PCMag Canada computers-electronics

TP-Link Teases Wi-Fi 8 Router Preorders. Will FCC Ban Thwart a US Launch?

Jon Martindale — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:24:00 +0000

The Deco 8 Ultra mesh system can support more than 200 connected devices, but you might never see it. TP-Link is still fighting for an exemption to the FCC's foreign-made router ban.

TP-Link is at IFA in Berlin to debut its first consumer Wi-Fi 8 routers, dubbed the Archer and Deco, and while you can preorder them later this month, they won't actually arrive until 2027. And a US launch …

Sunseeker S4 Wireless AI Robot Lawn Mower Review: High-Tech Trimming for Small Lawns

John R. Delaney — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:37:00 +0000

The Sunseeker S4 is a robot lawn mower designed for small yards up to .25 acres (10,890 square feet). It doesn’t require wires or antennas, and it creates a map of your lawn and avoid obstacles. Cutting and edging performance is first-rate, but battery …

Roku Is Making OLED TVs Now, and I'm Here for It

Will Greenwald — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Roku's move into OLED TVs with its new Pro Series presents a promising opportunity for less tech-savvy and more budget-conscious users to get a premium panel with a simple experience.

Roku just unveiled new Pro Series OLED TVs, its first to use OLED panel technology instead of LED-backlit LCD. I can't say whether they're actually good TVs until I get them into the lab for testing, but this news is promising for …

DLSS 5 Officially Lands Sept. 3 With NBA 2K27, Boasts 5x Efficiency Gain

Michael Kan — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Following several leaks, DLSS 5 is about to launch officially. Amid accusations of the tech creating AI slop, Nvidia also reiterated that the feature is meant to preserve artistic intent.

It’s already been leaked and modified for over two dozen PC games, but Nvidia’s controversial DLSS 5 is ready to launch. The company will debut the AI-powered feature and its photorealistic graphics on Thursday, Sept. 3, through the game NBA 2K27.

DLSS 5 will land at …

Dyson’s First Toothbrush Puts a Camera in Your Mouth, Flosses For You

James Peckham — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:19:33 +0000

The new CameraJet toothbrush is expensive, much like Dyson’s other gadgets, at $499.

After innovating in vacuum cleaners, fans, and haircare, Dyson’s next target is oral health. Its first electric toothbrush comes with a built-in camera to help you monitor your mouth, along with AI-powered flossing and other finely tuned brushing features.

It’s called the Dyson CameraJet, which uses a 100,000-pixel macro camera to …

The Best Laptops for 2026

Brian Westover, Joe Osborne — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Whether you want a simple budget PC, a productivity workhorse, or a screamer of a gaming notebook, our experts have done the heavy lifting to help you find the right laptop for the job.

Buying the best laptop for you can be maddening, given all the specifications and features you'll encounter in your search. Which class of laptops is best for you depends on your budget and how you plan to use it. Take a systematic approach when shopping—here's how to make a smart …

Google Hikes Prices of TV Streamer, Nest Doorbells and Cameras

Jibin Joseph — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 09:18:39 +0000

The Google TV Streamer gets a massive 50% bump, with the brand saying its price adjustments reflect rising component costs.

Another day, another set of price hikes — this time from Google. The company increased prices on Monday for its Google TV Streamer, Nest Doorbells, and Nest indoor and outdoor cameras.

For the Google TV Streamer, the price is going up by a massive 50%, …

The Best Scanners for 2026

Tom Brant, Tony Hoffman — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:01:00 +0000

Need to scan family photos, piles of documents, or expense receipts? Our experts have tested the best options for every scanning scenario.

The first step in scanner buying comes down to a simple thing: what kind or kinds of media you'll be scanning. Knowing what (and how often) you expect to scan will tell you everything you need to know about the features you'll need.

Photos, unbound documents, receipts, and business cards …

The Best OLED Laptops for 2026

Matthew Buzzi — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:36:55 +0000

Laptops with brilliant, ink-black OLED screens are getting ever more affordable. Still, are the benefits of this striking display technology worth paying a premium for? Let's dig in, and see our top performers in testing.

You might be asking: What is an OLED display, anyway?

To answer that, we'll start by getting into the details of OLED screens and the advantages they offer. As we said, the acronym stands for "organic light-emitting diode." The short explanation is that OLED technology is similar to traditional LED technology—the …

The Best Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projectors for 2026

M. David Stone — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:31:03 +0000

Need a projector for a tight space, whether that's a business conference room, a store-window display, or your personal media cave? One of these models we tested is the one you want.

