Google's embarrassing smart home routines, the best Chromebooks, Tesla self-drive cheating, and more

October 25, 2021

In my home, we have both Alexa and Google Assistant smart home devices. As someone who constantly writes about tech and smart home, it’s helpful to have both to be familiar with all the options. But there’s also another reason for keeping both around.

In my opinion, Google makes better smart displays and better voice assistants. If it were down to voice commands, I’d go all in, toss out my Alexa devices, and call it a day. But I can’t do that. I won’t do that. Why? Because I think great smart homes need proper automations, and frankly, Google’s automations and routines are pitiful. Google should be embarrassed at how far behind it is compared to Alexa. Don’t believe me? Hit the top story; I’ll convince you.

Other Highlights:

• Oh man, a Retro Disney video game trilogy just went up for pre-order, and I can guarantee it has the best version of Aladdin you can play.
• We gathered together the best Chromebooks you can buy for family or friends this holiday.
• Tesla’s self-driving beta is supposed to be for safe drivers only. It turns out if you’re a terrible driver, you can just cheat.
• Motorcycle. On the Moon. That’s it. Just click.
• …and more!

-Josh

For years I’ve said that automation is the key to great smart homes. Voice controls are nice, but a system that anticipates your needs is better. Despite preferring Google smart home devices, I can’t switch to them entirely. Why? Because Google Assistant routines are trash. Google should be ashamed. Read More »

ChromeOS has come a long way, but the hardware has also evolved a lot. Chromebooks are more varied today than ever before, so whether you’re looking for something cheap and to-the-point or expensive and powerful, there’s a Chromebook for you (or someone on your holiday shopping list). Read More »

True wireless earbuds are the perfect audio accessory, as they don’t tether you to a headphone jack. You can use them at the gym, at work, while gaming, and during your commute. Some earbuds offer additional features, like wireless charging and hands-free access to your voice assistant. Read More »

If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably spent a considerable amount of time wondering how big sea monsters are compared to each other. Is the Kraken in Hotel Transylvania bigger than Pacific Rim‘s Slattern? One YouTuber investigated the fictional beasts and put the results in an amazing video. Read More »

Suppose you want to take part in Tesla’s latest full Self-Driving beta. In that case, you have to be eligible by having a good Safety Score, a program that rates drivers on several metrics, which the car automatically records. Naturally, Tesla only wants safe drivers enjoying this new software, but it sounds like some owners are cheating. Read More »

Tired of looking down at your laptop while sitting at your desk? Keep it at eye level (or at least close to eye level) with this convenient ergonomic laptop stand. It’ll elevate your laptop seven inches off the ground, and help you have better posture (and less strain) while you use it. The stand is compatible with laptops between 10-16 inches and features an aluminum design with an open back that promotes good airflow. It’s available in four colors and even has pads on the bottom that stop it from scratching up your desk.

Get it at Amazon →

Remember Disney’s iconic Aladdin, Lion King, and The Jungle Book video games? Of course you do because those were freakin’ sweet! Now Disney is releasing the Disney Classic Games Collection, which contains all three of the retro games in a new compilation. Read More »

Some computers that base their clocks on GPS are rolling back in time due to a strange Y2K-like bug. The problem mainly affects industrial systems and infrastructure, such as NTP servers, which can fail or perform incorrectly without the correct time. But why is this happening? Read More »

We just reached peak computer dongle. Satechi’s new USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter looks and acts like a regular USB-C hub, but it features a hidden M.2 SATA SSD enclosure to expand the storage of your Mac or PC. Read More »

Lunar vehicles like the Perseverance Rover have done some incredible things, but it’s too small to carry people. Then, bigger Lunar rovers are often large, heavy, 4-wheeled electric vehicles that take up a lot of space. However, a German motorcycle design company named Hookie has a new electric motorcycle it hopes to drive on the moon one day. Read More »

Of all the classic Atari games, Missile Command might be my favorite. That’s why I’m excited to see New Wave Toys open pre-orders for its affordable Missile Command cabinets, which faithfully replicate the look and feel of the classic arcade machine (and a rare pre-production unit) at a tabletop-friendly 1/6th scale. Read More »

The 2021 MacBook Pro is a monster, with 10 CPU cores and up to 32 GPU cores for never-before-seen 3D graphics performance. On hearing this news you might think that the new MacBook Pro is nearing “gaming laptop” territory. Unfortunately, raw performance isn’t everything. Read More »

Microsoft released Windows XP, one of the most popular and enduring versions of Windows ever, on October 25, 2021.It brought a graphical refresh and much-needed stability to consumer Windows. We take a look back at what made it special. Read More »