For years, Apple was absolutely adamant: Unless you want to risk a fire or battery explosion, “Do not,” they said, “Use ANY other charger on your iPhone, except the one that we supply.” But today, when you buy a new iPhone 12, Apple no longer includes a charger. You have to buy your own. So, which one is best?
Buy this, not that: Best and worst tech of 2020
Credit: Amazon.com
With each year comes brand new or otherwise updated tech. But just because those gadgets get more advanced doesn’t mean they’re all good ideas.
Some are poorly constructed or just aren’t that useful, while others pose a huge risk to your privacy. Tap or click here to see which tech products made Mozilla’s annual “Privacy Not Included” report because some might surprise you.
With the new year only days away, we’ve put together a list of the very best and worst tech of 2020. Keep reading to find out what you should stay away from and what’s okay to buy if you’ve got some post-Christmas money to spend.
The 5 gadgets of 2020 to stay away from
The following five products make up our picks for the worst tech of 2020, based on factors like your privacy, gimmicks and outrageous prices. Let’s start with Facebook.
1. Facebook Portal
Let’s face it — there are already plenty of privacy concerns when it comes to the internet-connected tech we continue to bring into our homes, especially when it comes to smart speakers and smart displays. Take the right precautions in setting them up and you should maintain some level of privacy, but what about one that’s made by Facebook?
Facebook wants to know as much about you as possible, through your Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp accounts. And tap or click here to find out the shocking amount of data the company tries to harvest from your iPhone and its other apps.
Now Facebook thinks it’s a good idea to bring its hardware home with the Facebook Portal, which was first released in 2018. Its main purpose is to easily video chat with your family and friends who also have Facebook accounts, but it does so much more — like continuously listening and tracking your movements.
It’s one thing for Facebook to follow you around the internet, but bringing the creepy company directly into your living room takes it to a whole new level. Stay away from the Facebook Portal.
2. The rise of folding phones
The introduction of the iPhone in 2007 ushered in a new era for what a smartphone could do and revolutionized the industry. More than a decade later, today’s smartphones kind of all look the same and often have similar options.
Poll: 1 in 3 Americans plan to buy the iPhone 12 - What you should know first
Apple.com
Are you pre-ordering the iPhone 12? Apple’s latest phone just went live for Americans to purchase, and Apple fans across the country are scrambling to get theirs before supplies run out.
Based on enthusiasm, we’d say this might happen pretty soon. According to a survey conducted by Wallethub, one in three Americans plan on buying the new iPhone this year — in spite of economic setbacks and COVID-19! Tap or click here to see everything we know about the iPhone 12.
14 practical things you'll use a lot and will make a difference in your home
This pandemic has gone on longer than most of us thought it would, and it has changed almost all facets of our lives — including the way we shop. Take that new wardrobe you were eying, for example. You probably don’t need a new suit for work meetings right now. Fuzzy house slippers, though? Those are going to get some serious use.
Our guide to tech worth the money
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It can be tough to decide between the new gadgets you should upgrade to and the ones you should leave on the shelf. Do you really need that expensive new smartwatch or can you get the same features from a more budget-friendly version?
iOS 14 has a battery problem
If you updated your iPhone to Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 14, in the past few days you may have already noticed that your iPhone’s daily battery life has somehow grown shorter. Here’s why.
You're charging your phone wrong
You probably have your own method for keeping your phone charged — but according to research, you’re probably doing it wrong. The way you charge your phone could be shortening the battery’s lifespan.
24 things you need this year that you didn't need last year
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Well, we’ve made it through. This pandemic has been going on for several months now, and we’re all still trucking along pretty well, considering. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
Many of us have gone from office workers to remote employees, from parents to part-time teachers, or from single people with thriving social lives to self-distancing with streaming content at home.
5 best budget smartphones under $400
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In the tech world, what once cost hundreds of dollars can now run you well over a thousand of your hard-earned bucks. But the technology within most of today’s smartphones has not changed radically over the past few years, and powerful budget smartphones are capable of doing just about everything an expensive flagship device can do.
Get your cut of Apple's $500M iPhone settlement
Back in 2017, Apple admitted to intentionally slowing down the performance of certain phones when the battery was older or low on juice. Apple agreed to pay up to $500 million dollars in a settlement. Today, you can get your cut.
12 best tablets you can buy right now
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Digital entertainment is at an all-time high with so many people staying home right now. Luckily for those who want to take the plunge into the tablet world, there are more awesome options than ever.
Whether you want something for your kids to play and learn on, something for creative work or even a laptop substitute, there’s a tablet out there for you. Tap or click for 5 things you didn’t know your tablet could do.
7 projectors to create a home theater on any budget
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Miss going out to the movies? You can make a movie theater right in your own home for a lot less than you think with a projector.
A nice TV set may give you a brighter and more detailed picture, but a projector is the best way to create a big-screen experience without completely blowing your budget. You can set it up and take it down, too, so no worries if you don’t have a room that can serve as your theater all the time.
How to find earbuds that fit your ears
Raycon
Streaming music players, Bluetooth-connected TVs and your smartphone. Those are just a few of the devices you can go hands-free with if you have wireless earbuds. Hands-free technology is more than just a convenience. With the right pair, you can also drive more safely with hands-free calls.
This 'Pro' series Android tablet is only $99
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When tablets were first introduced to the market they were bulky, expensive devices that were hard to justify purchasing. But it didn’t take long for tablets to come along that are cheaper and more powerful than ever.
Working from home: The tech you need to get the job done
As the news director for Komando.com, I spend a lot of time researching topics and staying on top of current events. That part of the job description has only increased since our staff began working from home two months ago.
Home-based jobs, sanitize your phone, COVID conspiracies and more: Tech Q&A
Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products, and all things digital.
Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about the new iPhone, keeping gadgets clean, detecting viruses, and more.
SimpliSafe protects your whole house in under an hour
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You’ve probably heard how easy it is to protect your family, home and valuables these days. It’s nothing like the hassle it used to be.
Technology has changed everything — and simplified it, too. That’s because wireless technology has made installing home security an afternoon project, rather than the all-day nightmare it was when techs had to drill holes in your walls, cut wires and mount a system that worked just OK.
Make your teeth shine with this ultrasonic toothbrush
StackCommerce
If you haven’t purchased a toothbrush in a while, you’re about to have some regrets. Dental hygiene kits for the home have gotten much more effective over the past few years, and at the forefront of this new technology are toothbrushes, as you might expect.
Luxury noise-canceling headphones at a fraction of the price
StackCommerce
Audiophiles can argue (and have argued) for years about what sound system is best. As technology has improved, those arguments have only gotten more heated.
Digital audio is the norm these days, and as convenient as it is, it comes with its own set of reproduction challenges — just like the CDs, cassette tapes and vinyl formats before them.
Never lose a charge again with this versatile power bank
StackCommerce
Charging your smartphone or other devices is simple. We don’t even think about plugging into one of the many outlets available pretty much everywhere. And wireless charging has made it even easier to top off your battery.