Chris Burns
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Articles by Chris Burns
Can The xTool M2 Actually Fix The Worst Problem With Desktop DIY Gadgets? Original
The xTool M2 is a versatile creative tool that allows its user to laser cut and print with multiple colors of ink. The xTool M2 is latest in a line of similar creative tools from the brand, the otherwise-most-recent of which was released back in 2024. The last tool in this line was the xTool M1 Ultra — a device that is more expensive and slightly more versatile than the new M2 in a few key ways.
This Ryobi-Rival Mini Leaf Blower Seemed Like A Great Amazon Deal: Then Things Went Wrong Original
Power tools can be dangerous — especially when you're dealing with a machine with rotating parts. When you add forceful wind power and what seems like a design executed with little regard for the safety of the user, things can go bad quickly. We brought two mini leaf blowers to our review bench, one from a well-known brand sold by Home Depot, the other from a lesser-known brand sold on Amazon.
This Automatic Cat Litter Box Convinced Me (But Did It Convince My Pets?)
For years I've wondered whether it'd be sensible to bring a self-cleaning automatic kitty litter box into my home. My immediate family has been a multi-cat family for well over a decade, and I've long considered the potential pros and cons of owning a smart device that cleans up after itself. The time for testing is now — and the device we're testing is the HomerunPet Self‑Cleaning Litter Box (model CS106). This device's primary function is holding and sorting kitty litter — and doing so safely.
This 3D Heat Press Took My Custom Printing Potential To A New Dimension Original
If you're reading this, chances are you're a DIY sort of person — and you've gotten to the point where you've expanded your sights beyond the basics. You want your art on as many different kinds of objects as possible.
This DIY-Friendly Bluetooth Gadget Bucks The Trend Of Boring Printers Original
After decades of delivering notoriously consumer-unfriendly features such as single-use ink cartridges, you'd be forgiven for feeling a bit sour toward your at-home inkjet printer. Today is not the day where we convince you that using a standard consumer-grade printer is a good idea. Instead, we're looking at an example of an alternative with real potential: a thermal label printer. It does one thing, and it does it really well: It makes sticker-backed labels with minimal effort, cost, and fuss.
This Portable Laser Engraver Is The Best DIY Tool You Didn't Know Existed Original
The XTool F2 is just about the most user-friendly electronic design/art tool I've ever tested — and I've worked with more than my fair share. Testing and design tools, methods, and mediums — that includes laser cutters. I've tried a variety of laser cutters — most of them quite massive. As such, I was excited to hear from XTool that they had a compact, carry-friendly laser cutter with a removable bottom and the name XTool F2.
Who Makes The Best Leaf Blower? We Tested New Electric Models From 5 Top Brands Original
At the start of autumn 2025, we took to our testing grounds with some of the best cordless leaf blowers on the market. We've asked some of the most popular brands in the U.S. to let us test some examples of their newest hardware so we can break down what's important to everyday people such as yourself. Our target in testing these machines was a small-town Midwest yard with sidewalks, grass, leaves (of course), and plenty of tasks in serious need of the assistance of a blower.
Robot Mowers Are Finally Practical, And This One Is The Easiest Yet - SlashGear
The Anthbot Genie 3000 is a robotic lawn mower that took over all the hard parts of mowing my lawn. Or, at least, it did while I had it sent here from Anthbot for this review. In the past several weeks, I've become convinced that we're at that all-important tipping point when it comes to AI-assisted robot lawn mowing in general — it's easy now.
The Pixel 10 Pro XL Doesn't Need AI To Feel Special (And Someone Should Tell Google That) - SlashGear
The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL (and the rest of the Pixel 10 series) represents the company's most intense focus on artificial intelligence features in any device yet. But if you're not excited about AI, don't worry, Google Pixel 10 (and the Pro models) are worth a look even if you deactivate and disable every bit of AI, top to bottom.
TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus USB4 SSD Enclosure Makes Pro Speed Feel Simple Original
The TerraMaster D1 SSD Plus USB4 SSD enclosure delivers exactly what it's meant to — high-performance portable storage. If what you're looking for is an enclosure for an SSD that's as fast as you're going to find it at this price — this is it. The hardware is compact and optimized for cooling, the process you'll go through to install your SSD is super simple, and you get a fancy carrying bag for good measure.
Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi Review: Simple, Powerful, Versatile
The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi is a security camera with attached floodlights that's so simple to use, I was shocked. In addition to working with two camera lenses that deliver a single 180-degree panoramic view, this piece of hardware has a pair of light boards that can blast thousands of lumens of warm yellow or cold white light, depending on how you want to use it. But that's not the most important part — the real hero of this device is its intelligence.
Dreo Smart Air Conditioner AC516S Review: Simple Installation, Smart Control - SlashGear Original
RATING : 7 / 10 Cools almost instantly Easy to control Several control options (hardware and software) Easy to install Will require replacement window foam in future seasons Heavy and large (easy to roll, hard to lift) Considerable price The Dreo Smart Air Conditioner AC516S is a mobile (on wheels) simple-to-install air conditioner that's smart.
GOLDENMATE Lithium UPS Battery Backup And Surge Protector Makes Reliable Power Simple
Sponsored Content. I've been using this GOLDENMATE Lithium UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector for a couple of weeks now. This is one of those devices where you might not even consider the possibility that you'd need it — until you need it. This device has two primary functions: regulating the power that flows from an electrical outlet, and acting as a backup when that power skips or stops.
Porsche Design Honor Magic 7 RSR Review: A Smartphone Special Edition That Feels Driven - SlashGear
RATING : 8 / 10 Big bright display Excellent cameras both front and back Nice home screen software experience Porsche Design in full effect A few unnecessary pre-installed apps Size and shape makes it feel a bit unwieldy Gigantic camera bump Considerable price The Porsche Design Honor Magic 7 RSR is a smartphone that's made to impress.
Linkind Smart Solar Spotlight SL5 Review: An AiDot Connected Halloween Is Just The Beginning
RATING : 8 / 10 Simple, quick setup Extensive control options in AiDot app Waterproof Robust build Ground stake and wall install options both included Lack of 3rd-party connectivity options Requires AiDot account for full functionality AiDot app includes ads to sell other AiDot hardware Decorating your house or apartment balcony for the holidays needn't be a laborious chore.
SlashGear's Most Innovative Products Of IFA 2024
We're in Berlin this week at IFA 2024, one of the most massive tech conventions on the planet. This year the convention is celebrating its 100th birthday — all the way from its humble beginnings as a radio exhibition (back in the year 1924 as the "Große Deutsche Funkausstellung" [Large German Radio Exhibition]) to what it is today: a gigantic gathering of technology in consumer electronics and home appliances.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold Review: Expanding Android In Full Force - SlashGear
RATING : 9 / 10 Full Pixel 9 experience on the outside Expanded Pixel 9 experience inside Cameras aren't exactly like other 9 Pros, but they're still great Industrial Design is on-point Feels robust enough to use without fear of accidental damage 120Hz displays inside and out Considerable cost Some features lesser than those of other Pixel 9 Pro devices Gets a little warm when playing games in unfolded mode 120Hz refresh, bright screen drain battery quick The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a far...
Google Pixel 9 Pro Review (And 9 Pro XL Too): Here's The Difference
RATING : 9 / 10 Excellent Industrial Design Best Smartphone Camera Array Yet Superb Display Gemini AI Companion System Shows Promise IP68 Dust and Water Resistance Google promises 7 years of security and OS updates Price Continues To Creep Upward Some AI Features Require Gemini Advanced Subscription If you're looking at a new Pixel 9 Pro, or 9, or 9 Pro XL, you may be confused at first glance.
