile, wunderbar vibrator that you can use on multiple erogenous zones. Twelve levels of Pleasure Air intensity and three vibration modes separately can lead you to all kinds of new highs. You’ll want to buy it over and over and over until the neighbors complain … about all the packages on the porch.

Lubricant deals

• selfmade Intimacy Serum $14 with 50% off coupon
• Nécessaire The Sex Gel $20 (Was $25)
• Hello Cake Toy Wonder $15.19 (Was $18.99)
• Playground Date Night, Natural, Water-Based Personal Lubricant $20 (Was $25)
• Playground Mini Escape, Natural, Water-Based Personal Lubricant $20 (Was $25)
• Playground Love Sesh, Natural, Water-Based Personal Lubricant $20 (Was $25)
• Hello Cake Silicone Lube $14.40 (Was $18)

Toy deals

• We-Vibe Chorus Couples Vibrator $167.20 (Was $199)
• Womanizer Wave 2in1 Stimulation Showerhead $95.20 (Was $119)
• Womanizer Starlet 2 $39 (Was $49)
• Hello Cake Male Stroker Dual Entrances $15.98 (Was $19.98)
• Hello Cake Spin Stroker $44.80 (Was $56)
• Hello Cake Flutter Vibe $27.98 (Was $34.98)
• Hello Cake Buzzy Butt $29.98 (Was $31.99)
• Hello Cake Pretty Big Dil $22.40 (Was $28)
• Hello Cake Oral Stroker $15.98 (Was $20)
• Hello Cake Tush Pops $25.60 (Was $32.99)
• Hello Cake Little Sucker $23.98 (Was $29.98)
• Hello Cake Little Massager $23.99 (Was $29.99)
• Hello Cake Silicone Penis Ring $18.39 (Was $22.99)
• Hello Cake Vibrating Stroker $23.98 (Was $29.98)
• Hello Cake Vibrating Cock Ring $28.79 (Was $35.99)

The post Sneak away for some arousing browsing … of the best Cyber Monday sex toy deals appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

A solar generator is a sizable investment, but can really save you in a pinch. These portable power stations store enough juice in their built-in batteries to keep your devices, appliances, and anything else that requires electricity going when the grid isn’t an option. Cyber Monday has brought some of the deepest discounts we’ve ever seen on brands like Bluetti, Jackery, Anker, and Ecoflow, so we’ve collected the best Black Friday deals on solar generators we’ve seen so far.

Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station, 1800W Solar Generator $649 (was $999)

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This is Anker’s newest portable power station, and it’s cheaper than we’ve ever seen it for Black Friday. The super-fast battery charges to 100 percent from zero in just under an hour so that it can be ready on short notice. It offers six full-sized outlets (with ground), two USB-C ports, and two USB-A ports for powering devices. That’s more than you’ll find on many similar models. Plus, the internal battery has enough juice to charge an iPhone nearly 100 times or keep a camp light going for up to 60 hours.

• Anker SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station, PowerHouse 767 and 760 Expansion Battery $2,399 (was $2,999)
• Anker SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station, PowerHouse 767 and 760 Expansion Battery, with 3×200W Solar Panels $3,399 (was $4,599)
• Anker SOLIX F2000 Portable Power Station, PowerHouse 767, 2400W Solar Generator $1,399 (was $1,998)

Jackery solar generator deals

• Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus 200W, 2042Wh LiFePO4 Battery $1,959 (was $2,799)
• Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus Kit, Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station +1xExpandable Battery + 2xSolarSaga 100W Solar Panels $1,899 (was $2,399)
• Jackery Solar Generator 1000, 1002Wh Capacity with 2xSolarSaga 100W Solar Panels $899 (was $1,699)
• Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus 400W, 2042Wh LiFePO4 Battery 3000W Output $2,259 (was $3,299)
• Jackery Solar Generator Explorer 500, 518Wh Portable Power Station $599 (was $799)
• Jackery Solar Generator 3000 PRO 400W, 3024Wh Power Station with 2x200W Solar Panels $2,499 (was $3,999)
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 240, 240Wh Backup Lithium Battery $154 (was $239)
• Jackery 1000 Plus Solar Generator, 1264Wh Portable Power Station with 2xSolarSaga 100W Solar Panels $1,189 (was $1,699)
• Jackery Solar Generator 2000 PRO 2160Wh Capacity with 1XSolar Panel SolarSaga 200W $1,349 (was $2,399)
• Jackery Explorer 2000 PRO Portable Power Station $1,189 (was $1,899)
• Jackery Solar Generator 1500 PRO 200W, 1512Wh Power Station with 1x200W Solar Panel $1,499 (was $2,099)
• Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station, 1002Wh Capacity $649 (was $1,099)
• Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300, 293Wh Backup Lithium Battery $199 (was $279)
• Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus Portable Power Station with 40W Book-sized Solar Panel $319 (was $399)
• Jackery Solar Generator 1000, 1002Wh Capacity with 2xSolarSaga 100W Solar Panels $899 (was $1,649)

Ecoflow solar generator deals

• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA 2 Max 2048Wh With 400W Solar Panel $1,998 (was $2,998)
• EF ECOFLOW RIVER 288Wh Portable Power Station $199 (was $349)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA2 with 220W Solar Panel $899 (was $1,649)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator RIVER 2 Pro 768Wh LiFePO4 Battery with 220W Solar Panel $729 (was $999)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station 3600Wh DELTA Pro $2,399 (was $3,599)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA Max (2000) 2016Wh with 220W Solar Panel $1,399 (was $2,399)
• EF ECOFLOW RIVER 2 Max Solar Generator 512Wh Long-life LiFePO4 Portable Power Station& 160W Solar Panel $579 (was $919)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station DELTA 1300, 1260Wh Solar Powered Generator $709 (was $1,099)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator 120V/3.6KWh with 400W Portable Solar Panel $2,899 (was $4,799)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA 2 Max 2048Wh With 400W Solar Panel $1,998 (was $2,998)
• EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station RIVER mini, 210Wh Backup Lithium Battery $169 (was $349)
• EF ECOFLOW 240V/7200Wh Home Battery Backup: 2 DELTA Pro with Double Voltage Hub, Lifepo4 Power Station, 7200W Electric Generator $4,699 (was $6,599)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generators, DELTA 2 Portable Power Station with 2PCS 100W 12V Solar Panels $829 (was $1,299)
• EF ECOFLOW Solar Generator DELTA2 with 220W Solar Panel, LFP(LiFePO4) Battery $899 (was $1,649)

Bluetti solar generator deals

• BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC200MAX, 2048Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup $1,299 (was $2,159)
• BLUETTI Portable Power Station EB3A, 268Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup $198 (was $349)
• BLUETTI Portable Power Station AC180, 1152Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup $649 (was $999)
• BLUETTI Solar Generator AC200MAX with 350W Solar Panel Included $1,899 (was $2,799)
• BLUETTI Solar Generator AC300&B300 3072Wh Expansion Battery with 3 PV200 200W Solar Panel Included $3,899 (was $4,199)
• BLUETTI Solar Generator EB70S with PV200 Solar Panel Included $839 (was $1,098)
• BLUETTI Solar Power Station AC300 & B300 Expansion Battery, 3072Wh LiFePO4 Battery Backup $2,299 (was $2,999)

Ugreen solar generator deals

• UGREEN Portable Power Station PowerRoam 2200, 2048Wh LiFePO4 Power Station $1,399 (was $1,999)
• UGREEN Solar Generator PowerRoam 1200 Portable Power Station with 200W Solar Panel Included $749 (was $1,249)

The post Powerful Cyber Monday deals: Solar generators from Jackery, Anker, and more up to 50% off appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

You probably already know how to scan a QR code with your phone. It’s simple enough: just open the camera app, point your phone at the code, and tap the link. What if you’re on your computer, though? You could point your phone at the computer screen, but that inter-device dance isn’t necessary. You can open that code right from your laptop or desktop. 

Scan a QR code in Google Chrome

Google Chrome users have it the easiest, as the browser has a built-in feature specifically to handle this situation. Right-click the image containing the QR code and click Search Image with Google. 

This will open a Google Lens panel to the right of your browser window. At the top you’ll see your image. Below that you will see the words QR code: Text, along with the text contained in the QR code. If the text is a link you will also see a button for opening the link. 

Non-Chrome users can still access this feature, it just requires an extra step. Simply head to Google.com in your browser of choice and click the Search by image icon, which is in the right side of the search bar.

You can upload an image with a QR code, if you want, or provide a URL for the image. Either way Google Lens will open and let you know what’s in the QR code. 

Scan a QR code with your webcam

Sometimes you have a QR code on a sheet of paper but your phone isn’t handy. Your laptop has a camera, though, and you can use it instead. 

In Windows 10 and 11 you can use the Camera app, which is included with your operating system. You can find this application by opening the Start menu and searching for “Camera”. Scanning is simple: hold your QR code in front of your webcam and click the QR code button. 

Apple’s macOS does not have a built-in camera application capable of scanning QR codes. The good news: the free application QR Journal, which you can download in the Mac App Store, can use the webcam to scan QR codes. 

The post How to open a QR code on your computer appeared first on Popular Science.

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Sure, you could buy a bunch of gifts for everyone you know this holiday season. Or, you could buy yourself an awesome 3D printer and manufacture everyone’s gift. Imagine marching into your boss’s office and plunking down a tiny statue of yourself. Or treating your mom to a tiny car spoiler she can attach to the back of her Crocs. It’s all possible and you can save money by taking advantage of these 3D printer Black Friday deals.

If you need help choosing a printer, check out some of our helpful guides including the best 3D printer for beginners and the best 3D printer under $1,000.

Anycubic 3D Printer Kobra 2 Max $499 (was $699)

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This is a 3D printer you can grow into. It offers a total print size of 17.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 inches, which allows for all sorts of extra-large creations. You can churn out masks, lightsabers, or pretty much anything your heart desires. This model does come with a bit of a learning curve, but it’s a great machine if you don’t mind putting some work into it.

Creality 3D printer deals

• Official Creality Ender 3 Max Neo 3D Printer $269 (was $359)
• Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer $168 (was $232)
• Creality Official 3D Printer Ender-5 S1 $355 (was $549)
• Official Creality Ender 5 S1 3D Printer $320 (was $579)
• Creality K1 Max 3D Printer $743 (was $1,099)
• Creality CR 10 SE 3D Printer $359 (was $499)
• Creality Official 3D Printer Ender-5 S1 $355 (was $549)
• Creality Resin 3D Printer HALOT-MAGE PRO $503 (was $629)
• Creality K1 3D Printer $415 (was $519)
• Creality 3D Printer Ender 3 S1 Plus with CR Touch Auto Leveling $399 (was $499)

Anycubic 3D printer deals

• ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M5s 12K Resin 3D Printer $429 (was $719)
• ANYCUBIC Kobra 2 Neo 3D Printer $159 (was $289)
• ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M5s 12K Resin 3D Printer $429 (was $719)
• ANYCUBIC 3D Printer Kobra 2 Neo $159 (was $279)
• Anycubic Kobra 2 Pro 3D Printer $279 (was $449)
• ANYCUBIC Kobra 2 Neo 3D Printer $159 (was $289)
• ANYCUBIC Resin 3D Printer, Photon Mono 2 3D Printer $149 (was $249)
• ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2, Resin 3D Printer $149 (was $269)
• Anycubic Kobra Max 3D Printer, Large 3D Printer with Auto Leveling $419 (was $699)
• ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X2 Resin 3D Printer $229 (was $369)

Anker 3D printer deals

• AnkerMake M5 3D Printer $499 (was $799)
• AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer $319 (was $399)

Elegoo 3D printer deals

• ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer Mars 3 MSLA 3D Printer $119 (was $224)

Flashforge 3D printer deals

• FLASHFORGE 3D Printer Adventurer 3 Pro with Glass Heating Bed $319 (was $399)

Bambu Labs 3D printer deals

• Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer $849 (was $949)
• Bambu Lab X1 Carbon 3D Printer $1,049 (was $1,199)
• Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer $1,299 (was $1,299 (was $1,449)
• 30% OFF 4+ Rolls, 40% OFF 8+ Rolls on PLA Basic, PLA Matte, PETG Basic, ABS
• 20% OFF 4+ Rolls, 30% OFF 8+ Rolls on all other filaments

The post Shop these Black Friday 3D printer deals and print all your holiday gifts appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Billions of people currently use WhatsApp to chat on mobile, and with good reasons. The app is packed with features, offers end-to-end encryption for users, and provides a rich experience on multiple platforms.

If you’ve invested a lot of your messaging time into WhatsApp, then you’re not going to want to leave behind those chats when you upgrade to a new handset. Thankfully, WhatsApp has you well covered here, and the migration process isn’t difficult.

There’s even provision for making the typically difficult jump from Android to iOS or vice versa. The process of moving chats is different in each case, but no matter which devices are involved, it won’t take more than a few minutes.

