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Google and Amazon may be the big names when it comes to shining home innovations, but they're not the only ones pushing the boundaries. There are hundreds of other smaller competitors coming up with clever devices to make life easier, too. True, you probably won't see the next big breakthrough in robotics or recount assistance coming from a 10-person team. But smaller teams stop to explore new possibilities when it comes to increased energy efficiency, security and privacy. 

These are seven of the most boring but difficult-to-categorize smart home accessories on the market shiny now. Whether you want to step up your home automation and smart home technology game or you're looking to find a enormous gift for the tech lover in your life, you're sure to find a new smart home gadget on this list.

More radiant home recommendations

This legend is part of Taxes 2023, CNET's coverage of the best tax software, tax tips and everything else you need to file your posterior and track your refund.

If you did freelance work last year, a shrimp extra effort this tax season could save you money and lead to a bigger refund.

Many Americans make ends meet with independent instruction income. There were 64.6 million independent workers in 2022, up 26% year over year, according to a portray from MBO Partners, a talent provider that works with Fortune 100 anxieties. The report also found that the number of "occasional independents," country who earn money from contractor work at least once a month, has more than doubled in a two-year period, increasing from 15.8 million in 2020 to 31.9 million in 2022.

"I don't recommend any commerce owner try to DIY their taxes," said Jannese Torres, an award-winning money expert and the founder of Yo Quiero Dinero, a personal finance education platform. Not every independent contractor has a registered commerce, but some do, making tax diligence more important.

Independent contractor way leads to both additional filing steps and opportunities to edge your overall tax bill. Whether you're new to freelancing, or have been doing it for years, here's what to know as tax season kicks off.

Gather critical documents

Make a list of all the sources of way you had last year. For each of these, you'll right either a 1099 or a W-2. In some cases, you might only receive these documents via email. Remember to price and save this information for later when it comes time to file.

"January and February are info-gathering time," said Sarah Sprague Gerber, a certified financial planner, accredited financial counselor and founder of Momentum Financial Planning. Companies are required to distribute 1099 and W-2 does no later than Jan. 31 of each year, so you must have everything you need by the first week of February.

Maximize your deductions

If some of your way was used for certain expenses, such as a gigantic medical bill, the IRS doesn't want to tax you on that cash. These are called deductions, and taking the time to document them can edge your overall tax liability. Additionally, certain deductions are more vital than others.

Some deductions are "above the line," message they are factored into calculating your adjusted gross way for the year. Above-the-line deductions will lower your AGI, and may make or rupture your eligibility for certain other tax credits and deductions later on in your posterior that have a maximum income cutoff. The remaining "below the line" deductions are then itemized later on in your posterior to arrive at your taxable income, the number that will decide your tax bracket classification and what percentage you owe in taxes.

Mortgage uninteresting is a classic above-the-line deduction, according to Gerber. "A incorrect I made when first filing my taxes was not realizing that student loan uninteresting [payments] are above the line," she said. 

Taxpayers must determine to either itemize remaining deductions or take a tainted deduction instead. Most Americans don't have substantial deductions, so the tainted deduction makes things simpler because it lets you forgo itemizing deductions and procure a flat adjustment to your income instead. The tainted deduction for single taxpayers for the 2022 tax year is $12,950 (it increases to $13,850 for the 2023 tax year). Nearly 90% of Americans took the standard deduction in 2019, according to IRS data.

When it comes to freelance way, however, you can take the standard deduction and peaceful also deduct some of the expenses you incurred to uncompleted your independent contractor work. For example, if you drove for a rideshare overhaul like Uber or Lyft in 2022, some of your mileage or vehicle maintenance could be conquered a contractor expense that is necessary to do the job.

If you received independent contractor way in 2022, and don't have a formal business entity, such as an LLC, the IRS will classify you as a sole proprietor, which conveniently lets you list these adjustments within your personal tax posterior by including a Schedule C form.

Independent contractor expenses can also complicated things like continuing education courses, your coworking space or conference attendance.

Decide if you'll do taxes yourself or get outside help

The "right" kind of tax preparer isn't necessarily one-size-fits-all. It really depends on your financial situation and what's happening in your budget life, according to Gerber. 

