For years, I never used the extra buttons on the side of my mouse, and mostly just viewed them as a nuisance. Too often I’d click them by accident and trigger some unwanted action, like navigating back to the last page in my web browser. Lately, though, I’ve taken control of those extra mouse buttons and made them a big part of my workflow. All it took was an attitude adjustment and some free software for Windows and macOS. This column first appeared in Advisorator, Jared’s weekly tech advice newsletter. Sign up to get tech advice like this every Tuesday. How I’m using my extra mouse buttons I use a Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, which has a clickable scroll wheel on top and two extra buttons under my thumb on the left side. Here’s how I’ve set them up now: Left side buttons: Move to the next or previous virtual desktop with Windows Task View or macOS Spaces. Learn more about my relevatory experience with Windows Task View. Click the left and right mouse buttons simultaneously: Reveals the Task View menu in Windows or Mission Control menu in macOS. Click the right and middle mouse buttons simultaneously: Shows the desktop in Windows or macOS. Middle mouse button: Activates the voice-to-text dictation keyboard shortcut in Wispr Flow for Windows or Superwhisper for macOS. Of course, you don’t need to use these exact functions. You can map your mouse buttons to more common functions (like copy and paste or media controls) or set them to launch specific apps. Or, if you’re just annoyed by your mouse’s extra buttons, you can set them to do nothing at all. Some mice come with their own apps for programming their extra buttons, such as Logi Options+ for Logitech products. But if your mouse doesn’t have its own software, or if you find the software too limiting, you can turn to free third-party apps instead. Mapping mouse buttons in Windows Jared Newman / Foundry On the Windows side, X-Mouse Button Control is a free app (with optional donations) for remapping the buttons on any mouse. Open the app and you’ll see a list of mouse buttons, each with a drop-down menu for choosing what that button should do when you click it. The menu has lots of predefined commands, like “Alt-Tab” and “Reveal Desktop,” but you can also use the “Simulated Keys” setting to trigger any keyboard shortcut from your mouse. X-Mouse Button Control also offers a neat “Button Chording” feature, which lets you press two mouse buttons at once to trigger additional actions. (It’s now how I prefer to open Task View on my desktop PC.) Adding an extra layer of mouse controls while holding Shift+Ctrl.Jared Newman / Foundry Dig further into the app and you’ll find even more ways to program your mouse. The “Button Held” option lets you program actions by long-pressing a mouse button, and the “Layers” feature can map an entire set of extra functions to each button, for instance while holding down the modifier keys on your keyboard. (You can set up this layer control under Settings > Modifier Keys.) Mapping macOS mouse buttons LinearMouse for macOSJared Newman / Foundry macOS has a bunch of neat apps for programming your mouse buttons, but if you just want a simple option without any fancy chording or layering features, Linear Mouse gets the job done for free. Programming your mouse buttons in Linear Mouse is easy: just head to the Buttons tab, click the “+” button, then press the mouse button you want to set up. You’ll see a drop-down menu with a list of potential actions to assign to that mouse button. Basic button mapping in SteerMouseJared Newman / Foundry For more advanced mouse controls, I recommend SteerMouse, which costs $20 but offers a 30-day trial with no payment info necessary. SteerMouse has the same basic button remapping features as LinearMouse, but it also offers a “Chords” feature that lets you perform extra actions by clicking two mouse buttons at the same time. To set this up, just head to the Chords tab, hit the “+” button, and choose a pair of mouse buttons. You can then use the “Function” menu to choose what happens when you click them. With SteerMouse, you can also combine mouse buttons with keyboard modifiers such as Cmd and Shift to perform extra actions. To set this up, click your desired modifier keys at the bottom of the app so they’re highlighted in gray, then click the mouse button you want to assign. Now you can assign a function that only triggers when the modifier key is pressed. (You can combine these modifier keys with Chords as well, effectively allowing for dozens of mouse-based shortcuts.) SteerMouse offers extra commands by clicking two mouse buttons togetherJared Newman / Foundry Note: These apps require Accessibility permissions on macOS, allowing them to perform computer functions on your behalf. Once installed, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility, then enable the toggles for either LinearMouse or SteerMouse. A final word of caution With apps like SteerMouse and X-Mouse Button Control, it’s easy to go so overboard with shortcuts that you have trouble remembering them. My advice is to start small, with just a handful of common actions that you can’t perform as easily with your keyboard or on-screen menus. Once you find the right mouse functions, though, you’ll be wondering how you ever used your computer without them. This column first appeared in Advisorator, Jared’s weekly tech advice newsletter. Sign up to get tech advice like this every Tuesday. Read...