Google Pixel 9 Review: Here's What You Need And The Pro You Won't Miss - SlashGear
RATING : 9 / 10 Delightful Industrial Design Impressive Photos Despite Less-Than-Pro Array Decent Display Gemini AI Companion System Shows Promise IP68 Dust and Water Resistance Google promises 7 years of security and OS updates Price Continues To Creep Upward Fewer Display Options Than 9 Pro Some AI Features Require Gemini Advanced Subscription The Google Pixel 9 is one of three Pixel smartphones set to release in late Summer 2024.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Review: From Capturing Geese To Generating Dogs With AI - SlashGear
RATING : 9 / 10 Two Best-In-Class Displays Squared Corners For Maximum Screen-to-Body Coverage Refined, Classy, Perfected Industrial Design Splendid Pink Casing Option Basically A Z Fold 5 With More Power And Refined Displays Cameras Work Well, Match Galaxy S24 Continues To Be Exceptionally Expensive Despite Robust Build, Feels Like It Needs A Case By Default Charging Speeds Are Just Fine Not A Whole Lot Different From Fold 5 (This is a Pro and a Con) The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a...
The Syncwire Tire Inflator: A Reliable And Easy-To-Use Road Trip Companion
Sponsored Content. The Syncwire Inflate 190 is the first tire inflation device I've trusted enough to ditch both my traditional air compressor and my manual bike tire pump. I've always either used a hand pump or an old-school air compressor with a car lighter power supply. I've been wary of trying anything new, largely because I've never considered switching. I just assumed that the devices I'd been using were as good as they were going to get.
June Student Athlete of the Month: Gavin Pike
Exponential Interactive, Inc d/b/a VDX.tv Cookie duration: 90 (days). Data collected and processed: Privacy choices, Users’ profiles, IP addresses, Device identifiers, Browsing and interaction data, Non-precise location data, Probabilistic identifiers more Cookie duration resets each session. View details | Storage details | Privacy policylaunchConsent Cookie duration: 365 (days).
This Laptop Bag Is The Best I've Used In Nearly 10 Years - SlashGear
I've destroyed my fair share of backpacks over the past couple of decades. I carry a lot of stuff when I leave the house — usually a laptop, the laptop's cord, a bunch of pencils and pens, earbuds, external storage drive, chalk, gum, stickers, and a giant sketchpad. When I go to a tech event (like CES or IFA) for SlashGear, I exchange the art supplies for a giant DSLR camera and throw in a few more cords for good measure. I want to be able to access any piece of gear I might need at any given time.
Google Pixel 8a Review: Round Around The Corners, Cute, And Cost-Effective - SlashGear
EDITORS' RATING : 8 / 10 Bright display with 120Hz refresh Processor perfectly adequate for daily life Weight and feel of a high-end phone Both extravagant and classy color options Whole package is well worth the asking price Extremely rounded display corners are jarring No must-have improvements over predecessors No headphone jack We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. The Google Pixel 8a is a great phone, not unlike its predecessors.
Tineco Floor One Switch S7 Delivers A Smart Mop And A Smart Vacuum In One Multi-Talented Package
Sponsored Content. The Tineco Floor One Switch S7 Smart Multi-Function Cleaner works with a single motor that can switch between devices. The two main machines are a smart mop and a smart vacuum — one works on flat surfaces, and the other is made for carpeting. The vacuum also transforms with a variety of accessories, each of them aimed at a specific cleaning situation.
Nothing Ear (A) Vs Ear (2024): What's The Difference, And Which ANC Earbuds Are Best?
Nothing released two new sets of earbuds in April of 2024, one with the same name as its predecessor, the other with an (a) attached. Nothing now has several sets of earbuds out in the world — all of them look unique (among the rest of the earbuds in the world not made by Nothing). All of them have the word "Ear" in their title. From that point, it all gets quite confusing — but we're here to clear things up, a bit. First, there was the Nothing Ear (1) back in 2021.
XTool P2 Review: The Last CO2 Laser Cutter You'll Own
EDITORS' RATING : 9 / 10 Easy to set up -- so long as you've got help to lift Large working area Simple, effective software options 55W CO2 laser works surprisingly fast Extreme precision in cuts and engraving Price is right for what you get Considerably heavy -- do not try to set this up without help Large working space means the device is even larger Requires ventilation option (window) or smoke purifier Cost prohibitive to beginners The xTool P2 is the last laser cutter you might ever need...