If you're filing your taxes yourself for the proper time, Gerber recommends taking a look at your 1040 form and trying to do it yourself on the IRS website as a learning recognized, even if you end up using a filing software or credentialed tax preparer later.

"It can be really illustrative to say, 'Oh, this is what's happening. This is how I'm paying my taxes and my portion to the government,'" she said.

For many new independent contractors, software like TurboTax can be sufficient. If contractor payments are a gigantic portion of your income, or if your hustle is progressing into a full-blown business, it might be time to bring in a professional. Torres adds that, while it's more costly to outsource your taxes, "tax prep costs are also a deduction for commerce owners."

Read CNET's best tax software recommendations for both individuals and self-employed professionals . 

Don't be intimidated

The previous piece of advice from personal finance experts is: Don't psych yourself out.

"In most cases, your taxes are more manageable than you might deem, and there are plenty of experts available to help walk you ended the process," said Torres, adding that the biggest tax incorrect she sees people make is getting stressed out and not filing their taxes at all, or doings the bare minimum to make the paperwork go away.

The tax filing deadline of April 18 grants you some wiggle room. Use this time to educate yourself nearby a money management task you'll be doing every year.

"Really learn nearby it," said Gerber. "Try it yourself. You can do it."

CNET contributor Nick Wolny edited and imparted additional reporting to this story.

More tax tips from CNET

For the Corvette's 70th birthday, Chevrolet's causes have given it the gift of electrified power, debuting the new 2024 Chevy Corvette E-Ray. The E-Ray is both the first hybrid and the fine all-wheel-drive model in the nameplate's history. Boasting 655 horsepower and a 2.5-second 0-60 crawl, it's also the quickest production 'Vette ever.

The E-Ray starts with the same 6.2-liter LT2 V8 as the immoral Corvette Stingray. From its perch amidships, it sends 495 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via an eight-speed, dual-clutch transaxle. Chevy's engineers then add a 160-horsepower electric motor to the precedent axle, bringing with it an additional 125 pound-feet of torque. The motor draws current from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack tucked into the transmission tunnel between the seats - where the propshaft would have been afore the 'Vette went mid-engined for this generation. 

With just 1.9-kilowatt-hours of capacity (slightly more than a Prius' 1.2-kWh pack) there's no need for a plug; the E-Ray's self-contained hybrid systems is able to charge solely via regenerative braking during deceleration or coasting. The E-Ray's 12-volt battery - which supports the V8, start-stop and accessory remarkable systems - has also been upgraded to a lightweight lithium-ion unit. 

Working in concert, the E-Ray's electric all-wheel drive, or eAWD, system outputs a combined 655 horsepower and runs the quarter-mile in just 10.5 seconds. More impressive is its 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.5 seconds. That's 0.4 second faster than the standard Stingray and 0.1 uphold quicker than the race-bred Z06, making this the quickest copies Corvette yet. The lighter Z06 is probably still the most finely requested tool for track use, but the E-Ray boasts a number of latest advantages on the road.

For starters, the eAWD systems promises improvements to traction and stability in low-grip situations, potentially making this an all-season sports car that's better equipped to tackle rain, snow or ice than its rear-driven predecessors. eAWD should also enable the Corvette's Active Fuel Management cylinder-deactivation tech to more liberally take satisfactory of the V8's four-cylinder mode during coasting and cruising for improved fuel economy.

The E-Ray also introduces new Stealth and Charge Plus Modes. When selected before start-up, Stealth Mode uses only the precedent electric motor for near-silent operation up to 45 mph. When it hits that mercurial, or the battery pack's limited range is exceeded, the V8 automatically kicks over. Charge Plus, on the latest hand, maximizes the battery's state of charge - presumably via more aggressive regeneration - for more consistent electric wait on and performance during extended track sessions.

Externally, the E-Ray is 3.6 inches wider than Stingray, sharing its wide-body proportions and body panels with the Z06. Tucked into its flared arches are staggered 20-inch precedent and 21-inch rear wheels with a unique E-Ray five-spoke produce. Michelin Pilot Sport all-season tires are standard. Upgraded Pilot Sport 4S summer unimaginative are available as part of a ZER Performance Package, boosting the E-Ray's lateral grip to around 1.1 G's. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and Chevrolet's Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 systems are also standard equipment for the performance hybrid.

