Engadget

How to stop audio from auto-playing on Android Auto

Although Android Auto's autoplay feature is intended to be a convenience, you may find yourself wanting to turn it off. Here's how.

What can you use the HDMI port on your Ugreen NAS for?

You can use it to watch media files on the device, but you'll need to use your phone as a remote.

Robot vacuums have a major privacy problem you should be aware of

Your robot vacuum's microphone and camera are useful for more efficient cleaning, but it's vital to know how that information is stored and shared.

Meta tweaks its new terms of service after backlash against scraping

The changes have alarmed publishers and others with business accounts.

Why your expensive Wi-Fi 7 router could be delivering slower speeds

Don't tuck your router away in a corner, even if it is a bit of an eyesore.

What does MLO mean on your router and should you enable it?

Multi-link operation is a key part of Wi-Fi 7 routers.

Here's how we would build out the perfect modular electric Slate truck

A Bronco for the modern age.

We might finally know what's written on that mysterious plaque in Super Mario 64

The plaque's message has haunted the internet for 30 years.

Is paid antivirus actually a waste of money for your PC in 2026?

Subscribing to an antivirus suite kept you safe a long time ago, but they're much less useful for most people today.

Homeland Security bans DeepSeek use in federal civilian agencies

The decision comes a couple of days after the release of Deepseek's latest AI model.

At what distance does a video doorbell stop detecting motion?

Your video doorbell might see a visitor without sending an alert. Detection depends on more than distance, and some surprising factors can affect its reach.

Fiber vs. cable internet: What's the difference between them?

Fiber internet is more modern than cable, but the older technology still works well for today's connection needs.

Apple is set to hold another product event on October 28

Apple's "Pro and Tell" event is taking place in Los Angeles and will likely feature the first touchscreen Mac.

Why your USB device keeps disconnecting (and how to fix it)

If your USB peripheral is on the fritz, it's worth doing some troubleshooting with the port itself. Give these steps a try.

TP-Link moves to assemble routers in the US following an import ban

Routers could start rolling off a Missouri production line as soon as early 2027.

Don't throw away your old USB charging cables — Repurpose them instead

The charger from your three-generations-ago phone can still be useful. Here are several ways to use old cables, both indoors and out.

One of the rarest GameCube consoles sells for thousands of dollars today

While the GameCube came in several colors, a few of the most elusive variations command thousands from game collectors.

What the orange light on your PlayStation 5 is actually telling you

The PS5 shows a variety of light colors to indicate its status, and orange thankfully isn't the alert you might expect from that color.

Don't throw away your old graphics card — here's what you can do with it

An old GPU has lots of potential for a second life, from adding more horsepower to your current machine to crafting a purpose-built second one.

6 unexpected uses for your old PlayStation 3

The PlayStation 3 arrived in 2006 and shouldn't have any right finding a place in a modern media center. Here's a number of reasons why it should make a return.

What's the point of the 2.5G Ethernet port on your router?

Most routers have several 1 Gbps ports, but yours might have one or more 2.5 Gbps options that are great for speeding up compatible devices.

Even Realities G2 review: Smart glasses, stupid controls

Even Realities makes one of the best smart glasses on the market, but controlling its growing feature set is harder than it should be.

Google Gemini 4 agents just beat Minecraft with no human intervention

Four Gemini 4 Argon agents beat Minecraft's Ender Dragon with no human intervention by sharing tips, threats and mistakes.

What do all the lights on your Netgear router mean, and which ones actually matter?

Some router symbols are obvious, while others take a bit of work to decipher. Their lights can vary, too.

What does the orange dot on your Samsung Galaxy Watch mean?

You might sometimes see an orange dot on the left side of your Galaxy Watch's screen. Here's what is tells you.

Why you should never point a laser pointer at a security camera

Laser pointers are known to damage security cameras, but do they really? Here's what damage can actually be done.

How to use Google's SynthID AI detection website

It's a simple way to check whether an image has been created or manipulated, with a few caveats.

An Xbox Series X can now run PlayStation 5 games, but there's a catch

The idea of PS5 games running on an Xbox Series X -- made possible by how both consoles were built around closely matched hardware -- is certainly exciting.

Starlink has two $55 plans that are wildly different — here's how

It's a trade-off between download speeds and data caps.

Router and modem or gateway: What's actually in your home network?

A gateway pulls double duty, but a modem and router combo can give you a lot more flexibility and power.

What is Apple's Image Playground app for and how do you use it?

Apple's image generation tool got some noteworthy updates this fall.

After five years, Inscryption is finally coming to mobile

The studio celebrated Inscryption's five-year anniversary with a Twitch stream.

What is the star button for on your Roku remote?

While the Roku remote doesn't have confusing colors or weird symbols, the star button can confuse some folks at first.

