Eliana Willis

Elyse Betters Picaro/ZDNETIf your computer desktop looks a little chaotic and you’re noticing some performance slowdown, it might be time to do a cleanup. The best way to keep things running smoothly is to ensure you’re running the most updated version of Windows (you’d be surprised how many folks’ devices are several updates behind). But if you’re up-to-date, there are other things you can do to optimize.Also: A decade of Windows 10: Chaos, Cortana, and conspiracy theories that never panned outWindows has a few helpful utilities that can free up some space (and they’re already on your PC). These utilities aren’t intended for large-scale repairs, but can help make things run faster by cutting excess weight.Regular computer usage results in stored cache files that can become corrupted and outdated, leading to operational quirks and slower boot times. Clearing this cache and other temporary files can improve performance and keep things running optimally. Here’s how.  More

Mojawa Run Plus <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Mojawa’s Run Plus are bone-conduction headphones that sell for $159 a pair on Amazon. They’re much more comfortable to wear during runs, and controlling audio playback is much easier. However, you will have to get used to the unique form factor and come to terms with the fact […] More

Segway Navimow X3 Series <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Navimow X3 Series starts at $2,299 for the 0.5 acre capacity. This mower has some of the best navigation capabilities I’ve ever seen, it features ultra-fast charging, and has proven to be one of the most reliable and consistent mowers. It only ever had trouble with […] More

NordVPN / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways NordVPN can detect a scam call before you answer it.The Scam Call Protection is only for NordVPN Premium Android users.Future features include caller ID for legitimate calls and an option to report.Your phone rings, but the call is from an unknown number. Should you pick it up? It could be important. Or it could be a scam call. You’re not sure what to do. Well, a new tool from the folks at NordVPN could help you decide.Scam Call ProtectionNow baked into the NordVPN Android app (in the US only for now), a new feature named Scam Call Protection tries to determine the nature of a call before you answer it. Also: Warning: Protect your phone from choicejacking before it’s too late – here’s howDesigned for NordVPN Premium users, the protection analyzes a call’s metadata without accessing the content of the call. If the call is deemed to be spam, the tool will flash a warning message next to the phone number so you don’t have to waste time picking it up. How to set it upTo set up Scam Call Protection, download and turn on the NordVPN app on your Android phone. In the app, head to the Threat Protection screen and turn on the feature. You’ll then be directed to your Android settings to complete the setup. Also: The best mobile VPNs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedFollow the instructions to enable all the required settings. Go back to the NordVPN app, and the protection will now be in place. More

Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus is on sale right now for $549. It’s a slam dunk tablet with a brilliant display, great speakers, and comes with a keyboard, case, and stylus. In laptop mode, it’s better for simpler tasks. more buying choices Lenovo’s Yoga Tab Plus–> is […] More

Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images ZDNET’s key takeaways Zuckerberg unveils his vision for personal superintelligence. But his unclear definition leaves product and impact ambiguous. Superintelligence may disrupt jobs despite efficiency promises. Another day, another vague reference to the promise of superintelligence. On Wednesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared a video address and accompanying letter […] More

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways Google is implementing a new AI-powered age verification method.Machine learning will analyze your activity (mostly on YouTube) to guess your age.If AI guesses wrong, you’ll need to go through a verification process.A day after announcing AI-powered age verification on YouTube, which we explained in more detail yesterday, Google is launching it on a larger scale, and again it’s on you to sort out any problems if AI guesses wrong.Also: Google Chrome for iOS now lets you switch between personal and work accountsIn a post announcing “a safer online experience for US kids and teens,” Google says it’s introducing new technology to distinguish between older and younger users. This technology will analyze your online activity and make an attempt at guessing your age. If it thinks you’re under 18, your account will be restricted until you can prove you’re older. This process has been in testing in other markets, and Google says it worked well. How Google estimates your age Google says its age-estimation model uses machine learning to interpret “a variety of signals.” It notes that these signals are already associated with your account and that it’s not gathering any new information. These signals include the types of information you search for on YouTube, the categories of videos you watch, and the age of the account itself. Also: You can ask Gemini AI anything directly in Google Chrome – here’s how and why you shouldEven though the age restrictions apply to multiple Google products and services, it seems like YouTube is the only potential source of age information for now outside of how long ago you created your account. More

Maria Diaz/ZDNETHave you ever found yourself in a thermostat tug-of-war? One room feels like a sauna, another like an icebox, all while your trusty thermostat claims your home is at a perfectly average and comfortable 72 degrees?The truth is, you’re probably not imagining things, and the culprit could be hanging right there on your wall. As it turns out, where your thermostat is located can make a world of difference to both your comfort and your energy bills.Also: How to disable ACR on your TV (and why doing so makes such a big difference)Chances are, your thermostat is not located in the sweet spot for accurate whole-home temperature readings. In a way, your thermostat is the brain of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It senses the air temperature and tells your system when to kick on and when to take a break. But what if it’s getting a skewed version of reality? According to experts, this is a common scenario, and it’s likely costing you money. Here are some tips for where to avoid installing your thermostat, and the best places to do it instead. More