Google knows what we search for, where we go, who we email—and diligently stores it all as well. For many users, this has long been too much of a “good thing”. If you want to live a more digitally self-determined life, you can gradually turn your back on the data giant from Silicon Valley. But to do that means you’ll also need to find alternatives for services such as Google Search, Gmail, Maps etc. Sounds like a lot of effort? It doesn’t have to be. We show you how you can gain more privacy with just a few clicks. Without sacrificing convenience: Replace Google search: No more data snooping Data protection instead of a data octopus: DuckDuckGo shows search results without tracking or personalized advertising.Sam Singleton Google search delivers brilliant results—but it lets them look deep into your personal life. If you don’t want to be tracked while surfing, you can rely on search engines that take privacy seriously. DuckDuckGo DuckDuckGo is perhaps the best-known Google alternative. It completely dispenses with tracking, does not store IP addresses and still delivers solid results, especially for general search queries. No user profiles are created and no search histories are recorded. The results come from a mix of its own crawlers and partly from Bing, but occasionally with slightly less accuracy compared to Google. Pro: Pure data protection, quick and simple changeover from other search engines (also mobile). Cons: Fewer personalized hits, weaker results for niche topics. Startpage Startpage shows anonymized Google search results—without any tracking, cookies or personalized advertising. This means we get the usual quality of Google searches without our personal data being stored. The service originates from the Netherlands and is subject to European data protection standards. Pro: Best results with privacy. Cons: Slightly longer loading times, adverts in the mix (but they’re discreet). Gmail? No thanks: Emails without readers Tutanota is a German email provider with a zero-tracking philosophy.Sam Singleton Google scans emails (usually automatically) to personalize advertising and services. If you prefer a more discreet approach, switch to a mail provider with a focus on security. Thankfully, we have plenty of choices, as Gmail is one of the Google services that is easiest to replace. Proton Mail Proton Mail is a secure e-mail service from Switzerland that consistently focusses on data protection. Emails between Proton Mail users are automatically end-to-end encrypted, and password protection can be set up for external recipients. The servers are located in Switzerland and are therefore subject to strict data protection laws. The web interface is modern and easy to understand, there are apps for Android and iOS as well as a bridge for classic mail programs. Pro: Strong encryption, servers outside the USA. Cons: Interface takes some getting used to, limited storage in the free plan. Do without Android: De-Googling your smartphone /e/OS is a completely “de-Googled” open source operating systemSam Singleton Android may be open source, but the Google services it contains are not. If you want a smartphone that is as “Google-free” as possible, you have to dig deeper into your bag of tricks—or try something completely new. /e/OS /e/OS is a privacy-friendly Android operating system that works completely without Google services. Instead, it offers its own apps, an alternative app store (Aurora Store) and synchronization via its own /e/ cloud. Many well-known smartphones (such as Samsung and Fairphone) can be reloaded with /e/OS or purchased pre-installed as a “de-Googled Phone”. It’s ideal for everyone who wants to use Android without being tracked by Google. Pro: Compatible with Android apps, many devices supported. Cons: Somewhat technical to set up, not all apps run perfectly. GrapheneOS (for advanced users) GrapheneOS is a particularly secure Android derivative that was specially developed for Pixel smartphones. It is aimed at experienced users and focusses on maximum security, system hardening, and data protection. Google services are not included as standard, but can be installed manually if required (sandboxed)—GrapheneOS is not designed for the “normal” use of Google services. Pro: Extremely secure, hardly any data leakage. Cons: For technology fans, not “plug & play”, requires some know-how and effort Goodbye Google Maps: How to navigate with privacy Map service without tracking: The open source app Organic Maps does not use advertising, does not collect any user data, and works completely offline.Sam Singleton Google Maps knows our routes—oftentimes better than we do. Fortunately, there are alternatives for privacy fans that come with less prying eyes. Organic Maps Organic Maps is an open source navigation app that is based on OSM (OpenStreetMap) maps and works completely without an internet connection. The app does not use tracking or advertising, which makes it particularly privacy-friendly. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants to navigate reliably offline, Organic Maps also offers practical functions such as route planning and voice prompts. Pro: Works without the internet, ideal for travelling. Cons: No traffic data, weaker POI search. Magic Earth The Magic Earth map service combines OpenStreetMap data with its own maps and provides a privacy-friendly alternative to Google Maps. In addition to navigation, the app also offers real-time traffic information, offline maps and an overview of cycle paths and footpaths. With a focus on privacy, Magic Earth does away with user tracking and advertising, but remains functional and user-friendly. Pro: Good maps, many features, no data transfer. Cons: Less well-known places are sometimes harder to find. Byebye Google Chrome: Fast, but nosy Far less widespread than Chrome – but a real high-flyer in terms of data protection and customisation: the Firefox browser.Sam Singleton Chrome is the top dog among browsers, but it’s also a real data hoover. If you want to surf without being watched, you can switch to these alternatives: Firefox Firefox is the classic among free browsers—fast, secure, expandable. Developed by the Mozilla Foundation, Firefox places great emphasis on transparency and data protection. The browser is flexible