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McAfee researchers spotted five Chrome extensions that were tracking user browser activity without their knowledge. They were downloaded a combined 1.4 million times before Google removed them from its store.
Why it matters
Keeping malicious extensions completely out is a close-to-impossible task, so consumers need to be cautious when installing any kind of browser extension.
Google removed a handful of browserextensions from its Chrome Web Store that were downloaded a combined 1.4 million times after outside cybersecurity researchers determined that the extensions were surreptitiously tracking the online activities of their users.
In a blog post published this week, McAfee researchers singled out five extensions that allow users to do things like watch Netflix shows together, track deals on retail sites and take screenshots of websites. The problem was, in addition doing what they promised, the extensions tracked their users' browser activity.
"The users of the extensions are unaware of this functionality and the privacy risk of every site being visited being sent to the servers of the extension authors," the researchers wrote in their blog post.
According to McAfee, every website a user visited was sent to the extension's creator so that code could be inserted into the e-commerce sites users visited, allowing the extension's authors to receive affiliate payments for any items the user bought.
A Google spokesman confirmed Wednesday that all five of the extensions pointed out in the McAfee report have been removed from the Chrome extension store.
Extensions are add-ons consumers can download and use to modify browsers like Chrome, Safari and Firefox. The bits of software can do things like block ads, integrate with password managers and find coupons as you put items into your shopping cart. One extension lets users change their mouse curser from an arrow to something more fun like a sword or a slice of pizza.
Much like the apps available for smartphones, there are well over 100,000 extensions available just for Chrome, along with more for the other browsers. While Google and the other providers say they scrutinize all of the extensions available in their stores, inevitably some malicious extensions do manage to sneak in.
Earlier this year, McAfee researchers spotted several imposter Netflix party Chrome extensions that redirected users to phishing sites and stole the personal information of users, though they appear to have only been installed a combined 100,000 times.
While an extension that's popular enough to have been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times may look legit, the McAfee researchers said their research shows that's not always the case. They said consumers should be cautious when it comes to extensions and take a good look at what kinds of data an extension is requesting to access before installing it.
Specifically, they said consumers should take extra steps to make sure an extension is authentic if it asks for permission to run on every website listed, like the recently spotted malicious extensions did.
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Your Electric Bills Are Likely to Skyrocket This Summer. Here Are 23 Ways to Save
Your Electric Bills Are Likely to Skyrocket This Summer. Here Are 23 Ways to Save
1 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET
Stop spending so much on electricity
You've probably noticed that your gas and electric bills have been more costly than usual this year. According to the US Energy Information Administration, these electricity prices are only going to increase more significantly throughout the summer.
In fact, the EIA estimates the Northeast regions could see a $100 increase in wholesale electricity over last year. And other regions across the country are seeing rising prices too.
If you're looking for ways to cut down on utility costs, there are plenty of simple measures you can take to lower your energy bills from turning off the lights to doing laundry the cost-efficient way. Here are the top 23 ways to start saving now.
2 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET
Use your dishwasher
Dishwashers may use electricity, but they save more energy, money, water and time than washing dishes by hand.
According to the California Energy Commission, using an Energy Star-qualified dishwasher instead of hand washing can save you 5,000 gallons of water and $40 in utility costs each year, on average, not to mention 230 hours of your time.
3 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET
Air-dry your dishes
Opt out of the heat-dry cycle on your dishwasher. Instead, crack open the door and let your dishes air-dry. If your dishwasher has an air-dry option, use that instead of heat-dry.
Air drying plates can reduce your dishwasher's energy use by 15% to 50%, according to the California Energy Commission.
4 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET
Get 'em clean
These dishwasher tips won't save electricity if you have to repeat loads because the dishes just won't get clean. That's why you need to make sure to load the dishes correctly.
For example, you should place plates in the bottom rack, bowls on the top rack and cups upside-down. Pots and other large items should be washed separately.
