Google recently announced in a blog post that it’s expanding the autofill capabilities of its Chrome browser with four new features. If you’re tired of endlessly churning through form after form on websites, and if you regularly rely on autofill to speed up your day-to-day browsing, then you’re going to find these enhancements useful. Here are the autofill improvements: If you’re signed into your Google account, Chrome can now automatically pull in your name, email address, and Home/Work addresses as needed. This is great when you’re shopping or ordering a service for the first time. If you have details like loyalty card numbers, travel details, and vehicle information saved to your Google Wallet, Chrome can now pull those details automatically. When you book accommodations and rentals, save that information to your Google Wallet and Chrome will autofill for you whenever a form needs those details. The autofill interface for Chrome on Android is improved, making it easier to select between autofill suggestions. Chrome has improved its recognition for different address types around the world, resulting in more reliable autofill in different regions across the world. These changes are already rolling out to Chrome users on desktop, Android, and iPhone platforms as relevant. Read...

Ready to send Alexa+ bargain hunting with your credit card? That’s the idea behind the latest shopping feature for the revamped and AI-enhanced Alexa, who you can now snap up deals for you the moment she spots them.  Launching today, Alexa+’s new “auto-buy” feature does pretty much what it says: It gives Alexa+ permission to buy items from Amazon on its own, using your default payment method.  The way it works is simple: Just ask Alexa+ about an item available for sale on Amazon. Personally, I’m thinking about snagging a new Sonos Era 100 speaker for my new apartment, so I asked Alexa+ how much it costs. The current price: $219, quite a bit more than I’m willing to pay.  Now, if the Sonos Era 100 ever fell to $100, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. So I gave Alexa+ a little task: “Alexa, put the Sonos Era 100 on my auto-buy list for $100.” (I doubt the Sonos Era 100 would ever get a discount that steep, but you never know, right?)  “Perfect,” Alexa said, “Your auto buy has been set up successfully.”  Now, Alexa+ has permission to buy that Sonos speaker the moment its sale price drops to $100 or less, without any further input from me.  If Alexa+ goes ahead and buys something on your auto-buy list, it will use your default payment method and shipping address. Once Alexa notifies you that it’s made an auto-buy purchase, you’ll have 24 hours to cancel it. Items on your auto-buy list will stay active for 30 days; after that, you’ll need to re-add them if you want Alexa+ to keep watching for the deal.  It’s a clever feature, although it also reminds me of the old Alexa’s shopping misadventures from years past—remember the kids who convinced Alexa to spent more than $150 on a dollhouse and cookies? Hopefully the new AI-infused Alexa won’t go on any unauthorized shopping sprees like that.  Other related Alexa+ shopping features launching today include automated deal tracking (“Let me know if the Dyzon cordless vacuum drops below $300”), as well as the ability for Alexa+ to offer personalized shopping suggestions for a friend or loved one with an upcoming special event (like a birthday). Also, the Echo Show 15 and 21 are both getting a “Shopping Essentials” tool that tracks orders in real time.  This story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers. Read...

In a post published yesterday on Google’s The Keyword blog, Google unveiled a series of new features for the universal Android XR platform for XR headsets and glasses. Right now, Android XR is mainly used by Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, but the hope is that more and more manufacturers will possibly adopt Android XR going forward. One of the major innovations in this batch of updates is the new PC Connect feature. With PC Connect, you’ll be able to connect your Galaxy XR headset to your Windows PC, then pull in a specific window or even your entire desktop into the Galaxy XR device. The windows pulled in via PC Connect can be used side-by-side with native Google Play apps, allowing you to be more productive within your XR environment. Those windows from your PC can also be games, essentially allowing you to stream games from your PC to your headset. Android XR also has a new Travel Mode that keeps your XR view stable even when you’re in a bumpy environment, like a car or a plane or a train. This way you can keep using your Galaxy XR headset in cramped locations without feeling disoriented or getting nauseated. Lastly, Android XR is introducing a new feature called Likeness, which is a realistic XR representation of your face that mirrors your expressions and hand gestures in real time. When using Android XR for video calls, your Likeness will make the interaction feel more authentic and natural. These new features for Android XR—PC Connect, Travel Mode, and Likeness—are already rolling out in beta form. Read...

