delmonte1977/Getty Images Every modern web browser has tools for tracking the passwords you use with secure online services. Those features are often turned on by default, which means you probably have a random collection of passwords saved in the cloud along with your bookmarks and settings for your default browser. Also: The best password managers: Expert […] More
delmonte1977/Getty Images Every modern web browser has tools for tracking the passwords you use with secure online services. Those features are often turned on by default, which means you probably have a random collection of passwords saved in the cloud along with your bookmarks and settings for your default browser. Also: The best password managers: Expert […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETDid you know that whenever you turn on your smart TV, you invite an unseen guest to watch it with you? These days, most popular TV models utilize automatic content recognition (ACR), a form of ad surveillance technology that gathers information about everything you watch and transmits it to a centralized database. Manufacturers then use your data to identify your viewing preferences, enabling them to deliver highly targeted ads.Also: Don’t cancel Netflix yet: I used these secret codes to unlock the full catalog of showsWhat’s the incentive behind this invasive technology? According to market research firm eMarketer, in 2022, advertisers spent an estimated $18.6 billion on smart TV ads, and those numbers are only going up.To understand how ACR works, imagine a constant, real-time Shazam-like service running in the background while your TV is on. It identifies content displayed on your screen, including programs from cable TV boxes, streaming services, or gaming consoles. ACR does this by capturing continuous screenshots and cross-referencing them with a vast database of media content and advertisements. More
Kali Linux can be daunting because of all the challenging tools. Jack WallenZDNETKali Linux is a widely respected Linux distribution geared toward testing and auditing systems and networks, and the latest release has added more hacking tools, updates, and even a UI refresh.First, the CAN Arsenal was renamed CARsenal, so its purpose is obvious. Not only has CARsenal received a UI update, but there are some new tools added into the mix, such as hlcand (a modified version of slcand for ELM327 usage), VIN Info (for decoding VIN identifiers), CaringCaribou (for providing Linstener, Dump Fizzer, Send, UDS, and XCP modules), and ICSim (provides a simulator for VCAN and for testing the CARsenal toolset without having to use specialized hardware).Also: I found a Linux distro that combines the best parts of other operating systems (and it works)The Kali desktop menu also received a nice refresh by way of organization that better aligns it with the MITRE ATT&CK framework. By doing this, both red (offensive) and blue (defensive) teams are better able to find the tools they need to do their jobs. Kali Linux uses the GNOME desktop, which has been updated to version 48 and includes all the new features found in that release (such as notification stacking, digital wellbeing, improved performance, and HDR support). Along with the GNOME update is a new GNOME VPN IP extension that shows the IP address of your current VPN connection in the top panel and, with a single click, copies the IP address to your clipboard. More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETIf you’re looking for an affordable smartwatch that easily integrates with the Samsung ecosystem, consider this summer savings on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: At Amazon, you can get the Watch 7 along with a Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 Bluetooth tracker More
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETAndroid 16 looked to be one of the most impressive upgrades to the mobile operating system in recent times. Google teased some seriously cool features that would elevate Android to the next level. However, although some of those expected features made their way to the final release, some did not.Because some of the more hotly anticipated features have yet to materialize, Android 16 seems (on the surface) to be kinda blah. But don’t be fooled. Even though the big UI changes were held back, there’s still a lot to love about what was released.Also: Your Android phone just got a major feature upgrade for free – including these Pixel modelsOne thing to keep in mind is that Google released Android 16 early. Usually, those major updates are held back until late summer/fall. (Android 15 was released in September 2024.) Why did Google release this latest update three months early? It’s pretty simple: With new Android devices set to release this summer, it’s now a safe bet they’ll ship with the latest release. When the Pixel 9 line of phones was released last year, they shipped with Android 14 because 15 wasn’t ready. That was a big disappointment to Pixel fans everywhere. To avoid this, Google released a “version” of Android 16 to ensure it would be ready for the release of the Pixel 10 phones.In addition, Google has decided to speed up the release of Android, with two releases each year (probably so they can ensure the latest Pixel devices always have the latest version). More
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETNewer phones may be getting more compact, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t bigger options for your personal needs. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus would be a perfect contender if you need a bigger screen, a great camera system, and AI options.Also: You can use T-Mobile’s satellite service for free on any carrier now – here’s howT-Mobile is now running an offer where you can get your ludicrously capacious Galaxy S25 Plus for free More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Redmagic 10S Pro will be available now, starting at $699. The 10S Pro harnesses impressive power, making it an absolute delight for gamers and power users. Average users might find they have to do a bit of tweaking to get the 10S Pro to their liking. more buying choices I’ve […] More
Jada Jones/ZDNETIt’s been almost a year and a half since Bose released its latest flagship over-ear headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra More
