Dolby Atmos FlexConnect Lets You Place Speakers Anywhere

While Dolby imposes no hard limit on the number or type of speakers (or subwoofers) you can use in a single FlexConnect system, each manufacturer’s choice of processor determines what’s feasible. What you can’t do is use any other company’s wireless speakers—whether they’re FlexConnect-compatible or not. Naturally, this raises the question of compatibility. When other…

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Talking Cars 480: Driving the Hyundai Ioniq 9

Main theme: In this episode of the “Talking Cars” podcast, we discuss our impressions of the Hyundai Ioniq 9 three-row all-electric SUV. The Ioniq 9 shares a platform with the Kia EV9, which we discussed back on episode #438. But while the EVs have the same seating capacities, nearly identical dimensions, and similar energy efficiency…

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Cheapest Car Insurance Companies

Consumer Reports found the median annual premium to be just under $1,500, based on a national survey of 40,566 policyholders in 2024. The results showed that about a quarter of people in the U.S. with car insurance have annual premiums between $1,000 and $1,499. And more than 10 percent have annual premiums of $3,000 or…

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Hungry Worms Could Help Solve Plastic Pollution

Plastics that support modern life are inexpensive, strong, and versatile, but are difficult to dispose of and have a serious impact when released into the environment. Polyethylene, in particular, is the most widely produced plastic in the world, with more than 100 million tons distributed annually. Since it can take decades to decompose—and along the…

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Best and Worst Places to Get Glasses Online and In Person

That’s a lot to ask for from a pair of eyeglasses. So Consumer Reports set out to determine which in-person and online glasses stores deliver the goods. Our Fall 2022 survey collected responses from more than 11,450 CR members about their prescription eyeglass purchases in the previous 24 months. Respondents provided feedback on the retailers…

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8 Best Gas Ranges of 2025, Tested by Our Experts

But there has been negative news about gas ranges. Outside studies and CR’s own testing have found that cooking on a gas stove may produce byproducts that are bad for the environment and can pose risks to the respiratory health of certain vulnerable people. While research is ongoing, one thing is clear: Ventilation is critical…

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Magnesium Supplements Crash Course: Benefits and Side Effects

Suddenly, everyone is obsessed with magnesium supplements. It’s the key ingredient in #sleepygirlmocktails, powders stirred into tart cherry juice and prebiotic soda, a wellness cocktail for anxious millennials. Your coworkers are popping magnesium glycinate before bed instead of melatonin, because it allegedly cures insomnia, constipation, and existential dread. Folks seem especially concerned with optimizing their…

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