The Sideload 025: Folding Tablets and Other MWC Wishes
The Sideload episode 25 recaps Ben Schoon’s highlights from MWC 2026, focusing on Qualcomm’s new wearable‑focused chipset, Lenovo’s concept gaming tablet with a foldable screen, and Honor’s experimental robot smartphone. The podcast underscores a broader industry shift toward hybrid devices that blend productivity, gaming, and AI capabilities. Listeners also get a quick take on other emerging trends showcased in Barcelona, from AI‑driven accessories to next‑gen form factors.
Lowering Graphics Settings Can Sometimes Hurt Performance, but Not How You'd Expect
Gamers often lower graphics settings to boost FPS, but doing so can unintentionally create a CPU bottleneck, especially when pairing a high‑end GPU like the RTX 4090 with an older processor. Reducing GPU load may cause the GPU to finish frames...
How I Use My iPhone's Focus Modes to Stop Getting Distracted at the Gym
The article explains how to use iPhone’s Focus modes—also available on Android—to eliminate distractions during gym sessions. By creating a dedicated fitness profile, users can display only workout‑related apps, mute work and social notifications, and add motivational wallpapers or goal‑tracking...
This Mini PC Is an Absolute Powerhouse, and a New Discount Makes It Even Better
The BOSGAME P3 Mix Mini PC packs an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, Radeon 760M graphics, 32 GB DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, yet its footprint remains tiny. Amazon is offering a $124 discount, bringing the price down to $495 from $619. The system...
Bigfoot, 'Distorted Face,' And Six More New Emoji Coming to Your iPhone
Apple’s iOS 26.4 beta introduces eight new emojis drawn from Unicode 17.0, which debuted in September 2025. The set adds a Distorted Face, Fight Cloud, Ballet Dancer, Orca, Bigfoot‑style Hairy Creature, Trombone, Landslide, and Treasure Chest. Apple’s designs follow the same timeline as...
This INSIGNIA 55″ 4K Fire TV Just Dropped Under $200
Amazon’s Insignia brand has launched a 55‑inch 4K UHD TV for $199.99, a $150 discount from its usual price. The set features built‑in Fire TV OS, Alexa voice control, Apple AirPlay, and access to major streaming services. With a modest...
UAG Launches Its First Android Find Hub Tracker, Priced at $45
UAG has entered the Google Find Hub market with the Metropolis Tracker Card, a 3 mm‑thin, IPX4‑rated device priced at $45. The Android‑compatible card offers up to five months of battery life, Qi wireless charging, and a built‑in speaker for location...
Sony WF-1000XM6 Vs. Apple AirPods Pro 3: I Tested Both Earbuds, and This Pair Wins
Sony’s WF‑1000XM6 and Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 are flagship wireless earbuds competing on audio performance, noise cancellation, and ecosystem integration. The Sony model edges out in sound quality, offers a 10‑band EQ, LDAC support, and Bluetooth multipoint, appealing to Android and audiophile...
IPadOS 26.4 Adds Convenient New Feature for iPad Power Users
Apple’s iPadOS 26 introduced an unrestricted windowing system, letting users open and resize unlimited app windows. The follow‑up iPadOS 26.4 adds a hidden‑windows popup that appears when launching an app with concealed instances. Tapping the banner reveals all open windows, echoing the...
Apple Reportedly Targeting Smart Home Display Release Around iOS 27
Apple is postponing its long‑rumored smart‑home display until around September, timing the launch with iOS 27 and a revamped Siri. The hardware, already completed, features a MagSafe‑style snap‑to‑wall mount, facial‑recognition personalization, and a square iPad‑like form factor. Apple’s new Siri will...
MagSafe Monday: LISEN Qi2 3-in-1 Is the “One Ring” Of Desk Chargers
LISEN’s Qi2 3‑in‑1 charging station combines a metal‑built MagSafe dock, a retractable Apple Watch charger, and a wireless pad that supports the Qi2 standard up to 15 watts. Designed to mimic Apple’s aesthetic, it offers a stable magnetic hold for iPhone 17 Pro...
AAWireless TWO+ Adapter with Wireless Android Auto and CarPlay Is Finally Back in Stock
AAWireless has restocked its TWO+ wireless adapter on Amazon after a four‑month shortage. The device enables seamless switching between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay without cables, catering to mixed‑platform households. It returns at its launch price of $65, though shipments...
