Gadgets & Gear
Phones, laptops, audio and smart home gear, explained before you buy.
Samsung refurbished Galaxy S24 and S25 phones are now on Amazon, starting at $489
Samsung now sells its Certified Re-Newed Galaxy S24 and S25 phones on Amazon in the US, with new batteries, a one year warranty and prices from $489.
All stories
Bose Buys Skullcandy: What the Deal Means for Your Headphones
Bose has acquired Skullcandy, the Park City, Utah, headphone brand, and will run it as a separate brand. Here is why Bose wanted it and what changes for owners.
Apple now sells iPhone 18 Pro repair parts, but DIY saves under $20
Apple has added iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max parts to its Self Service Repair Store. Here are the prices, the tool kit terms, and how little a home repair actually saves.
Next Xbox Could Cost Up to $1,800, Fortune Reports on Project Helix Pricing
Fortune reports that Microsoft has internally projected its Project Helix console at $1,200 to $1,800 unless it subsidizes the hardware. Here is what that means for buyers.
TP-Link Signs Deal to Assemble Routers in Mississippi After FCC Ban
TP-Link has signed a letter of intent with Key Tronic to assemble Wi-Fi 8 routers in Corinth, Mississippi, as early as 2027. Here is what it means for current owners and shoppers.
Apple lines up new products for four straight Fridays, with OLED Macs rumored for Nov. 6
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple will release new hardware four Fridays in a row, from the iPhone Duo on Oct. 23 to HomeView and Apple TV 4K on Nov. 13, with touchscreen OLED MacBook Pros likely in between.
Apple's iPhone Duo Case Uses Adhesive Strips, and Early Buyers Are Surprised
Early buyers found that Apple's own iPhone Duo case attaches with adhesive strips, not just magnets. Here is what we know, how the folio differs and which cases to consider.
Qualcomm denies Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 overheating claims from Galaxy S27 tests
A Korean report says Samsung saw the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 overheat in Galaxy S27 Ultra tests and is eyeing Exynos 2700. Qualcomm calls the report inaccurate.
Analogue Super Nt+ and Mega Sg+ add wireless play to SNES and Genesis carts for $220
Analogue's refreshed FPGA consoles for Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis cartridges add built in wireless, USB-C and hot swapping. Preorders open October 19 and shipping is planned for December.
iPhone Duo sells out in minutes as shipping estimates slip to late January
Apple's $1,999 foldable iPhone Duo was backordered into 2027 within minutes of pre-orders opening. Here is why, and how you can still try to get one sooner.
Ledger Atom is an $849 Android signer with a Secure Mode and Solana's Seeker app built in
Ledger unveiled the Atom, an Android touchscreen device with a secure chip, privacy switch and locked down Secure Mode for crypto, as it deals with tampered wallets in Asia.
Amazon Bee returns with a $75 AI wristband, a $100 phone recorder and a $12 monthly plan
Amazon launched Bee Frontier and Bee Eclipse, two AI wearables that summarize your conversations and connect to Alexa+, plus a Bee Pro subscription. Privacy advocates are already pushing back.
Apple TV 4K 2026 costs $299 with an A19 chip, hands free Siri and HomePod surround
Apple's new Apple TV 4K is $100 pricier than the cheapest model it replaces. Here is what the $299 box adds, what stays the same and who should upgrade.
Xbox Nano Controller Costs $50 and Ships November 4 With Phone and TV Support
Microsoft's Xbox Nano Controller is its smallest gamepad yet, priced at $49.99 with a rechargeable battery and Bluetooth support for phones, PCs and smart TVs.
Smartphone shipments fall 20% to a 14 year low as AI demand drives up memory costs
Global smartphone shipments had their weakest third quarter since 2012, Counterpoint Research says, as pricier memory chips pushed phone prices up and volumes down.
iPhone Duo pre-orders open Friday: how to lock in Apple's $1,999 foldable for launch day
Apple's Get Ready tool lets US buyers save their iPhone Duo configuration now, ahead of pre-orders on October 16 at 8 a.m. Eastern. Here is the price, timing and supply picture.
HomePod Mini 2 Costs $149 With Sound Glow and Surround Sound, Siri AI Comes Later
Apple's first HomePod mini update since 2020 adds an S10 chip, a reactive light display called Sound Glow and four speaker surround with Apple TV. It goes on sale October 30.