5 of 24 Taylor Martin/CNET
Use a fan
If you live in an area of the world where the summers are hot, turn on your ceiling fans instead of touching the thermostat. Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler, and a fan uses 10% of the energy that a central air conditioner does, according to the US Natural Resource Defense Council.
6 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET
Use a smarter bulb
If you haven't switched to LED lighting, now is the time. The US Department of Energy says that LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy -- and last 25 times longer -- than incandescent lighting. That equals a lot of savings over time.
7 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET
Use motion to stop waste
If you're constantly following family members from room to room and turning off lights behind them, a little automation can save you time and money. One solution could be motion detectors, like GE's LED Plus lineup or Ring's smart outdoor lights. They turn on when they sense someone's in the room and turn off when no movement is detected.
8 of 24 Sarah Tew/CNET
Turn off the burner a little early
According to the California Energy Commission, if you turn off the burner early, the stove will release enough heat to finish up whatever you're cooking and save electricity. This tip works for most dishes, though there are a few exceptions.
9 of 24 Tyler Lizenby/CNET
Keep your oven closed
Every time you open an oven door while cooking, the internal temperature can drop 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The oven then has to use more electricity to bring the temperature back up. To save electricity, peek through the window and rely on the oven's light instead of opening the door.
12 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET
Use a smart plug
You may think that your electronics and appliances are energy-efficient, but you might be using more electricity than you think.
The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini is a gadget that plugs into your wall; you can schedule it to turn your electronic devices on and off automatically.
13 of 24 Sarah Tew/CNET
Put it on standby
Putting your electronics on standby saves more money than leaving them on 24/7, but it still uses a substantial amount of electricity.
According to the US Department of Energy, electronics on standby account for 10% or more of your electricity bill.
14 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET
Better yet, get a strip
One of the best ways to control these power wasters is by plugging them into a power strip or a smart outlet like the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip.
Just switch the strip off or use the smart switch's app to turn off electricity guzzlers when you go to bed or you're not home.
16 of 24 Tyler Lizenby/CNET
Check your thermostat location
While you're considering a programmable thermostat, check your current thermostat's location. It could be on the wrong wall.
Drafts, direct sunlight and other factors can trigger your AC or furnace to kick on when it doesn't need to. Here's the perfect place to put your thermostat.
17 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET
Baby your dryer
The California Energy Commission says that dryers use approximately 6% of a home's total electricity usage. You can help your dryer work more efficiently by keeping it clean, and emptying the lint trap after each load is one of the most important things you can do to stop a dryer from working harder than necessary.
Here's more on how to deep-clean your dryer and your dryer vent.
18 of 24 Chris Monroe/CNET
Go cold
Start using cold water when you wash laundry. Why? Because 90% of the electricity used to wash a load goes toward heating the water, according to Consumer Reports.
The Alliance to Save Energy also says washing clothes in cold water can save you $63 a year on electricity bills. Most detergents are designed to work better in cold water, anyway, so this is an easy swap to make.
22 of 24 Alina Bradford/CNET
Switch out your showerhead
Switching to a 2.5-gallon-per-minute (low-flow) showerhead and taking a 10-minute shower not only saves you 5 gallons of water over taking a bath, it also saves up to $145 each year in electricity, according to Energy Star.
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This Handy 12-in-1 Pocket Multitool Is Just $7 on Amazon
This Handy 12-in-1 Pocket Multitool Is Just $7 on Amazon
Want to be ready for anything? Snag this 12-in-one pocket multitool for just $7 right now on Amazon (save 18%) and you'll be well on your way. You get a good variety of tools that aren't only great for bicycle repairs, but also convenient to have on hand for day-to-day tasks or emergencies. The tool is compact and folds down for safe, convenient storage -- easily fitting in your pocket or purse. It also comes with a carabiner attached, so you can connect it to a belt loop or a key ring. This tool is built for bike repairs but it would make a great gift for any handy person in your life (let's face it, lots of dads love knives) or you could just keep it for yourself. Perfect to have in your car, use for camping or just keep it in your toolbox as a backup.
