12 essential Christmas smart home gadgets: The smart lights, plugs, and speakers I use to turn my home into a winter wonderland
Having a smart home is all about convenience, and there’s no better time to make full use of it than during the holidays.
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I test the best Android tablets for a living — here's my top 3 picks for 2025
Our guide to the best Android tablets offers a curated list of the top iPad alternatives.
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The best VPN in 2025: our top 5 picks
We've tested and reviewed dozens of VPN. On this page we've ranked the five best VPNs we've used, and delve into the details of why they're so good.
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Best cable modems in 2025: Say goodbye to equipment rental fees for good
The best cable modems let you avoid monthly rental fees from your ISP and give you greater control over your home network.
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Best gaming laptops that I personally recommend after years of testing and thousands of hours of play
Our best gaming laptops list includes great budget options as well as huge, premium powerhouses. These are the best of the best, based on hours of testing and hands-on reviews.
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Best robot vacuums in 2025: expert tested and rated
These are the best robot vacuums we've tested with models from Narwal, Shark, Roborock and more.
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The best Roombas in 2025
If you're after the best Roomba to handle all your cleaning needs, here are our top picks.
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Stop lying to yourself: 'Avatar' is a good movie
James Cameron's Pandora lives on, proving "Avatar" is a good movie.
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The No. 1 mystery movie you need to watch after 'Knives Out'
If you love Rian Johnson's "Knives Out" mysteries and you're on the hunt for your next case after "Wake Up Dead Man," you need to go watch "Brick."
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'Pluribus' finale release date: When to watch episode 9 and preview
When 'Pluribus' episode 9 will hit Apple TV, Apple's latest preview for its hit sci-fi show, and how to watch the season 1 finale.
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3 best action movies on YouTube you can stream for free
Have a movie night at your place with these completely free flicks on YouTube.
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If you're tired of Hallmark fluff, stream these 5 dark Christmas movies this year
From hand-drawn classics to modern CGI hits, here are the animated Christmas movies to add to your holiday watchlist.
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I put the OnePlus 15R in a dishwasher to test its IP69K rating — here's how it went
To test its extreme durability claims, I put the OnePlus 15R inside a dishwasher to see how well its IP69K rating actually works.
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How to manage notifications on Android
Here's how to manage notifications on any Android phone, be it Samsung, Google, or OnePlus, and make the most of the tools each brand offers.
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I use iOS Reminders to stay on top of my to-dos with my 7 favorite features
Reminders has a lot of powerful features tucked into what seems like a simple to-do manager. Here are the features I turn to when I want to make the most of this iPhone app.
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I use the hidden ‘Back Tap’ iPhone feature to create my own instant shortcuts — here's to do it
The Back Tap feature on the iPhone is a true time saver that adds tons of convenience.
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I needed help writing after breaking my arm — so I put the built-in voice recorder apps on top phones to the test
Which phone produces the most accurate transcripts of voice recordings?
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I put the OnePlus 15R vs iPhone 16e through a 7-round face-off — here’s the winner
I tested the OnePlus 15R vs iPhone 16e for a week to see how these relatively affordable phone compare against each other when it comes to delivering value for money. Here's what I found.
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Forget crunches and sit-ups: This beginner-friendly 'core crusher' abs workout builds strong muscles without them
Build a strong core without sit-ups or crunches using this 'core crusher' abs workout for beginners.
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After years of running in standard running shorts, I've finally found the perfect pair from Lululemon
There are surprisingly many ways a pair of running shorts can fall short — but I’ve finally found a pair from Lululemon that gets everything right.
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Forget sit-ups — I tried the sprinter bridge instead to boost my core strength, and here's what happened
If your core workouts are feeling stale, add some variety to your training sessions by introducing the sprinter bridge, which is great for improving your strength and stability.
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I've been using these 2 banded side plank exercises to improve hip stability and build core strength — here are my results
I’ve been using two banded side plank variations to strengthen my core and hips, and the benefits have carried over into my running. Here’s what else changed.
