Eliana Willis

CNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.Looking to upgrade your home internet service? Right now, when you sign up for a Verizon Fios More

NurPhoto/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Windows 10 PCs can receive free security updates until October 2026. To qualify for free personal updates, enroll with a Microsoft account. Customers in any of the 30 EEA countries automatically qualify. This month’s Windows updates will be […] More

Samsung/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.If you’ve been considering upgrading your internet service, now is the perfect time because Verizon is offering a major holiday deal. When you sign up for the company’s 5G Home Ultimate plan More

What is Advanced Protection on Android? Advanced Protection in Android 16 combines multiple security settings across six categories into one switch. Turning it on will lock certain features so they can’t be disabled individually, and it activates more protections.Also: I unlocked hidden menus on my iPhone and Android with 14 secret codesHere’s what it does, specifically, on your device, according to Google: AppsDevice safetyMessagesNetwork2G network protection: Prevents your phone from connecting to insecure 2G networks (on supported devices).PhoneWebSafe browsing: Blocks phishing and malicious websites.Chrome HTTPS enforcement: Forces HTTPS whenever possible.JavaScript protections: Disables Chrome’s JavaScript optimizer to reduce attack risks. Why isn’t Advanced Protection enabled by default? Some aspects, such as blocking sideloaded apps or automatically screening calls, may cause issues for certain users. So, it’s optional, even though it offers stronger security. Does Advanced Protection block sideloaded apps? Yes. It blocks installations from unknown sources — so you can’t sideload apps outside the Play Store while it’s enabled. Will Advanced Protection slow down my phone or make it harder to use? You won’t notice much difference. The biggest trade-offs are losing the ability to sideload apps and occasional issues with spam and call screening. What exactly happens if my phone is stolen? If your phone is stolen, Advanced Protection is helpful. It includes Theft Detection Lock, which automatically locks your phone if it’s grabbed from your hand or moved suddenly. It also has Offline Device Lock, which locks the device when it loses connection, and Inactivity Reboot, which forces a reboot if the phone stays locked for 72 hours. Do I need Google Account Advanced Protection? Separate from the device toggle, Google Account Advanced Protection secures your online account (Gmail, Drive, Docs, and more).Also: The best secure browsers for privacy in 2025: Expert testedIt’s an opt-in program that requires stronger sign-in methods, such as passkeys or physical security keys, and limits third-party access to your data. Unlike Android’s Advanced Protection, which focuses on your phone and local data, this program protects your online account and data in the cloud. For the highest level of security, especially if you’re at high risk, both are worth enabling. More

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TCL QM8K (2025) <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The TCL QM8K (65-inch) is currently available with a big discount across major retailers. It handles HDR content with eye-popping, true-to-life brightness. The addition of a soundbar would make its audio more immersive. more buying choices Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source–> on Google. TCL consistently outperforms its […] More

Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo’s first-edition ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition 14-inch is available now, starting at $1,239 for the lowest-tier configuration. It’s an experimental evolution of the ThinkPad line, exchanging some of the most defining features for a new sleek form factor and bold design. The entry configuration only comes […] More