Buying Guides

The Pixel 10 series introduces a new telephoto lens with 10.8 MP and 5x optical zoom on all models, enhancing zoom capabilities significantly. The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL feature a higher-spec camera system with a 50 MP wide-angle, 48 MP ultrawide, and 48 MP telephoto lens. Additionally, AI-powered features like Pro Res Zoom enable zooming up to 30-60x on Pro models, and the phones implement the C2PA standard to verify the authenticity and edits of digital photos, helping identify AI modifications.

The Pixel 10 series leverages the new Tensor G5 chip to power 20 fully on-device generative AI experiences. Notable AI features include Voice Translate, which provides real-time phone call translation in multiple languages using the speaker's own voice, and 'Take a Message,' which transcribes missed or declined calls and suggests next steps based on voicemail content. The Pixel Journal app uses AI to prompt users to share thoughts and track goals, while AI writing tools are integrated into the Gboard keyboard and Pixel Studio for screenshots.

Laser rangefinders use a laser pulse to measure the exact distance to a target with high accuracy, typically within about 1 meter. GPS rangefinders use satellite signals to determine the golfer's location and calculate distances to various points on the course, but their accuracy is lower, with errors around 3-5 meters. Laser rangefinders require manual aiming, while GPS devices do not, making GPS more convenient but less precise.

No, golf rangefinders are beneficial for golfers of all skill levels. They provide accurate distance measurements that help with club selection and shot planning, which can improve performance for beginners and amateurs as well as professionals.

A 'future-proof' home theater format is one that supports the latest and emerging technologies to ensure compatibility with upcoming content and devices. This includes support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, high-resolution video standards such as 8K and HDR (e.g., Dolby Vision, HDR10+), and connectivity standards like HDMI 2.1 that enable higher bandwidth for gaming and streaming. Future-proofing helps avoid costly upgrades by ensuring the system remains relevant as technology evolves.

HDMI 2.1 is important because it supports higher video resolutions and refresh rates, such as 4K at 120Hz and 8K, which are essential for next-generation gaming consoles and ultra-high-definition content. It also enables features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and enhanced audio return channel (eARC), improving both gaming performance and audio quality. Ensuring your home theater components have HDMI 2.1 ports helps maintain compatibility with future devices and media formats.

New auto tariffs introduced in 2025 have increased new vehicle prices, pushing more buyers toward the used car market. This surge in demand, combined with a shrinking supply of off-lease and lightly used vehicles, has driven up prices and reduced availability of affordable used cars, including those equipped with advanced driver safety features. Dealers are also offering higher mileage vehicles more frequently to fill inventory gaps.

Buyers should prioritize vehicles that balance affordability with the inclusion of advanced safety technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Given the market constraints, focusing on models known for reliability and safety feature availability within a reasonable price range—often under $20,000—can help consumers make informed decisions amid rising prices and limited inventory.

Organizations like Consumer Reports use a combination of expert lab testing and consumer surveys to evaluate product performance and reliability. Lab tests assess how well a product functions, while surveys gather data on owner satisfaction and reliability over time.

Qualitative methods, such as focus groups and in-depth interviews, provide rich, descriptive feedback about user experiences and emotional responses. Quantitative methods, like structured surveys and A/B testing, offer numerical data on customer satisfaction and product performance. Combining both approaches gives a comprehensive understanding of a product.

Gaming monitors use different panel technologies, each with unique characteristics. Twisted nematic (TN) panels offer high refresh rates and low response times, making them popular for competitive gaming. In-plane switching (IPS) panels provide superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles but have slightly slower response times. Vertical alignment (VA) panels offer better contrast and faster response times than IPS, but may experience motion blur in fast-paced games. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels deliver vibrant colors, high color accuracy, and fast response times, excelling in both image quality and performance.

Refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz), determines how many times the monitor updates the image per second. A higher refresh rate results in smoother visuals, which is especially important in fast-paced games. Standard monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate, but gaming monitors often offer 144Hz or higher, with some models reaching up to 360Hz. Competitive gamers typically prefer monitors with at least 144Hz and low response times for optimal performance.

To verify an online store's legitimacy, check that the website URL starts with 'https://' indicating a secure connection, look for clear contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses, read customer reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews, and be cautious of unrealistic discounts that seem too good to be true. Additionally, testing with a small purchase first can help assess the store's reliability.

Always shop using a secure and encrypted internet connection, avoid making purchases on public Wi-Fi networks, use reliable internet security software with features like real-time anti-phishing and identity theft protection, and consider using virtual payment cards that generate disposable card numbers for one-time use to prevent fraud on less-known websites.