Here's how the Slate truck gets software updates without built-in infotainment

From the Royole FlexPai to the iPhone Duo: How the modern foldable phone has evolved

Apple's iPhone Duo likely forecasts a shift in the market toward foldables becoming more common. But it took a while to get here.

Should you limit your FPS in games? Here's when it makes sense

While it's natural to want to get as many fps from your rig as possible, there are reasons to limit frame output from your GPU.

TikTok reportedly banned ads for Musk documentary before its wider US release

The platform attributed the decision to "political content that goes against its policy."

How to fix scaling and app size issues on your Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8

If you have trouble getting apps to scale properly on your foldable, read on.

Flat Ethernet cables probably aren't the answer to your home networking problem

For the most reliable performance, round Ethernet cables are generally superior.

The reason why your drive shows less storage than you paid for

Despite showing the storage amount on the box or the spec sheet, your new device might not actually hold as much as it states. Here are the reasons why.

iOS 27's new CarPlay features are great, but only these iPhones can actually use them

With the release of iOS 27, car owners with CarPlay support can enjoy lots of cool new features. However, not all iPhone models are able to support them all.

The reason your Amazon Alexa devices are always listening

Alexa devices have microphones that are always listening, but what does Amazon do with that data? It's up to you.

These 6 retro sites let you relive the glory days of 2000s Flash games

Flash hasn't been around for over half a decade, but thanks to archivists, you can still enjoy this era of the internet.

Your smart TV has one big problem: It's tracking what you watch

If you don't want your TV manufacturer to know everything you watch, here's what to do about it.

How to use your Windows PC to make and receive phone calls

Windows 11 can connect to your phone to make calls, letting you manage them in one place instead of picking up your phone.

Why it's important to avoid plugging in a damaged external hard drive

External hard drives are sensitive, and what seems like a minor drop can cause major damage that should be checked by a professional.

Why are internet upload speeds so much slower than download speeds?

Uploading data tends to be much slower than downloading, and it turns out there's a very good explanation for it.

Why you might not want to join two Ethernet cables (and what you should do instead)

Joining two Ethernet cables together with a coupler is rare, but when your cords are suddenly too short, there are better options to extend your network.

You don't have to turn off your phone to switch SIM cards (but you probably should)

Swapping SIM cards isn't something you'll do all the time, but when it does come up, you should do it carefully.

What to check if your Nintendo Switch 2 isn't connecting to the TV

Your Nintendo Switch 2 is made to project its display to a TV. If it's not working, there are some things you should check.

OpenAI is building a humanoid robot, but the body isn't the real challenge

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wants a humanoid that can operate in a world designed for people, though the CEO says a robot 'brain' is a much bigger challenge.

These Samsung Galaxy tablets are in their last year of software support

Samsung's latest software update commitment for its tablets is great, but older devices can't take advantage of it.

Why your Wi-Fi speeds can drop in the evening, and what to do about it

Everyone getting online at the same time can slam the network, but working around these slowdowns is possible with a few tricks.

How to keep your smart home running even if the internet goes down

Smart home products most often harness Wi-Fi to function. But what can you do if you lose internet frequently?

Why it's important to monitor your PC's background processes

What your PC is doing in the background doesn't need to be a mystery. Learn about what's happening and how to spot when something looks wrong.

Don't throw away your old PlayStation — Do this instead

Older PlayStations may be past their prime, but there are several ways you can make use of these consoles.

The Tesla Roadster is far from the first car to use fans for downforce

Here are some of the other, older vehicles that use fans for downforce like the Tesla Roadster does.

Leaked gameplay purports to show a canceled Assassin's Creed game set in ancient China

At least there's still Assassin's Creed Jade to look forward to.

Android Auto can be used outside of your car: Here's how

It might sound weird to use Android Auto outside of a vehicle, but doing so has unexpected productivity benefits.

What's actually eating all the storage space on your Android Phone?

Android phone running out of space? Here's why and what you can do to get rid of old files.

iPhone Duo shipping estimates have already been pushed back to 2027

Apple called the early demand "nothing short of extraordinary."

You might be surprised by how much the Slate truck can carry

Don't underestimate this compact pickup.

What does the yellow light on your Alexa device mean and how do you clear it?

Don't panic if your Amazon Echo is flashing a yellow light. Here's what that color means, how to clear it and how to tweak your Alexa notification settings.

Anbernic's RG DDS is almost double the price of the original Nintendo 3DS

The premium handheld is expected to start shipping in December.

This Samsung Galaxy feature can protect you from untrustworthy apps

Samsung's Auto Blocker protects your Galaxy phone from security threats, but it does have drawbacks. Here's what it does and when you might want to turn it off.

Why are some locations blurred out on Google Maps?

When using Google Maps, it isn't rare to see blurred locations. Why does this happen? The answer is simple, and it has everything to do with security.

Common problems with Amazon Alexa and how to fix them

Amazon Alexa is a very useful gadget to have at home, but it isn't exempt from having some issues. Fortunately, troubleshooting is easy as pie.

