Aside from its various processor, memory, and device capacity improvements, the new Philips Hue Bridge Pro comes with a killer feature: the ability to turn your existing Hue lights into motion sensors. I’ve been testing this functionality for the past few weeks, and yes, it works. Getting it to work the way I want it to, however, has been a challenge.  First, a little background. Unveiled in September and on sale now, the Philips Hue Bridge Pro packs a faster, quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex A-35 CPU and a gigabyte of DDR4 SDRAM, which allow the hub to handle more than 150 Hue devices, or roughly three times as many as the standard Hue Bridge.  The new Hue Bridge Pro can also connect to your home network via Wi-Fi, meaning it doesn’t need to be tethered to your router by an ethernet cable. (I’ve been testing the Bridge Pro on Wi-Fi mode and haven’t had any connectivity issues). Those processing and networking improvements make for an impressive upgrade on their own, but the Hue Bridge Pro ($98.99) also boasts another cool feature: MotionAware, which monitors motion-induced disruptions to the Zigbee signals Hue lights use for communication, effectively turning your smart lights into motion sensors. Given that an indoor Hue motion sensor costs $50, the Hue Bridge Pro’s ability to make your Hue lights motion-aware practically pays for itself. MotionAware does have limitations. For starters, there must be at least three MotionAware-capable Hue lights in a given motion zone for the feature to work (you can also add a fourth light if you like). Also, not all Hue lights support MotionAware functionality; Hue says 95 percent of its lights will do the MotionAware trick, but my portable Hue Go table lamps didn’t make the cut, nor did my third-party Zigbee bulbs.  Given that a standard Hue motion sensor costs $50, the Hue Bridge Pro’s ability to make your Hue lights motion-aware practically pays for itself. Aside from the technical limitations, there are some MotionAware features that aren’t free. Namely, if you want your MotionAware motion zones to trigger security alerts, you’ll need to sign up for a Secure MotionAware plan for $1 a month, or $10 a year. (A 30-day free trial is available.) If you simply want MotionAware to turn your lights on and off, that functionality is free, and that’s what I’ve been testing. Setting up a MotionAware motion zone is a simple process. Starting from the Hue app’s Settings menu, you tap on Motion areas, then tap the “+” button; you’ll then see which of your rooms and zones in the Hue app have enough Motion Aware-ready lights for a motion zone.   In my case, I could add motion zones in my kitchen, main bedroom, and office; the dining room wouldn’t work because of the four Hue lights in there, two of them are the non-MotionAware compatible Hue Go portable table lamps, while other areas didn’t have enough Hue lights to create a zone. I elected to create a single motion zone in the kitchen, the most highly trafficked area in our apartment.  Next, you choose which lights to add to the zone; Hue recommends picking lights that are between three and 23 feet apart, and at varying heights. You’ll also want to choose lights that border the general area where you want motion to be detected. Once you pick the Hue lights to include in the motion zone, the Hue app will ask you to leave the area so it can calibrate the lights in the zone; the process takes roughly 20 seconds.  You’ll need at least three MotionAware-capable Hue lights in a room to create a motion zone.Ben Patterson/Foundry Finally, you pick which lights your MotionAware-enabled motion zone will control (you can pick lights in the same room as the motion zone, or in a different room), and then you decide what happens when your new motion zone detects motion—or, on the flip side, when it doesn’t detect motion. (Again, I only tested MotionAware’s ability to control lights, not its security features.)  The Hue app gives you various time slots that allow you to customize the behavior of a motion zone. You start with three time slots, set roughly to morning, evening, and nighttime; you can add more slots as needed, as well as adjust when the slots begin and end, but you can’t designate a different set of time slots for individual days of the week or for the weekend.  