Personal Tech: What Geeks are talking about from USA Today

Here is the latest Personal Tech News from USA Today.

Amazon Echo turns into a sleeper hit, offsetting Fire’s failure
Some are comparing the voice-activated speaker to the iPod, which changed the industry

First look: Ed Baig tries Oculus Rift VR
Oculus Rift is pricey and requires a robust PC, but it was a big hit in the Baig household – especially with his son.

Apple Releases Small New iPhone, iPad
Apple unveiled a small new iPhone, a new iPad tablet for business use and price cuts for its Apple Watch at a product event Monday. (March 21)

Expect more silly faces in your News Feed with the MSQRD app
Facebook has acquired Masquerade in a move to take on Snapchat’s popular face-swapping feature. How does MSQRD compare to Snapchat’s silly face features? Jefferson Graham reports.

Thumbs down on the “Yelp for Humans” app, Peeple
‘Peeple’, an app described as “Yelp for humans” launched this week on Apple’s App Store and is being roasted. How bad is it? Jefferson Graham reports.

New car tech speeds into the future
Jennifer Jolly looks at how new cars are becoming safer, greener and smarter.

Waterproof? We put Samsung’s Galaxy S7 to the test
The new Samsung Galaxy S7 claims to be waterproof, but is it? We put it to the test. Ed Baig for USA TODAY.

These are the best top-load washers under $1,000
Top-loading washers are trusty old standbys, and we help you pick the best ones under $1K.

Warning: Avoid smartphone shame at work. Keep them out of sight
I was an addict until my boss held an “intervention.” What I learned.

Think twice before you like: like farming on Facebook
Kim Komando reports for USA TODAY on the dangers involved with ‘liking’ something on Facebook.

New Samsung phones may have best screens ever made
The Galaxy’s OLED display is brighter and more adaptive.

Attack of the Drones at CES 2016

These are the best fridges under $1,000
If you want a new fridge but don’t want to spend over a grand, we’ve got you covered.

The ultimate guide to IKEA kitchen appliances
Looking for a Swede deal? Ikea may not be your best choice.

How do vacuum cleaners actually work?
It’s all about the roller brush and the fan.

Samsung may invest billions to make OLED TVs
Reports state the Korean firm may invest billions in OLED panel production.

Low light is no problem for Nikon’s new cameras
We’re gonna need a bigger sensor.

Pay with your face: MasterCard’s ‘selfie pay’
Watch out — that selfie habit might help you jack up your credit card bill.

When will OLED TV prices become more reasonable?
The best TVs are still very pricy, but the costs are coming down.

Insider spills secrets to scoring Best Buy bargains
Tips from a person who spent time inside the blue polo.

Is GE’s massive wall oven a big deal?
It blends features and performance—and blends in, too.

New Thermador Emerald dishwasher is a free gem
Form and function without sacrifice.

What is an OLED TV?
This new display technology offers unparalleled picture quality.

A virtual tour of 2016’s best VR headsets
A virtual tour of the future of gaming and entertainment

These are the best affordable top-loading washers
Top-loading washers continue to be popular. We run down the best affordable ones around.

Apple’s showdown with the FBI is about more than just iPhones
A judge ordered Apple to unlock a San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone. So what are the privacy implications? Video provided by Newsy

New album proves your washer is a musical instrument
Doing the laundry has never sounded this cool.

New Canon DSLR is sharper, better, faster, stronger
At long last: a headphone jack!

Virtual insanity: 2016’s hottest VR headsets
A virtual tour of the future of gaming and entertainment

This Kickstarter phone never runs out of space
The NextBit Robin makes clever use of cloud storage.

Secure iPhone alternatives aren’t catching on
“Hack-proof” phones may not be the solution we’re hoping for.

This site only sells products that last forever
Every product is built to last, or has a lifetime guarantee.

Bracelet may change how we get caffeinated
Caffeine without worrying about teeth stains? Sign us up!

Is Whirlpool’s smart washer a smart buy?
This washer works smarter—but it could stand to work harder.

These are the best quiet dishwashers you can buy
Today’s dishwashers are quieter than ever, but not all clean well.

