At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Powerful processor with AI functions Many USB ports Two 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports Up to four 8K monitors can be connected Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 Cons Revs up abruptly and gets loud Second SSD only possible as M.2-2230 Our Verdict The sleek metal Geekom A9 Max, powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 with Zen 5, handles everyday tasks and Windows 11 AI features effortlessly, and with its multiple connections and four-monitor support, offers a compelling alternative to bulky desktop PCs. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Geekom A9 Max Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Desktop PCs have been under my desk for almost 30 years. Early last year, after issues with the Intel Core i9-14900KF, the CSL VenomBox was my first mini PC, and I haven’t regretted it. As I want to stay up-to-date with AI, I needed a suitable mini PC. I chose the Geekom A9 Max with the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which is a moderate performance upgrade over the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS in the CSL VenomBox, while also providing the necessary AI support and updated connectivity. Geekom A9 Max: Specs Dimensions: 135 × 132 × 46.9 mm (W × D × H) Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 GPU: AMD Radeon 890M Memory: 2 × 16 GB Wodposit Dual-Channel DDR5 5600MHz Internal storage: Lexar LNQ7A1X002T, M.2 2280 PCIe 4.0 ×4 NVMe SSD SSD upgradeability: 1 × M.2 2230 PCIe 4.0 ×4 NVMe, up to 4 TB Rear connections: 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 × USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 × USB 4.0 Type-C DP-Alt-Mode / PD-In, 1 × USB 4.0 Type-C DP-Alt-Mode, 2 × Ethernet RJ45 2.5 Gbit/s, 2 × HDMI 2.1 FRL, 1 × DC-In Front connections: 3 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 1 × USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Always On, 1 × 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1 × SD card reader 4.0 Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Operating system: Microsoft Windows 11 24H2 (64-bit) Accessories: VESA mount (121.8 × 116.5 × 1.0 mm) The Geekom A9 Max is a good choice for users seeking AI functions and above-average performance. Geekom A9 Max: Design and features The A9 Max mini PC, which has only been available for a few weeks, was unveiled at CES earlier this year. Geekom packs the hardware into an attractively designed metal housing that’s supposed to withstand up to 200 kilograms of pressure. We haven’t tested this claim, but we can attest to the high stability of the housing. Christoph Hoffmann With dimensions of 135 x 132 x 46.9 millimeters, the A9 Max fits easily on any desk. It can also be attached to the back of a monitor using a VESA mount, which doesn’t make sense with my setup with three 27-inch monitors on a single rail. As is typical for a mini PC, there are connections available on the front and rear, although the computer’s orientation on the desk doesn’t really matter. The front is marked by the on/off switch. Geekom hasn’t been stingy with ports and leaves nothing to be desired: supporting up to four monitors with 8K, there are two USB4 ports with DisplayPort 1.4 each, plus two HDMI 2.1 ports. Christoph Hoffmann One highlight is the two 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports, which become useful when paired with a compatible router or switch and a NAS, such as the Ugreen DX4800 Plus (more on this later). Christoph Hoffmann There are also additional USB ports, totaling eight in various versions–from USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 to USB 4.0 Type-C. This setup also allows storage devices to be connected at high speed. Geekom A9 Max: Processor, GPU, RAM, and SSD At the heart of the Geekom A9 Max is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, a high-end processor from the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series, developed for both laptops and desktops. It has 12 cores (4 × Zen 5 and 8 × Zen 5c) and supports up to 24 threads thanks to SMT. AMD’s Radeon 890M graphics and an integrated AI engine deliver up to 80 TOPS in total, 50 TOPS of which come via the NPU, meaning the CPU is specifically designed for AI applications and acceleration. The system in includes 32 GB of DDR5 RAM (5,600 MT/s) in two 16 GB modules. A single 32 GB module would have been more favorable for a future upgrade to 64 GB, since both modules would otherwise need to be replaced. The manufacturer is Wodposit Technology from Shenzhen, China–little is known about the company itself, but it has been a hardware partner of Geekom for some time. Christoph Hoffmann The NVMe SSD installed in our A9 Max has a 2 TB capacity and comes from Lexar, labeled LNQ7A1X002T. It’s also possible that SSDs from other manufacturers are used in other A9 units. Christoph Hoffmann There is a short M.2 interface (M.2-2230) for an additional SSD, though the choice of compatible drives is limited. For our upgrade, we opted for the Crucial P310 SSD 2 TB M.2. Geekom A9 Max: Windows 11 version 24H2 comes pre-installed The A9 Max comes with a hardware-bound license for Windows 11. When booting the mini PC for the first time, the Windows installation begins, the Windows installation begins and takes around 50 minutes. Updates are loaded during the set-up, but Windows offers further updates later on. In our test setup, a 27-inch Dell monitor is connected to the A9 Max, along with a wired Cherry keyboard and a Microsoft mouse with dongle. The mini PC is connected to the network via an Ethernet cable to the 2.5 Gbit/s BrosTrend 8X switch. We won’t go into further detail about Windows, but we observed that many of the operating system’s AI features are supported. Geekom A9 Max: Performance Given the strong hardware for a mini PC in this price range, we were eager to see the performance test results. We used the PCMark 10 benchmark test to evaluate actual performance, which provides realistic values by running everyday tasks sequentially. Scoring 7,976, the A9 easily lands in the top shirt. For comparison, the Asus ZenBook 14 OLED with its Ryzen 7 7730U processor scores a total of 6,722 points. This shows just how the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 stacks up against Qualcomm and Intel CPUs. Christoph Hoffmann The Geekom A9 Max scores 3,279 points in 3DMark’s Steel Nomad Light benchmark, placing it in the “good” range and slightly above average. It also performs solidly in the Time Spy benchmark, with 3,701 points. Christoph Hoffmann The M.2 NVMe SSD from Lexar delivers a read speed of 6,242 MB/s and a write speed of 5,423 MB/s in the Crystal Disk Mark benchmark. This is an above average value for a PCIe 4.0 SSD. By comparison, the retrofitted Crucial P310 SSD 2 TB achieves even higher speeds, with 7,000 read and 4,614 MB/s write. Christoph Hoffmann Another point of interest is the dual Ethernet setup with 2 x 2.5 Gbit/s ports. In short, there’s no speed boost form using a single LAN port; the main advantage is the ability to connect to two wired networks in parallel. Regarding speed, we connected the A9 Max to the network using two category eight network cables and used Windows File Explorer to copy a video file of nearly 5.8 GB to and from the Ugreen NAS DX4800 Plus, which also has two 2.5 Gbit/s ports. The average bandwidth was 278 MB/s, whether one or both Ethernet ports were connected. The NAS Performance Tester produced similar results, recording average speeds of 276.04 MB/s for reading and 289.09 MB/s for writing. Christoph Hoffmann Geekom A9 Max: Conclusion The Geekom A9 Max is a good choice for users seeking AI functions and above-average performance. With its comprehensive features and multi-monitor support, the mini PC is well-suited for office use and also appeals to developers and graphic designers. Geekom’s pricing policy, however, is somewhat unfortunate. In the U.S., the A9 Max is currently goes for $999, which is down from its original $1,199. That’s not a bad discount right there, but you may see the price fluctuate due to the occasional promotion on Geekom’s website. Read...

