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Which smart home gadget should you buy first?

Which smart home gadget should you buy first?

Smart home tech is nothing new -- hobbyists have been geeking out over home automation for decades now -- but in recent years, it's marched closer to the mainstream than ever before. In recent years, high-profile connected home gadgets like the Amazon Echo, the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Ring Video Doorbell have all become breakout hits by offering attractive designs and tangible benefits, many of them at prices that aren't unreasonably high.

The result? A mainstream smart home market with an awful lot of momentum. In 2018, a GfK study found that over half of US households now include at least one smart home gadget. Over a third of them include two or more.

Of course, that leaves about half of us who still haven't bought in. Many might be put off at the thought of connecting everything under their roof and sharing data picked up by sensors, security cameras and microphones with Silicon Valley -- but with a wide variety of smart devices available in your local hardware store, others simply might not know where to start. To that end, here's a look at how to answer a not-so-simple question: Which smart home product should you buy first?

Disclosure: CNET may get a share of revenue from purchases made through the links on this page.  

Plan for a purpose-driven smart home

Ask yourself: What do you want from your smart home? As a guy who listens to pitches for the latest smart home technology day in and day out, I can assure you that you've got lots of options. Do you want to keep an eye on things with a do-it-yourself security system and camera feeds you can check from your phone? Do you want simple conveniences like voice controls for your lights and thermostats? Do you want artificial intelligence and cloud-connected appliances to help freshen things up in the kitchen?

To figure out what you want, think about the things you do at home on a daily basis and look for improvements that you'd find meaningful. Do you tend to wander from room to room before bed turning off lights that the kids left on? Smart bulbs that you can turn off with a single voice command or tap on your phone might make sense. Do you shop online a lot, and worry about thieves stealing packages off your porch while you're at work? A video doorbell with a feed you can view remotely might be a good fit.

For my money, I think smart lighting is a sensible starting point for almost everyone. After all, we use the lights in our home more than just about anything else -- adding in things like motion-activated lights for the exterior of your home or automatic wake-up fades that sync with your morning alarms make a lot of sense, because you'll enjoy them day in and day out. For more on why it's a great time to try smart lights, click here.

Value versatility

If nothing specific jumps out at you and you just have a general curiosity about what the smart home might have to offer, then look for flexible, multifunctional devices that you can use in lots of different ways. A small smart speaker like the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Home Mini is a great way to see what artificially intelligent in-home helpers like Alexa and Google Assistant are capable of, and neither one will cost you more than $50. The WeMo Mini smart switch from Belkin is even cheaper, and it'll let you automate anything you plug into it -- lamps, desk fans, crock pots, space heaters, you name it.

The WeMo Mini Smart Switch from Belkin is a versatile little gadget that automates anything you plug into it. Available for just $30, it's a good, low-risk step into the smart home.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

As always, when in doubt, start small. Once you find a product that you like, you can start to build around it by adding in other, compatible gadgets capable of making it even smarter and contributing some unique appeal of their own. Our smart home compatibility tracker can be a really helpful tool to that end.

Ponder your platform options

If you're buying a new computer, you'll need to decide which operating system you'd like to use -- Mac, Windows, Chromebook, etc. Smart home tech is similar in that a majority of the most popular gadgets are designed to work within a wider ecosystem of devices -- the most common being voice control platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and the Siri controls that come with Apple HomeKit. Control hubs from names like Wink and Samsung SmartThings offer dedicated platforms capable of helping different devices get along, too. You could also keep things working together by sticking to gadgets that work with IFTTT, a free, online automation platform.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each of those options can go a long way toward helping you build out a smart home setup that makes sense for you, particularly if you're planning on using multiple types of gadgets. The smart home is just better when things work together.

That said, most devices offer their own dedicated apps and controls, and can be used independent of any broader platforms right out of the box. That means that you don't necessarily need to make any commitments right away. On top of that, a growing number of products support multiple platforms. Starting with smart devices like those can help you keep your options open if you're undecided for now.

I'll add that each platform has its own security certification process designed to keep insecure, vulnerable hardware out of the mix -- that means that a product that works with multiple platforms has essentially gotten multiple passing grades from names like Apple, Amazon, Google and Samsung, all of which have a lot at stake when it comes to keeping their respective platforms secure. 

Here are a few quick suggestions that fit the bill:

Available with two bulbs or four, Philips Hue's white-light smart bulb starter kit is relatively affordable, and it's easy to use and build upon -- plus, it works with just about everything you could imagine.