and can be highly customized with numerous add-ons: from ad blockers to cookie control. Pro: Many data protection add-ons, active community. Cons: Sometimes a little slower than Chrome. Brave Brave is a Chromium browser with in-built tracking protection and ad blocker. It blocks adverts, trackers, and fingerprinting by default, even without extensions. Pro: Very fast, good privacy by default. Cons: Partial crypto integration, which not everyone wants. No more Google Docs: texts and spreadsheets with better data protections ONLYOFFICE is a really strong alternative to Google Docs.Sam Singleton Practical, collaborative, usable everywhere: these are the strengths of Google Docs. But if you don’t want to store your documents on US servers, there are also good alternatives. ONLYOFFICE ONLYOFFICE is a powerful office suite that works with Word, Excel and PowerPoint-compatible documents and works both online and offline. The platform is particularly suitable for team collaboration and offers extensive functions for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Compared to Google Docs, ONLYOFFICE offers more control over your own data, as the software can also be installed on your own servers. Pro: Compatible with Word, Excel & Co. Cons: Somewhat technical to get started (but easy to use in the cloud). CryptPad CryptPad is a web-based office suite that places particular emphasis on data protection and security by storing all data end-to-end encrypted. Users can work together on documents, spreadsheets or presentations without the operator having access to the content. Ideal for anyone who values anonymous use and maximum data sovereignty. CryptPad also offers functions such as surveys, whiteboards, and markdown editors. Pro: Can be used completely anonymously, no registration required. Cons: Fewer functions, not ideal for large teams. Alternatives for Google Drive: Cloud storage without data snooping Tresorit is a cloud provider from Switzerland with a focus on security for teams and individuals.Sam Singleton Google Drive is convenient, but scans content for its own purposes. If you prefer encrypted storage, you should take a look at these services: Tresorit The cloud storage service Tresorit is based in Switzerland and focuses on security and end-to-end encryption. Files are encrypted before being uploaded so that even Tresorit has no access to the content. The servers are located in Europe, which is a clear advantage for users from the EU in terms of data protection. Ideal for companies and private individuals who want to store and share sensitive data securely online. Pro: End-to-end encryption, GDPR-compliant. Cons: More expensive than Google Drive. Snyc.com The Canadian cloud service Sync.com relies on zero-knowledge encryption. This means that only you have access to your data, not the provider. The service is easy to use, offers apps for all platforms and is ideal for team collaboration. There are no trackers or adverts here either, and even with the free entry-level plan you can get a lot done. It’s a strong Google Drive replacement with significantly more privacy. Pro: Good usability, can also be used free of charge. Cons: Sometimes slower uploads, English-language version. Google Photos is not irreplaceable: Archive your memories without the prying eyes Immich is a self-hosting photo management system with AI functions – without Google.Sam Singleton Google recognizes faces, places, and objects in pictures. And while this is impressive, it’s too much for many people. If you want to store your photos securely, you need alternatives. Immich Immich is an open-source solution for managing and backing up photos on your own server or NAS. The user interface is reminiscent of Google Photos—including face recognition, albums, timelines and AI-supported search. All data remains local and under your own control. Ideal for anyone who wants maximum privacy and is prepared to bring some technical know-how to the table. Pro: Face recognition locally, no cloud compulsion. Cons: Technical expertise required. Internxt Photos Simple cloud service with a focus on encryption: Internxt Photos stores images in the cloud—completely end-to-end encrypted so that no one but you can access them. The app is simple, functional and available for desktop and mobile devices. It has server locations in numerous place including in the EU, and no advertising or tracking. Particularly suitable for anyone who wants to store their photos securely online without relying on big tech providers. Pro: GDPR-compliant, intuitive operation. Cons: Fewer features than Google Photos. Bonus tip: Independence from YouTube—is that even possible? YouTube is hard to replace – also because you can find The Full Nerd videos there.Sam Singleton To be honest: not really. YouTube is not just a video portal, but has long been a gigantic archive for tutorials, documentaries, music, live streams and nerd knowledge. If you don’t use it at all, you’re missing out on a lot. Nevertheless, there are ways to become at least a little more independent—or to use YouTube more sparingly. NewPipe NewPipe is an alternative YouTube app for Android (for using YouTube) that works without a Google account, does not show adverts and also has a background mode on board. Pro: No registration required, no tracking, videos can be downloaded directly. Cons: Only for Android, no commenting or liking possible. Peertube Peertube is a free, decentralized video network that sees itself as a counterpart to YouTube. Content comes from many small instances, without a nosy large corporation behind it. Unlike the NewPipe app presented above, it’s a genuine alternative to YouTube with its very own content. Pro: Open source, ad-free, community-based. Cons: Smaller offering, difficult to browse. Conclusion: Escaping the Google universe step by step In the modern, digitalized world, living without Google is almost as difficult as living without electricity. But it is possible, at least in part. If you consciously look for alternatives, you can reduce tracking, strengthen data protection, and gain more control over your own data. Opting out doesn’t have to be a radical break: even small steps (such as an alternative browser or a new search engine) can have a big impact. Read...