Android to Android

You shouldn’t have much trouble restoring your WhatsApp messages on a new Android phone if your old phone is an Android device too. On your old phone, first make sure everything is backed up to Google Drive: Tap the three dots (top right), then Settings and Chats, then Chat backup. Hopefully you won’t need this backup, but you’ll be glad to have it if something goes terribly wrong.

Then, install WhatsApp on your new phone. Once you’ve signed in with your existing phone number, the app should recognize you have chats on another device that you might want to move over. Tap Transfer from the old device when you see the prompt to do this, follow the instructions, and you’ll get a QR code on screen.

You then need to go back to WhatsApp on your old phone, which will be ready to scan the QR code on your new phone. Once you’ve scanned it, accept the invitation to link the devices together, and you’ll see a progress bar on screen.  When you see the confirmation that the transfer is complete, tap Done and you’re ready to go on your new phone.

You don’t have to use this direct transfer method, but it does mean your chats don’t need to go to Google Drive and back. You can also restore a WhatsApp backup from Google Drive: This option automatically appears if you install (or reinstall) WhatsApp on an Android device, and log in with a phone number associated with an existing backup. Just tap Restore to bring your chats back.

iOS to iOS

As with Android-to-Android transfers, you don’t necessarily need a chat backup if you’re jumping from one iPhone to another, but we’d recommend that you set one up anyway.  On your old iPhone, open WhatsApp and choose Settings, Chats, and Chat Backup. Backups on iOS make use of Apple’s iCloud storage service.

Go back to the Chats screen, then choose Transfer Chats to iPhone and Start, and a QR code is shown on screen. Now you can turn your attention to your new iPhone, where you should install the WhatsApp app and set it up using your existing phone number. When that number is recognized, you’ll be prompted to carry on with the chat transfer process you’ve already initiated, so tap Continue to accept.

Scan the QR code that pops up on your old iPhone using your new iPhone. That gives WhatsApp all the information it needs to beam your conversations between devices, and you’ll see a progress bar shown on screen while this happens. When the transfer is complete, tap Next to carry on using WhatsApp on your new iPhone.

Should that not work as intended, you can restore a WhatsApp backup on iOS instead. The restore option only appears when you first install WhatsApp though (so you might need to uninstall and reinstall it): When you’ve registered your existing phone number, select the Restore Chat History message that appears on screen.

Android to iOS

If you’re going from Android to iOS, then the only way to move your WhatsApp chats over is to use the Move to iOS app for Android. It takes care of transferring data across a whole range of apps, including WhatsApp—it can also move across all of your Google contacts and calendars as well, for example.

Load up the Move to iOS app and just follow the instructions on screen—you’ll need to enter the code displayed on your new iPhone to confirm that you want to link the devices. The important screen is the transfer data screen, where you want to make sure that the WhatsApp option is selected, alongside any other types of data you need to move across.

The Move to iOS app will take care of signing you out on Android, and when you get the confirmation that the data has been sent over, you can go ahead and install and open up WhatsApp for iOS. As long as you log in using the same phone number you’ve been using, you should see a prompt to finish the transfer of conversations.

There’s no way to restore WhatsApp messages from a Google Drive backup (on Android) to WhatsApp on an iPhone—the Move to iOS app is the only option. You can, if you want, export individual chats from Android to an email archive (via Chats, Chat history, and Export chat in Settings), and start fresh on the iPhone.

iOS to Android

If you’re heading the other way, from an iPhone to an Android device, compatibility issues still create hurdles. WhatsApp on Android can’t read WhatsApp backups in iCloud, so you can’t simply sign in on a new phone and restore a backup. You can export chats to email (Chats then Export Chat in Settings), but again these can’t be restored on an iPhone.

What you can do is use the more general iOS-to-Android transfer solution that Google has built into Android, which covers a host of apps, including WhatsApp. However, you must do this when you start up your new Android phone for the first time, during the initial setup—there’s no option to do it later.

As you go through the initial setup process, connecting to Wi-Fi and so on, you’ll see a prompt to copy data from another phone: Make sure you choose Next here and not Don’t copy. Follow the instructions on screen, making sure WhatsApp is selected as one of the entries in the Apps section (it should be by default).

You’ll then need to connect your two phones with a cable: USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to Lightning. The transfer utility will then take care of the process of moving all your apps and conversations over, though you’ll still need to log in using your existing phone number when you open WhatsApp on Android for the first time.

The post How to transfer your WhatsApp chats to a new phone appeared first on Popular Science.

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ENERGY NEVER STOPS radiating through space, or on Earth. For more than a decade, hundreds of millions of samples from the never-ending deluge of protons, nuclei, and other atomic debris have collected in the International Space Station’s cosmic ray bucket—an instrument called the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. Here at home, cloud chambers—like those used by CERN, the Switzerland-based European Organization for Nuclear Research—illuminate the universe’s invisible cosmic storm.

In March 1951, longtime Popular Science contributor Kenneth M. Swezey treated space enthusiasts and DIYers to a step-by-step guide to making a cloud chamber, using a peanut butter jar. “The secret of any cloud chamber is a supersaturated vapor,” Swezey wrote. “As atomic particles dart through this vapor, they condense molecules in their path, leaving visible droplets—like vapor trails of high-flying aircraft.”

The first cloud chamber was devised by physicist Charles Thomas Rees Wilson in 1895 to reproduce the airborne puffs and study their behavior. By 1910, he’d begun spying the trails of charged particles, which ionized the supersaturated air and caused water droplets to form. At about the same time, physicist Victor Hess determined that charged particles, which he dubbed cosmic rays, were entering Earth’s atmosphere from space, a discovery that earned him a Nobel Prize in 1936.

Despite their ubiquity, the origins of those celestial sparks remain a mystery, although supernovas and ordinary stars like our sun are suspected to be prime sources. Beams of energy collide with atoms in Earth’s upper atmosphere, spawning charged subatomic particles like pions, muons, electrons, and positrons, whose ionized trails show up as spindly lines in cloud chambers. Radiation here on Earth also generates cosmic rays.

When Swezey offered up his home chamber in the 1950s, its use seemed somewhat practical. Fears of nuclear war, spurred by the worsening Cold War, dominated headlines. A homemade cloud chamber can detect atomic particles from nearby explosions, not to mention alpha particles, a product of radioactive decay from sources like radon gas, and gamma rays from radium, which was still being painted onto watch dials until the 1970s.

To view the cosmic ray storm, start with a glass or plastic jar—the bigger the better. A dark background, such as black felt glued inside the base and lid, will enhance the experience. Saturate the material at the base with rubbing alcohol, close the lid, and place the jar upside down on a bed of dry ice. As the apparatus cools, vapor forms. Turn off the lights, then shine a flashlight through the jar. Thin lines should appear, some perfectly straight (high-energy muons, big enough to plow through the jar), others zigzagging (electrons and positrons, so small they pinball off surrounding particles), and still others like eraser smudges (radon-spawned alpha particles, heavy and highly charged so they gather an ionic entourage).

Our 1951 cloud chamber recipe will still work today, although CERN offers an updated instructional video that uses the same essential ingredients. Can’t find dry ice? Ready-made cloud chambers will work at regular freezer temperatures. All you need is nearly pure ethanol and hot water to generate the cloud (and a few hundred extra dollars to cover the equipment costs).

This story originally appeared in the High Issue of Popular Science. Read more PopSci+ stories.

The post How to trap cosmic rays in a jar like it’s 1951 appeared first on Popular Science.

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Are you looking to upgrade your tools when it comes to cooking? Black Friday is the ideal time to save big on appliances and kitchen gadgets you’ll rely on every day to get food on plates. But what if you’re feeling a little more analog when it comes to setting the kitchen mood and dining room table? We’ve found deep discounts on heritage cookware that’ll last a lifetime, from non-stick pots and pans that’ll save you time at the sink. This is a range for the range, so no outlet will be necessary to take advantage of any of the gear you’ll find below—just add stove, a counter, and an appetite. We’ve sussed out sales on staples and splurges, plus anything in between. These Black Friday deals are active now and will only be around for a limited time, so if you hunger for something, act fast.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Round Dutch Oven $287.95 (was $359.95)

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No kitchen tool has become as iconic as Le Creuset’s Dutch ovens, lauded worldwide for their even cooking, extreme durability, and simple-yet-striking look. This Black Friday discount brings the 3.5-quart size down to its lowest price ever. The big appeal to using a Dutch oven from Le Creuset is its even heating, which will prevent sauces from scorching or the bottom of bread loaves from burning. The enamel coating on this French-made cookware piece is thick enough to prevent chipping, while its handles make it easy to transfer from the stovetop to your oven and vice versa. Le Creuset cookware is always a splurge, but this Black Friday deal makes it a little more accessible.

Le Creuset deals

• Le Creuset Stoneware Heritage Square Dish, $43.95 (Was $54.95)
• Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Dish, $99.94 (Was $124.95)
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Bread Oven, $216 (Was $299.95)
• Le Creuset Enamel On Steel Stockpot, $91.94 (Was $114.95)
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Braiser, $294.35 (Was $367.95)
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Oval Skinny Griddle, $79.95 (Was $139.95)
• Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 15.75 Inch Oval Skillet, $179.95 (Was $270)

Made In deals

• Made In Cookware 10″ Non Stick Frying Pan, $109 (Was $129)
• Made In Cookware Dutch Oven 5.5 Quart, $209 (Was $249)

OXO deals

• OXO Brew Tea Infuser Basket 6 oz., $11.96 (Was $14.95)
• OXO BREW Twisting Tea Ball Infuser, $9.56 (Was $11.95)
• OXO Good Grips Grilling 3pc Set, $25 (Was $32.95)

Staub deals

• Staub Cast Iron 10-inch Fry Pan, $99.95 (Was $243)
• Staub Ceramics 4-pc Baking Pans Set, $98.96 (Was $109.95)
• Staub La Cocotte de Gohan, $128.32 (Was $162.22)
• Staub Dark Blue Round Cocotte, $182.40 (Was $235.11)
• Staub Boussole Line Ceramic Deep Plate, $25.59 (Was $42.80)

Rubbermaid deals

• Rubbermaid Brilliance BPA Free Food Storage Containers with Lids, $31.99 (Was $39.99)
• Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver, Medium and Large Storage Containers, $29.99 (Was $39.99)
• Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container, Salad and Snack Lunch Combo Kit, $25.30 (Was $30.46)
• Rubbermaid Commercial Products Food/Meat Instant Read Thermometer, $6.12 (Was $8.29)
• Rubbermaid Commercial Products High Heat Resistant Silicone Heavy Duty Spatula, $10.37 (Was $22.42)

All-Clad deals

• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan Set, $55.96 (Was $109.98)
• All-Clad D5 5-Ply Brushed Stainless Steel Cookware Set, $734.86 (Was $1,429.94)
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set, $405.66 (Was $799.92)
• All-Clad Pro-Release Nonstick Bakeware Set, $159.99 (Was $291.91)
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick SaucePan, $55.99 (Was $69.99)
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Stockpot, $79.96 (Was $99.99)
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Grill, $47.96 (Was $59.99)
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Fry Pan, $79.95 (Was $99.99)
• All-Clad Pro-Release Nonstick Bakeware Loaf Pan, $19.99 (Was $27.99)
• All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel Frying pan cookware Set, $160.99 (Was $229.99)
• All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Nonstick Chef’s Pan, $79.99 (Was $99.99)

T-fal deals

• T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set, $125.99 (Was $179.99)
• T-fal Ingenio Nonstick Cookware Set, $139.99 (Was $199.99)
• T-fal Experience Nonstick Fry Pan Set, $49.48 (Was $75.99)
• T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized Nonstick Jumbo Cooker, $48.40 (Was $59.99)
• T-fal Cast Iron Enameled Dutch Oven, $55.99 (Was $79.99)

Our Place deals

• Our Place Always Pan 2.0, $98 (Was $150)
• Our Place Ovenware Set, $149 (Was $195)
• Our Place Cast Iron Hot Grill, $69 (Was $95)
• Our Place Cast Iron Perfect Pot, $129 (Was $175)

Cuisinart deals

• Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Anniversary Bundt Pan, $33.95 (Was $57.50)
• Cuisinart C55CB-11PM Advantage Cutlery 11-Piece Marble Knife Cutting Board and Knife Set, $16.80 (Was $21.99)
• Cuisinart 3 Qt Casserole, $48.96 (Was $69.95)
• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware 15-Inch Baking Sheet, $12.50 (Was $15.95)
• Cuisinart FCT193-18 French Classic Tri-Ply Stainless 3-Quart Saucepot with Cover, $66.46 (was $94.95)

KitchenAid deals

• KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board, $11.08 (Was $17.43)
• KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears, $7.22 (Was $11.99)
• KitchenAid 5 Quart Ceramic Bowl, $74.99 (Was $99.99)
• KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater, $16.15 (Was $24.99)
• KitchenAid KE199OHOBA Classic Multifunction Can Opener, $9.68 (Was $14.99)
• KitchenAid Gourmet Multi Sided Meat Tenderizer, $13.94 (Was $21.99)
• KitchenAid Classic Slotted Turner, $6.79 (Was $9.99)

The post 50+ sizzling Black Friday cookware deals you can get right now appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

We’re big fans of Bambu 3D printers here at PopSci. Right now, the company is offering up to $160 off its excellent machines, in addition to bulk discounts on filament if you buy four, eight, or more rolls. Bambu’s printers are fast, accurate, and exceptionally easy to use pretty much right out of the box. Whether you’re an experienced printer or you’re just looking to print your very first lobster with the head of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Bambu can crank it out.

