There are dozens of free ad-supported alternatives to paid streaming services. In fact, most smart TVs either offer their own free services or access to ones on this list directly from the set. Here are some more options to consider: CNN Originals, a free ad-supported service from CNN, is now available. Initial titles “Amanpour: Sex…
As a new parent myself, I can tell you unequivocally that when babies become mobile, the world becomes their playground. Coffee tables become climbing gyms, cabinets become treasure troves, and phone chargers become rope toys. Babyproofing your home isn’t about bubble-wrapping your life; it’s about thinking like a young mind and getting one step ahead…
Sharpening your own knives may seem intimidating, but once you get over the initial learning curve it can be a cost-effective way to transform your dull knives into a new set. To further put my expertise into perspective, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of sharp knives since my dad, a former butcher, taught me…
The last time Google released a smart speaker, the world was in the throes of a pandemic. Yes, it’s been six years since the company trotted out a dedicated speaker. However, this newest Google Home Speaker brings a big change with it: The device has been redesigned to showcase the new Gemini assistant instead of…
Thinking Machines Lab, an artificial intelligence company started by exiles from OpenAI, has released its first model, called Inkling. The startup’s new model is open-weight, which means that researchers and startups will be able to download and modify it. In a a blog post, the company says Inkling was trained from scratch to make sense…
Lowe’s Home Improvement grew the old-fashioned way, working its way up from a single, small, family-owned North Carolina general store founded in 1921. But the Lowe’s hardware store empire is plenty big these days. A tool-filled Lowe’s superstore is now about as big as a New York City block. The focus stays mostly on appliances…
Whether you shop now or wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’ll find that many of those deals masquerading as fantastic bargains aren’t always as good as they look, and it’s easy to be fooled if you’re not careful. No worries—Consumer Reports has been tracking Black Friday deals for years, and we know all…
“Changing a tire is a straightforward task in perfect conditions,” says Ryan Pszczolkowski, Consumer Reports’ tire program manager. “But often the location is dangerous, such as a busy roadway, or there’s a wrinkle, such as when you find out your car doesn’t have a working spare tire. It’s wise to know how to change a…
If you want to improve the taste and the purity of your tap water without cluttering your countertop or attaching a bulky appendage to your faucet, an under-sink water filter may be the answer. In addition to being out of sight and generally improving the taste of your water, many under-sink water filters can remove…
“Based on almost 1,000 individual car seat installations and nearly 130 crash tests, CR’s infant car seat ratings represent a comprehensive and rigorous program that allows us to make distinctions between car seat models and offer clear recommendations,” says Michael Bloch, who oversees child seat testing at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center. “They show the…
