Wireless charging shouldn't be just for flagship phones, Liteboxer VR review, Chevy Bolt returns, and more

February 17, 2022

While it’s easy to focus on cameras as the headline features of smartphones, sometimes it’s the little things that count. Once you get a phone with wireless charging and a few wireless charging pads in your home, you don’t want to go back.

But for reasons beyond our understanding, wireless charging remains a “premium smartphone” feature. And frankly, that doesn’t sit well with us here at Review Geek. We think wireless charging should be in budget phones too. And we’ll make our case for it—in the top story.

Other Highlights:

• Sarah took a look at Liteboxer’s new virtual reality exercise app and came away impressed.
• The Chevy Bolt EV looks poised to finally make a return. Hopefully, this time without the fire and brimstone.
• The latest Windows 11 Insider update looks pretty awesome.
• …and more!

-Josh

Every few years, tech brands hit us over the head with their vision of a wirelessly charging future—one where phone batteries stay juiced thanks to magical, long-distance wireless chargers. But these same brands refuse to make wireless charging accessible today, as they exclude the technology from their budget and mid-range phones. Read More »

If you’re the chess-playin’ type, then you know the importance of a good set. A board suited for travel keeps the game going while, er, on the go. A great-looking set can keep you engaged and wanting to play. The most stylish of sets can also spruce up a room as a design element and spark impromptu games. Read More »

If the word Liteboxer doesn’t ring any bells for you, it’s an in-home boxing machine that employs gamified techniques to make working out more fun. I had the pleasure of reviewing a Liteboxer, and it’s super fun to work out on. So when I got the chance to test out Liteboxer VR, I had high hopes. Read More »

Microsoft just announced a smorgasbord of new Windows 11 features, including start menu folders, drag-and-drop functionality for the taskbar, live captions for videos, and so much more. These features are now available to testers through the new Insider Preview Build and will arrive for other users later this year. Read More »

After the Android TV remote app disappeared last year, many iPhone owners wondered if it would ever return. This week, the Google Home for iOS app received an update that allows iPhone owners to launch a remote control to navigate Chromecast with Google TV devices. Read More »

RGB strip lights are a fun accessory for any room! They can be mounted behind your TV or computer monitor, or even underneath your desk or kitchen cabinets. The Govee Smart LED Strip Lights work via a companion mobile app, the attached remote, or voice assistant (Alexa or Google Assistant). The light features 16 million color choices, can sync with your music through the built-in mic, and even boast a timer function and customizable DIY color schemes.

Get it at Amazon →

Late last year, Valve shared an official Steam Deck teardown video, proving that its first portable console will be user-repairable. The company also promised to sell replacement Steam Deck parts, and it now says that iFixit will be one of its authorized dealers. Read More »

The Chevy Bolt EV is finally ready to make a comeback. After a huge recall with several delays and production halts, GM can see the light at the end of the tunnel and is ready to resume production on the once-popular EV the week of April 4th. Read More »

Most high-end wireless earbuds feature Active Noise Cancelation (or ANC) technology, which reduces external noise to help you focus on your music. But Sony’s new LinkBuds are incapable of noise cancelation … because they have giant holes in their drivers. And yes, the holes are there on purpose. Read More »

The IRS is now accepting tax returns for 2021 with a deadline of April 18, 2022. There are some big changes to the free tax-filing tools we’ve previously recommended this year, but you can still file your taxes for free. Read More »

Since its first release, Windows 11 has received a steady stream of minor updates. Now, though, Microsoft has launched the first massive update for the operating system that changes the game with lots of new features and tweaks. Read More »

Google’s new operating system, Chrome OS Flex, is available as a developer release. It’ll run on almost any computer — probably even the dinosaur sitting in your garage. Find out how you can try it now. Read More »

One of the great things about Android is how many models there are to choose from. That can also be overwhelming, as it can be hard to choose the right one for your loved one this holiday season. We’re here to help! Read More »