For each time slot, you then choose what happens when motion is detected, and what happens after a set period (anywhere between a minute to 60 minutes) of no motion being detected.   Picking what happens when motion is detected is fairly straightforward; you can choose any light scene (either a preset Hue scene or one you’ve customized), or choose “Last on state” or “Do nothing.” For what happens after no motion is detected, the choices are far more limited: just “Off,” “Do nothing,” or “Return to previous state.”  Aside from those settings, each time slot offers a “Do not disturb” option that will prevent your motion zone from altering the behavior of lights that are already on. There’s also an overall “Daylight settings” option that will keep your motion zones from triggering your lights during daylight hours.  As for the actual performance of Hue’s MotionAware technology, I found it to work more or less as advertised. My kitchen lights reliably detected motion whenever I or my family members walked into the area, and sensed that activity had ceased once we left the room.  There were several occasions when the lights would turn off after we’d been sitting at the kitchen table for too long (a common foible for motion sensors in general), but upping the MotionAware sensitivity setting cut down on those instances. Boosting the sensitivity up too high will put your motion zone on a hair trigger, of course.  The Hue app lets you create different time slots for your motion zones (left) as well as what happens when motion is detected (center) or not detected (right). Ben Patterson/Foundry But while I was satisfied with the basic MotionAware performance, I was less happy with the design of Hue’s motion zone settings, which I found needlessly complicated and nitpicky.   My main complaint is the inability to have a motion zone trigger a light scene when your MotionAware lights stop detecting motion—namely, I like my under-cabinet Hue light strip to stay on during the day even when my overhead Hue lights are off.   Theoretically, this could be achieved with the “Return to previous state” option, but picking that setting led to unpredictable results, depending on what the “previous state” actually was. Maybe it was just my failure to comprehend the “previous state” concept, but I eventually gave up and settled for the “Off” option.  Then there’s the matter of disabling motion detection for certain time slots—for example, I don’t want my kitchen lights automatically turning off while we’re eating breakfast in the morning. Hue’s MotionAware-enabled motion zones do work. How they work could use some tweaking. Again, selecting the “Do nothing” for both the “When motion is detected” and “After” settings should effectively motion control of your lights for a given time slot, but I still ran into instances where the lights would unexpectedly dim or turn off during the breakfast time slot.   I don’t think there’s anything broken on the Hue app or with my MotionAware-enabled motion zone zone; instead, it’s probably a case of user error (mine). But the fact that I’m having trouble getting my motion-controlled Hue lights to do what I want them to do—and I consider myself to be a reasonably savvy Hue user—indicates that Hue’s motion settings interface needs a rethink.  I have two main suggestions: first, allow users to pick lighting scenes to be triggered when motion is no longer detected, and second, let us deactivate a motion zone time slot with a simple tap, rather than having to dip into a time slot and adjust multiple settings. I’d also like separate time slots for the weekend, but let’s start with the first two changes.  To be clear, I think MotionAware is a terrific new feature for the Hue Bridge Pro, and as I’ve said, it could be a big money saver for those who want multiple Hue motion zones in their homes. And yes, the motion sensing does work. But if you ask me, how it works could use some tweaking. This story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart lights. Read...

