Toyota has a new solid-state battery that’s less dense and more stable than lithium-ion batteries. Here’s why it could be the answer to common EV complaints.
Your phone has a death date
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Your phone is dying as you’re reading this. Many people don’t realize that, like milk, condoms or your favorite hot sauce that’s been in the fridge since 2018, your phone has an expiration date.
Here are the average lifespans for some of today’s most popular phone brands and makes:
- Apple iPhone: 4 to 8 years; iPhones often get 6+ years of iOS updates.
- Samsung: 3 to 6 years. Flagships get 5 years of updates, but budget models tend to peak around 3 years.
- Google Pixel: 3 to 5 years. Pixels now promise up to 7 years of updates (starting with Pixel 8).
To be clear: These are averages. Like dog years or Tinder bios, your mileage may vary.
What’s your number?
Here’s the juicy bit: Your phone’s expiration countdown starts when it’s manufactured, not when you bought it, so knowing when it was built is super important. Here are ways to find out:
- Look around: The manufacture date is often listed on the package. If you tossed it, check the “About” section in your phone’s settings for a date or serial number.
- Serial number: Many manufacturers encode the manufacturing date within these numbers. The site SNDeep.info can help you decode yours.
- Dial secret codes: Special codes and menus can reveal manufacturing information. Dialing *#06# might or might not show your phone’s serial number.
Yeah, I know. This looks like way too much work.
Hallelujah, an easier way
Instead of taking the steps above, head to endoflife.date. This handy site lists the end-of-life (EOL) dates for devices, software programs and others. Some quick links for you to check your phone’s EOL:
The links below aren’t for phones, but I thought you might want to check the EOL for your other tech:
Read this before your laptop or e-bike becomes fireworks
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Maybe this photo is a little bit dramatic. BUT, electronics are exploding.
Everything from your phone to your e-bike runs on lithium-ion. While batteries are small energy wonders, they’re also tiny explosives just begging for an excuse to ruin your day. Or your house. Or your entire block.
🔥 Power pod meltdown: Casely is recalling its Power Pods 5000mAh MagSafe wireless chargers because the lithium-ion batteries inside may overheat, expand or literally catch fire. Hit this link to see if it’s listed on your Amazon account recall list.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Tech myths: Streaming, AI, phone and computer ‘wisdom’ that isn’t
© Eric Broder Van Dyke | Dreamstime.com, © Niccolo Pontigia | Dreamstime.com, © Tero Vesalainen | Dreamstime.com
When it comes to tech myths, I’ve heard ‘em all. That’s why I’m here to help you keep a handle on what’s real and what’s not. Before we dive in, just a few reminders: Macs can get viruses, closing apps will not save battery life, and your smartphone’s memory doesn’t die after two years.
Amazon Haul: It’s like Temu in the Amazon Shopping app
Can you guess how much money super-cheap Chinese retailer Temu raked in last year? The answer is about $54 billion, and the latest numbers show almost half that total came from American shoppers.
It’s hard to resist inexpensive stuff shipped right to your door, even when you end up with hilarious fails like this. Want a way to score Temu-like deals without giving Communist China all your personal data? Meet Amazon Haul, the new online destination for dirt-cheap finds.
Hearing aids 101: How they work and Kim’s top tech pick
© Phanuwatn | Dreamstime.com, hear.com
Last year, my husband Barry got sick. We thought it was just a cold, but then, the strangest thing happened: He lost hearing in one ear because of a virus. After months of waiting, endless consultations and a lot of research, we learned how common this is.
Best surge protectors and outlet extenders to give you more places to plug in
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Most of us have thousands of dollars in expensive computers, phones, tablets, and other personal electronics. All it takes is one surge to ruin all of that. Tap or click to keep your electronics clean and organized.
You could be at work when a storm begins, lightning strikes a transformer, and a surge hits your corner of the power grid. A surge protector is the only way to know that your electronics are safe.
Best portable chargers, power banks and other ways to top up your tech on the go
© Vadzim Shubich | Dreamstime.com
We’re all tied to a handful of devices with rechargeable batteries. What happens when those batteries run out before we get home?
In many cases, we panic. We all want to make our batteries last longer, but as lithium-ion batteries age, they lose maximum power.
Tablet buying guide: How to choose the best tablet based on your needs and budget
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Tablets provide excellent utility, great accessibility and open up a world of possibilities from your fingertips. That is if you use the right ones. Tap or click here for 10 tips and tricks for your iPad.
You can be creative with graphic design and art, watch your favorite shows and viral video clips, or turn a tablet into a pop-up workstation wherever you are.
The holy grail of batteries is almost here
Did you know lithium-ion batteries can explode and start fires? Listen now to find out how Harvard researchers are fixing the problem.
True or false: you should plug in your phone before bed
Many tech myths are floating around, like more bars on your phone means better service. Type *3001#12345#* into your dialer and press the call button to access “Field Mode” to get details about local networks and cell towers. Tap or click to learn what the test results mean.