Electric vehicles (EVs) are clearly the future, but what’s available today all feels very samey, and nothing is truly versatile. If you are struggling to get excited about EVs, the FX Super One from Faraday Future could be about to change your mind. More than just an EV, the FX Super One is innovation on wheels. Combining cutting-edge technology, versatility, and affordability, this is a luxury vehicle that completely redefines what an EV can be. If you’re balancing family life and business travel, the FX Super One is built for you. With all the features you need, designed to catch the eye and keep you comfortable, and offering multiple ways to stay connected on the road, this is the EV all busy, eco-conscious drivers have been waiting for. The FX Super One introduces Embodied AI Agent (EAI), a technology that transforms the way drivers interact with vehicles. It’s an integrated smart system that learns your preferences, predicts your needs, and offers real-time recommendations to ensure every drive is smooth, safe, and efficient. Be first to experience the Faraday Future EV revolutionView FX Super One Faraday Future What to expect from the Faraday Future FX Super One The FX Super One features dual-motor all-wheel drive, letting you pick between pure electric or AI Hybrid Extended Range. While the first is fantastic for daily drives and city trips, the latter is perfect for long journeys without the anxiety of how long the battery will last. A triple high-strength cage body structure and side curtain airbags provide 360-degree safety, no matter how far you travel. From voice commands to adaptive route planning, the FX Super One’s smart system ensures the vehicle constantly evolves to meet your expectations.   Faraday Future If the built-in AI didn’t already make the experience feel more personable, the literal face on the front of this EV will. To be more specific, the Super EAI Front AI Communication Ecosystem (F.A.C.E.) includes an LED screen that sits on the front fascia, making this EV one of a kind. You can create your own avatar to display here, which then lets the AI agent express emotions and foster a sense of personality and higher intelligence that is fully in sync with its driver. Inside, the cabin is gorgeous, spacious, and comfortable. It serves as a mobile lounge, with fully adjustable zero-gravity seats available for all FX Super One models. Every journey in this EV offers a space and time for your passengers to recharge, to relax, or even to work. There’s plenty of space here to set up your laptop on a fold-out table, be entertained with media playing on an immersive widescreen with Dolby Atmos surround sound, or even enjoy a refreshing beverage – hot or cold, thanks to a smart all-temperature onboard fridge. Faraday Future How to buy the Faraday Future FX Super One Final pricing has not been confirmed, but Faraday Future promises groundbreaking technology at an accessible price point. You can get early access to the first models off the assembly line when you pay a fully refundable pre-order deposit of $100. The FX Super One will come in six variants, with two powertrain options available with a choice of four-, six- or seven seats. There’s a perfect model for everyone, whether you’re a solo driver or planning family or business travel. The FX Super One isn’t just a vehicle, it’s an experience. Only here will you find a lifestyle upgrade, practicality, and cutting-edge technology, all in one package. Get early access to this smart, spacious MPV built for the future with a fully refundable $100 depositPre-order FX Super One Read...

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TechHive Editors Choice At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Matter controller and bridge, with Thread and Zigbee radios 2K video resolution with a tall, 4:3 aspect ratio mmWave presence detection reduces false alerts Compatibile with Alexa, Google, SmartThings, IFTTT Supports Apple HomeKit Secure Video and RTSP Cons Motion-triggered video recordings limited to 12 seconds No HDR support, limiting performance in mixed or backlit conditions Weak weatherization rating: IPX3 Zigbee radio only supports Aqara’s Zigbee devices Our Verdict If you don’t already have a strong smart home hub, the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 can kill two birds with one stone. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 Retailer Price $129.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Describing the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 as just another video doorbell is like dismissing the quirky VW ID. Buzz as a run-of-the-mill minivan. Sure, it will keep an eye on your front porch, but it can also control all the other smart devices in your home, thanks to the presence of Bluetooth, Thread, dual-band Wi-Fi, and Zigbee radios; Matter support; compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video; and a 24/7 recording option with RTSP support for hardcore users. One caveat: Its Zigbee support is limited to Aqara’s own Zigbee devices. It’s still a massive step up from the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 that TechHive reviewed in the spring of 2024, addressing nearly every criticism leveled at that earlier product. And like that unit, this one comes with a remote AC-powered chime with local storage for the doorbell’s video clips, provided by a microSD card slot (card capacities up to 512GB are supported, but you’ll need to provide one). The chime can get quite loud: up to 95dB. The Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410’s most transformative feature is invisible: It’s a full-fledged smart home hub. Aqara wisely carried over that earlier doorbell camera’s facial recognition feature, while boosting its video resolution from 1080p to 2K (2048 x 1536 pixels) and adding millimeter wave (mmWave) motion detection. All that said, Aqara did make one significant change that will disappoint some buyers; one that might even prevent a few G4 owners from considering an upgrade. More