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When we think of gaming headsets, we often imagine sweaty gamers in dark rooms wearing glowing RGB headphones. The truth is, most gaming headsets are highly adaptable to life outside of a gaming den, whether it’s for work or listening to music. Here are a few reasons why you might choose a gaming headset over a standard one, even if you’re not a gamer. 1. They deliver top quality sound Gamers are very picky about their audio, so most gaming headsets produce crisp, clear sound that goes directly into your ears. This delivers a far better audio experience than PC speakers or your computer’s built-in sound system. For example, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless boasts 96KHz / 24-Bit Hi-Res audio that’s very rich and detailed. This headset also works with software that lets you modify the EQ and voice settings, so that you can get the audio sounding exactly how you want it. Similarly, the Audeze Maxwell Wireless is a premium gaming headset with 96KHz / 24-Bit sound. It has 90 mm planar magnetic drivers that deliver an audiophile-grade sound, which is very impressive. 2. They’re very comfortable Gaming headsets have a certain number of commonalities, one of which is that they need to be highly comfortable for the long gaming sessions. Most gamers play for hours at a time. Headsets, therefore, need to be more than tolerable, they need to feel great. That’s why gaming headsets come with plush PU leather or mesh earcups. Most also have adjustable headbands for a precise fit. Meanwhile, extra features like rotating cups provide a degree of horizontal movement, which help prevent players from getting stiff necks. While they may be comfortable, these headsets also have to withstand the rigors of gaming life, so they’re often made from robust materials like metal. 3. They have spatial audio The biggest difference between a standard headset and a gaming one is that the latter has spatial audio. This allows players to hear the sound all around them instead of just left or right, allowing players to become totally engrossed in their games. But it also serves another purpose: it can give players a competitive edge. By knowing where the sounds are coming from, for example, player footsteps, gunfire, or grenades, players have better spatial awareness and can react at a moment’s notice. Spatial audio is just as good for movies, too, so you don’t need to be a gamer to enjoy it. 4. Noise cancelation is good Background noise can be a huge distraction, whether it’s from appliances or conversations in the next room. Most gaming headsets I’ve used have good noise cancelation. They’ve got either passive noise cancelation, where the earcups become the barrier to external sound, or active noise cancelation (ANC), a technology that’s designed to listen for background noise and reduce it. ANC works by using tiny microphones to pick up background noise. These microphones analyze any sound and make a counter signal to cancel it out. In gaming headsets, the noise canceling feature is present in both the speakers and the microphone. Again, this is in pursuit of immersion. Gamers don’t want any other sound interfering with the audio of their games, so blocking external sound is important. Clamp pressure is important for passive noise cancelation, too, as gaming headsets need a certain amount of pressure on the ears. Of course, too much pressure isn’t a good thing. While it’s useful to block out sound, nobody wants to be uncomfortable. Most gaming headsets get this balance right, offering effective noise cancelation while still being comfortable. 5. They’re affordable If you’re deciding between a sound system and a gaming headset, a gaming headset is often the more affordable option. You can find a heap of different options in the market, ranging from cheap headsets up to very expensive premium headsets. For similar sound quality, a sound system usually comes with a higher base price than a quality gaming headset. Overall, gaming headsets tend to offer better value while offering better audio delivery. 6. They have quick connectivity and accessible controls Gaming headsets often have accessible controls on their earcups. Some even include audio mixers, allowing you to combine different audio sources into a single stream. That means you could play music while also listening to your team chat or in-game audio. Most gaming headsets are also wireless, offering quick connection via a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal or via Bluetooth, but some also offer an analog connection via a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s even a few that offer simultaneous connectivity, which means you can stream two audio sources at once. One big benefit of gaming headsets with Bluetooth is that they can double as headphones. Most have removable microphones, so you can wear them without anyone knowing they’re gaming headphones. Related content Best wireless gaming headsets 2025: Top picks for audio quality, comfort, and more Is 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound better for gaming? Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review: Punchy audio that’s ideal for FPS games Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Simple for couriers to understand and use Can hold lots of small to mid-sized packages Hasp accommodates very large padlocks Relatively small footprint Cons No smart features Larger packages won’t fit Signage is very difficult to read No cooler accessories for food deliveries Our Verdict It has zero smart features, but even the most churlish couriers will be more likely to drop your packages in the Keter Package Delivery Box than anything that demands the least bit of extra thought or effort from them. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Keter Package Delivery Box Retailer Price $164.71 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Keter is the latest manufacturer to take a shot at ending the epidemic of porch piracy plaguing online shoppers. Its Keter Package Delivery Box is the most basic solution I’ve tested—there’s no smart lock, no broadband connectivity, and no delivery notifications. What it lacks in technology, however, Keter’s box makes up in practicality. Specifications Like the garden sheds that Keter is best known for, the Keter Package Delivery Box is fabricated almost entirely from resin, with metal handles on its lid and door, and a hasp for a user-provided padlock. It arrives as a 41-pound flat pack and takes about 45 minutes to assemble (I missed an early step in the illustration-only instructions, so it took me considerably longer because I had to partially disassemble it to fix my error). The simple Keter Package Delivery Box is effective at deterring porch pirates because it presents fewer barriers to courier compliance. The box is fairly tall, with exterior dimensions of 44 x 24.4 x 20.9 inches (HxWxD). It has a hinged lid on top through which packages are delivered, and a lockable access door near the bottom for retrieving your packages. When the lid is lifted, a set of four steel cables opens a trap door by pulling up two trays, one that’s the width and depth of the box’s interior and a second tray beneath that’s about half the size and is mounted to the opposite side of the box. The top tray blocks access to the box’s interior when the lid is lifted. Place a package here and close the lid, and the tray will lower, dropping the package to the bottom, where it can be retrieved via the front door.Michael Brown/Foundry With the lid open, these panels become perpendicular to the interior front and back sides of the box, so they block the sight line and physical access to the retrieval compartment that’s below them. Place a package on the top panel, close the lid, and both panels drop until they’re parallel with the front and back panels, dropping the package down into the retrieval compartment.   The Keter Package Delivery Box will arrive at your home as a 41-pound flat pack.Michael Brown/Foundry In terms of sophistication, Keter’s product is the polar opposite of the Loxx Boxx smart delivery box I reviewed in August 2023. That battery-powered steel box connects to your home Wi-Fi network; unlocks when you enter a PIN on its numeric keypad; tracks deliveries from Amazon, UPS, the U.S. Postal Service, and other couriers; and sends emails and text messages reporting related activity. The Keter Package Delivery Box is an inert box with drop-off and retrieval doors. That very simplicity renders the Keter box more effective at deterring porch pirates—simply because couriers are more likely to use it. Unlike the Loxx Boxx, delivery personnel won’t need instructions for figuring out the required PIN. And I didn’t need to keep track of the box’s battery level or check to ensure it hadn’t dropped off my Wi-Fi network. Using the Keter Package Delivery Box The Keter Package Delivery Box’s design limits the size of boxes it can accommodate. Michael Brown/Foundry My enthusiasm for the Keter Package Delivery Box, however, is considerably dampened by its inability to accommodate larger packages. Its retrieval chamber is plenty big enough to store a dozen or so small to medium-sized packages, but as large as this delivery box is, it can’t accommodate anything remotely larger. It’s not just that the top opening isn’t big enough, it’s that the trap door mechanism won’t let long or wide packages drop into the bottom of the box. Long boxes hit the interior backside of the box and can’t drop through. So, the box’s interior dimensions of 39.4 x 19.7 x 15.7 inches (HxWxD) are somewhat misleading. The lettering on the Keter Package Deliver Box is less than eye-catching, so I strapped this inexpensive metal sign to the handrail next to it. The severed hand is a Halloween decoration, but I’m thinking I’ll leave it there all year as an extra attention-grabber.Michael Brown/Foundry Ideally, you’ll have enough room on your porch to place Keter’s box next to your door, where couriers can’t miss it. Its brown color shouldn’t clash with any paint color, but the brown-on-brown lettering that spells “PACKAGES” is all but impossible to see if the sun isn’t shining directly on the box. My tiny porch is barely wide enough for visitors, so I put it at the base of my porch steps. To help couriers find it, I zip-tied a sign to the railing next to it. If you’re concerned that an aggressive porch pirate might just pick up the entire box and throw it in the back of a pick-up, you have a couple of options. I took the easier one, which was to lift up the false floor in the package retrieval chamber and pour in 100 pounds of sand to weigh it down. The more secure option would be to drive the provided bolts and expansion anchors into a concrete pad underneath the box. Should you buy the Keter Package Delivery Box? I poured 100 pounds of sand under the Keter Package Deliver Box’s elevated floor to deter bold porch pirates from making off with it. Michael Brown/Foundry The Keter Package Delivery Box isn’t smart, so you’ll need to rely on other means to know when deliveries are made. Most shippers provide tracking numbers for orders these days, but you could also place a security camera—or a video doorbell—within range of the box for more timely electronic notifications (as well as delivery verification). And as I’ve already mentioned, this box’s simplicity should increase compliance from all but the laziest couriers. It doesn’t require much, if any, extra effort to lift the lid and drop the package in compared to just tossing it on your porch. From a budget perspective, Keter’s box is much less expensive than competing—and more sophisticated—products from the likes of Loxx Boxx, BenchSentry, and Yale, although all three of those can accommodate larger packages (and Loxx Boxx and Yale offer accessories to keep food deliveries cool). When all is said and done, the Loxx Boxx’s sophistication and strength keeps it my personal favorite delivery box. But if it’s out of your budget or you think your couriers will resist using it, Keter’s product is an excellent second-best. Read...

