Leak drips new information about Intel’s upcoming ‘Coffee Lake’ Core i3 CPUs

Why it matters to you

Here is additional information regarding Intel’s upcoming eighth-generation family of desktop processors.

As expected, additional leaks are spilling onto the internet prior to Intel’s official reveal of its eighth-generation “Coffee Lake” processor lineup later in August. This time, we have additional information regarding the Core i3 chips, namely the Core i3-8350K and the Core i3-8100. We actually saw the Core i3-8100 model bubble to the surface last week without any specifications. Now we have a bit more coffee-based details to drink.

Just for kicks, here are all leaked eighth-generation Intel processors we know about thus far:

Cores/
Threads
Base
Speed
Single
Core
Turbo
Two
Core
Turbo
Four
Core
Turbo
Six
Core
Turbo
Power
Draw
i7-8700K
6 / 12
3.7GHz
4.7GHz
4.6GHz
4.4GHz
4.3GHz
95 watts
i7-8700
6 / 12
3.2GHz
4.6GHz
4.5GHz
4.3GHz
4.3GHz
65 watts
i5-8600K
6 / 6
3.6GHz
4.3GHz
4.2GHz
4.2GHz
4.1GHz
95 watts
i5-8600
6 / 6
2.8GHz
4.0GHz
3.9GHz
3.9GHz
3.8GHz
65 watts
i3-8350K
4 / 4
4.0GHz
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
91 watts
i3-8300
4 / 4
4.0GHz
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
65 watts
i3-8100
4 / 4
3.6GHz
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
65 watts

According to the new information, the Core i3-8350K model will be unlocked for overclocking, which separates the chip from the Core i3-8300 version and thus requires additional power. Both chips have 8MB of shared L3 cache while the Core i3-8100 model only has 6MB of shared L3 cache. But all three Core i3 models support dual-channel DDR4 memory clocked up to 2,400MHz while the Core i3-8350K model has added support for overclocked modules.

As for integrated graphics, the component is listed as “3E91H,” and is overclockable on the Core i3-8350K chip. It will have a base speed of 350MHz and a maximum speed of 1,150MHz. Meanwhile, the Core i3-8100’s integrated graphics will have the same base speed but a slower boost speed at 1,100MHz.

All eighth-generation Coffee Lake processors will use the LGA 1151 motherboard “seat,” or socket. This is the same socket used by Intel’s current seventh-generation “Kaby Lake” processors and its sixth-generation “Skylake” processors. The number in the socket name refers to the number of physical contacts on the belly of Intel’s processors, meaning the overall package has not really changed for its mainstream desktop processors for a few years.

The processors listed above would fall under Intel’s “Coffee Lake-S” codename, which refers to its eighth-generation mainstream performance desktop processor products. Typically, Intel uses an “H” for high-powered laptop processors that require high-performance graphics. The other processor groups consist of the “U” chips for ultra-low power thin and light notebooks, and the “Y” chips serving extreme low-power tablets and 2-in-1 detachables. Let us not forget the high-dollar “X” gang for the enthusiast PC gaming crowd.

Intel’s eighth-generation Coffee Lake processors will be joined by its new 300 Series chipset for motherboards. Thus, despite motherboards providing the same socket, system builders may end up swapping out the motherboard for a new model if Intel does not release firmware to make the 300 Series chipset compatible with seventh-generation Kaby Lake processors. That is what Intel did to make its seventh-generation processors compatible with its older sixth-generation 100 Series chipsets in September 2016.

Intel’s”Coffee Lake-S desktop processors are expected to be officially revealed on August 21.

Health-monitoring wearable makes you sweat even when you’re sitting still

Why it matters to you

This smart biosensor could help revolutionize remote diagnosis and monitoring.

For many of us, sweat is little more than a reminder of traumatic high school gym classes and involuntary nervous reactions to teenage crushes. In fact, it can be pretty darn useful — whether it’s used as the basis of a UC San Diego device that turns sweat into a mode of electricity generation, an MIT shirt that uses sweat to cool you down, or a new project from researchers at the University of Cincinnati.

What University of Cincinnati engineers have developed is a smart biosensor that prompts users to sweat, even when they’re resting and cool. The size of a Band-Aid, the hope is that the device may be able to help revolutionize remote diagnosis and monitoring.

