abzee/Getty Images Open-source code has become a malware vector. For example, by the closest of shaves, an open-source developer discovered that Jia Tan, a chief programmer and maintainer of the Linux xz data compression library, was also a hacker who’d put a backdoor in the code to enable attackers to take over Linux systems. One […] More
ZDNETCostco shoppers can now add an Oura Ring to their shopping carts. As of Wednesday, the world’s largest membership-based retailer is selling the device. The Oura Ring is available on Costco.com. Upon purchasing the smart ring, online shoppers will receive an additional ring charger at no charge. This offer is limited to the fourth-generation Oura Ring. Customers can buy a Gold, Silver, or Black ring in sizes 4 to 15. The other finishes, including Brushed Silver, Stealth, and Rose Gold, are unavailable at Costco, but can be bought on Oura’s website, Best Buy, or Amazon.Also: I wore a $49 OTC continuous glucose monitor for two weeks – Here’s what surprised meThe Oura Ring 4 was rated ZDNET’s product of the year for 2024. The device can track your activity, sleep, and stress, and provides data about your daily, monthly, and long-term health. “The Oura Ring 4 stands out as a beacon of seamless integration between advanced health tracking technology and everyday wellness,” ZDNET’s Kerry Wan wrote about the product. More
Nodar Chernishev/Getty Images Every installation of Windows 11 includes a very long list of preinstalled apps. Some are there because they’re necessary for the operating system to do what it does. Others are there to help Microsoft make more money, because every Windows PC is valuable for its ability to bundle and promote Microsoft’s collection […] More
CRM software, also known as customer relationship management software, is a solution that assists businesses in handling the customer side of their operations. It can be used to manage and track customer relationships, trends, marketing efforts, and communication, bringing everything into one centralized platform or system to optimize interactions.Also: The best password managers for businesses: Expert testedAutomation is one of the key benefits of CRM software, but depending on the type of solution you opt for, you may also be able to harness analytics, collaborative tools, and advanced features that streamline your business operations. Some options now even include AI.What is the best CRM software right now?Our top recommendation for CRM software is Salesforce Starter CRM More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways At $130, 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 […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Kospet Tank M3 Ultra and T3 Ultra 2 are available for just $159.99 each. The watches are have vibrant displays, pass durability standards, and have long battery life. Updates take a long time, and the heart rate sensor measures a bit high. –> With so many new wearables on the […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Apple’s MacBook Air M4 is available now, starting at $999 for the 13-inch, and $1,199 for the 15-inch. The M4 Air supports up to two external monitors with the lid open, and scales up to 32GB of unified memory. There are still only two USB-C ports on the left side, and […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETI love March Madness, at least when my team is invited to the Big Dance. I even enjoy watching other teams play their hearts out like everything is on the line — because it is. While NCAA basketball continues to be broadcast in standard HD, the games can look clear, bright, and beautiful on most modern TVs. Part of that appeal, though, is owed to your TV’s motion-smoothing capabilities. Also: How to watch March Madness 2025: The best streaming optionsFor many people, motion smoothing is only appropriate for gaming and watching live sports; enthusiasts typically prefer turning off the feature to watch anything else because it can detract from the filmmaker’s original intent, making on-screen images seem artificial or hyper-realistic. This is what’s called the “soap opera effect.” It’s a perfectly descriptive metaphor that probably requires no explanation. You can see it all too well: the cinematic film should not look like a daytime soap; you shouldn’t feel like you’re on the set with the actors. But it is appealing to feel like you’re in the stadium watching your team with thousands of fans. The soap opera effect makes sense for live sporting event broadcasts. More
