models Archives

No filter

Actually, yes, much-needed filters — for screens, fans and more.

This privacy filter for iPhones (57% off) helps ward off prying eyes so they can, you know, solve their own Wordle.
The same handy filter is also available for Samsung models (20% off).
These personal water filter straws (25% off) are so cool. You could slurp from a puddle and it’d be clean! (But don’t, please, unless you have to.)
A TubShroom is the best filter for hair in your shower. It’s also easy to clean.
A cut-to-fit carbon filter for your air purifier, AC or fan. Yes, those get worn out!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

QR codes used in warfare

Open/download audio

You won’t believe how powerful scanning one of these malicious QR codes is. Plus, the app that turned into a marketing nightmare, three must-have downloads and OpenAI’s duet shows just how far language models are coming.

👗 Maybe she’s born with it: Fashion retailer Mango is using AI models instead of real people. They’ve done AI-generated campaigns for teen fashion, with men’s and women’s fashion AI models coming soon. More than anything, it’s about the money. A human model costs at least $35 an hour. AI lookalikes? $30 a month. Really, the only thing the AI and living models have in common is that neither one eats.

43 times out of 100

AI car features are more trouble than they’re worth. J.D. Power polled Americans who drive 2024 models that include tech like facial recognition, a fingerprint reader and interior gesture controls. The feedback? “Meh.” See the top-rated manufacturers and models here.

Scalpers ruin everything: The PlayStation 5 Pro ($699) and PlayStation 5 30th Anniversary Limited Edition bundle ($999) drop on Nov. 7. The updated models have 2TB of storage, a beefier GPU and AI upscaling tech. Only 12,300 Limited Edition models were made, and they sold out in seconds. Surprise, they’re on eBay for up to $12,300.

📺 A TV is a watching machine: LG smart TVs now show ads before the screensaver kicks in. No word yet if it’s limited to specific models, but they’re live on the new flagship G4 T showing LG products and third-party promos. Fortunately, you can turn it off. If you have an LG, go to TV Settings > Additional Settings and disable Screen Saver Promotion.

The estates of long-gone celebrities are raking in money: It’s not just voice cloning, like Judy Garland reading “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” (paywall link). Using old footage and the right AI, Hollywood can create digital models that look, sound and move just like the real person. Even concerts with de-aged virtual avatars like ABBA Voyage pull in over $2 million a week. They’re alive, but you get the point.

🚨 Watching you, watching me: Nearly 1.3 million Android TV boxes across 197 countries are infected with Vo1d malware. Compromised devices include the R4 TV Box, the KJ-SMART4KVIP and TV Box models that use Android 12.1. All run outdated Android versions with unpatched security holes. If you have an Android TV box, make sure the firmware is updated and that it’s Play Protect certified.

AI chatbots are politically biased: Researchers ran 11 standard political questionnaires through 24 different AI bots, including ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Most leaned left-of-center because they were fed more left-leaning training data, not right-leaning. Developers have a huge influence on what their models “think.”

🚫 Another China ban: The House of Representatives just voted to ban new DJI drones in the U.S. The Chinese spy balloon incident, along with China’s threats to invade Taiwan and drag America into a Pacific war, have led to real concerns about China collecting intricately detailed maps of the U.S. and its infrastructure through the millions of DJI drones flown by innocent Americans. You can still buy one, but if the bill passes, flying new models will be off-limits.

🚙 Break my wallet: BMW is going all in on hydrogen-powered cars starting with its 2028 models (paywall link). How it works: Hydrogen fuel cells within the vehicles generate electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The only emission is water vapor. Sounds sweet, but hydrogen is more expensive than gas, and there are almost no refueling stations in the U.S.

🤖 Beware the good idea fairy: The U.S. government will now get access to OpenAI and Anthropic AI models before they’re accessible to the public. The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (wow, sounds fancy) will assess AI’s capabilities and risks. The goal? To keep AI in check and establish safety standards the world can follow (paywall link). There are so many problems with this, I don’t know where to start.

💣 Sounds expensive: By 2050, a new generation of tanks could replace those made during the Cold War. The plan is to outfit existing models with AI integration and Tesla-inspired tech. Think hybrid electric engines, autoloaders, self-launching drones and jammers to stop incoming missiles. Hopefully, they don’t have the Tesla fart-sounding horn.

Death march: Starting with some 2023 models and those released in March 2024, Samsung TVs get seven years of free updates to keep them safe from hackers. No specifics on which models yet, but it’s likely to cover those with AI features. PSA: Before you buy any used electronics, know the EOL (end-of-life) date. More about that here.

Forget EVs: Plug-in hybrids are winning popularity contests, with sales in the U.S. almost doubling since 2019. Most folks are hesitant to go all-electric, so the gas engine adds some security. In many cases, they’re cheaper than purely electric or gas models, too (paywall link).

Naan compare to you: Rumor has it Apple will manufacture its most expensive iPhone Pro models in India this year. Finally, they’re trying to diversify production beyond China. They say it’s about supply shortages, but politics and national security definitely play into this.

Know a policeman? Ford is recalling 85,000 Explorer Police SUVs due to an engine fire risk. The recall affects models from 2020 to 2022 with 3.3L hybrid or gas engines. No fix yet, but Ford will notify owners by mail. In the meantime, Ford says to stop driving your vehicle if you hear any strange engine noises.

Math teachers have too many problems: One high school is swapping teachers for AI. A group of 15-year-olds will use ChatGPT and large language models (LLMs) to prep for math, biology and English exams. The school says kids will learn at their own pace and ask questions they’d usually hold back on. I really hope they double-check AI answers.

Recall alert for BMW, Chrysler and Toyota: Affected 2019-2020 BMW models have a starter motor issue, the 2023 Dodge Challenger’s rear seat isn’t locking properly, and several 2023-2025 Toyotas have incorrect weight capacity labels. Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 and Toyota at 1-800-444-1074.

Samsung recall alert: They just recalled over 1 million slide-in electric ranges. The front-mounted knobs have already caused hundreds of fires. The 30 affected models were sold between May 2013 and August 2024. Call Samsung at 833-775-0120 to get a free set of knob covers or locks.