Ready to send Alexa+ bargain hunting with your credit card? That’s the idea behind the latest shopping feature for the revamped and AI-enhanced Alexa, who you can now snap up deals for you the moment she spots them. Launching today, Alexa+’s new “auto-buy” feature does pretty much what it says: It gives Alexa+ permission to buy items from Amazon on its own, using your default payment method. The way it works is simple: Just ask Alexa+ about an item available for sale on Amazon. Personally, I’m thinking about snagging a new Sonos Era 100 speaker for my new apartment, so I asked Alexa+ how much it costs. The current price: $219, quite a bit more than I’m willing to pay. Now, if the Sonos Era 100 ever fell to $100, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. So I gave Alexa+ a little task: “Alexa, put the Sonos Era 100 on my auto-buy list for $100.” (I doubt the Sonos Era 100 would ever get a discount that steep, but you never know, right?) “Perfect,” Alexa said, “Your auto buy has been set up successfully.” Now, Alexa+ has permission to buy that Sonos speaker the moment its sale price drops to $100 or less, without any further input from me. If Alexa+ goes ahead and buys something on your auto-buy list, it will use your default payment method and shipping address. Once Alexa notifies you that it’s made an auto-buy purchase, you’ll have 24 hours to cancel it. Items on your auto-buy list will stay active for 30 days; after that, you’ll need to re-add them if you want Alexa+ to keep watching for the deal. It’s a clever feature, although it also reminds me of the old Alexa’s shopping misadventures from years past—remember the kids who convinced Alexa to spent more than $150 on a dollhouse and cookies? Hopefully the new AI-infused Alexa won’t go on any unauthorized shopping sprees like that. Other related Alexa+ shopping features launching today include automated deal tracking (“Let me know if the Dyzon cordless vacuum drops below $300”), as well as the ability for Alexa+ to offer personalized shopping suggestions for a friend or loved one with an upcoming special event (like a birthday). Also, the Echo Show 15 and 21 are both getting a “Shopping Essentials” tool that tracks orders in real time. _This story is part ofTechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers._

Google recently announced in a blog post that it’s expanding the autofill capabilities of its Chrome browser with four new features. If you’re tired of endlessly churning through form after form on websites, and if you regularly rely on autofill to speed up your day-to-day browsing, then you’re going to find these enhancements useful. Here are the autofill improvements: 1. If you’re signed into your Google account, Chrome can now automatically pull in your name, email address, and Home/Work addresses as needed. This is great when you’re shopping or ordering a service for the first time. 2. If you have details like loyalty card numbers, travel details, and vehicle information saved to your Google Wallet, Chrome can now pull those details automatically. When you book accommodations and rentals, save that information to your Google Wallet and Chrome will autofill for you whenever a form needs those details. 3. The autofill interface for Chrome on Android is improved, making it easier to select between autofill suggestions. 4. Chrome has improved its recognition for different address types around the world, resulting in more reliable autofill in different regions across the world. These changes are already rolling out to Chrome users on desktop, Android, and iPhone platforms as relevant.

Wish you could always know who’s outside your door without actually opening it? Maybe even without getting out of bed or off the couch? Or even when you’re out running errands or away on travel? Then what you need is a video doorbell, and today’s a lucky day because the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus is down to just $80 on Amazon right now, equal to its all-time best price thanks to a hot 47% discount. View this Amazon deal This smart video doorbell will help enhance your home security as it provides head-to-toe video in 1536×1536 HD+ resolution and an expanded field of view with 150 degrees of both horizontal and vertical vision. This is the newest model, designed to provide clarity at all hours of the day _and_ at night. The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus comes with Color Night Vision, so you’ll get to see every little detail even in low light. It also has two-way audio, so you can chat with whomever is outside your door at any time from anywhere right through your phone app. The doorbell comes with an easy-to-remove battery pack, so you won’t have to remove the whole device just to recharge it. It’s also easy to mount, install, and connect to your home Wi-Fi network. Go ahead and order the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus for $80 before Amazon remembers this deal’s still running. Get this battery-powered video doorbell at its cheapest ever price Buy now at Amazon

In a post published yesterday on Google’s The Keyword blog, Google unveiled a series of new features for the universal Android XR platform for XR headsets and glasses. Right now, Android XR is mainly used by Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, but the hope is that more and more manufacturers will possibly adopt Android XR going forward. One of the major innovations in this batch of updates is the new PC Connect feature. With PC Connect, you’ll be able to connect your Galaxy XR headset to your Windows PC, then pull in a specific window or even your entire desktop into the Galaxy XR device. The windows pulled in via PC Connect can be used side-by-side with native Google Play apps, allowing you to be more productive within your XR environment. Those windows from your PC can also be games, essentially allowing you to stream games from your PC to your headset. Android XR also has a new Travel Mode that keeps your XR view stable even when you’re in a bumpy environment, like a car or a plane or a train. This way you can keep using your Galaxy XR headset in cramped locations without feeling disoriented or getting nauseated. Lastly, Android XR is introducing a new feature called Likeness, which is a realistic XR representation of your face that mirrors your expressions and hand gestures in real time. When using Android XR for video calls, your Likeness will make the interaction feel more authentic and natural. These new features for Android XR—PC Connect, Travel Mode, and Likeness—are already rolling out in beta form.

Peripherals and accessories can unlock more potential than you might expect. In this article, we’ll highlight the components that turn a solid PC into a noticeably better gaming system, whether you’re into shooters, MMOs, or story-driven games. A programmable mechanical keyboard is one of the first underestimated devices. Whether it’s macros, hotkeys, or your own RGB profile, customizing your setup can improve focus and responsiveness. Equally important are the switch quality, actuation point, and ergonomics, which ensure greater comfort in the long run. Regular gamers benefit when the keyboard feels precise and consistent, even after hours of use. Hot-swappable models let you replace the switches yourself. This allows you to customize the typing feel exactly to your own preferences. High-quality mouse pads are also often forgotten. Anyone who has played on a smooth, large surface with good grip and tracking will immediately notice the difference, especially in fast-paced shooters. Texture, gliding behavior, and size play a decisive role here. Your mouse and mouse pad should complement each other for the best performance. A precise gaming mouse with a high-quality sensor only develops its full potential when it is moved on a clean, friction-optimized surface. BeQuiet A good gaming headset not only influences the sound, but also the response time. If you can locate opponents precisely, you gain a real advantage and not just in multiplayer games. Comfort, microphone quality, and long battery life ensure a more comfortable gaming experience. Modern headsets offer features such as surround sound, active noise cancelation, and smart audio profiles. Especially in story games or immersive titles such as _Cyberpunk 2077_ or _Hellblade_ , they enhance the gaming experience enormously. For MMO fans, a mouse with multiple thumb buttons is often more than just a proverbial game changer. Accessing up to 12 abilities with your thumb reduces complex key combinations, keeping you in the flow. Especially in hectic battles or in raids, where timing is crucial, this can make the difference between success and failure. The same applies to games such as MOBAs or battle royales, where speed counts. Yeelight Even inconspicuous details such as a high-quality USB hub on the desk can help. Less cable chaos, easy device changes and charging ports in the right place save time and nerves – especially if the mouse, keyboard, headset, controller and webcam are regularly plugged in and unplugged. Models with power delivery (USB PD) or SD card readers further expand the possibilities. And once you’ve played on a 120 or 144 Hz monitor, it’s hard to go back to a slower display. The higher frame rate not only ensures smoother movements, but also makes inputs more precise and motion blur almost invisible. The difference is particularly noticeable in shooters or racing games. It gets even better with G-Sync or FreeSync–adaptive synchronization prevents tearing and noticeably reduces input lag. Asus A high-quality monitor arm can improve your gaming experience by creating desk space, allowing flexible screen alignment, and promoting better posture. Ergonomic chairs, wrist rests or a height-adjustable table also help to ensure that gaming does not become a strain in the long term. Not every upgrade has to be expensive; even small improvements have a direct effect on your gaming experience. If you invest in the right components, you’ll realize the difference often lies in the details.