Ry Crist/CNET

Smart lights

Along with automating whatever you plug into the side of it, the iDevices Switch will monitor your energy use and double as a multicolor nightlight, and it works with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Smart plugs

Available for $100 and packed with helpful features, the Honeywell Lyric T5 is one of our favorite smart thermostat value picks, and it works with a wide variety of platforms.

Chris Monroe/CNET

Smart thermostats

The Kwikset Obsidian is a keyless smart lock that supports a number of platforms, including Amazon Key for in-home package delivery.

Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Smart locks

I'd also add that if you have any interest in voice controls, then starting off with either an Amazon Echo Dot or a Google Home Mini is one of the smart home's biggest no-brainers. Even if you ignore the smart home integrations that let Alexa or the Google Assistant control things like lights and thermostats, each device is arguably worth the $50 asking price for the voice-activated music, podcasts, news headlines and cooking timers alone.

Do your homework

The best way to pick the right gadgets for your home is to understand what all of the different options have to offer and narrow things down accordingly. With such a huge variety of alternatives battling it out in a complex arena of competing platforms and standards, doing so can get confusing in a hurry.

But hey, that's where we come in! Our product reviews, best-of lists, buying guides, how-to content, explainer posts and featured dispatches from the CNET Smart Home are all aimed at helping you understand what a more connected living space has to offer (and where it falls short). If you're looking for ideas as to how you might put a smarter home to work, we'll help you brainstorm. If you're stuck trying decide between two seemingly identical gadgets, we can help with that, too. If you want to dive deeper into privacy and security concerns before buying in, we've got you covered.

Bottom line: There's never been a better time to try your hand at home automation. Explore your options, and you'll find plenty of ways to start your smart home off right.

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There are now more gadgets on Earth than people

There are now more gadgets on Earth than people

Video screenshot by Eric Mack/CNET

It's not quite the Singularity, but for the first time ever our species is outnumbered by active mobile devices, many of which we officially consider to be "smart," including a growing percentage that only communicate from one machine to another.

According to the US Census Bureau's world population counter, we are currently just a few million shy of 7.2 billion people on the planet. That figure is growing by about 2 people per second, or 1.2 percent annually. But head over to the counter of active mobile connections maintained by mobile analysis firm GSMA Intelligence and you'll see that there's currently over 7.2 billion SIM cards operating in the world right now, and that figure is growing over five times faster than the population counter.

"No other technology has impacted us like the mobile phone. It's the fastest growing manmade phenomenon ever -- from zero to 7.2 billion in three decades," said Kevin Kimberlin, Chairman of Spencer Trask & Co. in a release highlighting the milestone. Kimberlin's firm was an initial investor in Millicom, a startup that works to bring mobile connections to developing countries with the help of partnerships with bigger names like Facebook.

While there may be more active SIMs than people, a little less than half the population has a mobile subscription, or put another way, there are almost two active SIMs for each unique subscriber worldwide.

So we officially live in a world where there are enough connected phones, tablets or similar devices for everyone. Yet, it's not exactly Skynet.

Or is it? Did I mention that what actually puts the number of active mobile connections over the top in its race with the meatbag population is the estimated quarter billion active machine-to-machine connections? These M2M connections are for things like cars, medical appliances, smart utility meters and freight packages.

No one yet measures the number of active mobile M2KR (machine-to-killer-robot) connections. Perhaps it's time we started.

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Going Overseas This Summer? Make Sure You Bring the Right Travel Gadgets

Going Overseas This Summer? Make Sure You Bring the Right Travel Gadgets

Traveling abroad is much easier when you have your trusty laptop, tablet or phone in tow. Your devices allow you to be your own travel agent: scoping out activities, curating restaurants, making bookings and reservations and navigating unfamiliar areas. Plus, with some companies maintaining remote-work flexibility into 2022, you can work a bit while traveling so you don't have to use up all your allotted time off for one trip.

But packing your tech isn't as simple as stuffing it into your suitcase. You also need to find a way to keep it charged, connected to the internet, safe and easily accessible. On top of that, different regions use different types of electrical plugs and voltages; if you haven't brought along the right adapter or converter, your tech is rendered useless. 

I encountered these challenges in May when I traveled from the US to the UK, tagging along with my partner on a business trip. We incorporated both work and leisure into our travels -- a practice becoming increasingly common in the form of the digital nomad lifestyle. To keep our devices functional and secure, we relied on a number of tech accessories. 

Here are the gadgets that enabled us to stay plugged in during our international trip. For even more tips, check out this list of travel tech recommendations from CNET contributor Geoffrey Morrison, an expert traveler.

