Michael is a former ebook dev turned tech writer whose career arc took him from VR to wearables, emerging tech to gaming guides, before arriving at AC to cover Android, Oculus, Stadia, and smart homes, among other things. A Bay Area native, he loves underperforming sports teams, running, and tormenting his friends as the DM for D&D and Star Wars RPG campaigns.
Oculus Quest 2 games are enhanced with the latest graphics and let you enjoy VR experiences untethered. But Oculus Store games can get expensive, so you don't want to waste your money. Here are the best games available in your favorite genres.
As a lifetime iPhone user, I'm exploring what it's like to transition to Android phones in 2021. In today's column, I'm comparing iOS 14 versus the various Android launchers, widgets, and icon packs on my new smartphones.
More and more Quest 2 owners are using their headsets as an alternative to the gym. If you want to join them, make sure you have the tools you need to keep your Quest 2 clean between workouts, and to make those intense Beat Saber sessions that much more effective.
Developers have received access to Android 12 on their Pixel phones, but we're still a ways off from the public beta or the actual release. Here's everything we know or can predict about the Android 12 OS update schedule, including our predictions for Samsung One UI 4.0 and OxygenOS 12.
App Lab is an exciting new way for developers to post demos, early access games, or even full VR releases to the official Oculus Store. But there isn't an official "lab" where you can easily find App Lab games. So here's how to find and install App Lab games on your Oculus Quest or Quest 2.
Oculus is allowing indie games to live on the Oculus Store, but they aren't visibly listed and can't be found unless you search for the exact names of each. There are some hidden gems and fun free demos available without having to sideload them, so use our list of every available App Lab game and see which VR game calls to you!
The new Echo Show 10 arrived on February 25, 2021, and caught our attention thanks to its ability to rotate to follow your face around the room. Can this innovative new feature beat out Google's Face and Voice Match features in the Nest Hub Max? Read on to see how the two smart displays stack up.
Most people have strong opinions about iOS vs Android. As a lifelong, disillusioned Apple user, I'll be diving fully into the world of Google, Samsung, and OnePlus phones and judging the world of Android from a newbie's perspective.
Do-it-yourself security systems are on the rise, with smart home automation, affordable cameras and price transparency making them appealing to consumers. Professionally installed systems will cost much more, but also are more likely to have better coverage of your home and smart tech. We've weighed the best systems in both categories, to help you decide which system fits your needs...
Slay the Spire finally arrived on Android 8 months after the iOS port and 2 years since the PC release. Whether you're new to deck-building card games or a Spire veteran, this new port is worth playing — but get ready to squint.
Whether you're a student, creative designer, gamer, or average joe, we have a wide range of the best laptops available in 2020 at whichever price point, power level, and form factor works for you.
The default Oculus Quest 2 facial interface has plenty of foam padding, but this material is a magnet for sweat, bacteria, and acne-inducing grime. Yuck! That's why we recommend investing in one of these leather, silicone, or flannel face covers that can be easily removed and cleaned, so your VR gaming is a worry-free and more sanitary experience.
Stadia isn't canceled just yet, but looking at Google's recent history with its hardware, Stadia users have every reason to be skeptical. While I hope to be proven wrong, Google has fallen into a bad habit of giving up on cool ideas — and burning its most loyal fans in the process.
The Quest 2 may be portable, but can also be fragile if you aren't gentle with it. Whether you want to take your Quest 2 on the road or keep it stored safely at home, you'll need a reliable case that fits everything snugly so nothing bounces around and gets damaged.
The Oculus Link cable is undoubtedly the best way to play SteamVR and Oculus Rift games on the Oculus Quest 2, but it costs a whopping $79. There are alternative cables that cost far less while hitting the same benchmarks, but some that you'll find on Amazon can't be trusted. Here are the ones you should try first.
If you're going from an older thermostat to a new smart one, you may find that your system is without a C wire. If that's the case, you can install one, pay to have one installed, or simply grab one of these smart thermostats that doesn't need one.
These wireless gaming earbuds can connect with almost every major console or gaming device, plus provide spatial audio and low latency. But do these perform as well as most over-the-ear gaming headsets? It depends on what type of gamer you are.
The Arlo Pro series of security cameras is perhaps one of the most reliable and high-end on the market today, but which Pro camera do you want? In fact, the Pro 4 and Pro 3 are so similar that your decision will depend entirely on storage options and price.
Trying to decide if you want a cheap fitness tracker or a smartwatch for fitness? The GTS 2 Mini gives you the best of both worlds, with a beautiful display, long battery life, accurate health tracking, built-in GPS, and more for a seriously low price.
Arlo cameras typically cost a pretty penny, but the Arlo Ultra is particularly expensive thanks to its 4K resolution and ultra-wide motion tracking. Are these premium specs necessary, or should you choose one of our favorite security cameras, the Arlo Pro 4 instead? We'll help you decide.