Bambu Lab P1P 3D Printer $539 (Was $699)

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It takes only fifteen minutes to go from taking the P1P out of the box to making your first print. If you’ve ever tried to put together another brand’s 3D printer, you know that’s a pretty impressive feat. This speedy printer cranks out high-quality prints in a hurry with help from creature comforts like automatic bed leveling and vibration compensation to prevent imperfections that pop up from the motion of the extruder. This is a great 3D printer for beginners, but it’s more than capable of churning out high volumes of high-quality work.

More Black Friday deals from Bambu Labs:

• Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer $849 (was $949)
• Bambu Lab X1 Carbon 3D Printer $1,049 (was $1,199)
• Bambu Lab X1-Carbon Combo 3D Printer $1,299 (was $1,299 (was $1,449)
• 30% OFF 4+ Rolls, 40% OFF 8+ Rolls on PLA Basic, PLA Matte, PETG Basic, ABS
• 20% OFF 4+ Rolls, 30% OFF 8+ Rolls on all other filaments

The post Bambu Labs Black Friday deals: Some of the best 3D printers and filaments are up to $160 off appeared first on Popular Science.

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ChatGPT is rarely out of the news at the moment, and the engineers behind it are regularly pushing out new features and improvements to the generative AI chatbot—including, recently, new voice and image capabilities.

[ Related: ChatGPT can now see, hear, and talk to some users ]

In simple terms, as per the OpenAI blog post, these new capabilities mean ChatGPT can now see, hear, and speak. You’re no longer restricted to text prompts when interacting with the bot, although it’s worth noting that these features remain exclusive to paying ChatGPT Plus users for the time being. At first, only a limited number of users got the features as they were rolled out, but now every ChatGPT Plus user should have access. (On November 21, ChatGPT’s voice chat feature has been rolled out to all free users.)

As well as changing how you interact with ChatGPT, these new features also widen the scope of what it can do—read you a bedtime story, for instance. Here’s what’s new, and how to make the best use of it.

Chatting with ChatGPT

If you’re a ChatGPT Plus user and you want to talk to ChatGPT, you need to use the mobile app for Android and iOS (this functionality hasn’t yet been added to ChatGPT on the web). Once you’ve signed into your account and reached the main prompt screen, tap the headphones icon (lower right) to start a voice conversation with the bot.

You’ll get a splash screen explaining what the feature does, then you can tap Choose a voice to do just that. There are five to pick from, and if you select any of them you’ll hear a short preview. Tap Confirm when you’ve decided which one you want to converse with, and you’re then ready to start talking.

Speaking with ChatGPT is as simple as just talking to your phone. When you stop talking, the app will process what you’ve said and generate a response. You’ll often find that when it’s speaking, ChatGPT will end its response with a related question, to keep the conversation going—but you can always ask to talk about something else, or tap the pause button in the lower left corner to start a new chat.

If ChatGPT isn’t quite catching what you’re saying or recognizing your pauses as you talk, you can manually give it voice inputs, walkie talkie style, by tapping and holding the screen. Say what you need to say, then release your finger and the chat will be processed—it’s a more deliberate way of talking that you might find easier.

Think about ways in which spoken responses are better: You can get ChatGPT to tell you a bedtime story, for example, or a poem on a topic of your choice. As with text prompts, you can be as specific as you like about subjects or the tone. When you’re ready to go back to the main ChatGPT interface, tap the red and white cross icon, and you’ll see the responses you’ve been given in text format. 

Image inputs and outputs

You can now prompt ChatGPT using images, whether it’s on the web or via the apps for Android or iOS. On the web, click the paperclip icon to the left of the input box, then pick the image from your computer; in the apps, tap the picture icon to choose an image from your gallery or the camera icon to take a new photo (if you can’t see these icons, tap the + button to the left of the input box).

You’ll be invited to add a prompt alongside your image, and your options here are virtually unlimited. You can ask ChatGPT about what’s inside the image, for example. You can also take a photo of a problem—like a leaky faucet—and ask about the best way to fix it, or show ChatGPT the contents of your fridge and ask for suggestions on what meal to cook.

If you’re in the mobile apps, you can tap on the image before you add the accompanying prompt, and scribble around a particular part of it—this focuses ChatGPT’s attention on a particular part of the image, which can be useful for troubleshooting problems or getting clarity about something specific.

The image generator DALL-E (also developed by OpenAI) is now integrated inside ChatGPT as well. That means you can ask for new images to be generated, as well as using your own as prompts: Ask it to produce a landscape of rolling hills, or a grimy street scene at night, or a cartoon-style rendering of an interior location. You can also ask it to modify or build on an image you provide.

As with text prompts, the more specific you can be, the better—you can be really precise about what’s in your picture, and what style is used, and how color and shade is applied. So, you might say you want to see a cartoon-style picture of fields with a well in the foreground. Or, you might want a photorealistic portrait of a CEO-type figure, rendered in black and white. If you’re not happy with the first attempt at something, you can ask ChatGPT to make changes with further prompts. To save your creations, click or tap on the generated images to find the download option.

The post How to use ChatGPT’s new image and voice options appeared first on Popular Science.

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Watching one quick video during a workday isn’t too bad—the problem is that YouTube, like chip companies, go out of their way to make sure you can’t have just one. There’s autoplay, a sidebar full of video recommendations, and so many more features designed to get you to keep watching all day. 

We’ve talked about how to avoid falling down a YouTube rabbithole in the past, but if those tips don’t go far enough, you can customize or even entirely replace the YouTube interface. These actions not only make it possible to hide all of those tantalizing features, they can also keep that adblocking warning from showing up to pester you. 

[Related: 3 ways to avoid falling down a YouTube rabbit hole]

Untrapp: Remove clutter from YouTube

Untrapp is a free browser extension that lets you customize the YouTube user interface, allowing you to remove recommendations, comments, and more. To get started just install the extension—it’s free for Chrome and Firefox, while the Safari version costs $2. Install this extension and you can customize over 150 different things. For example: you can remove the recommended videos from showing up in the sidebar when you’re watching a video, or remove the comments from every video page. You can also set the YouTube homepage to be your subscriptions, instead of the algorithmic recommendations, allowing you to follow channels you want to watch instead of letting YouTube guess for you. You can blur thumbnails, you can disable UPPER CASE HEADLINES, and stop thumbnails from auto-playing when you hover your mouse over them. 

Untrapp even lets the truly hooked set up a schedule to block YouTube at a particular time every day or block particular channels altogether. If you’re not comfortable with your YouTube habit, Untrapp is well worth checking out. 

Invidious: Replace YouTube’s interface entirely

Invidious is an alternative user interface for YouTube. Basically, it’s a website you can visit to watch YouTube videos without having to spend any actual time on YouTube itself. The technology is open source and built to respect your privacy, meaning Google won’t be able to track which videos you’re watching. It also doesn’t have any ads.

There are a few downsides. Invidious is sometimes a little slower than YouTube, for example, and occasionally a video won’t work. You also can’t use Invidious with your YouTube account—it’s a completely different website. This means features like subscriptions, comments, and tracking watched videos won’t work. If you don’t care about that, though, Invidious could be a way to watch YouTube videos without letting YouTube get its hooks into you. 

Invidious is a free service hosted on multiple servers. It’s recommended that you try a few severs out and then bookmark one that works well for you—simply use that bookmark instead of heading to YouTube. You can use a browser extension like Privacy Redirect to open all YouTube links in Invidious instead of the YouTube URL with all its distracting, attention-grabbing functions. Either way, you’ll have a much less habit-forming way to use YouTube. 

Desktop players take things even further

VLC is one of the most popular video players on the planet, but did you know it can open YouTube videos? All you need to do is click File, then Open Network Stream, then paste the YouTube URL you want to play into the URL field and click Open. The YouTube video will play like any other video in VLC. You won’t see the sidebar, the comments, or any other feature of YouTube—just the video and the usual VLC playback controls. 

That method works, but takes quite a few extra steps. If you’d like a much simpler desktop application for watching YouTube videos check out MiniTube, which costs 10 euros (roughly $11 USD) for Windows or macOS and is free for Linux users. This application, which offers a demo you can try for free, lets you browse YouTube in a beautiful desktop client without any ads, tracking, comments, or recommendations.

This is probably the nicest YouTube interface you can get on a desktop computer, which is great, but I also find it much easier to use to watch one video without being pushed to immediately gobble up another. 

The post How to avoid binge-watching YouTube videos appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Klein Tools 32305 Multi-bit Ratcheting Screwdriver		SEE IT	A tough, high-quality example that underlines all the features that make these such popular and flexible tools.
Best Kit		Makita B-50289 47 Pc. Ratchet and Bit Set		SEE IT	A comprehensive kit of screwdriver bits, sockets, and adapter all organized in a useful storage case.
Best Budget		Amazon Basics 12-in-1 Magnetic Ratchet Screwdriver		SEE IT	Offers many of the benefits associated with tools from top brands, and comes at a very affordable price.

A ratcheting screwdriver is one of those tools you didn’t know you needed and then wondered how you did without. They are simple yet effective and popular with engineers, electricians, model makers, DIYers, and anyone else who works with screws or small nuts and bolts regularly. They are faster than a standard screwdriver and usually more comfortable to use. In this article, we examine the wide variety of models available and talk about the key features that will impact choice. We also closely examine what we think are the best ratcheting screwdrivers on the market right now.

• Best overall: Klein Tools 32305 Multi-bit Ratcheting Screwdriver
• Best grip: Wera 05073661002 Slotted Ratcheting Screwdriver
• Best speed: Craftsman SpeedDrive Ratcheting Screwdriver
• Best kit: Makita B-50289 47 Pc. Ratchet and Bit Set
• Best T-handle: Williams WRST4 Ratcheting Screwdriver
• Best budget: Amazon Basics 12-in-1 Magnetic Ratchet Screwdriver

How we chose the best ratcheting screwdrivers

As a qualified engineer and keen DIYer, I know the benefits offered by ratcheting screwdrivers and have used them regularly. In addition to my experience with many types of different tools, we surveyed the market to get an understanding of what is available today. Finally, we checked what owners have to say to get some feedback on real-world performance and durability. What we ended up with are choices we’d be happy to have in our toolbox.

The best ratcheting screwdrivers: Reviews & Recommendations

After some consideration, we eventually chose six key categories that allowed us to showcase what we feel are the best ratcheting screwdrivers for a wide variety of purposes and different end users. Just be sure to operate all your tools safely.

Best overall: Klein Tools 32305 Multi-bit Ratcheting Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Length: 8.71 inches
• Handle Material: Cushion grip plastic
• Bits Provided: 14 plus nut driver
• Bit Storage: Onboard

Pros

• High-quality tool from a renowned US manufacturer
• High-strength carbon steel barrel with rust-resistant finish
• 14 heat-treated bits with storage in the handle

Cons

• Storage dividers occasionally break
• 1 bit needs to stay in the screwdriver

Klein Tools has been around since 1857, and most of its manufacturing, including its screwdrivers, is done in the US. They have a reputation for durable, high-quality equipment that is particularly popular with professional electricians.

The Klein Tools 3205 ratcheting screwdriver is a fine example of the elements that make these devices so useful. The main shaft is strong carbon steel with a bright coating to prevent rust. At the front of the handle is the ratchet mechanism with forward, reverse, and lock positions. The handle itself has what Klein Tools call a Cushion-Grip, which is soft plastic designed to maximize comfort and torque.

The 3205 has 14 heat-treated double-ended bits included. These are a mix of Phillips, slotted, square, combo, and Torx. They are held in place in the shaft by a ball-bearing detent rather than a magnet. Twelve of these can be carried inside the handle but two have to remain in the end of the screwdriver which not everyone cares for. When not occupied by a bit, the end of the shaft can be used as a 1/4” nut driver.