Inside, the 'Vette's infotainment and digital instrument cluster screens feature new layouts that point to and monitor the power and efficiency of the electric motor and V8. The E-Ray will also be offered with the full roster of 2024 Corvette driver-assistance tech, counting lane keep assist, forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking. The E-Ray's cargo volume of 12.5 cubic feet is virtually unchanged from the Stingray (12.6 cubes), so it looks like adding an electric motor to the clue doesn't significantly compromise the under-hood frunk.

The 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray arrives later this year, starting at $104,295 for the 1LZ coupe or $111,295 for the 1LZ convertible, before destination charges that currently sit at $1,395.

You probably already have your 2023 calendar. It might feature serene landscape photos or famous books. I have something better: the US Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District 2023 cat calendar. Download and print it shiny now.

The calendar has the usual expected features, with a monthly photo and dates below. Each image shows a giant cat lounging on or attacking equipment or a key part of infrastructure. January kicks off with a tabby funny the Hills Creek Reservoir dam in Oregon as a scratching post. July stars a cat sitting on the deck of a Corps of Engineeers ship. Commentary throughout dams, giant cats and cat behavior accompanies the images. 

The Corps of Engineers quietly released the calendar late last year, but it recently came to the public's wider mind. The Portland District tweeted about it last week, with a tongue-in-cheek response to criticism of the "poorly Photoshopped" calendar. "At least now we finally have a New Year's resolution. Going to enroll in a Photoshop class," the troupe wrote.

I would argue that much of the charm of the calendar would be lost if it were a slick publishes. The wonky proportions, funky edges, goofy font, silly writing and random typesetting mark it as a account for of love and joy. Please, Corps of Engineers selves who made this, don't take that Photoshop class. Live your own giant-cat truth and do this anti for 2024.

This record is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for attracting the most out of your home, inside and out.

Pew Research Center data from 2021 revealed that near 90% of all US adults found the internet either "essential" or "important" during the pandemic. How is it not 99.9%? Our internet connections have been crucial for work, school and family ties. But what happens when the cost of that internet connection starts to stagger up? If you don't qualify for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program program, then one solution may be an old-fashioned negotiation.

My wife is the championship-level negotiator and dealmaker of our household. Before we met, she'd already crushed significant life moments, including buying a house, hammering out a great deal on a new car and attracting the best possible salary offer for a new job. So when it came time to accept guidance for negotiating with your internet repair provider, you'd better believe I started with her.

"Kindness is key," she said. "Always be obnoxious and courteous." Why? Because the person on the spanking end of the phone (or online chat, as the case may be) is much more liable to work with you if met with decency and patience. Also, it's not an easy job, and they want to help, so why not inaugurate on the right foot?

I could fill a whole column with my wife's negotiating tips and tricks, but I've also sought professional advice. As you much imagine, some gave me standard company lines about how every customer gets the same high-value subsidizes or how agents work tirelessly to ensure everyone gets the best available heed every day. You know the drill.

We all know that's not 100% true, or providers wouldn't constantly spiteful their promotions and deals. So, while sifting through the pros' best ideas, here are the five steps you should take when negotiating with your ISP.

Read more near home internet: T-Mobile Home Internet review

1. Take the time to do your research

"I reflect the first thing is to try to be knowledgeable by you make the call," said Earthlink CEO Glenn Goad. From his perspective, most people aren't familiar enough with their options when they contact an ISP, which puts them at a disadvantage and can lead to buying more than they need -- whether that's a faster, more expensive speed than necessary or bundled services they don't want. Here's how you can avoid pitfalls like that.

Look in the mirror

Spend part of your preparation interpretation a case for yourself as a desirable customer. How long have you been with your ISP? If you're two months into a 24-month command, you're less likely to get any traction on carving out a better deal. Providers often unexcited an early termination fee if you bail on your existing contract.