Mary King

Before I purchased this handy little case, I would store my small electronics and wires by simply cramming them into my backpack. I'd have to dig around and pray I'd pluck the one I needed from the heaps of tangled chargers without having to dump everything out.

No more of that. Outfitted with pockets and zip-up compartments, the Thule Subterra PowerShuttle is perfectly suited for organizing small tech-adjacent doodads: AirPods, adapters, a webcam, small charging cables, spare earbuds and dongles. 

One particularly helpful feature is a hidden cutout in the exterior pocket that allows a cord to pass through: You can stick a phone in that pocket for easy access while you charge it up using a powerbank you've placed inside the case.

If you have a larger assortment of chargers and long cables, upsize to the Subterra PowerShutte Plus or this double-layer option from Amazon.

Mary King

This portable charger saved my iPhone's arse on numerous occasions, adding hours and hours to its battery life. Though the chunky 5.9-inch unit (which weighs just under a pound) bogged down my backpack a bit, it certainly pulled its weight, refueling my phone's weary battery while eliminating the need to duck into a cafe in search of an outlet. 

While traveling, I needed to recharge my phone much more often than I'd expected to. I put a real strain on my iPhone's battery, mapping out public transit routes, cueing up boarding passes, snapping photos, researching nearby attractions and food, scanning QR codes and religiously refreshing the West End's virtual ticket booth for dirt-cheap last-minute seats. I'd gulp each time the battery icon turned red, only to recall the surplus of juice tucked right in my backpack. Then I'd plug my phone into the power bank, zip it away, and pull it out later to find its battery revived.

The power bank takes about two hours to charge my iPhone from empty to 100%. It has two USB-A ports, allowing two devices to charge simultaneously.

Mary King

Depending on where you're traveling, you'll likely encounter a few of the various electrical plugs and voltages used in different regions of the world. For that reason, Protégé's budget-friendly set caught my eye. Not only does it contain adapters to fit different-shaped plugs, but it also includes a voltage converter.

Voltage converters are key because small appliances in North America are generally built to handle a 120-volt supply. Most other regions power their outlets with a much more powerful 220V or 240V supply: Plug an American curling iron into a British outlet and it will fry. A converter tames that intense voltage to 110-120V, a manageable current for North American appliances. (Some devices, like chargers for phones and laptops, are typically dual-voltage and support both standards out of the box.)

Offering adapters of four different varieties, Protégé promises compatibility with outlets in many countries throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, and North and South America. Just plug your regular charger into your current location's corresponding adapter, and you'll be all set to use it like normal. Though the adapters feel cheap and plasticky, they seem to get the job done: The Type G plug helped power our three laptops over a 10-day trip to the UK without issue.

Here's where I ran into trouble. When I read on the box that the converter could work with travel appliances between 50 to 1,875W, I thrust my beloved 1,400-watt Rowenta clothing steamer into my suitcase with hopes of easy dewrinkling in the hotel room. However, I failed to note a key word on the box's instructions: travel appliances. When I tried to plug the steamer into the converter, the converter became searing hot, developed a strange smell and only powered the steamer for a few minutes at a time. Baffled, I checked the instruction manual, and there I read the converter was only built for steamers under 1,000 watts. Whoops — I'd overloaded it. Thankfully, the steamer survived, but it still felt like a close call.

Despite that, this is a useful, affordable pick, especially if you're headed to multiple countries on one trip. Just make sure you're prepared to use the voltage converter only for appliances with a low-enough wattage.

Mary King

While a multipart adapter set like the Protege is ideal for plugging in one device at a time across multiple regions, this seven-in-one adapter's strength is the opposite: It's excellent for plugging in multiple devices simultaneously within one region. This particular model is designed specifically to use in areas with Type G outlets, like the UK. (There's another version for Type C outlets.)

The seven ports and outlets are efficiently placed, allowing the adapter to accommodate several plugs while remaining relatively compact. Three USB-A ports and one USB-C port are neatly lined up along the front panel, along with three AC outlets (one on each exposed side). While the adapter itself isn't too big, the prongs stick out and don't fold up -- a minor annoyance while packing. Stuffing two of these into our carry-on was difficult. 

I used it for my phone and to recharge a power bank. Other reviewers have said they used it for their headphones, CPAP machines and laptops. Remember, it's not a voltage converter, so if you're going to use it with appliances, make sure they're dual-voltage or otherwise built to handle 220V to 240V. Also, note that the USB-C output (17W) isn't strong enough to charge a MacBook, which needs more wattage. I learned that the hard way. 

