Back in 2019, a marathon runner named Ediud Kipchoge accomplished something no one had before: He ran a marathon in under 2 hours. He did this wearing brand-new shoes designed by Nike. His incredible feat was immediately called into question, with critics claiming his shoes gave him an advantage. But they’re just shoes, right? How much impact can they really have? As it turns out, a lot.
3 things to look for in smart sprinklers - and our favorite choices for your yard
Smart home technology lets you control your home’s security, temperature, lighting, and more from your phone or voice. Virtual assistants can set the mood in your living room or lock the doors when you leave.
When it comes to security, you don’t want to mess around. You want to ensure you get the best setup for your home to keep you and your family safe. Tap or click here for five things to look for in a security camera.
Now let’s talk sprinklers. Even the simple task of keeping your lawn and garden watered can be improved with smart tech. Sure, you can turn your sprinklers on and off with an app, but you can also let the controller do its job based on the weather. Here are three features to look for when purchasing a smart sprinkler system.
1. Weather-based controllers
Think of your smart sprinkler controller as a thermostat. It can automatically water your lawn based on weather conditions and knows the best time of day to get the most out of each session. In essence, you can set it and forget it.
When you set up your smart controller, it connects to the internet to get local weather data. For example, the controller may skip the next cycle if enough rain has fallen. The system can also check forecasts to plan its watering schedule accordingly.
The best time to water your lawn is early morning when temperatures are cooler, and your smart controller knows this.
The EPA has a WaterSense certification that irrigation controllers can earn based on independent studies. According to the EPA, WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controller can save an average home nearly 7,600 gallons of water annually.
2. Get in the zones
You want to ensure your smart sprinkler controller covers enough zones around your home. Zones are groups of sprinklers that run at the same time. The bigger your yard, the more zones you’ll have.
A smart controller can manage each zone individually. Grass in shady areas retains moisture better than grass in sunny spots. So the controller knows to water the sunny spots more often. Once again, this will save you water and money.
Headphones vs. earbuds vs. speakers: what's the best sound solution for your WFH office?
You’re at your desk for half the day, and answering emails isn’t exactly riveting. It’s time to turn some tunes on while you work, but what do you reach for? Earbuds, headphones or your speaker knob?
There’s a catch here, folks. People have different preferences when it comes to audio. We’ll help you determine what works best for you to pick the perfect solution to your work from home (WFH) audio needs.
New banking scam: Warning for Bank of America, Citi and Wells Fargo customers
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Cybercriminals often scour a website’s code, figuring out how to infiltrate the data. When they discover vulnerabilities or security weaknesses, they launch attacks with devastating consequences. Tap or click here to see how the personal details of 5.4M Twitter users leaked.
Internet Explorer is dead - Here are 10 more outdated tech devices you need to get rid of
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It was the end of an era when Microsoft finally put Internet Explorer to pasture last week. After 11 versions and nearly 27 years, the tech giant pulled the plug on the internet browser in favor of Microsoft Edge.
Internet Explorer was the default web browser for millions throughout the late ’90s and peaked around 2003. Then Google’s Chrome came along in 2008 and slowly but surely chipped away until it became the market leader.
The weird history of Legos
Do you have memories of snapping together Lego bricks to make something special? Most of us think fondly of those plastic pieces. (Unless, of course, you stepped on one.) While the company has a wholesome image, it hasn’t always been that way. The real history of Legos is a lot darker than most people realize.
5 signs you need a new laptop
Even the most reliable laptops have an expiration date. But it can be hard to tell whether your machine is dying or just in need of repair. Luckily, you can look out for a few surefire signs you need a new one.
Need a new laptop but can’t afford it? Just take my one-minute laptop quiz. You’ll answer a few questions about your needs and price range. Then, I’ll tell you which laptop is your best fit.
Tech tip: Use an Amazon Echo as an affordable Life Alert alternative
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Your smart speaker can remind you of appointments, give you a heads up on the weather, give you a wake-up call, tell a joke, set the mood for movie night, get the news and much more.
Add a video screen and you get access to many more cool features. Let’s start with a simple one. Did you know that you can turn your Amazon Echo Show into a digital photo frame? Tap or click here to find out how.
Home security 101: How to hide a security camera from view
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When setting up a home security system, buying cameras is a no-brainer. This way, you can catch criminals in the act so police can quickly track down the bad guys. If you’re too obvious, though, burglars might grab your camera and go. That’s why we’re sharing this guide on how to hide a security camera.
The best new features coming to Android 13
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You get excited when an entirely new operating system version is released for your smartphone if you’re anything like us. Still getting to know Android 12? Tap to click here for eight hidden features you should be using.
Security tip: How to secure your garage from intruders
Burglars cruising through your neighborhood will consider every port of entry as they plot to break into your home. We’re not just talking about doors or windows — they also target your garage. If you don’t secure your garage from intruders, you might as well be inviting them in.
This new Elon Musk Twitter scam is raking in millions
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Scams come in many forms, and criminals seemingly have no shame in spreading them. The most common is through social media or phishing attacks, but sometimes they rope in the help of well-known personalities.
Elon Musk and Twitter’s founder Jack Dorsey are the latest examples of familiar faces promoting cryptocurrency investments. But this is, of course, without their authorization and the promotion is fake.
Consumer Reports rates SimpliSafe as the top security system
Here’s some news that should perk the ears of anyone interested in home security. Consumer Reports recently came out with a list of the best DIY home security systems money can buy. Our sponsor, SimpliSafe, topped the chart.
Getting back at scam callers
Even with new laws and helpful apps, scam calls are still a problem — especially when it comes to older adults. Scammers often will stop at nothing to con someone out of their life savings. That’s why one man decided to get back at scammers through a call center in India, and it’s truly amazing.
Android bug causing phone battery drain – Here's how to fix it
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Though the war between Android and Apple fans will rage on for eternity, you may find a reason to want to switch sides. While hardcore loyalists view this as akin to stepping out with the enemy, both ecosystems offer pros and cons.
How stenographers can type so fast
In 2005, Barbara Blackburn became the world’s fastest typist, hitting 216 words per minute. But stenographers can average 250 to 270 words per minute, far faster than the average person speaks. What’s the secret behind this super-fast typing speed?
How you can use secret alerts to catch snoops in your home
There’s a lot to worry about when you have guests over, like whether they will like your food or if your house is clean enough. Depending on how scrupulous your guests are, they might start sneaking around and rifling through your things. Here’s a helpful tip if you’re wondering how to catch snoops.
When's the best time to buy cryptocurrency? Start here
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Whether you’re buying property or putting money into the stock market, nothing is risk-free when it comes to investing. This is especially true for cryptocurrency, which is a volatile form of investment by its nature.
Why the Coast Guard uses a zig-zag when doing search and rescue
The U.S. Coast Guard is an integral part of our military. It protects our beaches and coastlines from invasion or enemies, but it also helps find and rescue those lost at sea. You might be surprised to learn the technique it uses to do this. Let’s just say it’s not straightforward.
Why don’t we all have jetpacks?
Over 60 years ago, engineers developed the first personal flying backpack or jetpack. With all of the technological advances since then, why aren’t we all flying around the skies? There is a scientific reason why jetpacks are challenging to bring to fruition.