Keyless systems are supposed to make driving more convenient. However, it’s precisely this technology that has become one of the biggest security risks in modern vehicles. Criminals are increasingly using radio devices to extend the signals of car keys and unlock vehicles without their owners realizing. This method is particularly widespread at night and in parking garages. The good news? A simple piece of aluminum foil can help protect your car from such attacks. Here’s how it works and what you can do. How keyless car theft works A smart key (also known as “keyless go” or “passive keyless entry”) continuously transmits an RFID radio signal that’s recognized by your car. As soon as the key is within range, you can unlock, enter, and start the car without even pulling the smart key out from your pocket. This always-on RFID signal is what thieves intercept. Using something called a relay device, they can extend the always-on RFID signal so that it reaches your vehicle even when you aren’t near it. Your car “believes” that its rightful owner is standing next to it, so the doors can unlock and the engine can start. Boom! Stolen. How aluminum helps foil car thieves Aluminum reliably shields electromagnetic signals. Wrapping your car key in aluminum foil creates a kind of miniature Faraday cage that RFID waves can’t penetrate. The smart key’s always-on RFID signal can therefore no longer be intercepted by a relay device. If your smart key is securely stored in aluminum foil or a metal container, your car will remain locked even if thieves are standing right outside the front door with their devices in hand. Using the aluminum foil trick correctly For the aluminum foil protection trick to actually work, the aluminum foil wrapping must be tight and wrinkle-free. Two to three layers are usually sufficient. Here’s how you should proceed: Wrap the key completely in several layers of aluminum foil. Test it! If your car no longer opens, the insulation is working. Alternatively, you can also put your smart key inside a small box that’s lined on the inside and covered on the outside with aluminum foil. Is there a better solution? Aluminum foil is a simple trick that works as an immediate stopgap measure. However, if you regularly park in densely populated areas, or if you park your vehicle on the street at night, or if you travel frequently, then you should consider a more permanent solution. RFID-blocking Faraday pouches are convenient, durable, and protective. They’re extremely affordable and they come in different sizes to best fit your particular key fob. You can find them on Amazon for between $7 to $15, depending on size and brand. Get an RFID Faraday Pouch on Amazon Security experts recommend that smart car keys should never be left near doors or windows, as this is where the signal is most easily intercepted. You should also check whether the passive keyless function on your car can be deactivated. Some manufacturers offer corresponding options via the menu or a key combination. Other smart car security tips include: Park your vehicle in well-lit, visible areas. Use visible anti-theft devices such as steering wheel claws as an additional deterrent. Check the behavior of your key regularly. A change in range may indicate malfunctions or technical problems. Read...

