Plugable launches USBC-E5000 5Gbps USB-C Ethernet adapter and TBT5-240W1M Thunderbolt 5 cable
Today, Plugable launches two new super-cool products that should be useful in a laptop bag or collection of tech-tools. There is the USBC-E5000 5Gbps USB-C Ethernet Adapter and the TBT5-240W1M Thunderbolt 5 Cable.
The USBC-E5000 is a USB-C dongle that offers speeds up to 5Gbps. Of course, you will be limited by the maximum speed of the network to which you connect. In other words, you won’t magically get 5Gbps when connecting to a gigabit network.
Firefox add-ons will stop working on March 14 if you don’t update
Firefox users running older versions of the web browser could be in for a really nasty surprise. On March 14, 2025, a critical root certificate will expire. And, if your browser isn’t updated to at least Firefox 128 (or ESR 115.13+ for those using the long-term support version) your add-ons will be disabled. Additionally, streaming services that require DRM may even stop working!
For anyone still using an outdated version on Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android, time is running out to avoid these annoyances. Even those sticking with older operating systems (such as Windows 7, 8, and 8.1, or macOS 10.12–10.14) need to at least update to ESR 115.13+ if they want to keep their add-ons and media playback working.
Dynabook Portégé Z40L-N Windows 11 laptop blends AI smarts with stunning blue magnesium design
Today, Dynabook introduces the Portégé Z40L-N, an ultra-light Windows 11 business laptop that combines AI-powered features, enterprise-grade security, and an absolutely gorgeous Dark Tech Blue magnesium alloy chassis. It even has a user-replaceable battery -- what a concept!
Despite its sleek body and sub-1kg weight, this Microsoft Copilot+ PC packs some impressive specifications -- Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, Intel Arc Graphics, Wi-Fi 7, and a vibrant 14-inch 16:10 display. In other words, it is definitely not form over function.
BenQ unveils new EW Series 4K and QHD monitors with enhanced visuals and eye-care technology
Today, BenQ launches a trio of new monitors in its EW Series. The company promises better visuals, built-in speakers, and eye-care tech compared to predecessors.
BenQ says these displays bring an elevated audio-visual experience with HDRi Gen2 Dynamic Contrast Adjustment to boost dark scenes and a wider color gamut. That’s great and all, but let’s be real, folks -- many people are just streaming things like YouTube or Netflix, where compression already messes with image quality. Are these features actually game-changers, or just nice-to-haves?
YouTube Premium Lite launches in the USA
YouTube is finally rolling out Premium Lite in the USA (coming soon to Thailand, Germany, and Australia). For the princely sum of $7.99 per month, Google is promising subscribers a mostly ad-free experience.
Although Premium Lite offers an official way to remove ads, it won't hide those baked directly into videos by creators. That’s right, even if you shell out for this plan, you’ll still have to sit through sponsored segments for VPNs, meal kits, and mobile games, because YouTube can’t really do anything about those. Quite frankly, that just doesn’t seem fair.
Apple MacBook Air M4 and Mac Studio might be the perfect upgrade for Windows 11 users
Just yesterday, Apple unveiled a new iPad Air. Today, the iPhone-maker announces two new exciting computers -- the MacBook Air laptop with M4 chip and a refreshed Mac Studio desktop powered by M4 Max and M3 Ultra. With more performance, better AI integration, and longer battery life (for the laptop), these Mac machines might be the perfect option for those fed up with Windows 11 and looking for a smooth, hassle-free computing experience.
The MacBook Air keeps its fanless design but now supports two external displays when closed. It gets a 12MP Center Stage camera, starts with 16GB of memory, and introduces a new sky blue color. Apple claims it’s twice as fast as the M1 version, with up to 18 hours of battery life. The price drops to $999 -- $100 less than before!
ExpressVPN finally brings GUI to its Linux app
ExpressVPN has rolled out a much-needed update for Linux users, finally adding a graphical user interface (GUI) to its VPN app. Yes, folks, a GUI for Linux is only being rolled out in 2025! Better late than never, I suppose.
Until now, ExpressVPN users in Linux were stuck with a command-line interface (CLI), while Windows and macOS users enjoyed a more user-friendly experience. This update brings ExpressVPN more in line with competitors like Surfshark, which has long offered a Linux app with a GUI.
Apple launches new iPad Air with M3 chip, AI features, and updated Magic Keyboard
Despite owning a fancy iPhone 16 Pro Max, I also have an iPad Air. Why? Well, even though my iPhone has a pretty big screen, sometimes I just want even bigger. Plus, I can use it when my iPhone is charging.