on that in a bit. Design, durability, and weather resistance The Aqara G410 video doorbell doesn’t feature a sleek design, but the ringer button is easy for visitors to locate.Aqara The industrial design of Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 very closely resembles that of the earlier G4 model, measuring 5.57 × 2.56 × 1.2 inches (HxWxD). It’s available in black or gray, both available on Amazon, but there’s also a Select model that’s available in black or white. It’s unclear if the Select model has any additional features beyond a three-month HomeGuardian trial, compared to the 1-month offer that comes with the base model. Like the G4, the G410 is rated IPX3 for protection from the elements. According to our IP code guide, that means Aqara makes no claims for protection against particulate matter ingress, but that the camera is protected against water sprayed at up to a 60-degree angle on either side of vertical. Given that mild IP code, I would recommend installing this doorbell under an eave or awning and not subjecting it to extremely wet climates. Installation and setup It took me less than 15 minutes to set up the Aqara G410, from unboxing to completion. The remote chime I mentioned earlier doubles as a Matter-certified smart home hub (it’s a Matter bridge and controller and a Thread border router). It bears repeating, however, that its Zigbee radio can only control Aqara’s own Zigbee products. But before you get to any of that, you’ll need to charge the doorbell’s battery by plugging the provided USB-C to USB-A cable into a AC adapter (one that you’ll need to provide). I’d previously installed the Aqara phone app during testing of the excellent Camera Hub G3, and that app controls setup for the G410 as well. There’s not much in the way of printed instructions, but once the app recognizes the G410, the in-app directions are clear, and it was easy to connect the doorbell to my Wi-Fi network. The doorbell comes with a small screwdriver to help with installation. You’ll need it to separate the backplate for adding the batteries or attaching the electrical wires for power.James Barber/Foundry The G410 can operate on battery power, but it can also take advantage of hardwired power (from a 12V-24V AC or DC transformer) if you’re replacing an existing wired doorbell, or if you want to pull wire to a newly installed transformer. Your existing chime, however, will not work with the new doorbell. Nearly every video doorbell I’ve tested has been too wide to fit in the narrow gap between my home’s doorframe and brick façade, so I opted for a wireless installation. I installed six AA batteries into the unit and stuck it to the wall next to my front door, using the angled shim to give a better view of someone standing on my porch. While I’m sure the doorbell’s adhesive option would work well on glass or tile, or wood, fiber-cement, vinyl, or similar types of siding, it’s not appropriate for brick. I had to reattach the unit with some industrial strength mounting tape after a week because doorbell’s adhesive failed and it fell off the wall. That’s not meant as criticism of the G410, it’s just an advisory to anyone who wants to install the doorbell on masonry: Be prepared for the messy task of drilling holes and hammering lead anchors into them. I installed Aqara’s hub/chime unit in my kitchen, about 20 yards from the doorbell, which is much further than Aqara’s recommendation of a distance less than 5 meters (about 16 feet). Aqara also recommends the chime be no further than 20 meters (about 66 feet) from your Wi-Fi router. When I first installed the doorbell and chime, I got a weak signal warning in the app. After I moved a vintage metal stand mixer in the kitchen out of the line of sight between the doorbell and chime, however, the signal strength jumped to five bars out of six. Sharper, smarter, and taller video James Barber/Foundry As I’ve already mentioned, the G410’s camera is a significant upgrade over the one in the earlier G4. In addition to boosting its resolution from 1080p to 2K, the new camera also has a taller aspect ratio (4:3 vs. 16:9), which captures visitors from head to toe, along with any packages left on the porch near your door—provided you install the camera in the right place. When I first tested the unit with the ringer button at the same height as the home’s original doorbell, I couldn’t see anything on the ground. I got much better results after lowering it by a few inches. Exceptionally tall visitors will need to bend slightly to ring the bell at that height, but that shouldn’t be a major inconvenience for them. The video quality is strikingly improved, especially in daylight. Its 176-degree diagonal field of view and f/1.8 aperture lens deliver a crisp, bright image, with better dynamic range. It’s still not HDR, but it’s more than good enough for its task. In low light, the improvement over the G4 is less dramatic but still noticeable, with less murkiness and more detail around faces. The results are more than adequate for recognizing visitors and monitoring deliveries. Vastly improved motion detection What’s missing from this kit? A USB-A power adapter for the chime. You’ll need to provide your own.James Barber/Foundry Aqara added a millimeter-wave (mmWave) presence sensor, a substantial upgrade from the G4’s PIR (passive infrared) motion sensor, which could miss people who stood still. Shadows and pets could also trigger that sensor. Unlike PIR, mmWave technology can detect a human presence based on micro-movements, even if someone is standing quietly on your porch. This feature drastically reduced false positives while making notifications faster and more relevant. Passing cars and sidewalk pedestrians don’t trigger irrelevant alerts on my iPhone or Apple Watch, something that has been an ongoing issue with my Ring Doorbell Pro. Motion-triggered recordings are still limited to 12 seconds when you use the free cloud storage plan or local microSD storage. If you want longer clips, you must use Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video or set up 24/7 local recording, although the latter requires you to hardwire the doorbell to a power source. On a positive note, Aqara has made the triggers much smarter. On-device facial recognition can now tie directly into automations, not only in Aqara’s app but across Matter-compatible ecosystems, including Home Assistant. You can trigger a compatible smart deadbolt on your door to unlock when the camera recognizes a family member, for instance. You can also program the doorbell to turn on your smart porch light when anyone approaches the door at night. Aqara lets you transform alerts into actions. A complete Matter hub Aqara’s most transformative change is invisible. The G410 is now a full-fledged smart home hub, with a built-in Matter bridge and controller, Zigbee hub (once again, one that’s limited to Aqara’s own Zigbee devices), a Thread border router, and a dual-band Wi-Fi adapter. That means the G410 can do much more than just show you who’s at the door, it can be your smart home’s brain. RTSP and HomeKit Secure Video support Backside views of the  Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 and chime.James Barber/Foundry Apple users will be interested to know that the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410 supports Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV), which stores encrypted security camera recordings in their iCloud accounts. Be aware, however, that this requires a paid iCloud subscription with at least 50GB of storage (you’ll need a plan that provides 200GB for up to five cameras, and 2TB for an unlimited number of cameras). Also, the resolution of video recordings stored in your iCloud will be limited to 1200p (a somewhat curious claim, as all the available information on HKSV that I can find indicates Apple limits such video resolution to 1080p). Not to make a mountain out of a mole hill, but Aqara’s statement that HomeKit Secure Video recordings will be limited to resolution 1200p seems to contradict Apple’s reporting that resolution will be limited to 1080p. Michael Brown/Foundry Whatever the case may be, other hardcore home surveillance system fans will be interested in knowing that the camera hub also supports RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol). That gives you the ability to store its video recordings—including 24/7 recording—on a networked video recorder (NVR), a network-attached storage device (NAS), or with third-party smart home platforms such as Blue Iris and Home Assistant. While RTSP itself doesn’t impose a resolution limit, your network limitations might impose a practical limit. And in this case, using RTSP depends on the doorbell camera’s being hardwired to a power source. The feature is not available when it’s running on battery power. Speaking of battery power, Aqara says the G410 should run on battery power for up to five months, based on 10 activations per day. More frequent visitors and/or inclement weather will reduce that time. For me, the battery level as reported by the app still reads 100 percent after several weeks of use. More cloud options, and the return of the subscription Finally, here’s the caveat I mentioned earlier that might prevent Aqara G4 Smart Wireless Video Doorbell owners from upgrading: The G410 doesn’t include the G4’s offer of a rolling seven days of video storage in Aqara’s cloud for free. What you get instead is one day of rolling storage for 6 months, unless you sign up for Aqara’s HomeGuardian subscription service to get up to 90 days of encrypted storage in the cloud. That subscription costs $5/month ($50/year) for a single Aqara camera, and $10/month ($100/year) for an unlimited number of Aqara cameras. It’s a notable shift, but it’s one that’s in line with what most of the competition is doing. Should you buy the Aqara Doorbell Camera Hub G410? With its Doorbell Camera Hub G410, Aqara delivers almost everything Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 users have been asking for: Sharper video, smarter presence detection, and better integration with other platforms, including Matter. Add in all the new smart home features, HomeKit Secure Video and RTSP support, and you have an easy TechHive Editors’ Choice winner. That said, the G410 is not perfect. Its stock video clips are short, its weatherization features leave a bit to be desired, and Aqara has moved away from its offer of 7 days of free cloud storage to nudge you toward paying for a subscription. But if you’re looking for a doorbell that can also serve as a hub for your entire smart home, it deserves serious consideration. This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best video doorbells. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Good build quality Fine gaming performance Lots of ports (including Ethernet) Cons Too expensive for the specs Dim display No biometrics for Windows Hello No NPU for AI features Our Verdict The Alienware 16 Aurora is the lowest-end model in Alienware’s laptop lineup. With a lower-end display and a slower CPU, the price just feels too high for this experience. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Alienware 16 Aurora Retailer Price $1,329.