<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo’s ThinkStation P3 Tiny is available now starting at $860 for the low-tier configurations, but upgrades will bring it close beyond $2,000. There’s some powerful hardware here packed into a tiny frame, and pro users will appreciate its upgradeability and support for up to six monitors. It’s pricey, the power supply […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung’s Galaxy smartphones are some of the best Android phones available today, thanks to their responsive and feature-rich software. But most Samsung phones — especially the flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 — come with over-the-top features that you might not use daily. If your new Galaxy phone isn’t lasting an entire day on a single charge, there are ways to make the most of what you have without hindering the user experience. Also: The best Samsung phones to buy in 2025Here are seven ways to maximize the battery life on your Galaxy phone. Fret not — I won’t be Captain Obvious over here and recommend reducing the screen resolution or using your phone at a lower refresh rate. The recommendations on this list should bring quality-of-life improvements while maximizing your handset’s efficiency. Read on. More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETRecently, I wrote about the various uses of the USB ports that come standard on the back or side of any smart TV. In this article, I’m focusing on one particular important use: installing firmware updates using a USB device.Updates are essential because they ensure your TV has the latest software, features, and security patches. Most smart TVs are designed to automatically check for and install updates over Wi-Fi — as long as they’re connected to the internet and the automatic update feature is enabled. To confirm this, you can usually find a “Check for Updates” option in the TV’s settings menu.Also: You should probably clear your TV cache right now (and why it makes such a big difference)But if your TV has an unstable Wi-Fi connection — or you simply prefer a manual approach — the following is a walkthrough of how to use a USB drive to do the job. 1. Identify your TV’s model number Start by finding your TV’s specific model number. It’s usually on a sticker or label on the back of your set, which can often be tricky to read — especially on a wall-mounted TV. Take a flashlight with you and jot down what you see on the sticker. Better yet, turn on your phone camera (with flash) to reach behind the TV and snap a picture of the sticker so you’ll have the information forever. You should also be able to find the model number in the TV’s settings menu under the “About” or “Support” section. 2. Locate the firmware update Go online and visit the manufacturer’s official website to look for the “Support” or “Downloads” section. Use the search function on the website and enter your TV’s model number. This should bring up a list of available downloads for your specific model. Look for the latest firmware update file. Also: How we test TVs at ZDNET in 2025Be sure to pay close attention to the region and version information for the firmware update. Downloading and installing the wrong firmware can cause serious problems with your TV, potentially “bricking” it, which is the worst thing that can happen to any smart device because it renders it unusable. More
Sony is known for their high-quality OLED TVs, which feature excellent picture and audio quality as well as high refresh rates for smoother motion while watching sports and fast-paced TV and movie scenes or console gaming. The latest Sony TVs also have exclusive VRR support for gaming on the PlayStation 5 to prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your immersion. While Sony TVs can get expensive, especially at larger screen sizes, there are more affordable options that still offer premium-grade features like Acoustic Surface Audio+, which turns the whole screen into a speaker for better syncing and object-tracking sound. With a variety of screen sizes available, from 43 inches to an impressive 98 inches, you’ll be able to find a fit for just about any space. What is the best Sony TV right now? I chose the Bravia 8 II More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETFrom smartwatches to smart rings, it’s ramping up to be a busy product launch season. Ahead of some of the bigger events coming in the next few months, several rumors and leaks are swirling around the season’s hottest wearable tech. I’ve rounded up some of the top stories to watch (and read) this week.What’s next for Galaxy Watches More
Maria Diaz/ZDNETOlder Google TV and Chromecast devices are finally getting the Home Panel feature, allowing you to control your smart home devices from your TV. The feature was initially launched with the Google TV Streamer last year, but Google opened a public preview program to let users enroll older devices. Now, the feature appears to have launched widely and quietly. The latest update began rolling out earlier this week, and reports indicate users are using the Home Panel feature on discontinued Chromecast devices and Google TV sets, including Hisense TVs.Also: New Google Labs experiments help you learn new languages in ‘bite-sized’ lessonsThe Home Panel on Google TV lets you control Google Home-compatible smart devices by accessing them on the right side of your TV. These devices include smart thermostats, video doorbells, security cameras, speakers, smart lights, and more. Like Apple’s tvOS and Amazon’s FireOS, the Home Panel can also show smart home notifications, such as a person ringing your Nest Doorbell. More
Writing NFC tags with a smartphone. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETOne of my favorite technologies is NFC. I’m blown away that I can write data to a little chip and then access that using a smartphone or tablet. I’ve embedded NFC tags into all sorts of things, from documents to business cards to 3D-printed objects. Also: I gave my Android phone thermal vision superpowers with this accessoryAnd it’s easy! What you needYou need two things: NFC tags: These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from stickers More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus Zenbook Duo is on sale now starting at around $1,499, with pricier configurations available. This laptop is a creator’s dream machine, with dual-OLED touchscreens, a highly configurable form factor, and a great battery. It takes time and effort to get the most out of this laptop, and you’ll need […] More