Crafted from alloy steel with a rust-resistant chrome finish, this tool is built to last you a long time. Made with bicycle repairs in mind, it includes four sizes of Phillips screwdrivers, three slotted screwdrivers, a 1/4 -inch adapter and four 1/4-inch sockets. This tool is smaller than a deck of cards, making it convenient for cyclists to keep in their repair bag or pocket.
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Apple Watch Series 5 vs. Fitbit Versa 2: Best smartwatch to give as a gift
Apple Watch Series 5 vs. Fitbit Versa 2: Best smartwatch to give as a gift
The Apple Watch Series 5 starts at $399 (£399, AU$649) and makes an ideal gift for an iPhone user who wants to keep an eye on their health and fitness goals, or get notifications from their phone. But the Fitbit Versa 2 costs half as much and has many similar features, plus it works across Android and iOS. I've been wearing both these watches for a few weeks to determine which one is better at tracking workouts, getting notifications and has the best battery life.
Read more:Best gifts for people who are obsessed with CrossFit
Angela Lang/CNET
A versatile hybrid that's equal parts smartwatch and fitness tracker, the Versa 2 adds a few improvements over the first version that make it a good option for Apple and Android owners alike. Like the Apple Watch, it too has an always-on display, but the battery will last more than twice as long. Expect at least five days between charges if you don't have the always-on display active. It also gives you built-in sleep tracking, Alexa support and Spotify control on your wrist.
Read the Fitbit Versa 2 hands-on.
All-day comfort so you can go from the office to the gym
The Apple Watch comes in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) while the Versa 2 just comes in one size. I have a fairly small wrist and found both of these watches very comfortable to wear all day. With the Versa 2, I hardly had to take it off at all because I could use it to track my sleep.
Want a wide range of finishes and straps to choose from? You'll find the biggest selection with the Apple Watch. Everything from aluminum and stainless steel to the more expensive ceramic and titanium finishes that cost upward of $800. The Versa 2 has three aluminum color finishes with a variety of straps.
Angela Lang/CNET
The Versa 2 gets a much nicer color AMOLED display than the first generation Versa and it's easy to see in bright sunlight when the brightness is turned to max. (The always-on display could be a little brighter for me during outdoor workouts, however.) Notifications and on-screen prompts are clear and legible.
The Apple Watch uses a color LTPO OLED Retina display. It also has Force Touch, so you can press on the screen to register different options.
They're both water-resistant to 50 meters (164 feet) so you can use them to track swims and they'll be fine if subjected to occasional splashes.
Fitbit still makes its straps pretty difficult to swap in and out, as they have tiny toggles, whereas the Apple Watch is simpler with a button to slide the strap in and out. The charging dock for the Versa 2 is also a pain. Not only is it not backward-compatible with older generations of Fitbit watches like the original Versa, the cord doesn't tuck underneath the dock neatly so it's next to impossible to get your watch to lie flat on the dock when it's charging.
Smart features put the Apple Watch a step ahead
If you like customizing the look of your watch face, the Versa 2 has a lot more options to choose from than the Apple Watch, including third-party watch faces. There's even a Bitmoji watch face that changes expressions depending on your activity or time of day (my personal favorite).
Both have an always-on display and, thanks to the latest Fitbit OS 4.1 update, the Versa 2 now gets the option of a color always-on display, like the Apple Watch. But the Apple Watch only makes it through one whole day with a little extra to spare when I have the always-on display active. That's with a 40-minute workout thrown in and regular use throughout the day getting notifications from my phone. The Versa 2 makes it two-and-a-half days with always-on active and the same usage. That goes up to five-and-a-half days when the display is set to raise-to-wake.
The always-on display on the Versa 2.
