Consumer Tech News and Headlines

Stop Buying PCs Expecting Them to Last 10 Years
NewsFeb 21, 2026

Stop Buying PCs Expecting Them to Last 10 Years

Spending twice as much on a high‑end PC does not double its lifespan or performance because hardware becomes obsolete quickly. The article shows that a flagship GPU from 2017, the GTX 1080 Ti, is outclassed by a budget RTX 4060 six years later....

By How-To Geek
This Free Tool Is Perfect for Diagnosing Problems with Your PC
NewsFeb 21, 2026

This Free Tool Is Perfect for Diagnosing Problems with Your PC

LatencyMon is a free Windows utility that diagnoses hidden latency issues causing audio crackles, video stutter, and input lag. Unlike Task Manager, it measures hardware interrupt execution times and highlights problematic *.sys* drivers. The tool presents a clear verdict and...

By MakeUseOf
Apple @ Work: How the iPhone Forced the Entire Printing Industry to Adopt AirPrint
NewsFeb 21, 2026

Apple @ Work: How the iPhone Forced the Entire Printing Industry to Adopt AirPrint

Apple introduced AirPrint in 2010 as a consumer‑focused printing feature. As iPhones and iPads entered enterprises, executives demanded driver‑less printing. Printer manufacturers like HP, Canon, Xerox and Ricoh added native AirPrint support, making it a purchase prerequisite. Complementary solutions such...

By 9to5Mac
I Built a RetroPie Console on a Raspberry Pi 3B — and Avoided the Usual Mistakes
NewsFeb 21, 2026

I Built a RetroPie Console on a Raspberry Pi 3B — and Avoided the Usual Mistakes

The article walks through building a RetroPie console on a Raspberry Pi 3B, emphasizing the board’s sweet‑spot performance for classic games. It lists essential hardware—2.5 A power supply, 32 GB microSD, wired controller—and warns against common missteps like flashing the wrong image. Step‑by‑step instructions...

By MakeUseOf
Corsair Makr Pro 75 Review: Not DIY-Priced (or DIY)
NewsFeb 21, 2026

Corsair Makr Pro 75 Review: Not DIY-Priced (or DIY)

Corsair’s Makr Pro 75 is a premium 75% magnetic keyboard built with an aluminum case, gasket‑mounted hot‑swappable PCB and double‑shot PBT keycaps. It ships with MGX Hyperdrive linear switches that can be tuned from 0.1 mm to 4 mm and supports an...

By Tom's Hardware
Roku vs Fire TV vs Apple TV vs Google TV: What Is The Best Streaming Player For Streaming Youtube, Netflix,...
NewsFeb 21, 2026

Roku vs Fire TV vs Apple TV vs Google TV: What Is The Best Streaming Player For Streaming Youtube, Netflix,...

A recent reader survey found Roku the clear favorite for cord‑cutters, capturing 62% of votes, while Apple TV, Fire TV and Google TV received 16%, 12% and 10% respectively. Roku’s appeal stems from its neutral interface, over 25,000 apps, quick setup and a...

By Cord Cutters News
Hands-On with Cooler Master’s Cosmos Alpha Full-Tower Chassis – Sliding, Configurable Interior Makes for Lots of Possibilities
NewsFeb 21, 2026

Hands-On with Cooler Master’s Cosmos Alpha Full-Tower Chassis – Sliding, Configurable Interior Makes for Lots of Possibilities

Cooler Master unveiled the Cosmos Alpha full‑tower chassis, the latest evolution of its two‑decade‑old Cosmos line. The case introduces the FreeForm 2.0 platform, featuring stepless fan mounts and a sliding motherboard tray for unprecedented interior flexibility. It supports every motherboard size...

By Tom's Hardware
Zelda at 40: How to Play All the Best Link Games on Switch 2
NewsFeb 21, 2026

Zelda at 40: How to Play All the Best Link Games on Switch 2

The Zelda franchise marks its 40th anniversary on February 21, 2026, underscoring four decades of influential game design. Nintendo’s Switch 2 now lets players access both classic and modern Zelda titles without legacy hardware or adapters. A Nintendo Switch Online Expansion...

