A summary of the most significant technology news highlights from this week.
Top 5 Must-Have Free Browser Add-ons to Install Initially
Opera’s dual-screen feature and battery display, along with Google Chrome’s seamless integration within Google’s ecosystem.
However, despite these integrated functionalities, your browser requires convenient extensions to enhance its performance. These extensions are lightweight applications that you incorporate into your web browser to introduce new functionalities and refine existing navigation tools. With hundreds of thousands of extensions available in add-on repositories, selecting just a few can be quite challenging. To help you get started with the basics, we’ve compiled a list of five free and essential browser extensions that are compatible across various platforms for some of the most popular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These extensions were chosen for their practical utility and relevance to everyday users.
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User-Suggested Best 4 Trustworthy Wi-Fi Mesh Networks
optimize your router’s positioning, but your connection will still be constrained by the maximum coverage range of the router. Alternatively, you can purchase an extender. A viable solution that incorporates both methods is to invest in a Wi-Fi mesh system. It is adaptable, more dependable, and capable of supporting numerous devices.
If you have previously explored online options for Wi-Fi mesh systems, you have likely observed how expensive they can be in comparison to standard routers. Even some budget-friendly kits exceed $100, and the downside is that some necessitate specific monthly services or restrict certain features to a subscription model.
Investing in a Wi-Fi mesh system can be a significant expense, so we will steer you toward the most reliable options available in a crowded market. These products have received high ratings, and users regard them as some of the best. For clarity, we provide a comprehensive methodology at the conclusion of the article detailing our selection process.
Amazon eero 6
We’ve positioned the eero 6 as one of the top Wi-Fi mesh systems available for several reasons. First, a three-pack that includes one router and two extenders can cover an area of up to 4,500 square feet and connect 75 devices, which should be sufficient to remove dead zones in small to medium-sized homes. Setting it up is straightforward using the eero app, which also gives you the freedom to manage your network remotely. If you own Zigbee-compatible smart home devices, this mesh can serve as your hub.
This dual-band Wi-Fi 6 system supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, so don’t anticipate groundbreaking speeds. According to the specifications,
How to Utilize Your Old Phone as a Router
One of the top methods to reutilize your old Android or iOS device is by configuring it to function as a mini router. You can utilize it as a Wi-Fi source in areas of your home with weak signals, as a specific guest network, or as a mobile router while on the go.
The greatest advantage is that there’s no need to download any elaborate third-party applications to turn your old phone into a router. The inbuilt hotspot function is sufficient. Here’s a brief guide on changing your old phone into a router.
Steps to set up your old phone as a router
The Threats and Issues of AI Voice Duplication Applications
new methods for fraudsters to deceive individuals. Scammers might utilize AI chatbots such as TerifAI, which enables voice replication to target oblivious victims. They may impersonate family members during crises, supervisors requesting monetary transactions, or famous personalities endorsing particular investments. The aim is to persuade the victim to act, and AI voice replication applications are readily available and simple to use. They merely require a few seconds of audio to replicate someone’s voice, and some may lack adequate security measures to prevent misuse. You should be concerned about voice replication threats and reconsider any dubious voice calls in the future.
A Consumer Reports examination from March 2025 underscored the dangers linked to voice replication applications. The non-profit reviewed six applications utilizing AI for voice replication features, discovering that four of them do not sufficiently ensure that the individual performing the cloning has the speaker’s consent. The report identifies ElevenLabs, Speechify, PlayAI, and Lovo as the four applications lacking a technical means to verify speaker consent, as of last March. Descript and Resemble AI are the two applications that made misuse more challenging, but Consumer Reports still identified methods to circumvent their protections.
To evaluate these applications, Consumer Reports attempted to create voice replicas from publicly accessible audio, a situation a scammer might leverage. A malicious person might search for voice samples on social media when targeting someone. The audio could be utilized with voice replication services to generate the intended outputs. Some of the companies examined by Consumer Reports claimed to implement protective measures, such as watermarking recordings or employing a database of deepfakes, but those measures might prove inadequate.
