The average smartphone is unlikely to explode, but it happens. There's not much you can do if shoddy hardware is to blame, but these tips may help prevent your phone from going up in smoke. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/why-phones-explode-and-how-to-prevent-it-from-happening-to-you 

 The company creates a new tool for website publishers that'll tell Google's web crawlers to avoid using their content for AI training. https://www.pcmag.com/news/dont-want-google-to-use-your-website-for-ai-training-you-can-now-opt-out 

 Be your own AI content generator! Here's how to get started running free ChatGPT alternatives using the CPU and GPU of your own PC. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-run-your-own-chatgpt-like-llm-for-free-and-in-private 

 Alan Wake 2 walks a different, creepier path than its predecessor by focusing more on puzzles and surviving ghoulish horrors than firing your gun. Here's our hands on: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/alan-wake-2 

 The HP Spectre Foldable PC is fun to show off, but it's hard to recommend due to underwhelming performance, potentially fragile hardware, and too many quirks in this proof-of-concept 3-in-1. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/hp-spectre-foldable-pc 

 Apple’s macOS Sonoma doesn't have any earth-shattering new features such as generative AI, but upgrades to gaming, widgets, and other areas are welcome improvements. https://www.pcmag.com/news/functional-not-flashy-top-new-features-in-apple-macos-sonoma 

 Reddit is removing the ability to opt out of ad personalization based on app activity. https://www.pcmag.com/news/reddit-is-removing-the-ability-to-opt-out-of-ad-personalization 

 Disney+ sends emails to Canadian subscribers about implementing new password-sharing restrictions on Nov. 1. A wider clampdown is expected sometime next year. https://www.pcmag.com/news/disney-plus-kicks-off-password-sharing-crackdown-in-canada 

 Honda's first all-electric SUV seems promising, though the brand is still working out final details around price and range before it opens orders later this year. https://www.pcmag.com/news/2024-honda-prologue-ev-debuts-with-300-mile-range-unique-charging-options 

 Google issued a patch today, two days after security researcher Clément Lecigne spotted it—the latest in a string of actively exploited zero-day attacks targeting Chrome this year. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-catches-surveillance-company-exploiting-serious-flaw-in-chrome 

 ChatGPT can once again browse the web for information after 2021 with a Bing integration, several months after OpenAI pulled the feature for bypassing paywalls. https://www.pcmag.com/news/browse-with-bing-web-searches-return-to-chatgpt-after-paywall-glitch 

 Outgoing Amazon executive David Limp suggests that Amazon will one day charge for a supercharged version of Alexa. https://www.pcmag.com/news/alexa-plus-amazon-mulls-charging-for-its-voice-assistant 

 Just about every component on the single-board computer has been upgraded. https://www.pcmag.com/news/raspberry-pi-5-arrives-in-october-with-a-huge-performance-boost 

 Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons is an entertaining beat 'em up with many unlockable characters, but its relatively long load times and inconsistent difficulty make for an occasionally frustrating brawling experience. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/double-dragon-gaiden-rise-of-the-dragons 

 Apple should watch out: Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Quest 3 is packing some powerful capabilities that could steal some thunder from the upcoming Vision Pro headset. https://www.pcmag.com/news/meta-quest-3-hands-on-some-serious-competition-for-apples-vision-pro 

 Nine months after Elon Musk promised more transparency around shadowbanning, a Twitter designer shows off some notification mock-ups. https://www.pcmag.com/news/twitter-provides-sneak-peek-of-what-shadowban-notifications-might-look 

 The Ray-Ban Meta are a follow-up to 2021's Facebook Ray-Ban Stories; they have a similar style but a host of improvements under the hood. https://www.pcmag.com/news/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-get-camera-upgrade-live-streaming 

 It's a hyper-flexible design with a gorgeous 17-inch OLED display: Check out our first pics of HP's Spectre Foldable PC, a "3-in-1" you can use in a whole host of modes.  https://www.pcmag.com/articles/first-look-hps-spectre-foldable-wants-to-be-your-laptop-tablet-and-desktop 

 Apple needs to figure out 'complex' Vision Pro production issues before it can focus on a low-cost version, which may doom the more affordable Vision Pro, says analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. https://www.pcmag.com/news/will-supply-chain-issues-kill-the-low-cost-apple-vision-pro 

 Meta is rolling out access to 28 celebrity chatbots in the US as a beta. But they'll mostly just react to your conversation; there's no voice support yet. https://www.pcmag.com/news/play-dd-with-snoop-dogg-meta-fuses-chatbots-with-celebrities 