Discord now admits that their Windows 11 app uses unnecessary amounts of memory, reports Windows Latest. To address this, the communication platform is currently testing a new feature that automatically restarts the application whenever RAM usage exceeds 4GB. Fortunately, the test won’t have Discord randomly shutting down in the middle of an active session. It will only trigger the automatic restart if the app has been running for at least an hour _and_ the user has been inactive for at least 30 minutes _and_ isn’t in a voice or video call. Furthermore, the Discord app can only be automatically restarted like this once per day maximum. The Discord app’s memory usage is typically around 1GB, but due to the way the underlying Electron app framework works and how it’s implemented, the app’s memory usage can quickly balloon out of control as more servers and features are loaded.

If you’re using a laptop as your primary workstation and you want to upgrade your workspace and boost your productivity, then you should really look into getting a docking station. It’s the ultimate solution for expanding what your laptop can do, especially if you get one that’s better than the cheaper entry-level options. I’m talking about something like this crazy 17-port Baseus USB-C docking station that’s now on sale for just $90 on Amazon. That’s a 25% discount off its original $120 price and matches the lowest price it’s ever been. View this Amazon deal This docking station plugs into your laptop’s USB-C port and turns it into 17 full-blown ports that can all be used at once. Yup, seriously. One of the best things about it is that it supports up to three 4K monitors via two HDMI and one DisplayPort, allowing you to craft your dream workstation setup whether you’re a creative, professional, or student. Three 4K monitors should be enough for most folks, especially since the dock also features a ton of other connectivity options. So, what are those other connectivity options? You’re looking at a 100W USB-C Power Delivery port for passthrough charging of your laptop, two USB-C data ports and three USB-A data ports for fast transfers, two USB-A ports for peripherals, SD and microSD card slots, a Gigabit LAN port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. There’s also a 36W DC power input as well as the host port that connects the dock to your laptop. Extra bonuses with this docking station include the LED indicator for connection activity and the detachable stand that allows you to prop it up, freeing up desk space when things feel cluttered. Snag this Baseus 17-in-1 docking station for just $90 and finally get the efficient laptop workstation you’ve been pining for! Save 25% on this super-versatile USB-C dock for your laptop Buy now at Amazon

Today, Microsoft will release December’s monthly patch for Windows 11. The last Patch Tuesday in 2025 will be huge, because according to Windows Central, there will be no fewer than _16_ new features included in the update. #### get windows 11 pro for cheap ### Windows 11 Pro Price When Reviewed: 199.99 Best Prices Today: $59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only | $79.99 at PCWorld Software Store These include various design changes to important elements such as the Start menu, specific improvements to existing functions and completely new features. Let’s take a peek at all new features at a glance. ## 1. Visual improvement of the Windows search The Windows search field has been visually improved to match the height of the new Start menu design. This should eliminate some inconsistencies in the design. However, there is still the problem that the new Start menu covers large parts of the screen for many users. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address this concern going forward. ## 2. New “Share with Copilot” feature in the taskbar Microsoft’s Copilot AI is also making its way into Windows 11, this time in the taskbar, where the “Share with Copilot” option will soon appear. You will then see a thumbnail of the app you are currently using and can quickly start a conversation with the chatbot via Copilot Vision. In addition, the transition between apps in the taskbar should be smoother when you move the mouse pointer over them. ## 3. Changes to Windows Spotlight for the desktop Windows Spotlight, the feature for dynamically changing background images in Windows 11, is also receiving improvements. You can right-click on the desktop to change the background more quickly. There is also the “Explore background” option, which provides more information about the background. ## 4. Option to disable Drag Tray Microsoft is introducing the option to disable Drag Tray more easily. This normally allows you to select files and drag them to the top of the screen to display options for direct sharing. However, many users found this annoying. After the update, you can deactivate Drag Tray under **Settings** > **System** > **Nearby sharing**. ## 5. Better dark mode in File Explorer There is also something for fans of dark modes. The dark mode of File Explorer has been improved and given a more uniform design in dialogue windows, for example for copying or moving. The confirmation dialogues and other views are also being adapted. However, it is still possible that some elements do not correspond to the new design or that the File Explorer briefly flashes white on startup. Microsoft will continue to work on this. Windows Central ## 6. New device information card in the Start settings If you are looking for information about your device, you no longer have to click through menus. This is because a new tab called “Device information” appears right on the start page of the settings, which displays information about your PC’s processor, memory, RAM and graphics card, among other things. ## 7. Settings for mobile devices in the settings A new configuration menu for mobile devices appears in the Windows 11 Settings app. Here you can add new devices, access the settings of connected mobile devices or remove a device from your account. It’s simple and straightforward. ## 8. Redesign of the info page Microsoft is also changing the look of the info page with the December update. It will now only contain a thumbnail view of the desktop background with an option to rename your computer. Some sections will also be renamed or receive new entries with further information. ## 9. Advanced settings with virtual workspaces Changes are also being made to the “Advanced” section. It contains a new page called “Virtual Workspaces”, where you can manage virtualization functions such as the Windows Sandbox or protected hosts. ## 10. Settings for Bluetooth keyboards and text cursors Under **Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Keyboard** you will find new options for keyboards and text cursors after the patch. For example, the keyboard repetition rate, reassignment of the copilot key or accessibility. ## 11. New default configuration for Quick Machine Recovery Since September, users have been able to use Quick Machine Recovery to quickly restore Windows 11. Microsoft is improving the default setting for this option in December to make it easier to use. The new configuration only searches for solutions once and then prevents the user from using other options to resolve the problem. This should prevent the computer from continuing to search for solutions in a kind of continuous loop instead of offering targeted help. ## 12. Redesign of the widgets board On Tuesday, Windows 11 will introduce a new widgets board with a more consistent design. The new widgets will be more clearly separated from the Discover board and will no longer use a page overlay. Notifications will also be displayed with an icon of the board to which they belong. Windows Central ## 13. Haptic feedback for digital pens Windows 11 devices with touch function receive haptic feedback for the use of pens in the form of vibrations. These accompany the interaction with certain elements, for example when closing windows. ## 14. New “Click to execute” action menu Copilot PCs have a new context menu called “Click to execute”. Actions such as open, save, copy or share are arranged in this menu. There is also a new input field that allows you to access Copilot more quickly. ## 15. Xbox full screen mode for more handheld devices The new Xbox Full Screen Mode is now available on more devices. Until now, users could only use it on the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, but now the full-screen experience in console design can also be used on normal PCs. Navigation should be much easier and smoother, especially with a controller. The mode also reduces the resource consumption of the desktop and saves up to 2GB of memory. You can activate the mode under **Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience** and then apply the change by restarting. ## 16. Windows Studio Effects for external cameras If you have a Copilot PC, you can also extend the AI-powered camera features of Windows Studio Effects to secondary cameras. This includes USB webcams and integrated rear cameras. In addition to the new features, the December patch of Windows 11 will also contain some bug fixes and closed security gaps. As always, we will report on these in a separate article. #### Exclusive: get windows 11 pro for cheap ### Windows 11 Pro Price When Reviewed: 199.99 Best Prices Today: $59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only | $79.99 at PCWorld Software Store