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices The Alienware 16 Aurora is a budget-focused 16-inch gaming laptop. At $1,499, however, the price is just too high: This machine makes many compromises, from the CPU to the display and the surprising lack of any NPU at all. This price is creeping towards the mid-range mark, and you can spend less to get better hardware from a competitor. It’s unfortunate: I reviewed this machine alongside the Alienware 16X Aurora, and that particular mid-range laptop is a great value for the hardware. If you’re looking at this Alienware laptop, I recommend looking at the 16X Aurora instead. Alienware 16 Aurora: Specs The Alienware 16 Aurora is a 16-inch laptop with an Intel Core 7 240H CPU — or an Intel Core 9 270H chip if you spring for the top-end model. However, our review unit had the Core 7 chip. Somewhat confusingly, while these are Intel Core (Series 2) processors, they’re based on the older Raptor Lake architecture. It doesn’t have an NPU, so you won’t get Copilot+ PC features on this machine. Our review unit was a $1,499 model that came with an Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU, but this machine is also available with RTX 3050, 4050, and 5070 graphics. The RTX 5070 option in particular doesn’t make much sense, as it makes the machine nearly as expensive as Dell’s higher-end Alienware 16X Aurora, which offers an all-around better experience. Our review unit also had 32GB of DDR5 RAM, which is the most RAM this machine is available with — Alienware also offers variants with less RAM. The base model starts at $1,149 on Dell’s website at the time of the review, but it includes an older RTX 4050 GPU and only 16 GB of RAM. Model number: AC16250 CPU: Intel Core 7 240H Memory: 32 GB DDR5 RAM Graphics/GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 NPU: None Display: 2560×1600 IPS display with 120Hz refresh rate Storage: 1 TB PCIe Gen4 SSD Webcam: 720p camera Connectivity: 2x USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), 2x USB Type-A (USB 3.1 Gen 2), 1x HDMI 2.1 out, 1x Ethernet (RJ-45), 1x combo audio jack, 1x power in Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Biometrics: None Battery capacity: 94 Watt-hours Dimensions: 14.05 x 10.45 x 0.89 inches Weight: 5.49 pounds MSRP: $1,499 as tested Naturally, the Alienware 16 Aurora delivered reasonable performance at moderate settings in these games. Alienware 16 Aurora: Design and build quality IDG / Chris Hoffman The Alienware 16 Aurora looks like a black laptop from some angles, but the dark blue of its “Interstellar Indigo” color is visible from certain angles. This laptop has a reflective Alienware logo on its lid, but aside from that it could just be a professional workstation laptop. Alienware hasn’t emphasized the traditional gamer aesthetic in this design. This machine has an anodized aluminum lid, but the rest of the body is plastic — for more metal, you’ll have to spend extra on a higher-end gaming laptop. But plastic is fine, and the laptop looks good and feels solid, although it is a little prone to picking up fingerprints. The hinge is easy to open with a single hand and feels solid, and it doesn’t move around as you type or game on the laptop. It’s a well-put-together machine. Alienware 16 Aurora: Keyboard and trackpad IDG / Chris Hoffman The Alienware 16 Aurora has a full-size chiclet-style keyboard complete with a number pad at the right. The 1.4mm of key travel results in a nice typing experience. It’s reasonably snappy and not mushy as it is on many lower-end laptops. This is a solid keyboard. Dell included a backlight on the keyboard, but it doesn’t have customizable colors — you can use white light, but that’s it. The trackpad here works fine. It’s a reasonably sized trackpad — many laptops have much larger ones, but the size is fine with me. The click-down action feels fine. A nice glass trackpad feels smoother — this is clearly a plastic surface — but it’s still smooth and responsive. Alienware 16 Aurora: Display and speakers IDG / Chris Hoffman The Alienware 16 Aurora has a 16-inch 2560×1600 resolution IPS display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 300 nits of brightness. It’s a fine display with a solid resolution and a decent refresh rate, but I wish it was brighter. Whenever I use a gaming laptop with a display that caps out at 300 nits, I always want more brightness. It doesn’t wow, though — the colors aren’t nearly as impressive they can be on a higher-end display in more expensive gaming laptops. It’s reasonable for a budget laptop, but it feels low-end for a $1,499 laptop. This isn’t a touch screen, and it’s not an OLED display either — it has an anti-glare coating that works well, so it’s not a glossy, reflective display. Higher brightness settings are often necessary to overpower glare on glossy displays, but that isn’t the case here. I test every laptop’s speakers by playing Steely Dan’s Aja and Daft Punk’s Get Lucky. The sound quality during Aja was decent, although a little flat — there wasn’t the kind of crisp instrument separation you hear on high-end speakers. Daft Punk’s Get Lucky had a fun sound, even though there wasn’t a ton of underlying bass. Alienware 16 Aurora: Webcam, microphone, biometrics The Alienware 16 Aurora has a 720p webcam. The image is pretty grainy and washed out, and that’s no surprise — 720p webcams are low end, and Dell is cutting a corner here to keep the laptop’s price down. It will work if you need to have a video meeting and don’t need a high-resolution image, but that’s about it. And, because there’s no NPU in this machine, you don’t have access to Windows Studio Effects webcam effects on this machine. The dual-array microphone in this machine produces rather muffled audio — this machine wasn’t built with video conferencing in mind, although it offers the basics if you need them. The Alienware 16 Aurora doesn’t have any biometric hardware, so you can’t sign into Windows with your face or a fingerprint. A $1,499 laptop should have biometric support, whether that’s a fingerprint reader or facial recognition. That’s too big a corner to cut at this price point. Alienware 16 Aurora: Connectivity IDG / Chris Hoffman The Alienware 16 Aurora has a great selection of connectivity — it even has an Ethernet port! On the left, you’ll find a USB Type-A port, a combo audio jack, and an Ethernet (RJ-45) jack. On the back, this machine has a second USB Type-A port, two USB Type-C ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, and a power-in port. It’s a great selection of ports, and the only thing missing might be an SD card reader, if you’re looking for that. Aside from that, it’s well laid out — especially with most of the ports being in the back, where it’s easy to plug the power cable and other accessories in so they stay out of your way. This