A professional gamer. A top-ranked esports athlete. A renowned figure in competitive shooter circles—I’m none of these things. But could that be down to my choice of controller? Could something that’s a step up from the standard Xbox pad I use for PC and console alike up my game, quite literally? The Thrustmaster H.E.A.R.T. (a…
In the late 19th century, before the invention of cinema and radio, every piece of music, performance, oration—even a natural view like a rainbow—was a unique event. Unrepeatable. Cinema and radio changed that, enforcing a massive shift in how we consumed popular culture. Several of the world’s dominant media companies were founded in that moment…
For our tests, we order 3×5-foot double-hung windows from a variety of manufacturers. Our previous window testing has found that most windows stand up to simulated aging, so we now focus instead on how well a window can withstand the elements. After installing each window in a wooden frame, test engineers seal one side before…
Away from the race track, paddle shifters are far less common. In CR’s survey, 60 percent of drivers who said the vehicle they drive most often had an automatic transmission said that it did not have paddle shifters. Sixteen percent said they did not know whether their vehicle had them or not. “Paddle shifters come…
Vivo represented 15.8 percent of the Indian phone market in the third quarter of 2024 according to IDC, comfortably overtaking Samsung. It’s no newcomer, either. Vivo was India’s third-place brand as far back as 2018, according to Canalys. It has produced some great phones and pushed the envelope in phone camera tech in particular, claiming…
The burgeoning field of social-emotional AI is tackling the very jobs that people used to think were reserved for human beings—jobs that rely on emotional connections, such as therapists, teachers, and coaches. AI is now widely used in education and other human services. Vedantu, an Indian web-based tutoring platform valued at $1 billion, uses AI…
The findings reinforce our recommendation that drivers use winter/snow tires if driving a lot in snow. These are specially formulated and constructed to provide maximum grip in snowy and icy conditions. Drivers should also be aware that tread depth has an impact on traction for these tires as well. “Drivers in the snow belt should…
Consider sun exposure and door color. If your storm door will face south or west, especially in a hot climate, opt for a model with ventilation or a lighter color. Dark storm doors, particularly those with full glass, can trap heat and may cause warping or damage to the entry door behind them. Determine your…
That’s where the reliability and owner satisfaction information from CR’s annual smartphone survey can be a big help. Every year we ask our members about their experience with their phones—the problems they’ve encountered, how long the battery lasts on a single charge, and so on. From 2022 to 2024, CR members shared insights on more…
With certain gift cards that are widely accepted—think Visa, American Express, or Amazon—this might not be an issue because it’s easier to deplete balances. On the other hand, brand-specific gift cards, which limit consumers to a single establishment, can be a slippery slope to overspending. An annoyance to shoppers, it’s a beneficial outcome for merchants…