TL;DR: Grab lifetime access to a multi-model AI workspace for under $40. ChatPlayground AI is easy to use, packed with features, and has no recurring fees. Tired of hopping between AI platforms or dealing with usage caps and confusing tokens? ChatPlayground AI gives you one clean dashboard to explore the best of today’s leading models—GPT-4, Claude 3, Gemini, and more—all under one roof. For just $39.99 (reg. $204), you’ll get a lifetime Basic Plan subscription that unlocks 500 messages per day, multi-model access, scripting tools, and public prompt libraries. It’s fast, no-nonsense, and completely browser-based—no API keys, no setup headaches. Whether you’re brainstorming code, generating content, or testing AI output side-by-side, ChatPlayground makes it easy to compare results and iterate without friction. You can even fine-tune system instructions to match your workflow. This isn’t just for AI hobbyists—it’s a great tool for devs, students, and anyone curious about how different large language models stack up. And the best part? One flat payment and it’s yours for life. Grab lifetime access to ChatPlayground AI now for $39.99 (reg. $204). Don’t wait to act on this limited-time offer. ChatPlayground AI: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

NortonVPN updates its service with 37 new countries, Smart TV apps, and advanced privacy features like Double VPN and IP Rotation for enhanced security. Read...

It was previously reported by Neowin that uBlock Origin was no longer available for Microsoft’s Edge browser. Following in the footsteps of Google, who killed the uBlock Origin extension on Chrome, it seemed Microsoft had removed the popular ad blocker from Edge’s add-on store. All of the hubbub surrounding uBlock Origin stems from Google deprecating the Manifest V2 browser extension standard in Chromium. As you may well know, Chrome isn’t the only web browser built on Chromium—in fact, most modern web browsers are, including Edge. Google claims that Manifest V3 is meant to improve the safety and efficiency of browser extensions, but it comes with a big drawback: new limitations and restrictions that make ad blockers less effective. In the case of uBlock Origin, the extension just isn’t compatible with Manifest V3, hence it no longer working with Chrome and most Chromium-based browsers. Many users have since moved on to its less-effective successor with fewer features, uBlock Origin Lite. With Manifest V2 replaced by Manifest V3, other Chromium-based browsers must eventually follow suit (unless you’re Opera and can commit resources to maintaining Manifest V2 support). And that’s what it looked like here: uBlock Origin was no longer available in the Edge add-on store, leading some to believe it had been deprecated for Edge. But as it turns out, it was just a mistake. uBlock Origin is back up on the Edge add-on store and still available to install for users. Further reading: uBlock Origin is dead, but these ad blockers aren’t Read...

If you’re in the market for a superb laptop with excellent battery life that’ll get you through the day and then some, you don’t need to spend a fortune—especially when there are sales like this one. Right now, you can get the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7 at B&H for just $499. That’s an insane discount of $520 off, down from its original price of $1,019! The highlight of this laptop is its crazy battery life. When we reviewed the Lenovo ThinkBook 16 G7, we got a massive 22 hours on a single charge. That’s mostly thanks to its cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, which also qualifies this as a Copilot+ PC. That means it has access to all the newest AI features in Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed)—and with 16GB of LPDDR5X memory plus 512GB of SSD storage, this laptop is a fantastic daily driver that’ll handle day-to-day tasks with ease. Equally great is the laptop’s gorgeous 16-inch IPS display at 1920×1200 resolution, though it’s limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. Between that and the lack of a good graphics card—the Qualcomm Adreno GPU has its flaws—don’t expect to do much gaming on this thing. But for spreadsheets, web browsing, email, and streaming media, it’s more than adequate. Other nice bits include an HD webcam with privacy shutter (but no IR for Windows Hello), ports including HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A, plus an SD card slot, and support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3. To be fair, we gave this a 3-star rating in our review because it was lacking at its original $1,019 price tag. But for $499? This thing is an insanely good deal. Get it while you can at B&H because it’s marked as “limited supply at this price” and likely won’t last very long. If it does run out, go ahead and check out our picks for the best laptops of all types and categories. This long-lasting Snapdragon laptop is a steal now that it`s 51% offBuy now from B&H Read...