 Qualcomm's new top-of-the-line XR and AR platforms rely on AI to bring new experiences to virtual and mixed reality headsets as well as smart glasses. https://www.pcmag.com/news/meta-quest-3-powered-by-qualcomm-snapdragon-xr-gen-2-chip 

 The CIA is creating its own version of ChatGPT to compete against other world powers like China. But unless you're a skilled hacker, this isn't something you'll be able to try out yourself. https://www.pcmag.com/news/bard-chatgpt-and-the-cia-us-agency-prepping-its-own-chatbot 

 The chair only weighs 26lbs, offers six seating positions, and includes a gearshift mount. https://www.pcmag.com/news/logitechs-challenge-x-racing-chair-folds-up-for-easy-storage 

 Twitter has 'the largest ratio of mis/disinformation posts,' according to European Commission VP Vera Jourova, who says Musk is 'not off the hook' after dropping out of voluntary code of conduct. https://www.pcmag.com/news/eu-twitter-is-a-disinformation-magnet-whether-elon-musk-admits-it-or-not 

 CD Projekt Red has apologized for a Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 update featuring anti-Russian dialogue and graffiti and says it will remove them in the next update. https://www.pcmag.com/news/cd-projekt-red-promises-fix-for-anti-russian-elements-in-cyberpunk-2077 

 The 14.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra has one of the largest screens on a tablet and pairs it with top-notch performance and slick Android software. Check out our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-tab-s9-ultra 

 Saying internet access 'needs to be open,' FCC Chair Rosenworcel launches an effort to renew the FCC’s authority to regulate broadband providers. https://www.pcmag.com/news/fcc-prepares-to-take-another-swing-at-writing-net-neutrality-rules 

 Google Podcasts will join the ever-growing number of products Google has killed over the years. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-podcasts-to-be-discontinued-as-attention-shifts-to-youtube-music 

 If you're sick of trying to find something new to watch in a sea of endless bad choices, Tubi's Rabbit AI promises to solve the problem. https://www.pcmag.com/news/tubis-chatgpt-rabbit-ai-will-find-you-something-new-to-watch 

 More than 150 improvements are packed into Microsoft's Windows 11 2023 Update, which starts rolling out today. Here are the headliners. https://www.pcmag.com/news/copilot-passkeys-ai-big-windows-11-updates-rolling-out-now 

 You might make more money selling your used GPU on eBay, but if that's too much of a hassle, ship it to Newegg to receive credit on your next GPU purchase. https://www.pcmag.com/news/save-on-a-new-gpu-with-neweggs-graphics-card-trade-in-program 

 The FTC and 17 states are suing Amazon for “illegally maintaining monopoly power” in the e-commerce market, claiming the company’s business practices are blocking competition, resulting in higher prices and less selection for consumers.  https://www.pcmag.com/news/ftc-sues-amazon-claiming-e-commerce-giant-maintains-a-monopoly 

 Microsoft's spanking-new Surface Laptop Studio 2 competes head-on for the hearts of creators with Apple's 14-inch MacBook Pro. Here's how their features and capabilities stack up. https://www.pcmag.com/articles/microsoft-surface-laptop-studio-2-vs-apple-macbook-pro-which-is-better 

 Designed for MMO games, the Corsair Scimitar Elite wireless mouse makes sure you’ll always be able to reach your favorite macros with an adjustable 12-button keypad. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/corsair-scimitar-elite-wireless 

 Are your friends terrible at Pictionary? How about having an AI guess what you're drawing?
https://www.pcmag.com/news/in-mattels-updated-spin-on-pictionary-an-ai-guesses-what-youre-drawing 

 Although the new iPhone 15 Pro models have been met with strong reviews, one complaint is cropping up from some early adopters: The phones get too hot. https://www.pcmag.com/news/too-hot-to-handle-iphone-15-pro-models-face-overheating-complaints 

 Meta’s would-be Twitter killer will still rank second to last among major social networks by 2025, according to estimates from Insider Intelligence. https://www.pcmag.com/news/even-if-twitter-tanks-threads-is-a-long-way-from-a-social-media-success 

 The new Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer excellent active noise cancellation and a refined audio signature in a comfortable fit. Here's our review. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/bose-quietcomfort-headphones 

 Are you wasting money on streaming services or other subscriptions? Here's how to see what you're spending each month and how to save the most money. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/track-and-manage-your-paid-subscriptions 

 Reddit is taking a page from Twitter and is going to pay users with real money for posting viral content on the social media platform. https://www.pcmag.com/news/reddit-to-reward-users-with-real-money-for-viral-posts 

