Kayla Matthews

Kayla Matthews is a senior writer for MakeUseOf and the owner and editor of ProductivityBytes.com. To read more posts from Kayla, you can follow her on Twitter @KaylaEMatthews.

6 Gadgets you should have in your car for winter emergencies

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ARTICLE – Winter is just around the corner, and most people can’t completely avoid driving in the treacherous conditions that typically characterize the season. In addition to being extra cautious behind the wheel, it’s wise to invest in these six winter-ready gadgets. 1. The Trac-Grabber There’s nothing quite like the heart-sinking sound of car wheels spinning […]

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Xbox’s new game streaming service: what you should know

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NEWS – People are already accustomed to streaming TV shows and movies, and Xbox is bringing that capability to games, too. There’s no word yet on pricing for Xbox’s game-streaming option — known as Project xCloud — but the brand plans to launch public trials of the service next year. Open to Third-Party Developers In

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The Samsung Galaxy S10: what we think we know

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ARTICLE – Rumors abound when people get word of new smartphones, and that consistent truth prevails about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10. Let’s take a look at some of the most likely features of this highly anticipated phone. It may debut in January 2019 at CES Tech analysts say Samsung’s Galaxy S10 will be available

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5 Windows PC problems that you can fix yourself

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ARTICLE – Although some PC problems require a technician to repair them, there are many issues that you can fix at home all by yourself. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with an older computer or a cutting-edge gaming PC, many solutions to common problems are similar. Consider the following five. 1. Computer Is Slow Is

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6 Smart gadgets that make moving or remodeling easier

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ARTICLE – Moving to a new place or remodeling your home are two substantial life milestones. They’re usually things you anticipate happily, although some aspects could be stressful. This list of six gadgets could help you take moving and remodeling in stride. 1. The Roomba 600 Series Vacuuming Robot A new home is likely virtually free

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5 Smart tech gadgets for apartment renters

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Depending on the terms of your rental agreement and the flexibility — or lack thereof — displayed by your landlord, it may not be possible to install smart home items in your abode if they require making permanent alterations. Fortunately, there are still plenty of high-tech items that cater to your apartment-based lifestyle. 1. Belkin

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This biometric safe will make you feel like James Bond

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Remember the touch pads and retinal scanners featured in James Bond films and other thrilling movies? Now you can purchase a gadget that fits into your favorite on-screen storylines. The Barska AX11224 Biometric Home Safe doesn’t require keys you might misplace, nor does it use lock combinations. Instead, this product stores up to 30 fingerprints

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Too busy to mow your lawn? Let the WORX Landroid do it instead!

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The WORX Landroid cuts out more time for you to enjoy your outdoor space when the weather is at its best. Similar to a Roomba — a robot vacuum, — the Landroid combs your lawn looking for disorderly grass in order to leave a well-manicured lawn in its wake. Think about all you could do

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This tracker keeps hikers from getting lost

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Compared to the general population, serious hikers are often better than average at understanding environmental factors and keeping themselves safe. Part of the planning process associated with upcoming excursions almost always involves studying maps and routes. However, as new technologies become available, hikers often invest in tracking devices that make it easier for rescuers to

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Spring cleaning has never been so easy with this robot vacuum

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  The arrival of spring means it’s time to put the flannel sheets and heavy jackets away in favor of items made for warmer weather. It’s also a time which often inspires people to get in the spring cleaning mood. You can probably relate, but may not be looking forward to the task. That’s because

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How the Blinkers system is making cycling safer

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The addition of lights to bicycles is nothing new. From headlights that draw their power from the bike’s wheels to the integration of solar lighting, these devices have saved countless lives while adding some flair and originality to bikes across the nation. But a European company has introduced a new product that aims to make

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