## At a glance ### Top AMD mini PC deal picks * Acemagician S3A—**$429 (20% off on Amazon)** * Acemagician Kron K1—**$279 (12% off on Amazon)** * Bosgame P3—**$440 (20% off on Amazon)** ### Top Intel mini PC deal picks * Acemagic V1—**$259 (19% off on Amazon)** * Geekom GT2 Mega—**$1049 (19% off on Amazon)** * Beastcom M1 Mini—**$145 (19% off on Amazon)** Whether you’re looking for a productivity mini PC, something for gaming, or just a budget-friendly machine with a small footprint, we’ve got you covered. The team at PCWorld continually sorts through all of the daily mini PC sales and puts together a curated list of the best deals available. Finding the right deals can be tricky, however, because there are so many things to consider, from the configuration to the price. Fear not! I’ve been covering mini PC deals for a long time — and PCWorld has tested thousands of PCs over four decades — so let me help you out. I select our favorite deals by thoroughly examining the list of specs, overall design, user feedback, and general value. The RAM, SSD, and CPU all matter significantly in mini PCs, and if you’re not careful, you may select a “bare-bones” rig that makes you bring your own memory and storage. All of the picks below are hand-selected for not only their performance, but most importantly, their value. I’ve also included some helpful answers to common questions about buying a computer at the bottom of this article. If you’re considering a laptop instead, be sure to check out our best laptop deals, or for more desktop choices check out best computer deals roundup instead—each are updated daily. _**Updated Dec 8, 2025** **to reflect the latest deals and prices.**_ ## Best deals on AMD mini PCs Amazon **Acemagician S3A, AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS/16GB DDR5 RAM/512GB SSD/Radeon 780M iGPU/triple 4K support**—**$429 (20% off on Amazon)** If I were to pick a single mini PC deal right now, I’d go with the Acemagician S3A for $429 because that’s a great price for the specs. It’s more than capable of handling your daily workload, browsing, streaming, and even light gaming thanks to the Radeon 780M integrated graphics. **Acemagician Kron K1, AMD Ryzen 5 7430U/16GB DDR4 RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support**—**$279 (12% off on Amazon)** The Acemagician Kron K1 is a great budget deal right now for only $279. With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, you’ll be able to accomplish all of your productivity needs. It would also work well as a streaming or multimedia device as well as a smart home hub—giving you centralized control without breaking the bank. **Bosgame P3, AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS/32GB DDR5 RAM/1TB SSD/triple 4K support**—**$440 (20% off on Amazon)** If you’re looking for a bit more juice, the Bosgame P3 for $440 is the mini PC to go for. Not only does it pack 32GB of RAM and a generous 1TB SSD, but the Ryzen 7 processor is ready to handle more intensive tasks should you need it. The fact that the RAM is DDR5 at this price point makes it even more of a great deal. **GMKtec M7, AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H/16GB DDR5 RAM/1TB SSD/quad 4K support, Oculink**—**$420 (25% off on Amazon)** Personally, I think the GMKtec M7 deal here is a sneaky bargain. Sure, it comes with less RAM than the Bosgame above and a slightly weaker CPU, but it makes up for it with additional 4K and Oculink connectivity—meaning you can easily hook up an external GPU should you decide to get your game on. **GMKtec M5 Plus, Ryzen 7 5825U/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/triple 4K support**—**$368 (8% off on Amazon)** As an alternative to the M7 model, you could opt for the GMKtec M5 Plus deal for $368 instead. You won’t get the same gaming capabilities, but more RAM—even if it is DDR4—for less money is always a plus, especially if you’re looking to use it for work or productivity tasks. Plus, it comes with expansion slots for RAM and storage if you want to upgrade it even further in the future. **Geekom A9 Max, AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370/Radeon 890M/32GB DDR5 RAM/2TB SSD/quad 4K support**—**$1,100 (8% off on Amazon)** For a top of the line mini PC packed with powerful components, go with the Geekom A9 Max for $100 off. The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 is a very powerful CPU that is not only capable of 1080p gaming combined with the 890M GPU, but also breezes through AI tasks. Ample RAM and SSD storage along with excellent connectivity complete the package. It’s still expensive, but $100 off is better than nothing, right? ## Best deals on Intel mini PCs **Acemagic V1, N150/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/dual 4K support**—**$259 (19% off on Amazon)** This deal for the Acemagic V1 is just a good overall bread-and-butter mini PC deal. The N150 processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM means it’s powerful enough to handle your productivity and everyday work tasks. It comes with enough SSD storage to save just about everything you need—and includes an additional M.2 slot in case you want to upgrade later. It might not be fancy, but this is a good price for a mini PC that’ll be sufficient for most everyone’s needs. **Geekom GT2 Mega, Intel Core Ultra 9 285H/Arc 140T/32GB DDR5 RAM/2TB SSD/quad 4K support**—**$1049 (19% off on Amazon)** If you’re looking for an Intel mini PC that can do it all, then the Geekom GT2 Mega is the one to buy. Packed with a Core Ultra 9 processor, DDR5 RAM, and ample 2TB of onboard SSD storage, this will easily handle everything you throw at it. It’s a full desktop replacement with a smaller footprint and cheaper price tag. Plus, thanks to the Arc 140T GPU you can do all of the esports gaming you want or even play modern AAA games at 1080p with decent frame rates. **Beastcom M1 Mini, N100/16GB RAM/512GB SSD/triple 4K support**—**$145 (19% off on Amazon)** True to its name, the Beastcom M1 Mini mini for $145 is, well, a beast—an entertainment beast at least. Its triple 4K support is practically unheard of at this price. This is meant to be an entertainment mini PC thanks to its ultra-small footprint and excellent connectivity options. However, those looking for a productivity or work mini PC should probably look elsewhere. **GMKtec K10, Core i9-13900HK/32GB RAM/1TB SSD/2.5G LAN WiFi6/quad 4K support**—**$600 (17% off on Amazon)** The GMKtec K10 deal for $119 off is a solid bargain thanks to its powerful i9 CPU. Plus, the addition of a 2.5G ethernet port and Wi-Fi 6 support means it is adept at handling most networking tasks you might throw at it. To top it all off, it can support up to four 4K displays, one of which is a DisplayPort 1.4 capable of 8K as well. **IdeaCentre Mini, Core 5 210H/16GB RAM/1TB SSD/dual 4K support**—**$600 (25% off on Lenovo)** To the naked eye, this IdeaCentre Mini deal for $600 might not seem like a good value. But it comes with a couple of hidden extras that make it worth the higher price. Support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and DDR5 RAM are just some of the advantages. Add to that the reliability and high build-quality of Lenovo machines and suddenly this becomes a more than worthwhile mini PC deal this week. ## Mini PC deals FAQ * * * 1. ### What should you look for when buying a mini PC? The first thing you have to check off your list is just what configuration you need to get your job done. Are you going to use your new mini PC for browsing only? Then a cheap budget-friendly device with a decent CPU and 16GB of RAM will do the trick. Do you want it to be able to juggle a bunch of apps and not choke on 50 browser tabs? Then a more powerful CPU and at least 32GB of RAM would be better. Do you want to do some light gaming in your downtime? Look for a device that comes with a GPU or Occulink connectivity to hook up an external GPU instead. Are you looking to utilize the mini PC as a home server? Your priority then should be a large SSD—2TB or more. There are devices for each and every one of these scenarios, and they’re all quite affordable. The best part is that mini PCs are… well, small, so they can be placed practically anywhere depending on your intended use and available space. They also support multiple monitors out of the box, which makes it easy to replace your old, larger desktop and you won’t even need to pay for extra hubs. 2. ### Can a mini PC replace a desktop computer? For most people, the answer is “yes”! Mini PCs are definitely powerful enough to replace desktops for most users, especially if you’re going to use it for work, browsing, or streaming movies. If you want something for photo and video editing, or even gaming, there are models that allow you to do that, but they’ll cost a bit more. If you’re into hardcore gaming, however, you’re still better off with a proper gaming PC or laptop. 3. ### Can a mini PC run modern games? Mostly, yes. But it will ultimately depend upon the mini PC you buy and which modern games you want to play. Some high-performance mini PCs can run modern AAA games. You might not be able to run them at the highest settings though, and performance will depend heavily on the specific hardware. If you do want to game on a mini PC, look for powerful models with dedicated discrete GPUs such as an Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon rather than integrated graphics. Alternatively, you can opt for cloud streaming services to game on less powerful mini PCs, which bypasses the need for high-end hardware. 4. ### Which mini PC brands are reliable? Some of the most reliable mini PC brands are Minisforum, Beelink, GMKtec, and Geekom. Of course Apple’s Mac minis are also excellent computers if you prefer using macOS. Brands such as Asus, Lenovo, HP, and Dell all make high-quality smaller-footprint PCs, but they might not fill the same niche and/or they are typically more expensive.

