Reference
Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the technical terms used across our buying guides.
- Active noise cancelling (ANC)
- Technology that uses microphones and inverse sound waves to reduce unwanted ambient noise, most effective against low-frequency sounds like engine rumble.
- LDAC
- A Bluetooth audio codec developed by Sony that transmits roughly three times more data than standard SBC, enabling higher-resolution wireless audio on compatible devices.
- Multipoint
- The ability of a Bluetooth device to stay connected to two source devices at once, such as a phone and a laptop, switching automatically.
- QMK/VIA
- Open-source keyboard firmware (QMK) and its graphical configurator (VIA) that let users remap keys and layers without proprietary software.
- IPS Black
- An LG display panel technology that roughly doubles the contrast ratio of conventional IPS panels, producing deeper blacks.
- LiDAR navigation
- A robot vacuum navigation method that spins a laser to map rooms precisely, generally faster and more systematic than camera-based or random navigation.
- Self-empty base
- A charging dock for a robot vacuum that automatically transfers debris from the robot's small bin into a larger bag, reducing how often you empty it.
- Watt-hour (Wh)
- A measure of battery energy capacity. Airlines typically limit spare batteries to 100Wh in carry-on luggage.
- USB-C Power Delivery
- A charging standard that negotiates higher voltages and currents over USB-C, enabling laptop-fast charging from compact chargers.
- Dynamic vs condenser microphone
- Dynamic mics are rugged and reject room noise, suiting untreated rooms; condenser mics are more sensitive and detailed but pick up everything around them.