Apple has released a new iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip. The A17 Pro chip, with its 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, gives a 30% boost in CPU performance and a 25% jump in graphics performance compared to the previous generation. The A17 Pro chip in the new iPad Mini also supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, which makes the games and apps users install look far more realistic. Another big upgrade isApple Intelligence, an AI-powered system that is supposed to give users personalized and context-aware assistance....

The internet is full of great written content, but it can be challenging to find time to read it all. What if you could turn every article you wanted to read into an episode in your own personalpodcastfeed? This problem has primarily been approached with apps likePocket, which give you a place to “save for later.” That works pretty well, but you do still need to find time to actually read the articles....

Quick Links Summary TheBoox Tab Ultramight look like a thick e-book reader, but it’s closer to a computer or tablet in use. I even found myself in the web browser watching YouTube videos to prove it was possible. Of course, whether you should actually be doing the same computing on this device as others is debatable. E-readersmake reading books easy on the eyes with paper-like screens. The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra wants to lend that readability and simplicity to all tablet tasks, and while it does an admirable job working towards that goal, there are some areas where the concept doesn’t work out....

Qualcomm has revealed the Snapdragon X, bringing its speedy ARM-based hardware to mid-range Windows laptops and desktops. Even though it’s the least-powerful chip in the Snapdragon X family, it still seems like a great option for productivity tasks. The firstSnapdragon X Elite chip, which startedshowing up in laptopsin 2024, was a big step forward in making Windows laptops with better power efficiency than traditional x86-based Intel and AMD laptops. Unlike Qualcomm’s previous attempts at ARM chips for laptops, it still had the performance you’d expect from a mainstream PC laptop, and Qualcomm and Microsoft have pushed many applications to offer ARM-native versions for the best possible experience....

Summary TheSatechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboarddelivers a mechanical experience in a compact and wire-free form factor for just $100. With the ability to pair multiple devices, easily switch between Windows and macOS keyboard layouts, and a solid mechanical feel, this keyboard is a great option for minimal desk setups. Satechi SM1 Slim Mechanical Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard Satechi’s SM1 Slim Mechanical Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard delivers up to two months of battery life, white backlighting, and multi-device pairing to your desk....

Summary TheSkullcandy Sesh ANC Activeearbuds are not all they’re cracked up to be on paper. While they sound fine for the most part, I’m willing to bet a lot of folks will have many of the same functionality complaints as me. They’re not the worst buds in the world, but they’re definitely not the best, either. SkullCandy Sesh ANC Active Looking for one pair of active earbuds to do it all?...

Virtual reality and augmented reality headsets are slowly becoming more practical and accessible, with devices like the Meta Quest 2 and 3 readily available, and the Apple Vision Pro approaching release. Qualcomm has now revealed a new chip for VR and AR devices, promising higher graphical performance and responsiveness. Qualcomm has announced the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 (great name, I know), which is an upgraded version of theSnapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipused in theMeta Quest 3....

Summary One of the best things Oculus (now Meta) did for the Original Quest headset was patch PC VR into its feature set, effectively killing the Oculus Rift, but it’s never quite been the solution it should have. Now with Steam bringing Steam Link to Quest, I don’t see myself going back to the alternatives again. What Is Steam Link for Quest? Steam Link for Quest is a free Meta Quest app that allows you to play SteamVR games from your PC on your Quest headset wirelessly over your local network....

Quick Links SwitchBot simplifies an already effortless process with smart home automation that’s functional and easy to install. Opening and closing your curtains can be done with the press of a button, but theCurtain Rod 2’snoisy motor isn’t the first thing you want to hear in the morning. If you’ve ever considered having to manually open and close your curtains a chore, the SwitchBot Curtain Rod 2 smart opener can fix that pain point....

Summary Your choice of web browser can have a big impact on your Mac experience. From integration with the services you use to power efficiency and reliability, here’s how to decide which is best for you. Safari is (Arguably) the Best Mac Browser There are a few good reasons to pick Safari as your browser of choice if you’re a Mac user, especially if you use other Apple devices like aniPhoneoriPad....

Read update Tracking your heart rate and its patterns is critical to gauging your overall health. Whilesmartwatchescan help keep general track of your heart rate, you’ll want to pick up a heart rate monitor if you need something more accurate. UPDATE: 25-06-2025 We’ve reviewed our recommendations and these are still the best heart rate monitors you can buy. Innovo Deluxe iP900AP How to Shop for a Heart Rate Monitor in 2023 Heart rate monitors come in all shapes and sizes....

Summer is here, and with it comes a new wave of deep gaming discounts courtesy of Steam’s Summer Sale. But stocking up on games for the summer doesn’t need to be expensive. I’ve pulled together this list of truly exceptional games that you’re able to snag for $5 or less. 1Portal 2: $0.99 Valve’s incredible follow-up to the first-person, portal-based puzzle game takes everything that worked so well from the original game and makes it even better....

Read update You can have the bestCPU cooleraround, but your CPU thermals can suffer if you use inadequate thermal paste. Aftermarket thermal paste can also drop your GPU temperatures, making thermal paste a vital part of every PC build. UPDATE: 17-07-2025 We’ve reviewed our recommendations and updated our pick for the best thermal paste for laptops. Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut Extreme What to Look for With Thermal Paste in 2024 When it comes to thermal paste, thermal compound, thermal grease, or TIM (thermal interface material), the cooling performance is the most critical part of the selection process, but it’s not the end-all-be-all....