VirtualBox, the free and open-source virtual machine manager, just got another update. VirtualBox 7.2 just arrived with better ARM host and guest support, interface improvements, and more. First, VirtualBox 7.2 moves some buttons and controls out of the main hamburger menu (the icon with three lines). They have been divided into a global tools taskbar on the left side of the window, and a series of tabs horizontally above the right hand panel....

Summary Your smart speaker might be your favorite online companion, but is it also eavesdropping on your private conversations and sending them to the cloud? Most Smart Speakers Send Data to the Cloud Smart home gadgetshave become deeply integrated into your daily routines and offer convenience and efficiency, including hands-free assistance for tasks like controlling home devices, setting reminders, and playing music. This includes voice-activated virtual assistants, such asAmazon Echoand Google smart speakers....

Quick Links Are you a die-hard Black Mirror fan? Or are you catching up with previous seasons in anticipation of the newest season of the dark anthology series? Then, you don’t want to miss the classic episodes that have received high praise from fans and critics alike. Get comfy to be uncomfortable with these 10 essentialBlack Mirror episodesthat you can watch to set the mood for the newest season. This list is based on the highest-rated Black Mirror episodes on IMDb....

Summary There’s a quiet battle going on at the heart of your computers, and how that fight turns out will have some pretty big implications for computers going forward in the 21st century. The dominance of x86 CPUs hangs in the balance, so what happens if Arm CPUs become the new norm for the world’s most popular operating system? Arm for Windows has been more than a little rough so far, but this work-in-progress operating system will eventually be mature enough to stand side-by-side with its x86 sibling....

Quick Links Summary Tenkeyless or “TKL” keyboards lack a ten-key numpad. Many people prefer this layout due to its increased ergonomics and portability, though it’s not a great option if you need to type a lot numbers. Computer keyboards are having a bit of a moment right now, and tenkeyless models are at the forefront. But the benefits of a tenkeyless or “TKL” layout aren’t always obvious, especially if you’re able to’t tell the difference between a full-sized keyboard and a tenkeyless alternative....

Summary You’ve heard of video game remakes, where old titles are modernized for a new generation of gamers as franchise reboots, but what about demakes? As the name implies, this exercise in creativity involves imagining what a modern game would look like if it came out in a previous generation, years or decades earlier. Reimagining New Titles on Older Hardware Video game demakes are some of the most interesting thought experiments that the medium has to offer....

Summary You might’ve heard complaints about “rubber banding” in video games, but what does that mean? Rubber banding actually refers to two separate phenomenons that can be found in many games, but both types are equally frustrating. Rubber Banding in Racing Games In racing games, rubber banding refers to the ability for AI opponents to suddenly slow down or speed up in ways that aren’t possible for human players. Rubber banding usually occurs when there is a significant gap between you and an AI racer....

Summary The Rabbit R1 unveiled at CES 2024 seems to have gotten the tech world talking. What exactly is it, and how is it different from other AI products? Rabbit R1 Hardware Specs The R1 is the brainchild of Jesse Lyu, who dreamed up “the simplest computer, something that is so intuitive that you don’t need to learn how to use it.” It is a handheld gadget that offers a new way of interacting with AI beyond smartphones and computers....

Summary CES is the time of year to expect tech that isn’t always, well,actually marketable. Sometimes the premise doesn’t make sense, like a robot vacuum that can not only clean floors but also deliver drinks. And yet I kind of want one anyway. No Longer Just a Robot Vacuum SwitchBot is a smart home company that sells everything from fancy CO2 monitors to smart shower hooks—hey, moving a wet shower curtain with wet hands is a problem that needs solving!...

Quick Links Mobile games are a great way to pass the time, but you may not always have an internet connection or want to run up your data. Thankfully, there are a lot of great Android games that can be played offline. 1Alto’s Odyssey Alto’s Odyssey is a classic and beautiful endless runner game that takes you on an epic journey across the majestic desert. You can glide over sand dunes, fly above canyons, and explore ancient ruins as you discover the secrets of the odyssey....

Quick Links Ring Video Doorbells are a great choice if you want to keep an eye on the coming and goings around your home. To get the most out of your Ring—and make it less annoying—there are some features you should use. Many of the features listed below are available to Ring Free users, however some of them require aRing “Protect” subscription. Ring plans start at $3.99 per month/$39.99 per year for the “Basic” plan....

Looking for a fuel-efficient and budget-friendly hybrid SUV? We’ve rounded up the top 10 used hybrid SUVs that offer impressive mileage, modern features, and excellentvalue for money. Let’s face it, not everyone is in a position to pay top dollar for a brand-new hybrid SUV. Of course, there’s the used market to consider, but with so many options to choose from, the prospect of searching for the right vehicle can be daunting....

Quick Links It’s not hard to find a streaming service with tons of content, and Max is no exception. One of the most popular options available, it has movies, TV shows, sports, and much more. Here’s how to get the most out of the streaming service. Sure, if you want to stream Max without breaking the bank,you can save money with the ad-supported tier. But for the best Max experience, you might want to consider subscribing to the Ultimate Ad-Free Tier....