Eliana Willis

Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe Google Pixel 9a might be the best-value phone of 2025, especially now that it brings flagship-level AI tools, a bright 120Hz display, and a massive battery into a more affordable price tier. But, just like any Pixel phone, the best features often aren’t enabled by default. Also: I switched from my Pixel 9 Pro to the 9a for three weeks – here’s my buying advice nowThese tips are based on a Pixel 9a running Android 15. Depending on which Pixel model and Android version you’re using, the exact menu locations may vary slightly, but the settings themselves are widely available across recent Pixel generations. 1. Enable Smooth Display More

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

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The TCL QM6K (65-inch) is on sale at Amazon for $798. A host of upgrades, and new features, make it highly competitive with other brands’ higher-end models. Its speakers are loud, but clarity could be made even crisper with a soundbar. more buying choices Back in January, we highlighted the release […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETIn honor of Earth Day earlier this week, Samsung is giving you the chance to help keep e-waste out of landfills and score a discount on a flagship Android phone.Starting today, the Galaxy S24 series, including the S24 Ultra, S24+, and the S24, are available as part of Samsung’s Certified Renewed program More

The Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth speaker sounds as good as it looks. Jack Wallen/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Marshall Emberton III More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Zygo Z2 headset is available for $329 You can stream all your subscription music, the headset stays firmly in place, coaching is available for a small fee, and audio quality is good in the water The headset range doesn’t support open water swimming, your phone and transmitter need to be […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways MSI’s new Raider 18 HX is on sale now, starting at $3,139. This is, without a doubt, the most powerful laptop I’ve tested in 2025, due to its Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and GeForce RTX 5080 GPU. As you can imagine, it is quite expensive and rather heavy. more buying […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways HP’s 14-inch EliteBook X G1a features AMD’s latest Ryzen AI Pro chip, starting at $2,184. It’s a powerful enterprise laptop with lots of I/O, a sleek form factor, and comfortable keyboard. It’s expensive, and can run warm under a heavy workload. more buying choices HP reorganized its laptop lineup last year, […] More