Why some USB ports are yellow (and less common than others)
Not every USB port color means what you think. Learn why yellow ports are so uncommon and what to check before you plug in anything important.
Thomas Godwin
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Stories By Thomas Godwin
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Sodium vs. lithium-ion batteries: What's the difference between them?
Lithium-ion batteries may dominate today, but emerging alternatives like sodium-ion may soon have their time in the spotlight if we can manage key differences.
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Your iPhone has a built-in barometer — Here's how to use it
The iPhone's barometer is easy to overlook, but it's one of several sensors working behind the scenes every day, collecting data most users haven't seen.
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Why you should never put your PlayStation 5 on a carpeted floor
The PlayStation 5 needs to stay cool when playing games, and a carpet is a literal hotbed. Here's the best ways to store a PS5 while keeping it cool.
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Your EV's battery is big enough to run your house — here's what stops most people
Today's EV batteries could let you power specific appliances or your entire house. But a few factors line up to make that idea a non-starter for most folks.
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The reason why some USB ports are black
USB ports come in multiple colors, from eye-catching ones like orange and purple to plain old black ports. Here's what the latter signifies.
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The reason why some iPhone calls don't have a decline option, and others do
Sometimes your iPhone lets you decline a call and sometimes it doesn't. Here's why that happens, and a few easy ways to handle the calls you'd rather skip.
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Why it's important to never plug power strips into each other
Power strips are lifesavers when you don't have enough outlets to power all of your electronics and some also offer protection from power surges.
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Why it's important to use a microSD Express card with your Nintendo Switch 2
The Switch 2 has expandable storage that you should take advantage of. But you can't use the same cards that worked with your original Switch.
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How to clean your PlayStation 5 without damaging it
Your PS5 requires occasional maintenance to run at its best, but it only needs a light touch.
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Ceramic vs Titanium Apple Watch: Which material is better for overall durability?
An Apple Watch is a handy accessory for your iPhone, but choosing the most durable material can be challenging. This one is better suited to your needs.
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Whatever happened to 8K TVs?
8K TVs sounded like the inevitable upgrade to 4K, but they've barely sold and most companies aren't bothering to make them anymore.
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How to tell if your smart TV has a camera (and how to disable it)
If you're concerned about privacy, then you'll want to make sure that your smart TV doesn't have a camera — and that you disable it if it does.
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How big and powerful is SpaceX's Starship rocket?
SpaceX's Starship has a big role to play in NASA's plans to land astronauts on the Moon. Here's how big this rocket is and how its two stages work together.
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Why your Apple AirPods' battery drains so fast and how to make it last longer
It's annoying when your Apple AirPods run out of juice, but the culprit might not be what you think. Here's what's going on and what you can do about it.
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The reason most electrical plug prongs have holes in them
If you've ever looked at the end of a plug, you've probably wondered why some have holes, and some don't — and no, it's not actually a big conspiracy theory.
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Why your AirPods keep disconnecting without warning: These settings can fix it
Handy features of your AirPods can be overzealous, leading to disconnections and unwanted device swapping.
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GNSS Vs GPS: What's the difference?
GNSS and GPS are common terms in the world of satellite navigation. They may be similar, but there are some key differences between the two technologies.
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The reason why some USB ports are orange
USB colors and symbols provide an idea of a port's capabilities, but are not as standardized as they should be.
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Can you run regular Ethernet cables outside?
Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.
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Common mistakes you should avoid when setting up your home network
Setting up a home network is rewarding, but you should be aware of common missteps to avoid hassle in the future.
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The pros and cons of using an eSIM over a physical SIM card
eSIMs are more convenient than physical SIM cards in many ways, but they aren't a 100 percent upgrade.
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There's a chance your PlayStation 5 is plugged into the wrong HDMI port
Your PS5 will look great plugged into any HDMI port on a modern TV, but only some unlock its full suite of display features.
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How much power can a 1kW wind turbine produce for your home?
A 1 kW wind turbine can help with your electric bill, but the wind determines how much.
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Robot vacuums have a major privacy problem you should be aware of
Your robot vacuum's microphone and camera are useful for more efficient cleaning, but it's vital to know how that information is stored and shared.
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Is AppleCare actually worth it for the Apple Watch SE?
AppleCare+ makes Apple Watch repairs or replacements easier, but even at a low cost, it might not be a good value.
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What happens to an EV battery after it's removed from your car?
EV batteries don't last forever, and once they get past the point of repair, there are a few ways that they can still serve a useful purpose.
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