“The advantage over a blood draw at the doctor’s office is simple: with sweat it can be painless, non-invasive, and continuous,” University of Cincinnati professor Jason Heikenfeld told Digital Trends. “Continuous is important because you often go see the doctor after you feel ill, or they pull an athlete off the field after they have a massive leg cramp due to dehydration. Instead, with sweat, you can be preventative and do key chemical measurements on your body while living your daily life. Sweat is also powerful, because it could start to allow you to see how your day-to-day choices affect your well-being, so you can be proactive as well.”

The big challenge with sweat biomonitoring, of course, is that most of us only significantly sweat during exercise. That’s where the new device comes into play, by initiating sweat stimulation — and then combining that with sensing in the same device. The most obvious way to initiate sweat would be with heat, but this wearable instead uses a combination of a chemical called carbachol, that’s normally used in eyedrops, and a tiny electrical current of 0.2 milliamps.

Potential applications for the wearable include preventing dehydration, monitoring mental or physical performance in athletes, and measuring stress response — or even how much of a certain prescription drug is present in your blood and how well it is working.

“Universities are great at innovation and discovery, and we are happy to play that part. However, to ensure our breakthroughs are able to reach the market and actually help people, early on we co-founded a startup company, Eccrine Systems,” Heikenfeld said, concerning future availability of the device. “The discovery part is hard, but commercializing the discovery is even harder. We are fortunate to have a strong commercialization partner to do that even more difficult but critically important part.”

In other words, don’t sweat it: This smart wearable will be available sometime soon.

A research paper on this work was published in the journal Lab on a Chip.

Pentagon gives military bases permission to shoot down stray drones

Why it matters to you

Drone owners need to check before flying — getting too close to a military base now means a destroyed drone.

Fly a drone too close to a military base, and that quadcopter could wind up shot down from the sky. The Pentagon recently approved a policy that allows the U.S. military to take action against hobbyist as well as professional drones near 133 military installations across the country. The Pentagon announced the expanded drone restrictions on Monday, August 7.

While under a regulation issued earlier this year, flying over those 133 restricted military areas could already land you in jail, the military now has the right to also take that drone out of the sky. According to Navy Captain Jeff Davis, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, the new policy allows the military to track, disable, impound, and destroy drones entering the restricted areas.

The policy was sent to the military services last month and while the full policy is still classified, several details were shared Monday so drone owners know what could be in store if they violate the flight restrictions. The policy allows military bases to “retain the right of self-defense,” Davis said. The policy applies to consumer drones as well as to professionals flying the UAVs.

According to Davis, the Federal Aviation Administration, along with other agencies, was involved in developing the policy. Whether the drone is shot down or disabled and impounded depends on the circumstances, he said.

Before flying, the FAA recommends pilots take a look at the UAS data map, which along with including those restricted areas, maps out other areas where flight is illegal, including airports. Drone flight is also restricted over sporting events and around wildfires. The FAA may also issue temporary restrictions, which are separately mapped online. Under those restrictions, Washington, D.C. is the most restricted area in the country, according to the FAA.

While airports and military bases present more obvious security concerns, exactly where drones can fly has long been debated. A bill in Oklahoma proposes to allow property owners to shoot down drones flying over private property. Several tech companies have developed safer ways to disable unwanted drones, including software that hacks drones and returns them to their pilots and a rather ominous-looking “gun” that disrupts the signal, and thereby sends the drone to the ground.

To err is human, and apparently that’s why we love watching robots fail

Why it matters to you

Research into social robots will help future roboticists develop machines that we get along with better.

People love to watch robots screw up. This week a crowd cheered as a Boston Dynamics humanoid fell off the stage during a presentation. Meanwhile, Simone Giertz has amassed more than 692,000 YouTube subscribers by creating faulty robots that, among other antics, clumsily pour milk and slap her in the face.

It’s understandable how these particular machines can be funny to observers since we don’t actually rely on them to work. But a new study suggests that people really do prefer faulty robots, even when they are intended to be functional.

“From our previous research on social robots, we know that humans show observable reactions when a robot makes an error,” Nicole Mirnig, corresponding author and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Salzburg, told Digital Trends.

To err is human and mistakes make robots feel more human-like.

Mirnig and her team at the Center for Human-Computer Interaction wanted to explore this idea further, to study how and why people react to faulty robots. They intentionally programmed certain robots to screw up while making their counterparts perform actions perfectly.

After analyzing participant reactions and interviewing them about their experience with the robots, the researchers discovered the participants did not consider the faulty robots any less intelligent or relatable than those robots that performed the tasks perfectly. In fact, the participants rated faulty robots as more likable than their flawless counterparts.

