Author: sparta

Amazon, swap out AA batteries in compatible devices, and eliminate battery changes — particularly for items that remain stationary like holiday lights, strip lights, and similar products. You could cut costs with a solution like this, even when factoring in the low prices of Costco’s budget-friendly Kirkland batteries and Amazon Basics’ similarly low-cost alternatives.

Here’s how Lenink’s adapter and batteries function: The system provides a constant power supply to the battery-operated device through an ultra-slim and flat cable linking to a core dummy battery. When the three AA batteries are placed into the device and the power adapter is connected to an outlet, the adapter delivers power as long as it remains plugged in. Since these dummy batteries are actually components of the adapter and not rechargeable batteries, there’s no need to recharge or replace them.

These batteries and the power adapter are designed for devices that need low electrical current — the system delivers 4.5 volts and 1 A. Therefore, they cannot power devices that consume high amounts of electricity, but they work excellently for accessories such as holiday decorations, strip lights, clocks, and other low-power gadgets.

Intel characterizes Optane as “a system acceleration solution placed between the processor and slower storage devices” that permits “the computer to keep frequently used data and programs nearer to the processor.” Consequently, the system gains rapid access to that data, enhancing “overall system responsiveness.” Ultimately, Intel was unable to reduce the costs of Optane technology sufficiently to make it viable for sale, leading to the project’s discontinuation. Additionally, alternatives emerged such as the DDR5 standard, Micron’s LPCAMM2 laptop modules, and compute express link (CXL) technology, which are faster, less expensive, and more versatile.

Until fairly recently, electric vehicles were more of a novelty than a practical choice. They were sluggish, poorly constructed, underpowered, and unable to travel long distances. Most crucially, the electric model didn’t adapt well to SUVs, as individuals use them not only for urban driving but also for off-road situations and towing capabilities. Thankfully, as governments worldwide have advocated for greater EV usage, manufacturers have progressed as well. Nowadays, electric vehicles can travel several hundred miles, often cost less to maintain than gasoline vehicles, and the immediate torque and power at your command can become quite appealing.

If you’ve been delaying your electric SUV acquisition, 2026 may be your year. This is because even traditional manufacturers like Honda, Toyota, and Land Rover are prepared to join the electric movement by introducing new EV ranges. To assist you in making this choice, we’ve compiled a list of fifteen electric SUVs to keep an eye on in 2026 and beyond.

**Acura RSX**

The initial RSX stands as one of the most legendary cars from the Japanese manufacturer. It was available in the U.S. from 2001 to 2006 and won the admiration of automotive fans with a four-cylinder engine that delivered 210 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and was coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. The outcome was a vehicle that was agile, sporty, and outperformed many pricier cars of its time. Furthermore, the original RSX was visually striking.

Acura is now reviving the RSX name for a new electric SUV that, unlike its first EV, the ZDX, is constructed on Honda’s all-new “0 Series” EV platform. The design represents a significant shift from the original RSX, as the new model is a sporty SUV coupe with four doors, showcasing a flowing roofline and a ducktail-style rear spoiler.

While details about performance, range, and 0-60 acceleration times remain undisclosed, the new RSX will incorporate Honda’s ASIMO operating system, which is expected to bring substantial enhancements to the infotainment setup, including over-the-air updates, an adjustable driving experience based on user preferences, and a variety of new safety features. Acura’s new factory in Ohio will produce the vehicle, and recent reports suggest that pricing could commence around $50,000.

**BMW iX3**

BMW’s design approach has stirred debate in recent times, as many fans have criticized the oversized “beaver-toothed” grille found on several models. Well, BMW has heeded the feedback and reduced the grille size on the new iX3, but this has led to another issue. Since the automaker opted for a sleeker grille, it now bears a resemblance to a rabbit’s teeth instead. One Reddit user remarked, “We heard you don’t favor the gigantic grilles, so we’ve made this one comically small.”

No matter your personal views on the design, BMWs retain their classic traits, and the iX3, part of the Neue Klasse platform, promises to be no exception. In the U.S., the iX3 will arrive equipped with dual electric motors that collectively produce 463 hp, enabling it to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in an estimated 4.2 seconds. The battery boasts a 109-kWh capacity, which the manufacturer claims will yield a range of 400 miles.