If you're considering buying a projector with a shorter-than-standard throw distance, it's helpful to understand the categories of short throw and UST in context.

Most projectors give you a standard throw. Long-throw lenses and short-throw lenses are harder to manufacture well enough to project a high-quality image, which makes them, and …

The Best Printers for 2026

M. David Stone — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:59:58 +0000

Inkjet or laser? Need just printing, or have to scan and copy, too? Seeking low-cost ink, or a low-cost printer? Here's how to choose the right printer for home or work, along with some of our favorites among our top lab-tested picks.

Printers vary widely based on what you intend to print with them, whether you need color printing or just monochrome, and whether they’re for home use or business use (or dual use in a home and home office). In particular, high-quality printing for text, graphics, and photos requires different capabilities …

The Best Battery Life Laptops for 2026

Matthew Buzzi — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 21:36:01 +0000

We've tested hundreds of laptops to find the ones that last the longest between charges. These battery-life champs will easily take you through a day of work or school, plus an evening's entertainment.

Modern improvements in laptop battery life are largely thanks to CPUs and other more power-efficient components; it's not just battery technology that deserves the credit. That's especially true of Intel's and AMD's latest processors (especially the AI-centric Intel Core Ultra chips), which power some of the longest-lasting models on our …

Qualcomm's 6G Pitch Has Efficiency Covered. Privacy Is Another Story

Rob Pegoraro — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 20:08:10 +0000

Network efficiency is an easy sell, but other 6G use cases, from providing a 'God's-eye view of everything' to smart glasses constantly feeding footage for analysis, could be a privacy nightmare.

SAN DIEGO, CA—Six months after launching a public pitch for 6G at MWC Barcelona, Qualcomm faces two problems with its attempt to advance the next generation of wireless. One is that wireless customers and even carriers may not …

The Best Android Phones for 2026

Iyaz Akhtar — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Google’s Android platform is the dominant global mobile operating system for good reason. Here are the top Android phones we've tested, along with advice on how to pick the best one for you.

When Is the Best Time to Buy a New Android Phone?

The Android release cycle is perpetual, and a new set of flagship phones arrives practically every month. Samsung updates its Galaxy S line in February, while Motorola refreshes its folding phone line in the spring. Summer brings Samsung's newest foldables …

What's the Best iPhone to Buy in 2026?

Eric Zeman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:05:00 +0000

Apple sells many iPhones, and we've tested them all. Whether you need a superb camera, flagship power, or a simple first phone for your kids, here's how to choose the best iPhone.

When Is the New iPhone Coming Out?

The iPhone 17 line launched in September 2025, which means the iPhone 18 is likely to arrive in September or October 2026. Apple's announcement event is set for September 8, so we should …

We've Benchmarked Dozens of Phones. The Fastest Two Aren't the Ones You'd Guess

Eric Zeman — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000

In our latest testing, when it comes to pure speed, the iPhone 17 Pro Max gets beaten by its smaller sibling, while a dedicated Android gaming phone blows past every mainstream flagship.

Behind every PCMag Editors' Choice award is extensive data. We thoroughly test each phone we review across multiple key factors, such as battery life, radio performance, and speed, all of which can be quantified with real-world data and …

Starlink Mobile and AST? This Prepaid Carrier Wants to Offer Both

Michael Kan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:59:24 +0000

US Mobile's CEO tells Reddit users that his MVNO plans on offering both Starlink Mobile and AST SpaceMobile later this year.

As SpaceX’s Starlink Mobile and AST SpaceMobile compete in satellite connectivity for phones, one prepaid carrier in the US sees an opportunity to offer both services to its customers.

The CEO of US Mobile, Ahmed Khattak, mentioned the upcoming satellite connectivity push in a Reddit

Siri AI Isn't Enough: The 2 Major Hardware Flaws Holding Apple's Smart Home Back

Tyler Hayes — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:25:43 +0000

Apple has some intriguing smart home upgrades on tap with iOS 27, but software enhancements are only part of the puzzle. Luckily, it already has everything it needs to take on its rivals.

If you've experimented with smart home tech for any length of time, you've likely slogged through multiple platform transitions and poorly implemented gadgets. It's easy to be skeptical; companies discontinue devices and services every year, and home voice assistants still need …

The 5-Minute Phone Setup That Could Save Your Life in an Emergency

Jill Duffy — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:52:19 +0000

Make sure your emergency medical information and contact numbers are visible on your locked phone so you’re prepared if the worst happens.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you were alone in public and needed medical attention but couldn't communicate with first responders? How could you let them know if you have any drug allergies, major health issues, or who to contact? It's a scary thought, but one your

Tim Cook Was No Steve Jobs, But That Was His Secret Weapon

Tyler Hayes — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:16:03 +0000

Cook was less inclined than his predecessor to go 'thermonuclear,' but his disciplined approach made Apple richer than ever. Can the company still thrive after he steps down as CEO on Sept. 1?