Angela Lang/CNET
Being smartwatches, both support voice assistants, though they handle that in a different way. With the Versa 2 you get Alexa support to control smart devices, check the weather, start a workout or set reminders. There's no speaker, so you'll have to read the screen to check responses. And it's kind of slow.
With the Apple Watch closely integrated with Siri, you can speak the wake word or hold the button to summon the assistant. You'll be able to hear Siri talk, send text messages, speak responses and do most of what Siri offers on your phone.
Of course, you'll also be able to customize what notifications come through from your phone on both of these watches. However, you will only be able to respond to notifications from the Versa 2 if you're on Android, not iPhone. Both allow you to accept and reject calls from your wrist, regardless of what phone you're tied to, but if you have the Versa 2 you won't be able to take the call on your wrist because there's no speaker -- you'll need to grab your phone.
For me, the biggest advantage that the Apple Watch has over the Versa 2 when it comes to smart features is built-in connectivity, both GPS and cellular, which means you can leave your phone at home and take calls, send messages or stream music on the go when doing an outdoor workout, for example. (It does come at an extra cost, however.) With Emergency SOS you'll also be able to call emergency services from your wrist and share your location, plus alert your emergency contacts. The Apple Watch Series 5 also offers a built-in compass.
Both offer music storage, although it's more complicated to pull across music to the Versa 2 from a computer than it is to use the seamless transfer offered between the iPhone and Apple Watch. You can also pay with your wrist thanks to Fitbit Pay and Apple Pay on the Versa 2 and Apple Watch respectively.
I've been testing the Apple Watch and Versa 2 primarily with an iPhone and definitely feel the Apple Watch was the faster of the two when it comes to syncing and transferring settings. Occasionally, I have noticed integrations with third-party apps such as Spotify and Snapchat for the Bitmoji face require me to log in and sync again through the Fitbit app.
Read about some of the other features offered in WatchOS 6 on the Apple Watch.
Fitness tracking is Fitbit's forte, but Apple has ECG
I have used both of these watches during a number of different workouts (Pilates, indoor spin class, outdoor runs and outdoor bike rides) and have been impressed with the results from both. During my outdoor run, for example, both gave fairly consistent results when it came to tracking my heart rate, although I did find the Apple Watch updated my heart rate slightly faster. I haven't yet tested these watches against the gold standard in consumer heart rate tracking, a chest strap.
The Versa 2, however, can show you what heart rate zone you're in during a workout, such as cardio or fat burn, which I appreciate. Only the Apple Watch offers you on-wrist cadence tracking so you can see your steps per minute, plus pace alerts for running that can notify you if you fall below your chosen pace. You can see your pace on the wrist for the Versa 2, but you won't get alerts.
Both watches can track plenty of different workouts and automatically detect certain activities like running or walking. I find it easier to see and interpret the data from my workouts using the Fitbit app rather than trying to search for it across the Activity app or Health app on iPhone.
Fitbit also offers the Coach app (you'll need to download and sync it across to the watch from the Fitbit app) which puts three free workouts with visual guidance on your wrist. This hasn't changed since the first Versa but it's still a nice touch for those who might not have time for a full workout. You can pay for a Fitbit Premium subscription ($9.99 a month in the US) to get more workouts.
Sleep tracking on the Versa 2.
Sarah Tew/CNET
Sleep tracking is only available natively on the Versa 2 and I really like how Fitbit shows you a breakdown of your different sleep stages, such as REM and deep sleep, plus gives you a sleep score out of 100. Thanks to the latest OS 4.1 update, you can now see your sleep score on the Versa 2 and the watch now has a feature that vibrates to wake you at the optimal time in your sleep cycle (within 30 minutes of your alarm). Fitbit calls this smart wake.
Unfortunately the app won't tell you much about how to improve the sleep score (apart from some standard prompts to go to bed on time) unless you have a Fitbit Premium subscription which has more advanced sleep tools and analysis.
