Webbond Creations/Getty Images Even the best Apple AirPods and other types of headphones can become quieter over time. It may seem reasonable to conclude that the devices are simply too old to provide the same sound performance as when they were new. However, it may not be necessary to purchase a new product. The reason they become quieter may have nothing to do with faulty internal components but rather cleanliness. Headphone-style headphones accumulate all kinds of dirt over the years, including sweat, earwax, skin oils, hair and skin products, dust,…
Author: Amelia Scott
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says the real test of today’s WWDC keynote is whether Apple can deliver better AI experiences than Google using the same Gemini models. Apple is using Google’s Gemini to support the revamped Siri and new Apple Intelligence features. According to Kuo in a new article on X, the main takeaway from WWDC won’t be the short-term market reaction after the event. It will be a question of whether Apple, using the same Gemini models, can deliver better AI applications, agent workflows, and hybrid on-device and cloud experiences than Google. If the answer is yes, this would…
Half point/Shutterstock A smart home is only as good as the infrastructure that runs it. As we’ve already discussed, better smart home improvements can even save you money. While searching for fancy technology and the latest lighting and automation gadgets can be fun and exciting, a simple app on your phone or computer can really take things to the next level. That’s why we’re highlighting a whole host of our favorites for beginners and DIYers. Every app on this list is currently available and compatible with a good amount of…
Halbergman/Getty Images There was an interesting trend in 2025 that saw vinyl replace streaming services for some listeners, and while that probably wasn’t enough to worry Spotify or Apple Music, there’s no denying that the popularity of records continues to rise exponentially. In fact, the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) year-end revenue report shows that of the $11.5 billion in revenue generated by all recorded music in 2025, $1.04 billion – or about 9% – came from vinyl record sales. Furthermore, this data also reveals that the average price…
Wongsakorn 2468/Shutterstock We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. The current generation Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a premium smartwatch that looks great on the wrist in both a work environment and an adventure. There are also a number of Apple Watch accessories that can make the wearing experience more enjoyable. When you order an Apple Watch Ultra, you have several choices when it comes to what your watch will look like. One of the most important decisions you’ll likely make is what type of strap you…
Meeko Media/Getty Images If you’re looking for a pair of modern wireless Bluetooth headphones, you’re looking for active noise cancellation as part of the deal. Bluetooth and wireless connectivity can have an effect on sound, and many headphones and earphones also feature what’s called a transparency mode that uses the same microphones that cancel sound in ANC mode to broadcast sound from your surroundings. This increases awareness of your surroundings, but will invariably have an effect on sound quality. So, between the two modes (or even choosing to turn disabled…
José Adorno/BGR Apple Music, Apple’s eponymous music streaming service, has undergone several changes over its decade of existence. As a subscriber from day one, I remember all the different logos and UI interactions, every time Apple removed all my songs from my library, and even when it tried to create a social media platform within Apple Music, but artists were the only ones who could post. Over time, the service has greatly improved. However, it still suffers from fundamental drawbacks that Spotify and other competitors solved or developed solutions for…
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Back then, planning meant having to write down your events, tasks, and schedules on a paper wall calendar. Although it does the job very well, you can’t always have one with you to help you stay on top of your daily schedule. This is why Google Calendar and its alternatives came into being. Instead of relying on flimsy paper, you can quickly view your schedule on your mobile device. It’s more convenient, easier to update with more details and can be shared with anyone.…
index74/Shutterstock In 2026, traditional non-rechargeable batteries seem hopelessly outdated and harmful to the environment. That said, rechargeable batteries can be bulky, and there are some devices you should never put them in. Plus, they require a dedicated charger, spare cells, and a little forethought to make sure you don’t get stuck without a replacement battery when you inevitably have to pull out some dead ones. USB rechargeable batteries simplify the equation by placing the charging port directly on the battery itself. All you need is a cable – probably the…
Dmytro Zinkevych/Shutterstock We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Listening to music isn’t the only reason you’d put on a pair of Bluetooth or wireless headphones. Professionals in labor-intensive jobs, such as construction or welding, use special noise-cancelling headphones that protect their hearing from dangerously loud noises. In the modern era, these types of headphones and traditional headphones have managed to come together, creating Bluetooth-powered hearing protection that can stream your favorite tunes while protecting your ears from the outside world. Even if you don’t work in…