It’s not obvious why people would be inclined to like faulty robots. One explanation may be the “Pratfall effect,” which occurs in people when someone’s attractiveness increases after he or she makes a minor mistake. The reasoning here: To err is human and mistakes make robots feel more human-like.

“Research has shown that people form their opinions and expectations about robots to a substantial proportion on what they learn from the media,” Mirnig said. “Those media entail movies in which robots are often portrayed as perfectly functioning entities, good or evil. Upon interacting with a social robot themselves, people adjust their opinions and expectations based on their interaction experience. I assume that interacting with a robot that makes mistakes, makes us feel closer and less inferior to technology.”

For Mirnig and other at the Center for Human-Computer Interaction, the goal is not necessarily to develop robots infallible robots but to develop robots that understand when they made an error.

“If a robot can understand that an error is present, it can actively deploy error recover strategies,” Mirnig said. “We believe that this will result in more likable robots that are better accepted.”

A paper detailing the study was published in the journal Frontiers in Robotics and AI.

Health-tracking graphene tattoos are the latest step on the path to cyborgs

Why it matters to you

From skin temperature to muscle activity, these smart graphene-based tattoos could make health-tracking easier than ever.

Graphene is the wonder material that can do everything from detect cancer to creating special paint coatings that change color when a building is in need of repair. Its latest trick? Giving you a sweet tattoo, apparently!

Created by a team of researchers led by Deji Akinwande and Nanshu Lu at the University of Texas at Austin, the graphene-based tattoos can be laminated onto skin using water, much like a temporary tattoo. Unlike regular tattoos, however, the test tattoos the team has developed are transparent — with the “sweet” part of the equation coming from their potential applications, rather than their looks.

“Unlike ordinary temporary tattoos, the graphene tattoos can function as sensors for various vital signs such as the electrical signals from the body, skin temperature, and hydration,” Akinwande, a professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering, told Digital Trends. “These signals reflect the health, state, and activity of a person. It is a very exciting development because this is the first invisible and imperceptible tattoo sensors and does not require any adhesive to secure them to the skin. This means the user cannot feel them and, hence, they are extremely comfortable and can be placed on any part of the skin including the face. Additionally, they are very easy to remove with a tape.”

The tattoos are made of graphene, coated with an ultrathin backing layer made of transparent polymer material. During fabrication, this combined graphene and transparent polymer layer is transferred onto a sheet of regular tattoo paper and then carved into different patterns to form different types of sensor. In tests, the graphene electronic tattoos were shown to be capable of accurately measuring skin temperature and hydration, while they can also function as electrocardiogram (ECG), electromyogram (EMG), and electroencephalogram (EEG) readers for measuring the electrical activity of the heart, muscles, and brain.

Now isn’t that a more useful tattoo than the couple of emo song lyrics you thought were totally profound back in college?

“We are rapidly developing this graphene tattoo technology,” Akinwande said. “Shideh kabiri, the lead postdoctoral scholar [on the project], has already made significant advancements — especially for human machine interfaces and control using live signals from the graphene tattoos. We will be reporting this advancement in near future. Also, plans for commercialization are in progress.”

A paper describing this research was recently published in the journal ACS Nano.

Malware cleverly weaponizes Discord to steal game currency from Roblox players

Why it matters to you

Everyone should be wary of links for unsupported cheating modifications, but Roblox and Discord users in particular should steer clear as a new exploit makes the rounds.

A flaw in Discord’s Application Program Interface (API) has allowed nefarious individuals to steal login credentials for Roblox, one of the first MMOs to support VR. From there, the Robux in-game currency can be funneled into a separate account and cashed out. Although only exploitable through traditional phishing practices, the flaw does raise concerns over the integration of popular applications with games that have real-money stores.

Discord is a popular chat application often used by gamers. It has the ability to handle group VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) conversations and various other social functions. While popular with Roblox players, it has proven problematic as of late due to its API’s ability to execute user-generated code and applications. Because of that, infected systems can use the tool to steal user account information from Roblox in a money-making endeavor.

The method of attack first requires that a system be infected with malware. TrendMicro found an instance of a particular infectious program masquerading as a cheat app on one forum. That malware can sink its hooks into Discord and then wait for a user to play Roblox. When they do, it steals their account cookie and then sends that file over Discord to a specified channel.

Those behind the attack can use that cookie to log into the victim’s Roblox account and summarily transfer out all of their in-game Robux, which can then be transferred out of the game and turned into actual cash.

There are even variants of the malware that persistently steal login details, making it difficult to control the damage done with a password change. What you can do to prevent such attacks in the first place is be very wary of unofficial applications that claim to have the ability to help you cheat in multiplayer games. While their use is unfair to other users, you also run the risk of infecting your system.