Discord now admits that their Windows 11 app uses unnecessary amounts of memory, reports Windows Latest. To address this, the communication platform is currently testing a new feature that automatically restarts the application whenever RAM usage exceeds 4GB. Fortunately, the test won’t have Discord randomly shutting down in the middle of an active session. It will only trigger the automatic restart if the app has been running for at least an hour and the user has been inactive for at least 30 minutes and isn’t in a voice or video call. Furthermore, the Discord app can only be automatically restarted like this once per day maximum. The Discord app’s memory usage is typically around 1GB, but due to the way the underlying Electron app framework works and how it’s implemented, the app’s memory usage can quickly balloon out of control as more servers and features are loaded. Read...

Peripherals and accessories can unlock more potential than you might expect. In this article, we’ll highlight the components that turn a solid PC into a noticeably better gaming system, whether you’re into shooters, MMOs, or story-driven games. A programmable mechanical keyboard is one of the first underestimated devices. Whether it’s macros, hotkeys, or your own RGB profile, customizing your setup can improve focus and responsiveness. Equally important are the switch quality, actuation point, and ergonomics, which ensure greater comfort in the long run. Regular gamers benefit when the keyboard feels precise and consistent, even after hours of use. Hot-swappable models let you replace the switches yourself. This allows you to customize the typing feel exactly to your own preferences. High-quality mouse pads are also often forgotten. Anyone who has played on a smooth, large surface with good grip and tracking will immediately notice the difference, especially in fast-paced shooters. Texture, gliding behavior, and size play a decisive role here. Your mouse and mouse pad should complement each other for the best performance. A precise gaming mouse with a high-quality sensor only develops its full potential when it is moved on a clean, friction-optimized surface. BeQuiet A good gaming headset not only influences the sound, but also the response time. If you can locate opponents precisely, you gain a real advantage and not just in multiplayer games. Comfort, microphone quality, and long battery life ensure a more comfortable gaming experience. Modern headsets offer features such as surround sound, active noise cancelation, and smart audio profiles. Especially in story games or immersive titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Hellblade, they enhance the gaming experience enormously. For MMO fans, a mouse with multiple thumb buttons is often more than just a proverbial game changer. Accessing up to 12 abilities with your thumb reduces complex key combinations, keeping you in the flow. Especially in hectic battles or in raids, where timing is crucial, this can make the difference between success and failure. The same applies to games such as MOBAs or battle royales, where speed counts. Yeelight Even inconspicuous details such as a high-quality USB hub on the desk can help. Less cable chaos, easy device changes and charging ports in the right place save time and nerves – especially if the mouse, keyboard, headset, controller and webcam are regularly plugged in and unplugged. Models with power delivery (USB PD) or SD card readers further expand the possibilities. And once you’ve played on a 120 or 144 Hz monitor, it’s hard to go back to a slower display. The higher frame rate not only ensures smoother movements, but also makes inputs more precise and motion blur almost invisible. The difference is particularly noticeable in shooters or racing games. It gets even better with G-Sync or FreeSync–adaptive synchronization prevents tearing and noticeably reduces input lag. Asus A high-quality monitor arm can improve your gaming experience by creating desk space, allowing flexible screen alignment, and promoting better posture. Ergonomic chairs, wrist rests or a height-adjustable table also help to ensure that gaming does not become a strain in the long term. Not every upgrade has to be expensive; even small improvements have a direct effect on your gaming experience. If you invest in the right components, you’ll realize the difference often lies in the details. Read...