Mary King

As one who habitually misplaces important items, I try to keep an eagle eye on my personal tech. So, when I bought a Tile tracker to test, I affixed it to the device I'd shed the most tears over losing: My 2020 M1 MacBook Pro. But I discovered I was duplicating an existing Mac feature. Apple's robust Find My app would have let me track down the Mac from my iPhone, doing effectively the same thing as the Tile, but for free. This also would have been the case for a PC or an Android phone, thanks to similar tools from Microsoft and Google.

I'd still recommend getting some variety of Tile gadget for your tech valuables, though: Maybe you have a pair of headphones you treasure, or maybe you want to keep tabs on pricey accessories like chargers. And having a Tile on your phone or computer isn't altogether useless. Since it's hardware that's separate from your device (unlike the Find My apps), the tracker works even if the device is shut off or out of battery.

I was especially impressed with the ease of Tile's setup process. The app walked me through syncing with Bluetooth and turning on my phone's necessary permissions. I could easily locate the tracker on the app's map and trigger its loud beeping. The sticker stuck firmly onto my laptop case, and although the tracker weathered some scratches, it survived plenty of jostling around in my backpack. 

If I were to go back and redo my initial purchase, I would have bought a variety pack: A Tile Slim for my wallet, a Sticker for my laptop charger, and a Mate for my keys. Another option for Apple devices is the Apple AirTag. It's smaller and more advanced than Tile's lineup, but while Tile lets you both track your phone using the tracker and track the tracker using your phone, the AirTag only allows for the latter. And it doesn't work on Android. Tile, meanwhile, works with both iOS and Android.

Mary King/CNET

There's no clear consensus on whether it's truly a good idea to stick a case on a MacBook, as some speculate it weakens the display hinge. But I've advocated in favor of casing, provided you're using a good-quality case that's durable without adding too much bulk. 

This hard shell from Incase checks all of the boxes. It's sturdy, it's light enough not to put pressure on the display, and, unlike a cheaper case I tested, it fits the laptop snugly with no awkward gaps. 

Even as I shuttled my MacBook around airports and streets, I felt confident knowing it had a little extra buffering. The case brought me peace of mind when a thunderstorm caught us by surprise: The backpack was soaked through, but the computer itself was dry as can be.

I'm not saying the case would have protected the laptop if I'd, say, hurled it into the English Channel. But any protection from the elements will certainly do a computer some good.

Mary King

Mee 1080P High Resolution USB Camera with Auto Focus

Get a webcam, but not this one

So far, I've been able to recommend each of the devices I bought for this trip. I can't say the same for this last one. In fact, I specifically un-recommend it. 

Here's the situation. For all their technological prowess, many high-end computers these days are burdened with shockingly low-quality built-in webcams. (Looking at you, MacBooks.) An external webcam can polish your onscreen appearance -- helpful if you're on a trip where you'll be appearing on a lot of Zoom calls or recording yourself with your laptop.

But if you're going to invest in a webcam, pick a different model than the one I tried out. This supposedly 1080p webcam degraded my Zoom image and audio quality from bad to worse. 

The webcam makes the colors a little more flattering (or perhaps just more saturated), but it seems to replace the former image's graininess with... blur. Not exactly an improvement. The autofocus was the worst offender here, despite being this model's selling point: Even my slightest movements would trigger a dizzying refocusing process that often left me blurry in the end. The mic brought a tinny, crackly quality to my voice. I'll probably throw this out -- I'd prefer my Mac's built-in hardware any day, subpar camera and all. 

Here's what Zoom looked like with my MacBook's 720p built-in camera. 

Screenshot/Mary King

And here it is with the external webcam treatment.

Screenshot/Mary King

If you're looking for a webcam that actually works, I'll direct you to our list of the best webcams for 2022 and our guide for choosing between them.

For more travel advice, here's the essential gear you'll need to take better photos on vacation. Plus, check out our tips for making your travels more affordable in 2022.

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Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: What's Really Different?

Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: What's Really Different?

Thinking about upgrading to Windows 11? Microsoft's latest operating system completed its phased rollout earlier this year and is now available on compatible devices. Although the two operating systems share many similarities, there are some big differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11. The newer version offers a more Mac-like aesthetic and more productivity features -- plus the chance to finally use Android apps on your computer with Windows 11. 

Let's dig into the big changes Microsoft made and what's actually different. And make sure you check out our favorite Windows 11 features and how to use them, everything we wanted in Windows 11 but didn't get and how to set your default search engine. Once you're ready, we'll show you how to download the new OS.

