Maria Diaz/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. Remember The Clapper? The plug-in staple may have made for a catchy jingle in the 1980s, but it could also be considered as a primitive ancestor of today’s smart plug — that is, if you can say anything from a few decades ago is primitive.… Continue reading Your smart plug is seriously underutilized: 7 ways I’ve programmed mine to automate my home
Author: ZDNet Online News
I switched to a solid-state portable battery for a week – now lithium-ion feels outdated
BMX SolidSafe 5K power bank ZDNET’s key takeaways This is a 5,000mAh wireless power bank powered by a solid-state cells Solid-state cells are far less likely to catch on fire than lithium-ion batteries At $80, this is a very expensive unit, so it is focused on those who value safety. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a… Continue reading I switched to a solid-state portable battery for a week – now lithium-ion feels outdated
I compared Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T 5G coverage on a road trip – and the winner surprised me
Adam Doud/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways My 5G road trip tests included rigorous testing on three Google Pixel phones. Signal reliability generally proved good to decent across three major interstate carriers. Network architecture, including non-standalone 5G, emerged as a factor in deployment. 5G made a number of promises… Continue reading I compared Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T 5G coverage on a road trip – and the winner surprised me
What’s the deal with Physical AI? Why the next frontier of tech is already all around you
Kerry Wan/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Physical AI is the latest trending frontier of the technology. It leverages real-world data for more autonomous robots. Its early stages could be on your face right now. ChatGPT’s release over three years ago triggered an AI frenzy. While AI models continue… Continue reading What’s the deal with Physical AI? Why the next frontier of tech is already all around you
Is this tiny ‘advanced electromagnetic’ car de-icing gadget legit? (spoiler: no)
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Be wary of scam gadgets with spurious claims. This electromagnetic device did not remove snow. Focus on de-icers, scrapers, and windshield covers. Sometimes I’m rather impressed by the ingenuity of those in the business of making scammy gadgets. Over the years, I’ve… Continue reading Is this tiny ‘advanced electromagnetic’ car de-icing gadget legit? (spoiler: no)
Can Google save Apple AI? Gemini to power a new, personalized Siri
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Google’s Gemini will power Apple’s Siri on the backend. The goal is to drive a more advanced and personalized Siri. However, Siri still needs to be more reliable and less prone to errors. With pressure on Apple to finally… Continue reading Can Google save Apple AI? Gemini to power a new, personalized Siri
These 8 audio products at CES 2026 were so impressive, I had to listen twice
Kerry Wan/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. CES 2026 is in full swing, and the electronics show has unveiled an exciting array of audio products, ranging from headphones that fold into a Bluetooth speaker to open-ear earbuds with noise reduction, gaming headphones that can read your mind, and soundbars equipped with the… Continue reading These 8 audio products at CES 2026 were so impressive, I had to listen twice
The 13 most useful smart home devices I’ve seen at CES 2026 (and would buy if I could)
Kerry Wan/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways CES 2026 showcases smarter, more autonomous home tech. AI-driven features are becoming standard across home devices. Battery-free power and quieter operation were notable features. CES makes this smart home reviewer happy each year. There are numerous amazing, innovative, and compelling… Continue reading The 13 most useful smart home devices I’ve seen at CES 2026 (and would buy if I could)
I’ve tested Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot, and others – Lenovo might have all AI assistants beat
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo and Motorola launch Qira. Qira works seamlessly across all your devices. A new AI pin is infused with Qira. While Lenovo and Motorola made a splash at CES with their latest hardware launches, including the highly anticipated Motorola Razr Fold,… Continue reading I’ve tested Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot, and others – Lenovo might have all AI assistants beat
Apple’s biggest Siri update in years could arrive this March – but will it be enough?
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways A new LLM Siri should launch sometime in March. This new Siri may act like an AI chatbot but offer specific skills. This Siri also needs to be less error-prone. There’s a scene from an episode of Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” in which David is in… Continue reading Apple’s biggest Siri update in years could arrive this March – but will it be enough?