How to Sideload Apps on the Nvidia Shield TV
The Nvidia Shield TV, praised as the most powerful streaming box, can run any Android app through sideloading, bypassing Play Store limitations. Users download APK files from reputable sites like APKMirror or F‑Droid, then transfer them to the Shield using...
The Best Headphones Under $200 (That Deliver Surprisingly Great Sound)
Rolling Stone’s guide identifies the top headphones under $200, naming the Beyerdynamic DT 270 PRO as the editor’s pick, Sony WH‑CH720N for budget‑friendly noise cancellation, and JLab JBuds Lux for exceptional battery life. The selections cover wired, wireless, open‑back, and on‑ear designs, each...
MacOS 26.4 Adds MacBook Neo Wallpapers for Everyone
Apple’s macOS 26.4 update brings the four marketing‑grade wallpapers originally shown with the $599 MacBook Neo to every Mac user. The new backgrounds—Mac Purple, Mac Blue, Mac Pink and Mac Yellow—appear in Settings under Pictures → Wallpaper. The update is part of the macOS Tahoe beta, slated for a...
The iPhone 17e Is a Nice Improvement for Apple’s Most Basic Phone
Apple unveiled the iPhone 17e, its second budget‑oriented "e" model, priced at $600 and positioned alongside the new MacBook Neo. The handset retains the 6.1‑inch design of its predecessor but upgrades to an A19 Bionic processor, Ceramic Shield 2 glass, and...
IOS 26.4 Adds New Emoji to Your iPhone, Here’s What’s Coming
Apple released iOS 26.4 beta 4 for developers, adding eight brand‑new emoji to the iPhone keyboard. The set includes a ballet dancer, distorted face, fight cloud, hairy creature, landslide, orca, trombone, and treasure chest. These symbols were approved by the Unicode Consortium...
MacOS 26.4 Beta 4 Now Available, Here’s What’s Coming
Apple released macOS 26.4 developer beta 4 (build 25E5233c), delivering several user‑focused refinements ahead of the public launch. Safari’s compact tab bar returns, addressing a widely requested UI change. The long‑standing window‑resize pointer bug is finally fixed, improving cursor alignment. Additional...
Apple Releases Beta 4 for iPadOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and More
Apple rolled out developer beta 4 for iPadOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4 and the rest of its 26.4 suite. This marks the fourth consecutive weekly beta since the program began last month, breaking the usual two‑week gap between releases. Apple issued multiple beta 3...
Apple Releases iOS 26.4 Beta 4 for iPhone with Upcoming Features
Apple has rolled out iOS 26.4 beta 4, the latest developer preview of its upcoming operating system. The build introduces AI‑powered enhancements to Apple Music, including a new Playlist Playground, and adds per‑device Personal Hotspot data usage reporting. Apple is also testing end‑to‑end encrypted...
Google’s Latest Pixel Watches Have Fallen to Their Lowest Prices Ever
Google has slashed prices on its Pixel Watch lineup, with the Pixel Watch 4 now selling for $289.99 on major retailers—a $60 discount—and the older Pixel Watch 3 hitting a record low of $169.99, $80 off. The Watch 4 adds...
The Xbox Full Screen Experience Is Coming to Lenovo Legion Go Handhelds, but Can It Really Take on SteamOS?
Microsoft announced that the Xbox Full Screen Experience will be tested on Lenovo Legion Go handhelds, offering a streamlined gaming interface on top of Windows 11. Lenovo is currently recruiting users for a limited‑time trial, with only 29 hours left...
I Didn’t Realize My Android Could Measure This — but It’s Surprisingly Accurate
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL can measure heart rate, respiratory rate and core body temperature using built‑in sensors, delivering results that closely mirror those of the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The phone’s Thermometer app reads forehead temperature, while Google Fit captures heart...
Razer’s VP of Software Quyen Quach Unveils ‘Fully Agentic’ Version of AI Companion AVA, Which Runs on Cloud and...
Razer announced that its AI companion AVA will become fully agentic, capable of running both on a user’s PC and in the cloud. The new version adds multi‑step task planning, third‑party app integration, and a proprietary inference control plane that...
Prototype 3D Printer Uses Throttled ASICs to Mine Bitcoin and Heat the Printing Bed
A prototype 3D printer called Proof of Print repurposes Bitcoin mining ASICs as its heated print bed. The system uses four Bitmain BM1362 chips, delivering about 500 GH/s, and dynamically throttles their clock rate to maintain a 75‑80 °C bed temperature. By...