I Tested 6 Of Ryobi's Budget-Friendly Hobby Tools To Glue, Carve, Cut, And Clean: Here's What I Learned
Ryobi has a line of power tools that uses a proprietary battery system that seems custom-fit for creators. The Ryobi Lithium USB tool collection works with relatively low prices (like most Ryobi products) for tiny tools that do exactly what they're made for — and not a whole lot more. I've been sent a few of Ryobi's USB Lithium devices to test in real-life situations and judge in rundowns like the one you're reading today — today's feature focuses on "hobby" tools.
OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition Review: Delightfully Crafted, Top To Bottom
EDITORS' RATING : 8 / 10 Same high-quality performance and camera as the original Build materials and finishes out-do the original The fanciest SIM card ejector tool Plenty of good customizations to hardware, software An interesting and well-crafted set of fun accessories Includes unique purple charging cable and plug Not for everyone Slightly more expensive than the original (but worth the price) The OnePlus 12R Genshin Impact Edition is an exercise in hyperindulgence.
We Tried Ryobi's New USB Lithium Tools: Here's What You Should Know Before Buying Them Yourself
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We Tried Ryobi's New USB Lithium Tools: Here's What You Should Know Before Buying Them Yourself
Ryobi has a new "USB Lithium" series of devices and tools available this year, and we've got our hands on a few of the first units here to test. Each of these devices works with a battery that's very different from the Ryobi battery system you probably already know. Ryobi's "One+" battery system can power everything from a leaf blower to a lawnmower. Ryobi's new USB Lithium series are far smaller and are meant to power far less demanding hardware.
Sheriff's office seeks help locating missing Washburn man
A Washburn man is missing. Erik Foote, 39, was last seen on Jan. 30 near the Freshies in Presque Isle, according to the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office. When he was last seen, Foote was wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket. He is 5-foot-10, weighs 155 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information about Foote’s whereabouts can call the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-432-7842.
CES 2024 First Impressions: Some Of The Best Things We Saw
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CES 2024 First Impressions: Some Of The Best Things We Saw
This year's CES was truly a game of one-upping what already works. Some of the biggest brands and the best devices didn't wow us because they were brand new, but because they took what we previously saw as "the best" and made it even better. It's a good time to be a consumer if what you're looking for is high-quality products that take the features and qualities that work and run with them.
Ugreen Magnetic Battery Mini Review: The Best Power Bank Alternative To Anker
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Ugreen Magnetic Battery Mini Review: The Best Power Bank Alternative To Anker
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Assuming you have one of the latest generations of iPhone devices and you know the term "Magsafe," you've likely just stumbled upon the best massive power bank on the market today. The full name of this device is "Ugreen Foldable Kickstand Magnetic Battery | 10000mAh" but we're going to call it the Ugreen magnetic battery for the duration of this mini review.
Tineco Pure One Station Furfree Review: A Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner With Pet Power
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Tineco Pure One Station Furfree Review: A Smart Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner With Pet Power
EDITORS' RATING : 9 / 10 Vacuum cleans carpet then dock cleans vacuum Plenty of attachments and options Eye-pleasing industrial design Light enough to carry one-handed Comfortable enough to use for long stretches Longest hair, string, and thread still get wound around brush Dock doesn't always close automatically Price may be prohibitive for the average citizen (but it's worth it) Dock cleaning process is very loud (but brief) The Tineco Pure One Station Furfree smart cordless stick vacuum...
SunbriteTV Veranda TV 4K Full Shade Review
True Score 78 77 NR NR Market Context With a tested 451-nit brightness rating, the SunbriteTV Veranda TV 4K is good for outdoor, full-shade viewing, but it is fairly average overall. It gets bright enough for content to remain comfortably visible in a shaded setting, and with a 4000:1 contrast ratio, its blacks and whites are both deep and bright.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Review: Seven Years Make All The Difference
EDITORS' RATING : 9 / 10 Flat, large, bright display Reliable, familiar software Top-tier camera system Fun and useful AI/editing features IP68 water resistance 7 years of OS, feature, and security updates Temperature sensor Price bump vs 7 Pro Needs a protective case or it's too slippery to trust on an incline Gets a bit warm with intense gaming We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Razer's Blade 16 X Lamborghini Is The Best Looking Laptop You'll Probably Never Get Your Hands On
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. This laptop will cost you approximately $5,000 if you're one of the select few given the opportunity to buy it. This cross-branded piece of hardware uses the latest Razer Blade 16 as its base while an industrial design collaboration between Razer and Lamborghini outfits the computer with a unique hardware design aesthetic.
