Safety Considerations for Utilizing a Two-Prong Plug in a Three-Prong Outlet

which is the reason electrical outlet plugs have holes of varying sizes.

Although two-pronged power connections are functional, they do not take advantage of the additional safety feature that has been standard for more than 60 years when required. This doesn’t imply that two-pronged plugs are hazardous; they feature double insulation, which suffices for smaller appliances. This indicates that the plug is surrounded by two layers of non-conductive material to shield the user from electric shocks without the necessity of a third grounding prong.

Therefore, using a two-prong power connector in a three-prong outlet is safe for charging your Steam Deck or Windows Laptop, as the devices it’s connected to are intended to work effectively with just a live and neutral setup. However, eliminating or circumventing the third prong to fit into a two-prong outlet introduces safety hazards, which should be avoided. The ground prong serves a purpose, and it’s certainly not worth risking a house fire over altering a three-prong plug.

When is grounding necessary for secure operation?

$26 Accessory Converts iPad into a Laptop Alternative

Amazon for $26, reduced from $33. Even at the full price, it’s a reasonable offer.

This combination of iPad case and keyboard is available in several colors, such as navy blue, yellow, gray, and pink. Be aware that prices may differ based on the color you select, as some might be discounted while others may not be. It’s advisable to check any Amazon deals prior to your purchase to ensure it meets your expectations.

This item is compatible with iPad (10th generation) 10.9-inch models and iPad 11-inch models from 2025. The keyboard includes a trackpad, providing you with a laptop-like experience that allows you to navigate applications using a mouse cursor. The keys are backlit, and the case itself is adjustable, enabling you to position the iPad upright at your desired angle. A charging cable for the keyboard is included, but keep in mind that while it features a slot for an Apple Pencil, it does not include a stylus.

What users are saying about this iPad accessory

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Reasons Electric Vehicles Don’t Have Manual Transmissions

doesn’t automatically result in lower repair costs, but they aren’t required to have standard oil changes after certain mileage. Indeed, Teslas include oil filters, as do some other electric vehicles, although these are generally for the gearbox.

The gearbox in an electric vehicle differs from a traditional transmission since it often employs a single-gear configuration rather than a multi-gear one — conversely, some gas-powered vehicles have up to ten gears. This distinction relates to how electric vehicles manage torque, the twisting or rotational force from the motor that propels the vehicle, or more specifically, accelerates it.

Electric vehicles achieve acceleration immediately. An electric motor delivers peak torque the instant it is activated, meaning it can transition from 0 RPM to full power within seconds, significantly swifter than conventional engines. This capacity to span a broad power and speed spectrum largely negates the necessity for gear shifting. It is also the reason some electric vehicles require specialized tires capable of handling maximum torque outputs, alongside the increased weight of EVs due to their battery packs.

Most electric vehicles come with a single-speed gearbox that presents numerous advantages and harmonizes effectively with the expansive RPM range and immediate torque of an electric motor. These gearboxes contribute to weight reduction, which is crucial since EVs already carry substantial weight from their battery packs. In addition, they simplify maintenance and enhance smooth acceleration due to the extra torque. Incorporating a manual transmission in an electric vehicle would add complexity, weight, and a degree of confusion for drivers.

Why don’t more EVs have a manual transmission?

The Top and Bottom Costco Smart Appliances to Think About Purchasing

reasons to consider purchasing electronics from Costco, with one of the key factors being the platform’s customer ratings that indicate which items to buy and which ones to avoid. Given that some of these products can be priced in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, it’s essential to utilize all the information available to prevent making a costly error.

Smart appliances link to your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing for various functionalities accessible via a mobile application, such as powering them on or off and modifying their settings from any location. While some smart home enhancements can reduce costs, other smart home features might be financially imprudent. Through this summary, we aim to ensure you invest in a device that is truly beneficial.

For this summary, our suggestions regarding smart appliances from Costco to purchase or disregard are derived from the product’s average rating on the retailer’s platform. The ratings are bolstered by consumer feedback and evaluations from professional sites to provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of each device’s performance.

Recommended: LG 2.0-cubic-foot Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with EasyClean

The LG MVEL2033F microwave oven, initially priced at $599, stands out as the smart appliance with the top average rating in this selection at 4.4 stars, following over 700 reviews from Costco customers. The device includes a spacious window with touch controls positioned at the bottom of the door, humidity-sensing technology that detects when food is done, and a simple-to-clean interior that just needs a wipe with a damp cloth. It connects to LG’s ThinQ app for numerous functionalities. You’ll be able to

Steer Clear of These 5 Frequent Errors When Configuring Your Smart Home

some lesser-known details along the journey:

Smart homes malfunction, even the pricey ones

Although it would be wonderful, never take for granted that a smart home installation and configuration will go flawlessly. Whether involving a professionally installed system or a self-installed assortment of IoT (Internet of Things) devices, something in the process will sometimes falter and require attention. Instead of commencing with a complete setup, install elements that are simple to configure and manage first, such as smart switches for the living room lighting and a voice-activated speaker for toggling the power. Begin with elements you can easily work with as opposed to something excessively complex, since this is the most effective method to prevent an overly intricate breakdown.

The most effective approach to identify vulnerabilities in a smart home configuration is by conducting an “increasing outage” test. To execute this, you must disconnect the modem from the router so the cloud services become inaccessible.

Consumer Reports Discovers the Most Dependable Printer Brand

home office devices. Therefore, dependability is crucial, as the majority of users simply desire something that functions when they hit the “Print” button.

