Why you should consider buying a used smart phone, Echo Show 15 review, VR 'Minecraft,' and more

February 24, 2022

These days, the latest and greatest phones tip the scales at over $1,000. And that’s without really fancy features like folding. And alas, once affordable phones that managed reasonable prices around $500 to $600 like OnePlus phones of old are getting harder and harder to find.

So it might be tempting to go a different route. What if you bought a used phone instead? You might be able to get a “high-end” phone for a lot less money. Is it worth going down that road? We’ll talk about it: in the top story.

Other Highlights:

• I took a look at Amazon’s new Echo Show 15 smart display. Amazon promised a beautiful smart home hub for your wall. It delivers a very Amazon experience. Too much Amazon, in fact.
• Hey, after you finish blowing most of your money on a Tesla, you can spend the rest on Steam games inside your new car! At least some time in the future you can, anyway.
• Minecraft? On the Oculus Quest? Sounds awesome! Too bad there’s a catch.
• …and more!

-Josh

The price of high-end phones continues to climb each year, and to many customers, used phones are the solution. Shopping secondhand can save you hundreds on a phone; there’s no denying that fact. But used smartphones aren’t always the cheapest option, and in some cases, they’re actually a terrible value. Read More »

For years, I’ve wanted a control center for my smart home—a place where I can look to see the status of all my gadgets and even control them on the fly. I thought the $249.99 Echo Show 15 might be the answer to my wishes. Unfortunately, Amazon had to be Amazon, and that mars the experience. Read More »

Google’s Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are relatively new, but we’re already getting plenty of information about the upcoming Pixel 7 series. Last week we reported the first Pixel 7 rumors, and now 3D models and leaked renders are giving us a good look at the Pixel 7 Pro and its huge cameras. Read More »

Resetting a Windows machine and deleting all the data on it can be useful for businesses or before you sell a laptop, but only if it deletes all of your user information. Apparently, Microsoft’s updated data wipe tool is doing the opposite and is actually leaving data behind. Read More »

You’d think that Minecraft would have a standalone VR app, given that it’s one of the most popular games of all time and supports VR functionality when you run it from your PC. No worries—there’s now an unofficial Minecraft port for the Meta Quest (formerly Oculus Quest), and it supports cross-platform multiplayer. Read More »

Floating shelves give you a little extra space for storing books, plants, photos, trophies, and toys. They’re also a low-effort way to add a little more flavor to a room, and they look great in the background of your Zoom meetings. If you’re looking for an easy way to spice up the decor in your home office or living room, we recommend these floating shelves! They come in a set of three and are available in black or white. The shelves each measure 14.96 x 6.69 x 1.38, and can hold up to 20 pounds. They ship with the metal bracks and screw you’ll need for installation, too, so you can get them set up right away.

Get it at Amazon →

Tesla’s Model S already comes with a capable gaming experience for the in-dash display, but now the company is working on bringing Valve’s Steam games store to its electric vehicles. Rather than individual titles, Elon Musk wants owners to get the whole Steam experience. Read More »

When Apple introduced AirTags, privacy advocates immediately voiced concern that the trackers could be used for stalking. That concern turned out to be completely, totally valid. After dozens of reports of AirTag stalking, Apple now says it will try to fight the problem with future iOS updates, giving you a new reason to keep your iPhone up to date. Read More »

Are your closets and cabinets a little too dark? Could your drawers use some accent lighting? Maybe it’s time to grab a few motion-sensor lights for all those dark places in your life. Read More »

The Raspberry Pi Foundation now offers its Pi Pico microcontroller in bulk. Businesses can order a massive 480-count reel of the Pi Pico for a whopping $1,680. And yeah, we’re talking about a film reel full of individually packaged Pico computers—it’s pretty neat. Read More »

The Raspberry Pi single-board computer debuted February 24, 2012. Since then, it’s become a worldwide phenomenon, powering a wide range of hobbyist projects and commercial products alike. Let’s take a look at what makes the Raspberry Pi series special—then and now. Read More »

Just when you thought Krispy Kreme’s doughnuts couldn’t get any more over the top, the brand has shoved a candy bar into one. Read More »

A good smart speaker does more than pump out impressive tunes, as it often serves as the centerpiece for a connected smart home.  Here are the seven smart speakers for every budget, ecosystem, and audiophile. Read More »

There are a plethora of ways to add a little pizzazz to your coffee once it’s brewed and in your cup. One trick, however, comes before you’re ready to start sipping. Read More »