Reviews - page 7

While historical dramas often recycle familiar European or American narratives, Apple TV+’s Chief of War breaks cool new ground by exploring less-charted territory. The ambitious production transports viewers to 19th-century Hawaii, offering an authentic indigenous perspective on a pivotal period rarely depicted in mainstream media.

It’s bloody and brilliant. And you end up seeing Jason Momoa’s nearly bare backside so often that you just become numb to it.

Kidding aside, it only takes the first three episodes now available to stream as of Friday to see that Chief of War isn’t just another historical drama. It’s more of a cultural phenomenon that challenges conventional storytelling while delivering the great-looking cinematic work Apple TV+ subscribers have come to expect. The series masterfully weaves together political intrigue, cultural authenticity and human drama in ways that should captivate history buffs, cultural diversity seekers, bloodthirsty battle lovers and pretty much anyone hungry for some fresh storytelling.

The Twelve South Curve Nano is an iPhone stand designed to go with you anywhere. It’s slim and lightweight when folded, but flips open to support your handset when you’re watching video, making a video call and more.
I tried it out with my iPhone 16 Plus, both at home and on the go. Here’s what I found.

A couple of things immediately catch the eye about the Ultra-Nano Qi2 3-in-1 Travel Charger. One, you can make it into a convenient stand or lay it out flat when charging your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods. And the second? Wow, this thing is a deal.

I tried it out with all my Apple devices. There are a lot of features to like here, but also a quirk in the design that Apple Watch wearers need to know about.

Whether you’re navigating a noisy commute, seeking focus in a bustling office, trying to unwind during air travel or simply blissing out to your favorite tunes, the right pair of noise-canceling headphones can transform your audio experience. These sophisticated devices do more than just play music — they create a mobile personal sanctuary.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) technology has evolved dramatically in recent years, with options ranging from premium over-ear headphones to compact wireless earbuds. The best models excel not just at blocking out unwanted noise, but also deliver exceptional sound quality, comfortable fit and long battery life.

Our comprehensive guide discusses key factors like a model’s noise-reduction capabilities, audio performance, comfort during extended wear and additional features that enhance the user experience. Find help navigating the options to find your perfect audio companion below.

Popular Apple TV+ sports comedy Stick just completed its first season and got its green light for season two. So while comparisons to feel-good soccer phenom Ted Lasso seem inevitable, this Owen Wilson-led golf series carves out its own distinctive identity.

Rather than trying to replicate the wholesome optimism and wildly unbelievable story that made Ted Lasso a cultural phenomenon, Stick takes viewers slightly further into somewhat darker territory and into a slightly more believable story with suburban grift, sardonic humor and complex characters navigating grief and redemption.

Hey, I said somewhat darker, slightly further and slightly more believable, OK?

In a nutshell, Stick, like Lasso, is danged wholesome and all about redemption. And both series are feel-good shows people want to watch right now, given the societal circumstances. But for my Apple TV+ Stick review, here are three compelling reasons why Stick deserves your attention, regardless of how you feel about its more famous predecessor.

The Twelve South PowerBug is a new palm-size accessory that does two useful jobs. It’s both an iPhone stand and a plug-in wall charger. It uses MagSafe magnets to hold onto the handset, whether you’re using it to watch video or to juice up the iPhone’s battery.
It works wirelessly, plus there’s a USB-C port for powering a second device.
PowerBug just launched today, but I got some hands-on testing time before the debut. Here’s what I found.

While there’s no shortage of Thunderbolt docks, the OWC 11-port Thunderbolt 5 dock stands out for several reasons. As you’ll see in my review, it packs plenty of Thunderbolt 5 and USB-A ports, along with SD card slots and the ability to fast charge your MacBook Pro at full speed.

Here’s what makes the OWC 11-port Thunderbolt 5 dock worth considering for your Mac.

Those needing to keep track of something living a tough life should consider the Rolling Square AirNotch Pro. It does the same thing as an Apple AirTag, but beats Apple’s tracker tag with sheer volume and a few other tricks, too.

It’s rugged, and connects to Apple’s Find My network so no additional app is needed to locate the tag with an iPhone.

I tested AirNotch Pro for months. Here’s what I found.

Would you spend $394 on a mouse? This Contour RollerMouse Red Wireless review might raise eyebrows, considering the device’s unusual design and premium price tag. The centralized pointing device with roll bar, scroll bar and three unfamiliar buttons in a wrist rest sits in front of your keyboard rather than beside it, challenging typical notions of computer navigation. But for those who need help with pain from repetitive strain injury (RSI), it could make a world of difference.

The 12 free Mac apps in this roundup prove that the best software doesn’t need to cost you anything.

These are the first apps I install on any new Mac, as they either boost my productivity or add essential functionality missing from macOS.

The KYY 14” Portable Monitor challenges the idea that bigger is always better. It’s much smaller than the external display I usually travel with — and that’s exactly why I love it.

As a bonus, it’s very affordable, especially with an Amazon Prime Day deal.

The Logitech Flip Folio is a protective keyboard case and stand for iPad Pro and iPad Air models that goes head-to-head against the Apple Magic Keyboard. Having tested both, Logitech’s new offering comes out ahead of Apple’s is some ways, including wider support for screen orientations, and because the keyboard can separate from the case/stand. Plus, a hefty price advantage can’t be overlooked.

Be sure to read the full review for more details.

While Apple doesn’t make an e-scooter, the Navee ST3 Pro Electric Scooter pairs well with an iPhone. More importantly, it’s both fun and useful, with lots of pickup and range. It comes with plenty of bonus features … all accessible via an iPhone. It even has Bluetooth and Find My support.