Charging has been significantly improved, as the iX3 is capable of recharging at up to 400 kW, allowing for 230 miles of range in just 10 minutes. Additionally, BMW has revamped the interior, featuring a uniquely shaped 17.9-inch infotainment system that also manages climate controls, and a 43.0-inch display for gauges that presents a highly modern look. The starting price for the new iX3 is expected to be around $60,000, with sales set to begin in summer 2026.

**Chevy Bolt**

In today’s unpredictable economic landscape, not everyone can spend $100K on an EV. Luckily, if you’re searching for a family-sized electric vehicle that remains affordable, the Chevy Bolt is making a comeback for the 2027 model year. Priced at $28,995, the new Bolt keeps the same silhouette but features refreshed front and rear designs that look attractive and harmonize with other contemporary EVs. Inside, there’s a new 11.3-inch touchscreen that will manage all performance metrics, yet thankfully, physical climate controls are still included. Since GM has discontinued Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, mirroring your phone is not an option, requiring reliance on the integrated Google apps.

Beneath the hood, the new Bolt will come with a 210-hp motor that, when paired with the 65-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, should deliver approximately 255 miles of range. Charging has seen a substantial enhancement, rising from 55 kW to 150 kW.

top-rated headphones available for under $100 still encompass a large variety that are priced below $20 or even $10. However, at such a low cost, can you really expect to receive headphones that are trustworthy?

Interestingly, inexpensive headphones manage to stand their ground. While this can differ based on the brand you select, the audio performance can actually be quite decent, though it might not match up to the higher-end models. You may also wonder if budget headphones will last longer than their more costly counterparts, but as it turns out, there isn’t a straightforward way to measure that since it greatly depends on how you handle your headphones.

It is commonly stated that you receive what you pay for in terms of quality. Nevertheless, many reviews on budget headphones are rather favorable, highlighting an excellent price-to-quality ratio and unexpected durability. Regarding low-cost headphones, users readily share both the advantages and disadvantages of their purchases.

When the U.S. military initiated an unarmed nuclear missile launch in November 2025, it prompted questions about the President of the United States’ location during a nuclear conflict. The response lies in a repurposed Boeing 747 referred to as the National Airborne Operations Center, a mobile command and control hub fitted with sophisticated communication technology and a structure fortified against nuclear shockwaves. Much like the nation’s nuclear defense framework, America’s command and control functions rely on technology significantly older than one might expect. Initially provided to the U.S. Air Force in January 1980, the E-4B, dubbed Nightwatch and popularly labeled the ‘Nuke-Proof’ Doomsday plane, is capable of resisting electromagnetic pulses while maintaining advanced satellite and electronics capabilities.

Even though it will be 45 years old in 2025, the Air Force isn’t scheduled to replace its four Nightwatch aircraft until 2036, implying that the U.S.’s ‘Doomsday’ planes will approach their 60th anniversary when they are finally decommissioned. The rationale behind this is humorously straightforward: the E-4B requires larger four-engine aircraft due to its communication network’s size. Regrettably, manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus have mostly ceased production of such large planes, prompting the Air Force to acquire its ‘doomsday planes’ on the secondary market. Presently, the nation operates four E-4Bs, ensuring that one is always prepared for rapid deployment. However, the dependence on larger, older aircraft has consistently led to numerous maintenance and operational challenges, prompting the United States to commence its successor program in 2024.

A maturing technological wonder

Several attributes allow the aircraft to perform these high-level tasks. This four-engine, long-range, high-altitude plane can accommodate up to 111 individuals and operates like a flying Pentagon, featuring a main deck segmented into six areas, including command, conference, communications, briefing, operations, office, and rest zones. The airplane has an extraordinarily intricate communications system that utilizes all major types of electromagnetic communication. Allegedly, the aircraft contains multiple communication programs, such as the advanced Milstar satellite system, a jam-resistant, multi-satellite network that enables the plane to transmit launch commands to the U.S.’s arsenal of missile silos, submarines, and bombers with specially designed electronics and transmitters. The Nightwatch even has a low-frequency antenna capable of trailing approximately 5 miles behind the aircraft. Another significant advantage is its capacity for prolonged flight. The aircraft can fly for twelve hours before requiring refueling in the air, ensuring that U.S. leaders can remain securely airborne during a nuclear crisis.

