More stories

  • in

    Should you switch to Wi-Fi 7? Here’s my advice after testing a next-gen router at home

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus RT-BE86U router is currently on sale for $300. This supports Wi-Fi 7 delivering fast, wireless connections protected by multiple security features. However, getting the most out of the device requires Wi-Fi extenders which can be an expensive endeavor. more buying choices Wi-Fi 7 has been around since last January, […] More

  • in

    Your TV’s USB port has superpowers: 4 useful benefits you’re not taking advantage of

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETMany people never physically interact with their smart TV after they’ve set it up. With a range of wireless connectivity options, apps on phones, and remote controls, there’s very little reason to do so. Situated right next to the all-important HDMI connections, you might’ve even forgotten your TV has at least one USB 2.0 port on the back or side panel.Also: Need a 10-port USB-C charger? Plugable has just the thingOften overlooked and disregarded, USB ports are still a compulsory addition in the construction of most TVs. And they can be more useful than you might think. Here are four ways you may have never considered utilizing your TV’s USB ports. More

  • in

    Finally, Bluetooth trackers for Android users that function even better than AirTags

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Chipolo One Point and Card Point are available starting at $22. They’re highly accurate, robust, and integrate well into the Google ecosystem. However, the One is only splashproof, and the Card version has a non-user-replaceable battery. –> AirTags are one of the things that have set the Apple ecosystem apart […] More

  • in

    Samsung Unpacked 2025 recap: 5 biggest product announcements that you might’ve missed

    Like past January Unpacked events, Samsung released three new Galaxy S models, with the base models getting some subtle but meaningful upgrades, including a thinner and lighter design. Other changes include the introduction of new colors, including Icyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow, as well as online-only exclusive colors like Blueblack, Coralred, and Pinkgold. The vibrance of the Coralred colorway stands out amongst the rest of the lineup’s more muted finishes, and made a splash among reporters at Unpacked. Also: I went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S25 – and the AI features were surprisingly polishedAt the heart of the devices is the newly launched Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. According to Samsung, the chipset will be dramatically different than the variants found on competing Android phones.For example, Samsung claims it delivers a performance boost of 40% in NPU, 37% in CPU, and 30% in GPU compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Beyond AI, the chipset will help provide a smoother experience when gaming, equipped with Vulkan Engine, a high-performing graphics platform, and improved Ray Tracing.  Other specs remain the same as last year’s model, such as its 6.2-inch and 6.7-inch display, 4,000mAh and 4,900mAh batteries,120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 50 MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10 MP telephoto, and a 12MP selfie camera. Also: Best One UI 7 features coming to Samsung Galaxy S25 models (and older phones, too)Despite the camera hardware remaining the same, the software upgrades should significantly improve the experience. For example, 10-bit HDR recording is now applied by default, allowing users to capture better detail, and a new Galaxy Virtual Aperture, integrated into the Expert RAW app, gives users better depth-of-field control, similar to when using a DSLR.  Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra also feature advanced AI image processing with ProScaler, which, like Samsung TVs, uses AI to digitally enhance the resolution of videos. Just know that the phones need to be set to QHD+ resolution to take advantage of the feature.Pricing for the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus starts at $799 and $999, respectively. That’s the same as past years’ retail price, which is good to see, provided you’re getting improvements — some in hardware and more in software.  More