Design and interface

Windows 11 features a new design with a centered Start menu and Taskbar.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 11 brings a brand-new, more Mac-like interface to the OS. It features a clean design with rounded corners and pastel shades. The iconic Start menu also moves to the center of the screen along with the Taskbar. But you can move those back to the left, where they are in Windows 10, if you prefer.

Android app integration

Windows 11 finally lets you download Android apps to your PC.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Android apps are now available for Windows 11 through the Microsoft Store, via the Amazon Appstore. (There were a couple of ways to access Android apps on Windows 10, including if you had a Samsung Galaxy phone, but this will make it native.) This is something Windows users have been waiting for for years and marks another move toward the merging of mobile and laptop devices. 

Read more: Windows 11 Finally Adds Android Apps. Here's How to Download Them

Better virtual desktop support

You'll find it easier to create and toggle between different virtual desktops in Windows 11 than in Windows 10.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 11 lets you set up virtual desktops in a way that's similar to on a Mac. It allows you to toggle between multiple desktops at once for personal, work, school or gaming. In Windows 10, this feature was harder to set up and use. 

Read more: Windows 11 is Here, So Does That Mean I Should Buy a New Laptop?

Easier transition from monitor to laptop

It's easier to group different sets of windows and apps together and move between a desktop and a monitor thanks to Snap Layouts and Snap Groups.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

The new OS includes features called Snap Groups and Snap Layouts -- collections of the apps you're using at once that sit in the Taskbar, and can come up or be minimized at the same time for easier task switching. They also let you plug and unplug from a monitor easily, without losing where your open windows are located. 

Microsoft Teams added to the Taskbar

Microsoft Teams is built directly into the Taskbar in Windows 11 for easier video calling. 

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Teams got a face-lift and is now integrated directly into the Windows 11 Taskbar, making it easier to access (and a bit more like Apple's FaceTime). You can access Teams from Windows, Mac, Android or iOS. 

Widgets (well, sort of) 

Launch widgets from the Taskbar in Windows 11 to see at-a-glance information like weather, news and stocks.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Josh Goldman/CNET

While they've been around for a while (remember desktop gadgets on Windows Vista?), including in a recent Windows 10 update, you can now access widgets directly from the Taskbar and personalize them to see whatever you'd like. 

Enhanced touchscreen, voice and pen support

Microsoft made Windows 11 easier to use on tablets than Windows 10.

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

For tablets, Microsoft has aimed to improve the experience for touch, with more space between icons on the Taskbar, and support for gestures. Windows 11 also adds haptics to your digital pen, so you can hear and feel vibrations as you use it for taking notes or drawing. Finally, the OS introduces voice typing and commands across the system. 

Xbox tech to improve gaming

Windows 11 brings some tech additions from the Xbox for better gaming. 

Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET

Windows 11 will get certain features found in Xbox consoles , like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, to improve gaming on your Windows PC. This marks another move toward integrating PCs and Xbox consoles for Microsoft. 

For more, check out everything we know about Windows 11 and how to download Microsoft's latest OS.

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How cell phones evolved how have phones evolved make samsung phone more like pixel from iphone to pixel how to pixelate an image on iphone from iphone to pixel galaxy s22 vs iphone 13 galaxy s22 ultra vs iphone 13 pro max iphone galaxy s21 iphone galaxy watch 4 iphone galaxy s20

iPhone, Galaxy S, Pixel: How smartphones evolved to dominate your life

iPhone, Galaxy S, Pixel: How smartphones evolved to dominate your life

This story is part of The 2010s: A Decade in Review, a series on the memes, people, products, movies and so much more that have influenced the 2010s.

Steve Jobs' pitch for the original iPhone in 2007 as a phone, music player and internet communicator was a landmark moment in the tech world. It crystalized the iPhone's almost mythic reputation from the start -- remember the nickname, the Jesus phone? -- and helped usher in the idea that smartphones could be chic. But looking back, those three capabilities barely scratched the surface of what we can do with the modern smartphone.

What can you do with one now? Everything.

"We never imagined how a decade later iPhone would become such an essential part of our lives, from streaming TV shows and playing games, to finding directions when traveling, to managing health and fitness, to opening garages in smart homes, to sharing beautiful memories with stunning photos and videos," Phil Schiller, head of marketing for Apple, said in an email.

As CNET explores the impact of various technologies over the past decade, none has changed our lives as dramatically as the smartphone. When the original iPhone launched, and the first Android phone, the G1, followed in 2008, they were still the stuff of gadget enthusiasts with loads of disposable income. Even 10 years ago, at the launch of the Motorola Droid -- the first Android phone to enjoy mass appeal, thanks to a massive marketing blitz by Verizon Wireless -- we were just getting started with the potential that came with smartphones and mobile applications.