I also found that there was sometimes a variance between how I felt and the sleep score: For example, one night I got 8.5 hours of rest and felt great in the morning, but my sleep score was in the low 60s. The sleep score does take into account your restoration, which is sleeping heart rate and how much you toss and turn during the night. (Maybe I'm an overly active sleeper, because my restoration score showed a lot of restlessness.)
The Apple Watch helps you keep tabs on your daily activity using a ring-based system, which hasn't changed since the first generation. On the Versa 2 you can find your daily metrics in the Today section by swiping down from the main screen.
As for health and heart tracking in particular, the Apple Watch Series 5 pulls ahead. With a built-in ECG (electrocardiogram) that's FDA-cleared, the watch can also detect high, low and irregular heart rates and notify you accordingly. It also has fall detection. Both watches offer menstrual cycle tracking, although you can't log details on the Versa 2 like you can on the Apple Watch. Instead, you'll need to do that in the Fitbit app.
Which one's right for me?
Considering the Versa 2 costs half as much as the Apple Watch Series 5, if money is your concern, then this is the watch for you. Especially because it works across Android and iOS. It also has a wide range of activities that it can track and the Fitbit app makes it really easy to see your fitness metrics.
For runners, or those who want to leave their phone at home and stream music on the go, make calls or send messages, the Apple Watch with built-in LTE is the clear choice. It also has the benefit of ECG in certain countries.
Also, now that Apple has reduced the entry price of the Apple Watch Series 3 (which also has GPS and an LTE option) to $200, it's another good option for Apple users who want the tightest integration with an iPhone.
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Intel Has More Women in Tech Than Ever, But the Percentage Still Dropped
Intel Has More Women in Tech Than Ever, But the Percentage Still Dropped
New diversity and inclusion figures from Intel, out Thursday, show the company's going to need to make some tweaks to keep the percentages of groups typically underrepresented in the industry climbing.
The percentage of women in technical roles slid from 25.2% to 24.3% between 2020 and 2021. It's not the direction the company is hoping for given the goal it set in 2020 to get women into 40% of technical roles by 2030. Tech giants like Google (25.7%), Facebook (24.8%), Apple (24.4%) and others have long struggled to hit 30% women in tech roles.
But according to Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dawn Jones, the slide is prompting Intel to examine what's behind the decline. For the first time since Intel started releasing numbers in 2015, the company included the raw numbers of women in its workforce. There are 26,000 women in tech roles at Intel, the most in the company's history. After a period of heavy hiring last year, though, the percentage took a hit, she said.
"We have to look at that hiring pool more intentionally," Jones said. "Is it that we are not getting the resumes? Is it that we're not getting the interest? And if we're not getting the interest, why? These are questions that we ask. Is [it] the culture? Is it a flexibility issue? Is it a location issue?"
The company is also setting the goal of making sure hiring for women in tech roles sits at 30% at least in 2022, and tying it to annual performance bonuses, a move Intel has used in the past to try to spur diversity.
Intel's diversity and inclusion numbers are part of its larger annual Corporate Responsibility Report, which covers additional topics like the company's sustainability and education efforts. For example, Intel is committing to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. It's also putting $100 million in the next decade toward research and education partnerships relating to semiconductor manufacturing.
Many big name tech companies like Google and Facebook started publishing diversity figures around 2014 as the industry began to face scrutiny over its demographic makeup. The reports confirmed what was already obvious -- tech is largely white and male.
Since 2015, Intel's been something of a rarity in terms of publicly committing to goals around diversity and inclusion. In 2018, it reached its goal of hitting full representation of women and minorities in its US workforce (compared to broader US tech industry) two years ahead of schedule. In 2019, the company said it closed its pay gap.
In 2020, Intel set new goals, including putting women in 40% of technical roles by 2030 and doubling the numbers of women and underrepresented minorities in senior roles in the same time frame.
