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    You can download iOS 26 public beta right now – how to install (and which iPhones support it)

    When will iOS 26 be released?The iOS 26 public beta is available now. The developer beta was released during WWDC in June 2025. If Apple follows its usual cadence, the final, general release of iOS 26 should arrive in September 2025.How to download the iOS 26 developer beta?To download the iOS 26 developer beta version, navigate to your settings to install the iOS 26 developer beta if your device runs iOS 16.5 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program:Go to your iPhone SettingsTap on GeneralSelect Software UpdateGo to Beta UpdatesChoose the iOS 26 Developer BetaIf you can’t see this option, go to your Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.If you aren’t already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can sign up to become one in the app. An annual membership costs $99, but you don’t need one to try the developer beta.Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of supported devices with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is compatible with the new operating system, including the iPhone SE. Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to iOS 26 (and which ones don’t support it) What to do before installing the iOS 26 public beta? You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind: Back up your device and personal information.Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPhone.Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iOS.How to submit beta feedback to AppleThe iOS 26 public beta comes with its own built-in Feedback Assistant app, which you can open from the Home screen. If you encounter something that doesn’t work, or you have feedback on any part of the new OS, you can communicate directly with Apple via that app.   Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More

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    How logic can help AI models tell more truth, according to AWS

    AWS distinguished scientist Byron Cook makes the case for “automated reasoning.” Amazon AWS The term “reasoning” is a familiar metaphor in today’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology, often used to describe the verbose outputs generated by so-called reasoning AI models such as OpenAI’s o1 or DeepSeek AI’s R1. Another kind of reasoning is quietly taking root […] More

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    I tested Panasonic’s new affordable LED TV model – here’s my brutally honest buying advice

    Panasonic W70B <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Panasonic W70B is available for $549 (65-inch) and six other screen sizes. It’s an entry-level LED TV that gets the job done. Slow loading times and subpar images are discouraging. –> It’s unusual, but for this review, I tested a 50-inch version of Panasonic’s 2025 W70B Fire TV<!–>. […] More

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    8 smart home gadgets that instantly upgraded my house (and why they work)

    The Lockly Visage Zeno Series is the best smart lock I’ve tested. It features facial recognition, so it unlocks your door as soon as you come into view, making it much more secure than entering a passcode. Lockly ensures your facial recognition data is encrypted and stored in the smart lock, so it doesn’t get sent to cloud servers.And if you still want to use a keycode for entry, this smart lock features Lockly’s PIN Genie technology, which scrambles the numbers on the keypad so onlookers can’t guess your passcode.This smart lock earned ZDNET’s Editor’s Choice award for outstanding performance, and also supports Apple Home Key, fingerprint, physical key, and remote unlocking without a hub or subscription. Also: I switched to a Wi-Fi enabled smart lock with facial recognitionThe only problem with this smart lock is that you have to be willing to splurge. It’s priced steeply at $350, and it’s so good that it rarely goes on sale, though you can save $30 for a limited time on the Lockly website.However, the $350 price tag gets you the best smart lock I’ve tested and two rechargeable batteries, so you can swap them out when one is drained.  More

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    I ran with the Apple Watch and Samsung Watch 8 – here’s the better AI coach

    Samsung’s Running Coach on the left, and Apple’s Workout Buddy on the right. Nina Raemont/ZDNETApple just released its latest Apple Watch software, the public beta for WatchOS 26, and one feature I was eager to try is finally available. Workout Buddy is an AI-powered feature that offers spoken encouragement, stats, and a host of metrics on the Apple Watch, and works in conjunction with Apple-owned earbuds like AirPods or Beats. It delivers sporadic bits of data, tries to motivate you, and announces when you’ve closed your Rings during your workout. Within 12 hours of installing the new software, I jumped at the chance to go on a morning run with it.   Also: The best smartwatches 2025: I wore these for weeks and found the perfect one for your wristBut Apple isn’t alone with this kind of feature. Samsung launched Running Coach, a similar AI-powered feature with the Galaxy Watch 8, its flagship smartwatch that launched earlier this summer. While they’re actually rather different in functionality, Running Coach and Workout Buddy share some similarities: they are both AI-powered, they guide you through your workout with stats, and they announce your fitness data back to you. I wore both watches on my morning run this morning to see which I preferred and which fitness companion worked better. Here’s what I found. What sets Samsung’s Running Coach apart More

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    This 4K projector changed the way I watch TV at home (no keystone adjustment needed)

    Jmgo N1S Ultimate 4K Projector <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Jmgo’s N1S Ultimate 4K projector is typically sold for $2,899 at Amazon. It features astounding color and brightness, and is particularly portable. The case won’t win any durability awards, and it needs a soundbar to really sound cinematic. more buying choices For a limited time, the […] More

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    Finally, a Bluetooth speaker that sounds great and is built to last

    Bose SoundLink Max <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Bose SoundLink Max retails for $399 in the colors Black and Blue Dusk This unassuming Bluetooth speaker delivers the high-quality sound that Bose is known for, with the battery life to keep the party going all night. The regular price might be a turn-off, given you can […] More