The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is both fast and affordable, making it a top choice for the everyday user. Chromebooks are getting better and better every day. With the arrival of the new Chromebook Plus line of laptops comes updated hardware, 1080p webcams, and AI capabilities. Chromebooks have definitely come a long way since the 2011 debut. If you're in the market for a snappy everyday machine, the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is definitely worth your precious time and attention.

We've already written about the convenience of Yale's smart locks. But now after five years on the market, Yale is updating its flagship product with a brand new design, a wider range of connectivity options and even more styles to suit your home. Priced between $160 to $260, the new Assure Lock 2 will be available in four main variations: two touchscreen models (both with and without a key cylinder) and two keypad models (one keyed and one key-free). By default all models with include Bluetooth connectivity, though you can also upgrade to a version with built-in WiFi. But perhaps most importantly, because users will be able to buy and install add-on modules that enable additional wireless connectivity, it's easy to upgrade your lock post-purchase.

Starting at just $349 for the 43-inch model, the 4-Series is as affordable as it is flexible: This series runs the screen size gamut from 43 to 85 inches and even comes in software variants, with Roku (the version we tested), Google, and Android smart platforms available depending upon retailer and region. But no matter which one you buy, you're getting 4K resolution, HDR compatibility, and solid general picture quality. There are some reasons you might want to spend a bit more. This is an entry-level 4K TV, and despite being HDR compatible, it's simply not bright or colorful enough for good HDR performance. The basics of its picture are solid, but it's not equipped to be a great choice for current game consoles, and its backlight isn't powerful enough for especially bright rooms.

As we approach the close of a whirlwind 2020, connected devices will continue to define numerous industries in the coming year. The Internet of Things (IoT) adoption has remained a gamechanger for businesses this year and inevitably will continue to redefine operations as industries evolve from the pandemic-induced challenges and step into 2021. Several trends are expected to continue to gather momentum, fueling IoT's prominence in 2021, from data-intensive experiences that use IoT devices such as self-driving cars or wearable devices, to basic health-and-safety needs as Covid-19 continues to take center stage. At the same time, the IoT landscape remains fragmented, and the fragmentation will continue, predicted Forrester Research and connectivity options will be diverse rather than standardized. While 5G has been touted as the holy grail for IoT, "there will be a variety of connectivity options," said Forrester senior analyst Michele Pelino.

As we approach the close of a whirlwind 2020, connected devices will continue to define numerous industries in the coming year. Several trends continue to gather momentum, fueling IoT's prominence in 2021, from data-intensive experiences that use Internet of Things (IoT) devices (such as self-driving cars or wearable devices) to basic health-and-safety needs as COVID-19 continues to take center stage. At the same time, the IoT landscape remains fragmented, with various prevailing standards, connectivity options and use cases abounding. This fragmentation will continue, predicted Forrester Research, and connectivity options will be diverse rather than standardized. While 5G has been touted as the holy grail for IoT, "there will be a variety of connectivity options," said Michele Pelino, senior analyst within the infrastructure and operations research team at Forrester.

After a surprisingly robust 2017, our collective attentions now turn to the new year, and many questions arise as to what will happen in 2018. Some developments will likely be obvious extensions to themes or ideas that started to take hold over the past 12 months, but there are always a few surprises as well. Exactly what those unexpected developments prove to be is virtually impossible to foretell, but here's a reasoned look at some key themes I expect to drive important advances in the tech industry in 2018. As powerful and advanced as the tech products we use everyday may be, it's still a stretch to call them "intelligent." Sure, they can perform impressive tasks, but in many ways, they still can't do the simplest of things, particularly in helping us do what we "meant to do" or thought to do, as opposed to exactly what we told them to do.