Jada Jones/ZDNETIn the past few years, Bose, Sony, Sonos, and Beats have released premium headphones to compete with each other and Apple’s AirPods Max More
Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysWindows has a hidden backup tool in Windows 10 and 11.It can save files to discs, drives, or network locations.Deprecated by Microsoft, so expect occasional errors.Regularly backing up your files is always a good idea, just in case any important or irreplaceable ones go missing. For that, you can turn to a variety of programs. But Windows itself has a built-in backup tool that’s simple and flexible. The catch is that you probably don’t even know it exists.Named simply Windows Backup, this feature lets you choose which folders and files to back up. You can back up only select files or all your Windows folders. You’re supposed to be able to include an entire system image in the backup in case you ever need to restore Windows in full. The limitation here is that you can’t save the system image on removable media. But you can always use the system image tool to do this separately. Also: Windows has a secret recovery tool – here’s how to find it and use itFurther, you’re able to save the backup on a recordable CD or DVD, an external hard drive, or a network location. You can also set the backup to run on a regular basis. The tool works the same in Windows 10 and 11. But as always, there is a hiccup here. This version of Windows Backup has since been deprecated by Microsoft, which means it’s no longer supported or updated. As a result, you could bump into issues and errors when using the tool. In my experience, it generally works reliably. However, the last few times I tried using a network share as my backup destination, I received an error that the specified network location cannot be used. Although I confirmed that the network path, credentials, and other settings were correct, I continued to get the same error. I’ve seen posts from other Windows users complaining of the same problem. Your mileage may vary, but keep this in mind when choosing your backup destination. Also: Your Windows 11 PC has a secret emergency shutdown feature – here’s how to use itTo add to the mystery, Microsoft offers a newer tool also known as Windows Backup. (Yes, Microsoft loves to use the same names across different products to confuse people.) The newer Windows Backup is designed to back up and restore certain files and settings. The main objective is to help you move from one PC to another. In contrast, the older legacy Windows Backup that I’m covering here operates more like traditional backup software. Both tools serve their purpose. But here’s how the older, legacy Windows Backup works and how to use it to back up anything you want, to any location you want. More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Sigma’s BF is a $2,200, 35mm full-frame, mirrorless digital camera that radically changes the mode of operation by replacing the gaggle of buttons with an elegant click-wheel. It’s a great first camera but also has tons of pro features A future upgrade to a higher-resolution 60-megapixel sensor would be a welcome […] More
The Asus Zenbook A14 redefines the ultraportable category. Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETIt’s time to go back to school, and if you’re looking for a new (or refurbished) laptop, we’ve got you covered with some of the best deals live right now. We’ve personally tested all five of these laptops and singled them out as solid options for students for various reasons. Also: The best laptops of 2025: I’ve tested dozens of laptops and these are the best onesWe’re talking light and portable, great battery life, solid performance, and most of all: fantastic value. The Asus Zenbook A14 More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeaways:An upgraded version of App Intents could make Siri the true hands-free iPhone companion.Apple is currently testing these Siri App Intents with a handful of third-party apps.The revamped Siri could ship in the spring of 2026, reports Bloomberg.When Apple first announced an upgraded and more capable Siri, every one of its users was reasonably excited. Unfortunately, that promise never happened, and the new Siri continues to be delayed. However, ahead of the upcoming Apple event, new details have emerged that may make antsy users a little more patient. And if the rumors are true, I’m anticipating the big Siri rollout to finally get me to switch from Gemini to Apple’s voice assistant.Also: This iOS 26 update ruined the iPhone camera app for me – then Apple saved the dayAccording to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, App Intents could “finally make Siri the true hands-free controller of your iPhone.” He explains, “App Intents will mean: With nothing but your voice, you’ll be able to tell Siri to find a specific photo, edit it, and send it off. Or comment on an Instagram post…. Siri could operate your apps like you would — with precision, inside their own interfaces.” More
imaginima ZDNET’s key takeaways: Employee trust in AI agents is growing, but only for some tasks. Research found that trust increases the more people use agents. The rapid embrace of agents is rewriting some workplace norms. AI agents are becoming a common fixture in the workplace as businesses look to automate a variety of routine, […] More
Google / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s takeawaysGoogle adds new features to give you more ways to pay online.See reward details for 100+ cards to find your best option.More “buy now, pay later” options, including Affirm and more.The next time you check out online with Chrome or Google Wallet, you might notice things look a little different. Google has announced several upgrades, each one designed to give you more flexibility and convenience when you shop online.1. Support for more ‘buy now, pay later’ servicesGoogle Pay is expanding popular pay-over-time options, the company says, letting you choose to use services like Affirm and Zip through Chrome in a few clicks. Google adds that support for Klarna, Afterpay, and other services is coming soon. 2. More credit card reward infoUtilized properly, credit card rewards can be a great way to save money. You’ll now see reward details for more than 100 cards automatically in autofill on Chrome when you check out, helping you decide which card gets you the best deal. 3. Easier international transfersGoogle is also helping make international money transfers a little easier by showing straightforward exchange rates and transfer fees for popular services like Ria, Xe, and Wise in Google Wallet. In addition, you can use these services in Wallet to send money from the US to India, Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines (Google says that more countries are on the way). Also: 5 great Chrome browser alternatives that put your privacy firstYou’ll soon be able to access this feature through Wallet online by searching for any currency exchange rate. More
Nina Raemont/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeaways Oura launched features for pregnant and perimenopausal users on Tuesday. The science-backed features provide further context during periods of drastic biological change. The features are personalized, and the brand stressed data protection and privacy. Pregnant and perimenopausal women are getting more ways to track and understand their health, thanks to several new features Oura announced on Tuesday. The smart ring brand launched a redesigned Pregnancy Insights experience on the app alongside Perimenopause Check-In, available within the Cycle Insights tab. The new features provide clarity and further context during two periods of drastic biological change in a person’s body and illuminate the normalities and abnormalities of each. More