Best grip: Wera 05073661002 Slotted Ratcheting Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Length: 9.06 inches
• Handle Material: Bi-material Plastic
• Bits Provided: 6
• Bit Storage: Onboard

Pros

• Ergonomic handle is comfortable and generates tremendous torque
• 44-tooth ratchet allows fine adjustment
• Stainless steel shaft is strong and will not rust

Cons

• Comes with a premium price tag
• Only 6 bits included

German manufacturer Wera Tools developed its unique screwdriver handle with the help of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering, a company that specializes in the interaction between humans and the equipment they work with. The ergonomic design has two functions. First, it allows maximum torque to be applied. It is rated for up to 50 Newton meters (Nm), which is equal to 37 foot-pounds (ft.lbs.). Second, it reduces stress and abrasion, thus helping to prevent tiredness and blisters. Usefully, it also stops the screwdriver rolling off a table or workbench.

Other aspects of the Wera ratcheting screwdriver underline its quality. The shaft is stainless steel, which is more expensive than other steels but strong and will not rust. A powerful magnet holds bits in place. The ratcheting mechanism has 44 teeth giving an 8-degree pitch, so small turns and therefore fine adjustments are possible.

The six slotted, Phillips, and Torx bits included are carried within the handle. Given the premium price, we’re a little surprised more aren’t supplied though bit sets are widely available and not expensive.

Best speed: Craftsman SpeedDrive Ratcheting Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Length: 11.3 inches
• Handle Material: Bi-material plastic
• Bits Provided: 14
• Bit Storage: Onboard

Pros

• Patented SpeedDrive for rapid working
• Positive locking bit holder
• Bi-material handle textured for better grip

Cons

• One bit stays in the screwdriver
• A few people found bits hard to remove

Craftsman has been supplying tools in the US since 1927, and the company’s reputation has always been one of providing great value for money. This ratcheting screwdriver costs very little money and, along with the features found on many rivals, has a patented SpeedDrive mechanism that is claimed to be twice as fast as alternatives. For those who work with a screwdriver in production or repair environments, this can be a major benefit.

Another interesting feature was the locking bit holder that grips small slots in the Craftsman double-ended bits to prevent them from coming loose. Whether this is any more secure than detent ball bearings or a strong magnet is a matter of debate. A few people thought it a little too effective and found bits difficult to remove.

A combination of 14 double-ended bits is provided in slotted, Phillips, square, and Torx formats. Twelve can be stored in the soft-grip, textured handle, but one must stay in the shaft. At 11.3 inches, the Craftsman ratcheting screwdriver is quite long. A lot of that length is the handle, and while that does allow good torque, the shaft is relatively short, so it doesn’t offer particularly good reach.

Best kit: Makita B-50289 47 Pc. Ratchet and Bit Set

SEE IT

Specs

• Length: 6.25 inches
• Handle Material: Rubberized Plastic
• Bits Provided: 46
• Bit Storage: Case

Pros

• Good variety of bits, sockets, and a quick-change adapter
• Textured, rubberized handle provides excellent grip
• Storage case gives easy access

Cons

• Handle may not suit small hands
• A few reports of mechanism breakages

For those who work on a wide variety of different devices, Makita’s 47-piece ratchet and bit set may well be the answer, especially given the very reasonable price. There are 38 screwdriver bits in slotted, Phillips, square, hex, and Torx formats, plus seven sockets ranging from 3/16-inch to 7/16-inch. There is also a quick-change adapter that can accept all of those items and allows them to be used in drills/drivers and impact drivers.

The ratcheting screwdriver itself has a steel shaft with a magnetic bit holder that will take bit lengths of up to 1- inch. The handle is a chunky item made of rubberized plastic with raised pimples. There’s also a lanyard/hanging hole that some might find useful. The handle does provide good grip, but is quite bulky and might be difficult for those with small hands.

The case is well made with everything laid out for easy access though a few people thought the bits could be awkward to remove.

Best T-handle: Williams WRST4 Ratcheting Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Length: 2, 3-7/8, and 7-7/8 inches
• Handle Material: High-impact plastic
• Bits Provided: 1
• Bit Storage: None

Pros

• Impact-resistant handle applies good leverage
• Three lengths available to suit different tasks
• Stainless steel shaft will not rust

Cons

• Relatively high price
• Only one bit included

Williams Industrial Tools is another long-standing company, having been around for over 140 years. As the name suggests, the focus is on heavy-duty equipment for tough working environments. In the case of their ratcheting screwdriver, this means a handle made from impact-resistant plastic, a highly durable mechanism, and a shaft made from stainless steel, which won’t rust and has no need of a finish that might chip off over time.

T-handles offer good ergonomics, and as the bulk of the length is shaft, they can provide good reach in awkward places. They also make it easier to generate leverage than standard handles. The Williams ratcheting screwdriver is available in three lengths from a stubby 2-inch model, through 3-7/8-inch to 7-7/8-inch. Only one Phillips bit is included, and while others are readily available, a few more might have been expected for the price.

Best budget: Amazon Basics 12-in-1 Magnetic Ratchet Screwdriver

SEE IT

Specs

• Length: 9.3 inches
• Handle Material: Non-slip plastic
• Bits Provided: 12
• Bit Storage: Onboard

Pros

• Competitive specification for less money than most rivals
• Corrosion-resistant chrome vanadium shaft
• Single bits rather than double-ended

Cons

• Ratchet mechanism occasionally jams
• Magnetism can be weak

The Amazon ratcheting screwdriver might be called Basic, but it is anything but in many ways. The shaft is made of chrome vanadium steel which is a popular choice for making tools as it is strong, and corrosion resistant. It uses a common forward, reverse or fixed mechanism, and the plastic handle has enough grip to provide a confident hold. The base is free-spinning so fingers can be used to turn the handle while pressure is applied to the rear.

There are 12 single bits, which some people prefer to the double-ended type. They are slotted, Phillips, Torx, and hex. All of them can be stored within the handle. The shaft tip is magnetic to hold them in place, though some owners felt the strength was rather weak. The ratchet mechanism itself also came in for occasional criticism with a few owners experiencing jams or breakages.

What to consider when shopping for the best ratcheting screwdrivers

All the ratcheting screwdrivers we looked at have a similar mechanism, but there are a number of individual features that are likely to have an impact on your choice. The following section explains them in depth.

Operation & comfort

The benefit of a ratcheting screwdriver is that the mechanism allows force to be applied in one direction (either forward or reverse) but spins freely in the other. This allows screws or nuts to be tightened or loosened without breaking contact. The result is increased driving speed. Additionally, using a ratcheting screwdriver for long periods is often less tiring. Some have a spin cap that allows the main body to be turned with the fingers while the palm applies pressure. Most ratcheting screwdrivers have forward, reverse, and a central lock position where they act like a fixed screwdriver.

Handles are often made of a soft-grip or rubberized plastic that not only makes them more comfortable to work with but may also increase the torque (twisting force) that can be applied. T-handle ratchet screwdrivers have the same kind of mechanism, but some people prefer that style of grip. It also provides additional leverage.

Shape & reach

A quick check of the images of the different models in our top six will reveal that bodies have a number of different shapes. Some of this is to provide comfort or increase torque, but personal preference is equally important. If you don’t like the shape, you’ll struggle to use it effectively, whatever the supposed benefits.

Reach is another important area. Sometimes screws are buried deep within a device and a long shank is needed. At other times space is limited, so a ‘stubby’ ratcheting screwdriver will be required. Many people will end up with several to cope with all situations.

Bits & bit storage

We looked at several dozen different ratcheting screwdrivers when researching this article, and all of them take universal 1/4” bits. Some also take hex sockets, and there are adapters that allow other sizes to be used. The devices you work on will dictate how important each of these is.

There are also many styles of bit. Typically slotted, Phillips, and Torx (also called star) will be provided, but others may be included. While they can always be bought as extras, it’s useful to have the ones you need most supplied with the screwdriver.

Many ratcheting screwdrivers store bits within the screwdriver body. This provides convenient access and means they take up less space in your toolbox. Larger sets usually come in a storage case. It’s worth checking the quality of this because it can be frustrating if it breaks, and another way of keeping the bits together has to be found.

FAQs

Final thoughts on choosing the best ratcheting screwdrivers for you

• Best overall: Klein Tools 32305 Multi-bit Ratcheting Screwdriver
• Best grip: Wera 05073661002 Slotted Ratcheting Screwdriver
• Best speed: Craftsman SpeedDrive Ratcheting Screwdriver
• Best kit: Makita B-50289 47 Pc. Ratchet and Bit Set
• Best T-handle: Williams WRST4 Ratcheting Screwdriver
• Best budget: Amazon Basics 12-in-1 Magnetic Ratchet Screwdriver

Although all ratcheting screwdrivers work in basically the same way, construction quality and materials vary. Brand reputation had a bearing on our choices because some manufacturers are known for supplying premium tools, while others are recognized for their value for money. We also looked at the number and variety of bits provided; for convenience, it’s nice to have either onboard bit holders or a storage case. We believe that there is something in our selection above that can make the job easier for everyone.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best ratcheting screwdrivers in 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Amazon’s Black Friday sale is already in full swing, and you can save huge amounts on DeWalt tools before the turkey even hits the table (though we’d recommend a different type of tool for carving it). The sale touches on just about every corner of the DeWalt tool world, from huge socket sets to replacement batteries and bread-and-butter power tools. Here are some of the stand-out deals if you’re ready to retool the storage shed arsenal. These tend to sell out quickly, though, so don’t wait if you see something you want.

DEWALT 20V MAX Drill And Grinder Kit, Power Tool Set, 2 Batteries and Charger Included $269 (was $349)

SEE IT

Buying tools individually is fine, but bundling them together can really save you some cash. This kit includes a powerful drill, a burly grinder, and a pair of batteries to keep them running until the job is done. You also get a carrying bag to bring them to and from the worksite.

DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set, SAE and Metric, 1/2, 1/4, 3/8 Drive Sizes, 192-Piece $154 (was $277)

SEE IT

With 192 pieces, this is like a sturdy stocking already stuffed with other gifts. This set includes all the familiar sizes of sockets that you could need. You also get three ratchets, a full run of hex keys, and extenders for reaching tough spots. This is one of the best tool gifts you can give and it’s heavily discounted, so snatch it up quick—don’t screw it up so you can screw more in.

DeWalt battery deals

• DEWALT 20V MAX Battery Pack, 3.0-Ah, 2-Pack $97 (was $209)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Battery Pack with Charger $89 (was $179)
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Battery, 5 Ah, 2-Pack $145 (was $259)

DeWalt tool deals

• DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Oscillating Tool Kit, 3-Speed $99 (was $219)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit $279 (was $325)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill, Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit $149 (was $229)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum $129 (was $159)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw $99 (was $159)
• DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel $229 (was $359)
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw $129 (was $205)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver, 1/2 Inch, 2 Speed $99 (was $159)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander Kit $126 (was $249)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Heat Gun, Cordless, Up to 990 Degrees $97 (was $148)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander $90 (was $179)
• DEWALT Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set, 168-Piece $119 was $154)
• DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade $99 (was $159)
• DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit $99 (was $179)
• DEWALT Table Saw for Josites, 8-1/4 Inch, 15 Amp $299 (was $419)
• DEWALT Miter Saw, 12 Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound $399 (was $639)
• DEWALT Mechanic Tool Set, 247-Piece, 1/4 in., 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. Drive $154 (was $181)
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Ratchet Set $249 (was $349)
• DEWALT 20V/12V MAX Laser Level, 3 x 360, Green, Bare Tool Only $355 (was $609)
• DEWALT Planer, Thickness Planer, 13-Inch, 3 Knife for Larger Cuts, Two Speed 20,000 RPM Motor $569 (was $719)
• DEWALT Laser, 5-Beam (DW085K) , Black $166 (was $264)
• DEWALT 12V MAX Laser Level, Cross Line Laser, Red $217 (was $309)

The post Save up to 50% on DeWalt power tools, batteries, and kits during Amazon’s early Black Friday sale appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best splurge		DeWalt 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill Kit		SEE IT	The most impressive cordless model we’ve come across, this prosumer model should appeal to DIY enthusiasts taking on substantial remodeling jobs, and contractors looking for lightweight and versatility.
Best overall		Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill		SEE IT	It delivers the kind of performance and reliability that makes it a good investment for both keen amateurs and professionals.
Best budget		Skil 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill		SEE IT	An ideal choice for the occasional user—it has all the necessary functions and is perfectly adequate for hanging pictures on a brick wall or putting up shelves in a cinder block garage.

Anyone who has ever tried hanging a shelf on a masonry wall will appreciate the benefits of a good hammer drill. They are a great addition to any DIY toolkit. At the entry-level, they are as easy to use as a standard drill driver but have the performance necessary to make light work of drilling holes in tough materials. For more challenging jobs we turn to rotary hammers. These powerful tools are not only capable of making holes large enough for pipework and electrical conduit but can also be fitted with chisels for light demolition duties. In this article, we explain all the key features to help you find the right tool for the task and offer recommendations for the best hammer drills for both DIY and professional users.

