SlashGear

SlashGear

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Consumer tech, gadgets, smart home, automotive tech, reviews

5 Things You Should Never Do In A Rental Car
NewsMar 13, 2026

5 Things You Should Never Do In A Rental Car

The article outlines five common mistakes renters make, from smoking in the vehicle to returning it without fuel, each triggering steep fees. A single cigarette or vape can cost about $450 in cleaning charges, while failing to refuel may add...

By SlashGear
Viral Photo Highlights A Silent Enemy Plaguing The US Navy
NewsMar 13, 2026

Viral Photo Highlights A Silent Enemy Plaguing The US Navy

A viral photograph of the Arleigh Burke‑class destroyer USS Dewey revealed extensive rust as the ship entered Singapore’s Sembawang port on February 18, 2025. The image sparked public concern about the U.S. Navy’s maintenance practices and highlighted corrosion as a long‑standing vulnerability. In...

By SlashGear
This Is The Best Fire TV Stick To Use With Your Older TV
NewsMar 13, 2026

This Is The Best Fire TV Stick To Use With Your Older TV

Amazon offers several Fire TV Stick models, ranging from a standard HD version to 4K variants. For owners of older low‑resolution televisions, the HD stick is the most cost‑effective option because 4K sticks automatically downscale to the TV’s native resolution,...

By SlashGear
More Police Are Adopting 'Grappler' Tech To End Car Chases Before They Begin
NewsMar 12, 2026

More Police Are Adopting 'Grappler' Tech To End Car Chases Before They Begin

Police departments across the United States are rapidly adopting the Grappler Police Bumper, a net‑based device that immobilizes fleeing vehicles by wrapping around their rear tires. First prototyped in 2016, the system is now used by roughly 40‑50 agencies, with...

By SlashGear
We Just Got Our First Look Ever At The B-21 Raider Performing This Risky Maneuver
NewsMar 11, 2026

We Just Got Our First Look Ever At The B-21 Raider Performing This Risky Maneuver

The U.S. Air Force captured its first public glimpse of a B‑21 Raider linking up with a KC‑135R Stratotanker for mid‑air refueling, a risky maneuver that validates the bomber’s operational envelope. The test, part of a series of flight trials,...

By SlashGear
Here's Why TV Manufacturers Stopped Using Plasma Panels
NewsMar 11, 2026

Here's Why TV Manufacturers Stopped Using Plasma Panels

Plasma TVs dominated the high‑end market in the early 2000s thanks to superior contrast, wide viewing angles, and wall‑mountable designs. Their gas‑filled pixel chemistry, however, required large glass panels, generated significant heat, and consumed more power than emerging LCDs. Rapid...

By SlashGear
Milwaukee's New Super Charger Can Charge Four Batteries In 90 Minutes
NewsMar 11, 2026

Milwaukee's New Super Charger Can Charge Four Batteries In 90 Minutes

Milwaukee Tool is set to release a new M18 and M12 Four Bay Simultaneous Super Charger that can replenish up to four batteries to 100 % in roughly 90 minutes, a claim of up to ten times faster than conventional chargers....

By SlashGear
These 3 Products Are Costco's Automotive Buying Team Picks For March
NewsMar 11, 2026

These 3 Products Are Costco's Automotive Buying Team Picks For March

Costco’s automotive buying team highlighted three products in the March 2026 issue of Costco Connection. The Adam’s Polishes Ultimate 12‑piece Detailing Kit retails for $64.99 and combines cleaners, brushes, and a scented air freshener in a portable bucket. Crocodile Cloth Garage...

By SlashGear
Do Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Still Come With A Tool Kit?
NewsMar 11, 2026

Do Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Still Come With A Tool Kit?

Harley‑Davidson stopped including its factory‑issued folding tool kit with new motorcycles around 2017‑2018, and the official online offering was removed in 2025. The kit, once standard on touring models, featured Torx, hex and screwdriver bits plus open‑end wrenches in a...