By T3
Does the Google Pixel 10a Support Qi2 Magnetic Charging?
NewsFeb 21, 2026

Does the Google Pixel 10a Support Qi2 Magnetic Charging?

Google’s Pixel 10a arrives as a modest refresh of the 9a, keeping the 5,100 mAh battery and most hardware unchanged while adding a brighter display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i. Charging sees a modest lift to 30 W wired and 10 W wireless when...

By Android Central
Is the Google Pixel 10a Waterproof?
NewsFeb 21, 2026

Is the Google Pixel 10a Waterproof?

The Google Pixel 10a carries an IP68 rating, making it dust‑tight and capable of surviving immersion in up to two metres of freshwater for 30 minutes. This water‑resistance is comparable to higher‑end Pixel models and most modern smartphones, though it is...

By Android Central
I've Longed for One Bang & Olufsen Speaker for Years, but This Dinky, British Alternative Has Cured My Cravings
NewsFeb 21, 2026

I've Longed for One Bang & Olufsen Speaker for Years, but This Dinky, British Alternative Has Cured My Cravings

The Majority Move M1, a British‑made Bluetooth speaker, retails for about £25, positioning it as a budget alternative to premium models like Bang & Olufsen’s Beosound A1. Despite its tiny footprint, the speaker delivers surprisingly full‑range sound thanks to an open‑back cabinet that...

By T3
WhatsApp Working on Anti-Spoiler Feature for Text Messages
NewsFeb 21, 2026

WhatsApp Working on Anti-Spoiler Feature for Text Messages

WhatsApp is testing a new "Spoiler" formatting option that lets users conceal text behind a gray overlay, requiring recipients to tap to reveal the content. The feature will sit alongside existing styling tools such as Bold, Italic and Strikethrough in...

By 9to5Mac
AI Could Make Your Next TV More Expensive
NewsFeb 21, 2026

AI Could Make Your Next TV More Expensive

The surge in AI workloads is creating a global DRAM shortage, dubbed "RAMageddon," which is pushing memory prices up more than 400% year‑over‑year. Smart televisions, which typically contain 1‑8 GB of RAM, are expected to see price increases as manufacturers pass...

By Lifehacker – Two Cents (Money)
The Google Weather Android ‘App’ Is Going Away
NewsFeb 20, 2026

The Google Weather Android ‘App’ Is Going Away

Google is phasing out the dedicated Android Weather app, redirecting the homescreen shortcut to a Google Search weather results page. The legacy full‑screen weather experience, which displayed current conditions, hourly and 10‑day forecasts, is being replaced by a redesigned search...

By 9to5Google
Ex-Google Employees Charged for ‘Stealing Trade Secrets’ Around Pixel’s Tensor Chip
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Ex-Google Employees Charged for ‘Stealing Trade Secrets’ Around Pixel’s Tensor Chip

U.S. federal prosecutors have indicted three individuals, including two former Google hardware engineers, on 14 felony counts for allegedly stealing trade secrets tied to Google’s Tensor AI chips used in Pixel devices. The charges encompass conspiracy, theft of trade secrets,...

By 9to5Google
Motorola Razr (2025) and Razr Ultra Just Got Android 16 Updates, Earlier than Last Time
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Motorola Razr (2025) and Razr Ultra Just Got Android 16 Updates, Earlier than Last Time

Motorola has pushed the Android 16 upgrade to its Razr (2025) and Razr Ultra flip phones, rolling it out to U.S. carriers such as Verizon ahead of the schedule announced in June. The update arrives months earlier than the Android 15 rollout...

By 9to5Google
Humanoid Home Robots Are on the Market—But Do We Really Want Them?
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Humanoid Home Robots Are on the Market—But Do We Really Want Them?