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I’ve tested nearly every Nike running shoe — these are my 3 top picks
From carbon plate super-shoes to max-cushioned daily trainers, Nike’s range of running shoes is extensive and impressive, but I’ve narrowed it down to three go-to options.
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No cardio or burpees — you just need 15 minutes and these 5 moves to build muscle
This standing dumbbell workout doesn't involve cardio, jumping, or burpees, so you can build strength and muscle without overloading your joints.
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5 ways AI is bringing real magic to the holidays — and most of the tools are free
I tested five AI tools that made the holidays more magical, from personalized Santa videos to Elf on the Shelf ideas and stress-free holiday cards.
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I stopped making slides from scratch — NotebookLM turns my messy notes into a presentation
I used Google’s new Nano Banana Pro with NotebookLM — here are 7 surprisingly useful ways it turned my notes into visuals
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I'm using these 7 AI prompts to help me through the holidays — from prepping food to creating party games
Make the holidays easier with this full list of AI chatbot prompts. Helping to co solve fights, create games and more.
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I tested Google’s Nano Banana — drawing directly on my photos works better than typing prompts
Google’s Nano Banana now lets you draw directly on photos to guide AI image edits. I tested the feature in Gemini and was surprised by how intuitive it feels.
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I made the perfect Spotify Christmas playlist using ChatGPT — here's how you can too
ChatGPT can be a capable tool when it comes to turning your Spotify playlist into a Christmas party.
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I test AI tools for a living and Gemini 3 Flash is my favorite free model of the year — here's why
Gemini 3 Flash has arrived. Here's why it is one of the best and most important AI updates of the past year.
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I played tons of games on TVs this year — here's the top gaming TVs worth buying for your PS5, Xbox, Switch and more
Just got a new console for the holidays and want a new TV to go with it? Here are your best options.
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Apple Vision Pro vs LG OLED: Here’s what happened when I replaced my $3,400 TV with Apple’s $3,500 headset
Which is the better value for watching movies, sports and gaming?
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LG smart TVs just got an AI 'upgrade' that's impossible to remove: LG responds
LG TV owners have noticed Microsoft's Copilot AI has been quietly installed on their sets with seemingly no way of removing it.
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Micro RGB vs OLED TVs: What’s the difference?
Samsung Micro RGB is a new display technology making its way into 2026 TVs. Here's how it compares to OLED display technology when it comes to contrast, brightness, color and longevity.
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Samsung's new Micro RGB TV lineup will go toe-to-toe with LG at CES 2026
Just one day after LG announced that it’s bringing its first-ever Micro RGB TV to CES 2026, Samsung has fired back with some Micro RGB news of its own.
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LG just announced its first Micro RGB TV — and it's a massive upgrade for Mini-LED
Ahead of CES 2026, LG has taken the wraps off of its first-ever Micro RGB TV that looks like a serious upgrade for Mini-LED TVs.
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Doctor reveals common bedroom item that acts as a ‘reservoir’ for the flu virus – plus how often you should wash your bedding when sick
This is exactly how long the flu virus lives on your bed sheets and mattress – plus how often doctors recommend cleaning your bed when you’re sick
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It's the last weekend to clean your mattress before Christmas — why you should and the 3 vital steps to get rid of winter germs, smells and stains
Easy cleaning hacks to get your mattress festive fresh before Santa (and your guests) arrive, using things you already have in your cabinets.
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Bed bug infestations rise 62% in December — these 4 Christmas oils can ward off the pests from your mattress
Bed bug cases are rising this Christmas — here are the essential oils that can ward them off your mattress in time for guests staying
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Over 60% of us have trouble sleeping away at Christmas — 3 tricks to make the guest room mattress softer
From a DIY mattress topper to strategic pillow placement, here's how to make their guest room bed more comfortable fast
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My husband and I swear by this Simba hybrid mattress and you'll get free bedding bundle in Boxing Day sales
This Boxing Day, you'll get a free bedding bundle with the purchase of a Simba mattress
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Expert warns everyone should check their mattress for this dangerous stain in the winter
An expert explains how a moldy mattress might be making your sick and what you can do to keep your bed (and your health) safe.