With shortages of DRAM and flash memory for SSDs driving up retail prices, the expectation is that PC makers would be hit by rising costs, too. According to a report, both Lenovo and Dell will be raising prices soon to account for the additional costs of memory and storage. According to a report by TrendForce, which monitors Taiwan’s supply chain, both Dell and Lenovo have sent notices to their own customers warning them that prices will be going up. TrendForce reports that Dell is planning to raise its prices almost immediately: by 15 to 20 percent in mid-December. So far, Lenovo isn’t notifying customers of how much it plans to raise prices, but reportedly will do so in January. The narrative continues to be a simple one: Venture-backed AI hyperscalers continue to buy up whatever components they can to build out data centers. While Intel and other CPU companies divide up their product lines between the consumer and enterprise markets, the line is much blurrier where DRAM and storage are concerned. With AI companies buying up as much high-speed RAM and SSD storage as they can, that has pulled supply away from the consumer market and caused prices of both components to start rising, quickly. Prebuilt PC maker CyberPower was scheduled to raise prices on Sunday night, citing increased component costs as well, and it wouldn’t be surprising if other PC vendors did the same. The problem has rippled up and down the supply chain, with reports that DRAM makers aren’t even providing short-term or “spot” pricing, but asking customers to sign long-term contracts. That, in turn, has left other vendors who have signed such contracts worried about if they’ll be able to source the necessary memory. TrendForce TrendForce also predicts that the shortages will pull down PC configurations as well, with “high end” 2026 PCs including just 32GB of RAM and a terabyte of SSD storage, rather than the 64GB of RAM and 2TB of storage that typically populate high-end PCs. Dell and Lenovo could not be immediately reached for comment.

OpenAI has turned off ads appearing on ChatGPT while it works out how best to improve the model’s precision, its top researchers said. In early December, a user complained about the nonsensical way in which ChatGPT was showing ads for Target below a conversation the user was having about Windows’ BitLocker. In repsonse, Mark Chen, the chief research officer at OpenAI, said that the company would look into the situation. Late on Friday, Chen confirmed that the ads had been paused. “I agree that anything that feels like an ad needs to be handled with care, and we fell short,” Chen said in a post on Twitter / X. “We’ve turned off this kind of suggestion while we improve the model’s precision. We’re also looking at better controls so you can dial this down or off if you don’t find it helpful.” This interaction with ChatGPT prompted a user to complain that ads were being unnecessarily added to ChatGPT. As LLMs have emerged as an alternative to search, their owners have wrestled with how to monetize the queries their users enter. Some, like Google Gemini, have turned to AI Mode, slurping up third-party content recommendations and aggregating them, with tiny links back to the original source of content. Microsoft’s Copilot has also occasionally embedded ads, though they’re much less frequent on searches that I have made personally. The story was originally reported by The Verge.

As a mom to six kids in rural Nebraska, it’s been hard for me to accept that the world is changing. Except for a few years in Omaha, I’ve lived in small rural communities almost all my life. It’s actually not uncommon in my community to leave your car—or home—unlocked and to know all your neighbors by name. But things are different from the way they used to be. We’ve had some close calls in the area with home break-ins and jail breakouts (which can be frightening if you’re home alone at night). While I knew I needed to get serious about securing my home, I’d been reluctant to go high-tech. After all, I live in an area that frequently loses power during bad weather and struggles to maintain good internet connectivity, which means app-based solutions can sometimes leave me in limbo. ## Giving smart locks a try But then I was approached with an interesting opportunity: PCWorld asked me to install a smart lock—my first—and share my experience. They knew that while I love gadgets and have written about dozens in the past, I was leery of trusting one with my home security. I can’t be the only person who’s had intrusive thoughts of being locked out of my home at 3 a.m. due to an app crash or because I forgot my PIN code. #### ### Level Lock Pro Read our review Price When Reviewed: $349 ($507 as reviewed, with the $79 Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge and the $79 Level Keypad) Best Prices Today: $349 at Level Home Plus, I’m busy and not particularly handy, so my mind raced with concerns. Will it take a long time to install? Will my tech-averse husband hate it? Will we install it and then just never use that door again? Never one to back down from a challenge (I’m raising five boys, after all), I said I’d give it a shot. The biggest surprise? I can’t believe I didn’t try this sooner. A smart lock has been the least complicated part of my home security routine, and it’s as smart as I want it to be—a big must if your household members have varying levels of tech comfort. You may be as surprised as I was at how uneventful the entire experience turned out to be (and that’s a good thing!) ## Installation was surprisingly easy First, before you ever buy a lock, get to know the doors in your home. You likely have an entry point in mind, but not all doors work with all locks. Most standard smart deadbolt kits, like the Schrage Encode Plus that I tried (read our expert’s review of the Schrage Encode Plus), have clear specifications on the packaging to confirm a fit. Even if it’s not explicitly stated, a given lock may not work on an antique, non-standard, or glass-filled door (e.g., French-style). Linsey Knerl/Foundry We chose a door that was close enough to be in range of our home Wi-Fi network, but far enough away that we’d appreciate the convenience of locking it without having to physically walk to the door. In our case, this was the front door to our very cold-in-winter garage—which did _not_ , unfortunately, have an existing lock. If your preferred door doesn’t have a deadbolt already, you can cut holes for one—which is what we did. Most hardware stores sell door lock installation kits, but be sure you purchase both the hole saw component and the latch plate jig. They may not be bundled together in the same kit. (If you don’t have a handy spouse like I do, this is a quick job for a handyman that should take less than an hour.) After we had a deadbolt hole and a place for a latch plate, the installation itself was super simple. The entire process took less than 10 minutes, so if you’re looking for a weekend project, this won’t even take the whole weekend. (Meaning, you can’t use it as an excuse to miss your least-favorite cousin’s wedding.) Linsey Knerl/Foundry Here are some highlights and tips from our installation: * The door lock we chose came with an instruction booklet and an app to guide us through. I preferred the app because it had animated videos that really helped someone like me, who has little spatial ability. Reading all the steps before you start can be very helpful, as well. * The unique security code for your lock is likely printed on the instructions. Snap a photo of this with your phone so you’ll always have it, even if you lose the pamphlet. * To make the process smoother, check what you’ll need before you start and verify that you have each item (screws, plates, etc.) mentioned in the instructions. * Our lock came with standard AA batteries, but not all do. Have a fresh set available so you can finish installation. * Separate bolt or screw types by size so you don’t accidentally use the wrong one for a particular step. * As long as you have a standard-sized Phillips screwdriver, you won’t need extra tools, but a second person can help when lining up the lock from the other side of the door. As a final note, I’d strongly advise picking a door lock that runs on batteries. While hard-wired options are available, these are more appropriate for homeowners with access to an electrician and would likely lead to a more involved installation process. ## You can decide how smart your smart lock will be I have a love-hate relationship with gadgets due to privacy concerns and app fatigue. If you do too, that’s OK. Smart locks can be used as part of a connected ecosystem of smart devices or entirely on their own. While you generally need to install the app and sign up for a free account to use a smart lock initially, continued use is optional. Our lock came with a key and a PIN pad, so it is unnecessary to connect to a smart assistant (Alexa, Google Home) unless you want to. In the event of a power or internet outage, I can rely on the lock’s battery power and PIN, or stick with the old-fashioned key on a ring. I also love this type of smart-lock configuration for “Wait Until 8th” households, as it allows kids to come and go without compromising on tech boundaries. #### ### Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Read our review Price When Reviewed: $319.00 Best Prices Today: $249.94 at Amazon | $319 at Schlage | Not Available at Amazon Prime I also like that our lock came with a guest PIN option, meaning a housekeeper, visiting family member, or dog-sitter can come and go with their own PIN. We can see when they came and went with notifications in the app, or even disable the PIN to revoke access. Other locks come with fingerprint identification, something I really didn’t want. In the winter, we prefer to keep gloves on, and I’m really hesitant to give more personal data than necessary to any app or device. But you can always balance your unique needs and privacy concerns with any lock you choose. ## It gave me peace of mind Ultimately, the right smart lock should make you feel safer than without one. In our case, I was impressed with a few features right from the start. For one, it was easy to check the lock’s status from anywhere, including my bed at three in the morning. This is a key factor in the middle of December, when I’m reluctant to brave the chilly temperatures in the garage to check if my door is truly locked. (Keep in mind that if you choose a Bluetooth-only smart lock rather than a Wi-Fi model or one with a network-connected hub, you’ll need to be physically near the lock to access it.) It also provides some assurance when I leave the kids home alone. Rather than texting to remind them to lock the door (and obsessively waiting for them to text back to confirm they complied), I can just check the phone app. I also get notified when they lock or unlock the door, whether they do so with the app, a connected device, the PIN pad, or the physical key. My favorite use case is the ability to remotely lock the door immediately. Remember the escaped fugitive I mentioned earlier? It really happened in our small town, and it was nice to lock my door in the middle of the day from my kitchen without making the trek to the garage. While I doubt seconds matter in most cases, it is handy to be able to lock or unlock the door instantly. #### ### Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Enabled Smart Lock Read our review Price When Reviewed: $279 Best Prices Today: $259 at Amazon | $279 at Home Depot | $279 at Kwikset ## You can take it with you Finally, I understand the reluctance to spend a lot of money on a nicer smart lock, especially if you’re in a starter home—or if you plan to replace your door at some point. However, uninstalling the lock takes less time than installing it. So, if you keep all the parts from your original lock, it’s just as simple a process to put things back the way they were and bring your fancy lock to your next door (or location). With some of these locks costing hundreds of dollars, I like having the freedom to not be “locked” into a single door. ## I’m a smart lock believer now I’m not sold on all new technology and will probably never invest in a smart fridge, for example. But I can’t deny that the smart lock has changed the way I think about security and may have actually enhanced (in a small way) how I live. Having a smart lock makes safety a one-button push thing, like the fob on my car keys. It’s safety first, but without all the drama of waking up my husband at 3 a.m. to ask, “Are you _sure_ you remembered to lock the door?” It gives my racing mind one less thing to ruminate on while keeping my most prized treasures (my family) a little bit more secure. But you don’t have to be an obsessive checker like me to get value from a smart lock. Anyone who lives in cold climates or thinks hiding a key under the mat is an outdated idea can probably get on board with the gadget. Because protecting what matters most should feel simple, not stressful. _Check outTechHive’s top picks for the best smart locks._

