Choosing the right pair of headphones can be tricky with so many options on the market. The most important things to consider are how you intend to use the headphones and your budget.

There are several types of headphones to choose from. Over-ear headphones that completely cover your ears are good at blocking out ambient noise but can be bulky, while earbuds sit inside your ears so they are more compact but may be less comfortable for long periods of use. For the best noise cancellation, over-ear wireless headphones are a great choice.

If sound quality is most important, wired over-ear headphones typically provide the best audio reproduction. Look for a pair with large drivers, a wide frequency range, and if possible a headphone amplifier to power them. For casual listening or exercising, Bluetooth wireless earbuds are very convenient. Just be aware that Bluetooth can compress the audio signal so the sound quality may not match wired headphones.

Comfort is key if you plan to wear your headphones for long stretches. Over-ear headphones should have padded ear cups and an adjustable padded headband. Earbuds need to fit snugly but not too tightly, and different size tips can help you get the right seal and comfort. Consider the weight of the headphones as well, especially if you want to wear them while being active.

Battery life is important to consider if choosing wireless Bluetooth headphones. Look for at least 6 to 8 hours of playback for wireless over-ear headphones and 4 to 6 hours for true wireless earbuds. The battery should also charge fairly quickly, in 2 hours or less.

Be sure to set a budget before you start shopping. You can get a basic pair of wired earbuds for under $20 or pay $200 or more for a high-end set of wireless noise-canceling over-ear headphones. As with most technology, you’ll pay more for better sound quality, comfort, and extra features.

Fitness trackers and smart watches have become ubiquitous, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how technology can improve and enhance your workout routine. Here are some of the latest gadgets that are poised to revolutionize how you exercise.

New virtual reality systems are making at-home workouts more engaging and effective. Products like the Oculus Quest 2, which doesn’t require a PC, provide an immersive experience for cardio, strength, and flexibility training. Some systems offer virtual classes with real instructors, while others provide scenic virtual routes for running, biking and walking in place.

Smart yoga mats and exercise mats contain pressure sensors that can count your reps, track your form, and provide real-time feedback on how to improve your technique. For example, the SmartMat has thousands of sensors to monitor your balance, alignment and flexibility during yoga or pilates. It connects to an app that gives you an analysis of your performance after each session.

Bionic limbs and exoskeletons are enabling new options for rehabilitation and sport-specific training. Devices like the EksoGT robotic exoskeleton, which helps people with lower limb paralysis walk again, are being adapted for fitness. Exoskeletons could provide resistance for strength training or help athletes improve skills like speed and jumping power.

Smart dumbbells can automatically adjust the weight between sets. The JaxJox DumbbellConnect set communicates with an app to digitally change the weight from 5 to 50 pounds in under a second. The app also tracks your workout stats and progress.

Wearable resistance bands provide a gym-quality workout at home. Bands like the X3 Bar band and Tonal resistance bands connect to digital weight machines that offer up to 200 pounds of electronically-controlled resistance for exercises like rows, chest presses, and squats. The machines analyze your performance and modify the workouts to match your needs.

Recovery and muscle therapy devices are leveraging technology to relieve pain and improve flexibility. Percussive massagers like the Theragun use powerful vibrations to relieve muscle tightness and soreness. Electrical muscle stimulators such as PowerDot send targeted pulses to muscles to help them recover after intense activity. Flexibility tools such as the GO Stretch provide guided stretching programs based on your needs and range of motion.

Smart boxing gloves can sense the speed and power of your punches. Products like the Hykso and StrikeTec gloves contain motion sensors and impact force detectors to track metrics like punch count, speed, volume and type. The data is synced to an app so you can review your boxing workout stats and progress over time. Some models also offer training programs and video tutorials to help improve your skills.

Cybersecurity is more important than ever. As our lives become increasingly digital, we all need to take steps to protect our data and personal information. Here are five easy ways you can improve your cybersecurity and safeguard your digital life:

Stay on top of software and app updates. Software and app developers frequently release updates to patch security vulnerabilities and fix bugs. Make sure you enable automatic updates on all your devices and apps whenever possible. If not, regularly check for updates and install them. Outdated software and apps are easy targets for cybercriminals to exploit.

Use strong and unique passwords. Reusing the same password across sites and services puts you at major risk. If one account is compromised, cybercriminals have access to all your accounts. Use a password manager to generate and remember complex unique passwords for all your accounts. Aim for at least 15 characters with a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.

Enable two-factor authentication when available. Two-factor authentication, like a text message code or authentication app, provides an extra layer of security for your accounts. It requires not only your password but also a code sent to your phone or an authentication app. Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts like email, banking, social media, and any accounts with sensitive data.

Be cautious of public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure and your online activities and personal information can be seen by others. Never conduct sensitive activities like online banking, shopping or accessing health portals on public Wi-Fi. If you need to connect, use a VPN to encrypt your connection and hide your online activities.

Stay vigilant for phishing emails and malicious links. Phishing emails and malicious links are one of the most common cyber threats. Never click links or download attachments from unsolicited emails. Even if an email looks legitimate, hover over links to check the actual URL and be wary of poor grammar or urgent language asking for personal information or account access. Report any suspicious emails to the FTC or FCC to help crackdown on cybercriminals.

Laptops and tablets are two of the most popular types of computing devices today, but they are quite different and choosing between them can be challenging. Laptops are more powerful, but tablets are more portable. Laptops typically run full desktop operating systems, while tablets run mobile operating systems. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between a laptop or tablet.