How do fraudsters exploit voice replication tools?
<div class="slide-key image-holder gallery-image-holder credit-image-wrap" data-post-url="https://www.bgr.com/2067190/ai-voice-cloning-apps-scams/" data-post-title="AI Voice Cloning Apps Should Terrify You – Here's Why
Assessing Amazon Prime vs. Costco Gold Star Memberships: Which Provides Superior Tech Advantages?
purchasing new electronics, with Costco providing appealing benefits for members such as longer warranties, while Amazon tends to have a superior range of products.
Although holding both memberships would likely grant you the utmost flexibility when seeking new tech, not everyone has the budget for it. Therefore, you may need to evaluate the advantages of Costco and Amazon to determine which offers you the most significant value. Generally speaking, it comes down to whether you prefer the best deals on the broadest selection of products from Amazon or the post-purchase care benefits from Costco that help ensure your new acquisition remains functional for an extended period.
Costco’s benefits like longer warranties are appealing
Roborock Presents Exclusive $300 Reduction for F25 Ultra Floor Cleaner for a Limited Period
Roborock is introducing a time-limited sale on its newest F25 series floor cleaners, featuring considerable price cuts on both the flagship F25 Ultra and the more budget-friendly F25 GT. This offer is valid from January 10 to January 23, making Roborock’s state-of-the-art wet and dry cleaning technology more accessible to a larger audience.
The F25 Ultra is priced at $499.99, reflecting a $300 reduction from its standard price of $799.99. The F25 GT is offered at $189.99, reduced from $299, and this promotion lasts until January 18.
### Roborock F25 Ultra: The Pinnacle of Floor Cleaning
The F25 Ultra stands as Roborock’s premier floor cleaner, engineered to handle various cleaning tasks with efficiency. It utilizes VaporFlow and WaveFlow technology for steam and hot water cleaning, effectively addressing tough stains while facilitating simultaneous wet and dry cleaning.
Key specifications include:
– Suction power reaching up to 22,000 Pa
– Downward pressure of 33 newtons
– 33 cm cleaning width
– Edge-to-edge coverage complemented by blue light illumination to reveal fine dust
Maintenance is made easier with the JawScrapers anti-tangle roller, which reduces hair tangles and streaking. The F25 Ultra also provides self-cleaning features using high-temperature steam and hot water, with the ability to self-dry in just 5 minutes.
Smart functionalities improve the user experience, including automatic dirt detection, an automatic detergent dispenser, app control, voice notifications, and an enhanced LED display that features a progress bar. Its design encourages effortless maneuvering, equipped with automated wheels and a 180-degree lay-flat capability for cleaning beneath low furniture.
### Roborock F25 GT: Essential Features at a Budget-Friendly Rate
The F25 GT presents a budget-friendly choice, emphasizing essential cleaning performance. It offers suction power of up to 20,000 Pa and downward pressure of 20 newtons, making it adept at handling everyday messes.
Like the Ultra, the F25 GT includes:
– 180-degree lay-flat cleaning
– Edge-to-edge cleaning efficiency
– A tangle-free roller for simpler upkeep
It allows for hot water self-cleaning at 90°C, with a drying duration of around 30 minutes. However, it does not include some of the advanced features such as dirt detection, app control, and an automatic detergent dispenser.
The F25 GT provides two cleaning modes (Eco and Sponge), with a maximum runtime of 35 minutes in Eco mode, making it a sensible selection for those wanting efficient cleaning without the extra features of the Ultra.