TrendMicro also recommends running a decent anti-malware program. It’s also good advice to keep such applications, as well as your operating system, updated. You should also be very wary of sharing credentials online, though in this instance, the exploit does it automatically for you.

It’s important to not trust any chat app too much. As TrendMicro’s other research shows, the APIs of many VOIP platforms have been leveraged heavily by hackers in recent years as their usage has grown.

New stem cell-based implant offers a ‘functional cure’ for Type 1 diabetes

Why it matters to you

For decades, treating diabetes has been a highly involved and difficult process. Stem cells could change all that.

We barely recovered from the excitement of editing human embryos in the U.S. but now the miracle of science has given us another reason to gape. Last week, two individuals with Type 1 diabetes received implants derived from embryonic stem cells in order to treat their chronic condition. This marks the first time that such an approach has been taken to curing diabetes.

The new implants, known as PEC-Direct from Viacyte, are expected to release inulin when patients’ blood sugar levels rise, thereby returning them to normal levels. The immune systems of Type 1 diabetes patients attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in abnormally low levels of the crucial hormone. While doctors and scientists have long searched for a way to replenish insulin in the human body (often with stem cells), they have been unsuccessful so far.

An implant, however, could be the answer. Scientists designed the new device to automatically release the hormone when it is needed, which allows stem cells to otherwise mature in the body while they are unneeded.

“If successful, this strategy could really change the way we treat Type 1 diabetes in the future,” Emily Burns of the charity Diabetes U.K said. This is actually comparable to another treatment method, in which pancreas cells from organ donors are introduced into patients’ bodies. However, given the lack of donors available, this is often not the most dependable of solutions.

Stem cells address this problem, as they can be produced in essentially infinite amounts.

“A limitless source of human insulin-producing cells would be a major step forward on the journey to a potential cure for diabetes,” said James Shapiro at the University of Alberta, Canada, one of the pioneers of the original donor pancreas method. “For sure, this will, in the end, prove to be a durable landmark for progress in diabetes care.”

Ultimately, we still have to determine whether or not this will prove completely successful in treating diabetes. It is also worth pointing out that this stem cell approach would be considered a functional cure. As Paul Laikind of Viacyte explained, “It’s not truly a cure because we wouldn’t address the autoimmune cause of the disease, but we would be replacing the missing cells.” But no matter what you call it, it certainly looks like a step in the right direction.

Intel completes its acquisition of Mobileye, enters the autonomous car game

Why it matters to you

Intel is making a $15.3 billion investment in Mobileye to accelerate its efforts in the autonomous driving industry.

Intel is revving up its efforts in the autonomous driving industry with the acquisition of Mobileye for $15.3 billion. Mobileye is best known for its collision avoidance technology in self-driving vehicles that includes an artificial vision sensor and a backend capable of accurately detecting pedestrians, speed limit signs, lane markings, and more. Five months after the acquisition was first announced, the deal has been finalized.

“Intel estimates the vehicle systems, data, and services market opportunity to be up to $70 billion by 2030,” Intel stated in March. “The transaction extends Intel’s strategy to invest in data-intensive market opportunities that build on the company’s strengths in computing and connectivity from the cloud, through the network, to the device.”

The deal will combine Mobileye’s computer vision technology with Intel’s computing and connectivity assets spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, data centers, localization, and mapping, and so on. In other words, Intel has positioned itself to provide autonomous driving services connecting the car to the cloud that are expected to “transform” the autonomous driving market.

In a message to employees, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich said Mobileye’s technology will be paired with Intel’s Xeon processors, its new 3D XPoint memory, modems capable of 5G connectivity, and the company’s FPGAs, which are integrated circuits that can be programmed by customers in the field. According to Krzanich, the acquisition “merges the intelligent eyes of the autonomous car with the intelligent brain that actually drives the car.”

“Many of you have asked why we think autonomous cars and vehicles are so important to Intel’s future. The answer is data,” he said in his letter. “Our strategy is to make Intel the driving force of the data revolution across every technology and every industry. We are a data company. The businesses we focus on, and deliver solutions to, create, use and analyze massive amounts of data.”

Krzanich said the average autonomous car generates around four terabytes of data per day, which is the equivalent of the data generated by around 3,000 people per day. Thus, if 1 million autonomous cars are on the road, the generated data each day is equivalent to “half the world’s population.” That is an insane amount of data and Intel believes it can handle all of that while also providing high-performance, cost-effective autonomous driving services.

