Consumer Technology
Ongoing coverage on Consumer Technology.
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Nine months into a rough year for handheld gaming PCs, I'm reluctantly thankful for the open-box ROG Xbox Ally…
Nine months into a challenging year for handheld gaming PCs, the author reluctantly recommends an open-box ASUS ROG Ally as a sensible option due to rising prices. The article notes that while the ROG Ally X offers better specs, the base model, when purchased used, provides a more accessible entry point compared to the significantly more expensive Steam Deck OLED, despite the author's frustration with the overall market trend.
I flossed fake teeth with Dyson's tech-riddled CameraJet toothbrush
This article discusses the Dyson CameraJet toothbrush, a high-tech oral hygiene device. The author humorously notes not sharing the $500 device, implying a critical or perhaps skeptical view of its value or necessity.
What does a $100 smartphone get you in 2026?
This article explores the challenges and strategies for finding a functional smartphone priced at or below $100 in 2026. It suggests that consumers will need to be creative to acquire a decent device within this budget.
Morning Mobilization
DoorDash has launched its own drone delivery service following approval from the FAA. The article also briefly mentions a separate piece of news advising against leasing iPhones.
Your phone may not be as waterproof as you think — here's why IP68 can be misleading
The article explains that IP68 water resistance ratings on smartphones can be misleading, cautioning users against submerging their devices in pools or other bodies of water. It highlights that these ratings are typically based on laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world durability.
Morning Mobilization
This article discusses the continued relevance of the MacBook Air M1 in 2026 and highlights an update to Google Maps on Android Auto that includes a live speedometer. It touches on consumer technology trends and product longevity.
Virtual Reality Check
Meta is introducing a subscription service for features on its smart glasses, signaling a new direction for consumer technology. This move indicates a shift towards recurring revenue models for hardware accessories.
I asked AI to recommend three sub-$500 gaming chairs you should shop for this Prime Day, and it failed miserably
This article critiques the use of AI for product recommendations, particularly for gaming chairs, highlighting how AI failed to adhere to budget constraints and provide truly useful advice. The author, a chair reviewer, contrasts AI suggestions like the Secretlab Titan Evo, Razer Iskur V2X, and AndaSeat Kaiser 4 with their own recommendations for the Fractal Refine, Corsair TC500 Luxe, and Boulies Master Series, all under $500.
The excess of Computex feels a little more tone deaf than usual this year, as the pricing elephant in the room becomes…
This article discusses the perceived disconnect between the extravagant, high-priced products showcased at Computex and the current economic realities facing the PC gaming hardware market. While acknowledging the appeal of luxury items, the author highlights rising prices due to supply chain issues and other factors, contrasting them with more affordable, practical options available to consumers.
Evening Mobilization
SpaceX founder Elon Musk stated that the US military used Starlink satellite internet for suicide drones, which violates SpaceX's terms of service. Separately, smart glasses are being developed to appear as normal eyewear.
The Living Room Is Tech’s Next Battleground
The living room is emerging as the next major battleground for consumer technology companies, shifting focus from smartphones to the television as a central hub for entertainment, commerce, and data. Smart TV platforms from companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple are competing to control user interfaces and content recommendations, transforming the TV into an integrated platform for streaming, gaming, live shopping, and even financial content. This strategic shift aims to capture user attention and influence purchasing decisions, making the living room a critical space for advertising and platform power.
If you buy one water gun for the sunny weather, I beg you to try this
The SpyraGo is highlighted as a top-tier water gun, offering advanced features like high-speed water blobs and superior accuracy, making it a significant upgrade from traditional models. While the more expensive SpyraThree boasts greater firepower, the SpyraGo is recommended for its balance of cost, weight, and performance, with the upcoming SpyraFour also noted as a product to watch.
The best robot vacuums on a budget for 2026
This guide reviews the best budget robot vacuums available, highlighting that high-end features are no longer exclusive to expensive models. It discusses what to look for in an affordable robot vacuum, including suction power, brush types, size, Wi-Fi capabilities, and obstacle detection, while also providing maintenance tips and answering common questions.
Evening Metaverse
IT service provider Accenture has acquired Downdetector and Speedtest in a $1.2 billion deal. The article also briefly mentions advice on avoiding certain cheap routers, according to Consumer Reports.