Active (aka “powered”) speakers do not require a separate amplifier or receiver. Instead, they have built-in amplification (which powers the speakers and makes the sound loud enough to play through them). These amps are often customized for their specific drivers and cabinetry, which can deliver performance benefits. Modern powered speakers may have other perks, like…
What’s more, all Bosch dishwashers have a system of sensors that scan and check dishes throughout the cycle to make sure they’re getting clean. There are sensors to detect leaks, too, and, once detected, the machine can shut off the water and drain the tub. Almost all also feature hidden controls—located on the top of…
After they left, the Titan was rebuilt with a new hull that was never tested to industry norms nor certified by an independent third-party agency. Patrick Lahey, CEO of submersible maker Triton Submarines, said that certifying a novel hull was not only possible but essential for safety. “We were developing and certifying the deepest diving…
So what are the best midsized SUVs to buy? And what qualities do they have? To answer those questions, we’ve compiled a list of popular models to avoid and two alternatives to each that our testing shows are among the best midsized SUVs. The alternatives are recommended models, so they performed well in our tests,…
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…
They started with fliers. The group of World of Warcraft developers at Activision Blizzard, determined to unionize, were testing the waters after Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition. Microsoft had pledged to honor a labor neutrality agreement, active 60 days after the deal’s close, that would allow workers to explore collective bargaining without fear. Even with that…
To keep gunk and odors to a minimum, make sure you’re always using the disposal with water—before, during, and after grinding food. “Oftentimes, odors from the sink actually come from foods that haven’t fully exited the disposal or drainpipes,” says Wiegand. “You can’t see it, but you can probably smell it.” Run cold water before…
To help steer you to the best choice, we’ve assembled a list of the most fuel-efficient 5-year-old nonhybrid midsized sedans. All performed well enough in our tests to be recommended when new. All have average or better reliability, according to CR’s Annual Auto Surveys, where we ask CR members to tell us about what went…
Monica Retamosa was in the middle of changing the batteries of a tape recorder when she heard a bellbird for the first time. Standing on a forest floor, she looked up into the trees, scanning for the source of its metallic and powerful sound, searching for the bird for half an hour to no avail….
My colleague Molly Higgins, who is vegan, simultaneously tested out her own very different goals and preferences on Hungryroot. These involved no chicken at all. Ostensibly, when you sign up, a Hungryroot dinner will cost you $13 a serving, while lunch costs $12 and breakfast is a mere $4.50. But in practice, the number of…