### Selecting the Appropriate F25 Model
A comparison of the specifications underscores the distinctions between the F25 Ultra and F25 GT:
| Category | F25 Ultra | F25 GT |
|————————–|————————-|————————-|
| Suction Power | 22,000 Pa | 20,000 Pa |
| Downward Pressure | 33 N | 20 N |
| Steam Self-Cleaning | Yes | No |
| Hot Water Self-Cleaning | 95°C | 90°C |
| Self-Drying Temperature | 95°C | 90°C |
| Drying Time | 5-15 min | 30 min |
| Dirt Detection | Yes | No |
| App Control | Yes | No |
| Cleaning Modes | Steam, hot water, auto, sponge | Eco, sponge |
### Time-Limited Exclusive Offer
The F25 Ultra is perfect for those seeking the ultimate cleaning experience, priced at $499.99 until January 23. The F25 GT appeals to customers looking for robust cleaning efficacy at a lower price point, available for $189.99 until January 18.
This promotion presents a fantastic opportunity to enhance your floor cleaning technology according to your budget and cleaning requirements.
Five Television Configurations That Enhance Your Sound Experience
Achieving the perfect home viewing experience involves not only a clear picture but also high-quality sound. Whether relying on your TV’s integrated speakers or utilizing an entire external audio system, making some adjustments within your TV’s settings may be necessary to enhance the sound quality. By accessing your audio settings, you’ll discover a variety of options to explore, including preset sound modes and customizable equalizers.
Generally, the speakers built into most TVs fall short when compared to external audio setups like soundbars. Prior to investing in additional equipment, consider making several tweaks to your TV’s audio settings to see if you can resolve any issues. Even if you have an external sound system, there are various techniques to ensure the audio quality meets your expectations, such as rearranging your speaker placement or activating special features like Audio Return Channel (ARC).
Examine available preset sound modes
How to Keep Your Car Keys on Your Apple Watch
tricks for maximizing Apple CarPlay while driving, iPhone users can swiftly unlock their vehicles. Apple enables iPhone and Apple Watch users to save digital car keys via the iOS and watchOS Wallet application.
To proceed, you’ll require a compatible vehicle, an iPhone XS or SE (2nd generation) or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 5 or newer. Additionally, your device must be operating on the latest version of iOS or watchOS. To initiate, utilize your car manufacturer’s companion app or the car’s display to configure a digital key. If prompted, position the top-center of your iPhone on the key reader to synchronize your phone and vehicle. This should automatically add the new key to your associated Apple Watch, but you can also do this manually by accessing the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and selecting Wallet & Apple Pay > Add next to your car key.
Lock, unlock, and start your car the Apple way
Top Wi-Fi Routers Offered at Costco, Ordered by Customer Ratings
numerous reasons to purchase your electronics from Costco. Although you may find fewer choices compared to a specialty consumer electronics store like Best Buy, Costco’s cost savings, fair return policy, and executive membership yearly cashback make it worthwhile to at least consider this retailer before looking elsewhere — especially if you already hold a membership.
If you’re seeking a Wi-Fi router for your newly purchased home or upgrading your Wi-Fi configuration after years with a 2.4GHz router, Costco offers a modest selection of standalone Wi-Fi routers and mesh Wi-Fi systems that are affordably priced, feature modern specifications, and come from trusted brands. Since not all Wi-Fi routers offer the same capabilities or performance, we have selected three of the top options available that have generally garnered positive feedback from Costco customers to assist in your router selection.
TP-Link Deco X60
The TP-Link Deco X60 is a dependable and budget-friendly mesh networking system that could be a fantastic choice to upgrade from a standalone router if you are encountering dead zones and coverage difficulties in your relatively spacious home. Costco offers this mesh system in a three-pack that claims to cover up to 7,000 square feet and is priced at $140. The Deco X60 may not be the most cutting-edge mesh networking system you can find in 2026. Nevertheless, it boasts commendable features, such as Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, access to TP-Link’s HomeShield security features, compatibility with Amazon Alexa, and two Gigabit ports per node that function as both WAN and LAN ports.
Considering the presence of Gigabit WAN ports, it is ideally suited only for sub-Gigabit speed internet connections. It



