Hidden deep in your TV’s settings menu, you have something called motion smoothing. This feature artificially adds frames to whatever you’re watching. It can make a world of difference.
Shopping guide: Ben's best-reviewed products of 2021
Over the past year, I’ve reviewed dozens of products, from battery chargers to motorized standing desks. While not every new gadget managed to wow me, quite a few made a positive impression.
They might do the same for you. There could even be a few that would make an excellent gift for someone you know — especially those who are difficult to buy for.
Check out the top 15 products from my reviews this year, with gift ideas for every budget.
Belkin 2-in-1 Wireless Charger with MagSafe
Earlier this year, I reviewed a MagSafe charging stand from Belkin designed for the iPhone 12 (and now 13) and Apple AirPods. It’s fast, it’s elegant, and you can check out my full review by tapping or clicking here. While it retails for $99, you can catch it on sale this time of year.
After reviewing this stand, I bought the 3-in-1 version that adds an Apple Watch charger. Yes, it’s a little pricey, but it’s my favorite product on this list and something I use every single day.
Aura Carver Smart Digital Picture Frame
Displaying your favorite photos is as easy as sending them to your TV or smart display, but that doesn’t mean digital photo frames are relics of the past. The Aura Carver is a frame that lets you instantly add photos through a handy app (with unlimited storage) and can be the perfect gift for a loved one who doesn’t live nearby. Here’s my full review.
Flexispot Pro Series Standing Desk
Standing desks aren’t just trendy. They serve a purpose for posture and other health benefits. And the Flexispot Pro Series isn’t your average standing desk, packing dual motors, three memory height presets and customizable options. It’s sturdy, quiet and makes for a great way to break up the monotony of sitting in front of a computer all day. Check out my full review of the desk here.
Ekster Aluminum Cardholder
Even as minimalist wallets became more popular, I was convinced I would keep my traditional leather bifold forever. That’s until I tried the Ekster Aluminum Cardholder, which I reviewed here. Store your most-used cards in the spring-loaded cardholder and access them with a very cool switchblade-like button. Now it’s the only wallet I carry. Check out Ekster’s lineup of wallets and other products here.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
New Alexa features: Sound detection, refill medications and more
© Vladyslav Yushynov | Dreamstime.com
Smart assistants are there to make your life easier and more enjoyable. They can help you with simple tasks such as setting the thermostat or impressing your guests on movie night by setting the mood via lighting.
Amazon’s Alexa is built into all Echo devices and is compatible with numerous other smart devices. Though she’s one of the most popular smart assistants out here, Alexa isn’t perfect and does have her quirks. Tap or click here to check out how to solve five common Alexa problems.
LG has a $100K rollable TV - or you could buy all this stuff instead
LG.com
We are more glued to our television sets than ever before. The pandemic gave us more time to watch TV, as those who could have stayed home more often. Streaming services added more content and as movie theaters were shut down, films were released for home viewing.
Stop using that same old password for your online accounts - Try this instead
Hackers have plenty of tricks when it comes to making you their victim. They can send you emails containing viruses and malware. They can send you links that go to malicious websites. They can get you through phony social media accounts and apps that look like legitimate sources.
This gadget turns your tabletop into a phone charger - Is it worth it?
Your desk is a mess. OK, maybe not your desk specifically, but think about all the things you’ll find in the average workspace. Tap or click here to give your home office a high-tech makeover.
Start with your computer and then there’s a monitor or two (or three?) along with a keyboard and mouse. You might have a set of speakers, wireless earbuds and of course, the all-important phone charger.
New Amazon Echo screen moves with you and it's available to preorder now
Amazon
Echo smart devices have come a long way since they first hit the market. Not only are there original Echo speakers, but there are a ton of different and upgraded devices available now, too.
There’s a reason Echo devices are so popular. They are affordable and useful, too. You can use your Alexa-enabled speaker to control smart devices, track schedules, shop for items you need or help with a ton of other tasks. Plus, you can get even more out of your Alexa device with these pro tips.
New research: COVID can live on your phone for 28 days – How to properly disinfect yours
© Saletomic | Dreamstime.com
Can you believe we’ve been dealing with coronavirus for nearly seven months already? It’s true. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic all the way back in March and things haven’t been the same since.
Thankfully there have been plenty of breakthroughs in technology since then that have made it easier to navigate life. Google Maps even added a hotspot tracker so you know if it’s safe to visit places you’re thinking about traveling to. Tap or click to see how it works.
How to get the best Amazon Prime Day deals - and 7 incredible early sales
© Oasisamuel | Dreamstime.com
Prime Day is coming next week — and deals are already starting to trickle in. For those of you ready to shop ’til you drop, Amazon is offering discounts on electronics and accessories from some of the biggest manufacturers in the world.
Amazon wants you to buy its new indoor security drone – It's a bad idea
©Amazon Ring Blog | Ring.com
Apple isn’t the only tech company with a major event this fall. Amazon just wrapped up its own set of announcements that include a trove of new devices — as well as updates to some of your favorite gadgets.
Why so many new gadgets? Many of these products have been in the works for a while, but let’s be real: Amazon had to do something with all that money it made during the pandemic. Tap or click here to see how much it made compared to Black Friday.
These Amazon products are reportedly fire hazards - Are they in your home?
© Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com
Hungry for deals on Amazon? There are plenty of ways to save big on products without too much effort. And one of the most popular bargain brands, Amazon Basics, gives users access to a range of discounted everyday items that are easy to sort through.
Delete your data from Google - but there's a catch
Google says it will now automatically start deleting user data, by default for new users and with a quick settings change for the rest of us. Now one question remains: Can you ever truly erase what Google knows about you? I wouldn’t bet on it.
Practical Tech Tip: How to change your mobile email signature
© Hanohiki | Dreamstime
You have work to get done, but you’re also running from one errand to another today. So, you do the sensible thing: you reply to emails from your phone.
When you finally get back to a desktop computer, you discover those emails you sent have that pesky “Sent from my iPhone” message at the bottom and it looks unprofessional. Tap or click here to see what today’s email etiquette looks like.
5 must-buy massagers to soothe your aches and pains
StackCommerce
There’s at least one element that’s common to almost everybody’s idea of a dream vacation: A nice, long massage. Small wonder. There’s nothing that relieves tension as quickly or completely as a good rubdown, and it’s just as beneficial for your body as it is for your mind, if not more-so.
Say goodbye to aches and pains with this discounted massage gun
StackCommerce
With no work to think about, it should be easy enough to relax in the company of family and friends over the holidays. Fast forward to the New Year, and things might get a little more hectic.
Before you settle back into the daily grind, it might be worth investing in the ExoGun DreamPro Percussion Massage Device. By stimulating your muscles with small vibrations, this versatile massage gun is able to relieve pain and stress. It also helps you recover faster after workouts.
Thieves force you to change your smartphone settings before they steal it
It’s scary enough that a thief would steal your smartphone right out of your hand while you’re using it. Now, thieves are getting more aggressive: They’re putting people in a choke hold demanding they change their settings. Why? Listen to find out what’s behind this disturbing new trend.