Nowadays we take for granted that we have a virtual supercomputer in our pockets. Our iPhones and Android handsets let us hail a car right to our location, draw from a library of hundreds of thousands of television shows and movies stored online, or livestream our silly antics to millions across the world. You can shoot down cartoonish avatars of your friends in Fortnite. They've literally been revolutionary, with secure messaging apps playing a role in the Arab Spring movement in the early 2010s and the Hong Kong protests against China playing out today.

We never imagined how a decade later iPhone would become such an essential part of our lives.

Phil Schiller, head of marketing for Apple

Think about it: What's the one thing you can't leave your home without? Chances are, it's your smartphone. It's become such a critical part of our lives that we're starting to question whether we're spending too much time on them. Tech giants like Apple and Google have even introduced ways to tell you how much time you're spending on your phone -- with apps found on the phone.

"It's astonishing how quickly we've gone from being astonished to having an always-connected supercomputer in our pockets to somewhat resenting having a supercomputer in our pockets," said Avi Greengart, an analyst at research firm Techsponential. 

No matter where you stand on the spectrum of smartphone dependence, it's undeniable the staggering impact they've had on society, culture and how we live our lives.

"A lot has changed since 1.0," Stephanie Cuthbertson, director of Android, said during her Google I/O keynote speech in May. "Smartphones have evolved from an early vision to this integral tool in our lives, and they are incredibly helpful."

Clumsy to coveted

Smartphones had been around for years before iPhones and Android handsets became the default mobile devices of choice. The white-collar crowd happily tapped on the physical keys of their BlackBerrys. Old-school gadget enthusiasts would've proudly shown off their Palm Treos or their "Pocket PC" phones (with a stripped-down version of Windows jammed behind a smaller screen). Never mind that these devices required a precise stylus to navigate. 

With the original iPhone, Steve Jobs and Apple changed how we interact with the world. 

Getty Images

In 2007, Jobs and the iPhone changed the meaning of a smartphone, making a touchscreen device intuitive -- and fun -- to use, thanks in large part to the full browser experience and tricks like pinch to zoom. It's the only phone that I could pull out at a bar and legitimately impress women with. (That still wasn't enough help.)

In July of 2008, Apple introduced its App Store, opening it up to third-party apps. Google would follow with the G1 smartphone (also known as the HTC Dream) and its own app store a few months later. The G1 catered more toward gadget enthusiasts and lacked the mass appeal of the iPhone, but it was no less influential as the launchpad for Android.

Today, there are more than 2.5 billion active Android devices out there, making Google's OS the most dominant platform in the world.

"Today, everyone has a smartphone, and that's amazing," said Peter Chou, co-founder and former CEO of HTC, which built the G1, who stood on stage with Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page when the device was unveiled.

Smartphones have evolved from an early vision to this integral tool in our lives, and they are incredibly helpful.

Stephanie Cuthbertson, director of Android

But it wasn't until the debut of the original Droid, which next month celebrates its 10th anniversary, that Android catapulted into the mainstream, thanks in part to a huge marketing campaign from partners Google, Verizon and Motorola.

Upping the ante even further, Samsung jumped into Android in 2010 with a willingness to build up its Galaxy S franchise by way of an even more impressive marketing push, which created the two-horse dynamic we see today (Apple vs. Samsung, Apple's iOS vs. Google's Android).

"It's exciting to reflect on 10 years ago launching the first Galaxy S smartphone," said Drew Blackard, head of product management for Samsung Electronics America. "Over the past decade, we've introduced a number of industry-leading innovations that have given our consumers a better mobile experience and changed the way we think about smartphones."

From fart apps to limitless videos

The explosion of smartphone demand wasn't driven just by increasingly advanced, and bigger, hardware. The handset's Swiss Army knife utility came from the sheer number of programs available to us. It took Apple's App Store and the Google Play Store about eight years each to surpass 2 million apps, from standbys such as Instagram and Angry Birds to obscure apps for bird watching.

It's easy to forget that the early experimental days included fart apps that raked in $10,000 a day or useless virtual lighter apps. At that point Android, which initially didn't have the same oversight that Apple gave iOS, was a real Wild Wild West, with tons of junk apps.

You'd never be able to watch all that's available on video streaming sites, even if you stared at your phone all day. 

