TL;DR: Internxt’s 10TB Lifetime Subscription just went on sale for $270 (reg. $2,900). Cloud storage usually means paying every month just to keep your files accessible, which adds up quickly. If you don’t want to be stuck paying rent for your files forever, it might be time to try a new platform. Internxt’s lifetime 10TB plan gives you long-term storage without recurring fees, and a lifetime subscription just went on sale for $269.97 (reg. $2,900). Internxt is serious about privacy. All your files are encrypted on your device, broken into smaller pieces, and distributed securely, so only you can access them. The service uses a zero-knowledge model, meaning Internxt has no ability to read your files at any stage, and everything is fully open source for transparency. The platform meets GDPR standards and has been audited by independent security firms. You can store photos, work documents, videos, and personal records across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and any modern browser. Syncing is straightforward, and the interface stays simple enough for everyday use. You can access your files from a desktop app, mobile app, or the web without worrying about device limits, storage caps, or bandwidth restrictions. The 10TB plan includes lifetime encrypted storage and secure sharing. It does not bundle additional Internxt services like Mail or Backups, but the storage platform remains fast, private, and accessible across all your devices. If you don’t want to pay for your cloud storage forever, here’s your way out. Get a 10TB Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription for $269.97. Sale ends December 14 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB PlanSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

Adobe has launched special versions of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Express and Adobe Acrobat for ChatGPT. This gives users access to a wide range of features directly in the popular chatbot at no cost, including image editing and the ability to convert text to PDF files. Here’s how Adobe described the new ChatGPT integration: Accessing Adobe’s apps in ChatGPT is as simple as typing the name of the app followed by an instruction. For example, to blur the background of an image with Photoshop, users can type: “Adobe Photoshop, help me blur the background of this image.” ChatGPT then automatically surfaces the app and uses contextual understanding to guide the user through the action. To learn more about how to get started with Adobe apps for ChatGPT, read here. With Adobe apps for ChatGPT, users can: Easily edit and uplevel images with Adobe Photoshop: Adjust a specific part of an image, fine-tune image settings like brightness, contrast and exposure, and apply creative effects like Glitch and Glow — all while preserving the quality of the image. Create and personalize designs with Adobe Express: Browse Adobe Express’ extensive library of professional designs to find the best one for any moment, fill in the text, replace images, animate designs and iterate on edits — all directly inside the chat and without needing to switch to another app — to create standout content for any occasion. Transform and organize documents with Adobe Acrobat: Edit PDFs directly in the chat, extract text or tables, organize and merge multiple files, compress files and convert them to PDF while keeping formatting and quality intact. Acrobat for ChatGPT also enables people to easily redact sensitive details. In a first phase, Adobe apps will be made available in ChatGPT for desktop, web and iOS. For Android, only Adobe Express is currently available, but support for Photoshop and Acrobat is coming soon. Read...

You’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity, stalking the web for months, patiently passing up the big deal days, both Prime and Black. Your quarry: A big, juicy OLED gaming monitor at a truly remarkable price. Your restraint is remarkable, and today it’s going to pay off. Because you can get a 34-inch Alienware OLED for just $449.99. We’ve featured the Alienware AW3423DWF monitor many times, and you can read the full review here. But long story short, it’s a 34-inch ultrawide, 3440×1440 in a popular gaming resolution. At 165Hz of refresh it’s fast, but not the fastest especially after most OLEDs have been bumped up to 240Hz at least. It’s also a little basic in terms of connection, with just one HDMI port, two DisplayPort, um, ports, and a bunch of USB, but not USB-C video or power for laptops. Even three years after debuting, this monitor remains popular since it’s consistently the most affordable ultrawide OLED from a major brand. Dell is selling it for $499.99 on its site — already a deal for a monitor that debuted at $1,100. But as SlickDeals posters have pointed out, you can do a little extra leg work to take an additional 10 percent off, bringing it down to $450. You’ll need to go to the Dell Rewards site, sign in or create an account (you can use Google), and scroll down to the “Dell Benefits” area, where there’s a 10 percent coupon for Alienware monitors. Click “Claim Offer,” copy the coupon code, and then check out with the monitor. At the time of writing on December 11th, it’s still working, and showing free shipping to my home in Pennsylvania. Dell As far as I can tell, this is the cheapest this particular Alienware monitor has ever been in a new, not-refurbished state, and finding a name-brand OLED of any size under $500 is rare. It is an amazing deal. But if it’s not quite what you’re looking for, then check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best monitors on the market. Get an Alienware 34-inch ultrawide OLED gaming monitor for $450 with couponView Deal Read...