 In a new nationwide survey of US internet subscribers, nearly half of respondents say they're paying more for broadband than they did when they signed up. https://www.pcmag.com/news/yep-isps-are-charging-more-for-the-same-service 

 It's outstanding: Apple's iPhone 15 Pro Max features new materials, upgraded components, terrific cameras, and top-of-the-line performance, making it one of the best smartphones you can buy. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/apple-iphone-15-pro-max 

 We should see new Pixel phones from Google on Oct. 4, but you don't have to wait until then to find out about the fresh hardware. Here is everything we think we know about the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-pixel-8-and-8-pro-what-to-expect 

 "Microsoft has made a lot of bad changes to Windows. As a fan of the OS, I want the company to do better for everyone's sake," one of our writers says.  https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/windows-is-going-in-the-wrong-direction 

 The Paint app will also support transparency in images. But for now, the features are only available to beta users with Windows Insider builds. https://www.pcmag.com/news/cant-afford-photoshop-microsoft-paint-finally-gets-layers 

 If you're looking to buy one of Apple's latest smartphones, here's how to get the best price from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile when pre-ordering on Sept. 15 ahead of the Sept. 22 release date. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/apple-iphone-15-how-to-pre-order-and-get-the-best-deal 

 The Gamakay LK75 mechanical keyboard impresses with its near-silent switches and detailed keycap set for photo editing commands, but its LCD readout's functionality and the overall build quality could use a little work. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/gamakay-lk75 

 Where are PlayStation 5's new games? Maybe we'll see them at the Tokyo Game Show, but if that's the case, what was the point of having a State of Play event? https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/sonys-latest-state-of-play-was-disappointingly-familiar 

 Retool says social engineering, an AI deepfake, and a weakness in Google's Authenticator app helped the hacker breach the company last month. https://www.pcmag.com/news/hacker-deepfakes-employees-voice-in-phone-call-to-breach-it-company 

 Video game developer Digital Eclipse announced today that a 3D remake of the original Wizardry game is available to play in early access on Steam and GOG. https://www.pcmag.com/news/wizardry-3d-remake-is-now-playable-on-steam-gog 

 After gathering feedback from thousands of home security system owners, we have some intriguing insights into which brands customers prefer. https://www.pcmag.com/news/readers-choice-2023-the-home-security-brands-people-prefer 

 The Backbone One is an aesthetically pleasing (and relatively expensive) controller that snaps onto your phone for accurate and responsive mobile and cloud gaming. But it has its flaws. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/backbone-one 

 The 'boxcar pile-up' in the application process is causing 'cascading harms' in the satellite industry, SpaceX says. The FCC will consider a rules change next week. https://www.pcmag.com/news/space-urges-fcc-to-get-moving-speed-up-satellite-approvals 

 Nearly a year after Mark Zuckerberg first showed off avatar legs in Meta's take on the 'metaverse,' they're finally a reality—in limited spaces, anyway. https://www.pcmag.com/news/avatars-in-meta-horizons-finally-get-legs-this-time-for-real 

 The Fold 5 underscores the pros and cons of a big foldable—all the screen you could want short of a tablet, but with a high price and lower-end camera than you get with the flagship slab smartphone. https://www.pcmag.com/news/living-with-the-samsung-galaxy-z-fold-5 

 The system also asks people to take a live selfie, which a third-party company will compare to the government ID using biometrics. The benefits of this verification are currently minimal, however. https://www.pcmag.com/news/twitter-requests-government-issued-ids-for-paid-subscriber-verification 

 One PCMag writer's take on the iPhone 15: It's a living reminder of how the US sucks at regulating Big Tech. https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/i-love-the-iphone-15s-usb-c-port-but-i-hate-what-it-represents 

 Don't let criminals fool you into giving up vital personal information during your job search. We show you seven ways to spot potential scam artists. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/avoid-online-job-post-scams-with-these-7-tips 

 Apple says the iPhone 12 complies with emissions rules worldwide and there is no safety concern. https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-promises-iphone-12-software-update-to-solve-radiation-problem 

 The James Webb Space Telescope recently snapped an image of Herbig-Haro 211, which is ejecting plumes of hot, ionized gas that are colliding with other cosmic dust. https://www.pcmag.com/news/james-webb-telescope-captures-wild-image-of-newly-born-star 

 We got the chance to try out Bose's new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds and Ultra Headphones, as well as its competitor to Apple's spatial audio. Here are our early impressions of the high-end headphones and their immersive audio feature. https://www.pcmag.com/news/bose-goes-ultra-with-revamped-quietcomfort-headphones-immersive-audio 