Hatch’s Best Sunrise Sleep Clock Is $25 Off During Sleep Week
Hatch is offering its latest sunrise alarm clock, the Restore 3, for $25 off (15% discount) through March 22 as part of Sleep Week. The device combines a gradually brightening light, a broad library of sleep sounds, meditations and stories, and phone‑free tactile...
Deals: M4 iPad Air up to $100 Off, 2026 Apple Studio Display $300 Off, Official Apple Sport Bands From $29,...
Amazon has slashed prices on a range of Apple hardware, including AirPods Pro 3 now $199 (20% off), M4 iPad Air models up to $100 off, and the 2026 Apple Studio Display up to $300 off. Apple’s upcoming M5‑powered MacBook lineup...
19 Years Ago This Month, Apple Released the Apple TV
Apple TV celebrated its 19th anniversary, marking its debut on March 21, 2007 as a hard‑drive‑based media player linked to iTunes. Over the years the device evolved from a niche computer‑dependent gadget to a cloud‑centric streaming hub, introducing HDMI, 1080p,...
Yashica’s New Retro Point-and-Shoot Revival Sounds Surprisingly Capable for $100
Yashica has unveiled the Tank, a retro‑styled point‑and‑shoot camera priced at roughly $100 and available for preorder. It features a 12‑megapixel ½.8‑inch sensor, with an optional 36‑megapixel upscaled mode, and records 4K video at 30 fps. A 3‑inch flip‑up LCD, ISO...
How Disney Worked with Lego on Star Wars Theme for Smart Play
Lego unveiled its Smart Play platform at CES 2026, embedding electronics into traditional bricks for interactive experiences. Disney joined the launch, showcasing a Lego Star Wars Smart Play set that leverages the new technology. The partnership reflects an eight‑year development...
Getting Your Android Phone Repaired? Turn on This Setting First - and Lock Down Your Data
Android’s new Repair Mode creates a sandboxed profile that lets technicians service a phone while keeping personal apps and files locked away. The feature is built into Android 14 and is currently supported on Pixel and Samsung devices that have at...
HIMSS26: Verily and Samsung Partner to Integrate Galaxy Watch 8 Into Precision Health Platform
Verily Life Sciences and Samsung Electronics have announced a partnership to embed the Galaxy Watch 8 into Verily’s precision health platform, PRE. The FDA‑cleared wearable will stream continuous biometric data—such as SpO2, sleep‑apnea scores, and AFib alerts—directly into Verily’s Viewpoint...
Samsung’s Mario-Themed microSD Card for Switch 2 Is 35 Percent Off
Samsung’s 256GB microSD Express card for the Nintendo Switch 2 has been slashed from $59.99 to $39.99, a roughly 35 percent discount available at major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart and GameStop. The card is the only microSD Express model that...
I Finally Figured Out Why My Bluetooth Headphones Lag on My TV
Bluetooth headphones often lag on TVs because most sets default to the high‑latency SBC codec, which can add half‑second delays. The lag stems from the audio encoding, transmission, and decoding steps, and only codecs like aptX Low Latency keep delay...
Wearable Actioncam Pops Out of the Body of This Rugged Phone
Ulefone introduced the RugOne Xsnap 7 Pro, a modular rugged smartphone that houses a magnetic action‑camera module which can be detached and worn or mounted. The phone is powered by a 9,000 mAh battery and runs a MediaTek Dimensity 8400 processor with 12 GB RAM...
Brightspeed Launches Whole-Home Wi-Fi
Brightspeed, the nation’s third‑largest fiber builder, unveiled its Whole Home Wi‑Fi service for new fiber customers. The offering bundles up to two professionally installed Wi‑Fi 7 extenders, a free router, a month of service and a prepaid Mastercard, delivering up to...
Disabling Animations Is Fine, but This Android Setting Fixed Lag Even Better
Disabling Android animations only creates an illusion of speed, while real performance hinges on available RAM. Android’s built‑in zRAM compresses memory but slows down when it fills, prompting manufacturers to offer virtual RAM features like RAM Plus or RAM Boost. These utilities...
Apple Accidentally Revealed the Best MacBook Value — and It’s Not the New One
Apple introduced the MacBook Neo, a $599 entry‑level laptop powered by the iPhone 16 Pro’s A18 Pro processor, marking the first time an iPhone chip runs macOS. The device is slightly thicker than the Air and omits several premium features such...