Mini PCs are so small that it’s understandable why some people think they’re an entirely different proposition to their standard-sized desktop cousins. I did for a while after I bought my mini PC. The reality, though, is that apart from the obvious difference in size they aren’t all that different. Here we look at some of the common misconceptions people have about mini PCs and why they’re just plain wrong. If you’re looking for a mini PC, be sure to bookmark our continually updated guide to the best mini PC deals. 1. Mini PCs are too underpowered for proper gaming This is a common myth that you see people perpetuating on forums, but the truth is that mini PCs are comparable to desktop PCs for everyday gaming performance. CPU-wise these mini machines usually sport impressive base clock speeds. I’m talking about speeds up to 5.0GHz. The main difference between mini PCs for gaming and standard desktop gaming PCs is the lack of a discrete GPU in some models and the reliance on integrated graphics like AMD Radeon or Intel Iris Xe instead. There are the rare exceptions to that rule, as with the GPU-sporting Asus ROG NUC 970 mini PC, and these are highly sought after. While it’s true that models lacking discrete GPUs are effectively limited to lighter graphics and gaming, it’s also true that some models support eGPUs to dock a video card externally, and can reach frame rates close to desktop PCs. In such cases, it’s not uncommon for mini PCs to clock upwards of 70 frames-per-second in first-person shooters. The GMKtec gaming mini PC, for example, supports an eGPU via its Oculink interface. 2. Mini PCs are noisy and get hot Many people believe that mini PCs are noisy and suffer from cooling issues due to their compact size. But the truth is that a number of technological advancements have made mini PCs both quiet and efficient. One of the reasons mini PCs can stay cool and quiet is that they utilize low-power components. These compact devices usually consume much less power than a standard desktop computer, typically between 10 to 30 watts compared to 200 watts or more. The GMKtec G5 mini PC, for example, consumes only 12 to 15 watts of power. Looking specifically at noise, it differs considerably between different models. While it’s true that under heavy loads some models might activate fans that are audible, it’s also true that some mini PCs like the MeLe Quieter 4C N150 sport fanless designs, which contradicts the idea that all mini PCs are noisy. It makes sense then, to read product reviews before buying a mini PC and to avoid generalizations about noise. Bonnie Bayley 3. Mini PCs don’t last as long as desktop PCs Reliability and longevity are big priorities for most people who obviously want to get value for money out of the products they’ve bought. But the idea that mini PCs don’t last as long as desktop PCs or laptops doesn’t have any weight to it. Mini PCs like Intel’s NUCs have shown to be extremely reliable with minimal failure rates over the years. Most mini PCs come with quality components like RAM and SSD preinstalled and also come with manufacturer’s warranties that protect you in the rare event that something does go wrong with the device. It’s important to note that occasional drive and power supply failures do occur, but these aren’t exclusive to mini PCs. 4. Mini PCs have poor connectivity The connectivity options in any PC play an important role in the PC’s functionality, allowing devices to connect and be used. Modern mini PCs have very good connectivity with most coming equipped with a variety of ports, including multiple USB-A and/or USB-C ports, HDMI outputs, and ethernet ports. The Asus’ ROG NUCs like the Asus ROG NUC 970 even have multiple ports on the backside and frontside. These features ensure you can connect vital peripherals and enjoy high-quality video output without any hassle. The inclusion of the latest standards of Wi-Fi — Wi-Fi 6 or 7 in some models enhances their versatility, offering faster internet speeds and improved reliability for wireless connections. Many mini PCs also support Bluetooth, further expanding the user’s options and allowing them to connect a wide range of devices, from keyboards to speakers. Related content: 5 incredible mini PC perks I wish I knew before I switched Why you absolutely need a mini PC I love my mini PC, but I still want to buy a tower PC. Here’s why Read...