 Google is extending the update cycle from eight to 10 years following complaints from educators and environmentalists about expiring Chromebooks. https://www.pcmag.com/news/amid-complaints-google-to-add-another-2-years-of-updates-for-chromebooks 

 Customer data was stolen, including driver's license and Social Security numbers. But Caesars Entertainment is indicating it paid off the hackers to delete the looted data. https://www.pcmag.com/news/after-mgm-resort-hack-caesars-entertainment-also-reports-a-breach 

 Ring is best known for its security cameras, but now it's launching the Ring Pet Tag, its first product for pets, which works in conjunction with the Ring app to identify and find missing pets. https://www.pcmag.com/news/rings-qr-code-pet-tags-will-let-your-neighbors-scan-return-furry-friends 

 The Crucial X9 Pro is a tiny, near-perfect external SSD with a sturdy, ruggedized frame, hardware-based encryption, a long warranty, and up to 4TB of capacity. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/crucial-x9-pro 

 Apple and Google control virtually everything in their phones, from the hardware to the software. Which company puts together a more compelling package? https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-iphone-15-vs-google-pixel-7-android-and-ios-do-battle 

 En Garde’s intense sword fights and infectious atmosphere make it a fun, if fleeting, indie action game. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/en-garde 

 PC case maker Phanteks is pushing back against allegations that the company copied a fan design approach from rival vendor Lian Li. https://www.pcmag.com/news/phanteks-denies-stealing-pc-fan-design-approach-from-lian-li 

 Apple has announced its latest iPhones, but how do they stack up against their biggest competition, Samsung's Galaxy S23 line? We'll help you figure out which one works best for you. https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-iphone-15-vs-samsung-galaxy-s23-which-flagship-is-best 

 The digital picture frame manufacturer's newest model is its largest yet. https://www.pcmag.com/news/aura-launches-15-inch-wall-mountable-digital-photo-frame 

 Apple’s fetish for this proprietary connector lives on in a passel of peripherals. https://www.pcmag.com/opinions/apples-input-devices-most-of-its-headphones-are-lightnings-last-stand 

 It's a hyper-flexible design with a gorgeous 17-inch OLED display: Check out our first pics of HP's Spectre Foldable PC, a "3-in-1" you can use in a whole host of modes.  https://www.pcmag.com/articles/first-look-hps-spectre-foldable-wants-to-be-your-laptop-tablet-and-desktop 

 Artificial intelligence experiments with artificial sweeteners. https://www.pcmag.com/news/coca-cola-uses-ai-to-create-a-futuristic-coke-flavor 

 Adobe's suite of AI tools, called Firefly, can expand and alter your existing artwork—or create something entirely new—to meet your creative needs. Here's our hands on: https://www.pcmag.com/news/hands-on-adobe-firefly-in-photoshop 

 Mullvad says the macOS Sonoma firewall bug is a 'critical flaw' that 'causes the firewall to not filter traffic correctly' and can affect more than just its own VPN app. https://www.pcmag.com/news/mullvad-vpn-warns-of-critical-firewall-flaw-in-apples-macos-sonoma 

 As Netflix shuts down its DVD-by-mail service, another company steps in to take its place. And arguably, Scarecrow Video may be able to do the job better. https://www.pcmag.com/news/scarecrow-picks-up-where-netflixs-dvd-rental-service-left-off 

 The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a 5x optical zoom camera that's made possible by a periscope, or, in Apple parlance, a tetraprism. We explain exactly what that means. https://www.pcmag.com/news/the-iphone-15-pro-max-has-a-tetraprism-camera-what-the-heck-is-that 

 Rumors about the latest and greatest features coming to iPhones are always plentiful in the lead-up to Apple's annual event, but these iPhone 15 leaks didn't pan out. https://www.pcmag.com/news/iphone-15-rumors-that-were-dead-wrong 

 If you're looking to buy one of Apple's latest smartphones, here's how to get the best price from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile ahead of the Sept. 22 release date. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/apple-iphone-15-how-to-pre-order-and-get-the-best-deal 

 New iPhones—including the USB-C iPhone 15—don't ship with power adapters, but they do support wireless MagSafe charging. However you charge, here's the fastest ways to juice up. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/no-charger-in-the-box-everything-you-need-to-know-about-charging-the-iphone 

 If you're looking to buy one of Apple's latest smartphones, here's how to get the best price from AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile ahead of the Sept. 22 release date. https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/apple-iphone-15-how-to-pre-order-and-get-the-best-deal 

 Western Digital introduced a new SSD this week offering up to 2TB of storage for handheld gaming PCs such as the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally. https://www.pcmag.com/news/western-digital-tips-tiny-fast-2tb-ssd-for-handheld-gaming-pcs 