By SlashGear
10 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Models Worth Buying For Beginners
NewsMar 11, 2026

10 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Models Worth Buying For Beginners

The Slashgear guide lists ten wireless mechanical keyboards aimed at beginners, spanning 60% to 96% layouts and covering a range of switch types, hot‑swappable options, and battery capacities. Brands such as Epomaker, Logitech, Royal Kludge, Keychron and Asus are featured,...

By SlashGear
This Is The Cheapest Hybrid SUV You Can Buy In 2026
NewsMar 10, 2026

This Is The Cheapest Hybrid SUV You Can Buy In 2026

Kia’s 2026 Niro Hybrid emerges as the most affordable hybrid SUV on the market, with a starting price of $28,885 including destination. It pairs a 1.6‑liter gasoline‑electric powertrain delivering 139 hp with a six‑speed dual‑clutch transmission, achieving EPA‑rated 53 mpg city and...

By SlashGear
5 Fun Gadgets You Didn't Know You Can Buy At Home Depot
NewsMar 10, 2026

5 Fun Gadgets You Didn't Know You Can Buy At Home Depot

Home Depot is now stocking a range of unconventional gadgets, from a Norwegian Krumkake iron to a Govee TV backlight kit, a Vevor home distilling system, a cocktail smoking box, and an SVOPES pizza stone. These items, priced between $40...

By SlashGear
This Is The Most Dependable Midsize Pickup Of 2026, According To JD Power
NewsMar 10, 2026

This Is The Most Dependable Midsize Pickup Of 2026, According To JD Power

JD Power’s 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study named the Toyota Tacoma the most dependable midsize pickup, repeating its 2025 top‑rank. The study, covering 2023 model‑year vehicles over three years, highlighted that premium brands and EVs lag behind mass‑market gasoline models...

By SlashGear
The 10 Best Cars Of 2026, According To Consumer Reports
NewsMar 10, 2026

The 10 Best Cars Of 2026, According To Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports released its 2026 Top 10 list, highlighting a mix of hybrids, EVs and traditional models that balance price, fuel efficiency and technology. The 2026 Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid showcase the growing dominance of...

By SlashGear
Those White Traffic Lights You May See On Some Roads Aren't Meant For You
NewsMar 9, 2026

Those White Traffic Lights You May See On Some Roads Aren't Meant For You

White bar signals mounted beside traditional traffic lights are dedicated bus‑only indicators used in Transit Signal Priority (TSP) systems. Sensors detect approaching buses and change the bar from horizontal to vertical, granting a green‑light equivalent while surrounding lights stay red...

By SlashGear
12 Apps That Play Hi-Res Audio At Full Quality On Your Apple Devices
NewsMar 8, 2026

12 Apps That Play Hi-Res Audio At Full Quality On Your Apple Devices

The article surveys twelve iOS and macOS applications that deliver true high‑resolution audio on Apple devices, from native services like Apple Music to third‑party players such as VOX and Neutron. It highlights Apple Music’s lossless ALAC streaming at no extra...

By SlashGear
What Does The LBZ Code Stand For On Duramax Diesel Engines?
NewsMar 8, 2026

What Does The LBZ Code Stand For On Duramax Diesel Engines?

The Chevrolet LBZ Duramax diesel, produced from mid‑2006 to mid‑2007, is celebrated as a high‑performance, reliable iteration of GM's 6.6‑liter V8 line. It delivered 360 hp and 650 lb‑ft of torque, making it the most powerful Duramax of its era. The LBZ...

By SlashGear
This New Company Aims To Take OLED TV Tech To The Next Level
NewsMar 6, 2026

This New Company Aims To Take OLED TV Tech To The Next Level

South Korean material firm Lordin announced a breakthrough blue phosphorescent OLED technology named ZRIET, which collapses energy transfer distance to near zero. The new emitters claim over 20% external quantum efficiency and roughly 60% longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent blue...