• Best overall: Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill
• Best budget: Skil 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill
• Best splurge: DeWalt 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill Kit
• Best corded: Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
• Best DIY demolition: Eneacro 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
• Best heavy-duty: Bosch 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max Combination Rotary Hammer

How we chose the best hammer drills

There are hundreds of electric drills available, and sometimes it can be difficult to tell what the important differences are. We wanted to focus on the distinct benefits of each type, while still offering as wide a choice as possible. I own a couple of these tools myself (not to mention many others), having remodeled two of our homes. So I know my way around saws and sanders and grinders, and as a team, we know drills and drivers. To supplement my experience, we researched all the leading manufacturers to ensure we were up-to-date with current technology.

Performance was obviously a key aspect while making selections, but we also looked at power source, ease of use, weight, and any useful extras. Brand reputation played a part because hammer drills are often used in harsh conditions, and reliability and durability are vital. Adding to that, we checked buyer feedback for a sense of how each one coped in real-world use.

The best hammer drills: Reviews & Recommendations

Each of the following is what we believe to be the best hammer drill currently available in its category and something we’d be proud to have in our storage shed. The wide range of models provided should mean there’s something for everyone, and the detailed descriptions will help potential buyers go beyond power drills and focus on the right tool for their needs.

Best overall: Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill

SEE IT

Specs

• Power Source: Cordless 18V
• Chuck Size: 1/2”
• Maximum Speed: 2,000 rpm
• BPM: 32,000

Pros

• Claimed to be the most powerful hammer drill in its class
• Compact and lightweight making it easy to handle
• Redlink technology maintains performance under load and maximizes battery life

Cons

• Battery and charger cost extra
• Premium price tag does not include a case

Milwaukee is one of the world’s leading power tool brands with a reputation for high quality, and durability. Their compact hammer drill takes our top spot for its all-around appeal. It delivers the kind of performance and reliability that makes it a good investment for both keen amateurs and professionals.

Milwaukee claims the 2804-20 cordless hammer drill is the most powerful in its class. For standard drilling operations, it offers 2,000 rpm, and its 100 ft.lbs. of torque on tap are sufficient to drive substantial augers and hole saws when drilling wood. Switching to hammer action provides 32,000 BPM for efficient drilling in masonry and concrete.

The Powerstate brushless motor combines with Redlink battery management to maximize power delivery and run time between charges. It also has overload protection to prevent damage when the drill is pushed to its limits. A drill of this power needs a high-capacity battery, and a 5Ah unit is recommended. However, as is common with cordless tools, neither this nor the charger are included. If a spare is added it will more or less double the initial price. Given that this is already a premium tool we would have expected a case but one is not provided.

Best budget: Skil 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill

SEE IT

Specs

• Power Source: Corded
• Chuck Size: 1/2”
• Maximum Speed: 3,000 rpm
• BPM: 48,000

Pros

• A good choice for the DIYer at a very competitive price
• Has soft grip handle and two-finger trigger for comfort
• Useful depth gauge included

Cons

• Keyed chuck is less convenient than keyless
• While normally reliable motor burnouts are not unknown

The Skill 7.5 amp corded hammer drill is an ideal choice for the occasional user. It isn’t big on features but has all the necessary functions, and is perfectly adequate for hanging pictures on a brick wall or putting up shelves in a cinder block garage.

The 1/2-inch chuck means it will take large drill bits, and with a maximum speed of 3,000 rpm, it will outperform most drill drivers. Skil gives an impact per minute (ipm) rate rather than the more common BPM but it means the same. In this case, it’s a surprising 48,000.

The two-finger trigger and soft-grip handle are nice touches that add a little comfort. A trigger lock means it doesn’t need to be held in all the time. There’s also a useful depth gauge. The power cord is only 6 feet which means you’re going to be using an extension cord most of the time, but that’s true of most corded power tools. It’s a shame they decided to save a few cents with a keyed chuck rather than keyless. Those keys are all too easy to misplace which can be very frustrating.

Best splurge: DeWalt 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill Kit

SEE IT

Specs

• Power Source: Cordless 20V
• Chuck Size: 1” SDS Plus
• Maximum Speed: 1,050 rpm
• BPM: 4,600

Pros

• Powerful cordless drilling, hammer drilling, and chipping
• Vibration control for increased user comfort
• Includes two high-capacity 5Ah batteries, charger and case

Cons

• It’s hard to fault but it is a lot of money
• No drill or chisel bits included

The DeWalt SDS rotary hammer drill is the most impressive cordless drill we came across during our research. It’s what is often called a prosumer model, appealing to DIY enthusiasts taking on substantial remodeling jobs, and contractors looking for lightweight and versatility. This drill set has drill, hammer drill, and hammer-only functions.

It is fitted with a 1-inch SDS Max chuck and runs at a maximum speed of 1,050 rpm. BPM is 4,600, and each blow comes with an impact force of 2.1 joules (1.5 ft.lbs.). Heavy hammering like that causes a lot of vibration, which soon becomes tiring. DeWalt employ Shock Active Vibration Control to dramatically reduce user discomfort, and extend working time.  

The DeWalt SDS rotary hammer comes with a charger and two high-capacity 5Ah batteries so there can always be a spare available to reduce downtime. Each has a useful 3-stage LED giving charge status. There’s a depth rod, and the whole kit comes in a durable plastic case. For professional users, the DeWalt SDS rotary hammer can be paired with DeWalt’s onboard extractor thus complying with OSHA Table 1 standards for protection against respirable crystalline silica.

Best corded: Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer

SEE IT

Specs

• Power Source: Corded
• Chuck Size: 1” SDS Plus
• Maximum Speed: 1,300 rpm
• BPM: 5,800

Pros

• A robust tool at a competitive price from a market leader
• Ergonomic handle and modest weight aid working at all angles
• Automatic clutch helps prevent wrist injuries

Cons

• Requires periodic maintenance
• No vibration suppression

You can tell by the appearance that the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme is made for serious work. The slender design allows you to lean into the tool when necessary, applying maximum pressure. Not that much effort will usually be required. Performance figures are impressive for a tool in this price range with a maximum speed of 1,300 rpm, 5,800 BPM, and impact energy of 2.0 ft.lbs.

The variable trigger allows slow starting, reducing the chances of the drill bit wandering. It also allows accurate positioning when chiseling. The large ‘D’ handle has plenty of room for a gloved hand and includes a metal plate at the front that flips down to create a useful hanging hook. There’s a depth rod, and Bosch Pro-Guard dust extraction can be added for those who need to comply with OSHA regulations.

An automatic clutch is fitted to the SDS Plus chuck, which is a great safety feature. If the bit jams the drive is disconnected thus preventing wrist injury. There isn’t any vibration control so although the Bosch Bulldog Extreme is only 6.7 pounds it can get tiring after a while. As with all brush motors, the brushes will eventually wear, and need replacing though the job is fairly straightforward.

Best DIY demolition: Eneacro 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill

SEE IT

Specs

• Power Source: Corded
• Chuck Size: 1-1/4” SDS Plus
• Maximum Speed: 820 rpm
• BPM: 4,200

Pros

• Kit includes drill and chisel bits, spare brushes, grease, wrench, and case
• Exhaust protects motor from excess heat
• Anti-vibration system and safety clutch

Cons

• It’s heavy
• Occasional breakdowns suggest inconsistent quality control

The Eneacro SDS Plus rotary hammer is remarkable both in terms of what you get for the money, and the performance it delivers. In addition to the drill itself the kit includes 3 drill bits, 2 chisel bits, grease, spare brushes for the motor, and a wrench. To keep everything organized, there’s a tough plastic case.

A top speed of 820 rpm isn’t as fast as some, but the 4,200 BPM is delivered with a powerful impact force of 5.5 ft.lbs. There’s an anti-vibration system and a soft grip handle for operator comfort. There’s also a safety clutch that disengages the drive if the bit jams to prevent injury. An exhaust helps stop the motor from overheating, and the base is designed to prevent dust from getting in. We’re a little surprised there isn’t a depth gauge, but it’s a minor gripe on an otherwise very good tool.

There’s really only one thing that prevents us from recommending the Eneacro rotary hammer for professional use, and that’s the weight. At 12.58 pounds it is heavy for a tool that is going to be used all day. DIYers can usually take a break, but contractors can’t afford to.

Best heavy-duty: Bosch 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max Combination Rotary Hammer

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Specs

• Power Source: Corded
• Chuck Size: 1-9/16” SDS Max
• Maximum Speed: 340 rpm
• BPM: 2,750

Pros

• Variable speed dial for consistent control
• Vario-Lock mechanism provides optimum chisel angle
• Service minder brushes indicate when maintenance is required

Cons

• No drill-only option
• Heavy, and no vibration control

The Bosch SDS Max rotary hammer is a heavy-duty tool that, according to the manufacturer, is aimed at concrete contractors and professional remodelers. Its focus is underlined by the fact that there’s no standard drill function. It is either hammer drill or hammer-only.

Maximum speed is a relatively slow 340 rpm, but when you are driving very large drill bits control is more important. Most hammer drills offer variable speed triggers that demand you keep your fingers steady. The big Bosch has a stepped speed dial instead so concentration can stay at the business end. BPM is 2,750 delivered with a class-leading 6.1 ft.lbs. of impact energy.

In addition to mode selection the Bosch SDS Max rotary hammer has a Vario-Lock mechanism that allows chisel bits to be fixed in one of 12 positions so users have the optimum working angle without having to contort hands and arms. Service minder brushes give a clear visual indication of when they need to be changed, taking the guesswork out of a vital maintenance operation.

What to consider before buying a hammer drill

When detailing each of our best hammer drill picks, we’ve highlighted performance specifications and key features. In the following section we look at exactly what each of these means, and the impact they can have on your choice.

Types of hammer drill

The term ‘hammer drill’ can cover a varied range of tools, so they are usually divided into two groups: standard hammer drills, and rotary hammers.

Standard hammer drills are the first step up from an ordinary drill/driver adding a hammer action to the drill function so that in combination with a masonry bit they can drill holes in tough materials like brick, concrete, paving, and stone.

Rotary hammers usually have three functions: drill, hammer drill, and hammer only (some heavy-duty tools don’t offer a drill-only option). Rotary hammers accept much larger drill bits, and as a result, are capable of making much larger and deeper holes. When switched to the hammer-only function and fitted with chisel bits, they can be used to strip tile and undertake light demolition tasks.

Demolition hammers are heavy-duty tools that are sometimes confused with hammer drills but they have no drilling function at all, and so fall outside the scope of this article.

Chuck

There are two types of chuck used in these tools.

Standard hammer drills have a three-jaw chuck, the same as those found in drill/drivers. It is usually tightened by hand, though some use a key.

Rotary hammers use SDS chucks. SDS stands for Slotted Drive Shaft, a system that interlocks the drill or chisel bit with a spring-loaded collar on the tool to prevent them from slipping under heavy load. There are three shaft types: SDS, SDS Plus, and SDS Max. The first two have a 10mm shaft, but the slots are slightly different. SDS bits will usually fit SDS Plus drills, but not the other way around. SDS Max has an 18mm shaft and therefore can take larger diameter and longer drill bits.

Although it’s not a precise measure, generally speaking, the larger the chuck diameter, the more powerful the tool.

Performance

Rotational speed is an important factor in any kind of power drill. Whatever the material, a faster speed usually means the bit cuts more quickly. This is equally true of hammer drills whether the hammer action is engaged or not.

BPM stands for blows per minute and is the impact speed of the hammer action. A faster BMP might be seen as delivering more destructive force but the figure can be deceptive. Standard hammer drills often have very high BPM but the energy behind each impact is limited. Rotary hammers have lower BPM but actually deliver more force (impact energy) with each blow. Impact energy figures are often unavailable for standard hammer drills but are usually provided for rotary hammers either in joules or ft.lbs. For those buying a tool for demolition work as well as drilling impact energy is a good way to compare performance.

Torque is the twisting force. The international standard is Newton-meters (Nm), but in the US, it’s usually given as inch-pounds (in.lbs.) or foot-pounds (ft.lbs.). There are 12 inch-pounds to the foot-pound. Torque is important when turning screws or bolts (drill/drivers and impact wrenches tend to have high torque figures) but is not a major factor when drilling holes, and irrelevant when chiseling.

Additional Features

• Hammer drills create a lot of force so handling them can be challenging. In tough materials, the drill can sometimes jam momentarily sending a sharp reaction through the tool. This can cause painful wrist injuries. An auxiliary handle is fitted to provide a second grip, and should always be used.
• When drilling large, deep holes, having a sliding depth gauge can be very convenient, and many hammer drills have them fitted.
• Cordless hammer drills often have LED work lights that make it easier to see what you’re doing in poor light or dusty conditions.
• It’s nice to have a case to protect your hammer drill, and have somewhere handy to store drill and chisel bits. Some manufacturers include them, some don’t.
• Some of the best hammer drills have dust extraction systems available that fit right on the tool. These can be very efficient but do cost extra.