If you’re using a laptop as your primary workstation and you want to upgrade your workspace and boost your productivity, then you should really look into getting a docking station. It’s the ultimate solution for expanding what your laptop can do, especially if you get one that’s better than the cheaper entry-level options. I’m talking about something like this crazy 17-port Baseus USB-C docking station that’s now on sale for just $90 on Amazon. That’s a 25% discount off its original $120 price and matches the lowest price it’s ever been. View this Amazon deal This docking station plugs into your laptop’s USB-C port and turns it into 17 full-blown ports that can all be used at once. Yup, seriously. One of the best things about it is that it supports up to three 4K monitors via two HDMI and one DisplayPort, allowing you to craft your dream workstation setup whether you’re a creative, professional, or student. Three 4K monitors should be enough for most folks, especially since the dock also features a ton of other connectivity options. So, what are those other connectivity options? You’re looking at a 100W USB-C Power Delivery port for passthrough charging of your laptop, two USB-C data ports and three USB-A data ports for fast transfers, two USB-A ports for peripherals, SD and microSD card slots, a Gigabit LAN port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s also a 36W DC power input as well as the host port that connects the dock to your laptop. Extra bonuses with this docking station include the LED indicator for connection activity and the detachable stand that allows you to prop it up, freeing up desk space when things feel cluttered. Snag this Baseus 17-in-1 docking station for just $90 and finally get the efficient laptop workstation you’ve been pining for! Save 25% on this super-versatile USB-C dock for your laptopBuy now at Amazon Read...

Today, Microsoft will release December’s monthly patch for Windows 11. The last Patch Tuesday in 2025 will be huge, because according to Windows Central, there will be no fewer than 16 new features included in the update. get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro These include various design changes to important elements such as the Start menu, specific improvements to existing functions and completely new features. Let’s take a peek at all new features at a glance. 1. Visual improvement of the Windows search The Windows search field has been visually improved to match the height of the new Start menu design. This should eliminate some inconsistencies in the design. However, there is still the problem that the new Start menu covers large parts of the screen for many users. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address this concern going forward. 2. New “Share with Copilot” feature in the taskbar Microsoft’s Copilot AI is also making its way into Windows 11, this time in the taskbar, where the “Share with Copilot” option will soon appear. You will then see a thumbnail of the app you are currently using and can quickly start a conversation with the chatbot via Copilot Vision. In addition, the transition between apps in the taskbar should be smoother when you move the mouse pointer over them. 3. Changes to Windows Spotlight for the desktop Windows Spotlight, the feature for dynamically changing background images in Windows 11, is also receiving improvements. You can right-click on the desktop to change the background more quickly. There is also the “Explore background” option, which provides more information about the background. 4. Option to disable Drag Tray Microsoft is introducing the option to disable Drag Tray more easily. This normally allows you to select files and drag them to the top of the screen to display options for direct sharing. However, many users found this annoying. After the update, you can deactivate Drag Tray under Settings > System > Nearby sharing . 5. Better dark mode in File Explorer There is also something for fans of dark modes. The dark mode of File Explorer has been improved and given a more uniform design in dialogue windows, for example for copying or moving. The confirmation dialogues and other views are also being adapted. However, it is still possible that some elements do not correspond to the new design or that the File Explorer briefly flashes white on startup. Microsoft will continue to work on this. Windows Central 6. New device information card in the Start settings If you are looking for information about your device, you no longer have to click through menus. This is because a new tab called “Device information” appears right on the start page of the settings, which displays information about your PC’s processor, memory, RAM and graphics card, among other things. 7. Settings for mobile devices in the settings A new configuration menu for mobile devices appears in the Windows 11 Settings app. Here you can add new devices, access the settings of connected mobile devices or remove a device from your account. It’s simple and straightforward. 