Eliana Willis

Jack Wallen/ZDNETIf you have a phone running Android 15, you can enable a full-blown Linux terminal that includes many of the commands you’re used to running on Linux, and I have to say that it’s pretty cool. Before we go any further, I want to mention what you can’t do with the Linux terminal on Android. You can’t install GUI apps without serious work. I’ve tried running GUI apps and found they simply wouldn’t start. I know there have been successful attempts at installing apps like Doom on the new terminal, but it is no easy feat.Also: With Android 16, the Linux terminal gets all the space it needsWith that disappointment in check, I decided to figure out what this new feature could do for me and you. In a word: Plenty… if you don’t mind using the command line. Let me explain how I used this new addition. Hopefully, you’ll find something the terminal app can do for you. 1. SSH In my piece on how to start using the new Linux terminal on your Android device, I walked you through enabling the Linux Terminal app on Android as well as installing SSH. What I didn’t say was that connecting to remote machines via SSH on the Android Linux terminal app was kind of a pain… especially for those who are terrible at typing on a phone keyboard (like yours truly). Fortunately, there’s something you can do to make that a bit easier, thanks to the SSH config file. With this file, you can configure SSH connections so that instead of having to peck out ssh gilly@192.168.1.176, you might only have to type ssh hive. Let me show you how. Also: The best SSH clients for Android – including my two favoritesOpen the Linux terminal app and make sure you install SSH (as described in the article above). Once you’ve done that, connect to the remote machine in question (which creates the .ssh folder for you). Exit from that connection, and then type nano .ssh/config. In that file, you’ll add something like this: Host hive  Hostname 192.168.1.176  User gilly Save that file by tapping Ctrl (in the terminal keyboard menu bar), and then tapping x. With that taken care of, you’d only have to type ssh hive. SSH will read the config file and know the IP address of the host and the remote hostname. So much easier. 2. Learn the Linux command line Thanks to the Android Linux terminal app, you have a great tool to help you learn the Linux command line. With this app, you can run commands, install new commands, and read the man files for every command, and know that if you were to mess things up beyond repair, you can disable Linux terminal support in Android and then re-enable it for a fresh start. Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learnAfter installing the Ollama command-line AI, I quickly discovered I’d run out of space in the virtual environment. Instead of going through all the steps of removing Ollama, I simply disabled the Linux terminal app and then re-enabled it to get back to where I started. If you’re interested in learning the Linux command-line interface while on the go, this is a great place to start. More

The Kindle Paperwhite pictured with Strapsicle’s Kindle straps.  Kayla Solino/ZDNETNeed a beach read? Scoop up Emily Henry’s novel of the same name on sale during Amazon’s Book Sale More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is perfect for those who want an affordable plug-and-play solution, available now for $249 standalone or $480 for the bundle. Bass is impressive (especially with the subwoofer), and the dialogue enhancement feature is helpful for clarity. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi streaming, smart features, or Alexa integration, […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Formovie Cinema Edge 4K UST projector is available now for $1,799 at Amazon. It has a sturdy construction and sleek design. It’s great for cinematic viewing, although it could greatly benefit from having a dedicated sound system. –> The first ultra short-throw (UST) projectors hit the mainstream market in the […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is available in four colors for $300. The AMOLED display is brilliant, the available activity functions are comprehensive, and the battery lasts 5-11 days. There is no altimeter, the 30 minute smart alarm interval is a bit long, and it’s a bit small for those with larger […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Xgimi’s Horizon S Max is on sale now for $1,899. It offers sharp, vibrant picture quality that punches well above its price tag, and the new gimbal design is easy to set up. Its minimal port selection might be a problem for some. more buying choices I won’t bury the lede: […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe Google Pixel 9a might be the best-value phone of 2025, especially now that it brings flagship-level AI tools, a bright 120Hz display, and a massive battery into a more affordable price tier. But, just like any Pixel phone, the best features often aren’t enabled by default. Also: I switched from my Pixel 9 Pro to the 9a for three weeks – here’s my buying advice nowThese tips are based on a Pixel 9a running Android 15. Depending on which Pixel model and Android version you’re using, the exact menu locations may vary slightly, but the settings themselves are widely available across recent Pixel generations. 1. Enable Smooth Display 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