As the back-to-school season approaches in 2025, teachers aren’t just buying markers or restocking textbooks—they’re reinventing what it means to educate in a hybrid, high-tech learning space. With students clamoring for more engaging, interactive lessons and administrators seeking technologies that bridge physical and digital classrooms, smart boards are no longer optional but imperative. Among the growing list of interactive screens, HKMLC 55? Smart Board stands out—not for dazzling stunts, but for its capacity to deliver what today’s classrooms actually need: clarity, connectivity, collaboration, and affordability. Here’s how HKMLC smart board can be put to use in a variety of teaching scenarios for the 2025 school year. Plug In, Power Up, Teach Smarter One of the first things you’ll notice when you glance at the HKMLC Smart Board is how quickly it comes online. Designed for educators—whatever their status, IT professionals or not—the unit provides plug-and-play with a built-in Android 11 OS. No more fiddling around with projectors, external computers, and calibration processes. Mount the board, turn it on, and you’re ready to rock. The Android interface is smooth and responsive, allowing them to easily transition between applications, browsers, video, and digital whiteboard functionality. And with support for multi-window multitasking, teachers are able to use a lesson while they consult their lesson plan or student feedback simultaneously. A Visual and Interactive Upgrade The 4K UHD resolution of the HKMLC board is not merely a spec-sheet boast—quite literally, it makes a big difference in classroom legibility, even in larger or light-filled classrooms. Students are able to read fine text easily, observe complex diagrams, and interact with multimedia materials without eye strain or glare. But where the board truly excels is in its touch performance. Able to handle up to 10 touch points simultaneously, students can work together—complex issues, moving things around on the screen, or co-editing in real time. The board comes with two styluses providing smooth digital ink and palm rejection, resulting in a writing experience very much like the old whiteboards—without the mess. HKMLC Built for Hybrid Learning and Device Integration Back to school in 2025 is more likely than not a mix of in-person, remote, and hybrid teaching. HKMLC knows. The board includes Eshare Pro, allowing wire-free screen casting from as many as 9 devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. When a teacher wants to display a student’s work or a student wants to display research, the process is fast and lag-free. We were also glad to find screen capture and recording features, which allow lessons to be saved, shared, or reviewed—ideal for absent students or flipped-classroom classrooms. Teachers can work within split-screen environments, comment on current web pages or YouTube videos, and even launch third-party education software from the Android desktop. Designed for Engagement, Not Just Display Not only does HKMLC Smart Board replicate traditional teaching behaviors online—it enhances them. Its interactive whiteboard feature comes with built-in templates like mind maps, grids, and diagrams, which enable instructors to organize material in a rush while it takes students along the way. Lesson material can be saved as image files or PDFs so students can view material outside of class, or instructors can keep digital records. Regardless of whether you’re creating a science diagram, a set of math problems, or a brainstorming list, it can be saved and shared in one tap. Practical Hardware, Future-Ready Build Physically, the board is modern, thin, and lightweight to be mounted or placed on a roll-around cart. It’s ideal for space-constrained classrooms or schools with several locations where they can utilize the same board. Ports are logically located, with multiple HDMI, USB, and LAN alternatives, and front facing for convenient use of USB stick input during instruction. Integrated speakers are adequate for most standard classrooms, and the general audio-visual setup supports a wide range of multimedia codecs. The build is heavy-duty and very durable—a requirement for school use where equipment must withstand intense usage. A Competitive Price Point for Tight Budgets Priced at around $1487 (on Amazon), the HKMLC Smart Board significantly undershoots many expensive alternatives without sacrificing critical functionality. For educational institutions wanting to meet performance with value, it is an attractive solution for classroom, training room, or small conference room equipment. While some smart boards are available with additional subscription-based software included in the package, HKMLC’s open Android platform gives schools the freedom to use their preferred software, avoiding long-term costs and vendor lock-in. HKMLC Clever, Accessible, and Ready for the Future of Education The HKMLC Smart Board is not trying to reinvent the wheel—but that is precisely why it wins. It’s focused on the things most important to educators: visual clarity, interactive input, hybrid compatibility, and simplicity. It’s the kind of board that steps back and lets teachers teach—and that is exactly what makes it so effective. As schools plan ahead for a new school year, expenditure on the right technology is no longer about catching up—it’s about empowering students, facilitating teachers, and making smarter classrooms. The HKMLC Smart Board earns a resounding A+ across the board. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Solid build quality Many mounting options; can be used on a desk or inside a desktop PC Software provides useful built-in widget support Extremely sharp image Cons Included stand works but feels flimsy No physical buttons Limited connectivity options Some software quirks and limitations Our Verdict The Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 is a small, versatile touchscreen monitor that can be used as a secondary display, attached to a tripod mount, or mounted inside a desktop PC. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 Retailer Price B&H 249.99 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices The Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 is the most versatile PC display I’ve ever reviewed. It can be used as a secondary display, which is how I used it. However, it can also be mounted to a 1/4?