Should you have both Ethernet and Wi-Fi for your home?

Ethernet will keep your devices connecting online in record time, while Wi-Fi keeps them untethered. But how well can they both work together?

How many watts should your Bluetooth speaker have?

If you're confused by Bluetooth speaker wattage, here's what those numbers actually mean. Spoiler: more wattage doesn't necessarily mean a louder speaker.

Verizon will charge you $10 a month for iPhone Handoff

iPhone Handoff, which lets you share the same number on two devices, will cost you $10 a month on Verizon.

Why Xiaomi phones have so many ads (and how to block them)

Xiaomi phone users know these phones have too many ads, and the reason is very simple. Learn how to remove them so they're not a hassle anymore.

Microsoft really doesn't want you to buy Office — here's a great free alternative

Microsoft Office used to be a suite you could simply buy and it'd just work. Now, it's largely trapped behind a subscription. Here are some great free options.

How to create iPhone Shortcuts with Apple Intelligence (and why you should)

When it works, it works!

These common charging habits could be degrading your EV battery

EVs, with their enormous batteries, can suffer if they're charged in the wrong way. Here's what you should keep in mind when you next juice your vehicle.

Apple updates App Store rules to ensure it doesn't offer AI nudify apps

Apple has tightened the App Store's rules against AI-generated nonconsensual intimate imagery.

Is the Google Fitbit Air waterproof?

No, but you can still swim with it!

More than Just Storage: 8 Ways To Repurpose Your Old USB Flash Drive

It's time to do something with that drawer full of old USB flash drives. Breathe new life into unused tech with simple, useful tricks spanning an array of uses.

How to check your Ethernet cable's speed

Understand the speeds your Ethernet cable can transmit at help you diagnose where the slowdowns on your network are happening.

Double Fine's first post-Xbox title, first-person Soulslikes and other new indie games worth checking out

There were a host of indie game showcases this week, so we're dig into some of the best announcements from them.

The Tesla Roadster should go into production in 2028, but don't get your hopes up

I drive upside down on the boulevard of broken dreams.

A 'flying' Tesla Roadster sounds impossible, until you see what Lockheed Martin built decades ago

Thrusters are as good at flipping cars as they are at hunting ballistic missiles.

Analogue returns to the 16-bit era with the Mega Sg+ and Super Nt+

Dust off your old Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo cartridges.

If memory shortages last, tech companies should offer cheap battery replacements

If a company like Apple could offer $29 batteries before, it can do so again.

MapQuest will now show you where Flock cameras are in your neighborhood

You can see the locations of known outdoor surveillance cameras in the MapQuest app.

Technics EAH-A1000 review: Superior sound and excellent ANC in a premium package

Technics' flagship over-ear wireless headphones are light on compromises, but enter a competitive market.

An OpenAI research agent 'stole' test Ethereum to finish a coding task

An OpenAI research model hit a nebulous milestone today by pilfering test Ethereum tokens.

Steam Achievement Sets will stop DLCs from ruining your 100 percent record

Steam has launched Achievement Sets in beta.

ChatGPT can now look at your Chrome tabs to do tasks for you

The ChatGPT browser extension lets you compare information from your open tabs.

Apple's $2,000 iPhone Duo goes on pre-order today at 8AM ET

The Apple Store is down ahead of pre-orders for the first folding iPhone.

Gmail's Live AI search feature arrives for Google AI subscribers

Gmail's search can be frustrating and basic, but Google is finally smartening it up for AI plan subscribers.

Relive Tesla's ridiculous(ly fun) Roadster stunt show

Tesla's Roadster event was pretty exciting, to say the least.

Tesla's redesigned Roadster has a cold-gas thruster option, but you'll need $250,000 just to reserve it

Tesla has finally unveiled the next-generation Roadster.

Withings wants new users to pay $100 a year to sync with Apple Health

The smart health company is gating third-party app syncing to its own subscription plan for new users.

The UK may expand the BBC license fee, charging residents to watch streaming services

If the proposal is enacted, it could cost $240 a year to watch YouTube in the UK.

NY congressman to introduce bill protecting video game ownership

Representative Ritchie Torres wants the FTC to establish regulations ensuring you can play the games you've purchased.

FTC subpoenas OpenAI and Anthropic following safety failures

The FTC is investigating possible consumer harms at two major AI companies.

E Ink's new Kaleido 4 could inch us closer to the perfect color e-reader

E Ink's new display tech offers improved color reproduction and refresh rates.

Riot will sunset League of Legends Classic in January 2027

The throwback League of Legends Classic mode may reappear as a limited-time event in the future.

Alexa Tablet 12 Pro review: Amazon's premium tablet gets almost everything right

This tablet is a great value, even if Android apps still aren't great on a big screen.

Trump ballroom's biggest donors were overwelmingly tech and telecom companies

Not that anyone's terribly surprised.