Google is rolling out a comprehensive security update for Android this month that’s designed to actively protect users from phone scams, phishing attacks, and other fraud attempts. ## Scam Detection for Pixel phones The first security feature worth knowing about it called Scam Detection and is currently only available on Pixel 6 devices or later with an active SIM card. Based on the Gemini Nano AI model, Scam Detection notifies you of potential scam calls as they happen. When a phone call comes in, Scam Detection analyzes it to detect certain patterns of typical scams. For example, if the caller claims to be a bank employee requesting an urgent bank transfer, or someone who demands sensitive data under time pressure. If suspicious behavior is flagged, the phone will automatically warn you with a message. The entire analysis takes place locally on your device and happens in real time. Audio data isn’t transferred to or processed in the cloud, so data protection is guaranteed. ## Scam protection in Google Messages Google Messages has been able to detect and warn you about potential scams for several months now, but it’s getting even better with some new additional features and improvements. According to a Google community post, Google Messages will warn you with a “link blocked” message when you tap on a suspicious link that leads to a potentially harmful website. You can override the warning by marking it as “not spam.” This feature is available globally. There’s also a new Key Verifier tool in Google Messages that you can use to verify whether the person you’re chatting with is actually who they claim to be. The feature works by having you scan a QR code on your contact’s phone to mark them as a trusted contact. ## Group chat warnings in Google Messages Have you ever been invited to a random group chat by an unknown number? Google Messages will now warn you with key details about the group, plus tips on how to stay safe. If you don’t want to stay in the group, you can easily report as spam, block the number, and leave. ## Check text and links with Circle to Search You can also start using the Circle to Search feature to analyze whether certain bits of text and/or links are malicious. All you do is long-press the Home button on your Android device to launch Circle to Search, then circle the suspicious text/link. Google will then use its AI to check and warn you if the text/link could be dangerous. This feature is also available in Lens and the Google app. ## See why someone is calling you Google is also introducing a new “Call Reason” feature where a caller can state why they’re calling. As the recipient, you’ll then be able to see the reason before you pick up the phone. This makes it easier to categorize unknown, suspicious, or out-of-context calls. Call Reason is coming to the Phone by Google app this month. All of these features are small on their own, but combined they add up to serious improvements that’ll hopefully keep you from falling victim to scams. Google is going further than many conventional protections (like static blacklists) with dynamic analyses and real-time blocks, though industry experts consider the innovation to be long overdue.

Across the recent fall months, Microsoft added a number of AI features to Windows File Explorer, which not all users appreciated. We’re talking features like AI-powered file search, various AI Actions in the Context Menu, and even AI integrations with third-party apps. Fortunately, it seems Microsoft has listened to the criticism—at least in part. In the latest beta version of Windows 11, it’s now possible to disable the “AI Actions” feature in File Explorer so that they’re no longer visible in the Context Menu. This is great if you never use them. To switch off AI Actions, navigate to Settings in Windows 11 and select the “Apps” menu in the left panel, then select the “Actions” submenu in the main window. There you can uncheck the AI Actions associated with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, Paint, and Photos, reports Windows Latest. Microsoft goes into more detail on this—as well as other features and improvements in this Windows 11 beta build—in the recent Windows Insider blog post. Those new improvements include Quick Machine Recovery enabled by default on some PCs, the release of Windows MIDI Services, and native support for the Model Context Protocol that grants AI agents a standardized way to connect with apps and services. **Further reading:** Sick of AI in Windows 11? Here’s how to get rid of it

It’s almost 2026, which means if you don’t have any smart home devices yet, you’ve fallen behind the curve. Smarter homes mean better energy efficiency, lower energy bills, but most of all greater convenience in your day-to-day life. A simple smart bulb, for example, can be programmed to turn on and off at certain times, turn different colors for different moods, and use less electricity than incandescent or CFL bulbs. Philips Hue makes some of the best smart bulbs on the market right now. Today, you can get this 3-pack of Philips Hue bulbs for just $80 (normally $110), which is a sizable 27% discount worth chomping on. View this Amazon deal These are Philips Hue’s “White and Color Ambiance” bulbs, which means you can use them as white bulbs (along the full spectrum from cool blue to warm orange) _and_ as color bulbs with access to millions of different hues and shades, allowing you to set any mood for any atmosphere with a simple adjustment in the Philips Hue app. Use that same app to select preset scenes for natural sunlight, relaxing environments, and more. These are standard 60W-equivalent LED bulbs with an A19 base, offering 800 lumens of brightness for just 9.5 watts of energy. They’re dimmable, too, so you can adjust their brightness from 1% up to 100%. One benefit of picking Philips Hue bulbs is that they easily integrate with your preferred personal assistant, whether Google Home or Alexa. While the bulbs work just fine out of the box, they’re even better with more features if you use them in tandem with a Philips Hue Bridge (sold separately or as a bundle with 3 bulbs included). Go ahead and make your home smarter with these awesome Philips Hue light bulbs at 3 for $80. That’s a rare opportunity! Save 27% on this Philips Hue smart LED bulb 3-pack Buy now at Amazon

For better or worse, Microsoft Teams is one of the most important communication apps in the professional world. It’s used by millions for chat messages, video conferences, and sending files. Now, according to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, Teams is getting a new feature in February 2026 that few people are going to like—and it’s bad enough that it’ll likely raise concerns among data protectionists. The new feature is described as follows: “When users connect to their organization’s Wi-Fi, Teams will soon be able to automatically update their work location to reflect the building they’re working from. This feature will be off by default. Tenant admins will decide whether to enable it and require end-users to opt-in.” Though that might sound pretty tame on paper, there are some unsettling implications that could arise from this feature. In short, everyone in the Teams organization will always know where their colleagues are in real-time as they move around from Wi-Fi access point to Wi-Fi access point. This will make it easier to drop in on a colleague unannounced or quickly arrange a physical meeting. Moreover, it also means you won’t be able to retreat to a far corner of the office in hopes of remaining undetected so you can work in peace and quiet. Above all, however, this new automatic location-setting feature could be used by employers to more closely monitor their employees. Is Employee A adhering to hybrid work guidelines like “two days at home and three days in the office”? Is Employee B constantly working from home and skipping out on in-office days? Taken to the extreme, it could even be used to note when Employee C arrives on site to determine tardiness. The new feature is currently marked as “in development” with a global rollout planned for February 2026 across Windows and macOS systems. According to the original plan, Microsoft wanted to release this feature as early as December 2025, but will now obviously miss that deadline.