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is $29.97 (MSRP $229) and includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. A lot of people get a new computer for Christmas, whether given as a gift or something you pick up for yourself. Once the excitement wears off, you still need the software that actually lets you do the important things. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is only $29.97 right now, and it gives your new or existing PC the full suite of tools people use every day. This version includes all the familiar essentials: Word for writing, Excel for organizing your life, PowerPoint for work or school slides, Outlook for email, and more. Everything installs locally on your Windows computer. There are no subscriptions to manage and no surprise renewals. Once you activate it, the license is yours for life, and the apps keep working even without an internet connection. It is also completely AI-free, so students stay focused on their work rather than automated shortcuts. If your holiday setup feels unfinished or your old PC needs a refresh, this is an easy upgrade that makes a real difference. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is available for $29.97 (MSRP $229) for a limited time. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for WindowsSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

Budget is a relative and highly personal term, and one that sometimes gets abused. If you only have $500 to spend on a laptop, then anything above $500 is not “budget” for you. Which can be a real pickle if you’re looking for something with enough power to actually run Windows 11 smoothly. This HP laptop fits the bill, thanks to a Ryzen processor and plenty of RAM for just $499 at Walmart. The Omnibook 5 16 is a pretty basic design, and with that 16-inch, 1920×1200 screen, it’s bigger than most laptops on the market (though not too heavy at just under four pounds, 1.8 kilograms). But the value here is in the specs. It’s got 16GB of DDR5 RAM, which is the minimum I’d recommend for a Windows laptop right now, and 512GB of storage. The biggest appeal might be the Ryzen AI 7 350 processor, an 8-core chip with integrated Radeon 860M graphics. That’s not going to beat a gaming laptop, but it’s more than enough to play a little Fortnite during downtime. Other highlights include a full-sized, backlit keyboard, a big speaker above said keyboard, and plenty of ports (double USB-C, double USB-A, and full-sized HDMI), and a face-scanning camera for Windows Hello login. HP claims “up to 14 hours and 45 minutes” of battery life, which is pretty meh in terms of the competition (and I wouldn’t count on more than 7 to 8 hours if you’re doing web browsing). It also lacks a touchscreen, which might be a plus or a minus for you. Walmart is selling this for $499 even, nearly half off its quoted retail price. Alternatively, HP is offering a nearly identical build of this laptop with an Intel Core 5 120U processor instead of AMD for almost exactly the same price, $499.99. Personally I’d go with AMD, since it’s a newer processor design with slightly better benchmarks and considerably better integrated graphics, but hey, Intel fans are a thing! If neither one is appealing to you, then check out PCWorld’s picks of the best laptops on the market. View Deal Read...

If you’re looking to take your first steps in the smart home space, nothing’s easier than deploying a smart plug. Just stick one in an outlet, plug the lamp or small appliance you want to control into it, install a smartphone app, and you’re done!  While there are dozens of smart plugs to choose from, few offer as many features as what Shelly says its Shelly Plug Gen4 can deliver. This Matter-certified smart plug supports Zigbee as well as Wi-Fi, and can be integrated into any of the major smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple Home, Google Home, Home Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings. Install the Shelly app on your smartphone and you’ll also get local control of the device for maximum privacy. The Shelly Plug Gen4 has integrated energy monitoring that can track power consumption in real time. Capable of supporting 15-amp loads up to 1800 watts, the plug has built-in safety features that offer protection in the event of over-wattage, over-current, and both over- and under-voltage scenarios. The Shelly Plug Gen4 will be available in two colors.Shelly The plug measures 2.01 x 2.52 x 1.5 inches (HxWxD), so a single plug won’t block an adjacent outlet, and two plugs should fit in a standard duplex outlet. It has an LED backlight that displays the plug’s on/off status while doubling as a night light (users can adjust the LED’s color and brightness). An onboard ambient light sensor can also be programmed to change the backlight’s behavior as well as turn the plug on and off. Advanced smart home users will be attracted to the plug’s support for Shelly’s own scripting language and script library, as well as JavaScript, to create advanced automations. In its press release, Shelly pointed to one example of a pre-configured script that can automatically reboot networking equipment in the event of an internet outage. Being an on/off device that supports small appliances such as space heaters and motorized devices such as fans and air purifiers, the one feature the Shelly Plug Gen4 can’t deliver is lamp dimming, but that’s to be expected. The Shelly Plug Gen4 is available now at Amazon and other retailers for $19.99. We’ll have an in-depth review soon. This news is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart plugs. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Compact form factor with efficient cooling Powerful AMD Zen 4 CPU performance for office, multitasking, and creation Dual 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet ports Triple display support including DisplayPort 2.1 (8K/60) 32GB DDR5 in dual channel and 1 TB NVMe SSD included Quiet and energy-efficient operation in everyday use Cons No NPU, no USB4, or Thunderbolt AI focused systems are better positioned for the future SSD and iGPU work below their theoretical capabilities Our Verdict The Alliwava H90 Pro hits an exciting sweet spot: extremely compact, really quiet, and very energy-efficient; yet significantly faster than classic office mini PCs. The addition of HDMI, DisplayPort, dual 2.5 Gbit LAN, and 32GB DDR5 make it a versatile desktop computer. If you need USB4, Wi-Fi 7, and NPU features, you’ll have to find them in much more expensive AI mini PCs. Otherwise, everyone else gets a lot of computing power for their money here. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Alliwava H90 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 Alliwava H90 Pro: The specs CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS, 8 cores / 16 threads, 3.8 to 4.9 GHz, Zen 4 architecture, 35 watt TDP, 4 nm production GPU: AMD Radeon 780M, 12 compute units, up to 2,600 MHz, shared memory Memory: 32GB DDR5-4800, dual-channel, 2× SO-DIMM, expandable up to 256 GB according to the manufacturer Mass storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD, M.2-2280, PCIe-NVMe Cooling: Vapor chamber cooling system (MSC 2.0) with quiet fan and SSD heatsink, dust protection air inlets Video outputs: 1 × HDMI (2.1), 1 × DisplayPort (1.4) plus additional DisplayPort/Alt mode via USB-C; up to three monitors in parallel operation, DP up to 8K @ 60 Hz USB: 1 × USB 2.0, 3 × USB 3.x Gen1, 1 × USB 3.2 Gen2×2 (20 GB/s), incl. USB-C Connectivity: 2 × 2.5 Gbit LAN (Realtek RTL8125), Wi-Fi 6E (MediaTek MT7922), Bluetooth 5.2 Operating system: Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, automatic activation when connected to the internet Dimensions: 52 × 130 × 127.5 mm (H × W × D) Weight: approx. 360 g (0.8lbs) More and more manufacturers that are still relatively unknown are entering the mini PC market. Alliwava is a small supplier of mini PCs that – unlike well-known brands – deliberately focuses on a price-to-performance-orientated market segment. Instead of expensive flagship models with NPU, Thunderbolt docking, or premium gaming design, Alliwava focuses on solid hardware in compact cases, good value for money, and practical features suitable for everyday use. In our review we put it to the test to see if it lives up to these standards. Alliwava H90 Pro: Design After unpacking and the first impressions, the H90 Pro immediately looks like a typical IT favorite: small enough to disappear behind the monitor, but with port layout and cooling that are more reminiscent of a full-blown desktop. The H90 Pro has a simple, functional look: aluminium tray at the bottom, plastic lid in carbon look at the top, plus perforations on the sides for ventilation. Christoph Hoffmann At around 13 × 13 × 5.2 centimeters and around 360 grams (0.8 lbs), the housing remains very compact. At the same time, Alliwava accommodates a fully-fledged AMD Zen 4 platform with Ryzen 7 8745HS and Radeon 780M – all at street prices of less than $700. The front is clearly structured: several USB ports, an audio socket and a discreetly illuminated power button. This makes the mini PC inconspicuous enough for the office without appearing cheap. Christoph Hoffmann It gets exciting when you look under the hood: Alliwava uses a newly designed metal frame with a vapor chamber and MSC 2.0 cooling system, plus dust-protected air inlets on the bottom and sides. This is anything but a matter of course in this size class. In practice, the cooling design results in very quiet operation – even under load. Compared to devices such as the Minisforum AI X1 Pro or Geekom A9 Max, the H90 Pro is visibly more compact. These models also rely on powerful CPUs (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370), but require larger cases with significantly more volume. The Sapphire Edge AI 370 undercuts the H90 Pro once again in terms of height, but Alliwava’s cooling concept is more accessible – without magnetic lids or a rotated board, but with an easily-to-get-to interior and standardized components. Alliwava H90 Pro: Processor, GPU, RAM, and SSD The H90 Pro is surprisingly fully equipped. The centerpiece is the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HS (8C/16T, 3.8-4.9 GHz, 35 watts TDP) based on the Zen 4 architecture, combined with the integrated Radeon 780M (12 CUs, up to 2,600 MHz). There is also 32GB DDR5-4800 in dual channel (2 × SO-DIMM, upgradeable to 256GB) from Kingbank Technology and a 1 TB NVMe SSD (M.2 2280, PCIe NVMe, Gen4 according to the manufacturer, in practice more in the Gen3 performance range). Crystal Disk Info identifies the internal SSD as 1 TB NVMe PCI3 3.0 x4 – without reference to the manufacturer. The connectivity is one of the clear plus points: A total of five USB ports are available (including a 20 GB/s port), plus an HDMI port, two DisplayPort outputs and two 2.5 Gbit LANs. Alliwava itself advertises triple display support via HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4 and USB-C, including 8K at 60 Hz via DisplayPort – a detail that we