-20 tripod mount, or attached to a 360mm radiator mount in a PC desktop. You could use it as part of a streaming setup, attach it to a flight- or driving-simulator rig, or mount it inside a desktop PC to add flair or provide a performance monitoring dashboard. That makes it a fun and useful peripheral. Plus, at an MSRP of $249.99, it’s reasonably priced. Further reading: The best monitors: 11 top picks for gaming, 4K, HDR, and more Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 specs and features The Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 is best summarized as a small super-ultrawide touchscreen. It measures 14.5 inches diagonally, as its name implies, but has a roughly 32:9 aspect ratio and 2560×720 resolution. Display size: 14.5-inch 32:9 aspect ratio Native resolution: 2560×720 Panel type: AHVA-LCD 5-point multi-touch Refresh rate: 60Hz Adaptive sync: None HDR: None Ports: 1x USB-C with Power Delivery and DisplayPort, 1x HDMI Audio: None Additional features: Magnetic desk stand, magnetic mount, 360mm mounting option, 1/4?-20 tripod mount Price: $249.99 MSRP Unusual size aside, the Xeneon Edge 14.5 also stands out because of its long list of mounting options. It ships with a magnetic desk stand for desktop use, but also includes options for use with a 360mm PC desktop radiator mount or a tripod mount. You can even use the built-in magnets to attach the display to the side of a desktop PC (or any magnetic surface). Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 design The Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 isn’t your typical computer monitor, and that’s reflected in the design. It’s wide and thick. The body is plastic, but the plastics used are rigid and some provide a premium soft-touch feel. The Edge looks less like a monitor and more like a high-end gaming peripheral, such as a gamepad or joystick. It ships with a stand for desktop use. The stand is a simple plastic wedge that attaches magnetically to the rear of the monitor. The plastics used by the stand feel noticeably less robust than the monitor itself, perhaps because they’re thinner. Also, the stand doesn’t offer multiple viewing angles. The monitor can be used in both vertical and horizontal orientation, but the stand only supports the monitor in horizontal mode. Matthew Smith / Foundry However, the monitor can also attach to a 360mm fan mount, can hang magnetically to metal surfaces (including the front or side of many PC desktop cases), and has a telescope arm mount with two 1/4?-20 mounting points for attachment to tripods or other arms and stands that support this mounting option. It also works with Corsair’s Frame LCD mount, which is found on some Corsair cases. The wide range of options points to the Xeneon Edge 14.5’s versatility. I mostly used it as a small second display for viewing guides and Discord while I played a game on-screen. But you can use it as a flashy billboard or control panel attached to your gaming rig. It can display your rig’s performance information or, if you just want flair, a repeating video clip of your choice. Matthew Smith / Foundry I like this not only because it fits more use cases, but also because it gives you options if you tire of using the monitor in one role. Instead of putting it in the closet, or trying to sell it online, you can give it a second life. On top of that, the Xeneon Edge 14.5 definitely fills a gap in the market. You can find many inexpensive small LCD displays on Amazon, AliExpress, and Temu, but they’re not much to look at. High-end options like the Asus ProArt Display PA147CDV exist, too, but are more expensive and meant for creative pros. The Xeneon Edge 14.5 fits between these extremes in both design and price. Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 connectivity There are just two ways to connect to the Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5: USB-C with DisplayPort, and HDMI. However, the monitor doesn’t ship with an HDMI-to-HDMI cable. It instead ships with a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable. So while the monitor has HDMI input, it only works with DisplayPort input out-of-the-box. Most desktop users will need to connect both ports at the same time. The USB-C port can deliver both DisplayPort video and power, but most desktop graphics cards don’t include USB-C. On the other hand, HDMI or DisplayPort alone can’t supply the power and data the Xeneon Edge 14.5 needs for its full feature set. As a result, most desktops require a dual connection: USB-C for power and data, plus HDMI or DisplayPort for video. The majority of modern laptops have a USB-C port with DisplayPort, though. In that case, a single-cable connection over USB-C is possible. The Xeneon Edge 14.5 fills the sweet spot of secondary displays in both design and price. Matthew Smith / Foundry The ports are placed in a tight carve-out on the back of the monitor. This is a logical choice, since it keeps the connectors out of the way as much as possible. However, cables that have particularly large connectors, or which are unusually stiff, may be difficult to connect. Even the HDMI-to-DisplayPort cable that ships with the monitor is a tad tricky to fit into the space available. Corsair provides one final cable that’s not all that common: an internal USB header to USB-C cable. This is meant for use when the display is placed inside a desktop. While I didn’t use the monitor in this way, I expect it’s essential, as I doubt most gamers will have an internal USB to USB-C cable in the tangle of cords in their closet. Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 software, features, and audio While the Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5’s design and connectivity is mostly a win, one decision left me disappointed. The monitor entirely lacks menu buttons to control the display. It even lacks a power button and input selection button. The monitor instead turns on automatically and auto-detects an input. This is fine in theory and worked correctly in my testing. However, I’ve run into plenty of situations where a monitor fails to auto-detect a signal. The Xeneon Edge 14.5 offers no way to address this. The lack of power and input selection buttons also make troubleshooting more difficult, as it might be difficult to tell if the monitor is even turned on (there’s no power LED, either). The lack of buttons is also a problem if you plan to use the monitor with anything other than Windows. Mac support is listed, but none of the iCUE software features are available. Linux support is not listed. Corsair’s iCUE software is fine. It’s attractive and easy to understand. While the software doesn’t provide a huge range of adjustment (you’re not going to find an AdobeRGB mode here!) it works for the intended purpose. However, the reliance on software means even basic adjustment, like brightness, requires the software. Another