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    OLED vs. QLED TV: Which panel type is best suited for your home?

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETIf you’re shopping for a new TV, chances are high that you’ll be split between OLED and QLED models. That’s because both panel display types offer notice differences and distinct qualities, as we’ll break down below. In a snapshot, QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) TVs present brighter images than standard LCD TVs. This is because QLED TVs build on LED technology by integrating proprietary software with LED backlighting. The layered nature of a QLED-built TV also eliminates the risk of burn-in, or lingering/permanent visible images. The way QLED TVs are constructed is fundamentally closer to that of LCD TVs, which are the most common type on the market. Because their main advantage is enhanced brightness, QLEDs are ideal in living rooms and well-lit environments. Generally speaking, QLEDs are cheaper and come in a broader array of sizes, both larger and smaller, than OLEDs.  Also: OLED vs LED: What’s the difference?OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs, on the other hand, do not use backlighting systems. Instead, millions of individual self-illuminating pixels create a virtually blur-free picture, no matter your viewing angle. Each pixel has its own LED bulb that can dim for enhanced contrast or shut off completely to create a true black. This also translates to high fidelity and uniformity across the screen, even if you’re sitting to the far left or right in relation to it.OLED technology is considered “emissive,” meaning each pixel emits its own light (vs. “transmissive” QLEDs, which rely on an LED backlight). This means each unused subpixel can turn off completely. Combined with no need for backlighting, this makes OLEDs more energy-efficient than QLEDs.Based on the OLED TVs we’ve tested, they offer better picture quality, including higher contrast, truer color accuracy, and deeper blacks than QLEDs. However, what works best for you might depend on your viewing environment and user needs. Following are some thoughts to consider before buying an OLED TV over a QLED TV — and vice versa! You should buy an OLED TV if… More

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    5 handy Alexa routines I depend on every day – and how to build your own

    Maria Diaz/ZDNETAmazon’s Alexa has been a fixture in my house since it arrived on the scene a decade ago. Over time, Alexa devices have multiplied to the point where we have one in every room of the house (and yes, that includes the bathrooms).We use them for lists, timers, and alarms, among other things. We also use them to control our smart home devices. Most, but not all, of our lights are controlled by Alexa. So is our thermostat. Also: 5 Echo Show settings to change to make your smart display less annoyingIn this article, I’m going to show you how you can string together Alexa smart-home commands into sequences called “routines.” Then, I’ll show you five that are particularly helpful in my home. How to create a routine Everything I will show you is controlled by the Alexa app on your phone. I’m using an iPhone, but the Alexa app is virtually identical on Android devices. So, go ahead and launch the Alexa app. Then press the little More button at the lower right of the screen (shown at 1), and then the Routines button in the middle of the screen (shown at 2). More

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    So long, Chromecast: Google TV Streamer available today with these new features

    The Google TV Streamer is available in two colors, Porcelain and Hazel. Google Following last month’s announcement of the new Google TV Streamer<!–> and Nest Learning Thermostat–>, Google users have been waiting for the official launch of the streaming device to replace the Chromecast. Today, Google said that the Google TV Streamer is coming to store shelves, […] More

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    Cloudflare’s new AI Audit tool aims to give content creators better bot controls

    rob dobi/Getty Images Some people have told me recently that artificial intelligence (AI) is writing my stories. As if! However, there is a reason it might seem as if AI has provided a helping hand. I’ve published close to 15,000 stories, five books, and hundreds of white papers. Put all that content together, and I’ve […] More

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    Microsoft releases new Windows remote desktop app for PCs and mobile devices

    Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETMicrosoft has kicked off a new app to help you connect to remote Windows PCs and servers. But this one is technically more of an update to the previous app. Like the former RDC app, the new app works in Windows, MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android. So you can connect from a PC or a mobile device. It also focuses much more on enterprise and domain usage, though it will work with home PCs as well.Also: How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11If you already have the previous version, installing the new app wipes out the old one. The new app is called Windows App, a name that doesn’t really make sense. The old app — Microsoft Remote Desktop or RDC Client is much more straightforward. Microsoft has never been especially adept at properly naming its products, but this one is more confusing than most.The new app will work in a domain-based or home environment. This means you can connect to Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Remote Desktop, Remote Desktop Services, Microsoft Dev Box, or an individual Windows PC. In a blog post announcing the new app, Microsoft product manager Hilary Braun touted some of the new and improved features, including the following:Unified access: You can access and manage multiple Windows environments, such as cloud PCs, virtual desktops, and local PCs.Customizable experience: You can personalize the app’s interface with customizable home screens, multi-monitor support, and dynamic display resolutions.Enhanced experience: You can tap into features such as device redirection, Microsoft Teams optimizations, and easy account switching.After you launch the app, any connections you created under the previous version should be migrated with all their settings intact. Otherwise, your first step will be to create a new connection. But here’s where you may get tripped up based on whether you’re using the app at work or home. By default, the app asks for a work or school account to connect to a domain-based resource such as Windows 365 or Azure Virtual Desktop. More

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    The iPhone 16 is the most-repairable iPhone yet, according to iFixit

    Using 12V DC current to debond the adhesive holding the iPhone 16’s battery. iFixit The new iPhone is out, which means it’s time for the iFixit repair team to get out their screwdrivers, take the new iPhone apart, and assess its repairability. This year, it’s good news for those who like to repair their own […] More

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    Meta Quest 3S: Specs, features, and everything else we know so far

    Previous leaks claimed the headset would have a “distinct spider-eyes appearance”. Instead of the camera system sitting vertically, like on the Quest 3, the lenses will sit in a triangle formation on both sides. The arrangement is reportedly reminiscent of the eyes of a spider.The Reddit post mentioned earlier has a video of an Amazon ad on Peacock showing the Quest 3S alongside the Quest 3. In this ad, the device has spider-eye cameras. A different leak states the device will have four lenses, two 4MP RGB passthrough cameras, and a pair of IR illuminators to help detect depth.Also: The best VR headsets right now (and how Apple Vision Pro stacks up)The clip isn’t in the greatest quality. If you want a better look, a leaked PowerPoint presentation from March offers a front-facing view of the headset. Photos can be found on X (formerly Twitter) and the designs look similar. More