Norwegian‑US startup 1X launched Neo, a $20,000 consumer‑ready humanoid robot that can fold laundry and load dishwashers, but it relies on remote operators wearing VR headsets to handle complex tasks. The robot records video of its actions for future AI...

By Tech Xplore Robotics
AI Apps On The Google Play Store Are Leaking Customer Data And Photos
NewsFeb 20, 2026

AI Apps On The Google Play Store Are Leaking Customer Data And Photos

AdGuard is offering its Family Plan as a lifetime subscription for $15.97 through February 22, covering up to nine devices. The deal bundles enterprise‑grade ad blocking, tracker suppression, malware and phishing protection, and built‑in parental controls. Users receive continuous updates without...

By Mashable AI
Pixelated 089: Haven’t I Seen This Pixel Before?
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Pixelated 089: Haven’t I Seen This Pixel Before?

Episode 88 of 9to5Google’s Pixelated podcast examines Google’s Pixel 10a, a modest refresh that largely mirrors its predecessor. The hosts dissect subtle hardware tweaks, camera adjustments, and pricing, while questioning whether the ‘a’ line should adopt longer generational gaps. They...

By 9to5Google
Can Smartphones Replace $25,000 Eye-Testing Gear? This Startup Says Yes
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Can Smartphones Replace $25,000 Eye-Testing Gear? This Startup Says Yes

Danish startup OptikosPrime claims its Argus app can generate a full eyeglass prescription using only a smartphone camera. In prototype tests the app achieved a mean absolute error of 0.51 diopters, approaching the 0.25‑diopter threshold of professional autorefractors. The solution...

By Forbes – Healthcare
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless Gaming Headset Review: Sweet Sounds for PC and Handhelds
NewsFeb 20, 2026

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless Gaming Headset Review: Sweet Sounds for PC and Handhelds

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless headset brings an over‑ear form factor to the same USB‑C 2.4 GHz receiver used in the Arctis GameBuds, letting it toggle between a desktop PC and handhelds like the Steam Deck. Sound quality is solid with...

By Rock Paper Shotgun
Despite Positive Reviews, It Seems the ROG Xbox Ally Isn't the Steam Deck Rival that Asus and Microsoft Likely Hoped...
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Despite Positive Reviews, It Seems the ROG Xbox Ally Isn't the Steam Deck Rival that Asus and Microsoft Likely Hoped...

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally launched with strong initial interest but quickly saw sales dip, failing to dent Valve's Steam Deck dominance. Senior games journalist Mat Piscatella confirmed the handheld’s modest volume and noted the ongoing Steam Deck stock shortage....

By Pocket Tactics
How Oura Is Bringing Its Story to the Olympics
NewsFeb 20, 2026

How Oura Is Bringing Its Story to the Olympics

Oura Ring has been named the official wearable for Team USA at the Milan‑Cortina Winter Olympics, providing athletes and medical staff with real‑time sleep, recovery and metabolic data. The partnership, which also covers all Olympic and Paralympic athletes through the...

By Chief Marketer
Roku Remains Top CTV Open Ad Platform With 32% Share
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Roku Remains Top CTV Open Ad Platform With 32% Share

Roku retained its position as the leading connected‑TV (CTV) platform for open programmatic ads in Q4 2025, commanding a 32% share of impressions. Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV followed with 16% and 15% respectively, while LG surged 79% quarter‑over‑quarter to reach 10%...

By MediaPost
Microdrama Apps Stand Out on Mobile: Here’s What the Numbers Say
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Microdrama Apps Stand Out on Mobile: Here’s What the Numbers Say

Short and micro‑drama apps emerged as a breakout mobile category in 2025, logging 5.78 billion hours of usage year‑over‑year. The segment recorded the second‑largest download surge, adding 1.66 billion installs, while revenue jumped 115% to $2.98 billion, placing it third in revenue growth...