Sean Hollister/CNET

That's a far cry from the utility of apps today. You pretty much can't get lost, thanks to Google Maps. Protestors use secure messaging platforms like Signal and WhatsApp to coordinate demonstrations. Uber and Lyft mean you're never stuck without a ride -- even a helicopter ride. Apps like Life360 or Disaster Alert can literally save your life.

Entertainment buffs, meanwhile, would need several lifetimes to watch the countless hours of programming found on apps from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Go, among others -- with new options such as Apple TV Plus and Disney Plus emerging all the time.

Societal changes

When Samsung unveiled the original Galaxy Note in 2011, the then-gargantuan 5.3-inch display provided rich fodder for endless mockery. Remember, the first iPhone had a 3.5-inch display.

Today, the original Note seems quaint in its diminutive stature. Samsung's latest, the Galaxy Note 10, rocks a 6.8-inch display, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max features a 6.5-inch display.

Nowadays, smartphones are almost too large to hold in one hand. 

Juan Garzon/CNET

"The desire for more screen in your hand has exceeded the grasp of your hand," Greengart said.

When the world was transitioning to all-touchscreen phones, there was a constant debate about whether people could let go of buttons. Back in 2009, handset makers were still experimenting with different ways to cram QWERTY keyboards onto handsets, said Gartner analyst Tuong Nguyen. The G1, for instance, had a slide-out physical keyboard. 

Many of us can now blind touch-type on a display by memory.

The desire for more screen in your hand has exceeded the grasp of your hand.

Avi Greengart, an analyst at Techsponential

Smartphones are also notable for what they've destroyed as much as what they've enabled. Those little supercomputers have left a wake of failed businesses over the years.

When was the last time you saw a point-and-shoot digital camera? Google Maps rendered GPS navigation systems irrelevant, and when I want to feel really old, I tell younger reporters about a time when I used physical (paper) Thomas Guide maps to get from one assignment to another. Apple's iPod and other MP3 players, Cisco's Flip video cameras and even voice recorders have virtually disappeared.

Outside of luxury fashion statements, wristwatches became a novelty until companies like Apple brought back the trend by offering smartwatches. They work by connecting to -- what else? -- your smartphone.

Rise of China

The smartphone revolution was radical enough that it destroyed an older generation of handset stalwarts. Nokia and BlackBerry were the kings of the mobile device -- and now neither of those companies makes phones, having licensed out their names to upstarts eager to make the most of once viable brands. US phone pioneer Motorola is owned by Chinese consumer electronics giant Lenovo. 

Microsoft, which dominates PCs with its Windows software, couldn't make Windows Phone work. HTC, the maker of the G1, has virtually disappeared from the scene. 

Some of the most interesting phones are coming out of Chinese companies -- like Huawei, with its foldable Mate X. 

Juan Garzon / CNET

While Samsung remains the king of the hill for smartphones and Apple remains the most profitable player, much of the action in the smartphone world is now coming out of China. Huawei, embroiled in controversial claims by the US that it's a security risk, is the world's second-largest smartphone maker, and that's without selling any phones in America. TCL, a Chinese company best known for budget televisions, has the rights to make phones using the BlackBerry brand. 

Many features, like the addition of multiple cameras, a pop-up camera or the use of slimmer bezels, emerged from companies like Huawei or smaller Chinese players such as Xiaomi, Oppo or OnePlus.

The inevitable backlash

The days when we'd get giddy over each new Android or iPhone release are gone. And though innovation is still on the horizon with the rise of 5G and foldable phones like the Galaxy Fold, enthusiasm has given way to a more critical look at how these tiny slabs of metal and glass have really affected our lives. 

That little buzz or chime creates an almost Pavlovian need to check your phone, a phenomenon dubbed FOMO, or fear of missing out. It has critics worried that the generation raised on smartphones will be too glued to their screens to operate in the real world. After all, older generations are already hooked on their phones. 

"We all seem more preoccupied with what comes out of those little screens than what is going on around us," said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Creative Strategies.

The very companies that serve up these time-sucking gadgets are working on apps and tweaks to their operating systems to minimize the amount of time you need to spend on the devices. Through its Screen Time feature, Apple's iOS 13 lets you control access to apps, and allows parents to manage their kids' activities better too.

In November, Google launched a Digital Wellbeing tool to offer many of the same kinds of controls. Part of Google's presentation at its I/O developer conference in May was focused on being smarter and quicker about addressing your needs.

"Looking ahead, we see another big wave of innovation to make them even more helpful," Cuthbertson said.

We've come a long way from simply making phone calls, playing music and browsing the internet.

