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    5 Chromecast features you’re not using enough on your TV (including a smart home hack)

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETSince 2014, Google’s Chromecast has been an affordable means for helping viewers turn their older model TVs into smart TVs, allowing them to stream content from their phones, tablets, and computers to a bigger screen. Also: Your Google TV just got a useful feature upgrade for free, and smart home users will love itAlas, the era of the Chromecast has come to an end. Google is replacing it with the Google TV Streamer, promising a faster processor, Thread and Matter integration, and the ability to summarize TV episodes or whole seasons, among other new tricks.But that doesn’t mean the Chromecast is obsolete yet; in fact, Google has promised to continue providing software and security updates for now. I found a number of cool things anyone can do with their trusty Chromecast that most users are unaware of. More

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    This $65 battery-powered floodlight camera is bright enough for my dark yard

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is a practical, battery-powered solution for darker areas around your house that lack wiring and outlets. The AA batteries allow the floodlights to beam at 700 nits of brightness, which is not the most powerful on the market but good enough to see your surroundings. […] More

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    Your Nvidia’s Shield TV just got a major free update – including these bug fixes

    Nvidia Shield TV Nvidia Nvidia rolled out a new patch for its SHIELD TV back in February, providing a much-needed support boost to a seemingly forgotten device. More recently, the company started rolling out another update to the hardware, dubbed SHIELD Experience Upgrade 9.2.1.  Also: Your Roku TV may experience an HDR bug with the latest […] More

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    4 free project management apps I recommend on Linux – and why you should use one

    christophertdumond/Getty Images I have several projects that are too much to manage in my head or with a simple calendar or text file. When those projects come along, I turn to a project management app on my Linux desktop.  Before you turn away thinking, “Project management is for business users only,” know that these apps […] More

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    Buying an iPhone 18 next year may look a little different – and why you should be excited

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETApple is planning a major iPhone launch timeline refresh. For years, the company has launched the base iPhone with its Pro variants, but it could change starting in 2027. Both The Information and Kuo have predicted a staggered rollout for the iPhone 18 series. A few models in the lineup are said to launch in the usual September window, while others might be announced in March the following year. Also: I tested the best iPhones: Here are the latest models that suit you mostOver the years, Apple’s iPhone launch timeline has shifted from the June/July period to September. Historically, Apple has reserved the March to April window for the launch of more affordable iPhones like the iPhone SE series and iPhone 16e. However, this timeline could receive a refresh as the Apple iPhone lineup expands with new models. For context, Apple is rumored to launch a new iPhone 17 Slim later this year. It is said to replace the Plus series, which was a replacement for the Mini lineup. This is touted to be followed by the launch of a foldable iPhone in 2026, and Apple just announced a new iPhone 16e earlier this year. In 2026, this will equal an expanded six-iPhone lineup, which is why Apple is planning a different launch cycle than usual. More