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Doctor reveals common bedroom item that acts as a ‘reservoir’ for the flu virus – plus how often you should wash your bedding when sick
This is exactly how long the flu virus lives on your bed sheets and mattress – plus how often doctors recommend cleaning your bed when you’re sick
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Sick of your partner stealing the duvet? This viral sleep hack will you both fall asleep fast and sleep through the night again
The Scandinavian Sleep Method is a game-changer for my husband and I in the winter — now we fall asleep fast and sleep through the night
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Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM review 2025: A premium alarm clock that provides a gentle and refreshing wake-up call
I tested the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM for three months to see if it lives up to price tag. Here's why it definitely does...
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The one thing you can do to your spare room to keep your guests happy — and it doesn't cost a thing
Tips to declutter your spare room and turn it into a sleep sanctuary, right in time for holiday guests.
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How to sleep well when you're not in your own bed — plus 3 sleep essentials you need in your suitcase
Can't sleep in a new room? Don't let the first night effect ruin your holidays with our guide to sleeping well in a different bed.
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Sleep Survival Kit: 12 products to help you sleep well in the busiest of houses this holiday season
Noisy relatives? Here's what can help you sleep cozy and uninterrupted this Christmas — including a cheaper-than-Black-Friday white noise machine
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Kindle Scribe Colorsoft vs ReMarkable Paper Pro: Which is best for you?
Unsure whether to buy the best Kindle or the best ReMarkable slate? I can help!
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I use iOS Reminders to stay on top of my to-dos with my 7 favorite features
Reminders has a lot of powerful features tucked into what seems like a simple to-do manager. Here are the features I turn to when I want to make the most of this iPhone app.
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Instacart ordered to refund $60 million to customers in FTC settlement over hidden fees and subscription traps
The FTC has ordered Instacart to refund $60 million to customers over allegations of hidden fees and subscription traps. Here's what we know about when payments go out.
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Google Maps can now help you find your parked car — here’s how
Google Maps has an automatic parking detection feature, here's how to use it.
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TikTok has signed deal to create US joint venture and avoid shutdown — what it means for you
It took a while, but ByteDance is ready to divest its U.S. entity to a joint venture controlled by American investors.
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ExpressVPN's massive price cut spreads holiday cheer – it's even cheaper than NordVPN
ExpressVPN's holiday sale sees the provider drop to its lowest ever price outside of Black Friday 2025. It undercuts major rivals so grab it while you can.
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I couldn't figure out why my poinsettia looked so sad — according to experts, I'm making these 3 common mistakes
The experts have spoken — here's what to do if, like mine, your Poinsettia needs some TLC before Christmas
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Not candles — guests always ask how my house smells amazing, and it's down to these 7 tricks
Guests on their way? These are the 7 failsafe hacks to make your home smell good in seconds
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5 signs you've overwatered your Christmas cactus — and how to fix it
Learn the five signs of an overwatered Christmas cactus, how to save it from root rot, and how to water correctly to prevent future problems.
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I hate portable blenders — here’s what you should buy instead
I was disappointed by the Nutribullet Flex blender, but there are better alternatives out there.
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This $8 hack is the secret to making my artificial Christmas tree smell real
I've just discovered this easy hack to make my artificial Christmas tree smell real, and now my home smells like a forest.
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This Sony soundbar is an Amazon bestseller — and it's the best way to upgrade your TV for under $160
The Sony HT-S100F is widely regarded as the best cheap soundbar, and for good reason. It has crystal-clear dialogue and surprisingly punchy bass.
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As a guitarist and an audiophile, this is the all-in-one speaker I’ve been waiting for
The Marshall Bromley 750 is the British brand's first-ever party speaker, and more than that, it's a guitar amp and a karaoke machine, and I love it.
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I just discovered these 5 AirPods features — and they're game-changers
The hidden AirPods features everyone should know about, and how to enable them.