In a separate letter, Mobileye senior management told employees that once the acquisition is complete, Intel’s Automated Driving Group (ADG) will be integrated into Mobileye. Serving as a new subsidiary, Mobileye and the new ADG employees will be headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel. Mobileye was founded in 1999 by Ziv Aviram and Amnon Shashua, who will continue to run the company.

As a result of the $15.3 billion deal, Intel now owns 84 percent of Mobileye’s outstanding ordinary shares.

“Leading in autonomous driving technology requires a combination of innovative proprietary software products and versatile open-system hardware platforms that enable customers and partners to customize solutions,” Shashua noted in a statement. “For the first time, the auto industry has a single partner with deep expertise and a cultural legacy in both areas. Mobileye is very excited to begin this new chapter.”

Update: Intel has now completed its acquisition of Mobileye. 

Cash burning a hole in your pocket? Here’s the best tech under $50 to spend it on

The world of consumer electronics is enticing, but it isn’t cheap. The baseline price for a quality 4K television will still set you back a cool $1,000 and Apple’s latest iPad Air will easily cost you hundreds of dollars. Thankfully, there’s a smattering of quality tech accessories and standalone products for budget shoppers with $50 to kill. Each of the products featured below is designed for a different purpose, whether it be streaming Stranger Things or tracking your fitness goals, except without the hefty price tag often associated with more capable offerings. They certainly can’t do it all, but considering they cost less than a nice dinner in the city, they also don’t have to. We’ve combed the interweb and here is the best tech under $50 you can buy right this minute. We’ve also compiled a list of the best tech under $100 if you’re so inclined.

 ECEEN 13W 2-Port USB Universal Foldable Solar Charger

Over the past few years, the cost of solar technologies and paneling have dropped substantially and now there are plenty of affordably priced personal, portable solar options. That said, the ECEEN 13W foldable solar charger is one of our favorites. The device weighs only nine ounces and when completely folded, the entire unit is just an inch thick. There’s a small stand on the backside allowing you to easily prop and angle the solar charger towards the sun. Currently priced at just $40, the ECEEN 13W is one of the best budget solar chargers currently on the market.

Price: $40

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Raspberry PI 3 Model

The first Pi launched four years ago and the Raspberry Pi Model 3 is faster and more powerful than its predecessors. Pi is essentially a credit-card-sized PC but you don’t need to be a computer programmer to turn a Raspberry Pi into a litany of handy (or purely novelty) gadgets. We’ve covered some of our favorite Arduino projects in the past and we’ve even compiled a few projects you make right now with this Raspberry Pi model.

Price: $38

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Mophie Powerstation Mini

Daily life can be draining on more than just your body, and that’s where Mophie comes in. The company’s apt-titled Powerstation Mini is a 3,000mAh portable charger that’s designed to provide more than 10 hours of additional power to any smartphone, or five hours to your typical tablet. The compact device is even available in five distinct colors (purple, pink, blue, white, and black) and comes with an aluminum finish, rendering it the perfect companion for those looking to keep up aesthetics on the go. You can peruse our roundup of other solid power banks, however, not all of these options will be under $50.

Price: $28

Buy one now from:

Mophie Best Buy Amazon

Hamilton Beach Set & Forget Slow Cooker

The phrase “set and forget” is music to the ears of anyone who wants to make a home-cooked meal with little hassle. Thankfully, you can program Hamilton Beach’s slow cooker to cook your dish for a specified time, and the device will automatically change the temperature to keep the contents warm once it reaches said time. You can also insert a probe into your dish and set an internal temperature for the slow cooker — the device will automatically keep your food warm when it reaches the designated temp. Cooking gadgets are rarely as easy to operate (or cheap).

Price: $42+

Buy one from:

Target Amazon Walmart

Chromecast (2015)

The second generation of Google’s Chromecast is still a powerful streaming dongle, one that can stream favorites such as Netflix and HBO Go in 1080p. The puck’s extended cable also ensures it can connect to your TV’s HDMI port even in the tightest of circumstances, while a convenient, cross-platform search function allows you to scour a multitude of streaming apps simultaneously via text or voice. The fact that Google’s flagship dongle costs half as much as its 4K counterpart is just a plus.

Read our full review here.

Price: $35+

Buy on from:

Google Target Best Buy 

Pronto Peel Universal Remote

Tired of having a zillion different remotes for all the electronics in your house? Ditch them all and start using Peel. It’s basically a little tower that you can connect to any IR, RF, or IP-controlled device, allowing you to control your speakers, TV, and a slew of other connected devices. Once set up, you can sync the device with your smartphone and control absolutely everything from directly within the accompanying app. It’s ridiculously convenient if you’ve got a lot of remote-controlled gear in your abode, and a recent price cut makes the device all the more attractive.

