Articles by Jodi Owan

Here at Android Central, we’re big fans of speed and fun. The DJI Mavic Mini catches our eye with its zippy movements and clear footage. Remote-controlled vehicles are another favorite. Today we’re delving into the world of RC cars. If you’ve ever shopped for one, you know that some were designed for kids, and others are aimed straight at hardcore adult drivers. It’s a challenge to pick the right one, but we’re here to help with our list of the best RC cars of the year. So slap on your seatbelt, and let’s go.

Best overall

ARRMA TYPHON 4X4 RC Buggy

Staff Pick

Reach speeds of over 50 miles per hour with the ARRMA Typhon 4WD buggy. The 3200Kv brushless motor delivers incredible torque, acceleration, and speed. The aerodynamic profile and the large tires give reliable traction and maneuverability on flat pavement, gravel, rocky paths, and even carpeting. Best of all, all electronics on the ARRMA Typhon are waterproof, so it’s up to mudbogging, snow, or cruising in the rain.

$3…

Radio-controlled (RC) trucks are a blast for all ages. These miniaturized vehicles are manipulated from a distance using a remote and rechargeable battery. Like most radio-controlled vehicles, prices can run from toy-level novelties that creep along indoor carpeting to pro-level rigs with 4-wheel drive that can conquer any hill. So what’s the best RC truck out today? Here are our favorites.

Best for kids

BEZGAR 17

Staff Pick

If you’re shopping for kids, this is the best RC truck on our list. It’s a toy-grade model with 2WD that cruises along at up to 12 miles per hour. The alloy body is rugged and has no trouble withstanding crashes and bumps. This kit comes with two rechargeable batteries, a truck, and a pistol-shaped 2.4GHz remote.

$40 at Amazon $74 at Walmart

Best battery life

LAEGENDARY large RC truck

When your battery dies, so does your time behind the wheel. The LAEGENDARY large RC truck holds a charge for 40 minutes and comes with two batteries, so you’re nev…

Stop belting out your favorite tunes in the shower a cappella. These shower speakers are reliably water-resistant to take in the bath or on a trip to the beach, with enough oomph to cut through flowing water for a clear melody. Choose between versatile speakers with built-in speakerphones and voice assistants, lightweight speaker balls that can float in the bathtub, or powerhouses like the JBL Charge 5 with long-lasting battery life and beautifully rich sound.

Best overall: JBL Charge 5

JBL makes some of the most robust-sounding, weatherproof Bluetooth speakers on the market. We’re fans of all things JBL, including their newest speaker, the Charge 5. They’re a tad pricey, but if you’re looking for a capable sound system that can physically handle being inside the shower with you and you have the budget for it, JBL’s Charge 5 is the single best shower speaker on the market today.

With an IP67 waterproof rating, the Charge 5 can power your party in the rain, sit poolside or beachs…

More and more devices today are powered by energy-efficient lithium CR2032 batteries, from car key fobs to wristwatches and even the latest Bluetooth trackers from brands like Tile. The small coin-shaped batteries last longer than previous generation batteries and take up less room in a drawer. Which are the best CR2032 batteries? Let’s take a look.

Best in any weather

Energizer 3V Lithium Coin 6-Count

Energizer’s little CR2032 lithium button batteries add significant power to devices! This six-pack delivers on performance and value. Perfect for glucose monitors, toys games, medical devices, watches, and remotes, Energizer’s offering holds power for up to 10 years in storage. These batteries can also withstand temperature swings from -22 degrees to 140 degrees.

$6 at Amazon $8 at Walmart $17 at Target

A basic battery

AmazonBasics 4-Pack

The AmazonBasics 4-pack of batteries comes with Amazon’s 1-year guarantee. These no-nonsense lithium batteries are made for small, low-pow…

Your pets are part of your family. You take pictures of your animals, include them in activities, and feed them and love them. Want to give something back to your four-legged friend for all their loyal years of service? These are the best pet gadgets around. Some will help you keep an eye on your furry friends while others reward good behavior and give your best pal something to do when you’re not home.

Eyes on the prize

Viture 1080P Pet Camera

Staff Favorite

This Wi-Fi camera keeps encrypted files on an SD card that only you can access. With 1080P Night Vision, you get clear images night or day of your pets inside or out. This video camera has motion detection that alerts you when your pet is on the move. And with two-way audio, you can tell your dog to get off the couch even when you’re in the office.

$26 at Amazon

Deshedding magic

FURminator

Eliminate matted fur and stray pet hair without scissors or stressing out your dog or cat. The FURminator does away with lo…

Video doorbells have proven to be an effective way to keep an eye on your front door and give your family a little peace of mind. The problem is, they’re spendy and don’t always live up to the hype.

Most so-called “smart doorbells” on the market come with hidden fees, have complicated setups, and really aren’t that smart.

Blurams Smart Video Doorbell is different. Like a 24/7 doorman, the Blurams Smart Video Doorbell is an always-ready video camera doorbell with two-way audio, AI facial recognition, automatic voice response, and an anti-theft alarm. And there are no hidden fees.

Blurams Smart Video Doorbell

Buy now

The Blurams Smart Video Doorbell comes with free cloud storage, 32 custom ring chimes, two-way audio, AI facial recognition, and a sound and light alarm. Grab it now for 54-percent off.

Imagine someone you know coming to your front door, ringing the bell, and getting an automated “hello” from you. That’s one of the many features of the Blurams Smart Video Doo…

I live out of a backpack for half the year. Since room in my pack and time in civilization is scarce, I require efficient gear that travels well.

Power banks and AC adapters have been a staple in my tool chest for years. While many are packable, they don’t provide the oomph my laptop, phone, or camera batteries require to stay powered up. Breaking camp to juice up batteries is a luxury I can’t afford.

After years of trial and error lugging around proprietary, bulky wall chargers and anemic battery packs, I’ve finally found a pair of tools from AUKEY worth their bragging rights. It’s not a perfect solution, but it has earned a place in my backpack and my daily life at home and on the road.

Taking AUKEY on the road

I packed up and headed out with two AUKEY products, traveling more than 3,500 miles over 10 days. My sole goal was to make as few stops as possible to recharge equipment. How did it go? Let’s start with the AUKEY charger.

AUKEY Omnia 100W PD Wall Charger

Carrying the…

Family cellphone plans are supposed to make life easier. They’re meant to save you money and help you manage your family’s data usage, but many family plans fall short. That’s not always the case though. Tello is a little different.

With Tello, there are no one-size-fits-all family plans. Everything and everyone’s plan is customizable. What makes switching to Tello so easy?

Every modern phone is compatible with Tello

The biggest expense when moving carriers is the investment in new hardware. Buying a fancy new phone for yourself is costly enough, but it takes a giant chunk out of your funds when you must pick out a phone for everyone on your plan.

When you switch to Tello, this isn’t a worry. If you own a modern unlocked device or a CDMA phone that’s compatible with Sprint, you’re good to go. It doesn’t matter if you have an Android device or an iPhone.

Family plans are customizable

You’ve probably gone through the trouble of signing up for a family plan before and quickl…