On Tuesday the 9th, Microsoft will release December’s monthly patch for Windows 11. The last Patch Tuesday in 2025 will be huge, because according to Windows Central, there will be no fewer than _16_ new features included in the update (though given the nature of Windows 11 previews, none of these are guaranteed until they appear on home PCs). #### get windows 11 pro for cheap ### Windows 11 Pro Price When Reviewed: 199.99 Best Prices Today: $59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only | $79.99 at PCWorld Software Store These include various design changes to important elements such as the Start menu, specific improvements to existing functions and completely new features. Let’s take a peek at all new features at a glance. ## 1. Visual improvement of the Windows search The Windows search field has been visually improved to match the height of the new Start menu design. This should eliminate some inconsistencies in the design. However, there is still the problem that the new Start menu covers large parts of the screen for many users. It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will address this concern going forward. ## 2. New “Share with Copilot” feature in the taskbar Microsoft’s Copilot AI is also making its way into Windows 11, this time in the taskbar, where the “Share with Copilot” option will soon appear. You will then see a thumbnail of the app you are currently using and can quickly start a conversation with the chatbot via Copilot Vision. In addition, the transition between apps in the taskbar should be smoother when you move the mouse pointer over them. ## 3. Changes to Windows Spotlight for the desktop Windows Spotlight, the feature for dynamically changing background images in Windows 11, is also receiving improvements. You can right-click on the desktop to change the background more quickly. There is also the “Explore background” option, which provides more information about the background. ## 4. Option to disable Drag Tray Microsoft is introducing the option to disable Drag Tray more easily. This normally allows you to select files and drag them to the top of the screen to display options for direct sharing. However, many users found this annoying. After the update, you can deactivate Drag Tray under **Settings** > **System** > **Nearby sharing**. ## 5. Better dark mode in File Explorer There is also something for fans of dark modes. The dark mode of File Explorer has been improved and given a more uniform design in dialogue windows, for example for copying or moving. The confirmation dialogues and other views are also being adapted. However, it is still possible that some elements do not correspond to the new design or that the File Explorer briefly flashes white on startup. Microsoft will continue to work on this. Windows Central ## 6. New device information card in the Start settings If you are looking for information about your device, you no longer have to click through menus. This is because a new tab called “Device information” appears right on the start page of the settings, which displays information about your PC’s processor, memory, RAM and graphics card, among other things. ## 7. Settings for mobile devices in the settings A new configuration menu for mobile devices appears in the Windows 11 Settings app. Here you can add new devices, access the settings of connected mobile devices or remove a device from your account. It’s simple and straightforward. ## 8. Redesign of the info page Microsoft is also changing the look of the info page with the December update. It will now only contain a thumbnail view of the desktop background with an option to rename your computer. Some sections will also be renamed or receive new entries with further information. ## 9. Advanced settings with virtual workspaces Changes are also being made to the “Advanced” section. It contains a new page called “Virtual Workspaces”, where you can manage virtualization functions such as the Windows Sandbox or protected hosts. ## 10. Settings for Bluetooth keyboards and text cursors Under **Settings > Bluetooth and devices > Keyboard** you will find new options for keyboards and text cursors after the patch. For example, the keyboard repetition rate, reassignment of the copilot key or accessibility. ## 11. New default configuration for Quick Machine Recovery Since September, users have been able to use Quick Machine Recovery to quickly restore Windows 11. Microsoft is improving the default setting for this option in December to make it easier to use. The new configuration only searches for solutions once and then prevents the user from using other options to resolve the problem. This should prevent the computer from continuing to search for solutions in a kind of continuous loop instead of offering targeted help. ## 12. Redesign of the widgets board On Tuesday, Windows 11 will introduce a new widgets board with a more consistent design. The new widgets will be more clearly separated from the Discover board and will no longer use a page overlay. Notifications will also be displayed with an icon of the board to which they belong. Windows Central ## 13. Haptic feedback for digital pens Windows 11 devices with touch function receive haptic feedback for the use of pens in the form of vibrations. These accompany the interaction with certain elements, for example when closing windows. ## 14. New “Click to execute” action menu Copilot PCs have a new context menu called “Click to execute”. Actions such as open, save, copy or share are arranged in this menu. There is also a new input field that allows you to access Copilot more quickly. ## 15. Xbox full screen mode for more handheld devices The new Xbox Full Screen Mode is now available on more devices. Until now, users could only use it on the Asus ROG Ally and Ally X, but now the full-screen experience in console design can also be used on normal PCs. Navigation should be much easier and smoother, especially with a controller. The mode also reduces the resource consumption of the desktop and saves up to 2GB of memory. You can activate the mode under **Settings > Gaming > Full screen experience** and then apply the change by restarting. ## 16. Windows Studio Effects for external cameras If you have a Copilot PC, you can also extend the AI-powered camera features of Windows Studio Effects to secondary cameras. This includes USB webcams and integrated rear cameras. In addition to the new features, the December patch of Windows 11 will also contain some bug fixes and closed security gaps. As always, we will report on these in a separate article. #### Exclusive: get windows 11 pro for cheap ### Windows 11 Pro Price When Reviewed: 199.99 Best Prices Today: $59 at PCWorld Store – Win 11 Pro Upgrade Only | $79.99 at PCWorld Software Store

Ever wonder just what your dogs are doing when you’re off to work, or if your cat got the zoomies and ended up shredding your curtains? Or maybe you just want peace of mind knowing that no one is lurking through your home while you’re out running errands? The Blink Mini 2 takes the guesswork out of home surveillance, and today you can get it with a crazy discount on Amazon: now $18 (was $40). View this Amazon deal This second-gen Blink camera offers a quick and easy setup (just plug it into an outlet and connect it to your home Wi-Fi network), then lets you see what’s happening at home directly on your smartphone. It captures 1080p video and even has a built-in spotlight for night recording. While designed as an indoor plug-in camera, it also works well outside as long as you get a Blink weather-resistant adapter (sold separately). If you’re interested, save money with this $28 bundle. The Blink Mini 2 comes with some other cool features, like two-way audio (so you can talk to whoever’s on the other end of the camera) and motion detection (so you get phone alerts when it spots movement). The camera is easy to integrate with Alexa, so you can even use voice commands to pull up the video feed on your Echo Show, for instance. You can now get this Blink Mini 2 at a super-low price of just $18. That isn’t just a 55% discount—it’s the lowest price it’s ever been. If you’re a deal-hunter, you can’t pass this one up. Save 55% on this ultra-compact Blink Wi-Fi home security camera Buy now at Amazon

With Windows 11’s November 2025 Update (update KB5068861), Microsoft fixed some bugs but also introduced some new issues. The biggest news item, however, was the introduction of a completely new and significantly larger Start menu. The new Windows 11 Start menu is almost twice as tall as it used to be, and though it has some good aspects to it, it’s also got some drawbacks. The revamped Start menu is being rolled out to all users gradually, so if you don’t see it yet despite having already installed KB5068861, don’t worry. It’s not a bug. You’ll get it eventually. According to Windows Latest, tests show that the new Start menu covers 90 percent of the screen height compared to the 50 or 60 percent covered previously. When the Phone Link app is also enabled, the new Start menu fills the entire screen. The Start menu now also contains a single page with the complete app list on it. Microsoft claims the new Start menu adapts to different screen sizes, but Windows Latest reports that it takes up a lot of space even on 1080p screens. On lower-resolution screens, it almost reaches the top edge, while it looks somewhat more reasonable on 4K screens. ## A brief overview of the new Start menu Windows Latest The redesigned Start menu is one of the most noticeable changes in Windows 11 25H2. It displays pinned apps at the top, a section in the middle with recommended content (such as recently used documents or programs), and the complete app list below that. The complete app list can be displayed in three modes: as a category view, as a compact grid, or as a classic list. Users can dynamically control the size of the list using buttons such as “Show all” or “Show less.” New personalization settings allow users to display more pinned apps by default or hide recommendations entirely. Frequently used and recently installed apps can also be optionally shown or hidden. Businesses benefit from the largely unchanged basic structure, as adjustments to documentation and training materials are minimal. But not everyone loves the new design, especially those on smaller screens with less screen real estate. Perhaps most annoying, though, is that Microsoft offers no way for users to keep using the old Start menu in case they prefer it. Don’t like it? Tough.