Price: $16+

Buy one now from:

Amazon Newegg

Misfit Flash

You don’t have to spend a fortune for a decent fitness tracker. The sporty Misfit Flash is a waterproof device that syncs with your smartphone and measures your daily activity and sleep patterns via a three-axis accelerometer, letting you monitor the amount of calories you burn, steps you take, and distance you travel each day. A ring of 12 LED lights also indicates your progress toward your daily goal — when you’re not checking the time or replacing the six-month battery, that is.

Read more here.

Price: $21+

Buy one now from:

Amazon

TP-Link LB100 Smart Light Bulb

Connected light bulbs are one of those things that you probably don’t need, but once you get a few, you can’t imagine how you lived without them. And you can’t go wrong with the TP-Link LB100. Most people seem to view connected bulbs as a luxury item designed for rich people too lazy to flip a light switch, but they’re much more than that. If used correctly, a set of smart bulbs can function as an intuitive notification system, one that allows you to set visual reminders and even alarm clocks. It all depends on what apps you use and how creative you get.

Price: $20

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Dremel 200 Rotary Tool

If there’s one power tool every person should own, it’s a Dremel. It’s basically the Swiss Army Knife of the power tool world. With the right attachments, these machines can do practically anything — cutting, sanding, polishing, carving, and everything in between. This set comes with a small assortment of attachments to get you started, and if that’s not enough, the tool is compatible with a gazillion more attachments that Dremel makes. Be careful though. Power tools are a slippery slope, and Dremel is a gateway drug. If you’re not careful, you could wake up a year from now with a table saw and a laser cutter in your garage, wondering where your life went.

Price: $49+

Buy one now from:

Amazon Home Depot

Shure SE112 Earphones

The market for budget headphones is steadily growing, with decent offerings from the likes of Panasonic and Audiofly at the forefront. Nonetheless, Shure’s SE112 headphones remain one of our favorites despite the price tag (which pushes the edge of our roundup). They produce an admirable level of detail and respectable passive noise cancellation within solid construction nearly everyone can stand behind. Subtle textures and instrumental separation are far more clear than one might expect — even if upper registry proves a bit too snappy at times — with a decent comfort level and a 50-inch cable featuring a slide clip-piece for cable management.

Read our full review here.

Price: $49

Buy one now from:

Amazon B&H Walmart

Roku Streaming Stick

Your high-definition TV set may look great on your living room wall, but not with all those wires dangling about. Thankfully, the Roku Streaming Stick plugs directly into the USB port on your HDTV, allowing for 1080p video without extra cordage. And while it’s on the expensive side when it comes to streaming sticks, it’s the only one currently on the market with a quad-core processor, which makes it substantially quicker than the competition.

Read our full review here.

Price: $40

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Amazon Echo Dot

We’d be remiss not to include Amazon’s Echo Dot in our list. It does everything its bigger (and more expensive) brother does, only it’s slightly larger than a hockey puck. It’s not as loud as the Echo, but it still emits decent sound for its size. It can also connect to any audio system, is capable of far-field voice recognition, and boasts a host of functionality that’s only becoming more advanced with time. If you’ve already bought the aforementioned TP-Link bulb — and you have some extra money to spare — you should pick up the Echo Dot as well.

Read our full review here.

Price: $50

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Amazon FireTV Stick

This definitely isn’t the only streaming stick you can get for under $50, but it’s arguably one of the best options. Why? Because it touts four times the memory and twice as much storage as Chromecast 2 and the Roku stick. The latest version even features voice control functionality, something once reserved for higher-end versions of the FireTV Stick.

Read more here.

Price: $40

Buy one now from:

Amazon

PNY 64GB SD Card

It’s crazy how cheap external memory devices have become in the past couple years. Pop one of these bad boys into your DSLR, and you can shoot every photo in RAW, or even record multiple hours of HD video without ever worrying about filling your memory card.

Price: $30

Buy one now from:

Amazon B&H Newegg

Belkin SongStream Bluetooth Audio Receiver

Belkin’s SongStream Bluetooth Audio Receiver is designed to make older stereo equipment compatible with modern wireless devices (i.e. smartphones and tablets). The boxy receiver plugs into your home stereo or standalone speaker via either an RCA or AUX cable, allowing you to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone, Nexus tablet, or any other Bluetooh-enabled device with ease. The jet-black device remembers up to six different devices at any given moment, too, meaning everyone can take turns playing the latest Prince tracks from up to 33 feet away.