By SlashGear
15 Of The Coolest Gadgets To Pop Up On Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things Lists
NewsMar 5, 2026

15 Of The Coolest Gadgets To Pop Up On Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things Lists

Oprah’s annual "Favorite Things" segment has evolved into a powerful consumer catalyst, spotlighting a curated mix of high‑tech gadgets each holiday season. The 2025 list featured 15 standout devices ranging from the Ninja CREAMi ice‑cream maker to the HOVERAir X1...

By SlashGear
5 Viral 'Do-It-All' Tools Users Say Are Actually Useful
NewsMar 5, 2026

5 Viral 'Do-It-All' Tools Users Say Are Actually Useful

A roundup of five viral "do‑it‑all" tools—Wallet Ninja, Gordon 20‑in‑1, RAK Multi‑tool Pen, Hori‑Hori knife, and Leatherman Skeletool—highlights their functionality, pricing and user reception. The Wallet Ninja packs 19 functions for about $15 and passes TSA checks, while the Gordon...

By SlashGear
4 Bluetooth Gadgets You Can Connect To Your Fire TV Stick
NewsMar 4, 2026

4 Bluetooth Gadgets You Can Connect To Your Fire TV Stick

The article outlines how Amazon Fire TV Stick users can expand their streaming setup by pairing Bluetooth speakers, headphones, game controllers, and keyboards or mice. It provides step‑by‑step pairing instructions via the Settings menu and highlights specific product recommendations such...

By SlashGear
5 Apple CarPlay Voice Commands You Need To Be Using
NewsMar 4, 2026

5 Apple CarPlay Voice Commands You Need To Be Using

Apple CarPlay now supports a suite of voice commands that let drivers operate navigation, apps, and system functions without touching the screen. Users enable Voice Control in CarPlay’s Accessibility settings, after which commands like “Stop Listening,” “Open [app],” and directional pans...

By SlashGear
OLED Or LED – Which TV Type Lasts Longer?
NewsMar 4, 2026

OLED Or LED – Which TV Type Lasts Longer?

TV buyers often keep sets for five to ten years, making longevity a key purchase factor. Manufacturers claim OLED and LED panels last 30,000‑100,000 hours, but real‑world tests reveal divergent failure modes. RTINGS’ 10,000‑hour endurance study found 64% of edge‑lit...

By SlashGear
Changing These 3 Settings Will Instantly Make Your Switch 2 Perform Better
NewsMar 2, 2026

Changing These 3 Settings Will Instantly Make Your Switch 2 Perform Better

Nintendo’s Switch 2, launched in 2025, boasts roughly ten‑times the graphics power of its 2017 predecessor, thanks to Nvidia’s DLSS‑based AI upscaling and a new active‑cooling design. Out‑of‑the‑box performance is strong, but users can unlock smoother frame rates, faster online play,...

By SlashGear
What's The Difference Between HDMI And Mini HDMI?
NewsMar 2, 2026

What's The Difference Between HDMI And Mini HDMI?

HDMI and mini HDMI share the same 19‑pin architecture and support identical audio‑video formats, but differ primarily in connector size. A standard Type‑A HDMI measures roughly 14 × 4 mm, while the Type‑C mini version is about 10 × 2 mm, making it suited for compact...

By SlashGear
Is Bitdefender Antivirus Better Than McAfee? What Consumer Reports Data Says
NewsMar 1, 2026

Is Bitdefender Antivirus Better Than McAfee? What Consumer Reports Data Says

Consumer Reports’ latest lab tests show Bitdefender Antivirus, a free offering, scoring slightly higher than McAfee Total Protection, a paid suite. Both products performed equally on protection, access, advertising, demand, help and interface, but Bitdefender led in ease of use...

By SlashGear
12 Handy Gadgets Under $20 To Upgrade Your Smart Home
NewsMar 1, 2026

12 Handy Gadgets Under $20 To Upgrade Your Smart Home

Smart‑home enthusiasts can upgrade functionality without breaking the bank, as a new roundup highlights twelve gadgets priced under $20. The list features Kasa smart plugs and bulbs, Zigbee garage‑door and climate sensors, a $9.99 video doorbell, LED strip lighting, and...