By Marketing Dive
The Best SSDs for the Steam Deck
NewsFeb 20, 2026

The Best SSDs for the Steam Deck

The article benchmarks a range of M.2 2230 SSDs to identify the best upgrades for Valve’s Steam Deck handheld PC. It crowns the Corsair MP600 Mini as the overall winner, while the Crucial P310 delivers the strongest price‑per‑gigabyte value and the...

By Rock Paper Shotgun
Steam Deck OLED Facing Stock Shortages Due to Memory Supply Issues
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Steam Deck OLED Facing Stock Shortages Due to Memory Supply Issues

Valve confirmed that the Steam Deck OLED is experiencing intermittent stock shortages across several regions, driven by a global crunch on memory and storage components. The shortage stems from soaring DRAM and NAND prices as AI data centers hoard chips,...

By VideoGamer.com
NZXT Reveals H5 Flow NieR 15th Anniversary Case, March 2
NewsFeb 20, 2026

NZXT Reveals H5 Flow NieR 15th Anniversary Case, March 2

NZXT unveiled a NieR‑themed version of its H5 Flow mid‑tower, celebrating the franchise’s 15th anniversary. The case retains the original H5 Flow’s compact, high‑airflow design but adds dual‑sided artwork featuring Kainé and 2B. It will ship on March 2 for $179.55,...

By Guru3D
PS5 Price Hike and PlayStation Plus Subscription Increase Announced by Sony
NewsFeb 20, 2026

PS5 Price Hike and PlayStation Plus Subscription Increase Announced by Sony

Sony announced upcoming price hikes for the PS5 console and PlayStation Plus subscriptions, citing rising memory‑chip costs driven by the AI boom. CFO Tao Lin said the company will prioritize monetizing its installed base to offset hardware margin pressure. Record‑high PS Plus...

By VideoGamer.com
JAPANNEXT Ships 31.5-inch 6K IPS Monitor with USB-C and KVM
NewsFeb 20, 2026

JAPANNEXT Ships 31.5-inch 6K IPS Monitor with USB-C and KVM

Japanese monitor maker JAPANNEXT has launched the JN‑IPS326K‑HSPC9, a 31.5‑inch IPS display with a native 6K resolution of 6016 × 3384 and a 60 Hz refresh rate. The panel delivers 500 nits brightness, a 1500:1 contrast ratio, full sRGB and 96 % DCI‑P3 coverage, and...

By Guru3D
AMD RX 9060 XT Pushed to 4.769 GHz in Record Overclock
NewsFeb 20, 2026

AMD RX 9060 XT Pushed to 4.769 GHz in Record Overclock

AMD released a short clip showing a Radeon RX 9060 XT pushed to a record 4.769 GHz, far above its normal 2.5‑3.13 GHz operating range. The extreme overclock was achieved by two veteran overclockers using liquid‑nitrogen cooling, but AMD omitted details on voltage, power...

By Guru3D
Apple Updates iPhones After Targeted Attacks
NewsFeb 20, 2026

Apple Updates iPhones After Targeted Attacks

Apple released emergency updates for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS after a previously unknown memory‑corruption flaw in the dyld Dynamic Link Editor (CVE‑2026‑20700) was found being actively exploited. The vulnerability, uncovered by Google’s Threat Analysis Group, was used alongside two earlier...

By Silicon UK
5 Free Apps That Beat Expensive Alternatives In Every Way That Matters
NewsFeb 19, 2026

5 Free Apps That Beat Expensive Alternatives In Every Way That Matters

The article highlights five free, open‑source apps that outperform their pricey counterparts: LibreOffice, Jellyfin, OBS, HandBrake, and VLC. It explains how each tool matches or exceeds the functionality of subscription‑based software like Microsoft 365, Plex, StreamYard, Adobe Media Encoder, and proprietary...