Note: Working with masonry, concrete, etc., can cause sharp fragments to be ejected and create a lot of dust. Always put on protective eyewear or a face shield, as well as some kind of dust mask.

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best hammer drills

• Best overall: Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill
• Best budget: Skil 7.5-Amp 1/2-Inch Corded Hammer Drill
• Best splurge: DeWalt 20V MAX SDS Rotary Hammer Drill Kit
• Best corded: Bosch 11255VSR Bulldog Xtreme SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
• Best DIY demolition: Eneacro 1-1/4 Inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill
• Best heavy-duty: Bosch 1-9/16-Inch SDS-Max Combination Rotary Hammer

The hammer drill market is very competitive which is good news because we get a host of excellent tools to choose from. The Milwaukee 2804-20 that takes our top spot is a superb all-rounder that will suit both keen amateurs and pro users. The corded Skil is light, easy to use, and ideal for DIYers on a tight budget. At the other end of the scale the Bosch SDS Max delivers remarkable performance though weight, and the lack of an ordinary drill function might limit it to contractors and site workers.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best hammer drills for 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

If your hands are full with groceries or books, or hanging on to a subway car handrail or dog leash, then it’s not easy to operate your Apple Watch in the normal way—by reaching over to tap the screen or pressing the Digital Crown.

That’s the thinking behind Double Tap, a new gesture available with watchOS 10.1. As its name suggests, it lets you tap your forefinger and thumb together twice, with the same hand that your watch is on, to operate the wearable without touching it. It means you can answer calls and browse through screens with one hand rather than two, and it promises to be very helpful.

For Double Tap to work, you do need the latest Apple Watch 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, because the AI smarts of the S9 chipset inside these models is required to recognize the gesture you’re making. You also need watchOS 10.1 (tap My Watch > General > Software Update in the Watch app on your iPhone to look for updates).

Older Apple Watch devices can still make use of a similar feature called AssistiveTouch, which is a more comprehensive way of controlling everything that happens on an Apple Watch with one hand. AssistiveTouch is available on every Apple Watch since the Apple Watch 4, including the Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Using Double Tap

As soon as you’ve upgraded to watchOS 10.1, Double Tap should be enabled automatically and ready to go. You can turn it off, if you ever need to, by opening up the Settings app on your watch, then choosing Gestures and Double Tap, and turning off the Double Tap toggle switch.

To double tap, lift up your Apple Watch first, as you would do if you were checking the time. On the hand attached to the wrist where your Apple Watch is, bring your index finger and thumb together twice in quick succession. The only times Double Tap won’t work is when a Sleep Focus mode is active, or when the watch is in Low Power Mode.

What the gesture triggers will depend on what’s on screen. If there’s a call coming in, it’ll answer the call. If there’s a timer running, a double tap will pause it (and restart it). If a notification has come in, it will open the notification so you can read it. In general, a double tap will perform what Apple calls the “primary action” for the screen you’re on.

For a couple of functions, you can customise what a double tap does: When music is playing you can choose whether a double tap pauses playback or skips to the next track, and when Smart Stack widgets are on screen you can choose whether a double tap advances through the widgets or opens the first available one.

To change this functionality, open the Settings app on your watch, then tap Gestures and Double Tap. Select Playback and you can pick between Play/Pause and Skip, or select Smart Stack and you can choose between Advance or Select.

Using AssistiveTouch

Another way of using your Apple Watch with just one hand is to use AssistiveTouch, which is supported on every model back to the Apple Watch 4 from 2018 (including the Apple Watch 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 9). It’s designed for people who are physically unable to use their other hand to operate their watch, but anyone can activate it.

AssistiveTouch covers a wider range of gestures, including a double tap, and is more comprehensive in terms of helping you operate the smartwatch. Activating it is more deliberate though: It doesn’t have the fluidness and ease-of-use of Double Tap, which uses machine learning algorithms to recognize wrist and finger movements. You can’t use Double Tap when AssistiveTouch is active.

To enable AssistiveTouch, open the Settings screen on your Apple Watch, then choose Accessibility and AssistiveTouch, then tap AssistiveTouch. On the same screen you can select Hand Gestures to change which gestures do what on the watch. AssistiveTouch can also be enabled from the Watch app on your iPhone, via Accessibility, then AssistiveTouch on the My Watch tab.

With AssistiveTouch enabled, raising your wrist will show a blue ring around the screen. You then need to clench your fist twice quickly to actually activate the gestures and switch to AssistiveTouch mode, where a focus ring appears on the first item on the screen (the ring indicates that something can be selected by AssistiveTouch).

The default actions include a thumb-and-index-finger pinch to move to the next item, a double pinch to move to the previous item, a fist clench to tap an item, and a double clench to bring up the action menu (where you can pick from actions like scrolling and pressing the Digital Crown). See here for a full guide to getting around all of the watch’s features and functions using AssistiveTouch gestures.

The post How to use Double Tap to control your Apple Watch without touching it appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best overall		Autolite Iridium XP Spark Plugs		SEE IT	This set of iridium spark plugs is top choice for compatible vehicles due to the impressive 100,000-mile lifespan.
Best value		NGK Iridium Spark Plugs		SEE IT	Get high performance operation with this set of iridium spark plugs that boast enhanced anti-corrosion and anti-seizing features.
Best platinum		Bosch 4417 Platinum+4 FGR7DQP Spark Plug		SEE IT	Invest in this four-pack of platinum spark plugs for affordable, long-lasting fuel efficiency and engine reliability.

Combustion engines create a mixture of air and fuel that must be ignited to provide power to the vehicle, and spark plugs provide that trigger. Spark plugs are designed to set off this air and fuel mixture, allowing the engine to generate enough power to move the vehicle. Despite the small size of these components, without spark plugs, the vehicle would not be leaving the driveway under its own power. A brand new vehicle may not need new spark plugs for 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but when the existing spark plugs start to fail, the vehicle will begin to show signs, such as rough idling sounds, knocking engine noises, trouble starting the car, bad fuel economy, and engine misfires. In order to restore healthy operation to the engine, it’s necessary to invest in new spark plugs, and this guide will help you learn about the best spark plugs for your vehicle.

• Best overall: Autolite Iridium XP Spark Plugs
• Best value: NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
• Best platinum: Bosch 4417 Platinum+4 FGR7DQP Spark Plug
• Best copper: E3 Powersports Spark Plug
• Best double iridium: BOSCH Fine Wire Double Iridium Spark Plug

How we chose the best spark plugs

In order to select a list of the best plugs, it was necessary to conduct extensive research into a broad pool of products to find the top options based on several key product specs. The first factor that was taken into consideration was the type of plug, differentiated by the material. Premium iridium products were preferred, but not all vehicles are made to use this type, so the top list also makes room for alternate types, including copper, platinum, and double iridium.

The hex size, gap, and expected life of the products were also reviewed to find the best plugs for the vehicle. Additionally, the listed heat range for each spark plug was noted and compared against other products using a simple heat range cross-reference chart to get a clear idea of the performance of each product. Using this information, the top options were selected for this list of the best spark plugs. 

The best spark plugs: Reviews & Recommendations 

The list below comprises the top products based on thorough research and review. Take a look at this selection to find the best spark plugs for your vehicle. 

Best overall: Autolite Iridium XP Spark Plugs

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Why it made the cut: Replace old, worn plugs with these high-efficiency iridium ones by Autolite.

Specs

• Type: Iridium
• Hex Size: ⅝-inch (16mm)
• Life: 100,000 miles
• Gap: 0.044 inches (1.1mm)

Pros

• Lasts for up to 100,000 miles
• Iridium design is made for optimal performance and fuel efficiency
• High-alumina ceramic insulator for increased strength
• Built-in platinum-protected ground wire and V-trimmed ground electrode

Cons

• Nickel top can negatively affect performance

Vehicles are made up of a wide variety of parts that work together to make the car or truck function. If any parts are worn out or beginning to show signs of failure, then this can impact the operation of the vehicle, leading to minor issues that can grow into more serious problems if the parts are not replaced. This can be commonly seen when the tread on tires starts to wear down.

Similarly, spark plugs can wear out over time, leading to ignition problems, reduced fuel efficiency, and engine issues, so it’s important to replace old, worn ones as soon as possible. This set of iridium plugs is a great choice for compatible vehicles because they can last for up to 100,000 miles before they need to be replaced.

The iridium design increases engine performance and fuel efficiency for the vehicle, though it should be noted that the performance may be slightly reduced by the nickel top. This is made up for with the inclusion of platinum-protected ground wires and V-trimmed ground electrodes, which greatly improve efficiency and ignitability. Additionally, the plugs have a high-alumina ceramic insulator that increases the strength and durability. 

Best value: NGK Iridium Spark Plugs

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Why it made the cut: Take advantage of this six-plug value pack to get new iridium plugs for compatible vehicles.

Specs

• Type: Iridium
• Hex Size: ⅝-inch (16mm)
• Life: 50,000 miles
• Gap: 0.043 inches (1.1mm)

Pros

• Anti-corrosion and anti-seizing properties
• Superior strength and heat transfer
• Iridium design offers high performance and efficiency
• Triple-sealed to prevent leakage

Cons

• Short 50,000-mile lifespan

Replace old or faulty plugs with this set of six iridium ones by NGK. The six-plug value pack is a great way to get high-performance iridium spark plugs without overspending. Each plug is made with trivalent metal plating, which provides superior anti-corrosion and anti-seizing properties, ensuring that the plug functions effectively for the duration of its lifespan.

The plugs also have pure alumina silicate ceramic insulators, which improve strength and heat transfer, and a copper core intended to aid in heat removal. Additionally, the plugs are triple-sealed to prevent leakage so drivers can feel confident in the durability of these replacement parts for their vehicle. However, these spark plugs are only rated for about 50,000 miles before they need to be replaced.

Best platinum: Bosch 4417 Platinum+4 FGR7DQP Spark Plug

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Why it made the cut: Opt for these platinum plugs for reliable performance and affordable cost. 

Specs

• Type: Platinum
• Hex Size: ⅝-inch (16mm)
• Life: N/A
• Gap: 0.063 inches (1.6mm)

Pros

• Yttrium alloy ground electrodes reduce wear and oxidation
• Last two times longer than standard copper spark plugs
• Multiple spark paths increase spark power and longevity
• Enhanced ground electrodes improve combustion efficiency

Cons

• Performance levels may not be as high as iridium spark plugs

Some manufacturers are wary about providing specific lifespans for spark plugs and similar automotive products due to the range of factors that can affect the overall life of these components. With this in mind, Bosch does not state a specific lifespan but does note that these plugs will typically last about two times longer than standard copper ones.

Additionally, these platinum plugs may not have the same high level of performance as iridium products, but the cost is generally lower, and platinum plugs still outperform copper products. These Bosch plugs boast yttrium alloy ground electrodes, which reduce gap wear and oxidation, as well as improving combustion efficiency. Also, the plugs feature multiple spark paths that allow them to increase the spark power output and spark longevity, improving the reliability of the ignition system. 

Best copper: E3 Powersports Spark Plug

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Why it made the cut: Older cars and some motorcycles are made for use with copper plugs, like this product from E3 Spark Plugs.

Specs

• Type: Copper
• Hex Size: ⅝-inch (16mm)
• Life: 100,000 miles
• Gap: 0.043 inches (1.1mm)

Pros

• Dual-leg ground electrode design helps facilitate heat transfer
• Long 100,000-mile lifespan
• Unique side wire increases power and reduces fuel consumption
• Suitable for use in cars, snowmobiles, bikes, and more

Cons

• Only one spark plug in the package

Copper spark plugs are still widely in use for a range of vehicles. This plug by E3 Spark Plugs is made for cars, trucks, snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, and even some chainsaw or lawnmower engines. Before investing in this copper plug, check the manufacturer’s information to determine if the spark plug is compatible with the specific engine.

This plug is rated for 100,000 miles before it needs to be replaced. The long life and increased power are primarily due to the unique side wire design, which also helps to reduce fuel consumption and improve hydrocarbon emissions. The spark plug also features a ground electrode with two legs to help facilitate heat transfer and withstand high vibrations. However, it should be mentioned that only one plug is included in this package, so you may need to purchase more than one depending on the engine’s needs. 

Best double iridium: BOSCH Fine Wire Double Iridium Spark Plug

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Why it made the cut: When standard iridium plugs aren’t quite enough, double iridium plugs may be the solution to improve performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability.