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Sony WH-1000XM6 vs Sennheiser HDB 630 – which ANC headphones should you buy?
I’ve tested every flagship Sony and Sennheiser ANC headphone over the past decade – here’s who wins the head-to-head today
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I put these 2 Bluetooth speakers to the test that can go anywhere — here's my top pick under $50
We love finding budget products, but sometimes a small upgrade is needed.
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I tested these 5 great last-minute audio gift ideas to take the stress out of choosing
What do you get your music-obsessed family for Christmas? One of these excellent devices, all tested by yours truly.
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NYT Pips today hints and answers: Monday, December 22
Get clues and answers for today's NYT Pips to keep your streak going.
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NYT Connections today hints and answers for Monday, December 22 (#925)
Get today's NYT Connections clues and answers for today's puzzle #925 on December 22.
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Valve quietly discontinues its most affordable Steam Deck
Valve has discontinued its most affordable Steam Deck.
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You can get a PS5 for just £289 this Christmas — here are the best deals in Currys' PlayStation sale
Currys is offering awesome Christmas deals on PS5 consoles — check out my top picks from the sale.
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I review tech for a living and these are the best accessories to get for PS5, Xbox and Switch this Christmas
I'm a lifelong gamer and tech reviewer, and I've rounded up the best headsets and controllers to get for the PS5, Xbox and Switch gamer in your life.
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Today’s Wordle answer is brutal — here’s why December 19's puzzle could ruin your 2025 streak
Today's Wordle answer is another doozy and some players may find it challenging
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Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM review 2025: A premium alarm clock that provides a gentle and refreshing wake-up call
I tested the Lumie Bodyclock Luxe 700FM for three months to see if it lives up to price tag. Here's why it definitely does...
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Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 3rd gen) review
The new Google Nest Doorbell boasts tons of helpful features and a better video quality, but be prepared to pay for those new updates.
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Ring Wired Doorbell Plus (2nd gen) review: Now with 2K and AI
With excellent audio and video quality and a super-wide field of view, the Ring Wired Doorbell Plus is an ideal addition to your home if you want to monitor more than just your front stoop.
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I tested the Vantrue N5S for two weeks — is four cameras too much?
Initially skeptical, the more I used the N5S, the more I saw its benefits. It’s not cheap, but it offers superb coverage as well as fairly decent image recording.
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Can a $500 running shoe ever be worth it? I ran 25 miles in the Adidas Pro Evo 2 to find out
The Adidas Pro Evo 2 is an elite-focused carbon plate running shoe with a truly wild price tag that it wasn’t able to live up to in my testing.
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I spent 6 months testing the Merrell Moab Speed 2s — and they’re the perfect lightweight boots for most hikers
I spent six months testing Merrell's lightweight Moab Speed 2 hiking boots, and they're the perfect all-rounder.
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Beerwulf discount codes for December 2025
SPONSORED These live Beerwulf discount codes can be used to help you less on craft beers and kegs from the home draught beer brand.
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Hostinger coupon codes for December 2025
SPONSORED Use one of Hostinger coupon codes at the checkout to save on web VPS & cloud site hosting, email hosting, domain names, web building & more.
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Squarespace promo codes for December 2025
SPONSORED Add one of these Squarespace promo codes to your order to save on your chosen plan with the leading website-building brand.
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Tempur discount codes for December 2025 |
SPONSORED Use one of our verified Tempur discount codes to save on mattresses, pillows, beds and accessories
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EE Tech & Gaming discount codes for Dec 2025
SPONSORED Save on Games Consoles, VR headsets, accessories and more with our EE Tech & Gaming discount codes.
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Samsung discount codes for December 2025 |
SPONSORED Use one of these tried & tested Samsung promo codes and deals to your order to save on phones, tablets, laptops and more.
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I drove the Polestar 3 for a week, and its beauty-meets-tech approach makes this EV stand out
I test the 2025 Polestar 3 for a week to find out if this mid-size luxury crossover SUV has what it takes to stand out in the EV crowd. Here's what I found out.