By SlashGear
Here's How To Tell If A CR2032 Battery Is Bad
NewsMar 1, 2026

Here's How To Tell If A CR2032 Battery Is Bad

The article explains how to determine whether a CR2032 lithium button cell is still usable. It outlines voltage thresholds—new cells read 3.0‑3.3 V, usable cells 2.7‑2.9 V, and below 2.7 V signals end‑of‑life. Two inexpensive dedicated testers ($15‑$19) are recommended for quick checks,...

By SlashGear
These Smartphones Will No Longer Get Updates Or Support In 2026
NewsMar 1, 2026

These Smartphones Will No Longer Get Updates Or Support In 2026

A growing number of smartphones will stop receiving both feature and security updates in 2026, including Samsung’s Galaxy S21 series, Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3, and Note 20; Apple’s iPhone SE and several vintage iPhone models; Google’s Pixel 6; numerous mid‑range Samsung, Motorola and LG devices;...

By SlashGear
15 Of The Worst Home Appliances Consumer Reports Tested In 2025
NewsMar 1, 2026

15 Of The Worst Home Appliances Consumer Reports Tested In 2025

Consumer Reports released its 2025 list of the 15 worst‑performing home appliances, covering categories from toaster ovens and ranges to washers, refrigerators, and smart doorbells. The nonprofit’s testing exposed poor cooking, cleaning, energy efficiency, and security flaws in models such...

By SlashGear
5 Keychain Charging Gadgets That'll Save You From A Dead Battery
NewsFeb 28, 2026

5 Keychain Charging Gadgets That'll Save You From A Dead Battery

Smartphone reliance has spurred a niche market for keychain‑sized chargers that combine portability with emergency power. The article reviews five products ranging from the 2,000 mAh Rolling Square Tau 2 with a magnetic dock to the 5,000 mAh Iniu SnapGo Mini that adds...

By SlashGear
3 Cool Things You Can Do With Alexa On Your Fire TV
NewsFeb 27, 2026

3 Cool Things You Can Do With Alexa On Your Fire TV

Amazon has upgraded the Alexa experience on Fire TV with Alexa+, a generative‑AI‑powered assistant that appears on‑screen when you press the remote’s Alexa button. The new service can recommend movies, navigate to specific scenes, and answer real‑time trivia or sports...

By SlashGear
Removable Batteries In Mobile Phones May Be Making A Comeback
NewsFeb 27, 2026

Removable Batteries In Mobile Phones May Be Making A Comeback

The European Union has adopted new Right‑to‑Repair rules that require smartphones sold in its market to feature user‑replaceable batteries by February 18, 2027. Manufacturers must allow any compliant battery, not just proprietary units, and keep replacements available for five to seven years...

By SlashGear
This Nuclear-Powered Battery Could Last 50 Years Without A Single Recharge
NewsFeb 26, 2026

This Nuclear-Powered Battery Could Last 50 Years Without A Single Recharge

BetaVolt unveiled the BV100, a coin‑sized nuclear battery that leverages nickel‑63 beta decay to generate 100 microwatts at 3 volts and promises a 50‑year lifespan without recharging. The company claims mass production began in 2025 and a higher‑output 1‑watt version is slated...

By SlashGear
5 Gadgets Samsung Makes That Apple Doesn't
NewsFeb 25, 2026

5 Gadgets Samsung Makes That Apple Doesn't

Samsung’s product lineup now spans five categories Apple doesn’t offer: foldable smartphones, a smart ring, stylus‑enabled phones, AI‑powered refrigerators, and AI‑driven vacuum cleaners. The Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip7 and the three‑paneled Z TriFold illustrate Samsung’s early lead in foldable...