If you were describing Tim Cook’s 15-year tenure as Apple's CEO in one word, “boring” would be a top contender. So, it's no surprise that his final few months at the helm have been a tidy affair. No public controversy or …

MapQuest Sticks With Lake Ontario, Sees Surge in App Downloads

Michael Kan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:37:45 +0000

MapQuest's app ranking hits number one for navigation as it keeps Lake Ontario's name intact. Meanwhile, Google Maps is facing some backlash for displaying the 'Lake America' name.

President Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America has sparked a bit of resurgence for MapQuest, the old-school mapping service some may have assumed was dead.

Launched in 1996, MapQuest says it's now seeing a flood of new app downloads after the online mapping service managed to get Nvidia's unreleased DLSS 5 AI beautification technology working on older RTX 40 and RTX 30 series graphics cards, with predictable results. As VideoCardz reports, one user ran it on an RTX 3080 in …

Do You Edit Photos or Video on Your PC, Phone, or Tablet? Take This Survey to Win Big

PCMag Canada — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 23:16:23 +0000

We want to hear your thoughts on the tools you use to perfect your digital snapshots, create amazing influencer videos, and more. One lucky respondent will get a $250 Amazon gift card.

Take the PCMag Photo and Video Editing Survey Now

Take other PCMag surveys. Each completed survey is a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card.

Asus Zenbook A16 Review: A Featherweight 16-Inch OLED Powerhouse

Brian Westover — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Luxury pricing for laptops often comes down to two things: performance and panache. This year's Asus Zenbook A16 (starting at $1,699.99) aims for both, combining high-end processing power with a distinctively rich, tactile build. The result is a lightweight and premium

Apple Watch Series 12 Wishlist: 5 Upgrades Standing Between Meh and Must-Have

Andrew Gebhart — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

From holding the line on pricing to deeper AI fitness coaching, these five upgrades will decide whether the Apple Watch Series 12 is worth your money.

At its 'Surprise and Shine' event on Sept.9, Apple will all but certainly announce a Series 12 smartwatch. I don’t expect Apple to throw out the playbook here, despite new leadership. If history is any …

Razer Iskur V2 NewGen Review: Finally, a Gaming Chair That Actually Breathes

Kimberly Gedeon — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

The $649.99 Razer Iskur V2 NewGen is exactly what I needed during the oppressive heat wave that recently hit New York. I've had gaming chairs that provided lumbar support, but felt too stiff and unforgiving. Conversely, I've sat in gaming chairs that were soft and …

Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ Review: High-Res Security on a Budget

John R. Delaney — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

When I reviewed the Blink Video Doorbell back in 2025, I praised its affordability, sharp video quality, and long battery life. The Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ offers more of the same. It's affordable at $79.99, and its battery life is superb. This time around, …

Hyte Y50 RGB Review: A Panoramic View, a Pocket-Friendly Price

Thomas Soderstrom — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The $99.99 Hyte Y50 RGB is exactly the result you’d expect to see if a smart PC case designer looked at Hyte’s older Y60 and was tasked with maximizing what was possible for half the money. The quirky, distinct …

Siri AI Can Only Do So Much. For Smart Home Dominance, Apple Needs to Improve These Two Products, and Fast

Tyler Hayes — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

iOS 27 provides a glimpse of Apple's smart home ambitions, but software enhancements won't be enough. The good news is the company already has everything it needs to take on its rivals.

As a longtime technology journalist, I’ve slogged through multiple smart home platform transitions and poorly implemented gadgets. It's easy to be skeptical; companies discontinue devices and services every year, and home voice assistants still need work.

That said, an honest evaluation of …

Wanna Sit on a Thumbstick? IKEA Announces Quirky Xbox Furniture Collab

Will Mccurdy — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:09:41 +0000

The new collaboration will allow you to bring the classic Xbox aesthetic to your living room. This means sitting on a green stool designed to mimic the classic Xbox thumbstick, or storing your belongings in an elegant-looking metal platter based on the D-pad of the original Xbox controller.

Component shortages and their resulting price hikes might be making it borderline unaffordable for many people to buy current-gen consoles, including the Xbox Series X. But if you're interested in adding some more Xbox to …

SpaceX Petitions FCC to Block Viasat Satellite Over Starlink Interference Risk

Michael Kan — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:14:08 +0000

Citing a 'severe interference' threat, SpaceX urges the FCC to deny US market access to the Viasat-3 F2 satellite as it prepares to kick off services next month with faster speeds.