If your Wi-Fi repeatedly causes problems, the cause may be inside your own home. Routers are often placed near devices that interfere with the wireless signals and slow down the connection. Below, you’ll find out which objects to watch for and how to avoid them. ## These devices must not be placed next to the Wi-Fi router ### 1. Baby monitors Many video baby monitors transmit in the same 2.4 GHz range as WLAN routers. As a result, both compete for the same radio path. This leads to interference, faltering data transmissions, and interrupted streams. That’s why a baby monitor should always be kept at a safe distance from the router. ### 2. Microwaves Microwaves also operate in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. Although modern devices are well-shielded, there is easily measurable leakage radiation at the door. This is sufficient to attenuate WLAN signals. A router should therefore not be placed on the kitchen counter or in the immediate vicinity of a microwave oven. ### 3. Bluetooth devices and wireless speakers Bluetooth uses the same frequency spectrum as older WLAN networks. If multiple speakers, headphones, or controllers are active, data collisions can occur near the router. Keeping a bit of distance or switching to the 5 GHz network can significantly improve stability. ### 4. Cordless telephones The base station of a cordless telephone continuously transmits radio signals. If it’s located directly next to the router or repeater, the WLAN quality will drop noticeably. The telephone base should be placed on a shelf or in another room. ### 5. Wireless cameras and smart home hubs Surveillance cameras, smart home hubs, and other smart control centers transmit constantly. Many even occupy several wireless channels at once. If these devices sit close to the router, they can reduce data throughput across the entire Wi-Fi network. ### 6. Refrigerators, metal cabinet, and radiators Metal surfaces strongly reflect and absorb Wi-Fi waves, causing a router to lose range and performance almost immediately. An open, raised area in the room with as little metal nearby as possible is ideal. ### 7. Aquariums Water is very good at absorbing radio waves, so an aquarium between the router and your device can behave like a wall. Even a small amount of distance from the tank can significantly improve the signal range. ## How to position your router correctly A good location contributes to how stable and fast your Wi-Fi runs. These points will help you find the best position: * **Position centrally:** If possible, place the router in the center of the home so that the wireless signal is evenly distributed and doesn’t get stuck on the outer walls. * **Elevated positioning:** Placing the router on a shelf or sideboard can significantly improve its range. When it’s near the floor, the signal is more quickly weakened by furniture or radiators. * **Free-standing placement:** The router should not be placed in cupboards, behind the TV, or next to large metal surfaces. Paneling and metal surfaces weaken the wireless performance. * **Uuse the 5 GHz band:** Activate the 5 GHz network if your router supports dual band. This band is less congested and reacts less to interference in the home. * **Switch on automatic channel detection:** Modern routers recognize crowded wireless channels and automatically switch to a better option. Automatic control usually offers more stable results than manual settings. This function can be activated via the user interface of your router. For example, open fritz.box or **192.168.1.1** in the browser and switch to the _WLAN_ or _wireless channel_ area. Select _“Automatic_ ” or _“Automatic control_ ” and save the setting.

**TL;DR** : Windows 11 Pro now only costs $9.97 (reg. $199). Microsoft ended support for Windows 10, so any computer that hasn’t upgraded is at risk. Normally, moving up to Windows 11 Pro would cost $199, but right now, it’s only $10. With Windows 11 Pro, the layout is cleaner, multitasking is more intuitive, and tools like Snap Layouts and virtual desktops help wrangle your workspace without any extra effort. If you’re someone who keeps a dozen projects open at once or just lives with too many browser tabs, it helps keep everything moving smoothly. It’s also a solid upgrade for gaming. DirectX 12 Ultimate support gives compatible games sharper visuals and faster load times, and the overall system efficiency helps with performance across the board. Security gets a boost, too. BitLocker can lock down your files, Smart App Control catches suspicious downloads before they cause trouble, and biometric login options make signing in both safer and faster. Users who need advanced tools get extras like Hyper-V for virtual machines and Windows Sandbox for testing apps in a contained environment. Windows 11 Pro also includes Microsoft Copilot, an AI assistant that can help draft text, answer questions, or handle small tasks while you work. It’s now only $9.97 to get Windows 11 Pro for life, but that won’t last much longer. No coupon code needed. Microsoft Windows 11 ProSee Deal _StackSocial prices subject to change._

**TL;DR:** Get a lifetime license to Pansophy’s fully private, on-device AI assistant for $79 and run ChatGPT-style tools locally with zero subscriptions, zero data sharing, and zero usage limits (MSRP $199). AI tools are getting more powerful, but also more expensive, more restricted, and more invasive. That’s why this new desktop AI tool is turning so many heads: it gives you ChatGPT-style intelligence with none of the trade-offs. Pansophy is a fully local AI desktop assistant that runs entirely on your PC, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux device. This means there are no subscription fees, no usage limits, and nothing you type, upload, or ask ever leaves your device. ## Best for those who use AI every day and want to feel safer Pansophy handles chat, text generation, code assistance, translation, document analysis, and even a hybrid local and web search mode. Everything processes directly on your CPU (GPU optional), so it works without an internet connection. And because it’s all local, there are no tokens, no quotas, and no per-word billing—ever. You can also upload PDFs, DOCX, TXT, or Markdown files for summarization or Q&A, draft emails, debug code, brainstorm projects, or run multilingual conversations, all while maintaining full control of your data. Grab a Pansophy Private Personal AI Desktop Assistant lifetime subscription here for $79 (MSRP $199). Pansophy Private Personal AI Desktop Assistant – Base Plan: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal _StackSocial_ _prices subject to change._