machine has Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 hardware, so it’s as future proof as can be with the latest standards. Alienware 16 Aurora: Performance The Alienware 16 Aurora’s cooling system works well. Playing the latest big games like Clair Obscure: Expedition 33 and Doom: The Dark Ages, the fans stayed on the quiet side for a 16-inch gaming laptop — especially a more budget-focused laptop, as quieter fans tend to be reserved for higher-end gaming laptops and less-expensive laptops often go for the “jet engine” sound profile. This laptop blows most of the hot air out of the back, and the keyboard only gets mildly warm. Some hot air comes out of the sides — in a perfect build, it would all go out of the back and away from your mouse hand — but it’s not too bad. Naturally, the Alienware 16 Aurora delivered reasonable performance at moderate settings in these games. As always, though we ran this machine through our standard benchmarks to see how it performs in more detail. IDG / Chris Hoffman First, we run PCMark 10 to get an idea of overall system performance. With a PCMark 10 overall score of 7,068, this machine comes in noticeably behind the pricier Alienware 16X Aurora. The Intel Core 7 Meteor Lake CPU here can’t keep pace with the higher-end Intel Core Ultra 9 and AMD Ryzen AI 9 chips in the higher-end laptops we’re comparing it to. It’s a lower-end gaming CPU. IDG / Chris Hoffman Next, we run Cinebench R20. This is a heavily multithreaded benchmark that focuses on overall CPU performance. It’s a quick benchmark, so cooling under extended workloads isn’t a factor. But, since it’s heavily multithreaded, CPUs with more cores have a huge advantage. With a Cinebench R20 multi-threaded score of 6,284, this machine once again comes in behind other laptops. That’s in large part because the Intel Core 7 240H CPU here has 10 cores, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX has 24 cores. Most applications don’t benefit from multithreading this much, however, so this isn’t representative of the difference in real-world gaming performance. IDG / Chris Hoffman We also run an encode with Handbrake. This is another heavily multithreaded benchmark, but it runs over an extended period. This demands the laptop’s cooling kick in, and many laptops will throttle and slow down under load. The Alienware 16 Aurora took 900 seconds on average to complete the encode. That’s 15 minutes, and it’s significantly slower than other laptops — again, this CPU just doesn’t have as many cores as I’d like to see. IDG / Chris Hoffman Next, we run a graphical benchmark. We run 3Dmark Time Spy, a graphical benchmark that focuses on GPU performance, on all the laptops we review. With a 3Dmark Time Spy score of 10,263, the Alienware 16 Aurora came in behind other laptops once again — that’s due to the Nvidia RTX 5060 GPU here. This chart helps illustrate how important the choice of GPU is and how much faster higher-end GPUs can be. After that, we run the benchmarks built into some games. First, we use the benchmark in Shadow of the Tomb Raider to test all the gaming laptops we review. It’s an older game, but it’s a great way to compare GPU performance across different PCs. IDG / Chris Hoffman With an average FPS of 132, the Alienware 16 Aurora delivered fine performance. It was behind other laptops with faster GPUs, but not by much. This older game is seeing diminishing returns from higher-end GPUs. Finally, we run the benchmark in Metro Exodus. This is a more demanding game, and we set the benchmark to 1080p resolution at the Extreme detail setting. IDG / Chris Hoffman With an average FPS of 43 in this high-end Metro Exodus benchmark, the Alienware 16 Aurora offered reasonably playable performance even at these brutal graphical settings. It’s a good example of the solid performance you can get without splurging on a top-tier CPU or GPU these days. Of course, it comes in behind more expensive laptops with higher-end GPUs. Overall, the Alienware 16 Aurora delivered playable performance, but it’s held back by the components compared to higher-end, more expensive gaming laptops. Alienware 16 Aurora: Battery life The Alienware 16 Aurora we received had a large 94 Watt-hour battery, although Dell’s spec sheet said it had a 60 Watt-hour battery — expect that smaller battery on lower-end variants and this larger battery on higher-end ones. It delivered surprisingly good battery life away from an outlet for a gaming laptop, likely thanks to its lower-end CPU. IDG / Chris Hoffman To benchmark the battery life, we play a 4K copy of Tears of Steel on repeat on Windows 11 with airplane mode activated and the keyboard backlight turned off until the laptop suspends itself. We set the screen to 250 nits of brightness for our battery benchmarks. This is a best-case scenario for any laptop since local video playback is so efficient, and real battery life in day-to-day use is always going to be less than this. The Alienware 16 Aurora lasted 603 minutes on average — that’s just over 10 hours. For a gaming laptop that isn’t particularly focused on battery life, this is quite good! Alienware 16 Aurora: Conclusion The Alienware 16 Aurora doesn’t impress, which is a shame because I reviewed it alongside the Alienware 16X Aurora, and that laptop did impress with the value it delivered. The core problem here is the price — $1,499 is just too high for an experience like this one. It’s a budget experience at a mid-tier price. If this machine had a faster CPU or a more impressive display — ideally both — it would be easy to recommend. For now, you’re probably better off looking somewhere else for a budget gaming laptop — unless Dell is having a big sale on this model. I would recommend you look at the Alienware 16X Aurora if you’re looking for an Alienware laptop, however — that’s much better value for money. Or, if you’re looking for a budget gaming laptop, check out PCWorld’s best gaming laptops list for better values. Read...

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