Geekom IT15 Mini PC <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Geekcom IT 15 Mini PC is available on Amazon for $1,100. This tiny form-factor PC has plenty of power to spare for everyday tasks. The only downside is that the IT15 doesn’t have a dedicated GPU. –> I’ve always enjoyed a mini PC, and any time […] More
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways Perplexity makes $34.5B bid to buy Google’s Chrome browser.Deal would give Perplexity a gateway to the AI-driven web.Perplexity’s bid could spark a bidding war.When the Wall Street Journal broke the news that AI company Perplexity made an unsolicited all-cash offer of $34.5 billion to buy Google’s Chrome browser, some people asked me, “Are they serious?” Oh, yes, it is.Also: 5 reasons why I still prefer Perplexity over every other AI chatbot In fact, I predicted Perplexity would try to buy the world’s most popular web browser in May.The evidence was thereIt’s not that I’m a genius. The evidence was already there. Perplexity, the AI-driven search startup, has shown interest in Chrome. Acquiring Chrome would provide Perplexity with a shortcut to user acquisition and enhance data collection for targeted advertising. Even now, Perplexity’s own AI-enabled web browser, Comet, is built — like all web browsers except Firefox — on Chromium, Chrome’s open-source ancestor. It would give Perplexity a leg up on OpenAI, which has its own plans for an AI web browser. Also: I used Perplexity to make a restaurant reservation – now I’m wondering if Google is holding us backPerplexity has also made no secret of its desire to “out-Google” Google when it comes to search. As far as I’m concerned, Perplexity is a better search engine than Google. True, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas had said earlier that “Chrome should remain within and continue to be run by Google,” but if the Department of Justice and the courts are going to force Google to get rid of Chrome anyway, well, what’s a CEO to do except make the best possible deal? As Srinivas said in the offer letter, the proposal is “designed to satisfy an antitrust remedy in highest public interest by placing Chrome with a capable, independent operator.” Also: Perplexity is the AI tool Gemini wishes it could beThe federal judge handling the case, Amit Mehta, is expected to issue a ruling on remedies in the Google search antitrust case in August. He’s already put Google’s divesting of Chrome on the table. He’s also taken a hard line on Google, stating last year in his ruling that Google “is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.” More
TCL D1 Pro <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The TCL D1 Pro smart lock is available for $170. This smart lock features some of the most reliable and fastest palm recognition technology I’ve tested, and it has a rechargeable battery instead of the standard replaceable batteries. The TCL D1 Pro’s biggest downfall is the app, which […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETAs a person who covers consumer tech for a living, I get to use a few dozen smartphones every year. While I almost always advise on which is the new best smartphone, the majority of consumers don’t upgrade every year. I have friends and family who tell me they don’t want to upgrade and ask, “How can I make my current phone faster?” I finally have an answer.Also: I test dozens of Android phones every year: Here’s how Google, Samsung, and more stack upI don’t get to use review devices for long, but I have picked up tips and tricks from years of experience that can help boost the speed of your old Android phone. Before you ask, it doesn’t involve rooting your device. These tips are easy to implement for both tech-savvy consumers and the average Joe. If your Android phone has started feeling slow, you should primarily focus on clearing its storage. And if you’re unsure about where to begin, here are a few things you can do to make your old Android phone faster.1. Delete unused apps More
Kayla Solino/ZDNETWhat if I told you that you can save on that purchase you were about to make via cash back, and that it’s as easy as enabling a browser extension or using an app? While it sounds questionable, I’m here to quell your concerns. I’ve been using Rakuten’s cash back program More
Garmin Vivoactive 6 <!–> 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 […] More
It’s easy to silkscreen 600W on the product, but can the product live up to the hype? Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI test dozens of chargers every year. Some are excellent, while others fall short. Here on ZDNET, I only feature the cream of the crop — the best of the best. However, I occasionally receive requests from readers asking for my thoughts or opinions on specific products. Lately, one product that’s been generating a lot of buzz is this 600W GaN charger. Also: This wall charger replaced all of my Bluetooth trackers – and why I’ll never travel without itSo, I bought a couple for testing. At $99, they’re not exactly cheap, but compared to the Ugreen Nexode 300W More
Jada Jones/ZDNETYour AirPods can be your best friend, small enough to stay in your pocket or bag until you need them. But if you like to work out with your AirPods, pushing your slippery earbuds back into your ear can become a particularly intense workout. I’ve found three products to help with this problem — a few dollars spent can revitalize your AirPods experience.Also: Best AirPods 2025: I’ve tested every pair of Apple headphones and earbudsUnfortunately, some people’s ear anatomy simply isn’t compatible with certain earbuds, and the best option may be purchasing from another brand. But if you’re determined to make your AirPods stay in your ear, try these tips first.1. Detachable ear hooks More