However, these features come at a substantial cost, as the Air Force must utilize secondhand jets to support a larger communications architecture. This necessity arises from the requirement for larger, four-engine planes to underpin the expansive communications network. Fueled by four GE CF6-50E2 turbofan engines, the four Nightwatch jets represent some of the oldest 747-200s currently operating. No American commercial airlines currently deploy this model. Although the U.S. has previously operated secondhand jets — for instance, Boeing 707s were repurposed for the E-8 Joint Stars fleet in the 1990s — the longevity of the E-4B has resulted in numerous challenges over the years, leading to increased expenses and prolonged maintenance and reliability concerns.

Aging yet (un)dependable

Given that the U.S. must rely on an older, larger model, the upkeep of the E-4B has consistently posed challenges, particularly as wear and tear become more apparent. The Nightwatch has started to exhibit significant reliability complications, maintaining a mission availability rate close to 55%. Even though the aircraft undergo regular inspections, repairs can prove exceedingly challenging, as the model’s lack of general popularity complicates its maintenance logistics. In the 50 years since its introduction, many of the aircraft’s specialized components have either become outdated or ceased development, as suppliers have started to withdraw various parts. According to Air Force General Charles Q Brown during a Senate Appropriations Committee session in May 2024, these expenses have driven the Air Force to explore alternatives, remarking, “At some point, it gets more costly to maintain than to transition into a new capability.”

In April 2024, the Air Force revealed plans to find a replacement for the E-4B, entering a $13 billion agreement with the Sierra Nevada Corporation to develop its Survivable Airborne Operations Center. According to Reuters, Sierra Nevada Corporation has already procured five 747-8s from Korean Air at a cost of $674 million. Reportedly, Sierra Nevada Corporation anticipates delivering the fleet by 2036, meaning the Nightwatch will reach 56 years of age before its retirement. While several technological innovations

High school can be tough enough, let alone having to attend classes you dislike in the afterlife. However, if you’ve been searching for an excellent new series to binge, and you’re in the mood for a combination of teen drama and supernatural elements, you should definitely watch “School Spirits” on Paramount+.

Fans of Netflix’s “Cobra Kai” will recognize the star talent, Peyton List, who plays Maddie Nears, a teenager who finds herself waking up as a ghost. Interestingly, she has no memory of her actual demise, unlike her fellow students at Split River High School who have already moved on. Taking initiative, Maddie starts to investigate her enigmatic death with the help of some other ghosts — along with a few living friends who are still around.

Created by Megan Trinrud and Nate Trinrud, “Spirits” made its debut on Paramount+ on March 9, 2023, and was given the green light for a second season, which became available on January 30, 2025. A third season is scheduled to launch on January 28, 2026. Additional cast members also include Kristian Ventura, Milo Manheim, and Spencer McPherson, among others.

The series showcases Peyton’s acting skills, as she navigates her supernatural circumstances. Blending drama and thriller aspects with a sprinkle of humor, “School Spirits” is a show that seamlessly combines various genres, managing to make each one fit well — for the most part.

Ghosts, drama, and high school antics

On Rotten Tomatoes, “School Spirits” received a 91% score on the Tomatometer, along with a 92% audience rating. Metacritic gave the series a score of 69 out of 100 based on eight critic reviews.

In a favorable review for Variety, critic Daniel D’Addario stated, “Without shying away from the tragedy of Maddie’s narrative, ‘School Spirits’ remarkably manages to be quite lively and enjoyable—clear evidence that there are fresh tales to tell about the institution that no one would ever want to be trapped in for their entire afterlife.”

Some reviews were a bit more critical. Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Fienberg described the show as “mediocre.” He also asserted that “Spirits” does not bring anything new to the genre.

For those seeking additional episodic treasures, be sure to check out our list of the five top-rated TV shows you need to watch immediately. After all, we are in a new golden era of television, so it is wise to make the most of all the streaming subscriptions you are paying for.