Eliana Willis

Microsoft/ZDNETI like to access photos, phone calls, messages, and other features from my iPhone directly on my Windows PC. Though I rely on apps such as Microsoft’s Phone Link and Intel Unison, I wish I had an easier and quicker way to use my phone on Windows. That’s why I’m looking forward to trying a new option from Microsoft.Now rolling out to Windows InsidersAs described in a blog post published Tuesday, Microsoft is currently previewing a way to connect and use your iPhone directly from the Windows 11 Start menu. Now rolling out to Windows Insiders on the Beta and Dev channels, the method follows the same type of integration previewed for Android users last year.With the latest Beta or Dev builds for Windows 11 installed on your PC, you simply open the Start menu and select your type of phone (Android or iPhone) from the right pane. Following the instructions then allows you to connect your phone from the Start menu.Also: The Microsoft 365 Copilot launch was a total disasterOnce your phone is connected, you’re able to view its battery status and connectivity, access messages and calls, and keep track of other activities through the Start menu. To exchange a file between your phone and PC, for example, just click the Send Files button. That’s a handy feature for me, as I often need to retrieve photos from my phone to my PC. More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe “middle child” often gets a bad rap, but the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus More

Over time, our PCs can become cluttered with software to the point that speed and responsiveness can be severely impacted. It’s not just the amount of software we have downloaded — our systems may also become bogged down with inert registry entries, hidden files, and fragmented, leftover files from uninstalled software. Also: The best password managers: Expert testedA clean-up every so often is an important part of keeping our PCs operating at their best and freeing up space. But is there a better way than relying upon your operating system’s default uninstaller, which may not be able to remove every component and file? Specialized software uninstallers can provide a cleaner uninstall of legacy software and remove some of the bloats from your system securely and effectively, tracking down and removing the files that default programs cannot.  What is the best free software uninstaller right now?The best free software uninstaller is Revo More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vivobook S 15, Asus’ first Copilot+ PC, normally retails for $1,299, but it is currently on sale for $1,099 on Amazon. It is sleek and lightweight with a gorgeous OLED display, great battery life, and snappy performance. However, because of the nature of Windows on ARM laptops, it’s not yet […] More

maciek905/Getty Images I’ve been around technology for long enough that very little excites me, and even less surprises me. But shortly after Open AI’s ChatGPT was released, I asked it to write a WordPress plugin for my wife’s e-commerce site. When it did, and the plugin worked, I was indeed surprised. That was the beginning […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE system is available now for only $249. It has immersive surround sound at an affordable price thanks to customizable EQ settings and sound modes. The Bluetooth connection can sometimes be spotty, and be prepared to hide lots of wires. more buying choices One of the easiest […] More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETIn the age of smart TVs, convenience is king. With just a few clicks, we can dive into endless entertainment—but that ease comes with a downside: the buildup of cache data.Also: The best TVs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedJust like on your phone or computer, a cluttered TV cache can lead to sluggish performance, app crashes, and even hinder new content from loading properly. That’s why it’s important to clear all that extra cache and make your TV feel like new again. Before I break down the steps for how to do it, let’s address the big elephant in the room first.What is a cache?A cache is a temporary storage area where data is kept for quick access. On your smart TV, the cache stores information from apps, websites, and system processes to help them load faster every time you turn it on. Think of it as a bunch of temporary files intended to speed up loading times for frequently accessed information. Also: How to clear your Android phone’s cache and make it feel like new for 2025For instance, when you open a streaming app, the cache might store thumbnails, login details, or recently watched shows. Caches are designed to help your TV load this content more quickly. Over time, however, the cache can become overloaded with outdated or unnecessary data, which can consequently slow down your TV’s performance. More