Originally published Oct. 21, 5 a.m. PT.
Update, 3 p.m. PT: Adds background.

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Microsoft launched Windows 11. Now what? Essential info about the new OS

Microsoft launched Windows 11. Now what? Essential info about the new OS

Windows 11  launched this month, and Microsoft delivered some big changes to the storied operating system, including its first name change in six years. The Windows 11 update began rolling out on Oct. 5, though it will be released in a phased approach on eligible devices. (Here's how to see whether your PC is compatible first and how to download it early if you don't want to wait.)

Read more:  Windows 11 review: Familiar but fresh

Windows 11 comes with a truckload of new features, such as the ability to download and run Android apps on your Windows PC and updates to Microsoft Teams, the Start menu and the overall look of the software, which is more clean and Mac-like in design. (Check out all of our favorite new Windows 11 features and how to use them.) But keep in mind that not all of the features are available today. 

Here's everything about Windows 11, including price, compatibility, release date, how to download it and new features.

7 new features included in Windows 11

Here are a few of the standout new features in Windows 11:

• A new, more Mac-like interface. Windows 11 features a clean design with rounded corners, pastel shades and a centered Start menu and Taskbar. 
• Integrated Android apps. Android apps will be coming to Windows 11  via the Amazon Appstore, which will be accessible from within the updated Microsoft Store. There were a couple of ways to access Android apps on Windows 10, especially if you had a Samsung Galaxy phone, but this will make it native. (Note that Android apps will not be available upon the initial release of Windows 11.) 
• Widgets. While they've been around for a while (remember desktop gadgets on Windows Vista?), including in a recent Windows 10 update, you can now access widgets directly from the Taskbar and personalize them to see whatever you'd like. 
• Microsoft Teams integration. Teams is getting a face-lift  and is pinned on the Windows 11 Taskbar, making it easier to access (and a bit more like Apple's FaceTime). You'll be able to access Teams from Windows, Mac, Android or iOS. 
• Xbox tech for better gaming. Windows 11 will get certain features found in Xbox consoles, like Auto HDR and DirectStorage, to improve gaming on your Windows PC. 
• Better virtual desktop support. Windows 11 will let you set up virtual desktops in a way that's more similar to MacOS, toggling between multiple desktops for personal, work, school or gaming use. You can also change your wallpaper on each virtual desktop.
• Easier transition from monitor to laptop, and better multitasking. The new OS includes features called Snap Groups and Snap Layouts -- collections of the apps you're using at once that sit in the Taskbar, and can come up or be minimized at the same time for easier task switching. They also let you plug and unplug from a monitor more easily without losing where your open windows are located. 

Microsoft Teams will get integrated directly into the Windows 11 Taskbar, which is now centered in the display. 

Microsoft

When will you get Windows 11?

Windows 11 is now available now and will continue rolling out through mid-2022. The newer your device is, the sooner you're likely to have access to the update. The older your PC is, the longer you'll probably have to wait.

Will your computer be compatible with Windows 11? 

There are a few different ways to check if your Windows 10 PC is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. 

You can download Microsoft's PC Health Check app to see if your device is compatible, and if not, some details as to why. You can use another open-source app called WhyNotWin11 to see if your device is compatible. Plus, here's how to check some hardware compatibility with Windows 11 without either tool.

Or go to Microsoft's website for a list of requirements. If you bought a new PC between now and the general release, that computer will also be eligible for the free upgrade.

Can I still download Windows 11 even if my computer isn't compatible? 

Potentially. Even if your Windows 10 computer lacks some of the requirements for upgrading to Windows 11, you may still be able to manually download an unsupported version of the OS. The process would be similar to how many people could manually download Windows 10 free of charge. However, this version likely won't be eligible for updates from Microsoft. 

New PCs will be eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11.

Sarah Tew/CNET

How do you upgrade to Windows 11?

Once Windows 11 becomes generally available, you'll download it the same way you would any new version of Windows. Most users will go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates. 

If available, you'll see Feature update to Windows 11. Click Download and install. Remember that Microsoft is rolling out the operating system gradually, so don't panic if you don't see the option on Day 1.

Here's more information on how to download Windows 11. If you haven't yet upgraded to Windows 10, you may still be able to download Windows 10 free, too -- here's how.

Is Windows 11 free to download?

If you're already a Windows 10 user, Windows 11 will appear as a free upgrade for your machine. 

For more, check out every feature we wanted in Windows 11 but didn't get, everything to know about the Windows 10 May 2021 update, the best Windows 10 hidden features we've found and six simple security changes all Windows 10 users need to make.

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