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    10 passkey survival tips: Prepare for your passwordless future now

    emretopdemir/Getty Images Sooner or later, it’s coming: You’ll be logging into one of your favorite websites or applications, and you’ll find no option to supply a user ID and password. There won’t even be a password field. (The jury is still out on the user ID field.) You’ll simply choose from a personalized dropdown list […] More

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    7 ways to lock down your phone’s security – before it’s too late

    Eshma/Getty Images In June 2017, as NotPetya malware ripped through Ukraine’s business and government technology infrastructure, I reported from the capital, Kyiv, for ZDNET’s then-sibling publication TechRepublic, moderating panel discussions about geopolitical cyber defense at the Global Cybersecurity Summit. The city was a charming, modern startup hub with innovative thinkers and smart technology. It was also […] More

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    AI agent deployments will grow 327% during the next two years. Here’s what to do now

    BlackJack3D/Getty Images Chief human resources officers (CHROs) plan to expand their digital labor in the next two years, investing in AI agents to increase productivity, according to the latest Salesforce global research. The research surveyed 200 global human resource executives to gather their perspectives on integrating AI into the workplace. The findings indicate a strong […] More

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    This Lenovo mini PC may be the computing system Linux users have been waiting for

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo’s ThinkStation P3 Tiny is available now starting at $860 for the low-tier configurations, but upgrades will bring it close beyond $2,000. There’s some powerful hardware here packed into a tiny frame, and pro users will appreciate its upgradeability and support for up to six monitors. It’s pricey, the power supply […] More

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    I changed 7 Samsung phone settings to significantly improve the battery life

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung’s Galaxy smartphones are some of the best Android phones available today, thanks to their responsive and feature-rich software. But most Samsung phones — especially the flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 — come with over-the-top features that you might not use daily. If your new Galaxy phone isn’t lasting an entire day on a single charge, there are ways to make the most of what you have without hindering the user experience. Also: The best Samsung phones to buy in 2025Here are seven ways to maximize the battery life on your Galaxy phone. Fret not — I won’t be Captain Obvious over here and recommend reducing the screen resolution or using your phone at a lower refresh rate. The recommendations on this list should bring quality-of-life improvements while maximizing your handset’s efficiency. Read on. More

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    Your TV’s USB port has a forgotten benefit that can make an old system feel new again

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETRecently, I wrote about the various uses of the USB ports that come standard on the back or side of any smart TV. In this article, I’m focusing on one particular important use: installing firmware updates using a USB device.Updates are essential because they ensure your TV has the latest software, features, and security patches. Most smart TVs are designed to automatically check for and install updates over Wi-Fi — as long as they’re connected to the internet and the automatic update feature is enabled. To confirm this, you can usually find a “Check for Updates” option in the TV’s settings menu.Also: You should probably clear your TV cache right now (and why it makes such a big difference)But if your TV has an unstable Wi-Fi connection — or you simply prefer a manual approach — the following is a walkthrough of how to use a USB drive to do the job. 1. Identify your TV’s model number Start by finding your TV’s specific model number. It’s usually on a sticker or label on the back of your set, which can often be tricky to read — especially on a wall-mounted TV. Take a flashlight with you and jot down what you see on the sticker. Better yet, turn on your phone camera (with flash) to reach behind the TV and snap a picture of the sticker so you’ll have the information forever. You should also be able to find the model number in the TV’s settings menu under the “About” or “Support” section. 2. Locate the firmware update Go online and visit the manufacturer’s official website to look for the “Support” or “Downloads” section. Use the search function on the website and enter your TV’s model number. This should bring up a list of available downloads for your specific model. Look for the latest firmware update file. Also: How we test TVs at ZDNET in 2025Be sure to pay close attention to the region and version information for the firmware update. Downloading and installing the wrong firmware can cause serious problems with your TV, potentially “bricking” it, which is the worst thing that can happen to any smart device because it renders it unusable. More

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    The best Sony TVs of 2025: Expert tested

    Sony is known for their high-quality OLED TVs, which feature excellent picture and audio quality as well as high refresh rates for smoother motion while watching sports and fast-paced TV and movie scenes or console gaming. The latest Sony TVs also have exclusive VRR support for gaming on the PlayStation 5 to prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your immersion. While Sony TVs can get expensive, especially at larger screen sizes, there are more affordable options that still offer premium-grade features like Acoustic Surface Audio+, which turns the whole screen into a speaker for better syncing and object-tracking sound. With a variety of screen sizes available, from 43 inches to an impressive 98 inches, you’ll be able to find a fit for just about any space. What is the best Sony TV right now? I chose the Bravia 8 II More