Author Archives: Ben Patterson

Sonarworks’s SoundID Listen software aims to wring better sound out of your headphones

Posted on April 28, 2020 by Ben Patterson

The just-released software for Windows and Mac customizes and (hopefully) improves the audio your headphones deliver, based on a personalized profile. Continue reading →

Comments Off on Sonarworks’s SoundID Listen software aims to wring better sound out of your headphones

HP Envy 13 Wood Series review: Walnut enhances a slender, capable laptop

Posted on April 22, 2020 by Ben Patterson

The HP Envy 13 Wood Series is the company’s second foray into natural design flourishes—remember the leather-bound Spectre Folio? Now the company’s thin-and-light Envy 13 laptop has a Wood Series variant, featuring a walnut wood palm rest and … Continue reading →

Comments Off on HP Envy 13 Wood Series review: Walnut enhances a slender, capable laptop

Spotify rolls out curated podcast playlists for true crime fanatics, foodies, and more

Posted on April 21, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Following in the footsteps of its Your Daily Podcast playlists, Spotify’s new podcast playlists feature hand-picked episodes from the latest and greatest pods. Continue reading →

Comments Off on Spotify rolls out curated podcast playlists for true crime fanatics, foodies, and more

New Ring Alarm home security system with 1-touch buttons for police, fire, and medical emergencies coming soon

Posted on April 9, 2020 by Ben Patterson

The new keypad for arming and disarming the system is smaller and sleeker, despite having more features, and the Z-Wave smart home hub remains. Continue reading →

Comments Off on New Ring Alarm home security system with 1-touch buttons for police, fire, and medical emergencies coming soon

Movies Anywhere’s Screen Pass program lets you lend movie purchases to your friends

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Ben Patterson

The still-in-beta Screen Pass feature lets you share selected movies in your Movies Anywhere digital locker for up to 72 hours. Continue reading →

Comments Off on Movies Anywhere’s Screen Pass program lets you lend movie purchases to your friends

The best 30-day streaming TV trials for stay-at-home binge watching

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Netflix, Amazon Prime, CBS All Access, and more will let you stream their TV shows and movies free for a month. Continue reading →

Comments Off on The best 30-day streaming TV trials for stay-at-home binge watching

These 17 movies will be available online early to help ease your coronavirus anxiety

Posted on April 4, 2020 by Ben Patterson

The Call of the Wild, Onward, Bad Boys for Life, and more are available to rent or buy from streaming services way ahead of schedule. Continue reading →

Comments Off on These 17 movies will be available online early to help ease your coronavirus anxiety

The best online film festivals and virtual art house movie screenings

Posted on April 3, 2020 by Ben Patterson

SXSW, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, Film Forum, and more are turning to virtual screenings in the wake of COVID-19. Continue reading →

Comments Off on The best online film festivals and virtual art house movie screenings

5 ways to improve your relationship with Alexa

Posted on April 3, 2020 by Ben Patterson

It’s important to get along with everyone you’re staying at home with, including Alexa. Continue reading →

Comments Off on 5 ways to improve your relationship with Alexa

The new $35 Blink Mini indoor camera is Blink’s least expensive cam yet

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Ben Patterson

Coming later this month, the diminutive Blink Mini is set to compete with such budget security cams as the $20 Wyze Cam v2. Continue reading →

Comments Off on The new $35 Blink Mini indoor camera is Blink’s least expensive cam yet