The positive aspect is that annually, Consumer Reports polls its members regarding the printers they actively use and assesses them based not only on specifications but also on actual performance. This makes it straightforward to determine how frequently each brand malfunctions, the ongoing costs associated with them, and the likelihood of owners opting for the same brand in future purchases. Consequently, it becomes feasible to identify which choices endure over time without becoming sources of frustration.

Certain brands like HP, Canon, and Epson dominate retail displays and merit consideration; however, their longevity varies. According to Consumer Reports’ findings, Brother’s printers tend to present fewer issues and maintain greater owner satisfaction over time. Thus, for anyone seeking a trustworthy printer brand, Brother could prove to be the best option.

Brother is deemed the most dependable printer brand by Consumer Reports

Patrick Stewart and Mark Hamill Talk about Possible Star Wars and Star Trek Crossover Situation

influenced real-world innovations. But which is superior? Who triumphs in the realms of the Millennium Falcon versus the Enterprise? Starfleet attire and communicators, or Jedi garments and a lightsaber? Well, while the ultimate geek debate has persisted through the years, there’s been equal interest in what a fusion between the two franchises might entail.

How would Kirk or Picard’s Enterprise team fare if they found themselves adrift in a galaxy that’s far, far away? Could Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) emerge as a model apprentice within Starfleet? It appears these inquiries have not only been imagined by fans of “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” but also by prominent cast members from both realms.

In a conversation with Men’s Journal, both Patrick Stewart and Mark Hamill explored the possibility of a crossover and how it might function. According to the former captain of the Enterprise, he had a notion about how such an event could unfold since he and his colleagues have pondered it.

“I must confess that, at least for us on ‘Star Trek,’ we have dreamt of a shared universe merging ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Trek’ films,” admitted Stewart. “Numerous concepts have circulated regarding the amalgamation of two legendary universes and the interaction of all these extraordinary characters. I would personally find that immensely enjoyable.” He wasn’t alone in having creative thoughts on the matter, either.

Mark Hamill believes Luke Skywalker could have found a new mentor in Captain Picard

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Elon Musk Shifts SpaceX’s Attention from Mars Colony to More Immediate Goals

the most esteemed private enterprises globally), he embarked on this journey with the aspiration of establishing colonies on Mars. A grand ambition, primarily because we’ve largely only dispatched rovers to capture images of Mars. Nevertheless, Musk now intends for SpaceX to pivot and focus on colonizing the moon. This notable change in objectives appeared unexpectedly and contrasts with previous intentions; in early 2025, he asserted on Twitter/X that the moon was merely “a distraction.”

On February 8, 2026, Musk took to Twitter/X to announce that SpaceX had “redirected its focus” to developing a “self-sustaining city” on the moon. These benchmarks were purportedly revised because establishing a lunar colony would be more expedient. According to Musk’s calculations, a city on the moon would require around 10 years to construct, while a city on Mars would demand twice as long. This also considers the timing of launches and travel durations — Musk asserts that reaching Mars takes six months, with launches occurring every 26 months, while lunar voyages take two days and can be launched every 10 days. However, NASA estimates that journeys to Mars actually span between seven to 10 months. Regardless, this alteration in course appears considerably more feasible, allowing us to conclude that SpaceX is aiming for the moon — in a more literal context.

Elon Musk hasn’t forsaken his aspirations for Mars

Significant Enhancements Revealed for YouTube TV in 2026

Significant Modifications Are Coming To YouTube TV In 2026

YouTube TV, the subscription-based streaming television service, is poised for remarkable changes in 2026. Originally introduced as a cost-effective alternative to conventional cable, its subscription fees have climbed to over $80 monthly. Nevertheless, five substantial modifications are on the way that could enhance the service’s appeal: new subscription options, a customizable multiview feature, design enhancements, a major upgrade to the DVR, and the introduction of ESPN Unlimited.

New YouTube TV Options

Google is moving away from its “all-or-nothing” subscription approach to present several genre-specific plans, potentially lowering costs based on user preferences. These consist of Sports, Entertainment, News, and Family bundles. All plans will maintain essential features such as unlimited DVR, multiview, and family sharing, with the possibility of add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket or 4K Plus. The Sports Plan begins at $64.99, Sports + News at $71.99, Entertainment at $54.99, and a comprehensive News + Entertainment + Family Plan at $69.99.

Completely Customizable Multiview

Once restricted to sports and certain channels, the multiview functionality will now be customizable, enabling users to watch various content types at the same time. This feature will accommodate up to four channels, allowing viewers to enjoy a range of content such as sports, news, and TV shows simultaneously.

ESPN Unlimited is Coming… Eventually

YouTube TV’s new Sports plan will incorporate all ESPN channels, with ESPN Unlimited expected to be added later in the year. Launched in August 2025, ESPN Unlimited merges linear TV and digital content. Although it costs $29.99/month directly from ESPN, YouTube TV might provide a more attractive pricing option.

Design Improvements

Google intends to unify the user experience between YouTube and YouTube TV. A redesign of the application for Android and iOS is in progress, featuring an updated Live Guide section with a sleeker appearance and improved navigation. These enhancements will also apply to smart TVs, Apple’s set-top box, and online platforms.

Significant DVR Enhancement

YouTube TV is implementing a notable DVR upgrade, introducing chapter-style navigation for simpler content access. This feature will enable users to bypass non-essential segments like intros and commercials. Initially available for news programs, this functionality is anticipated to extend to additional content types.

These changes illustrate Google’s dedication to improving YouTube TV by aligning with user preferences and advancements in technology.