May 27, 2022

These days everyone wants a great set of earbuds. We want them small, to last practically forever on a charge, and to sound just as good as full-sized headphones. And when it comes to that last point, if you’re willing to spend enough, earbuds sound amazing these days.

But how is that possible? It comes down to the drivers built into your buds. Manufacturers either pack in Dynamic Drivers, Balanced Armature hardware, or a bit of both. But what’s the difference and which should you choose? We have the answers in the top story.

Other Highlights:

• Justin is in love with the new Satechi Type-C Monitor Stand hub. It’s perfect for your iMac or Studio display.
• Plex (finally!) launched an HTPC client. About time!
• And speaking of finally, the Oculus Quest 2 finally works better with Windows 11.
• …and more! Keep scrolling!

-Josh

There are two different sound-producing technologies used in in-ear earbuds. Here’s what they are, how they differ in construction, and their ability to reproduce sound. Read More »

Staring at your monitor all day can be tiresome and painful if your screen’s height isn’t positioned ergonomically. Most monitors come with adjustable stands, but not all of Apple’s iMacs and Studio Displays do. Satechi’s Type-C Monitor Stand Hub helps resolve that problem. Read More »

Your Mac is a powerhouse just waiting to be unleashed. With Setapp, you get unbridled access to more than 200 native apps, all designed to make your Mac more productive, more secure, and more intuitive to use. Read our full story and learn how to start your free seven-day trial of Setapp here.

It’s been nearly a full year since Microsoft announced its plan to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to smart TVs. And while I thought it’d be exciting to learn about the Xbox streaming stick, a new statement from Microsoft just leaves me confused. It’s like I’ve forgotten how to read. Read More »

The Volkswagen ID.4 electric sedan is already a big hit when it comes to new electric vehicles, but now the car has gone where no other EV has gone before. Where exactly? To a height of over 19,000 feet up the side of a volcano, setting a Guinness World Record along the way. Read More »

Linking your Meta Quest 2 (formerly Oculus Quest 2) headset to a PC unlocks a world of powerful games and applications. But for whatever reason, the Quest 2 flashes a ton of nauseating screen effects when linked with a Windows 11 PC. That changes today, thanks to an update in the Public Test Channel. Read More »

Just because the sun’s out doesn’t mean you’re doomed to get a nasty sunburn while you’re out doing yardwork or going for a walk. Stay cool and protected from UV rays with this unisex sun hat with a neck flap. It’s made of 50+ UPF polyester fabric, and the one-size-fits-all adjustable back band has a drawstring closure, for a comfy tailored fit. The hat is lightweight, easy to clean, quick-drying, and available in five neutral colors—light grey, dark grey, black, pink, and khaki. it even has breathable mesh side panels for increased ventilation whether you’re fishing, playing golf, sightseeing, gardening, or attending a sports game.

More Details »

We use software keyboards on our smartphones all the time without giving it much thought, but they don’t always work well on larger devices. Google may soon be adding a split keyboard to Gboard, though, in an attempt to better optimize it for tablets and foldables. Read More »

With electrification on the rise, several new vehicles and aircraft with bold ambitions are underway. Joby Aviation, an electric aviation company that completed several 150-mile test flights earlier this year, just received its first FAA certification to operate its electric air taxi. Read More »

Android is often praised for its vast customization options in terms of visuals and functionality. To the point where not even the app icons themselves are safe—there are tons of app icon packs for Android out there to completely change how every icon looks on your home screen. But how do these packs work in the first place? Read More »

Back in 2019, Plex gleefully announced the death of Plex Media Player, a clunky and outdated app for Macs and PCs. But customers went ballistic. The old Plex Media Player allowed people to build HPTC setups—home theater systems where a PC or Mac is connected directly to a TV or projector. So, Plex began work on a replacement. Read More »

Gold-plated connectors on stereo jacks, HDMI cables, and Ethernet connectors might look nice, but do they serve any purpose? Or can you save some money on your next cable purchase? Read More »

The nodes of many mesh systems sport multiple Ethernet ports even though all those Ethernet ports aren’t strictly necessary for setting up and using the mesh system. So why are they there, and what can you do with them? Read More »

If you’ve ever had an ice-cold Diet Coke from McDonald’s, you know how satisfying that first sip is. It’s what leads many people to the drive-thru in the first place. But why does it taste so much better than your Diet Coke at home? Read More »

It’s tough enough to get stickers off of surfaces, but once you do, there’s usually an unsightly (and still sticky) residue left behind. There’s no need to stress, though—these easy tips and tricks will help you get sticky residue off of just about any household surface. Read More »