TL;DR: Babbel’s lifetime plan gives you access to all 14 languages, expert-built lessons, and practical speaking tools for life—all via a limited-time StackSocial offer for $134.99 (MSRP $299) through November 9 with code LEARN. If you’ve been promising yourself that you’ll finally learn a new language, Babbel makes it easier—and more fun—to keep that promise. With access to 14 languages and more than 10,000 hours of expert-built lessons, you can learn at your own pace, anytime, on any device. Whether you want to order tapas in flawless Spanish or hold your own in a Paris café, Babbel helps you get there with short, practical lessons that fit neatly into a busy schedule. Developed by over 100 linguists, Babbel’s courses go beyond basic vocabulary drills. You’ll practice real-world conversations, learn grammar in context, and even fine-tune your pronunciation using the app’s speech recognition technology. You can also study offline—just download your lessons before traveling or commuting. With Babbel, you’re not just memorizing phrases—you’re building confidence to actually use them. It’s the rare learning tool that feels as rewarding as the trips you’ll take after. Get lifetime access to all of Babbel’s languages for $134.99 through November 9 (MSRP $299) using this exclusive StackSocial code LEARN. Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages)See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

In a world where “always online” has become the norm, millions of programmers, designers, and gamers spend more time in their chairs than in their beds. The result? Chronic back and neck pain, muscle fatigue, and long-term spinal issues—all symptoms of a lifestyle built around prolonged sitting and high cognitive stress. As the digital generation pushes human creativity forward, one question lingers: Can our bodies keep up? Enter the LiberNovo Omni — a revolution in ergonomic design, engineered for the people shaping the digital age. Unlike traditional chairs that simply hold you, the Omni moves with you. It’s not just a seat—it’s a dynamic health partner that adapts to every posture, every click, and every late-night code sprint. Unlock early savings ahead of Black Friday: From November 1–9, LiberNovo’s official site will feature a dedicated gift card presale, giving early adopters a chance to lock in savings before the full Black Friday & Cyber Monday sale begins. LiberNovo A chair that moves as you move At the heart of Omni’s innovation lies its Dynamic Support System, a synchronized mechanism that keeps the seat, backrest, armrests, and neck rest perfectly aligned. Whether you’re leaning forward to debug code, relaxing during a gaming session, or reclining to watch a livestream, Omni maintains your spinal alignment in real time. This isn’t static comfort—it’s active ergonomics. The Bionic FlexFit Backrest, equipped with 16 joints and 8 adaptive panels, molds seamlessly to your spine’s natural S-curve, ensuring balanced pressure and fluid motion throughout your day. Unlike conventional chairs that let your posture collapse under fatigue, Omni supports micro-movements, keeping your spine alive and your body engaged. LiberNovo Smart reclines for every task Digital professionals don’t just sit—they transition constantly between focus and recovery. That’s why the Omni features Four Intelligent Reclines, each engineered for a different state of work or play: • Deep Focus (105°): Perfect for coding, editing, or intense gaming. • Solo-Work (120°): Maintains balance and stability during long creative bursts. • Soft Recline (135°): Ideal for streaming, chatting, or light breaks. • Spine Flow (160°): The “zero-gravity” recline for decompression and recovery. In its Spinal Decompression Recline, the Omni stretches the spine and relieves stiffness accumulated during long sitting sessions—an invaluable feature for gamers and engineers who regularly pull 10-hour marathons. LiberNovo Built-in recovery for the modern body The OmniStretch system takes recovery to the next level with a motorized spinal massage and gentle decompression sequence. In just five minutes, users can alleviate tension, improve circulation, and restore mobility. Paired with the StepSync Footrest, which tilts at an ergonomic 10° to promote leg circulation, it transforms the sitting experience into an active state of wellness. Every component—from the 4D adjustable armrests to the breathable triple-layer seat cushion—is precision-tuned for long-haul comfort. The multi-density foam design distributes pressure evenly, supporting sit bones while reducing thigh strain, ensuring your body feels light even after endless hours of sitting. LiberNovo For those who build the future The Omni isn’t just for office workers—it’s designed for engineers, gamers, designers, and creators. Its Dynamic Screen Alignment system ensures that as your