Laptops generally offer more powerful components, like faster processors, more storage, and extra graphics capabilities. This additional power makes laptops better suited for intensive tasks like editing photos and videos, running powerful design software, and playing graphics-intensive games. Laptops also typically have larger screens, full keyboards, and trackpads that provide more precision than a touch screen.

Tablets are typically thinner, lighter, and have longer battery lives than most laptops. Tablets run mobile operating systems that are optimized for touch, so they are often simpler to use and navigate. The portability and battery life of tablets make them ideal for basic tasks like web browsing, streaming media, reading ebooks, sending emails, and more. However, their smaller screens and lack of a physical keyboard can make some tasks more difficult.

If you need a device primarily for productivity and more advanced computing needs, a laptop is probably your best choice. However, if you’re looking for an easy-to-use device mainly for entertainment and communication, a tablet would likely suit you well. For some, a 2-in-1 device that combines a laptop and tablet in one device is a good compromise. In the end, determining your needs and priorities can help make it clear which type of device is right for you.

Home automation used to be expensive, requiring complicated setups and pricey equipment. But that’s no longer the case. Today, affordable smart home gadgets can help make your life more convenient and your home more secure, all without breaking the bank.

Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Home are a great place to start. They can control smart home devices with your voice. Look for bundle deals where you can get a smart speaker along with a few compatible smart devices. Smart plugs and smart light bulbs are inexpensive ways to automate small appliances and lighting. Smart plugs plug into regular outlets and allow you to control whatever’s plugged into them with an app or smart speaker.

Smart locks allow you to unlock doors remotely or on a schedule. Many don’t require any wiring and can be installed in minutes. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature in your home for maximum comfort and efficiency. The Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee Smart Thermostat are highly rated, user-friendly options.

Indoor and outdoor security cameras have become very affordable. You can find weather-resistant outdoor cameras for under $50 and indoor cameras for under $30. They provide 24/7 monitoring and motion-activated recording to your phone.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are must-haves for any home. Smart versions that connect to your Wi-Fi and send alerts to your phone provide an extra level of safety. They’re slightly more expensive than regular detectors but provide peace of mind that the devices are functioning properly.

To get started, pick one or two devices that would make the biggest impact on convenience or security in your home. As you get comfortable with them, you can slowly add additional smart devices over time. With a little bit of research, you’ll be well on your way to an automated smart home without breaking the bank.

After several years of rapid progress, smartphones in 2024 are more powerful, capable, and affordable than ever before. Our picks for the best smartphones this year span all price points while offering solid performance, high-quality displays, and long battery life.

The new iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best smartphone for those wanting the latest and greatest tech. It features a stunning 6.7-inch OLED display, Apple’s new A17 Bionic chip which delivers incredible performance, and major improvements to the camera system, especially in low light. The high price tag means it’s not for everyone, but for the most advanced experience, the iPhone 15 Pro Max cannot be beaten.

For Android fans wanting a premium device, the Google Pixel 8 is a fantastic choice. It includes the same top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon chip as other flagships, a brilliant 6-inch OLED display, and dual rear cameras that produce some of the best photos of any smartphone. Google’s software is clean and helpful, and with a starting price of $699, the Pixel 8 won’t break the bank.

Mid-range options like the Samsung Galaxy A54 provide solid performance and good cameras for under $500. The A54 has a large 6.4-inch AMOLED display, ample storage and memory, and a quad-camera system with an ultra-wide lens. For basic tasks like browsing, streaming media, and casual gaming, the Galaxy A54 is a very capable and affordable device.

Budget-friendly picks start under $200 and are suitable for kids or less frequent use. The Moto G Power (2024) has a long-lasting 5,000mAh battery, 6.4-inch LCD display and capable Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, all for just $199. At this price, you can’t expect the world, but for basic needs the Moto G Power punches above its weight.

In summary, whether you want an industry-leading smartphone or just something simple to stay connected, there are high-quality options at a range of price points. Smartphones have become remarkably advanced and affordable, and the devices on our list are the best 2024 has to offer.

5G is the next generation of wireless networks. It will usher in faster data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect many more devices at once. 5G networks are starting to roll out now and will likely transform our daily tech lives in the coming years.

5G wireless networks operate on a higher frequency band of the radio spectrum, which means they can transmit more data at faster speeds. 5G networks will eventually reach peak download speeds of 20 gigabits per second, compared with 1 gigabit per second for 4G LTE. Faster data speeds will enable new capabilities like streaming 4K and 8K video, virtual reality experiences, and cloud gaming on the go.

5G will also significantly reduce network latency, which is the time it takes for devices to respond to each other over the wireless network. Lower latency will enable real-time control of technologies like autonomous vehicles, remote surgery, and multiplayer cloud gaming. With 5G, latency could drop to just 1 millisecond compared with 70 milliseconds on today’s 4G networks.

5G will allow carriers to connect many more devices at once. On 4G LTE, the maximum number of connected devices is around 100,000 per square kilometer. 5G networks will support up to 1 million connected devices in the same area. This huge increase in network density will enable new capabilities like smart cities, industrial automation, and massive Internet of Things deployments.

The rollout of 5G will take time, so you likely won’t experience major changes right away. Carriers have started deploying 5G networks in select cities, but broad coverage and the full range of capabilities are still years away. You’ll need a 5G-enabled phone to access 5G networks. Many of the flagship phones released in 2019 support 5G, but less expensive models likely won’t get 5G until 2020 or later.

Over the next few years, 5G networks will continue to expand and improve. New capabilities will come online and additional frequency bands will be deployed to boost speed and coverage. It will take time, but 5G will ultimately transform how we live and work with technology. The future is exciting, and it’s built on the power of 5G connectivity.