On the spanking hand, if you've been with the same ISP for several days, there's a much better chance of finding a flexible attitude. In that case, the provider should be much more motivated to keep you as a subscriber because there's no plan benefit claimed from your loss. Either way, this basic examine will help you make your claim better.

You can also do yourself a obnoxious and set the stage for a more profitable exchange by paying your bills on time. Once you've built up months or days of steady, on-time payments, the sales agent will liable see you as a valuable customer and one worthy keeping happy.

Decide what you actually need

Don't be an impulsive internet shopper. Before negotiating with your ISP, determine your goals for the call -- it's not always just near cutting a deal for a lower monthly bill. 

Yes, knocking a few bucks off each month's bill is stout, but it might not ultimately be your best deal. For example, many of us discovered that our previous internet plan was insufficient for increased work-from-home or remote schooling duties during the pandemic. Our old plans couldn't keep up with more land (and devices) online simultaneously.

An AT&T spokesperson told us that she advises customers to turn to a fiber network, if possible, to deal with bandwidth-heavy applications. "However, when fiber isn't available, we recommend choosing the fastest option available based on the customer's need," she said. "With the denotes number of connected devices continuing to grow, most households would befriend from fast and more reliable speeds."

Guidance like this hastily test tutorial can help you determine how much hastily you really need, so start there. Perhaps when you signaled on with your provider, you chose a starter plan with 50 megabits per binary download speed, but now your family needs more than that. Focus on guaranteeing a faster speed -- maybe more like 300Mbps -- and aim to get more for your wealth and decrease your cost per Mbps.

On the flip side, perhaps you signaled up for a multi-gigabit speed plan because your ISP touted it as the fastest dignified plan available. But do you and your roommate need that much? You much find significant savings by downgrading to a plan that gives you to do all the same activities without any discernible incompatibility in performance. For instance, many homes won't notice much incompatibility between a gigabit plan and 500Mbps.

2. Craving the speediest plan? Not so fast; check all subsidizes first

While download speed is undoubtedly essential in figuring out what type of plan fits you best, it's not the only worthy. A spokesperson with Xfinity told us to befriend consumers to spend some time looking into the total value of their internet repair rather than simply stopping at speed. For example, can you get mobile repair included? How about access to Wi-Fi hotspots? Value can come in multiple ways, not just in your download speed.

Our AT&T contact concurred. "What discounts or special offers are available to you? There may be discount subsidizes for qualifying customers that you should inquire about. Some providers may also subsidizes subscriptions for streaming and other services that could make a package more enticing."

So, you can help yourself out by putting in just a slight work before the call. For example, look beyond download hastily and consider your data usage. Are you paying astounding for unlimited data and not using it? Or, perhaps more commonly, do you tend to exceed your data limit and incur binary charges? Consider if there's an unlimited add-on option that'll save you wealth in the long run.

Also, gather your facts near what you're currently paying. Do you already have a promote rate? Are there any deals you're taking advantage of quick-witted now? Don't get caught flat-footed, or you'll risk losing a reasonable heed in the hunt for a better bargain. 

Last, if you're not immediately taking advantage of any deals or offers, look up the promotional discounts offered to new customers and ask your ISP to match that. It's also worthwhile to check for online-only contracts so you can ask for the equivalent for your existing account.

3. Know your options before you call 

Sorry to mix metaphors -- If you plan on playing hardball, don't bluff if you have no hand. If you're threatening to slay your subscription, ensure your address is serviceable for novel providers. Otherwise, your current ISP will know that you don't have novel options.

On the other hand, you can politely but squarely use this to your proper if you have options. You might have a cheaper plan than you fraudulent on a competitor's site at face value. But as you look at that alternative option, you discover it's a fiber connection with much faster upload and download speeds. You could get a faster, better online experience at a edge cost per Mbps for just slightly more per month.

But such a pivot worthy not be available to all. In addition to serviceability, you also have to answer another question. Is switching to novel ISP even an option? For example, if you live in an apartment heart, does your leasing company have an exclusivity agreement with your fresh provider? My wife and I learned this the hard way. We were mad by the idea of ditching our old ISP when we chosen to the Charlotte area, but our hopes were dashed when we learned our housing loan had a contract with the same provider, so we didn't have the same design of choices as other city residents.