Specs

• Type: Double Iridium
• Hex Size: ⅝-inch (16mm)
• Life: N/A
• Gap: 0.043 inches (1.1mm)

Pros

• Increased durability due to 360-degree continuous laser welding
• Iridium firing pin and ground electrode offer superior performance
• Lasts four times longer than standard copper spark plugs
• Pre-gapped design with nickel-plated threads for quick installation

Cons

• Package only comes with one spark plug

In most cases, iridium spark plugs are the top option, offering superior performance and efficiency, but if a standard iridium plug isn’t enough, then this double iridium plug may be a suitable replacement for compatible vehicles. The double iridium design includes an iridium firing pin and an iridium ground electrode, which greatly improves the performance of these components.

This plug also comes pre-gapped for easy installation and features a copper core to increase heat resistance during use. Additionally, the plug is made with a fine wire design that requires up to 24 percent less voltage for ignition. It also boasts a 360-degree continuous laser welding design for enhanced durability. Though, it should be noted that the package only includes one plug, so you may need to purchase more than one package to complete the replacement. 

Things to consider when buying the best spark plugs

Purchasing spark plugs is a good idea if the current set of plugs in the vehicle has started to show signs of significant wear. However, it’s important to find the right plugs for the vehicle, so before shopping around for new products, it’s necessary to check the manufacturer’s directions to determine the correct spark plug type, hex size, heat range, and gap for the vehicle.

Type

Spark plugs are generally available in the following five types, each differentiated based on the material:

• Iridium spark plugs are the go-to option for performance cars because they have high reliability, performance, and life span. These plugs also improve fuel efficiency, but the material quality of iridium plugs can increase the cost of these products. 
• Platinum spark plugs are less costly than iridium plugs and still boast a considerably higher performance, fuel efficiency level, and lifespan than copper plugs. This combination of affordability and superior performance makes platinum plugs one of the more popular options. 
• Copper spark plugs are the most inexpensive choice, though they are also the least reliable. However, many older vehicles require copper plugs to operate with optimal performance, so make sure to check the needs of the specific engine before purchasing replacements. 
• Double platinum spark plugs are essentially a reinforced version of regular platinum plugs, allowing these products to improve efficiency and performance. Though, the drawback is the double platinum plugs cost more than standard platinum plugs.
• Double iridium spark plugs are made for high-performance vehicles. These are the most costly option available, but they significantly improve over other options, with a lifespan that typically lasts four times longer than copper plugs. 

Hex size

When selecting a new set of spark plugs for the vehicle, it’s essential to find products that fit the vehicle. With this in mind, you need to check the vehicle manual or review the manufacturer’s website to determine the hex size compatible with the car, truck, or van. Alternatively, you can remove one of the existing plugs and take it to a local automotive store to find a suitable replacement.

The hex size is one measurement you must pay close attention to to find compatible replacement parts. This measurement is generally noted in inches, though it may also be listed in millimeters. Typically, you can find this information on the product package, though if it isn’t noted, you will need to look up the product specs before purchasing the new spark plugs. 

Heat range

Spark plugs generally operate within a specific heat range, though the way this range is communicated in the product specs can get confusing because different manufacturers represent this factor in different ways. Ideally, you want a plug that can get up to the operating temperature as quickly as possible to prevent soot from forming on the plug. 

However, you also need to ensure that when you run the vehicle for extended periods, the plugs will not heat up beyond the allowable operating temperature. Essentially, you want to find plugs that heat up quickly but operate at a cool enough temperature to avoid overheating. The best way to do this is to check the existing plugs and the manufacturer-provided information to find compatible components.  

Gap

Another factor to consider when looking for new plugs is the gap. Spark plugs are made with a calculated spark plug gap that can be adjusted using a gapper tool. However, many plugs are sold with a pre-set gap, so if you find a product with the right gap size, you may be able to replace the existing plugs without using a gapper tool. 

For cars and similar vehicles, spark plug gaps generally range between 0.024 inches and 0.071 inches. These numbers can be provided in millimeters, ranging from 0.6mm to 1.8mm. Before purchasing new plugs for the car, make sure that the gap falls into the specified range for the vehicle’s engine. If the gap is slightly off, you may be able to use a gapper tool to adjust the gap for the correct fit, though this is only recommended for experienced automotive DIYers and professionals. 

FAQs 

Final thoughts on the best spark plugs 

• Best overall: Autolite Iridium XP Spark Plugs
• Best value: NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
• Best platinum: Bosch 4417 Platinum+4 FGR7DQP Spark Plug
• Best copper: E3 Powersports Spark Plug
• Best double iridium: BOSCH Fine Wire Double Iridium Spark Plug

Vehicles are necessary for driving kids to school, commuting to work, picking up groceries, heading out on a road trip, and many other purposes. The driver and passengers entrust their safety and security to the vehicle during use, so it’s essential to ensure the vehicle is in good working order before starting the ignition. With this in mind, replacing old or worn spark plugs as soon as possible is important.

Making this change will reduce the chance of ignition problems, engine issues, and lower fuel efficiency, allowing the driver to feel confident in the safety and functionality of the vehicle. When replacing spark plugs, make sure to check the manufacturer’s information to determine the correct spark plug type, gap, hex size, and heat range for the vehicle. 

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

The post The best spark plugs of 2023 appeared first on Popular Science.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best cordless drill		DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill		SEE IT	This powerful drill can reach speeds of up 1,500 rpm and features an LED light for added visibility.
Best pressure washer		Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer		SEE IT	This tool can not only wash the outside of your house, but is great for washing your car, driveway, and patio.
Best stackable toolboxes		beyond by BLACK+DECKER Stackable Storage System		SEE IT	This ingenious storage system helps DIYers organize their tools, protect them from theft, and easily transport them.

DIY is more popular than ever, with 73 percent of millennials identifying as do-it-yourselfers, according to the market research firm The Farnsworth Group. Whether your favorite DIYer is into home renovation, woodworking, or tinkering with their car, you can show your appreciation for their handiwork by rounding out their tool set with some new models. Or give them the gift of bins and boxes to help them organize all those tools (and the storage shed). These are the best gifts for DIYers our writers have used this year.

• Best cordless drill: DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill
• Best cordless drill-driver set: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill Combo Kit
• Best power drill: CRAFTSMAN CMCD710C2 Power Drill
• Best mechanics tool set: DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set
• Best power tool kit: BOSCH Power Tools Combo Kit
• Best multi-tool: Ryobi 18V Multi Tool
• Best screwdriver set: Klein Tools 80031 Screwdriver Set
• Best impact driver: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hex Hydraulic Driver Kit
• Best angle grinder: DEWALT 4-1/2” Angle Grinder
• Best jigsaw: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Jig Saw
• Best chainsaw: ​​Worx Nitro 40V Chainsaw
• Best circular saw: DEWALT DCS573B Flexvolt Advantage 20V Circular Saw
• Best random orbital sander: beyond by BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander
• Best heat gun: DEWALT Heat Gun Kit
• Best smart tape measure: LEXIVON 2 in 1 Digital Laser Tape Measure
• Best laser level: DEWALT Line Laser
• Best work table: WORX WX051 Pegasus Folding Work Table & Sawhorse
• Best work light: CRAFTSMAN LED Portable Work Light Bundle
• Best work gloves: Ironclad Workhorse Leather Work Gloves
• Best toolbox: DEWALT Tough System
• Best stackable toolboxes: beyond by BLACK+DECKER Stackable Storage System
• Best cordless vac: DEWALT 20V MAX Hand Vacuum
• Best shop vac: Bissell MultiClean Wet Dry Vac
• Best leaf blower: DEWALT Cordless XR Leaf Blower
• Best log splitter: Fiskars IsoCore 36-Inch Maul
• Best pressure washer: GreenWorks Pressure Washer

Best cordless drill: DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill

SEE IT

This cordless drill is rugged and powerful enough to be worthy of a pro job site while remaining affordable enough for a gift for a DIYer. Powered by a 20-volt battery, DEWALT’s cordless drill can reach speeds of up to 1,500 rpm, making it fast enough to handle jobs that require a lot of fasteners. A slower speed option with a max of 450 rpm adds versatility and maximizes the drill’s torque output. 

At 8-1/2 inches long and weighing 3.6 pounds, this is one of the bulkier drills on the market, but DEWALT makes up for that with an ergonomic handle that makes it comfortable to hold for longer jobs. DEWALT’s drill has other useful features, including a ratcheting chuck that makes it easy to secure bits by hand and an LED light with a 20-second delay for added visibility. — Tony Carrick

Best cordless drill-driver set: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill Combo Kit

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If you want to fill out a DIYers entire power tool library in one fell swoop, you should start with CRAFTSMAN’s V20 Cordless Drill Combo Kit. This drill set comes with all the essentials, plus a carrying case and impact driver. The star of the show is its powerful 20-volt drill, which can rotate at speeds of up to 3,400 rotations per minute. An impact driver may look like a drill, but it wraps around a screw or lag bolt to rotate them and is best suited for heavy-duty tasks. This isn’t the type of tool DIYers are likely to have in their garage already, and while you may be unfamiliar with it, its applications will become apparent as projects arise. Both of CRAFTSMAN’s tools have an LED light, which will help in dark areas—think attics or nooks and crannies in a basement or garage. — Brandt Ranj

Best power drill: Craftsman CMCD710C2 Power Drill

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We could tell the quality of Craftsman’s CMCD710C2 from the moment we took it out of its packaging, and our expectations were exceeded the first time we used it for a project. It drove screws through plaster and a wooden beam during a TV wall-mounting project like a hot knife running through butter. 

This was the most powerful power drill we tested, but it was also the heaviest. Despite its increased power, it made roughly the same amount of noise as other drills we tested—if not a little less. There’s no technical downside to using this power drill beyond its weight, but you should also consider its price. The CMCD710C2 is expensive, though it does come with a battery and charger. If you want to gift the DIYer in your life the absolute best performance from a power drill and to be safe in knowing they’ll never need to upgrade again, this is the one to get. — Brandt Ranj

Best mechanics tool set: DEWALT Mechanics Tool Set

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If you never want to buy a socket set ever again, then this is a good place to start. The sturdy carrying case includes three 72-tooth ratchets, more than 150 sockets, and a full run of hex keys. Made of steel and hand-stamped for easy identification, this set is designed to endure. It’s great for people who enjoy tinkering around with their vehicles. — Stan Horaczek and Jen McCaffery

Best power tool kit: BOSCH Power Tools Combo Kit

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If someone in your life is just getting started with DIY projects, a basic tool combo set like this one from Bosch is a great place to get started. The 12-volt set features a compact yet powerful 3/8-inch drill/driver that operates at a range of speeds up to 1,300 rpm, a lightweight reciprocating saw, a bright worklight that lasts for three hours on a single charge, two batteries, and a charger. And they all fit back nicely into the included bag. — Jen McCaffery

Best multi-tool: Ryobi 18V Multi Tool

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While it’s easy to get excited about a garage full of tools, sometimes it’s helpful to have some options that are capable of performing more than one function well. Ryobi’s 18-volt Multi-Tool is a great tool for DIYers working with various materials. Capable of up to 20,000 OPM (oscillations per minute), this tool comes with plunge cut and flush cut blades and can be used to cut metal, wood, plastic, and drywall. At 1.5 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight, and it vibrates less than comparable models. The Multi-Tool also comes with a sanding pad to help your DIYer put the finishing touches on their projects. — Jen McCaffery

Best screwdriver set: Klein Tools 80031 Screwdriver Set

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Tools don’t get much more basic than the humble screwdriver. This five-piece set from Klein Tools, which has been making tools since 1857, includes the most commonly used types: two Phillips head, two slotted, and one square-tipped screwdriver. The shanks are chrome-plated, and the tips are cut for precision. And the handles are cushioned for an easier grip. — Jen McCaffery

Best impact driver: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hex Hydraulic Driver Kit

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Technology sets the Milwaukee M18 Fuel impact driver apart from the rest. Its hydraulic drive sustains torque better than other impact drivers, allowing it to drive faster and with more power. With so much torque, impact drivers always risk stripping out a screw head. The Milwaukee M18 solves this problem by featuring a self-tapping screw mode that helps to start the screw without stripping it out. With its four drive modes, the user can tailor the speed of this driver to suit any job. We also like the small profile of this driver. At less than 5 inches long, this driver is compact enough to fit into tight spaces, and it’s one of the quieter models on the market. Its hydraulic drive technology eliminates the metal-on-metal contact that makes other impact drivers scream like a jackhammer. — Tony Carrick

Best angle grinder: DEWALT 4-1/2” Angle Grinder

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DEWALT’s 4-½-inch angle grinder is a tough, high-quality tool aimed at those who need consistent, trouble-free performance. The 11-amp motor is the most powerful in its class, with a speed of 11,000 rpm. With the correct wheel fitted, this angle grinder will cut concrete or steel with equal ease. Although fairly slender, the tool is 12 inches long and relatively heavy, so it isn’t as maneuverable as some. It’s more a professional tool than one for the average DIY user, but keen home auto restorers and anyone taking on major remodeling could well find it worth the investment.  — Bob Beacham

Best jigsaw: CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Jig Saw

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A jigsaw allows users to cut curved lines, circles, and other shapes into a range of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, laminate, and more. This 20-volt model from Craftsman operates at speeds from zero to 2,500 spm (strokes per minute). It comes with three orbital settings that let the user control the aggressiveness of the cut and works with both T and U shank blades. Its beveled shoe also allows the user to cut at 45-degree angles. Plus, it features a contoured handle for a more comfortable grip. — Jen McCaffery

Best chainsaw: ​​Worx Nitro 40V Chainsaw

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Worx offers a number of very versatile tools in its Nitro series, and the chainsaw is no exception. The 16-inch bar is ideal for most typical users who don’t need to go chopping through Middle Earth-style forests. A pair of sturdy grips give both hands a comfortable place to rest and lots of control over the tool. During our testing, we chopped through tons of 3- to 4-inch sticks and some larger, full-grown trees.

