Your next router should be Wi-Fi 6E, a ransomware group apologizes to cops, Hyundai goes all EV, and more

December 30, 2021

After a year of litigation, the FCC is finally opening the 6GHz Wi-Fi band for next generation Wi-Fi 6E routers. It’s arguably the biggest improvement to wireless internet in the last twenty years, and it will dramatically improve your home’s Wi-Fi speed and reliability—if you own a Wi-Fi 6E router, that is.

Okay, but what the heck is a Wi-Fi 6E router? How is it different from Wi-Fi 6, and should you buy a Wi-Fi 6E router today? We answer all these questions and more in today’s top story.

Other Highlights:

• Are your HDMI cables complicated enough? Well, they’re about to get more complicated. You’re welcome!
• A ransomware group apologized after hacking the cops. It’s a cute story, but it shows that government bodies still aren’t properly secured against cybercriminals.
• Google’s car company, called Waymo, wants to make WayLess of its automated taxis.
• … and more!

Andrew

Even if you paid out the nose for a fancy Wi-Fi router, it probably doesn’t reach the speeds that you expected. Today’s routers just can’t deliver modern internet speeds or reliability, mainly because they use a limited radio spectrum that’s vulnerable to interference. But a new standard might change everything—here’s why you need a Wi-Fi 6E router. Read More »

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common over the last decade, and governing bodies have done little to address the problem. But a recent string of high-profile attacks, including one that caused a gasoline shortage, have pushed the White House to crack down on ransomware and quietly dismantle some Eastern European hacking groups. So, what happens when a ransomware group accidentally hits the police? Read More »

Hyundai is one of the last major automakers still clinging to the idea of traditional vehicles and weird hydrogen-powered cars. But it now seems that Hyundai is reversing its attitude. In just one week, the company appears to have completely restructured itself and its subsidiaries to focus on electrification. Read More »

Shopping for an HDMI cable that supports current-gen HDMI 2.1 standards, such as 4K 120Hz video, is a shockingly difficult task. Thankfully, the HDMI Forum is here to make things even more complicated—it’s preparing to announce a new HDMI 2.1a standard at CES 2022! Yaaay! Read More »

Alphabet and Google’s self-driving car company Waymo announced that it would expand its autonomous taxi fleet thanks to a new partnership with Chinese carmaker Geely. The company will build custom all-electric vans for Waymo’s driverless taxi service in the United States. Read More »

Plugging in your phone to charge is so last year. Upgrade your phone’s setup with this wireless Qi-certified charging stand with a 10W max charging capacity. It’s compatible with the newest iOS and Android smartphones, and is designed with dual coils and a super wide charging area so you can set the phone down and have it start charging without having to fuss with finding the right spot. It also supports both vertical and horizontal charging, in case you want to keep texting a friend or watch a movie. A USB-C cable is included, but no adapter.

Get it at Amazon →

USB-C was meant to be the one connector for all. Rather than multiplying the number of USB-C ports you already have, most USB-C hubs and adapters still offer traditional USB Type-A, HDMI, Ethernet, and tons of other legacy ports. The Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub solves that problem for folks like myself who’ve gone all-in on USB-C. Read More »

It’s easy to customize your phone with new wallpaper, but what about the outside of your phone? That’s the part other people see, so why not give it the same personal touch? There are many ways to do it. Read More »

Microsoft had a busy 2021. The company released Windows 11. It also added a ton of unnecessary stuff to the Microsoft Edge browser, which is making it harder for us to recommend it to anyone. Seriously, Microsoft is adding so much stuff to its web browser that it’s starting to feel like bloatware. Read More »

Don’t you hate it when you take what you think is the perfect Insta-worthy selfie, only to find the results don’t quite measure up? Or, maybe you’re on vacation and about to capture a gorgeous sunset, only for a tourist to walk right into your shot at the last second. Luckily, with the right photo filter app, you can fix all of these issues and more. Read More »

Sometimes, you just don’t get the gift you wanted for Christmas, and that’s fine. Most of the time, you can return. Read More »