Every audio system requires amplification. In a traditional hi-fi set-up, the loudspeakers are always “passive”—which is to say, they don’t produce their own power. Instead, they must receive an amplified audio signal from an external source, aptly called an amplifier, in order to do their thing. Even in a more modern, self-contained audio system (like…
Over several years, consumer advocacy groups criticized Ring’s RFA program, with many asking CR and other product review outlets to stop recommending Ring products. (CR’s evaluations are based on its own independent product testing, and we did not change our ratings.) In 2021, the company completed a two-year audit of its Neighbors network with the New…
Other Wireless Chargers We Tested There are a lot of wireless chargers. Here are a few more we like, but for one reason or another don’t warrant a place above. Photograph: Simon Hill Krafted Couch Wireless Charger for $52: I thought this wireless charger that’s designed to be draped over the arm of your couch…
For both watches, you need an active carrier plan to access satellites—that is, you must have a separate phone line or a number share for your watch. You must be in a spot with a clear view of the sky, and both the Pixel Watch 4 and the Watch Ultra 3 will patiently guide you…
By looking at how cars performed in our tests when new and reviewing detailed reliability data, CR can point car shoppers to models that promise the best overall ownership experience. But it’s important to note that great new cars don’t always make great used cars, especially when factoring in depreciation and long-term reliability. We pick…
To determine the size generator you need, make a list of the appliances you want to power and add up their wattages. And here’s a tip: If you’re considering a portable generator, don’t spring for one that produces a lot more power than you’ll be using. “There’s no need to go larger unless you want…
If you only do one thing, do this. The biggest power hog in your laptop is, by far, the screen. The brighter it is, the more power it consumes. Unless you’re working under direct sunlight, you probably don’t need it at its highest setting. Lowering the brightness is as simple as tapping a function key…
3. Minimize travel. If you can delay errands or other activities, you’ll preserve the gas that you purchased and reduce overall consumption for the region, helping in some small way to reduce gas scarcity. 4. Obey speed limits. When you drive, follow the speed limits and drive smoothly. Your driving habits can play a significant…
CR’s testers assess rowing machines to evaluate their construction quality, their ability to accommodate a range of body sizes and shapes, ease of use, and potential safety risks to users. To evaluate a machine’s ergonomics, we had five men and five women row on each machine, to see how it fit various users and to…
An unknown technical problem caused a number of robotaxis owned by the Chinese tech giant Baidu to freeze on Tuesday in the middle of traffic, trapping some passengers in the vehicles for more than an hour. In Wuhan, a city in central China where Baidu has deployed hundreds of its Apollo Go self-driving taxis, people…