Why didn’t I go with an iPad Pro? Quite simply, Apple’s Pro tablets are too expensive for what I mostly use them for -- media consumption. Hell, I don’t need an expensive iPad Pro for watching TikTok on the toilet.
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential now available
Back in January, we told you about the all-new Smart Thermostat Essential from ecobee. Is it an innovative product? Not at all. However, this new thermostat doesn’t need to break new ground. Instead, it aims to offer a reliable experience at an affordable price. Quite frankly, that’s really all a homeowner wants from a thermostat these days.
ecobee promised the Smart Thermostat Essential would hit stores in March, and wouldn’t you know it, we are now in March. And so, staying true to its word, the affordable thermostat can be purchased immediately.
Xiaomi 15 smartphones and Pad 7 tablets are here
Today, Xiaomi introduces its latest flagship devices -- the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro. The lineup also includes the Xiaomi 15 smartphone and Xiaomi Pad 7. Yes, there are Pro and non-Pro variants of both the smartphone and tablet.
Xiaomi says the 15 Ultra is designed with photography in mind, featuring a quad-camera system developed with Leica. The main camera includes a 1-inch 50MP Sony LYT-900 sensor with a variable ƒ/1.63-ƒ/4.0 aperture for improved light control and depth of field. It also uses a Leica Summilux optical lens with an 8P aspherical high-transmittance design and dual anti-reflection coating to reduce glare.
Datacolor LightColor Meter brings Bluetooth precision to photographers and filmmakers
If you are a photographer or videographer, you know just how important lighting is. You can have fancy high-end cameras, but if your lighting sucks, the end result can really suffer. Wouldn’t it be cool to scientifically monitor lighting rather than trust your gut?
Well, if you like that idea, I have great news. You see, Datacolor has launched a really cool new product called “LightColor Meter.” This diminutive device is designed to measure both light intensity and color temperature.
Transcend unveils the MTE255S PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe SSD
Transcend has launched a new solid state drive that is largely unremarkable. Called “MTE255S,” it features a PCIe Gen4 x4 interface and reaches read speeds of up to 7,400MB/s and write speeds of up to 6,500MB/s. While this performance is hardly the best on the market, it is still quite respectable.
With 1TB and 2TB storage options, the MTE255S comes equipped with a graphene heatsink to assist in cooling.Transcend includes LDPC error correction, though this model sadly lacks a DRAM cache and RAID engine -- something to strongly consider if you need sustained high-speed writes.
MTA uses Google Pixel smartphones and AI to detect subway track defects
The subway in NYC has received a huge upgrade, but it’s probably not at all what you’d expect. No, it is not coming in the form of new trains or renovations to stations (even though that would be great). Actually, the MTA is testing a system that effectively transforms Google Pixel Android smartphones into powerful diagnostic tools for tracking rail defects!
The project, called “TrackInspect,” attaches Google Pixel phones to subway cars. Then, by using the Android devices’ built-in microphones and motion sensors, it detects vibrations and sound patterns. These sounds can indicate areas of track that may need maintenance. How cool is that?
OpenAI launches GPT-4.5 AI model and Elon Musk should be very worried
OpenAI has just announced GPT-4.5! While the company says the model is its most advanced AI yet, there’s definitely more to this release than meets the eye. Version 4.5 is a clear warning for anyone betting against OpenAI, including Elon Musk.
GPT-4.5 is being labeled a “research preview,” meaning OpenAI is still testing its strengths and weaknesses. With that said, it is apparently smarter, more natural in conversations, and better at avoiding mistakes than previous models. That could signal big trouble for xAI’s Grok, which Musk has been pushing as an alternative to OpenAI’s models.
Cricut Explore 4 and Maker 4 launch with faster speeds and lower prices -- perfect for stay-at-home moms
If you are a fan of crafts, you definitely have reason to be excited today. You see, Cricut is back with two new cutting machines designed to make crafting easier, faster, and even more affordable!
The Cricut Explore 4 and Cricut Maker 4 will be available starting tomorrow. These machines will appeal to stay-at-home moms (or stay-at-home dads for that matter) looking for a creative hobby or even a potential side hustle. With the ability to cut materials twice as fast as before, users can churn out custom vinyl decals, t-shirts, greeting cards, and more in record time. You'll be amazed by all the cool things you can make with it.
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