#### At a glance ### Expert's Rating ### Pros * Support for a high number of users * TCL’s new smart-home app is a dramatic improvement * Lots of features for the price ### Cons * Deadbolt feels a bit wobbly * Doesn’t support recurring credentials * The doorbell feels superfluous ### Our Verdict This budget smart lock doesn’t skimp on features, although reservations over the robustness of it hardware keep us from making a strong recommendation for it. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today ### Price When Reviewed $119.99 ### Best Prices Today: TCL D2 Plus Fingerprint Smart Lock Retailer Price $109.99 View Deal TCL $119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket TCL jumped into the smart lock market late in late 2024 with some ambitious—and pricey—locks that were hit and miss, perhaps rushed to market without enough testing. The manufacturer has since taken a step back and is fleshing out its lineup a bit more thoughtfully, including the launch of this budget-priced offering, the TCL D2 Plus Fingerprint Smart Lock Plus. ## Specifications The TCL D2 Plus looks a lot like its big brother, the TCL D2 Pro, but with a major change under the hood: The Pro is a palm vein scanning lock, where the Plus relies on a more pedestrian fingerprint scanner as its primary authentication system. The biggest advantage is that the change helps get the price way down: An MSRP of $110 compared to $170 for the Pro model. That $60 difference makes it a solid value. > TCL now has its own mobile app, TCL Home, and it’s a great improvement over the generic Tuya app it used before. The exterior of the aluminum-clad lock, which is rated IP55 for weatherproofing but with no ANSI/BHMA certification, offers only a few surprises, including the aforementioned fingerprint scanner, a touch-sensitive numeric keypad, and support for NFC cards (the SKU reviewed here doesn’t come with any cards, but you can buy the lock bundled with several fobs at Amazon for just a few dollars more). An exposed physical keyhole—along with two keys—provides another means of entry. The doorbell button embedded in the TCL D2’s PIN pad isn’t backlit, which makes it very difficult to see at night. Christopher Null/Foundry An understated doorbell button is embedded in the lock’s keypad. When a visitor presses the button, you’ll hear a chime and receive a push notification on your smartphone. This product is _not_ a video doorbell, however, and it has no video features at all; nor does TCL offer a secondary chime that can be installed inside the house. A USB-C port on the bottom of the exterior escutcheon can be used for emergency access if the lock’s batteries die while you’re out. Speaking of batteries, you’ll need to bring your own: Eight AA cells, which TCL says will provide about 6 months of running time. The lock connects directly to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need for a bridge or smart home hub. Amazon Alexa and Google Home are both supported if you want to extend your ecosystem beyond the basics of the TCL Home app. ## Installation and setup The TCL D2 Plus comes with the usual bits and pieces, including two physical keys. Christopher Null/Foundry The process of installing the TCL D2 Plus is the same as it is for entry-level locks, with two bolts connecting the exterior escutcheon to a mounting frame on the inside of the door. The interior escutcheon mounts to that frame with just two more bolts, and a single electrical cable connects the two components, making this a quick install compared to the rest of the industry. Popping the eight batteries into place feels like the more onerous part of the process. More good news: TCL has moved from the awful Tuya app that it initially relied upon for the TCL D1 series, and now has its own mobile app, TCL Home. This is a great improvement, and setting up the lock with this app was simple. The app automatically discovered the lock once it was powered up, and pressing a button under the battery cover completed the onboarding process. Answering a few simple questions added the lock to my Wi-Fi network, and after three(!) firmware updates it was ready for use. ## Using the TCL D2 Plus Finger Print Smart Lock The TCL D2 Plus is largely intuitive and easy to use, although you’ll need to spend a bit of time in the settings menu to optimize it fully. One option I recommend changing immediately is to turn off “Device Security,” which requires you to enter a PIN in the app every time you use the app, which quickly becomes very tiresome. TCL now has its own smart home app, and it’s a big improvement over what it bundled with its earlier smart locks. Christopher Null/Foundry Other settings cover the basics: Auto locking can be set to between 10 and 120 seconds (though the lock has no door sensor and will lock whether it’s open or closed), and wrong-try protection lets you specify 5 to 10 incorrect permission attempts before it disables the lock for 2 to 5 minutes. Notifications can be individually set for unlocking, locking, doorbell presses, and alarm conditions (such as the activation of wrong-try lockout). Each of these activities is logged in the Events tab on the home screen and is summarized by day and week in the Home Assistant tab. One additional feature on this tab is called Homecoming Reminder, which is a type of alarm/reminder that will push a notification to the administrator if a configured user has not returned home and unlocked the door within a window of time that you set. It’s clearly designed for parents to keep tabs on children, and it worked well in my testing. The TCL D2 Plus Fingerprint Smart Lock requires eight AA batteries, and you’ll need to provide them. Christopher Null/Foundry User management is well designed, with credentials assigned user by user. Each user can have multiple fingerprints, PINs (4 to 8 digits), and NFC cards assigned. The lock supports up to 100 of each type of credential in total. Fingerprints and NFC cards always provide 24/7 access; PINs can be set to permanent or time-limited, although there is no facility for recurring passwords that are valid, say, only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Duress PINs can be used to send an alert to the administrator if a user is unlocking the door under duress, so the admin can notify authorities. Lastly, one-time, immediate-use passwords can be generated on demand within the app; these expire within 10 minutes, and only one can be active at a time. I encountered no significant issues working with the TCL Home app or the lock’s input systems throughout several days of testing. My only real complaint about using the lock was with some aspects of the hardware itself. The thumbturn requires a lot of pressure to get the bolt to extend all the way, and the motor can’t get the job done either, though the bolt made it _most_ of the way to full extension—just a couple of millimeters shy. The TCL D2 Plus Fingerprint Smart Lock isn’t the most demure lock on the market. Christopher Null/Foundry I wasn’t thrilled with the way the deadbolt jiggles around when it’s extended, either, feeling a bit loose and unsteady. Without formal testing it’s hard to know how secure the lock is physically; but anecdotally, it just doesn’t feel all that secure. Remember, the lock is not ANSI/BHMA certified. The doorbell on the front of the lock, meanwhile, feels like an afterthought. The tiny icon is not illuminated unless the keypad is lit up, and I would never realistically expect a visitor to find the button to tap. It is, however, very easy to _accidentally_ press it when you’re trying to unlock the door. My advice: Set it to mute and forget it’s there. ## Should you buy the TCL D2 Plus Fingerprint Smart Lock? I’ve seen the street price of the TCL D2 Plus Fingerprint Smart Lock drop as low as $80, making for a very good deal. It’s a bit less of a bargain at its $120 MSRP, but it still feels like a reasonable price for what you get. At the very least, this lock is a dramatic upgrade over the still-available TCL D1 series, putting TCL in a much better position to merit consideration in the smart lock space. _This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of thebest smart locks._

Google has unveiled its favorite Chrome browser extensions for 2025. This year’s list is not ranked but is dominated by AI. It is divided into three categories. **AI companions** Google specifically highlights **Monica** and **Sider** , two all-in-one tools that help you summarize web pages, analyze PDFs and write text directly in the browser. **HARPA AI** , in turn, combines AI with web automation, for example to monitor price changes online. In addition, **Quillbot** continues to be a popular writing aid with advanced grammar and paraphrasing features. **Work and learning** In this category, Google recommends **Fireflies.ai **and **Bluedot** , which are extensions that can record, transcribe and summarize digital meetings automatically. **QuestionAI** then acts as a personalized tutor to explain difficult topics, while **eJOY** weaves language learning into daily browsing. **Creativity and shopping** Adobe has now brought its **Photoshop features** directly to the web, which Google says makes quick image editing more accessible than ever. **Phia** , the final winner in Google’s list, helps users compare prices and find the best buy with just one click. PCWorld’s own list of top-notch Chrome extensions doesn’t lean as hard on AI. Check out our roundup of 11 essential Chrome extensions I install on every PC for a more practical lists of add-ons.

Nvidia is reactivating a feature that many of you may have already written off: The new Game Ready driver 591.44 brings back PhysX support for selected older games. For owners of a GeForce RTX 50 graphics card, this is a very relevant change — especially if you enjoy playing classic games with elaborate physics effects. ## Why PhysX is important – and why it was removed PhysX has been a mainstay in PC gaming for many years, creating realistic effects for fabrics, smoke and particles in titles such as “Borderlands 2” and “Batman: Arkham City.” But Nvidia cancelled PhysX support at the beginning of 2025: New RTX-50 series graphics cards could no longer accelerate PhysX calculations in 32-bit games via GPU. As a result, the calculations landed entirely on the CPU — with significant performance losses compared to prior generation GeForce cards. Some gamers reacted with a hilarious, yet totally functional workaround: They plugged an older Nvidia card into their computer just to be able to continue using PhysX effects. ## Driver 591.44: PhysX returns – but only for select games With the current driver, there is now a turnaround. Nvidia is introducing a so-called “Custom Support” level. This is not a complete return of the old 32-bit support, but rather individually created profiles for a hand-picked selection of particularly popular PhysX titles. These nine games now benefit from GPU acceleration again: * Alice: Madness Returns * Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag * Batman: Arkham City * Batman: Arkham Origins * Borderlands 2 * Mafia II * Metro 2033 * Metro: Last Light * Mirror’s Edge Nvidia has announced additional support for “Batman: Arkham Asylum” for the first half of 2026. Whether other games will follow remains to be seen. Nvidia writes that it has initially focused on the most popular classics that are still frequently played today. PhysX technology originally comes from Ageia, which developed its own physics processor unit (PPU) around 20 years ago. Nvidia took over Ageia in 2008 and integrated PhysX calculations directly into the CUDA cores of its own GeForce graphics cards. This made the additional PPU card superfluous, but also tied the effects firmly to Nvidia hardware. ## Driver also brings optimizations and bug fixes In addition to the return of PhysX, Nvidia’s new Game Ready driver offers further improvements: * Optimizations for “Battlefield 6: Winter Offensive” and “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7”, especially in conjunction with DLSS 4. * Fixes for graphics artifacts in “The Witcher 3”. * Stability fixes for Adobe Premiere Pro. Driver 591.44 is available for download as usual via the Nvidia app or the Nvidia website. If you play classic games with PhysX effects, the update should bring noticeable improvements — often significantly higher frame rates and reactivated graphical effects. If, on the other hand, you only play modern titles, you will primarily benefit from the general optimizations and bug fixes.