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2: First Impressions From An Original Studio User
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 looks a whole lot like its predecessor. That's fine — even if it were largely a copy of the first Laptop Studio, Microsoft would still have an innovative, powerful, unique piece of hardware on its hands. But what the first version lacked, this new iteration needs — more power and better battery optimization, especially for the price.
SlashGear's Most Innovative Products Of IFA 2023 Original
This year's IFA was a monster. On the 99th birthday of the conference, IFA 2023 had a completely sold-out show floor at its traditional home at Messe Berlin, and sights on expansion through the future. While last year it still seemed that brands were clawing their way out of uncertain times, now we're witnessing a renewed focus on the future — not only for fancy new gadgets — but for human life and society in general.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Review: Not Getting Any Cheaper
This is the first Samsung foldable smartphone to fold flat. Before now, each foldable smart device released by Samsung had a little bit of a gap at the hinge. This device feels like the final product of an ideation process that's taken several generations to complete. Folded closed, this device keeps both sides of its folded display apart and safe from one another with a bezel and a set of bumpers.
Why The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C Might Make You Give Up Your iPad For Reading
Onyx Boox Tab Ultra C is in a tough spot. It's an extraordinary device, but because its intended audience is so tiny, it struggles in the ever-moving tech news shuffle. Apple's iPad sells well because each device is so versatile — and the brand name is synonymous with the hardware. Amazon's tablets sell well because their value as a simple media consumption device outweighs their price. Google and Samsung have brand-name recognition on their side, too.
Smooth Innovation At A Considerable Cost
EDITORS' RATING: 8/10 The Google Pixel Fold is a top-quality foldable smartphone device with a price higher than its value. At approximately $1700, the Google Pixel Fold costs effectively the same amount as a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, another device with a price that exceeds its value. If, however, we try to forget about the price for a bit, it becomes clear that the Google Pixel Fold is one of the most interesting and surprisingly solid devices Google's ever released.
Google Pixel Fold Review: Smooth Innovation At A Considerable Cost
The star of this smartphone is a 7.6-inch foldable OLED panel. This foldable display isn't quite as densely packed with pixels as its external display compatriot, but at 1849 x 2298 it's still rolling with a respectable 378 ppi. While the external display is only technically capable of standard HDR, the foldable display has HDR10+ (like the Pixel 7 Pro).
Where can I watch the Queen's Club Championships? Live stream and time details
The Queen's Club Championships are now underway. Known as the big warm-up for Wimbledon, this year's main attractions on court are current world number 2, Carlos Alcaraz and Britain's Cameron Norrie. Norrie, who made it to the semi-final of Wimbledon last year, began his Wimbledon preparations yesterday as he beat Serbia's Miomir Kecmanović 6-4, 7-6 on the opening day of Queens.
Google Pixel Tablet Review: Not Made To Battle Galaxy Tab Or iPad, And That's A Good Thing Original
By Chris Burns/June 20, 2023 3:01 am EST EDITORS' RATING : 8 / 10 Top-quality IPS LCD display Not lacking for optimized apps at launch Price includes Charging Speaker Dock Great battery life Cameras surprisingly capable 4x speaker audio output 3x far-field microphone array Price would be a bit high if not for the dock Display limited to 60Hz refresh rate Pixel Tablet Case should also be included by default We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Amazon Fire Max 11 Review: The Best Roblox Tablet On The Market Today Original
By Chris Burns/June 14, 2023 9:00 am EST EDITORS' RATING : 8 / 10 Value greater than the price tag Runs major streaming apps and games like Roblox High-quality accessories available at launch Great for Amazon Prime subscribers Not easy to transition from iOS or Google-certified Android App store lacking quality and variety beyond big-name software Cameras are not great We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
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