Review Geek - Leave My Lightning Cable Alone

March 8, 2023

Last year, the European Union passed a law that compels Apple to switch the iPhone’s connector cable from its proprietary Lightning technology to the now-standard USB-C. Many people around the tech world are rejoicing that mobile devices will have a more uniform charging cable. But not everybody is happy about it. I count myself among the people not happy about the upcoming change. In our top story, I explain my reasons for wanting to stick with Lightning over USB-C for my iPhones.

Other Highlights:

• Josh gives you his thoughts on the Google Pixel 7.
• LEGO Star Wars is here for 2023. Check out our favorite sets.
• Microsoft’s Outlook is now free on macOS.
• … and more!

— Danny

I remember the day I brought home my first lightning cable. I had just upgraded my iPhone 4S to a 5S, and the new connector came in the box. I wasn’t thrilled that I had to incorporate a new cable type into my life. But now that Lightning is on the way out, I must protest … “Hey! I’m using that!” Read More »

Winter is here, but you needn't succumb to the cold. Banish frigid air from your home (and beyond) with Fara, a compact electric heater with a hot design and even hotter output. With a small footprint and mighty performance, Fara can be used almost anywhere. Get yours today for just $79 ($20 off)–or add smart capabilities for an extra $41–and keep winter's cold grip at bay all season long.

My relationship with the Pixel series of phones can best be described as love/hate. I adore the Pixel-exclusive features. And the Pixel 7 Pro is once again among the best smartphone cameras you can buy. But I always find a near “deal breaker.” This time it’s the easy-to-scratch screen. Read More »

If you’re dreaming of bringing Star Wars off the screen and into your world, you might think you have to go to a galaxy far, far away. However, there’s a way to do it right from the comfort of your home. All you need to do is pick a Star Wars LEGO set, and we can help you find the best ones. Read More »

Physical books will always hold a special place in many of our hearts, but no one can deny the convenience of reading eBooks on a Kindle. You can carry an entire library in one tiny tablet and take advantage of tons of great features. However, it can be hard to decide which Kindle model is right for you. Luckily, we’re here to break down your options. Read More »

For better or worse, Google Search and Bing are going all-in on AI chatbots. And DuckDuckGo, the most popular privacy-focused search engine, doesn’t want to miss the hype train. DuckDuckGo is now beta testing a “DuckAssist” AI that provides instant, summarized answers for your search queries. Read More »

Everybody loves portable batteries, but nobody likes to hunt for a charging cable. That’s why Anker’s 621 Magnetic Battery features a built-in wireless charger. Just set it against your phone (or Qi-compatible earbuds) and let it rip!

And for you iPhone users, this battery is MagSafe-compatible. It will stick to the back of your iPhone just like any other MagSafe accessory. Pretty cool!

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

There are countless great options if you’re looking to buy a new EV. Buyers can choose from electric cars, trucks, SUVs, and even high-end electric supercars are on the way. However, you won’t find a convertible EV, and here’s why. Read More »

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

Electric bikes are exploding in popularity, with models available in all shapes, sizes, and price points. As a result, a French startup company named Upway started selling pre-owned and refurbished ebikes in Europe, and now its online store is expanding to the United States. Read More »

Chopping a keyboard in half may seem like an odd idea. But we love split keyboards, as they’re incredibly ergonomic and can free up some space on your desk. Now, Keychron is launching its first fully-split mechanical keyboard, the Keychron Q11. Read More »

Due to a longstanding FCC agreement, Spectrum doesn’t enforce data caps on its home internet plans. But this agreement expires on May 18th—afterward, Spectrum is allowed to implement data caps. Unfortunately, we’re not sure what Spectrum plans to do with this newfound freedom. Read More »

Tesla issued so many recalls in 2022 that I lost count, but a quick software update fixed most of those. However, Tesla is now dealing with a rare physical recall on thousands of newer Model Y vehicles, which need an inspection due to loose bolts securing the second-row seats to the frame. Read More »

Microsoft is giving away one of its signature software applications to Mac users. Outlook for Mac is now free to download and use through the Mac App Store. Previously, a Microsoft 365 subscription or a license was necessary to use the email client. Read More »

A few years ago, I wrote a quick article celebrating the Fairphone 2’s extremely long lifespan. This modular and repairable phone still received major software updates five years after its release—something we’d love to see from Google or Samsung. Now, at seven years old, the Fairphone 2 is about to get one last update. Read More »

Available March 28th, the Sonos Era 300 brings spatial audio to the forefront of your listening experience. It’s Sonos’ new flagship speaker, clocking in at a cool $450. Additionally, Sonos is introducing the Era 100, a $250 revision of the aging Sonos One speaker. Read More »

When it comes to outdoor cooking, the terms “barbecue” and “grilling” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different cooking methods. Barbecuing and grilling each have unique characteristics and techniques, and knowing the difference between them can help you achieve the perfect cookout. Read More »

Microsoft revealed an AI-powered Bing chatbot in February, dubbing it “the new Bing.” But what can you actually do with the new Bing, and where does it fall short? Read More »

1Password is a well-known password manager with a solid reputation and a good track record. Is it the right pick for you, though? I took a long, hard look at 1Password to see how it works and if it stands up to the competition. Read More »

Grey Goose debunked the Costco rumor itself, so that myth can be put to bed. But in a recent viral video, TikTok content creator @ecommjess detailed some of the many beloved brands that make do make Kirkland’s Signature products. For example, Bumble Bee Tuna makes Kirkland’s Albacore Solid White Tuna, Duracell makes Kirkland’s signature batteries, and Huggies Diapers makes Costco’s signature diapers. Read More »

Most people have aluminum foil in their homes and use it for all the usual stuff—like wrapping leftovers and cooking a baked potato. But there’s one use for aluminum foil you might not expect. Read More »

Olive oil is often heralded as the Holy Grail of cooking oils. It’s tasty, it’s healthy, and it’s versatile. You can drizzle it over bread or toast, use it to fry eggs or roast vegetables on your stovetop, mix it with other ingredients to create a tasty salad dressing or marinade, stir it into cooked pasta in lieu of butter– the possibilities are nearly endless. Read More »

Whether you’re on a patio sipping a frozen margarita or you’ve just finished working out and are chugging down a glass of ice-cold water, a brain freeze can happen. But when it does, can you stop it? Read More »