Samsung Shows Off Support for Glasses-Free 3D on Monitor
Samsung Electronics announced that its Odyssey 3D gaming monitor will support glasses‑free, autostereoscopic 3D gameplay. The company demonstrated the feature at the GDC Festival of Gaming 2026, showcasing titles Hell is Us and Cronos: The New Dawn optimized for the...
Span Looks to Cut Smart Panel Costs with $75M Eaton Partnership
Smart‑panel startup Span announced a strategic partnership with electrical‑equipment giant Eaton, which includes a $75 million investment. The deal aims to drive down the cost of Span’s $3,500 smart panels by tapping Eaton’s manufacturing scale and its extensive distributor and installer...
Smartphone Production Grows 2.5% to 1.25 Billion Units in 2025
Global smartphone production rose 2.5% year‑on‑year in 2025, reaching about 1.254 billion units. Apple and Samsung each manufactured nearly 240 million devices, sharing the top spot. Q4 2025 saw strong iPhone 17 shipments and Samsung’s 11% YoY increase, while rivals trimmed output amid...
I Found the Best Budget Android Phone and Earbuds Combination, and It's Glorious
Google’s new Pixel 10a offers a premium Android experience at a $499 price point, featuring the Tensor G4 processor, a bright 6.3‑inch OLED display, 8 GB RAM, and a 5,100 mAh battery. Paired with the budget‑friendly Pixel Buds 2a, which provide active‑noise‑cancelling, spatial audio and a...
The SHOKZ OpenDots ONE Clip-On Earbuds Are a High-Energy Reset in Red
Popular Science highlights the launch of SHOKZ OpenDots ONE clip‑on earbuds in a vibrant red colorway. The open‑ear, air‑conduction design weighs just 6.5 g and targets runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who need situational awareness. Featuring Bluetooth 5.4, Dolby Audio, an app‑based...
Best Sonos Speakers (2026): Soundbars, Headphones, Dolby Atmos, and More
Sonos continues to dominate the premium wireless‑audio market in 2026, offering a refreshed lineup that includes the Era 100 as the best overall smart speaker, the Atmos‑capable Era 300 for immersive surround, the Arc Ultra soundbar for high‑end home‑theater, and the Ace...
Poco X8 Pro, Poco X8 Pro Confirmed to Launch in India on 17 March: Expected Price, Specs and More
Poco confirmed that its mid‑range gaming handsets, the X8 Pro and X8 Pro Max 5G, will debut in India on March 17. The X8 Pro is expected to run a MediaTek Dimensity 8500 chipset, a 6.59‑inch 1.5K OLED panel and a 7,560 mAh battery,...
IPhone Locked to Owner: How to Unlock With/Without Computer
The article explains Apple’s Activation Lock, which displays a “iPhone Locked to Owner” screen on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches. It outlines how owners and second‑hand buyers can remove the lock without a computer, including contacting the previous owner, using...
Your TV's Ethernet Port Is Probably Slower than You'd Like: 3 Ways to Check
Most modern smart TVs are equipped with only 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, limiting wired bandwidth to around 100 Mbps despite gigabit‑capable Wi‑Fi. The restriction is intentional, as major streaming services stream well below that threshold, but it becomes problematic for local high‑bitrate...
UKTV Expands Partnership with Samsung
UKTV has struck a new partnership with Samsung that places its free linear channels on Samsung’s internet‑only TV platform across the UK. The agreement creates a dedicated rail on Samsung’s home screen and deep‑links the U app through the Universal...
Colorful Unveils iGame LAB Vulcan Armor Chassis for White Vulcan Builds
Colorful has launched the iGame LAB Vulcan Armor, a premium Mini‑ITX chassis tailored for its RTX 50 White Vulcan graphics cards. The aluminum‑machined case adopts a horizontal layout, integrates a magnetic Smart Screen mount, and ships with a 240 mm all‑in‑one liquid cooler and...
EDIFIER R20BT Brings Triple Inputs and Ambient Lighting to Desktop Audio
EDIFIER has launched the R20BT, a compact desktop speaker set that offers USB‑C, AUX and Bluetooth 6.0 inputs along with Bluetooth multi‑point support. The speakers feature dual 70 mm drivers delivering 5 W total output, a 6‑band equalizer, and six ambient‑lighting modes controllable...