quirk is the inability to play games in fullscreen mode while using the Xeneon Edge 14.5. This is true because Windows will automatically change focus to a second display if you tap or click on it. And if you have a fullscreen app open, it will be minimized (at best) or might glitch out (at worst). Fortunately, most games run fine in a windowed or borderless fullscreen mode, but this is an issue in games that don’t support a windowed or borderless fullscreen mode. I find that’s most commonly an issue with games that are a decade old, or older. Getting back to the positives, Corsair’s iCUE software includes built-in widget support for things like performance activity. While I expect some enthusiasts will choose to roll their own, the widgets are acceptable and should do the job for most people. The widgets cover a wide range of use cases including performance and temperature monitoring, video playback, Twitch chat, and Windows notifications. The monitor supports up to 30 “pages” of widgets, which strikes me as far more than anyone could ever need (though I’m sure someone will prove me wrong). What about audio? Unsurprisingly, it’s not included. A monitor this small would struggle to deliver good audio, and if it did, the price would be much higher. The monitor doesn’t have a 3.5mm audio pass-through jack, either. I don’t hold the lack of these features against the monitor but it’s something to keep in mind. Using the Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 The Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 is an unusual monitor, and for many this might beg a question: What is it for? I already touched on that a bit in the design section of the review, but I also want to dive deeper into my personal experience. Because it turns out I’m exactly the kind of person this monitor could appeal to. You see, I’m a firm believer in the value of a single-display PC setup. Having more displays can seem nice, and in some situations it might be essential, but I’ve found it’s distracting. This is true not only for work but also for play. Having one or two large monitors next to my primary gaming display make it hard for me to focus my attention on what I’m playing, and my enjoyment plummets. But that doesn’t mean I want a completely zoned-in experience either. Depending on what I’m playing I might still want to read a guide, play music, or listen to a podcast. The Xeneon Edge 14.5 offers a way to do this without the distraction (and bulk) of a second 27-inch or 32-inch beside my primary display. While Corsair’s iCUE software offers widgets, and I did try them, I spent more time using the monitor as a simple secondary display. I was able to position YouTube or YouTube Music on one half, providing easy media control, and leaving room to read a guide on the other half. I’m currently enjoying Rimworld, a notoriously complex game, and found quick access to a second screen valuable for looking up tips. However, because the screen is small, I wasn’t tempted to fire up social media or open my email. That’s how I used the Xeneon Edge 14.5, and I enjoyed it. But as mentioned earlier, the Xeneon Edge 14.5 is versatile, so I could use it differently if I started to play another game. I’ve been thinking about diving back into World of Warcraft after taking a break for several years. If I do, Discord could find a home on one half of the display. Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 image quality Image quality is a secondary concern for the Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5. It’s not meant for content creation, or even to display games. Video playback is the most demanding use case likely to be thrown at it. Because of that, the image quality can be summed up in one word. Adequate. The monitor has an AHVA panel with an LCD backlight. VA panels have better contrast than IPS panels and show less “glow” when displaying dark content. This, combined with the display’s glossy finish, makes for a contrast-rich experience. I thought it might be OLED for a moment. Don’t get too excited, though. My deceptive eyes were corrected when I placed the Xeneon Edge 14.5 next to an OLED monitor. The Edge looks nice, but it’s not as rich and vibrant as an OLED display. The Xeneon Edge 14.5’s glossy coat will be an issue if you use the monitor in a bright room or near windows. And reflections are made worse by the stand’s lack of adjustment, which means it’s not easy to change the angle of the display if a reflection is in your view. I would’ve preferred a matte or semi-gloss finish. Resolution, on the other hand, is where the Xeneon Edge 14.5 has an advantage over most monitors. 2560×720 resolution on a 14.5-inch display works out to about 183 pixels per inch. That’s higher than a 27-inch 4K monitor, which has about 163 pixels per inch. While the sharpness is apparent when viewing videos, it’s perhaps most helpful when displaying widgets. Fonts and icons look crisp. The Xeneon Edge 14.5 doesn’t support HDR. It also has a 60Hz refresh rate and lacks Adaptive Sync, so motion clarity isn’t great. These issues are not much of a concern, however, because the display won’t often be called on to display HDR or to view fast-moving content. On the contrary, I expect in most cases it will be used to view static content or online video, which is usually at 30 or 60 frames per second. So, as I said, the Xeneon Edge 14.5’s image quality is adequate. It won’t knock your socks off but it’s fine for what the monitor is designed to handle. Should you buy the Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5? The Corsair Xeneon Edge 14.5 is a niche monitor, but one that manages to fill a gap in the market and offer good value for money. Most of the monitor’s direct competitors are less expensive, and while they might more-or-less do the job, they lack Corsair’s ease-of-use and attractive design. Other alternatives, like the Asus ProArt Display PA147CVD, deliver an attractive design but are much more expensive. The Edge is extremely versatile, too, as it supports multiple mounting options including a 1/4”-20 tripod mount and a 360mm radiator mount for placement inside a desktop PC. None of the alternatives offer this many mounting options. It’s not perfect, though. The lack of buttons means Corsair’s iCUE software is required for even basic display adjustments. Also, the monitor is not very useful if used alongside a fullscreen app, due to limitations in Windows 11’s window management. The Xeneon Edge 14.5 will have particular appeal to people who want a second (or third) display but don’t have the space, budget, or desire to add another full-sized monitor. Read...

