When You Shouldn't Use Rechargeable AA Batteries

April 13, 2023

Rechargeable batteries might seem like a good way to power your devices and save some money. However, the most commonly used battery type, AA, may not be the best in its rechargeable variety. In our top story, Andrew explains the difference between rechargeable and disposable batteries, why you probably want to choose the disposable option for low-power devices, lets you know which products may not work with rechargeable AAs at all, the risk of using them with emergency devices like smoke alarms, and warns you against mixing and matching disposable and rechargeable batteries.

Other Highlights:

• OpenAI declares open season for bug bounty hunters.
• Rivian recalls thousands of vehicles over a federal regulation violation regarding its backup lights.
• Ryan gives you his thoughts on the new Nothing Ear 2 earbuds.
• … and more!

—Danny

We often suggest buying rechargeable AA and AAA batteries, as they’re much more economical than old-fashioned disposable batteries. But there are several situations where disposable batteries are preferable. In fact, some devices actually require disposable batteries. Read More »

If you're somebody that has sensitive teeth and gums, you might want to consider using a water flosser instead. Water flossers are gentler on the gums compared to string floss and can effectively remove plaque and food particles from difficult-to-reach areas. Check this one out >>

What could be better than having a Kindle full of all the books you want to read? Not having to pay for those books, that’s what. It might seem too good to be true, but there are plenty of legitimate ways to get free books for your Kindle. Bookworms, rejoice! Read More »

The earbuds that made something out of Nothing are back in the Nothing Ear 2. The latest from the world’s most transparent audio brand adds a few new tricks, including sound personalization, new controls, and more polish. It’s a loaded package well worth considering, but one vexing issue remains. Read More »

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 »

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 »

If you’re looking for an easier way to clean the shower or wash your dog, we have you covered. Taking your pet to the groomer every few weeks can get expensive. That’s why you need this slip-on showerhead attachment with a long 6ft hose. The Rinseroo XL turns the showerhead into a hose that’ll reach the ground to spray down a dog, kids, or anything else too big for the sink. Give one a try this summer.

Now that the Wordle craze is dying down a bit, The New York Times is launching an addictive math game called Digits. Despite my hatred for math, I can already tell that Digits will take over my life for at least a few weeks—it’s a pretty solid follow-up to Wordle. Read More »

What if you combined the classic and cute concept of a Tamagotchi pet toy with the capabilities of Sci-Fi hacker devices? You know the type, hold it up, and it just does the hacking, ignoring all reality. Well, you’d almost get the Flipper Zero, a very real product that Amazon banned from its store. Read More »

The LEGO Group just unveiled a fun new Tales of the Space Age set where you’ll turn a pile of bricks into a mosaic of space. And while this is a pretty minimalistic set that’s super simple to assemble, it’s also visually appealing and affordable. Read More »

The Discovery Desktop app, which allows you to mount a WD My Cloud drive on your computer, will be discontinued in June of 2023. This decision is sure to upset customers, who are now forced to manually enable local access on their My Cloud devices. Read More »

As Google promised, the first Android 14 Beta is finally available after two earlier developer preview builds. The beta doubles down on privacy and security while improving the user experience. Plus, now it’s stable enough for the average user to consider trying. Read More »

Launching today, the GeForce RTX 4070 is supposed to fill the mid-range gap in NVIDIA’s 40-series GPU lineup. But at $600, the RTX 4070 is a bit of an odd duck—sure, it’s the most reasonably priced 40-series GPU, but its specs are comparable to the old RTX 3080. Read More »

Rivian is recalling its R1S electric SUV for the second time this month. The recall involves all 5,030 models manufacturered and delivered to customers due to backup lamps (reverse lights) that do not pass federal requirements. Read More »

Open AI has declared open season for bounty hunters. This week, the company announced a Bug Bounty program that offers researchers, ethical hackers, and technology enthusiasts cash rewards for finding and reporting bugs in its generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT. Read More »

We can’t all have a home gym. In fact, some of us don’t even have space for a set of dumbbells, and driving to the gym every day seems like a real chore. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get in a great workout. Enter: bodyweight exercises. Read More »

The centerpiece of any impressive PC setup is multiple monitors. Two screens are better than one, right? While dual monitors look cool, you can achieve the same thing without a second display on your desk. It’s time to go ultrawide. Read More »

It seems like nearly everyone is some sort of content creator these days. With videos, podcasts, and live streams, you have one consistent need: great-sounding audio. The Universal Audio Volt 2 aims to be an audio interface for everyone, regardless of what you’re creating. Read More »

Whether you’ve been working on a project, cleaning the house, or running after kids all day, sometimes adults need naps, too. If you have the chance to schedule one into your day, is there a best time to nap? Read More »

Spring might be here, but depending on where you live, it might still be pretty chilly. If you’re looking for a way to warm up a room, you’re in luck because this week, LifeSavvy is giving away a Grelife Oscillating Space Heater! Read More »

Your phone battery is low again, and you’re miles from your charger at home. There’s a public charging kiosk or maybe a USB charging port right at the airport terminal counter you’re sitting at. But is it safe to charge your phone with a public port? Read More »

Slip-on shoes are incredibly convenient for just about all quick errands. For years, moccasins have accompanied me on dog walks and grocery store runs, but not anymore! The Kizik Roamers are an all-around better option. They provide more support and style than any other slip-on out there. Read More »

For some people, nothing is comfier or cozier than being surrounded by a sea of pillows every night. While trying to replicate a cloud with plush pillows sounds nice, could it actually be a problem? Read More »