By SlashGear
Some US Navy Ships Have Massive White Domes: Here's What They're Used For
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Some US Navy Ships Have Massive White Domes: Here's What They're Used For

Radomes—often called “golf balls”—cover shipboard radar dishes, communication antennas, and other sensitive electronics, shielding them from harsh marine conditions and concealing their orientation. The U.S. Navy also operates the massive Sea‑based X‑band (SBX) radome, a 120‑foot‑diameter sphere that forms part...

By SlashGear
Our All-Time Favorite Xbox Gaming Headset with "Immaculate Sound and a Cavernous Soundscape" Is on a 25% Discount — and...
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Our All-Time Favorite Xbox Gaming Headset with "Immaculate Sound and a Cavernous Soundscape" Is on a 25% Discount — and...

The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 gaming headset, praised for its 60 mm Eclipse drivers and 80‑plus hour battery, is now discounted 25 % to $149.99 on Amazon and other retailers. It offers multi‑platform wireless connectivity, dual‑USB switching, Bluetooth 5.2, and a memory‑foam cushion for comfort....

By Windows Central
Google’s Tensor G6 Rumored to Be Paired with New Titan M3 Security Coprocessor
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Google’s Tensor G6 Rumored to Be Paired with New Titan M3 Security Coprocessor

Google is reportedly developing a third‑generation Titan M security coprocessor, dubbed Titan M3, for its upcoming Tensor G6 chipset, internally codenamed “Google Epic.” Leaked internal listings reference firmware named “longjing,” suggesting the chip is in early development. The move appears aimed at narrowing...

By 9to5Google
MWC 2026: What We Expect to See at Mobile World Congress This Year
NewsFeb 19, 2026

MWC 2026: What We Expect to See at Mobile World Congress This Year

Mobile World Congress returns to Barcelona from March 2‑5, 2026, gathering the mobile industry's biggest players. Samsung, Google, Xiaomi, Honor, Tecno, Qualcomm, MediaTek and many others will showcase new smartphones, wearables and AI‑focused hardware. Highlights include Samsung’s Galaxy S26 hands‑on, Google’s Android 16...

By Android Central
Razer Unveils$500 Flagship Gaming Keyboard — Huntsman Signature Edition Built From CNC-Machined Aluminum, Featuring 8,000 Hz Polling and Snap Tap
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Razer Unveils$500 Flagship Gaming Keyboard — Huntsman Signature Edition Built From CNC-Machined Aluminum, Featuring 8,000 Hz Polling and Snap Tap

Razer has introduced the Huntsman Signature Edition, a $499.99 flagship keyboard built with a CNC‑machined aluminum chassis and a PVD‑finished back plate. It retains the Huntsman V3 Pro internals, featuring Razer’s Gen 2 optical switches that deliver an 8,000 Hz polling rate. The...

By Tom's Hardware
We’re Not the only Ones Saying It: Windows 11 Desperately Needs a Single Privacy Toggle
NewsFeb 19, 2026

We’re Not the only Ones Saying It: Windows 11 Desperately Needs a Single Privacy Toggle

Windows 11’s privacy controls are dispersed across multiple menus, forcing users to hunt through dozens of toggles to limit data collection. The operating system still enables telemetry by default, and many settings only reduce—not eliminate—Microsoft’s tracking. Users and tech writers are...

By Windows Central
Galaxy Buds 4 Dummy Leaks Downplay AirPod Comparisons with New Metallic Finish
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Galaxy Buds 4 Dummy Leaks Downplay AirPod Comparisons with New Metallic Finish

Samsung previewed its upcoming Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro through dummy units sent to stores ahead of the Galaxy Unpacked event. Both models feature a brushed metallic stem intended to distance the design from Apple’s AirPods, addressing prior criticism of visual...

By 9to5Google
I Repurposed My Old Android Phone as an Always-On Bedside Assistant
NewsFeb 19, 2026

I Repurposed My Old Android Phone as an Always-On Bedside Assistant

A tech writer transformed an unused Pixel 5 into a dedicated bedside assistant, leveraging its OLED always‑on display, wireless charging, and low standby draw. By installing a minimal home screen, enabling Bedtime Mode, and adding the Sleep as Android app, the...