Wyze was an early player in the budget home security camera game, but it’s been slow to adopt 4K video resolution—until now, anyway.  Available starting today, the Wyze Cam Pan v4 marks the manufacturer’s first 4K security cam, following in the footsteps of TP-Link’s Tapo and other home security brands that have already gone the 4K route. Landing just two weeks after Wyze’s dual-lens Duo Cam Pan (which packs a pair of 2K cameras), the Wyze Cam Pan v4 carries over most of the features of its predecessor, the Cam Pan v3 from 2023.  Among those features are 180-degree tilt coverage and 360-degree panning, along with IP65-rated weather protection, meaning it’s dust-tight and resistant to low-pressure water jets sprayed from any angle.  Compatible with Alexa and Google Home (but not Apple Home), the Cam Pan v4 also offers color night vision, two-way audio (albeit with an “improved” speaker and microphone this time around), and a privacy mode that points the camera lens straight down.  New for the upgraded Cam Pan is its 4K video resolution, which promises sharper image quality when zooming in on smaller areas of captured video events. Wyze’s previous cameras were capped at either 2K or 1080p resolution.  Bolstering the Cam Pan v4’s 4K resolution is its dual-band Wi-Fi, which allows the camera to connect to the faster, less crowded, and greater-bandwidth 5GHz wireless spectrum. In contrast, the Cam Pan v3 is a single-band Wi-Fi camera that’s restricted to the 2.4GHz spectrum, which is slower and more crowded than the 5GHz band and tends to perform better over longer distances.  Along with the Cam Pan v4’s 4K and dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities comes a new chip that offers AI-powered person, vehicle, and pet detection. That would mark a major boost compared to previous Wyze camera that relied on the cloud for AI object detection, but it’s not clear whether a paid Wyze subscription plan is required to unlock AI-enabled motion alerts. We’ve reached out to Wyze for more details.  Also new for the Cam Pan v4 is a motion-activated spotlight with a built-in siren, good for scaring off detected intruders, while a new universal mount lets you affix the camera to walls, eaves, and ceilings.  As with its predecessor, the Cam Pan v4 supports MicroSDXC cards up to 512GB, which allows for local storage of motion events.  For those who prefer cloud storage, Wyze offers a trio of plans. Cam Plus gives you 14-day video storage, suspicious sound alerts, and AI object detection (again, we’re checking if the Cam Pan v4’s new AI chip allows for AI detection without a plan) on a single camera for $2.99 a month, while Cam Unlimited adds a multi-cam timeline, smart arm/disarm modes, and friendly face detection on all your Wyze cams for $9.99/month. Cam Unlimited Pro ups the ante with AI-powered search and descriptive alerts, 60-day video storage, and 24/7 emergency dispatch for $19.99 a month.  We’ll have a full review of the Wyze Cam Pan v4 once we check out a sample unit.  This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best home security cameras. Read...

TechHive Editors Choice At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Looks like an ordinary deadbolt   Can be incorporated into any smart home ecosystem   Wide variety of lock/unlock methods, including touch, fobs, smartphone, or smart watch   Cons Keypad is an added-cost option   Requires Level Connect or third-party Thread-capable bridge for Wi-Fi access   No biometric features High price tag   Our Verdict The Level Lock Pro is the best and most attractive smart lock you can buy, and its support for Matter means it can be seamlessly integrated into any smart home ecosystem.   Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Level Lock Pro Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices We’re longtime fans of Level Lock’s family of smart deadbolts, the only products in their class that can pass for ordinary deadlocks, hiding all their intelligence in the motor that fits in a door’s bore hole. But the Level Lock Pro kicks things up a notch—maybe even a notch and half.   That said, the Matter smart home standard that’s designed to unify the fractured smart home space deserves a chunk of the credit. The Level Lock Touch, for instance, was the first Level Lock to allow you to lock and unlock the deadbolt with a touch of your hand, but Android users couldn’t operate the lock remotely over Wi-Fi.   Level eventually added support for Amazon’s Sidewalk, which required users to have an Echo smart speaker. Still later, Level introduced the Level Connect Wi-Fi bridge (2.4GHz networks only). Using either of those products finally put Android users on the same level as iPhone users (more precisely, iPhone users who also own a HomeKit hub such as a 2nd-gen Apple TV 4K or a HomePod smart speaker). And those aren’t your only options. There was a time when recommending a Level Lock required caveats. Thanks to Matter, that notion is firmly in the past.   Both Android and iPhone users will still need a bridge to connect the Level Lock Pro to their Wi-Fi networks to gain remote access and management, but both camps have a lot more options because the lock has a Thread radio onboard. Those options now include the previously mentioned Level Connect ($79), a Samsung SmartThings Station, an Apple TV 4K or HomePod, or any of the several Amazon Echo or Nest Hub smart speakers and displays with a Thread radio.   What’s even more important is that thanks to Matter, you no longer need to limit yourself to one smart home ecosystem or the other. An iPhone user like me can use an Apple TV or the like with the Level Lock Pro to take advantage of Apple’s Home Keys and also use a Thread-equipped Echo device or the Level Connect to control the lock with Alexa voice commands. Level tells me users can operate the new lock in as many as five smart home platforms simultaneously. While the Level Lock Pro doesn’t support Amazon’s Sidewalk, that really doesn’t matter.  Level Lock Pro: Specifications   Level Locks, including the unboxed Level Lock Pro shown here, have fewer components than other smart locks. Michael Brown/Foundry OK, enough preamble. Let’s turn our attention to the Level Lock Pro’s specifications. The new lock doesn’t look appreciably different from any of the earlier generations, although its exterior element is slightly larger in diameter. As usual, the lock’s motor fits inside the bore hole and is powered by a single CR2 lithium battery that’s cleverly hidden inside the lock’s bolt. The app reports remaining battery life as “Healthy,” “Low,” or “Critically Low,” at which point the battery won’t have enough power to lock or unlock the lock. Unlike some other smart locks, none of the locks in the Level series have a provision—such as a USB-C port—for providing temporary power to the lock to open it should its battery fail. That makes the inclusion of backup access in the form of a physical key even more important.  The Level Lock Pro boasts a BHMA AAA rating, which means it meets that standard body’s highest certification for security, durability, and finish respectively. Read our guide if you’d like to know more about the BHMA ratings for residential locks as well as the ANSI ratings for commercial locks. The Level Lock Pro has a weatherization rating of IP54, which means it will keep out enough dust to prevent its failure and that it’s protected from water sprayed from any direction. That’s relatively modest protection, but most entry doors get at least somewhat shielded from the elements. Read our IP code guide if you want more details on that topic.  