especially appreciate. Christoph Hoffmann The H90 Pro relies on dual 2.5 GbE (Realtek RTL8125) and Wi-Fi 6E (MediaTek MT7922) for the network. Bluetooth 5.0 is also available. Alliwava H90 Pro: Operating system The Alliwava H90 Pro comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, which is activated when there is an active internet connection. The operating system on our test device was still Windows 11 23H2 – release date 31 October 2023 – so a major update to Windows 11 25H2 was necessary in several steps immediately after setup. This is typical for smaller manufacturers who do not update their images regularly. Christoph Hoffmann After the update, Windows runs stably and smoothly. We downloaded the AMD drivers for the Radeon graphics card and the chipset from the Internet and installed them. Christoph Hoffmann A particularly good point is that Alliwava does not install any bloatware or unwanted additional software. The system’s performance harmonizes well with Windows 11: The Ryzen 7 8745HS, the 32GB RAM, and the NVMe SSD ensure a very smooth user experience. Boot times remain short, programs open quickly and there are no noticeable delays even with many browser tabs or Office programs running at the same time. For typical scenarios – office work, web applications, media playback, home office, even light image and video editing – the H90 Pro offers a remarkably smooth experience under Windows 11. Once the mini PC has been properly updated after unpacking, you get a stable, fast, and unproblematic system that leaves little to be desired in everyday use. Alliwave H90 Pro: Performance The Ryzen 7 8745HS belongs to the Hawk Point family and is essentially a Zen 4 chip with eight cores, 16 threads, and up to 4.9 GHz boost. The integrated Radeon 780M shares the DDR5 memory with the CPU and scales strongly with the RAM clock and power budget. In the H90 Pro, the processor works with rather conservative power limits; the total consumption under full load remains at around 60 to 80 watts and is clearly moderate in everyday use. With its performance scores, the H90 Pro ranks quite well in the field of current Ryzen 7 mini PCs – with a clear focus on office and all-round productivity tasks, but slightly slower gaming performance. PCMark 10 with 6,209 points shows a system that effortlessly covers typical office, web, and collaboration workloads. Essentials (9,380 points) and Productivity (8,864 points) are on a par with well-configured 8745HS or 7840HS compact PCs. The Digital Content Creation section with 7,456 points indicates that photo workflows, simple 4K editing projects, or streaming setups run smoothly without entering the region of dedicated GPUs. Christoph Hoffmann The 3DMark CPU profile with 5,486 points with maximum threads, 5,238 points with 16 threads and 4,418 with 8 threads shows a cleanly scaling multi-core performance. As expected, the gap to the single-thread score (890 points) is clear and confirms that the 8745HS works as a classic 8-core all-rounder: high multi-thread performance for compilation, virtualization, or parallel workloads, without coming close to the top of the HX-370 or Core Ultra top models from our tests. These usually offer 15-30 percent more reserves in synthetic tests, but are significantly more expensive. Christoph Hoffmann The GPU performance is exciting. A Time Spy score of 2,446 points with 2,186 graphics points and 7,549 CPU points is slightly below typical 780M systems with a more aggressive configuration. Many 7840HS or 8845HS mini-PCs with fast LPDDR5X RAM are closer to 3,000-3,300 points. The Radeon 780M cannot fully realise its potential because Alliwava leaves the RAM at 4,800 MT/s and operates the APU with moderate power limits. Christoph Hoffmann In practice, this means: Full HD gaming on medium settings runs stably in many titles, but current AAA games or WQHD/4K remain clearly in the “best-effort” range. 3DMark’s Steel Nomad Light with 2,027 points and 15 FPS shows exactly this same picture: playable in moderate presets, clearly GPU-limited in the harder variants. Solar Bay with 10,295 points emphasises that the iGPU is quite powerful by mobile-APU standards, but does not compete with discrete mid-range graphics cards. Geekbench AI Pro is interesting: 3,617 (Single Precision), 1,566 (Half Precision) and 7,371 quantized are solid values for a pure CPU/GPU solution. However, in direct comparison to NPU-based systems – such as the Ryzen AI HX 370 mini PCs or the Intel Core Ultra 9 in the Geekom IT15 – the H90 Pro lacks the dedicated AI unit, meaning that AI workloads require more energy and computing time. For classic desktop AI (local LLMs, image generation in moderate resolution), the combination of Zen 4 cores and 780M is still sufficient as long as you don’t expect maximum throughput rates. Christoph Hoffmann In terms of mass storage, CrystalDiskMark delivers values in the upper PCIe 3.0 segment with around 3,569 MB/s read and 3,102 MB/s write. High-end Gen 4 SSDs theoretically achieve twice as much, but the difference is hardly noticeable in everyday use (booting, loading apps, project workflows). Christoph Hoffmann Is the Alliwava H90 Pro worth it? All in all, the H90 Pro is positioned between classic 5800U/5825U office boxes and the current AI flagships with HX-370 or Core Ultra 9 in terms of performance. The mini PC from Alliwava is strong in everyday and productivity tasks and (still) sufficient for light gaming and content creation, but lacks an AI accelerator and won’t break any records for iGPU performance. Read...