By MakeUseOf
Pixel At a Glance Adds Sports and Finance Updates
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Pixel At a Glance Adds Sports and Finance Updates

Google has rolled out the first major expansion to Pixel’s At a Glance feature in months, adding real‑time sports scores and finance tickers directly to the home and lock screens. The updates draw from Google Search and Google Finance, using...

By 9to5Google
The 'USB-C' Label on Flash Drives Is a Trap: How Manufacturers Hide Ancient USB 2.0 Speeds
NewsFeb 19, 2026

The 'USB-C' Label on Flash Drives Is a Trap: How Manufacturers Hide Ancient USB 2.0 Speeds

USB‑C flash drives often carry a premium price, yet many still operate at legacy USB 2.0 speeds, misleading buyers. The article stresses that only drives with genuine USB 3.2 Gen 1 or Gen 2 support deliver the advertised performance, and that capacity, NAND quality,...

By How-To Geek
Meta Reportedly Releasing More Display Glasses, Health and AI-Focused Smartwatch Later This Year
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Meta Reportedly Releasing More Display Glasses, Health and AI-Focused Smartwatch Later This Year

Meta is set to revive its smartwatch project with a 2026 launch under the codename “Malibu 2.” The new device will prioritize health tracking and deep integration with Meta’s AI services, diverging from earlier Android‑based concepts. In parallel, Meta plans to...

By 9to5Google
I Played Microsoft Flight Simulator with This Revolutionary Joystick Disguised as a Controller — and I'm in Love with It
NewsFeb 19, 2026

I Played Microsoft Flight Simulator with This Revolutionary Joystick Disguised as a Controller — and I'm in Love with It

The Honeycomb Echo Aviation Controller is a compact, PC‑only flight‑sim peripheral that packs authentic aircraft controls into a travel‑friendly package. Priced at $149.99, it features a Hall‑Effect thumbstick, interchangeable levers, and a rugged carrying case, while allowing deep customization of...

By Windows Central
Google Chrome Adds Split View and PDF Annotation with Drive Upload
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Google Chrome Adds Split View and PDF Annotation with Drive Upload

Google Chrome 145 introduces three desktop productivity upgrades: Split View for side‑by‑side tabs, PDF annotation tools for highlighting and note‑taking, and a Save to Google Drive button that uploads PDFs directly to a designated Drive folder. Split View is accessed via...

By 9to5Google
Amazfit Debuts T-Rex Ultra 2 Watch with Biotracking, 30-Day Battery
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Amazfit Debuts T-Rex Ultra 2 Watch with Biotracking, 30-Day Battery

Amazfit, Zepp Health’s flagship wearable brand, launched the T‑Rex Ultra 2, a rugged GPS smartwatch aimed at extreme‑environment users. The device combines comprehensive biotracking—heart rate, SpO₂, sleep, breathing, and stress metrics—with 30‑day battery life, 100‑metre water resistance, and a Low Temperature...

By MobiHealthNews (HIMSS Media)
5 Powerful Command Line Tricks Every Raspberry Pi Owner Should Know
NewsFeb 19, 2026

5 Powerful Command Line Tricks Every Raspberry Pi Owner Should Know

Raspberry Pi owners can boost reliability and efficiency by mastering five essential command‑line tools. Monitoring temperature with vcgencmd prevents throttling, while cron automates routine scripts. htop offers real‑time insight into CPU and memory usage, and SSH enables headless remote control. Finally, nmap...

By How-To Geek
Windows 7 and Windows 8 Are Losing Their Last Web Browser
NewsFeb 19, 2026

Windows 7 and Windows 8 Are Losing Their Last Web Browser

Mozilla announced that Firefox 115 will be the final version supporting Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, with security patches ending in March 2026. Microsoft stopped security updates for those OSes in January 2023, and other major browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Vivaldi have...

By How-To Geek