Level says the Level Lock Pro also has a faster and more powerful microprocessor and faster memory than previous generations. Another new feature unique to the Pro is a sensor that can detect if the door is open or closed. This depends on using Level’s magnetic strike plate (the element you mount to the inside of your door’s frame). If you do, the lock will not throw its bolt if the door is ajar, preventing damage to your door trim when the bolt slams into it. The app will inform you of this status, and you can override the sensor and still throw the bolt if you need to (using either the thumb turn or the app), such as when you want to change the battery.   The Level Lock Pro’s motor makes physical and electrical contact with its bolt inside the bore hole (shown here) a puzzle-piece-shaped element.Michael Brown/Foundry As I’ve already discussed, The Level Lock Pro supports Matter-over-Thread, and it also has a Bluetooth radio. This is used for initial setup, but it also supports the optional Level Keypad ($79), a numeric keypad that lets you assign PINs to unlock the door. The lock also comes with two NFC (near-field communication) key fobs that you can put on a keychain. You can buy additional fobs in packs of four for $20, or you can buy four Level key cards for the same price (you can also re-program any existing Level fobs or key cards you might have from a previous installation). Finally, the lock comes with two physical keys.   The lock and its accompanying strike plate are available in either a matte black or satin nickel finish. Level tells me the lock and strike plate are fabricated from diecast zinc and stainless steel, with a ceramic coating that’s similar to powder coating, which all sounds very durable. Nonetheless, I managed to scratch the finish off the matte black strike plate during my installation (see photo), leading me to think it was merely painted black (Level disavowed me of that notion in response to a fact-check query).   Level Home says the Level Lock Pro and its strike plate have hardened finishes, but I managed to scratch the latter during installation.Michael Brown/Foundry While it’s unlikely that anyone will be using a physical key to unlock the door with regularity, I would recommend inserting the key into the key cylinder with a degree of precision, lest the same thing happen to the lock, despite its ceramic coating.  Level Lock Pro: Installation and setup   As I’ve experienced with previous Level Locks, the Pro is supremely easy to install and set up, and Level’s four-part installation card explains everything well—with one exception. Out of the box, the interior paddle you’ll turn to retract the lock’s bolt is attached to its interior escutcheon, and it must be removed to expose the holes into which you’ll insert the screws that will fasten the lock’s interior element to its exterior.   Accomplishing this isn’t immediately obvious, and despite having installed and reviewed the Level Lock+ about this time two years ago, I’d forgotten how to do it. Only after scanning the user manual twice did I notice a footnote reading “To disassemble in the future, use a paperclip or pen to press the small hole in the bottom of the paddle, while gently pulling away from the door to release it.”   The Level Lock Pro motor inside the bore hole and secured to its bolt. The two are secured with a small screw on the opposite side.Michael Brown/Foundry Had it not been for that delay, I would have finished the physical installation in less than 10 minutes. You don’t need to engage in any delicate balancing act to hold the lock’s interior and exterior elements together, and you don’t need to thread a power cable from the lock’s exterior escutcheon through the door’s bore hole and then plug it into a socket on the interior escutcheon, as is common with so many other smart locks.   You’ll want to install the Level app on your phone, add the lock to the app, and download and install any firmware updates before you scan the QR code to onboard it to your Matter-certified smart home hub; otherwise, you’ll have only a 30-minute window to add the lock to the Level app. Miss that window and you’ll need to hardware reset the lock and start over. This isn’t a flaw, it’s just a matter of not putting the cart in front of the horse, and it’s clearly spelled out in the installation manual.   You’ll need the Level app to accomplish some tasks, such as creating PINs, setting user permission levels, programming fobs and key cards, and pairing accessories such as the keypad. Other jobs, such as creating Apple home keys, will be performed in their respective apps—Apple Home in that example.   Level Lock Pro: Using the Level Lock Pro   I reviewed the Level Lock Pro using both the Level Connect and a 2nd-gen Apple TV 4K.Michael Brown/Foundry I tested the Level Lock Pro with the Level Connect bridge first and then added it to my Apple Home environment, connecting it to a 2nd-gen Apple TV 4K. Apart from the new door-sensing feature, the Level Lock Pro operates just like previous models, if perhaps a bit faster to respond thanks to its new processor. When you exit, one touch on the lock’s exterior body throws the bolt and sounds a chime to let you know the door is locked (a chime with a different tone sounds when the door is unlocked).   When you return, you can use a key fob or card, the Level app on your iPhone or Android smartphone, the NFC features on your smartphone or smart watch, or a physical key to unlock it. An auto-lock feature automatically locks the door after it’s been unlocked, and you can choose the amount of time that passes before that happens, from 30 seconds to one hour. You can also choose to disable this feature.  The Matter-certified Level Connect bridge plugs into any electrical outlet.Michael Brown/Foundry The Level Lock Pro supports geofencing, and you can enable a setting that allows you to unlock the lock by touching it when you return home. This option is timed—your choice of one, two, or three minutes—and you won’t be able to use the touch method after that time expires. Also note that you must first cross over the border of your geofence before a touch-to-unlock can be performed; it won’t work if you just go out into your yard and then come back after the lock is locked.   The Level app logs the date and time when the lock was locked, unlocked, and the door is opened; how the action was performed (manually, via touch, key fob, or keypad); as well as who unlocked the door (key fobs and cards can be assigned to individuals, although the lock obviously can’t know who actually used the device to unlock the door).   The optional keypad, available in colors to match your lock, has a capacitive touch surface with LED backlighting (these aren’t cheap rubber buttons). It runs on two AAA batteries (included) that Level says should last up to two years. You can create up to 50 unique PINs and assign them limited-time permissions in the Level app if you so desire. You can also lock a paired Level Lock with this accessory, although you’ll find yourself more typically doing this by touching the lock itself if you’ve enabled that feature.  