Eliana Willis

Kerry Wan/ZDNETGoogle is rolling out its Pixel Update for May 2025, and it includes a critical security patch. Here’s what you can expect from the company’s latest update. What’s in the May Pixel update?The update bundles a fix for a bug that causes degraded microphone recording quality in certain apps, a fix for a problem that causes issues with Bluetooth pairing to certain smartwatches, and a fix for a glitch that causes quick settings menu items to appear in a secondary language. Then there are the security patches.Nearly 30 security fixes are a part of this update, but the most important is one called CVE-2025-27363, which Google says “may be under limited, targeted exploitation.” In other words, it’s a vulnerability that’s being actively exploited by people with bad intentions. Also: 6 rumored Android 16 features that are making this loyal Pixel user ecstaticGoogle didn’t offer any more details about what this exploit is or how it’s being taken advantage of, but the fact that Google named it specifically in the patch notes shows it’s critical. Google says this update also includes a bootloader update that prevents your device from being rolled back to a previous, vulnerable version of Android. Once you install this update, your phone won’t be able to go back to an earlier build.What devices are getting the May Pixel update?All supported Pixel phones and tablets (the 6a and beyond) running Android 15 will get this update, Google says. Rollout will start today and continue over the next week in phases, depending on your carrier and device. You’ll get a notification once the update is available.You can always check your Android version manually, too. To see if an update is available, open Settings, scroll down, and tap on “Security and privacy.” Tap “Check for updates” under “System & updates” and follow the prompts.Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More

NurPhoto / Getty Images If you’ve been a loyal T-Mobile customer, you might have a free line coming your way. According to documentation from The Mobile Report, the carrier is offering a free line to select accounts. The new line will be available today, and eligible customers will receive an automated text soon to let […] More

Nina Raemont/ZDNETFour years after the launch of the Whoop 4.0, Whoop has announced two new health trackers, the Whoop 5.0 and the Whoop MG. While Whoop is mainly considered a health tracker used by pro athletes and fitness enthusiasts, the launch of the new wearables caters to a more general, health-minded customer base willing to pay a high price for cutting-edge health tech. Also: This fitness band features a fitness coachThe new health bands track your sleep, activity, and recovery like the rest of the health trackers on the market. However, the bands also deliver innovative new features, like a blood pressure monitor that provides data right from your wrist, an ECG monitor that detects atrial fibrillation, and clinician-reviewed reports for blood testing and vitals monitoring. It seems like Whoop picked its favorite features from other smart wearable devices, like Apple Watch, Withings, Oura, and Samsung Galaxy, to create its latest lineup. Functionalities differ based on the band, with the 5.0 supporting more general activity and health tracking and the MG, which stands for Medical Grade, supporting features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring. Also: New to fitness tracking? This midrange smartwatch is a great first step – and it’s on saleThe most interesting feature of this launch is Advanced Labs, which allows users to schedule blood tests and interact with a clinician for reports and recommendations using the data collected through the device. Advanced Labs has an additional cost and is not available at launch. Those interested in trying the feature out upon launch will be added to a waitlist. The feature is similar to Withings’ Cardio Check-Up feature, which allows members to connect with a doctor who evaluates their heart health data and sends back a personalized report.The patent-pending blood pressure monitoring feature is similar to other health trackers with this functionality. Using a traditional arm blood pressure monitor, the Whoop calibrates data with the band three times. Then it begins monitoring systolic and diastolic ranges from your wrist, with no armband needed. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 has the same capability and calibration requirement, while Huawei’s Watch 3 includes an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, with no calibration necessary.  More

Clicks Last month, Motorola unveiled three new Razr flip phones, including a first-ever ‘Ultra’ model that ZDNET’s smartphone expert Kerry Wan says is “feature-packed, fashionably styled, and unsurprisingly expensive.”  The new Razr models, which start at $799, are finally available for preorder in the US at retailers like Best Buy<!–>, Amazon–>, and Motorola<!–>. The devices will […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Amazfit Active 2 is available starting at $99, depending on the band. The watch is small, lasts up to 10 days, has a brilliant AMOLED display, measures an extensive amount of data, and is inexpensive The small size is great for many people, but may also not be the right […] More

Jean-Luc Ichard/Getty Images I know you’ve heard of gamification, but have you ever heard of festification? That’s what Microsoft did last month and is continuing until May 28, with the Microsoft AI Skills Fest. It’s a little odd, but it also looks like it might be a heck of a lot of fun. And you […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now at a discount, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually). The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious. I just wish the setup process was more seamless and simple. more buying choices For months, I was one hundred […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSoundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Even with their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few modifications to help unleash the best possible sound quality. Also: Your Roku TV is getting 5 useful updates for free – including a Roku City shortcutWhether you’re new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can take your viewing and listening experience to new heights. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar’s performance. More