Price: $31

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Anker MP141 Bluetooth Speaker

Anker’s MP141 Bluetooth Speaker isn’t the most rugged or high-quality offering on the market. However, it puts out rich and natural sound within a good-looking design from up to 33 feet away. The Bluetooth speaker also doubles as a speakerphone when use in conjunction with the integrated microphone, allowing you to take calls in addition to streaming your favorite tunes. The best part? The cube-like device boasts an unparalleled battery life of up to 20 hours and features an auto-off feature that kills power to the device after prolonged periods of time. The dead-simple operation and pairing are only a plus.

Read our full review here.

Price: $28

Buy one now from:

Amazon

GoolRC CX-10G Quadcopter

Drones are one of the coolest toys in existence — and often one of the most expensive. Thankfully, for those looking to patrol the skies on a budget, there’s the CX-10G. This miniature quadcopter isn’t much larger than a quarter, yet it still handles like a dream (it can even do flips). It’s also equipped with a 0.3-megapixel camera, rendering it one of the most advanced drones for the price.

Price: $26

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Tile Mate

Phones and keys are two objects that we can’t help but misplace from time to time. Fortunately, the Tile Mate is specifically designed for such occasions. The small, squarish device attaches to your key ring, and using a mobile app, users can ping the device and cause it to emit a loud sound. If you misplace your phone, you can also double press the button on the Mate to make it ring (even if it’s on silent). Just try not to misplace both.

Read more here.

Price: $25

Buy one now from:

Amazon

Voltnow Riverfi Bluetooth Speaker and Battery Bank

How many times have you been hiking out amidst the glory of nature and felt a need to listen to your favorite summer jams, only to find that not only did you not bring speakers, but your phone is also dead? Never again. The Riverfi doubles as both a Bluetooth speaker and battery, so you can charge your devices and listen to music wherever you are. With a capacity of 2600mAh, the Riverfi is capable of fully charging a phone and still having energy leftover for music.

Price: $35

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LuminAID Inflatable Solar Pack

Among the many hazards of camping is the overwhelming darkness of natural night. When away from the ever present glow of the city, it’s important to have some sort of light source. The LuminAID inflatable light provides a lightweight, foldable lantern that is fueled by solar power, making it easy to charge. The device provides anywhere between 8 and 16 hours of light depending on how intense users set it to be, and recharges in just under 7 or so. It’s also waterproof, so it can survive even a river crossing.

Price: $17+

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This article was originally published on October 4, 2014, and updated on August 3, 2017 by Dallon Adams to include the ECEEN solar charger and the Raspberry Pi Model 3.

Keep ’em juiced: Here are 8 of the best solar chargers that money can buy

Dead phones and tablets are no fun, and it’s even worse when you don’t have access to a power outlet right away. Fortunately, the sun is always on (at least during the day). So why not harness the power of solar energy to keep your devices running even when you’re trekking through the middle of nowhere? Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best solar chargers available, especially when it comes to performance and value. Most of them can charge several of your devices with a single charge — as long as there are clear skies, of course.

We’ve also compiled a list of ways to improve your iPhone’s battery life, along with a piece outlining various deals on some of our favorite camping gadgets.

Fuse 6W Solar Charger ($129)

• Capacity — 4,000mAh
• Outputs — 1 USB (1A)
• Weight –1.3 pounds
• Solar Panel –6.15 Watts

Many solar chargers are marketed as ultra-portable solar options, however, few measure up to the Fuse 6W Solar Charger. The unit comes with a universal attachment system, complete with a set of interlocking clips. This allows you to fasten the charger to the back of your current pack and adjust the straps for a firmer fit. The Fuse 6W charges an external battery, though you can also charge the latter component via a traditional wall outlet or USB. Either way, once charged, the device should provide enough juice to fully charge your smartphone at least once. We tested the Voltaic’s panel-equipped backpack earlier this year, so if you’re in the market for a dedicated solar pack, we suggest giving our Voltaic OffGrid Solar Backpack review a gander.

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Voltaic Systems

Solartab ($129)

• Capacity — 13,000mAh
• Outputs — 2 USB ports (2.1A)
• Weight — 2.65 pounds (1.2kg)
• Solar Panel — 5.5W

Solartab really impressed us with its 13,000mAh capacity and the ability to charge an iPhone completely in as little as 90 minutes. The design of it reminds us a lot of the first-generation iPad, although at 2.65 pounds, it feels much heavier. The charger comes with a tiltable stand so you can always position the solar panel with the best angle to the sun, and a battery level indicator is available on the side. If you want, you can also charge the Solartab through the included micro USB cable, so you don’t always need to depend on solar power to keep the device fully charged.

