Eliana Willis

Adam Breeden/ZDNETWant to follow my work? Add ZDNET as a trusted source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysIf you need a security boost on Android, add this hidden feature.Sensors Off makes it easy to shut off the camera, mic, and GPS.This feature is available for all modern Android phones.When using your Android phone, have you ever had a moment when you thought, “I could seriously use some more privacy and security?” I have. Often. You might think a VPN is enough for better security, but what if I told you that the sensors on your phone could lead to security issues? Would you still think that VPN is sufficient? Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025Your phone sensors include the camera, microphone, and GPS, each of which can be used against you. Granted, it would require the installation of malicious software to do so, but it is possible. At the same time, when visiting websites on your phone, if those sites have permission to use any of those sensors, your privacy and security could be at stake.That’s why I’ve enabled this hidden feature on my Pixel 9 Pro. This feature is a Quick Settings tile that you can add, which, with a single tap, disables all three sensors. Prior to doing anything that needs heightened security, tap that tile and you’re good to go. When you’re done, tap the tile again, and the sensors are back on.Enable developer optionsThe first step is to enable developer options on your phone. Don’t worry, the feature is built in; it’s just hidden from view.  More

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Statik MagStack Pro <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Statik MagStack Pro is available now for $23 on Amazon. It’s a 100W-capable, magnetically self-wrapping USB-C cable that can withstand years of use. Unfortunately, it tops out at 480MB/s. –> Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. I’m in the late stages of planning a 10-day, […] More

Nina Raemont/ZDNETWant to follow my work? Add ZDNET as a trusted source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysKohler’s Dekoda will grade your hydration. Dekoda monitors pee, bowel movements, and blood in the toilet bowl. The device retails for $599 and launched on Wednesday. You probably aren’t drinking enough water, and Kohler’s newest device tells you so — from your toilet. Kohler unveiled Dekoda, a sensor that attaches to a toilet to monitor hydration, gut health, hemoglobin, and more. The device uses a spectroscopy sensor and a tiny camera to monitor what’s going into the toilet bowl. The sensors analyze hydration levels, bowel movements, and hemoglobin levels within the bowl. The position of the camera is pointed down, so Dekoda only monitors what is in the toilet bowl.Also: I tested the 4 most popular health trackers for a year – and they’re on sale for Prime DayDekoda is the latest health tech device that passively monitors personal data and turns it into easily viewable health information that a user can address. It also turns everyday activities, like peeing, into a quantifiable data point and score. The app gives users a hydration rating, effectively scoring them on how much water they’ve drunk each day.  More

Alienware 18 Area-51 Laptop <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Alienware 18 Area-51 retails for $3,199. It is a gaming laptop that delivers an unbelievable performance thanks to its powerful hardware and equally powerful cooling system. Traveling with the computer will prove difficult because of its weight; you’ll also have to pay quite a bit for […] More

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