Overall, the number of women at Intel decreased from 26.3% in 2020 to 25.8%. Intel is 44.1% white, down from 45.8% the previous year. Several underrepresented minority groups saw losses – Hispanic employees fell from 10.5% to 9.3%; Black employees dropped from 5% to 4.9%; Asian employees also declined from 37.6% to 36.3%. The percentage of Pacific Islanders stayed flat at .4% and Native American employees gained some ground at .9%, up from .8%.
Jones did point out the addition of two new population categories, giving folks the ability to identify as "other" or "two or more ethnicities," which may have contributed to differences in the racial and ethnic breakdowns.
Intel also hit a new high in terms of the number of women in leadership roles, having 1,449 total, but again the percentage still fell slightly from 18.8% to 18.7%
In terms of pay, women in the US earned as much or slightly more than their male counterparts at Intel.
Jones also talked about how Intel is trying to respond to the broader moment -- the combination of the coronavirus pandemic, which reports say has throttled women's careers and the Great Resignation. In March, 4.5 million people quit their jobs.
As people are leaving their jobs in search of better opportunities, Jones said Intel is paying attention to why. Intel is hoping, for one, that the embrace of hybrid workplaces will help bring more women and underrepresented minorities into the fold. Initiatives like its Returnship Program, which aims to get women who have left the workforce for a while back, could potentially also help.
"Money is a factor, but generally, it's not the only factor or even the driving factor," Jones said. "It's 'I don't feel valued and I'm not getting money. So, let me go find a place that is giving me all of these things.'"
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Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?
Battery Backup vs. Generator: Which Backup Power Source Is Best for You?
When you live somewhere with extreme weather or regular power outages, it's a good idea to have a backup power source for your home. There are various types of backup power systems on the market, but each serves the same primary purpose: keeping your lights and appliances on when the power goes out.
It might be a good year to look into backup power: Much of North America is at an elevated risk of blackout this summer thanks to an ongoing drought and expected higher than average temperatures, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation said Wednesday. Parts of the United States, from Michigan down to the Gulf Coast, are at a high risk making blackouts even more likely.
The SaveOnEnergy marketplace helps you search, compare, sign up and save on the right energy fit for your home — all for free. If you're interested in solar, answer a few questions to get an exact price quote from our solar advisors.
In the past, fuel-powered standby generators (also known as whole house generators) have dominated the backup power supply market, but reports of risk of carbon monoxide poisoning have led many to search for alternatives. Battery backups have emerged as a more eco-friendly and potentially safer option to conventional generators.
Despite performing the same function, battery backups and generators are different devices. Each one has a particular set of advantages and disadvantages, which we'll cover in the following comparison guide. Keep reading to find out about the main differences between battery backups and generators and decide which option is right for you.
Cynthia R Matonhodze/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Battery backups
Home battery backup systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall or the LG Chem RESU, store energy, which you can use to power your house during an outage. Battery backups run on electricity, either from your home solar system or the electrical grid. As a result, they're much better for the environment than fuel-powered generators. They're also better for your wallet.
Separately, if you have a time-of-use utility plan, you can use a battery backup system to save money on your energy bills. Instead of paying high electricity rates during peak usage hours, you can use energy from your battery backup to power your home. In off-peak hours, you can use your electricity as normal -- but at a cheaper rate.
LifestyleVisuals/Getty Images
Generators
On the other hand, standby generators connect to your home's electrical panel and kick on automatically when the power goes out. Generators run on fuel to keep your electricity on during an outage -- typically natural gas, liquid propane or diesel. Other generators have a "dual fuel" feature, meaning that they can run on either natural gas or liquid propane.
Certain natural gas and propane generators can connect to your home's gas line or propane tank, so there's no need to refill them manually. Diesel generators, however, will need to be topped up in order to keep running.
Battery backup vs. generator: How do they compare?