Apple HomeView Is Here: $299 Smart Display With Siri AI Ships November 13
Apple unveiled HomeView, a 7-inch smart display and home hub that recognizes up to six people by face. Pre-orders are open now at $299, with shipping on November 13.
Google launches Fitbit Edge at $179.99 with a replaceable battery and Health Guardian
Google made the Fitbit Edge official at $179.99, with preorders open now and store sales from October 27. Here is what the new tracker does and what needs a Premium plan.
GTA 6 leak group threatens to release a playable build unless Rockstar ships discs
A group called Cyberleek says it will post a working GTA 6 build with the full story mode if its memecoin hits a $30 million market cap. Here is what we know before the November 19 launch.
Google sets Fitbit Edge launch for October 12: leaked specs, price and what to expect
Google has confirmed it will reveal the Fitbit Edge on October 12. Leaks point to a Charge style band with ECG, a 1.34 inch AMOLED screen and up to 7 days of battery.
TP-Link Router Ban: Five States Sue as FCC Keeps New Models Off US Shelves
Four more states sued TP-Link this week while the FCC rule on foreign made routers still blocks new models. Here is what it means if you own one.
Amazon's New 2026 Kindle Has a Light Bleed Problem, and Its Answer Keeps Shifting
Owners of the new base Kindle are seeing a bright glow at the screen edges in dark mode. Amazon first called severe cases a defect, then said some glow is expected.
Apple cuts iPhone 18 Pro production as $100 price hike and split launch cool demand
Apple has reportedly cut October component orders for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by at least 15%. Here is why demand is soft and what it means for buyers.
Apple's first touchscreen MacBook Pro reportedly launches around October 27
Bloomberg reports Apple will unveil an OLED MacBook Pro with a touchscreen on or around October 27, alongside an M6 iMac and an OLED iPad mini.
Amazon replaces Fire tablets with Alexa Tablets that run Google Play, starting at $229.99
Amazon's new Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, 11 and 8 replace the Fire lineup with full Google Play access, Alexa+ built in and US sales starting October 14.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+ go on sale in the US with Photoshop preloaded
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and Tab S12+ are on sale in the US from $1,399.99 and $1,199.99, with an S Pen in the box and Adobe Photoshop preloaded.
Apple Sets October 13 Launch With a Smart Home Hub, New HomePod mini and Apple TV Expected
Apple teased a "Welcome home" launch for October 13. Reports point to a new Apple home hub built around Siri AI, plus HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K updates.
Microsoft opens Surface Laptop Ultra preorders at $2,599 with Nvidia RTX Spark
Microsoft opened Surface Laptop Ultra preorders at its Oct. 7 event, with prices from $2,599 to $5,899 and shipments expected Oct. 16. Here is what you get and who should buy.
How to choose a camera when your phone already takes good photos
A dedicated camera should do something your phone cannot. Here is how to pick the right type, sensor and lenses without overspending.
Smart glasses explained: what they do today and whether you need a pair
Smart glasses range from camera and audio frames to display and video glasses. Here is how each type works, where they fall short and who they suit.
How to choose a fitness tracker you will actually keep wearing
Comfort, battery life and a clear app matter more than a long feature list. Here is how to match a fitness tracker to your goals without overpaying.
How to choose a smartwatch: what matters, what to skip and how to save
Your phone, your wrist and your charging habits matter more than the spec sheet. Here is how to pick a smartwatch you will actually enjoy wearing.
Smart thermostat guide: how to pick one that fits your system and saves energy
Compatibility comes first, then the features that actually cut heating and cooling waste. Here is how to choose a smart thermostat and pay less for it.
Handheld gaming PC guide: what to check before you buy one
A handheld gaming PC can put your PC library in your hands, with real tradeoffs. Here is how to weigh software, battery life, screens and storage.
How to choose a laptop in 2026 without overpaying
Match the laptop to what you actually do. Here is how much processor, memory and storage you need, and which specs are marketing noise.
How to choose your next smartphone: what matters and what does not
Most phones are good now. The real differences are software updates, battery, cameras and price. Here is how to decide.
How to choose wireless earbuds: fit, noise canceling and battery explained
The right earbuds depend on fit, where you use them and which phone you have. Here is what to compare before you buy.