It is examining whether the tech giant did not offer `appropriate compensation` to web publishers. Read...

As a mom to six kids in rural Nebraska, it’s been hard for me to accept that the world is changing. Except for a few years in Omaha, I’ve lived in small rural communities almost all my life. It’s actually not uncommon in my community to leave your car—or home—unlocked and to know all your neighbors by name. But things are different from the way they used to be. We’ve had some close calls in the area with home break-ins and jail breakouts (which can be frightening if you’re home alone at night). While I knew I needed to get serious about securing my home, I’d been reluctant to go high-tech. After all, I live in an area that frequently loses power during bad weather and struggles to maintain good internet connectivity, which means app-based solutions can sometimes leave me in limbo. Giving smart locks a try But then I was approached with an interesting opportunity: PCWorld asked me to install a smart lock—my first—and share my experience. They knew that while I love gadgets and have written about dozens in the past, I was leery of trusting one with my home security. I can’t be the only person who’s had intrusive thoughts of being locked out of my home at 3 a.m. due to an app crash or because I forgot my PIN code.  Level Lock Pro Read our review Plus, I’m busy and not particularly handy, so my mind raced with concerns. Will it take a long time to install? Will my tech-averse husband hate it? Will we install it and then just never use that door again? Never one to back down from a challenge (I’m raising five boys, after all), I said I’d give it a shot. The biggest surprise? I can’t believe I didn’t try this sooner.  A smart lock has been the least complicated part of my home security routine, and it’s as smart as I want it to be—a big must if your household members have varying levels of tech comfort. You may be as surprised as I was at how uneventful the entire experience turned out to be (and that’s a good thing!) Installation was surprisingly easy First, before you ever buy a lock, get to know the doors in your home. You likely have an entry point in mind, but not all doors work with all locks. Most standard smart deadbolt kits, like the Schrage Encode Plus that I tried (read our expert’s review of the Schrage Encode Plus), have clear specifications on the packaging to confirm a fit. Even if it’s not explicitly stated, a given lock may not work on an antique, non-standard, or glass-filled door (e.g., French-style).  Linsey Knerl/Foundry We chose a door that was close enough to be in range of our home Wi-Fi network, but far enough away that we’d appreciate the convenience of locking it without having to physically walk to the door. In our case, this was the front door to our very cold-in-winter garage—which did not, unfortunately, have an existing lock. If your preferred door doesn’t have a deadbolt already, you can cut holes for one—which is what we did. Most hardware stores sell door lock installation kits, but be sure you purchase both the hole saw component and the latch plate jig. They may not be bundled together in the same kit. (If you don’t have a handy spouse like I do, this is a quick job for a handyman that should take less than an hour.) After we had a deadbolt hole and a place for a latch plate, the installation itself was super simple. The entire process took less than 10 minutes, so if you’re looking for a weekend project, this won’t even take the whole weekend. (Meaning, you can’t use it as an excuse to miss your least-favorite cousin’s wedding.) Linsey Knerl/Foundry Here are some highlights and tips from our installation: The door lock we chose came with an instruction booklet and an app to guide us through. I preferred the app because it had animated videos that really helped someone like me, who has little spatial ability. Reading all the steps before you start can be very helpful, as well.  The unique security code for your lock is likely printed on the instructions. Snap a photo of this with your phone so you’ll always have it, even if you lose the pamphlet.  To make the process smoother, check what you’ll need before you start and verify that you have each item (screws, plates, etc.) mentioned in the instructions. Our lock came with standard AA batteries, but not all do. Have a fresh set available so you can finish installation.  Separate bolt or screw types by size so you don’t accidentally use the wrong one for a particular step.  As long as you have a standard-sized Phillips screwdriver, you won’t need extra tools, but a second person can help when lining up the lock from the other side of the door.  