Tesla recall due to illegal software, this month in tech history, Google "iMessage" reactions, and more

February 2, 2022

Hello and welcome to a new series at Review Geek! No, no, don’t worry, this newsletter will still bring you the same brand of irreverent yet accurate news and wonderfully helpful explanations of all things tech. But on the first day of each month, we’d thought we’d bring you something new this year.

This month in Tech history. Whether it’s phones, computers, or the internet itself, tech has a colorful history that stretches back farther than you might realize. So if you’re curious what big tech history items happened during the month of February, check out the top story. This series is brought to you by one of our newest writers, Danny, and he’s done some killer research. You won’t regret following his work.

Other Highlights:

• Go on, admit it. You want to buy a LEGO version of Thor’s Hammer. But if you build it, can you lift it?
• Ruh roh. Tesla had to do a safety recall because its “autopilot” software broke the law.
• Google’s messaging app finally handles iMessage reactions in a sane way. Still waiting for Apple to release iMessage for Android, though.
• …and more!

-Josh

February is filled to the brim with monumental events in tech history. Three services you probably use daily launched this month, along with two of the most beloved game series of all time, plus a seminal moment in the development of artificial intelligence. Keep reading to learn the details. Read More »

Alright, it’s time to sell YouTube TV subscriptions to your friends and family members! YouTube TV just opened a referral program that nets you a $20 credit every time you get someone to sign up. And to make your sales endeavors easier, everyone who joins YouTube TV through your referral link saves $10 on their first month. Read More »

Tesla must issue a recall and release an over-the-air software update to remove a feature from its highly controversial “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) mode. Late last year, Tesla recalled nearly 500,000 vehicles for several safety reasons, but this latest issue is a small software change that will let your EV break traffic laws. Read More »

By Grabthar’s hammer—hold on, that’s not the right reference. I guess I’ll just cut to the chase; LEGO just opened pre-orders for its Thor’s Hammer kit. The 18-inch-tall Mjölnir model comes with a classy information display and includes a bundle of cute miniatures, including a mini Infinity Gauntlet. Read More »

Messaging iPhone users from your Android phone is about to get a lot less annoying. We’re talking about those iPhone reactions that appear on Android as long and annoying text responses. With the latest Google Messages beta, you’ll no longer get a huge text for those “Liked” iPhone reactions. Read More »

Need a new go-to water bottle? Why not choose one that’s stylish, like this one? It’s made of insulated stainless steel, features a straw and three lids with handles—one with a flip-up straw, one with an easy-twist spout, and one with a just the portable handle. The bottle comes in seven wonderful color combinations, and you can choose from a 24-, 32-, or 40-ounce size. Its lids are leak-proof and drop-proof, keeping the bottle safe and your drink from spilling in case you accidentally knock it over. The water bottle is designed to keep cold drinks cool for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 12 hours.

Get it at Amazon →

The follow-up to Dynalink’s affordable 4K Android TV box will feature the beloved Google G10 “Reference” remote, according to an image on the company’s website. This simple, 22-key remote was designed by Google and is a serious upgrade over the remotes that are included with most Android TV and Google TV products (including the Chromecast). Read More »

Thinking of upgrading your phone? Verizon is running a killer BOGO deal on select 5G devices, including the iPhone 13 and Pixel 6. Plus, you can get up to $1,000 in credit when you switch plans to meet the requirement for this promotion. Read More »

The PS5 ships with a paltry 667GB of built-in storage—barely enough for more than a few games. You’ll need to buy an SSD for your PS5 at some point, and thankfully, Corsair now sells fast and affordable SSDs that are ready-made for the PlayStation. Read More »

Dazzling sales of NFTs have made the news over the past year, but each sale comes with a huge caveat: You’re buying a link to a file on someone’s server, and that link could change. We’ll take a look at why NFTs work this way and how it might come back to haunt NFT owners in the future. Read More »

Vinyl is making a resurgence, and while it doesn’t put a dent in streaming numbers, records are outselling CDs. If you’re building a vinyl collection, you’ll need a great turntable, and these are some of the best. Read More »

Microsoft has announced its intention to purchase Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion, ushering in the largest single acquisition in video gaming history. So what could the deal ultimately mean for people who enjoy games? Read More »