8. Redesign of the info page Microsoft is also changing the look of the info page with the December update. It will now only contain a thumbnail view of the desktop background with an option to rename your computer. Some sections will also be renamed or receive new entries with further information. 9. Advanced settings with virtual workspaces Changes are also being made to the “Advanced” section. It contains a new page called “Virtual Workspaces”, where you can manage virtualization functions such as the Windows Sandbox or protected hosts. 10. Settings for Bluetooth keyboards and text cursors Under Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Keyboard you will find new options for keyboards and text cursors after the patch. For example, the keyboard repetition rate, reassignment of the copilot key or accessibility. 11. New default configuration for Quick Machine Recovery Since September, users have been able to use Quick Machine Recovery to quickly restore Windows 11. Microsoft is improving the default setting for this option in December to make it easier to use. The new configuration only searches for solutions once and then prevents the user from using other options to resolve the problem. This should prevent the computer from continuing to search for solutions in a kind of continuous loop instead of offering targeted help. 12. Redesign of the widgets board On Tuesday, Windows 11 will introduce a new widgets board with a more consistent design. The new widgets will be more clearly separated from the Discover board and will no longer use a page overlay. Notifications will also be displayed with an icon of the board to which they belong. Windows Central 13. Haptic feedback for digital pens Windows 11 devices with touch function receive haptic feedback for the use of pens in the form of vibrations. These accompany the interaction with certain elements, for example when closing windows. 14. New “Click to execute” action menu Copilot PCs have a new context menu called “Click to execute”. Actions such as open, save, copy or share are arranged in this menu. There is also a new input field that allows you to access Copilot more quickly. 15. Xbox full screen mode for more handheld devices The new Xbox Full Screen Mode is now available on more devices. Until now, users could only use it on the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, but now the full-screen experience in console design can also be used on normal PCs. Navigation should be much easier and smoother, especially with a controller. The mode also reduces the resource consumption of the desktop and saves up to 2GB of memory. You can activate the mode under Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience and then apply the change by restarting. 16. Windows Studio Effects for external cameras If you have a Copilot PC, you can also extend the AI-powered camera features of Windows Studio Effects to secondary cameras. This includes USB webcams and integrated rear cameras. In addition to the new features, the December patch of Windows 11 will also contain some bug fixes and closed security gaps. As always, we will report on these in a separate article. Exclusive: get windows 11 pro for cheap Windows 11 Pro Read...

One of the best things you can get for your sanity and your device’s health is a good charger block—something fast, something versatile, something with safety features like temperature monitoring. The Ugreen Nexode is a great option, especially now that it’s on sale for $34 on Amazon. That’s not only a lovely 38% discount off its MSRP, but also the lowest price I’ve ever seen for this model. View this Amazon deal This is a multi-port power adapter that’ll make you forget all about juggling multiple chargers and adapters, which can be a huge inconvenience whether you’re at home or traveling to hotels, Airbnbs, etc. With four ports—three USB-C and one USB-A—you can charge up to four devices at once, everything from phones to tablets to earbuds to headphones, all at the same time. And with a max output of 100 watts, it’s even enough to charge a lightweight laptop. (Ugreen claims it can charge a MacBook Air up to 55% in just half an hour.) Built with GaN technology, this charger is better than older power adapters because it’s smaller (fits in the palm of your hand), faster, and more efficient (produces less heat). The foldable plugs make it ideal for travel as your other gadgets won’t get scratched up in your bag, nor will the prongs catch and potentially break. The GaN tech also brings in plenty of safety features and dynamic temperature sensors. Now, there’s only one catch with this deal: it’s a Prime-exclusive discount. But it’s okay if you don’t have Prime yet—you can still score this all-new low price with a free 30-day Prime trial. Start your trial and grab this compact 4-port USB-C charger for $34 before this deal expires! Save 38% on this versatile and fast USB power adapter for 4 devicesBuy now at Amazon Read...