As a final note, I’d strongly advise picking a door lock that runs on batteries. While hard-wired options are available, these are more appropriate for homeowners with access to an electrician and would likely lead to a more involved installation process. You can decide how smart your smart lock will be I have a love-hate relationship with gadgets due to privacy concerns and app fatigue. If you do too, that’s OK. Smart locks can be used as part of a connected ecosystem of smart devices or entirely on their own.  While you generally need to install the app and sign up for a free account to use a smart lock initially, continued use is optional. Our lock came with a key and a PIN pad, so it is unnecessary to connect to a smart assistant (Alexa, Google Home) unless you want to. In the event of a power or internet outage, I can rely on the lock’s battery power and PIN, or stick with the old-fashioned key on a ring. I also love this type of smart-lock configuration for “Wait Until 8th” households, as it allows kids to come and go without compromising on tech boundaries.  Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt Read our review Best Prices Today: $249.94 at Amazon | $319 at Schlage | Not Available at Amazon Prime I also like that our lock came with a guest PIN option, meaning a housekeeper, visiting family member, or dog-sitter can come and go with their own PIN. We can see when they came and went with notifications in the app, or even disable the PIN to revoke access.  Other locks come with fingerprint identification, something I really didn’t want. In the winter, we prefer to keep gloves on, and I’m really hesitant to give more personal data than necessary to any app or device. But you can always balance your unique needs and privacy concerns with any lock you choose.  It gave me peace of mind Ultimately, the right smart lock should make you feel safer than without one. In our case, I was impressed with a few features right from the start. For one, it was easy to check the lock’s status from anywhere, including my bed at three in the morning. This is a key factor in the middle of December, when I’m reluctant to brave the chilly temperatures in the garage to check if my door is truly locked. (Keep in mind that if you choose a Bluetooth-only smart lock rather than a Wi-Fi model or one with a network-connected hub, you’ll need to be physically near the lock to access it.) It also provides some assurance when I leave the kids home alone. Rather than texting to remind them to lock the door (and obsessively waiting for them to text back to confirm they complied), I can just check the phone app. I also get notified when they lock or unlock the door, whether they do so with the app, a connected device, the PIN pad, or the physical key.  My favorite use case is the ability to remotely lock the door immediately. Remember the escaped fugitive I mentioned earlier? It really happened in our small town, and it was nice to lock my door in the middle of the day from my kitchen without making the trek to the garage. While I doubt seconds matter in most cases, it is handy to be able to lock or unlock the door instantly.  Kwikset Halo Select Touchscreen Wi-Fi and Matter Enabled Smart Lock Read our review Best Prices Today: $259 at Amazon You can take it with you Finally, I understand the reluctance to spend a lot of money on a nicer smart lock, especially if you’re in a starter home—or if you plan to replace your door at some point. However, uninstalling the lock takes less time than installing it. So, if you keep all the parts from your original lock, it’s just as simple a process to put things back the way they were and bring your fancy lock to your next door (or location). With some of these locks costing hundreds of dollars, I like having the freedom to not be “locked” into a single door.  I’m a smart lock believer now I’m not sold on all new technology and will probably never invest in a smart fridge, for example. But I can’t deny that the smart lock has changed the way I think about security and may have actually enhanced (in a small way) how I live.  Having a smart lock makes safety a one-button push thing, like the fob on my car keys. It’s safety first, but without all the drama of waking up my husband at 3 a.m. to ask, “Are you sure you remembered to lock the door?” It gives my racing mind one less thing to ruminate on while keeping my most prized treasures (my family) a little bit more secure.  But you don’t have to be an obsessive checker like me to get value from a smart lock. Anyone who lives in cold climates or thinks hiding a key under the mat is an outdated idea can probably get on board with the gadget. Because protecting what matters most should feel simple, not stressful. Check out TechHive’s top picks for the best smart locks. Read...