The Level keypad features capacitive touch buttons that light up when touched.Michael Brown/Foundry The keypad needs to be installed within 30 feet of the lock, which shouldn’t present any obstacles. It’s thoroughly weatherized—IP65—which according to our IP code guide means it’s impervious to dust ingress and that it can withstand water jets projected from any direction (short of a pressure washer, but you should be able to hose it down to clean it if needed). It has an operating temperature range of negative four degrees to 140 F (-20 to +60 C).  Level Lock Pro: User management   You can grant permission to other people to use the lock as an Admin (who can control every aspect of the lock, including inviting new users) or as a Guest (with three categories of limited control). When you set up their access, the Level app will send an invitation to their mobile phone and/or email.  The three levels of Guest access are Always, Temporary, or Recurrent. You’d probably want to give family members the Guest/Always level of permission, which lets them unlock the door at any time of day or night.   An exploded view of the Level Lock Pro.Level Home With Guest/Temporary access, you set start and end dates and times, which would be useful for vacation rentals (e.g., from 11:00 a.m. on August 29, 2025 to 3:00 p.m. on August 29). Recurrent access is intended for people to whom you wish to grant regular access to your home, but only at set times on given days of the week. If you have a housecleaning service that comes to your house every Thursday at 10:00 a.m., for instance, they’d be able to unlock the door.   If you also have the Level keypad, you can create PINs for each person to whom you want to grant access to your home. These can be up to six digits long, but PINs have only two levels of access: Always or Temporary (i.e., the PIN will only work during a range of dates and times). Those permissions can be revoked at any time.  Level Lock Pro: Conclusion There was a time when recommending a Level Lock required several caveats, the most significant being that Android users were treated as second-class users denied access to some of its best features. Thanks to Matter support and the Thread radio in this lock (and in the earlier Level Lock+) that notion is firmly in the past.   As with previous generations of this smart lock, the Level Lock Pro is the most attractive smart lock you can buy, primarily because it doesn’t look like a smart lock. That said, this is a pricey smart lock at $349, and you’ll need to pay extra if you want to use a numeric keypad to unlock the door, a feature that comes standard on many of Level’s competitors. The fact that you’ll need either a Level Connect or a third-party device with a Thread radio to gain out-of-home control adds another layer of expense—unless you already own such a device. Level also doesn’t provide any means of biometric access–a fingerprint reader or a palm-vein scanner–as a number of its competitors now offer (albeit in much larger form factors). Even with all those considerations, the Level Lock Pro is still the best smart lock on the market. No competing product is prettier or easier to install and use on a day-to-day basis. I recommend it without reservation.    This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. Read...

Arlo announced a refresh of its entire home security camera lineup today, unveiling new models in its Essential (HD and 2K resolution), Pro (2K resolution), and Ultra (4K) series. The company also revealed its very first pan/tilt models that can spin 360 degrees and tilt 180 degrees to cover every angle. The company says each of the new cameras features Arlo Intelligence, which will help Arlo users get a better understanding of what’s happening in and around their homes via personalized, actionable alerts. New pan/tilt cameras The biggest news is Arlo’s long-overdue first pan/tilt cameras, the Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera and the weather-resistant Essential Pan Tilt Security Camera. Both models pan a complete 360 degrees and tilt 180, ensuring full coverage of an entire room or yard. They can automatically track motion, switch between 2.4- and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands to achieve the strongest network connection. Other standard features include two-way audio and a built-in siren; the outdoor model adds a spotlight for color night vision, which can help to capture details such as license plates in low light. Privacy controls in the Arlo Secure app can disable audio and video when you don’t want eyes or ears on. The Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera is priced at $34.99 for the HD (1080p) model and $49.99 for the 2K version. The outdoor Essential Pan Tilt Security Camera lists for $49.99 with HD resolution and $59.99 with 2K res. The Arlo Essential Pan Tilt Indoor Camera pans 360-degrees and tilts 180, ensuring full coverage of the environment.Arlo The Arlo Essential series gets a refresh Arlo has also refreshed its entry-level Essential line. The third-generation models also come in both HD and 2K versions, with options for plug-in or battery power. They cover the basics: indoor monitoring, outdoor security, or extended runtime with the larger batteries in the XL models. Here’s how the lineup breaks down: Essential Indoor Camera (3rd Gen) Plug-in: $24.99 (HD) or $39.99 (2K) Essential Security Camera Plug-in: $39.99 (HD) or $49.99 (2K) Essential Security Camera (3rd Gen) Battery Operated: $49.99 (HD) or $69.99 (2K) Essential XL Security Camera (3rd Gen) Battery Operated: $69.99 (HD) or $79.99 (2K) Arlo Pro series advances to its 6th generation The 6th-generation Arlo Pro series sits in the middle of the new lineup. These cameras record in 2K HDR, deliver a wider view (160 degrees), and add color night vision for clearer detail after dark. They also use swappable rechargeable batteries, so you can keep one charging while the other is inside the camera. The Pro model is priced at $124.99 and the XL version–which has a larger battery–costs $199.99. The Ultra series tops the range At the top end is the third-generation Ultra. It records in 4K HDR with a 180-degree field of view, pairing sharp detail with wide coverage. The camera is built to handle heat, cold, rain, and snow, and it includes two-way audio with noise reduction for clearer conversations. It lists for $199.99. Built to handle the elements, the Essential Pan Tilt Security Camera adds a spotlight that reveals details like clothing, license plates, and faces in low light. Arlo Arlo’s AI at the center Each of the new cameras works with Arlo Secure, the subscription service that uses AI to flag people, vehicles, packages, and hazard warnings from devices such as smoke alarms. It can also add captions to events to provide quick context. Plans start at $7.99 a month, with a premium option that includes 24/7 monitoring and one-tap access to emergency responders. Each of the new Arlo cameras is available for pre-order now through Arlo’s website and Amazon. We’ll have reviews of the new family soon, starting with the two pan-tilt models. Read...