Pricing
In terms of cost, battery backups are the pricier option upfront. But generators need fuel to run, which means that you'll spend more over time to maintain a steady fuel supply.
With battery backups, you'll need to pay for the backup battery system upfront, as well as installation costs (each of which are in the thousands). Exact pricing will vary based on which battery model you choose and how many of them you need to power your home. However, it's common for an average-sized home battery backup system to run between $10,000 and $20,000.
For generators, the upfront costs are slightly lower. On average, the price of purchasing and installing a standby generator can range from $7,000 to $15,000. However, remember that generators require fuel to run, which will increase your operating expenses. The specific costs will depend on a few factors, including the size of your generator, which type of fuel it uses and the amount of fuel used to run it.
Installation
Battery backups earn a slight edge in this category since they can be mounted to the wall or floor, whereas generator installations require a bit of additional work. Regardless, you'll need to hire a professional for either type of installation, both of which will require a full day of work and may cost several thousand dollars.
Aside from setting up the device itself, installing a generator also requires pouring a concrete slab, connecting the generator to a dedicated fuel source and installing a transfer switch.
Maintenance
Battery backups are the clear winner in this category. They're quiet, run independently, don't produce any emissions and don't require any ongoing maintenance.
On the other hand, generators can be quite noisy and disruptive when they're in use. They also emit exhaust or fumes, depending on which type of fuel they use to run -- which may irritate you or your neighbors.
Keeping your home powered
As far as how long they can keep your home powered, standby generators easily outperform battery backups. As long as you have enough fuel, generators can run continuously for up to three weeks at a time (if necessary).
That's simply not the case with battery backups. Let's use the Tesla Powerwall as an example. It has 13.5 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity, which can provide power for a few hours on its own. You can get extra power out of them if they're part of a solar panel system or if you use multiple batteries in a single system.
Expected lifespan and warranty
In most cases, battery backups come with longer warranties than standby generators. However, these warranties are measured in different ways.
Over time, battery backup systems lose the ability to hold a charge, much like phones and laptops. For that reason, battery backups include an end-of-warranty capacity rating, which measures how effective a battery will hold a charge by the end of its warranty period. In Tesla's case, the company guarantees that the Powerwall battery should retain 70% of its capacity by the end of its 10-year warranty.
Some backup battery manufacturers also offer a "throughput" warranty. This is the number of cycles, hours or energy output (known as "throughput") that a company guarantees on its battery.
With standby generators, it's easier to estimate lifespan. Good-quality generators can run for 3,000 hours, as long as they're well maintained. Therefore, if you run your generator for 150 hours per year, then it should last about 20 years.
Which one is right for you?
Across most categories, battery backup systems come out on top. In short, they're better for the environment, easier to install and cheaper to run long-term. Plus, they have longer warranties than standby generators.
With that said, traditional generators can be a good option in some cases. Unlike battery backups, you only need a single generator to restore power in an outage, which brings down the upfront costs. Plus, standby generators can last longer than battery backup systems in a single session. As a result, they'll be a safer bet if the power is out for days at a time.
Samsung and Starbucks are making coffee-themed Galaxy S22 accessories and a Galaxy Buds 2 case, all of which sport a combination of the Starbucks logo with various shades of green to match. They're available for purchase Tuesday, but only in South Korea for now.
The Starbucks line includes the entire Galaxy S22 line, with cases also available for the S22 Plus and S22 Ultra. The buzzworthy case lineup takes inspiration from the coffee chain -- from the signature Starbucks green aprons to the latte art in your favorite cup of joe. There's even a phone case that looks like a Starbucks receipt.
The two new Galaxy Buds cases include a forest green case flashing the Starbucks logo and a case that resembles a mug with a latte art heart inside of it. The cases are compatible with Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds Live.
This Starbucks collaboration isn't the first whimsical phone accessory collab Samsung has participated in. For Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3 in April, the company partnered with Pokemon to create Pikachu and Poke ball merch.