As Viasat prepares to offer faster internet speeds with a new satellite, SpaceX is trying to block it over concerns that it’ll cause "severe interference" to Starlink.

In a Friday petition, SpaceX urged the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider its decision to …

Apple Made a Massive Bet on Intel 21 Years Ago. It Changed Everything

Brian Westover — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Apple's adoption of Intel processors for Macs sent big waves through the PC industry—and made the company's move to Apple Silicon, 15 years later, an even bigger deal.

Editors' Note: Welcome to the An Apple a Day series, where we’ll share pieces of Apple content from our archives daily from now through late September. In addition to PCMag, this series will include pieces from our sibling sites CNET, Lifehacker, Mashable, …

Do You Play? Rate Your Gaming Systems and Gear to Win More Than the Final Boss Battle

PCMag Canada — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:09:15 +0000
We want to hear your thoughts on the consoles, handhelds, controllers, and more that you use for serious video game time. One lucky survey taker will win $250 to spend at Amazon.
Take the PCMag Gaming Systems and Gear Survey Today
Take other PCMag surveys. Each completed survey is a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card.
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New Obstacle for Starlink? Chinese Rocket May Have Ejected Debris

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:08:44 +0000
Space debris tracking provider LeoLabs says its radars picked up 'tens to hundreds of fragments' from the Chinese Long March 6C rocket, which launched earlier this week.
A Chinese rocket may have created a debris field in orbits near SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, giving the constellation another potential obstacle to dodge.
On Friday, space debris tracking provider LeoLabs reported “fragmentation” from a Chinese Long March 6C rocket that flew into space …

MapQuest Says 'Nope' to Trump's Lake Ontario Name Change

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 20:34:40 +0000
MapQuest has also refused to display the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
An old-school favorite is snubbing President Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America. “We’re not changing it,” MapQuest tweeted after the White House announced the renaming. It also replied to posts about the new name, writing “Nope.” and “Not doing it.”
MapQuest’s resistance isn’t a …

More Wi-Fi Routers From This Chinese Vendor Found With Backdoors

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:54:32 +0000
Cybersecurity company VulnCheck discovers two additional backdoors, dubbed SpeakingStone and DarkLantern, primarily in Zbtlink router models.
It’s not just 20 routers. A US cybersecurity company has uncovered even more backdoors in Wi-Fi routers from a Chinese manufacturer called Zbtlink.
Earlier this month, VulnCheck uncovered a backdoor, dubbed “Endlessdoors,” in a wide range of Zbtlink routers. …

Xbox's Disc-to-Digital Program Launches for Insiders on Aug. 31

Jibin Joseph — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:08:56 +0000
The program lets gamers receive a digital entitlement for their physical discs, which can be used to access games on devices that support Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Play Anywhere.
UPDATE 8/28: Microsoft has confirmed it will be rolling out a feature that allows players to digitize their game discs.
The company says Xbox Insiders will begin seeing the feature on Aug. 31. They can insert a supported disc into an Xbox …

Glow-Up or AI Slop? Nvidia's Controversial DLSS 5 Leaks Early Through Mods

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:20:49 +0000
The AI-powered DLSS 5 isn't expected until the fall, but a leaked file has paved the way for the modding community to start using the feature on various PC games.
Nvidia's controversial DLSS 5, which will bring AI-powered photorealism to PC games, is expected to launch this fall. But it looks like the feature leaked early, paving the way for the modding community to experiment and add it to various games. …

Facing Complaints, Starlink Offers New Plan for Small Boat Owners

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:11:26 +0000
Starlink users in the boating community report receiving emails about the new 'Personal Maritime' plan for $185 per month.
SpaceX has introduced a new Starlink plan for small boat owners who sail internationally after the maritime community complained the satellite internet service was pricing them out.
On Thursday, several Starlink customers in the boating community reported receiving an email from SpaceX …

SpaceX Pushes FCC to Scrutinize Rocket Lab-Iridium Deal Amid Spectrum Clash

Michael Kan — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 21:06:42 +0000
SpaceX wants the agency to closely examine the acquisition amid a dispute over next-gen Starlink gateways potentially causing radio interference with Iridium's systems.
Rocket Lab’s $8 billion deal to acquire Iridium and form a larger player in the rocket and satellite industry is facing some resistance from SpaceX.
For weeks now, Iridium has been clashing with SpaceX over its next-gen“gateway” facilities for Starlink. The ground-based gateways promise to help …