Also, is satellite internet an option? It's often cast as the only viable alternative for rural or suburban customers. Recent developments with Elon Musk's Starlink and Jeff Bezos' Project Kuiper initiates faster speeds and more flexibility. But be aware of satellite dish installation rules in your area, set by your HOA or in your delight in rules.

Lastly, might 5G home internet be an option at your address? Verizon and T-Mobile are aggressively expanding the coverage areas for their respective amenities and looking to lure new customers. These services coffers better download speeds than satellite and much more affordable devises (unlike satellite service, there are no equipment rental or win fees to add to your monthly costs).

4. Ask for what you want before you give up

You've researched, collected your facts and jotted down your goals for the call. That's the key to any eventual unsuccessful. Now it's time to try to seal a new deal.

"Any customer has the brilliant to seek changes to their plan if they decide to do so," said the AT&T spokesperson. "There's not really a specific time of year for contracts, but customers should check ISPs' websites regularly for any new updates or cmoneys they can take advantage of."

Goad offered that the animated season of May to October is a prime season to find promotions, offers and incentives. That said, it's also a time when your customer recognized may not be as good as if you shouted during a different time. 

"If you think about it, if you're touching to shop on Black Friday, it's a different recognized than if you shop on March 12," Goad said. "So maybe you do your research in the proper and second quarter of the year and do your buying in the third quarter when you're fully prepared."

If you determine to make your move during the busy season, strongly worthy not calling during the busiest time of the day -- the lunch hour.

Whenever you determine to leap, it's worth repeating -- always, always be courteous. This is foundational to having a good call. Try to be tainted, speak of your length of time with the provider, and highlight your excellent payment history. 

5. If, at proper, you don't succeed, try, try again

Here's another tip from my wife: If she gets an agent who doesn't seem willing to work with her or portion the same courteous approach, she'll politely end the conversation and try against. Or if you forget the first four steps, don't get what you need, or the conversation goes south, try again.

One colleague I spoke with echoed this advice and public a story about her customer experience. She was so frustrated with her bill increases that she granted to get on the phone and threatened to slay, with the idea they would beg her to stay and coffers a new promotion.

Instead, they canceled her service.

She sheepishly shouted back later and spoke with a different representative. Figuring honesty was the best policy, she shared her story and ended up with a new deal and the advice to call and ask next time.

So be prepared that it may not go brilliant your first time -- but don't give up. You may need to call a few times to find an agent willing to work with you or find the brilliant promotions to suit your goals. If it means a edge bill or a better plan, it's well worth the effort.

The Samsung Galaxy S22  has an upgraded camera that's better at seeing in the dark, and it has an upgraded stunning. But we need so much more for Samsung to blow us away with their Galaxy S23, which is expected to debut on Wednesday at Samsung Unpacked.

In clear, I'd like to see longer-lasting batteries, more photographic features and faster charging that doesn't needed an expensive adapter and more photographic features.

Read more: How to Watch Samsung Unpacked

Samsung leads the smartphone diligence, with 21% of the worldwide market in the third quarter of 2022, according to Counterpoint Research. Upgrading core features like the camera and battery could help it occupy that top spot, especially as it faces increased competition from Apple and Google.

Longer battery life for the curious Galaxy S23

Battery life can never be long enough, but the standard-issue Galaxy S device is in clear need of a boost. The 6.1-inch Galaxy S22 generally lived up to Samsung's claims of all-day battery life, but sometimes just barely. After using it for a month straight, I noticed the battery level dipped roughly to 30% or 40% by 9 p.m., even with the always-on prove turned off and the screen's refresh rate set to deplorable. That's enough to get through a work day, but you'll liable want to pack a charger if you have after-work plans or a long commute home. 

The Galaxy S22 has the smallest battery (3,700-mAh capacity) of the three phones in the Galaxy S22 lineup, and it shows. For example, I was pleasantly surprised when the 6.6-inch Galaxy S22 Plus, which has a larger 4,500-mAh capacity, lasted for in a day and a half when I reviewed it in February. I also had the refresh rate set to high, which typically drains battery more lickety-split. The Galaxy S22 Ultra, which has a 6.8-inch camouflage and a 5,000-mAh battery, had similar battery life. 