Smart home starter guide: where to begin without wasting money
Start small with smart plugs, lights or a video doorbell, and pick one ecosystem. Here is how Matter makes it simpler.
Phones
- Samsung refurbished Galaxy S24 and S25 phones are now on Amazon, starting at $489News · 6 min read
- Apple now sells iPhone 18 Pro repair parts, but DIY saves under $20News · 6 min read
- Apple's iPhone Duo Case Uses Adhesive Strips, and Early Buyers Are SurprisedNews · 5 min read
- Qualcomm denies Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 overheating claims from Galaxy S27 testsNews · 5 min read
- iPhone Duo sells out in minutes as shipping estimates slip to late JanuaryNews · 6 min read
- Ledger Atom is an $849 Android signer with a Secure Mode and Solana's Seeker app built inNews · 6 min read
- Smartphone shipments fall 20% to a 14 year low as AI demand drives up memory costsAnalysis · 7 min read
- iPhone Duo pre-orders open Friday: how to lock in Apple's $1,999 foldable for launch dayNews · 6 min read
- Apple cuts iPhone 18 Pro production as $100 price hike and split launch cool demandNews · 5 min read
- How to choose your next smartphone: what matters and what does notBuying guide · 6 min read
Laptops
- Apple lines up new products for four straight Fridays, with OLED Macs rumored for Nov. 6News · 6 min read
- Apple's first touchscreen MacBook Pro reportedly launches around October 27News · 7 min read
- Amazon replaces Fire tablets with Alexa Tablets that run Google Play, starting at $229.99News · 7 min read
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra and S12+ go on sale in the US with Photoshop preloadedNews · 6 min read
- Microsoft opens Surface Laptop Ultra preorders at $2,599 with Nvidia RTX SparkNews · 7 min read
- How to choose a laptop in 2026 without overpayingBuying guide · 7 min read
Audio
Smart Home
- TP-Link Signs Deal to Assemble Routers in Mississippi After FCC BanNews · 6 min read
- Apple TV 4K 2026 costs $299 with an A19 chip, hands free Siri and HomePod surroundNews · 7 min read
- Apple HomeView Is Here: $299 Smart Display With Siri AI Ships November 13News · 6 min read
- TP-Link Router Ban: Five States Sue as FCC Keeps New Models Off US ShelvesNews · 7 min read
- Apple Sets October 13 Launch With a Smart Home Hub, New HomePod mini and Apple TV ExpectedNews · 7 min read
- Smart thermostat guide: how to pick one that fits your system and saves energyBuying guide · 6 min read
- Smart home starter guide: where to begin without wasting moneyBuying guide · 6 min read
gaming
- Next Xbox Could Cost Up to $1,800, Fortune Reports on Project Helix PricingNews · 6 min read
- Analogue Super Nt+ and Mega Sg+ add wireless play to SNES and Genesis carts for $220News · 7 min read
- Xbox Nano Controller Costs $50 and Ships November 4 With Phone and TV SupportNews · 6 min read
- GTA 6 leak group threatens to release a playable build unless Rockstar ships discsNews · 6 min read
- Handheld gaming PC guide: what to check before you buy oneBuying guide · 6 min read
wearables
- Amazon Bee returns with a $75 AI wristband, a $100 phone recorder and a $12 monthly planNews · 5 min read
- Google launches Fitbit Edge at $179.99 with a replaceable battery and Health GuardianNews · 6 min read
- Google sets Fitbit Edge launch for October 12: leaked specs, price and what to expectNews · 5 min read
- Amazon's New 2026 Kindle Has a Light Bleed Problem, and Its Answer Keeps ShiftingNews · 7 min read
- Smart glasses explained: what they do today and whether you need a pairGuide · 6 min read
- How to choose a fitness tracker you will actually keep wearingBuying guide · 6 min read
- How to choose a smartwatch: what matters, what to skip and how to saveBuying guide · 7 min read
cameras
Gadgets basics
What does Matter mean on smart home devices?
Matter is a shared standard that lets smart home devices from different brands work with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home. A Matter label means the device should keep working if you switch platforms.
How long should a phone get software updates?
Look for at least five years of security updates from the date the model launched. Many flagship phones now promise five to seven years. Once updates stop, the phone becomes riskier to use for banking and email.
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