PSA: Your dishwasher can clean more than dishes
It’s more versatile than you think.

Is IKEA’s budget dishwasher a Swede deal?
This affordable panel-ready Ikea lets you camouflage your dishwasher with a cabinet door.

Apple to launch new iPhone, iPad
Sources say, Apple is on target to introduce its next iPhone and iPad models on March 15, and aims to start selling the devices in the same week.

Sequel to popular Sony camera is no mere refresh
Sony did more than just refresh its popular A6000 camera for the A6300.

Microsoft wants Office apps on all Android phones
74 handset manufacturers are now packaging Office apps by default.

Samsung says its smart TVs won’t spy on users
But be careful what you say, and when you say it.

Check out these cool features on Windows 10
Microsoft’s Windows 10 is now installed on more than 200 million gadgets worldwide.

What it’s like to use Samsung’s ActiveWash
In some cases, shallowness can be a virtue.

This magical disc tells you when dishes are dirty
A magnet that just might save your marriage

The best gas and electric ranges under $800
If you want a great range without spending a grand, look no further.

The best big-screen TVs for the big game
Get ready for game day with the biggest, baddest TVs around.

These magnetic headphones may revolutionize audio
Fancy planar magnetic drivers in a portable package.

LG cuts prices on flagship TVs for the big game
No matter what team you root for, we can all enjoy cheaper OLEDs.

How to watch Super Bowl 50
Cord-cutters can get in on the action, too!

Canon’s new flagship DSLR takes aim at Nikon
Canon’s latest DSLR takes it upon itself to one-up Nikon’s D5.

The best slow cookers for the big game
Set it and forget it!

Many low-, moderate-income families ‘under-connected’ to Internet
Remember the “digital divide”? Well, forget it. These days, the big divide isn’t between the digital “haves” and “have nots.

Tide launches laundry service with free delivery
Procter & Gamble looks to cash in on the laundry app craze.

Sony debuts sequel to popular mirrorless camera
Surprise! New glass and and a new APS-C flagship for 2016.

What’s a third rack dishwasher, and do I need one?
We explain whether you really need this fancy new dishwasher feature.

New album proves your washer is a musical instrument
Doing the laundry has never sounded this cool.

iPhone-maker Foxconn to acquire Sharp for $5.6B
A Taiwanese upstart could own one of Japan’s most storied brands.

Twitter suspends 125,000 ISIL-related accounts
Twitter has suspended 125,000 accounts connected to the Islamic State over the past six months. In the past, Twitter has been heavily criticized for not more effectively policing the presence of the extremist group.

Canon’s new mirrorless shooter misses the mark
Canon still can’t seem to figure out mirrorless cameras.

Reviewed.com’s ultimate guide to the big game
Your one-stop shop for football’s biggest weekend.

Whirlpool’s smart washer could use some tutoring
Cool features, but questionable reliability.

Cutting the Cord: CBS Sports is streaming Super Bowl 50 for free
This will be the fourth consecutive year that the Super Bowl has streamed online for free.

World’s only ‘drawer dishwasher’ is worth a look
A dishwasher that opens like a drawer might be the right fit for your kitchen.

New Sony 4K TV has tech to take on LG, Samsung
Sony’s 2016 flagship deserves the full spotlight, but it’s content to wait on the edge.

Kickstarter gadget could be Keurig for juicers
You’ll be able to buy single-use pods and reusable pods.

Samsung’s 4K UHD Blu-ray player hits stores early
Early adopters, your ship has just come in.

Got dough? Celebrate ‘za day with GE’s $10K oven
Your home kitchen just got way more delicious.

Samsung’s new dishwasher is seen, not heard
Samsung’s latest has a stainless steel interior — allowing it to stay completely silent.

Your coffee maker’s drip tray is disgusting
It’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

No-nonsense Kenmore washer offers solid value
Stirring up laundry in a good way.

Matel unveils rebooted Thingmaker as 3D printer
Mattel revealed the new reboot of the Thingmaker product as part of its push into 3D printing. Thingmaker, best known for Creepy Crawlers, will now be able to design and print toys at home.