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It's the last weekend to clean your mattress before Christmas — why you should and the 3 vital steps to get rid of winter germs, smells and stains
Easy cleaning hacks to get your mattress festive fresh before Santa (and your guests) arrive, using things you already have in your cabinets.
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Bed bug infestations rise 62% in December — these 4 Christmas oils can ward off the pests from your mattress
Bed bug cases are rising this Christmas — here are the essential oils that can ward them off your mattress in time for guests staying
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71+ best gifts under $25 — affordable options for everyone on your list
I found gift ideas for everyone under $25 — check out my top picks from Lego, Adidas, Amazon and more.
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Over 60% of us have trouble sleeping away at Christmas — 3 tricks to make the guest room mattress softer
From a DIY mattress topper to strategic pillow placement, here's how to make their guest room bed more comfortable fast
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My husband and I swear by this Simba hybrid mattress and you'll get free bedding bundle in Boxing Day sales
This Boxing Day, you'll get a free bedding bundle with the purchase of a Simba mattress
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I ran a half marathon with the Coros Pace 4 vs. Garmin Forerunner 265 — here’s the winner
The Garmin Forerunner 265 and Coros Pace 4 are two of my favorite sports watches, and both offer good value to runners and triathletes. But which is better?
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I tested more than 40 EVs this year — here's the top 5 most efficient models (and 3 worst)
I drove more than 40 EVs this year, and these are the most efficient electric vehicles I've tested, ranging from sporty sedans all the way to compact SUVs.
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5 wearable tech predictions for 2026 — from futuristic Fitbits to the ever-elusive Apple Ring
From likely releases from Apple and Fitbit to long shots, these are the smartwatch and smart ring debuts I'm hoping for most in the new year.
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5 reasons to choose the Apple Watch Ultra 3 over the Apple Watch Series 11
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is twice the cost of the Apple Watch Series 11. Here are the five biggest reasons to buy the higher-end model.
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Avatar: Fire and Ash’ review: A technical marvel that's also a tedious watch
The third movie in James Cameron's epic sci-fi franchise makes major leaps in technology but offers a bloated retread of a story.
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Apple Watch 11 vs Apple Watch SE 3: Which is the better fitness tracker? I walked 5,500 steps to find out
Is the Apple Watch 11 or the Apple Watch SE 3 a better fitness tracker? I wore one on either wrist and sauntered about to find out.
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Rad Power Bikes files for bankruptcy, owes $8.3 million in unpaid tariffs
Rad Power Bikes was a dominant brand in the e-bike market, but times have changed, and the brand has filed for bankruptcy protection.
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How to get NFL Sunday Ticket for 2025-2026 season — Pricing, where to watch and more
NFL Sunday Ticket lets you watch nearly every NFL game and isn't limited to those with YouTube TV. Here's how to sign up for Sunday Ticket, pricing, what games you get and more.
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I tested the Vantrue N5S for two weeks — is four cameras too much?
Initially skeptical, the more I used the N5S, the more I saw its benefits. It’s not cheap, but it offers superb coverage as well as fairly decent image recording.
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I'm shopping the best deals from £8 in Argos' Christmas sale on Ninja, JBL speakers and more
Time is running out to get the best Argos Christmas deals! Check out the best savings I've found on laptops, video games, toys, decor and more.
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Ford discontinues the F-150 Lightning, and I'm both disappointed and not surprised
The F-150 Lightning is being discontinued, but Ford's moving ahead with an F-150 EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) that will offer 700 miles of range.
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Expert warns everyone should check their mattress for this dangerous stain in the winter
An expert explains how a moldy mattress might be making your sick and what you can do to keep your bed (and your health) safe.
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The Pixel Watch 4 is great, but I'm sticking with my Galaxy Watch 8 Classic — here's why
Despite being really impressed by Google's latest smartwatch, I still find myself drawn to Samsung's rival wearable.
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The best electric bikes of 2025: expert tested and rated
Our picks for the best electric bikes for riders of all types and budgets, based on dozens of reviews and tests
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