I put more than 200 miles on the e-scooter while testing it, driving it on errands and just for fun on streets and sidewalks. I’m genuinely thrilled with it. Here’s why.

EarFun Clip earbuds entered an increasingly crowded open-ear clip-on audio market Monday, promising premium features at a midrange $70 price point at launch (normally $89.99). In my EarFun Clip Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds review, I find they don’t fit me very well (I guess my big head means big ears, too). But they may suit many buyers, and the lightweight earbuds challenge the notion that you need to spend well over $100 for quality open-ear audio.

While brands like Sony and Soundcore are better known, EarFun has quietly developed open-ear wireless earbuds that deserve attention, particularly for active users who need awareness of their surroundings. For those they fit, EarFun Clip offers great sound at a great price.

SanDisk designed its Creator Phone SSD specifically for people recording large amounts of 4K ProRes video with a recent iPhone Pro/Pro Max model. The MagSafe drive magnetically attaches to the back of the handset so it’s out of the way during filming.

It holds up to 2TB of data without making the handset difficult to film with. And transferring data to a Mac for editing is a snap.

I tested the SSD with my iPhone and it worked very well. But the cable is bulkier than it should be.

iPad cases that fold into stands are old news, but the Moft Dynamic Folio takes that idea and builds on it. The front flap can be folded into a variety of shapes to support the tablet at a range of angles, in both landscape and portrait orientations. A highlight is one that lifts the iPad up about 3 inches so it’s easier to see.

Plus, the case/stand is lightweight and very easy to attach and remove. There are versions for all recent Apple tablets.

I tested the flexible iPad accessory for several weeks. Here’s what I found out.

I’ve spent the week hands-on with iOS 26, living with its stunning new design and incredible features. I really love the direction iOS is going — even if there are a lot of kinks that need to be worked out before its September release.

Liquid Glass, the flashy new user interface, is gorgeous. Loads of people will love the new Lock Screen and Home Screen features, like Spatial Scenes and clear icons. A few other features may need some tweaking, however, like the new Camera app and Phone app.

Should you install it yourself? God no, it’s a buggy mess. You should definitely not install it on your daily driver. But should you be excited to get it in September, after Apple irons out the kinks? Absolutely. Keep reading or watch our video for a hands-on look at the joys (and annoyances) of iOS 26.

Among keyboard enthusiasts, the Wobkey Rainy 75 mechanical keyboard recently gained a deserved reputation as a rock-solid budget-to-mid-priced option. The 75% layout keeb for Mac or Windows combines premium materials, customizable features and impressive performance in a package that punches above its price point. This hands-on Wobkey Rainy 75 mechanical keyboard review will cover the bases to help potential buyers make an informed decision.

Those who want their iPad to function more like a Mac got their wish: iPadOS 26 includes multitasking features very similar to the ones in macOS. This year’s iPad upgrade also borrows plenty of other things from Apple’s desktop OS.

I loaded the initial iPadOS 26 beta on my iPad Pro. Here’s what it’s like to use it … and why pro users should be excited while non-pro users shouldn’t worry.

Anyone who’s used a Mac for years understands the value of Spotlight search, as it can quickly help you search through your Mac, email, apps, and system settings. But if you want to take things to the next level, check out Raycast — a powerful Spotlight alternative that goes beyond simple search.

From setting reminders and tracking flights to running Terminal commands and finding files, Raycast is built for speed and efficiency. It really is a Swiss Army knife for your Mac. Here’s how I use it to supercharge my productivity on the Mac.

The Zagg 6-port Media Hub includes a flip-up iPad stand, an HDMI port, a USB-A port and more, with the standout feature being an easily accessible set of media controls. And all this fits into the same space on your desktop as a more conventional tablet stand.

I used the iPad hub/stand in my home for weeks, and it does its job well. That said, a design quirk might limit its appeal.

The Nyrius Orion Prime Wireless USB-C to HDMI Video Transmitter & Receiver frees you from needing to string an HDMI cable across your office or living room. Plug one gizmo into your MacBook, iPad, or iPhone, and another into your TV, and they’re connected.

The wireless adapter sends HD video a surprising distance and doesn’t require a Wi-Fi network.

I tested the wireless video transmitter out for myself and came away impressed. That said, it does have a limitation that makes it better for entertainment than work.

“Budget” headphones keep getting better, and I’ve discovered a pair of over-ear wireless noise-canceling cans you can get for less than $70 that pretty much equal the excellent — and much pricier — Beats Studio Pro. In this EarFun Tune Pro headphones review, I’ll get into how they’re very nearly as good as Beats Studio Pro in every way that truly counts — sound quality, noise cancellation and comfort. And Tune Pro’s epic battery life blows away most headphones, full stop.

At launch, EarFun lists the cans for $89.99 marked down to $69.99, with a further 20% off coupon available on Amazon. That should make them about $56 at checkout before tax.

The sci-fi action comedy Murderbot season 1 is the hottest show premiering this weekend. Apple TV+ turned an award-winning collection of novels into a series that’s fun to watch, with an enjoyable mix of laughs and fight sequences… with some suspense mixed in.

Here’s why you should tune in this weekend, whether you’ve read Martha Wells’ books or not.

With the StarTech.com USB-C Power Tester, you can easily look for charging problems in your setup. It’s a quick and easy way to ensure your devices are getting all the power they’re supposed to.

I tested the inexpensive little multimeter out. Here’s what I found.