With two powerful batteries installed, it quickly gets up to speed, and we barely had any issues with kicking or getting stuck. Installing and adjusting the chain is simple, and it self-lubricates as users run it, so it doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance. We spent several hours cutting away with this tool and ran into almost no issues, which is exactly what we’re looking for.  — Stan Horaczek

Best circular saw: DEWALT DCS573B Flexvolt Advantage 20V Circular Saw

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The DEWALT circular saw offers numerous user-friendly features that suit both professionals and amateurs who are prepared to invest in quality. This powerful 20V cordless model runs at 5,500 rpm, providing faster cutting than many rivals. The brushless motor maximizes battery life. Thanks to the Flexvolt Advantage system, this saw can also use DEWALT’s high-capacity 60V batteries, which the manufacturer claims can result in a 77-percent power increase. An LED light makes it easier to see cut lines and improves accuracy in low-light conditions. An electric brake stops the blade quickly, so it’s safe to put the saw down after a cut. A rafter hook, favored by framers and other carpentry trades, is also included. — Bob Beacham

Best random orbital sander: beyond by BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander

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For those people who want to strip old furniture before repainting, sand lumber, or perhaps ease a sticking door, the Black+Decker could be the ideal tool. This random orbital sander may not be especially powerful, but it will get the job done. The fixed speed doesn’t give it great versatility, but it is fast enough for ripping through old paint or varnish and good for sanding store-bought softwoods. Weight is under 3 pounds, and rubberized areas make it easy to use at different angles. It comes with three sanding disks of different grits, which won’t last very long but will get the new user started, and acclimate them to how each type cuts if this is their first sander. — Bob Beacham

Best heat gun: DEWALT Heat Gun Kit

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A heat gun is a versatile tool that can help with a range of DIY and pro tasks, from thawing frozen pipes and removing tiles to repairing electrical equipment. This compact model from DEWALT comes with an LCD display that allows users to adjust the temperature within 50-degree increments. It also features built-in overload protection, and hang ring for storage, a cord protector, and a kickstand for stability. The heat gun comes with a range of attachments to fine-tune work, including a cone nozzle and fishtail surface nozzle. At 2.3 pounds, this tool is lightweight, and the handle is ergonomically designed for more comfortable use. Note that the battery and charger have to be ordered separately. — Jen McCaffery

Best smart tape measure: LEXIVON 2 in 1 Digital Laser Tape Measure

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Smart DIYers subscribe to the maxim, “Measure twice, cut once.” Lexivon’s 2-in-1 Digital Laser Tape Measure allows them to do just that. This device combines a traditional 16-foot tape measure with a laser that measures out to 130 feet. It features an LCD screen that displays measurements and is accurate up to 1/16th of an inch. Powered by two AA batteries, this tool also allows users to make stud center markings and comes with a rubberized case and belt clip. — Jen McCaffery

Best laser level: DEWALT Line Laser

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DEWALT is known for constructing well-designed, durable tools; this laser level is no exception. Like many other options, it offers both horizontal and vertical leveling. What sets this model apart is the durable construction that ensures you won’t be buying another one should it happen to take a tumble or spend time out in the rain. That’s because DEWALT protects this level with an over-molded housing that can endure drops from heights of up to a meter. It also has an IP54 rating, which means it will withstand being splashed with water. 

In addition to being ruggedly built, this laser level is also easy to use, thanks to its self-leveling capability and a versatile mounting system that’s compatible with a tripod. Its 100-foot range is ample distance for most indoor and outdoor applications. — Bob Beacham

Best work table: WORX WX051 Pegasus Folding Work Table & Sawhorse

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With all these tools, a DIYer also needs a reliable workspace. This folding work table from WORX that converts into a sawhorse fits the bill. Made of durable ABS plastic with steel reinforcements, it supports up to 300 pounds as a work table and up to 1,000 pounds at a workhorse. Yet at just 25 pounds, this work table is relatively lightweight and easy to store. It features two integrated clamps and a lower shelf that’s great for storing power tools. If your DIYer needs more workspace, these tables can also attach together to expand the work surface. — Jen McCaffery

Best work light: Craftsman LED Portable Work Light Bundle

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DIYers also need dependable lights that can illuminate dark corners when fixing things around the house or under the hood. This Craftsman work light features an LED light that provides up to 2,000 lumens of light. At just three pounds, this cheery red light is easily transportable, and it has a 5-foot power cord. The head rotates 360 degrees, so DIYers can point it in whatever direction they need light. It’s also rated IP65, so it’s safe to use in wet locations. And when the project is completed, this lamp is also great for camping, fishing, and hiking.

Best work gloves: Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves

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Reliable safety protection is essential for DIY projects. These classic work gloves from Ironclad are made of synthetic lever and feature thermoplastic protection on the fingers to protect the knuckles from impact and abrasion. The gloves have a hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit and even include a terrycloth sweat wipe at the back of the thumb. When the job is completed, these gloves are also machine-washable. 

Best toolbox: DEWALT Tough System

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The DEWALT Tool Box is a medium-sized hand-carry case that’s a great choice for home use or on a busy job site. This toolbox comes with a deep storage compartment that is large enough to fit a drill, saw, or a cordless tool battery and a charger. Sitting on top of this compartment is a removable tray where users can store hand tools, like screwdrivers, wrenches, or a hammer. 

This box is made with durable structural foam that protects against impact damage, cuts, slices, dust, and water. Made with metal locking brackets and awarded an IP65 water- and dust-resistance rating, this is an excellent option for DIYers and pros alike. — Tim Dale

Best stackable toolboxes: beyond by BLACK+DECKER Stackable Storage System

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Tools can get heavy and disorganized, especially when a DIYer needs everything from a cordless drill, hammer, tape measure, and nails to complete a job. BLACK+DECKER provides an ingenious solution with its stackable storage system. The three-piece set features a rolling tote with rubber wheels designed for power tools, a deep toolbox for hand tools, and a small organizer toolbox divided into compartments. The stackable set is designed with lockable latches, and DIYers can roll the whole set together to a job or easily remove one of the toolboxes. This unit can also double as storage, so DIYers can also set the boxes against the wall in the garage and use them there. — Jen McCaffery

Best cordless vac: DEWALT 20V MAX Hand Vacuum

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When it comes time to clean up, an easy-to-use vac is indispensable. This hand vacuum from DEWALT is designed with 20 volts of power, making it capable of removing debris and removing water. This versatile wet-dry vac comes with a half-gallon tank, a utility nozzle for targeting messes, and an extendable rubber hose. Powered by a DEWALT battery pack, this cordless vacuum is easy to transport and lightweight at 4.5 pounds. It also features a washable HEPA filter that traps more than 99 percent of dust.

Best shop vac: Bissell MultiClean Wet Dry Vac

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There’s the fun of working on a DIY project … and then there’s the cleanup. If they’d appreciate a wet-dry shop vacuum that handles anything, the Bissell MultiClean vac covers all the bases. This versatile cleaning tool comes with a variety of features and functions, including a blowing function for clearing leaves or blowing up inflatables, a wet suction tool, and a toolkit of different brushes for vacuuming various surfaces and crevices. The tank is on wheels for easy movement while vacuuming, and its balanced body keeps it from tipping over when it’s pulled. This machine is sleek and easy to use for both small at-home messes and bigger shop cleanups. — Amanda Reed

Best leaf blower: DEWALT Cordless XR Leaf Blower

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DEWALT’s cordless leaf blower offers an excellent combination of both power—courtesy of its 20V motor—and cost. This battery-powered model can push out air at up to 125 miles per hour, covering an area of 450 cubic feet per minute. A flat concentrator nozzle helps blow away heavier debris. At 5.4 pounds, this leaf blower is lightweight, and it’s designed with an ergonomic handle and also quieter than most at about 68 decibels. It is worth noting, however, that the battery generally only lasts from 15 to 20 minutes per charge — David King and Jen McCaffery

Best log splitter: Fiskars IsoCore 36-Inch Maul

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This manual log splitter is built to last with a forged, heat-treated steel head with a rust-resistant coating. Plus, the sculpted, soft-grip handle fits the contour of your hand and promises to transfer two times less shock and vibration than wood handles. The wedge-shaped maul head is specifically designed for, and highly efficient at, splitting—significantly better than the thin, relatively lightweight head of an axe. At only 7.43 pounds and requiring almost no storage space, this tool punches well above its weight. — Mark Wolfe

Best pressure washer: GreenWorks Pressure Washer

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Does your resident DIYer start to turn green when they notice the outside of the house needs a good wash? They’ll appreciate the range of the Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer. The pressure hose can extend up to 20 feet, and the 35-foot power cord is safe to use with exterior outlets. It also comes with two nozzle tips, a soap applicator, and an attachable detergent bottle for added convenience at clean-up time. This GreenWorks pressure washer blasts at an impressive 1,600 PSI to dislodge dirt and get your house looking primo once again. This pressure washer is also great for cleaning your car, fence, patio, and more. — Jeremy Helligar and Jen McCaffery

The post The best gifts for DIYers appeared first on Popular Science.

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Best overall		LEONLITE LED Motion Sensor Flood Light		SEE IT	Easy to install with good waterproofing at a really strong price point, you can get all you need from the LEONLITE LED Motion Sensor Flood Light.
Best value		HMCITY Solar Lights Outdoor LED		SEE IT	A solar-powered model at a super reasonable price, these lights don’t offer must customization in terms of where they points but do offer great detection within 26 feet.
Best smart		Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor		SEE IT	This smart device-compatible motion sensor can interface with Alexa, Google, or Apple HomeKit, giving you tons of customizability and control to existing light fixtures.

Nothing lights your way better than a motion sensor light. Plus, these lights are huge deterrents for home dangers. Coming home to a dark driveway or path to the front door can be sad and somewhat dangerous, with it easy to miss a step and take a tumble. Plus, not only will prowlers or burglars be put off by motion sensor lights, but local wildlife will be less likely to stick around if their movements are met with a bright flash of light. If the area around your domicile can get easily dark, you will want an outdoor motion sensor light. There are tons of them on the market, so which one should you choose? Don’t worry; like the gentle glow of your new light, we’re here to guide you on the best outdoor motion sensor lights.

• Best overall: LEONLITE LED Motion Sensor Flood Light
• Best smart: Philips Hue Outdoor Motion Sensor
• Best LED: LEPOWER LED Security Light
• Best solar-powered: Sunforce Triple Head Solar Motion Light
• Best with camera: Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
• Best value: HMCITY Solar Lights Outdoor LED 
• Best budget: Beams Wireless Battery Operated Powered Motion Sensing Spotlight

How we chose the best outdoor motion sensor lights

We’ve looked at a wide variety of reviews from real-world users, as well as in-the-field experts. We consulted colleagues and friends who have used these brands around their own homes. We then took the general consensus and distilled it down into categories to give you a better sense of what might be a good choice for your personal use. The difference in quality between any of our choices is quite small. So, if there are particular features you’re looking for, it may be the best choice not to go for our “best overall” model. Instead, look for something more specific to your needs, like a smart sensor or one with a camera. All of them equally can be considered the best outdoor motion sensor lights.

The best outdoor motion sensor lights: Reviews & Recommendations

There are a wide variety of motion sensor lights on the market, making it hard to sort through. Which brands are reliable? What ones produce a strong and consistent glow? Which have cool smart features or cameras that increase security even further? We’ve researched from the lawn to the landings so we can let you know and lead you to the best outdoor motion sensor lights.

Best overall: LEONLITE LED Motion Sensor Flood Light

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Specs

• Dimensions: 8.07 inches long x 7.48 inches wide by 5.9 inches high
• Range: 70 feet
• Detection angle: 180 degrees
• Watts: 20