Eliana Willis

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    in Information Technology

    Windows 11 is getting a secret weapon for boot failures – how it works

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETHave you ever run into trouble trying to boot up your Windows PC? Boot-up errors are among the most challenging to troubleshoot and fix. Now, Microsoft is launching a new tool that will step in when your computer refuses to boot properly.Also: Microsoft just blocked this popular Windows 11 local account trick – but workarounds remainKnown as Quick Machine Recovery, or QMR, this feature is ready for testing in the latest Windows 11 Insider build. Though Microsoft touts it as a tool for IT administrators, it is also available for home use, where it is turned on by default. How it worksThe Windows Recovery Environment, or WinRE, is a dedicated recovery partition on your computer that attempts to repair boot-up problems. Normally, you might have to trigger WinRE manually, but with QMR, the process is designed to be more automatic. When a critical boot-up problem occurs, your PC will enter WinRE mode, connect to your network, and then send diagnostic data to Microsoft. Based on that data, a specific fix for the issue is sent to your PC via Windows Update. If the fix is successful, your PC should then be able to boot without further trouble. Also: 6 things I always do after setting up Windows 11 – and why you should tooOne key benefit is that the recovery process is designed to run automatically and even remotely. In an organization, IT administrators can send targeted fixes to problematic PCs without requiring physical access. For a home user, the fixes are managed by Microsoft. In either scenario, you do not have to spend time manually diagnosing or trying to resolve the glitch. QMR is part of the Windows Resiliency Initiative that Microsoft announced last November at Ignite 2024. The company is asking IT staffers and other Windows Insiders to start testing the new feature and provide their feedback through the Feedback Hub built into Windows. Insiders should also expect a test remediation package over the next few days, which will let them see how QMR performs. More

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    in Robotics

    This midrange OnePlus phone makes skipping flagship models easy – and it’s on sale

    OnePlus Nord N30 June Wan/ZDNETMidrange smartphones like the OnePlus Nord N30 are a nice alternative to high-end devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S25. They provide a premium experience without the exorbitant cost. And now, thanks to a new deal, this already affordable phone is even cheaper.Also: These Bluetooth trackers for Android work than AirTags – and they’re on saleTypically, the device costs $300. But by entering the code “SPRING25” at checkout, you shave $70 off the Nord N30’s price tag, making it a cool $230 More

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    in Robotics

    Apple Home finally gets robot vacuum support, thanks to Matter and iOS 18.4

    Maria Diaz/ZDNETApple Home is finally compatible with robot vacuums, thanks to multiple upgrades — from Apple, Matter, and robot manufacturers. Apple released iOS 18.4 yesterday, which includes support for robot vacuums via the Home app. Robot vacuum manufacturers, like iRobot and Roborock, have already released their firmware upgrades for their Matter-compatible robots to support Apple Home.Robot vacuum compatibility for Apple Home was delayed for months after being announced last year as a feature coming with iOS 18. With iOS 18.4, however, robot vacuums are finally welcome in Apple Home. The compatibility allows iPhone users to control their robot vacuums via the Home app instead of juggling multiple apps for different devices. Also: This Eufy robot vacuum with a built-in handheld unit is a steal at $200 offIt also makes it easier to run robot vacuums, as you can use voice control and say, “Siri, clean the kitchen,” to have your robot clean up after making dinner. You can also ask Siri to start, stop, and schedule cleaning sessions. Many robot vacuums are already compatible with Amazon Alexa, which lets you use voice control for commands, while a smaller number are compatible with Google Home. But this is the first time Siri and Apple Home are directly compatible (without using Shortcuts). More

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    in Robotics

    This $10 keychain tool is indispensable for me, and keep finding new use cases

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways This super-thin, super-durable tool has a myriad of uses. These are priced well, with cheaper copies on the market, but you should avoid them because they’re not a patch on the originals. The only downside I’ve found is that I can’t seem to find the Mini Spudgers for sale on their […] More

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    The best camera phone of 2025: Tested by experts

    The smartphone industry has evolved to offer cameras that are just as good or even better than traditional point-and-shoot cameras — at least in bright daylight. Modern smartphones, including iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, feature at least three camera sensors for ultrawide, main and telephoto lenses. You can zoom out, zoom in, click gorgeous portraits, all from the device that sits in your pocket.You’ll start noticing a difference in smartphone camera quality in tricky lighting. Plus, each flagship smartphone camera has its own color science and processing. Two phones can use the same camera sensor but output different results. It depends on the lens used, the color science of the optics on the phone, and things like the size of the sensor, aperture, and lens coating. If you are in the market for a camera phone, these are the best choices.Also: The best phones of 2025 What is the best camera phone right now?We have tested dozens of phones in the past year, capturing photos and videos on each. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra More

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    in Information Technology

    5 tools I trust to keep my online conversations private and anonymous

    Signal / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETPrivacy is no longer just a buzzword — it’s entrenched in the ethos of society. But when it comes to getting serious about privacy, the big question is whether consumers are ready to switch from what they currently use to a more private option.And, boy, are there options. Pick up a stone and toss it in a pond filled with apps and services, and you will almost certainly hit one that promises privacy, security, and (sometimes) anonymity for your communication needs. Also: 9 ways to delete yourself from the internet (and hide your identity online)But which of those choices are best suited to your needs? Only you can answer that question, but it would be nice to have a more limited selection to choose from. Let me curate that list for you and offer a few options that I believe are the most viable. Sound good? Also: The best secure browsers for privacyLet’s switch this conversation to a more private channel. Privacy and security tipsBefore I get into that, here are a few tips that can help improve your privacy and security when using communication apps: Use pseudonyms or anonymous usernamesUse a VPNOnly use apps or services that employ end-to-end encryptionEmploy random and secure email address generatorsNever use public Wi-Fi when communicatingLimit device usage for prolonged periodsRegularly back up data in secure locationsNever install or use an unfamiliar communication app that has few or no reviewsUse multi-factor authenticationNever leave your phone, laptop, or tablet unattended in publicAlways use strong passwords generated by random generators found in password managers like BitwardenUse a passkey when availableRegularly clear the cache of your chosen appNever open links sent from unknown sourcesAlso: The best VPN services: Expert testedWith that out of the way, let’s get to the list. More