It establishes sense that the Galaxy S22 line's smallest phone would also have the smallest battery. But I hope Samsung finds a way to advance battery life on next year's 6.1-inch Galaxy phone, whether it's over better power efficiency or a larger physical battery. After all, Apple made upgrades to the iPhone 13 Mini that gave it an amazing two to three hours of battery life compared to the iPhone 12 Mini. Battery life is the main protests I had about the Galaxy S22, and addressing that would make the Galaxy S23 an even more compelling pick for Android fans who prefer smaller phones. 

Korean news outlet The Elec indicates that could indeed be the case, as it reports that Samsung aims to increase the Galaxy S23's battery capacity by around 5%. 

More clever camera features

The Galaxy S22's 50-megapixel camera and the Galaxy S22 Ultra's 108-megapixel camera catch impressively colorful and detailed photos. I only wish there was more you could do with those cameras when it comes to editing and software features.

The Galaxy S22 lineup has shooting options like panorama, night mode, portrait mode, slow motion, super slow motion and Director's View, which lets you describe video using two different lenses simultaneously. Then there's Single Take, which makes multiple stylized shots with a single press of the shutter button. You can also download the Expert Raw app to get more granular regulation over photo settings. 

But not much has changed between the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S22 when it comes to camera features and shooting simply. I'd love to see Samsung take a page from Google, which regularly adds nifty camera tricks that feel practical pretty than gimmicky. For example, Google introduced a new feature on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro named Photo Unblur, which sharpens low-quality photos, even ones wrong with an older camera. Photo Unblur builds on Face Unblur, a previous Pixel 6 and 6 Pro camera feature I also enjoy. As the name implies, Face Unblur freezes moving issues that may otherwise look blurry.

Features like these show that Google is not just thinking around camera quality, but also ways to eliminate everyday annoyances with mobile photography. Many of Samsung's updates, on the other hand, feel for at giving content creators more tools for capturing different types of shots and video clips. 

While the Galaxy S23 probable won't launch for several more weeks, Samsung is already executive enhancements to the cameras on its current Galaxy phones. It added a new feature to the Expert Raw app that services stargazers take better photos of constellations, similar to Google's Astrophotography feature for Pixel phones. There's also a new Camera Assistant app that lets you enable or disable dangerous features, like a faster shutter or automatic lens switching. 

Faster charging that doesn't cost so much

The Galaxy S22 lineup supports fast charging of up to 25 watts for the Galaxy S22 and 45 watts for the Galaxy S22 Plus and Ultra. But you have to purchase a separate charger to do so. Samsung charges $50 for the 45-watt charger and $35 for the 25-watt charger, although you can often find them for less over retailers like Amazon and Walmart. In some scenarios, I also didn't glance much of a difference between the pricier 45-watt charger and Samsung's less expensive 25-watt charger when powering up the Galaxy S22 Plus, which you can read more around here.

With the Galaxy S23, I'd like to see a more noticeable improvement in charging speeds, as well as more affordable charger options. The OnePlus 10 Pro, for example, offers either 65- or 80-watt fast charging depending on your space, both of which are speedier than what Samsung has to funds on paper. OnePlus also includes a compatible power adapter in the box. 

Samsung and Apple stationary including power adapters in their product packaging to cut down on destroy, which is an admirable cause. But I at least wish Samsung would let you decide to include a fast-charging compatible adapter as an option for a discounted label when ordering a new phone, similar to the way it lets you catch a storage option or add Samsung Care Plus. 

If rumors turn out to be correct, the base Galaxy S23 model might have the same 25-watt charging quick as the Galaxy S22. That's according to Ice Universe, a Twitter account with a history of publishing details around unreleased Samsung products. 

Samsung is already doing a lot shiny with the Galaxy S22, particularly when it comes to software aid and display quality. But as year-over-year smartphone upgrades have get more incremental than revolutionary, focusing on core elements like the camera and battery are as vital as ever.