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Arc 20W Solar Charger Kit ($265)

• Capacity –19,800 mAh
• Outputs — DC Output, USB Output (1A)
• Weight — 3.25 pounds
• Solar Panel — 19.8 Watts

Unlike some of the clunkier, hard-shell builds on the market, the Arc 20 Watt Solar Charger easily fastens to a variety of awnings, packs, and tents, allowing for consistent charging throughout your adventure. This kit also includes Voltaic‘s V72 Universal Laptop Battery, which is designed with a DC Output, meaning you can charge most laptops at least once. The external battery also includes protection against short circuits and overcharging, so you need not worry about frying your devices.

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Voltaic Systems

JOOS Orange ($150)

• Capacity — 5,400mAh
• Outputs — 1 USB port (1A)
• Weight — 24 ounces
• Solar Panel — 2.4W out of the box

While JOOS comes in as the most expensive solar charger we looked at, it’s worth it if you’ll be using it in places where it may fall or you’re likely encounter harsh conditions. The body is made of metal, and the panels are recessed to help prevent cracking should the device fall. You can also purchase reflector panels for an additional $25, which double the panel’s effectiveness and provide charging times that are close to what the Solartab offers. Another cool feature of the JOOS? It’s waterproof and capable of charing underwater.

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SolarJoos

Yolk Station Solar Paper ($126)

• Capacity — None
• Outputs — 1 USB port (1A)
• Weight — 4 ounces
• Solar Panel — 5W

Solar Paper is the thinnest solar charger available. It measures a mere 0.45 inches at its thickest point, and though it doesn’t contain a built-in battery, a display on the top of the unit will let you know if the charger is receiving enough energy to charge your device. In theory, with no battery to worry about, this particular solar charger could last a long time. There are several different options available, from the basic 5W version ($135) up to a 15W version ($335). Just keep in mind that you’ll need the 5W model if you want to charge your phone, or the 10W if you want to charge tablets or more than one device at a time.

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Amazon Yolk Station

Anker PowerPort Solar ($60)

• Capacity — None
• Outputs — 1 USB port (up to 3A)
• Weight — 14.7 ounces
• Solar Panel — 21W

Despite having no battery storage capabilities, Anker‘s PowerPort Solar wows us with up to 21 watts of power production, which is more than enough to charge any portable device quickly. Another feature, called PowerIQ, also adjusts the amperage of the power supplied to match your device, thus ensuring your device charges quickly and safely. The device’s compact design — it measures 11.1 × 6.3 inches when folded and 26.4× 11.1 inches when opened — makes it easy to store, too, and eye holes on each end allow you to anchor it to just about anything. While it might not work the best when there are clouds in the sky, in direct sunlight, the PowerPort Solar has little competition.

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Solio BoltBattery Pack + Solar Charger ($70)

• Capacity –2,000mAh
• Outputs — 1 USB, 1 Micro USB
• Weight — 4.8 ounces
• Solar Panel — 5W

Weighing a mere 4.8 ounces and measuring less than 4-inches long, the Solio Bolt is one of the most compact solar chargers on the market. The device can also hold a charge for up to a year, rendering it ideal for an emergency kit. The Bolt utilizes a central axis point, allowing it to open into a pair of individual panels. The small hole in the center of the unit was specifically designed to fit around a pencil, enabling individuals to firmly plant the solar panel in the ground and then position it toward the sun.

If you’re looking to prepare yourself for an unforeseen disaster, we also have an article outlining what to put an outdoor emergency kit. After all, things happen.

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Solio

ECEEN Foldable Solar Charger ($40)

• Capacity — Not specified
• Outputs — 2 USB ports
• Weight — 9.3 ounces
• Solar Panel — 13W

The ECEEN 13W 2-Port is one of the best 13W chargers we’ve seen. The entire unit weights a mere 9 ounces and measures an inch thick, rendering it exceptionally light and compact. A convenient pouch on the back of the charger also allows you to stow your mobile phone, iPad Mini, and other mobile accessories while charging or on the move. A simple stand on the back of the device extends functionality even further, giving you a means for positioning the solar charger in direct sunlight. And at under $40, ECEEN’s model is currently one of the more affordable solar chargers on the market.

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