By SlashGear
4 Unexpected Uses For Your Old Nintendo Wii Remotes
NewsFeb 24, 2026

4 Unexpected Uses For Your Old Nintendo Wii Remotes

The article outlines four DIY ways to repurpose old Nintendo Wii Remotes: as a PC/TV air mouse, a PowerPoint clicker, a retro light‑gun controller, and a Home Assistant smart‑home interface. Each project relies on Bluetooth connectivity and software such as...

By SlashGear
Most Heated Steering Wheels Have A Strange Quirk That Annoys Some Drivers
NewsFeb 23, 2026

Most Heated Steering Wheels Have A Strange Quirk That Annoys Some Drivers

Heated steering wheels are a popular comfort feature in modern vehicles. Recent observations reveal a temperature imbalance in the 2023‑2026 Toyota Tundra, where one side of the wheel stays cold while the opposite side heats above 114 °F. Thermal‑imaging evidence shared...

By SlashGear
Are Costco's Kirkland AA Batteries Better Than Energizer?
NewsFeb 22, 2026

Are Costco's Kirkland AA Batteries Better Than Energizer?

Costco’s Kirkland alkaline AA batteries have been shown to match or exceed Energizer’s standard and Max alkaline models in independent tests while costing significantly less. Consumer Reports and YouTube reviewers such as Project Farm and Lumencraft recorded longer runtimes for...

By SlashGear
4 Handy Uses For A 3-Button Garage Door Opener
NewsFeb 22, 2026

4 Handy Uses For A 3-Button Garage Door Opener

Garage‑door remotes have evolved from single‑button, fixed‑code devices to multi‑button units with rolling codes, offering more functionality than just opening a door. Homeowners with three‑button remotes can repurpose the spare buttons to control garage lighting, operate compatible driveway gates, or...

By SlashGear
JD Power's Top-Rated Wireless Home Internet Provider Isn't Verizon Or AT&T
NewsFeb 21, 2026

JD Power's Top-Rated Wireless Home Internet Provider Isn't Verizon Or AT&T

JD Power’s 2025 U.S. Residential Internet Service Provider Satisfaction Study names T‑Mobile as the top‑rated wireless home internet provider, scoring 663 on a 1,000‑point scale for the second year running. The study, based on thousands of customer responses from August 2024‑August 2025,...

By SlashGear
14 Simple Gadgets To Make Your Home More Cozy
NewsFeb 21, 2026

14 Simple Gadgets To Make Your Home More Cozy

A curated list of 14 affordable and premium gadgets helps transform homes into cozy retreats. Items range from heated towel warmers and mug warmers to smart bulbs, white‑noise machines, and AI‑driven sleep pods, each backed by strong Amazon ratings. Prices...

By SlashGear
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
WOLED Vs. QD-OLED TVs: What's The Difference?
NewsFeb 17, 2026

WOLED Vs. QD-OLED TVs: What's The Difference?

OLED TVs dominate premium home entertainment, but two distinct panel types—WOLED and QD‑OLED—compete on color accuracy and brightness. WOLED panels generate white light and filter it into RGB, while QD‑OLED starts with blue emitters and uses quantum‑dot layers to produce...

By SlashGear
15 Multi-Tool Brands Ranked From Worst To Best
NewsFeb 17, 2026

15 Multi-Tool Brands Ranked From Worst To Best

The article ranks 15 multi‑tool brands from worst to best, evaluating material quality, product range, price‑to‑quality ratio, and warranty policies. Leatherman and Victorinox sit at the top, offering extensive lineups and robust lifetime or 25‑year warranties, while generic power‑tool brands...

By SlashGear
16 Useful Apps You Didn't Know Existed
NewsFeb 17, 2026

16 Useful Apps You Didn't Know Existed

The article spotlights 16 lesser‑known apps that solve specific workflow, media, and gaming challenges across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. From Poolsuite’s vaporwave music player to WinDiskWriter’s macOS‑only Windows installer creator, each tool fills a niche often ignored by...

By SlashGear