head moves, the neckrest [1] follows, keeping your eyes level and your neck free from strain. Every motion feels intuitive, every posture, natural. LiberNovo, from Liber (liberty) and Novo (innovation), represents freedom through innovation—the freedom to create without pain. Its 2200mAh battery can power months of adaptive motion and massage functions—the Omni defines a new era in ergonomic technology. With a single full charge, the device can last for one month—with daily OmniStrench use and five lumbar support adjustments per day. As our world continues to blur the lines between work and play, the LiberNovo Omni reminds us that the future of sitting isn’t about staying still—it’s about staying well. For the coders who build, the gamers who explore, and the dreamers who design, the Omni offers more than comfort. It offers liberation—through movement, balance, and care. Sit to focus. Shift to relax. Recover anytime. Welcome to the new standard of ergonomic design. Unlock early savings ahead of Black Friday From November 1–9, LiberNovo’s official site will feature a dedicated gift card presale, giving early adopters a chance to lock in savings before the full Black Friday & Cyber Monday sale begins. On November 10, the main event launches with site-wide discounts up to 34% on the Omni chair, with prices starting at just $803 (US) or $1,223 (Canada). Orders over $800 will be entered into a holiday prize draw, with rewards ranging from a free LiberNovo Omni chair to accessories, plus gift cards and gift bundles. LiberNovo Omni Explore More Read...

Keyless systems are supposed to make driving more convenient. However, it’s precisely this technology that has become one of the biggest security risks in modern vehicles. Criminals are increasingly using radio devices to extend the signals of car keys and unlock vehicles without their owners realizing. This method is particularly widespread at night and in parking garages. The good news? A simple piece of aluminum foil can help protect your car from such attacks. Here’s how it works and what you can do. How keyless car theft works A smart key (also known as “keyless go” or “passive keyless entry”) continuously transmits an RFID radio signal that’s recognized by your car. As soon as the key is within range, you can unlock, enter, and start the car without even pulling the smart key out from your pocket. This always-on RFID signal is what thieves intercept. Using something called a relay device, they can extend the always-on RFID signal so that it reaches your vehicle even when you aren’t near it. Your car “believes” that its rightful owner is standing next to it, so the doors can unlock and the engine can start. Boom! Stolen. How aluminum helps foil car thieves Aluminum reliably shields electromagnetic signals. Wrapping your car key in aluminum foil creates a kind of miniature Faraday cage that RFID waves can’t penetrate. The smart key’s always-on RFID signal can therefore no longer be intercepted by a relay device. If your smart key is securely stored in aluminum foil or a metal container, your car will remain locked even if thieves are standing right outside the front door with their devices in hand. Using the aluminum foil trick correctly For the aluminum foil protection trick to actually work, the aluminum foil wrapping must be tight and wrinkle-free. Two to three layers are usually sufficient. Here’s how you should proceed: Wrap the key completely in several layers of aluminum foil. Test it! If your car no longer opens, the insulation is working. Alternatively, you can also put your smart key inside a small box that’s lined on the inside and covered on the outside with aluminum foil. Is there a better solution? Aluminum foil is a simple trick that works as an immediate stopgap measure. However, if you regularly park in densely populated areas, or if you park your vehicle on the street at night, or if you travel frequently, then you should consider a more permanent solution. RFID-blocking Faraday pouches are convenient, durable, and protective. They’re extremely affordable and they come in different sizes to best fit your particular key fob. You can find them on Amazon for between $7 to $15, depending on size and brand. Get an RFID Faraday Pouch on Amazon Security experts recommend that smart car keys should never be left near doors or windows, as this is where the signal is most easily intercepted. You should also check whether the passive keyless function on your car can be deactivated. Some manufacturers offer corresponding options via the menu or a key combination. Other smart car security tips include: Park your vehicle in well-lit, visible areas. Use visible anti-theft devices such as steering wheel claws as an additional deterrent. Check the behavior of your key regularly. A change in range may indicate malfunctions or technical problems. Read...