Smart home and home security service provider Vivint today released the results of a study analyzing how home life has evolved over the past five years. One of the most interesting findings was that 53 percent of homeowners think the smart home is still too expensive, even though 55 percent nonetheless plan to buy one or more new smart devices over the next 12 months. When Vivint asked 5,000 homeowners about the future of the smart home and which categories they were most excited about, 37 percent named security and protection. One in five respondents (20 percent) said they intended to purchase an outdoor security camera, and 20 percent planned to buy a smart doorbell in the next year. That said, more than half of respondents—53 percent—said the cost of attaining a smart home was their number one consideration. Ease of installation and day-to-day use of a smart home system were also major impediments, with 20 percent of respondents saying there are too many smart home apps and ecosystems, and 18 percent citing a lack of compatibility with their existing devices as a barrier to buying new devices. Vivint says security is the primary reason the smart home is becoming a mainstream phenonenon. Vivint Vivint Home Protect and Home Protect Pro Vivint already offers our favorite professionally installed smart home system, but it can be expensive. The package we reviewed earlier this year cost about $2,800; plus $55 per month for professional monitoring.  Vivint renamed that service Vivint HomeProtect Pro in November and launched a new, lower-cost version—dubbed simply Vivint HomeProtect—at the same time. While the company still doesn’t have a DIY-install option to compete with the likes of SimpliSafe or the DIY version of the ADT Smart Home Security System we reviewed in October (our review system was professionally installed), Vivint Home Protect looks to be very affordable, and it includes the same professional monitoring service you get with the more comprehensive Pro version, which includes smart home features as well as home security. Vivint Home Protect costs $199.99 with free installation, but you’ll need to commit to a 36-month contract for professional monitoring at $24.99 per month. A starter kit includes a Vivint Security Hub, a keypad for arming/disarming the system, three door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and a Vivint yard sign. You’ll control the system with the Vivint app on your smartphone. If contracts give you hives, you can opt to pay $349.99 for a Vivint Home Protect System, plus $199 for installation and pay $29.99 per month for professional monitoring on a month-to-month basis for as long as you want it.   Buyers of either package can add one of each of the following devices when they place their order: a Vivint Smart Thermostat ($200); a Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro with a chime extender ($250, plus $7/month for cloud recording and playback); and/or a Kwikset  model 620 Z-Wave smart lock, available in four finishes (starting at $180). The doorbell will cost $310 if it’s ordered after the contract is signed, and there will be installation charges for any devices ordered after the system’s initial setup. If you want to step up to the company’s complete smart home/home security system, Vivint Home Protect Pro includes the Vivint Smart Hub touchscreen panel, four door/window sensors, one motion sensor, and a Vivint yard sign. The Pro version also supports smart lighting options as well as indoor and outdoor security cameras, in addition to Vivint’s video doorbell. That system starts at $599.99 for the hardware—including installation—and professional monitoring starting at $44.99 per month. If you’re not familiar with the concept of professional monitoring, the service involves the company you contract with monitoring your home security system for police, fire, and medical emergencies, and dispatching local first responders in the event of a break-in or other crisis as triggered by a door/window sensor, smoke detector, or a similar device. Most services also have provisions for you to contact the monitoring office for help directly. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Small thumb drive form factor Both Type-A and Type-C connectors Affordable 10Gbps performance with everyday operations Cons Writes slow to a crawl off secondary cache Connector covers aren’t captive Our Verdict For everyday write operations, this versatile (Type-A/C) thumb drive SSD delivers the goods. But it’s slow as molasses (on a very cold day!) when it runs out of secondary cache. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Addlink P50 thumb drive SSD Retailer Price $66.44 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket I’ve seen quite a few USB thumb drives lately sporting dual Type-A/Type-C connectors on either end — it’s become a popular way to assure connectivity across the largest number of devices. The Addlink P50 reviewed here is another such tiny, lightweight beastie that performs around the 10Gbps median — with normal amounts of data. However, write speed drops drastically (an understatement) when it runs out of secondary cache. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best external drives for comparison. What are the Addlink P50’s features? The P50 is a USB 3.2 10Gbps (Gen 2) thumb drive with a Type-A connector on one end and a Type-C connector on the other. Both are covered by removable end caps to protect the connector/s not in use. The P50 is 3-inches in length, 0.75-inches in breadth, and roughly 0.4-inches in thickness. Weight is 16 grams (0.6 ounces). Our unit was rendered in steel blue with brown tinted end caps. If I have any complaint about the solidly constructed P50, it’s that the end caps aren’t captive — i.e., they’re very easy to misplace. At least for hasty, forgetful folk such as myself. The Addlink P50 with its end caps in place. Addlink warranties the P50 for three years, which is the norm for affordable external storage. No TBW rating (terabytes that may be written before read-only) was provided, but given the light-duty role, the drive should hold up for a decade at the very least. How much is the P50? At the time of this writing, the P50 was $66.44 in the 500GB capacity, $104.44 for the 1TB version we tested, and $188.44 at the 2TB level (Amazon). That’s about what you’ll pay for the 10Gbps competition. Why the 44 cents when not a percentage discount? Couldn’t tell you. But no doubt, a calculator was involved. How fast is the Addlink P50? For normal operations, the P50 is largely on par for a 10Gbps USB SSD/thumb drive. That said, the only 10Gbps drive (including all types) it actually beat overall was the 1TB PNY Duo Link V3, and it didn’t do so by very much. The P50’s CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential throughput numbers were good, if not up to the 2TB Teamgroup X2 Max’s. The P50’s CrystalDiskMark 8 sequential numbers were good, but not up to the Teamgroup X2 Max’s. Longer bars are better. CrystalDiskMark showed the one area where the P50 really lagged behind the Duo Link V3 — random ops. Then again, so did the X2 Max. The P50 fell well behind the Duo Link V3 in CrystalDiskMark’s 4K tests, though so did the X2 Max. Longer bars are better. With normal large transfers (48GB is about a dozen 1080p, full-length movies), the P50 was within spittin’ distance of the X2 Max and sometimes the Duo Link V3 — depending on the test. Note that if you’re not using the time-saving FastCopy, you should be, though it’s of far more benefit with internal NVMe. The P50 was okay in our 48GB transfer tests, but not quite as okay as the X2 Max. Shorter bars are better. The Addlink P50 shares a not-so-wonderful trait with the PNY Duo Link V3 — it’s dead slow once it runs out of secondary cache. It took about eight minutes for the P50 to write the first 270GB of our 450GB file. Not bad for 10Gbps. However, it then took the better part of two hours to write the remaining 180GB. Argh! Write speed during this second phase hovered around 25MBps. Occasionally bubbling up to around 70MBps, but not for very long and often dropping to 5MBps. This is almost two hours folks. You do not want to exceed the P50’s secondary cache if you are in a hurry. Shorter bars are better. Though the Teamgroup X2 Max was a 2TB drive, even off-secondary-cache speed only dropped to around 675MBps — far faster than either of the other two drives shown. Further illustration of the 1TB P50’s yin and yang performance is shown below. It’s good (for 10Gbps) until it’s most decidedly not. The P50’s write performance is very good (for 10Gbps) until it’s most decidedly not. Overall, for the vast majority of users and nearly all normal write operations, the P50 is just fine. But if you want to fill it every time you use it, get something else. You might consider the 2TB version for more time on secondary cache; don’t opt for the 500GB version that will run out of secondary cache in half the time shown above. Should you buy the P50? For light-duty storage and transport, the P50 is fine. However, despite the Addlink hype about AI and 4K video, prosumers looking to offload hefty amounts of content should look elsewhere (X2 Max). Or at least to the 2TB version, which won’t run out of steam as quickly. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11 24H2, 64-bit running off of a PCIe 4.0 Samsung 990 Pro in an Asus Z890-Creator WiFi (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard. The CPU is a Core Ultra i5 225 feeding/fed by two Crucial 64GB DDR5 5600MHz modules (128GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 5 are integrated into the motherboard and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. Internal PCIe 5.0 SSDs involved in testing are mounted in an Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 adapter card sitting in a PCIe 5.0 slot. We run the CrystalDiskMark 8.04 (and 9), AS SSD 2, and ATTO 4 synthetic benchmarks (to keep article length down, we report only the former) to find the storage device’s potential performance. Then we run a series of 48GB transfer and 450GB write tests using Windows Explorer drag and drop to show what users will see during routine copy operations, as well as the far faster FastCopy run as administrator to show what’s possible. A 25GBps two-SSD RAID 0 array on the aforementioned Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 is used as the second drive in our transfer tests. Formerly the 48GB tests were done with a RAM disk serving that purpose. Each test is performed on a NTFS-formatted and newly TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This issue has abated somewhat with the current crop of SSDs utilizing more mature controllers and far faster, late-generation NAND. Our testing MO constantly evolves and these results may not match those from previous articles. Only comparisons inside the article are 100% valid as those are gathered using the current hardware and MO. Read...