ComputersNews

Your USB-C cables aren’t broken. This $14 tester shows what’s really going on

I have a drawer full of USB cables and every time I want to connect a device, I have to try them out. USB-C was supposed to simplify things: One cable for everything, that was the promise. In practice, it’s a different story: There are cables that can only charge. There are some that transfer data. Some also transmit image information, which can then be used as a monitor cable. And then there is…
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ComputersNews

Plastic laptops aren’t bad, actually

I’ve reviewed a lot of laptops for PCWorld, and I’ve held laptops made of so many materials in my hands: Metal, plastic, carbon fiber, and even ceramic. People often think of plastic as a cheap, creaky material. But modern plastic laptops usually feel good in my hands.
ComputersNews

Displace Wireless Pro 2 TVs will feature local AI to enhance privacy

One of the drawbacks to most AI implementations is that much of the processing is performed in the cloud, which usually means uploading your personal information to servers you have no control over. That raises a host of privacy concerns for many, including yours truly. Is it worse than using the typical online search engine? No, but then again…. Displace TV intends to minimize your exposure to…
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ComputersNews

Acemagic M1 review: A mini PC with big-time power

The manufacturer Acemagic is known for providing compact, powerful mini PCs that combine desktop performance and ease of use with an attractive price-performance ratio. On Amazon, Acemagic offers several models in the entry-level to mid-range segment, often with good ratings…
ComputersNews

HP OmniBook 5 16 review: An odd duck of a laptop

The HP OmniBook 5 16 is an odd duck. It is listed on HP’s website at $1,199.99 and, at that price, doesn’t feel remotely competitive. However, this laptop is also available at far lower prices from major retailers and, when that’s taken into account, it feels like a…
ComputersNews

Pornhub hacked: View and search history for Premium members could leak

Are you a Pornhub Premium member? You may want to pay closer attention to a notification about a data leak described as a “limited set of analytics events.” That language hides the real story: Your watch and search history could now lie in the hands of hackers, and whether or not it goes public depends on if Pornhub pays the ransom being demanded. As reported by BleepingComputer, Pornhub says…
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ComputersNews

The day my power strip almost killed my PC

Welp, it finally happened. I was deep in the throes of a complex edit when I heard a crackling noise. It was faint at first… then it got louder. It wasn’t long before an unpleasant burning smell filled my office. The power strip underneath my desk was in the process…
ComputersNews

Annke WCD600 review: Big security cam coverage for a small price

The Annke WCD600 is a dual-lens outdoor security camera built for people who want to cover a lot of ground without cluttering their space. Each lens captures a three-megapixel view—one wide-angle, one telephoto—helping reduce blind spots across driveways, yards, and side lots. This camera connects to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (i.e., it’s not a dual-band camera), is weatherproof, and costs…
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