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    Have you stayed at a Marriott? Here’s what its settlement with the FTC means for you

    JHVEPhoto/Getty Images The FTC has come down hard on hotel chain Marriott following a series of data breaches between 2014 and 2020 that harmed more than 344 million customers worldwide. In an Oct. 9 news release announcing a settlement order with the company, the agency said that Marriott must delete any personal data associated with a […] More

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    This $679 Lenovo IdeaPad has a clever feature that makes it a budget laptop winner

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5 2-in-1 is available now at Walmart for $679 It’s a durable budget laptop that comes with Windows S mode, a restricted but streamlined version of the operating system that improves performance. The restrictions that come with Windows S mode won’t make sense for everyone, and the laptop […] More

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    This hidden Android 15 feature turns your screen saver into a smart home control center

    My Colts Santa keeps watch over my phone. Jack Wallen/ZDNETI have Nest cameras, doorbells, and speakers at home. I regularly access those devices from my phone, which is easy to do from the Notification Shade. However, when my phone is docked on its charger, I don’t always want to pick it up to go through the Notification Shade or go into the App Drawer to open the Home app.Also: I upgraded my Pixel 9 Pro to Android 15. Here are my 5 favorite features so farThankfully, in Android 15, the new Home Controls feature offers an easy solution. With this enabled, your Android phone will display controls for your Google Home devices as your screensaver when charging. The new feature allows you to view those devices with a single tap. If you sleep with your phone charging by your bed, this could be a real gamechanger if someone rings your doorbell or approaches your house in the middle of the night, and you don’t have the brain capacity to go through the usual steps to access the interface for either the Nest camera or Nest doorbell. Also: How to use Android 15’s App Freeze feature to clear space on your phoneBut how do you enable the feature?  It’s a bit tucked away but simple to switch on, so let me show you how.How to enable Home Control for Android 15What you’ll need: To use the new feature, you’ll need a device running Android 15. Although the feature works great on phones, it’s even better on tablets. You’ll also need some Google devices (such as Nest doorbells, cameras, and speakers). Even some non-Google devices may work, but your mileage may vary. More

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    The best 40-inch TVs of 2024: Expert recommended

    While a 40-inch TV may not be the most popular size, both big and small brands offer excellent options with features you’ve come to expect as standard for home entertainment. These features include 4K resolution, enhanced audio and picture processing, higher refresh rates, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. If you have the extra space, 42-inch and 43-inch TVs are also great options. Also: The best picks for 32-inch TVs: Top small TVs comparedWhat is the best 40-inch TV right now?My choice for the best 40-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D More

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    Midjourney’s new web editor lets you tweak images uploaded from your PC

    oxygen/Getty Images Many AI image generators let you edit and customize the images you create. Now, a new feature from Midjouney allows you to modify existing images stored on your PC.  The new web editor, unveiled Wednesday, lets you upload an image from your computer and move, resize, repaint, and change its contents. You can […] More

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    One of the most reliable robot vacuums I’ve tested isn’t a Roomba or Roborock

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dreame L40 Ultra is a high-end robot vacuum and mop available on Amazon for $1,500, though you can get it for $1,300 with a $200 on-page coupon This Dreame robot vacuum doesn’t disappoint in performance It has strong suction power, thorough cleaning capabilities, extendable side brush and mop pad to […] More