 Amazon's ChatGPT-style tool will generate product descriptions for sellers. But can it improve listings currently stuffed with incomprehensible keywords to attract buyers? https://www.pcmag.com/news/amazons-latest-ai-tool-will-generate-product-descriptions-for-sellers 

 The four iPhone 15 models have a lot to offer, but which is the best for you? We cover everything you need to know about Apple's latest flagships in this ultimate comparison. https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-iphone-15-vs-iphone-15-pro-whats-the-difference 

 The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can be controlled without touch by a new double tap gesture. We take a first look at the new watches and give double tap a try. https://www.pcmag.com/news/hands-on-with-the-apple-watch-series-9-ultra-2-putting-double-tap-to-the 

 China's Foreign Ministry denies media reports that say the country is prohibiting iPhone use among its government agencies. That said, it's possible the ban may be an informal rule. https://www.pcmag.com/news/china-no-were-not-banning-iphones-for-government-workers 

 While 16% of those with iPhones are considering buying an iPhone 15, 60% of those who don't plan to purchase one are put off by the price, Savings.com finds. https://www.pcmag.com/news/these-are-the-features-driving-people-to-upgrade-to-iphone-15 

 Apple's iPhone 15 family packs a lot of new tech into their thin frames. We got a chance to spend some time with the new phones and have some first impressions. https://www.pcmag.com/news/action-buttons-and-pleasing-portraits-hands-on-with-apple-iphone-15 

 With most of the focus on new Apple products yesterday, Unity Technologies decided to drop a bombshell on game developers by announcing a new, per-install fee for using its Unity game engine. https://www.pcmag.com/news/use-unity-for-game-development-prepare-to-pay-a-per-install-fee-for-your 

 The 2020 iPhone emits too much radiation according to France's National Frequency Agency.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/france-bans-sales-of-iphone-12-threatens-total-recall 

 With the USB-C version, you can also charge the AirPods Pro by plugging them into an iPhone 15.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-also-adds-usb-c-port-to-airpods-pro-charging-case 

 The Apple Watch Series 9 includes bright displays, a new S9 SiP (System in Package), and a handy new method of control: double tap. https://www.pcmag.com/news/apple-watch-series-9s-big-reveal-an-innovative-double-tap-gesture 

 The iPhone 15 Pro has USB 3 port, but it comes with a USB 2 cable, not the USB 3 cable needed to achieve the fastest 10Gbps transfer speeds. https://www.pcmag.com/news/iphone-15-pro-supports-usb-3-speeds-but-only-if-you-buy-an-extra-cable 

 Microsoft makes the commitment as artists and writers sue to stop generative AI programs from plagiarizing their work without paying up. https://www.pcmag.com/news/microsoft-vows-to-shield-users-of-copilot-ai-from-copyright-lawsuits 

 Yikes. Citizen Lab says the zero-day vulnerabilities that Apple patched today were used in NSO Group Pegasus spyware attack. 
https://www.pcmag.com/news/time-to-update-apple-patches-2-ios-flaws-that-launch-malware-on-iphone 

 Need a featherweight laptop that lasts all day on a battery charge? Thin, light, and power-efficient, these ultraportables are our top performers in testing. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-ultraportable-laptops 

 The HP E45c G5 45-inch ultrawide monitor is a spectacular substitute for two separate QHD monitors, offering great color coverage, good ergonomics, and a plethora of ports, plus creative ways to virtually partition its screen in two. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/hp-e45c-g5-dqhd-curved-monitor 

 Both flaws can be exploited to create booby-trapped files to potentially launch malware on an iPhone or iPad. Apple also issues patches for macOS and watchOS. https://www.pcmag.com/news/time-to-update-apple-patches-2-ios-flaws-that-launch-malware-on-iphone 

 It will come as no surprise to anyone (except BMW) that this wasn't popular with customers.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/bmw-stops-charging-a-subscription-for-heated-car-seats 

 With Oct. 4 coming up fast, Google releases two new teaser videos that give us the best look at the new Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch devices yet. https://www.pcmag.com/news/forget-leaks-google-shows-off-pixel-8-pixel-watch-2-itself-in-new-videos 

 The Polaroid I-2 ($599.99) is the first pro-grade instant camera from the present-day version of the company that invented the concept of self-developing snapshots. Here's our review: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/polaroid-i-2 

 The suspected North Korean hackers also used Twitter and Mastodon accounts while publishing a free debugging tool to try and phish security researchers.https://www.pcmag.com/news/north-korean-hackers-use-zero-day-exploit-to-hit-security-researchers