<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The new Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni is available for $799 This mid-range robot vacuum and mop features auto-emptying, mop washing and drying, and strong suction, which we were able to confirm during testing The downside is that the Deebot N30 Omni doesn’t boast the best obstacle avoidance capabilities, which significantly hinders […] More
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETApple has kicked off iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and MacOS 15.3 with one significant change affecting AI. Since its debut, Apple Intelligence has required the extra step of actually turning it on or opting in. But with the new versions, Apple’s AI feature is enabled by default for eliglble devices.Enabled automatically for new and upgrading usersThe release notes for the new OS versions released on Monday state that Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically for new and upgrading users, giving them immediate access to its AI-powered capabilities. Anyone who doesn’t want to use the AI will have to manually turn it off.Also: I bought an iPhone 16 for its AI features, but I haven’t used them even once – here’s whyEligible devices that can run Apple IntelligenceOnly eligible devices can take advantage of Apple Intelligence. These include any iPhone 16, the iPhone 15 Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, any iPad Pro or iPad Air with an M1 chip or later, the iPad mini with the A17 Pro chip, and Macs with an M1 chip or later.Apple Intelligence now chews up around 7GB of storage, up from 4GB initially. Turning off the technology doesn’t automatically recover that space, at least not right away. But if you don’t plan to use the AI at all, you can certainly disable it. To do so, go to Settings, select Apple Intelligence & Siri, and then turn off the switch for Apple Intelligence. More
Apple’s AirPods are ubiquitous, and for good reason. Even the most basic pairs are easy to charge and carry, trackable, and eschew wires that can tangle and rip. While we love (and have reviewed) a host of earbud and headphone options at ZDNET (including over-ear headphones, bone-conduction headphones, and even wired earbuds), there’s a lot to be said for Apple AirPods — especially their newer models that pair seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.AirPods offer iOS-specific software features and capabilities, like Spatial Audio with Dynamic Head Tracking, Adaptive Audio, and Conversation Awareness. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2’s breakout feature, Hearing Aid Mode, is only available when the earbuds are paired with a compatible Apple device. Also: The best earbuds: Expert tested and reviewedI have personally tested every AirPods model and have strong opinions on which pairs are the best for specific use cases. I’ve also used the AirPods Pro every day since they launched in October 2019 and upgraded to the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) at launch in 2022. What are the best AirPods right now?My pick for the best AirPods — the recently revised AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C — is based on my extensive experience using and testing the different versions of AirPods and competing earbuds from Beats, Soundcore, Samsung, Sony, and many others. But if you aren’t sold on the AirPods Pro 2, there are a few more options to consider. The best AirPods of 2025 Out of the current AirPods models, I highly recommend the AirPods Pro 2 because they fit almost every type of ear comfortably and include all of Apple’s best and latest headphone features. These are ideal for long-haul work sessions when all you want is silent time to focus or when you’re exercising and want to lock in on your favorite music. They’re the best earbuds in the lineup and an excellent choice for portable headphones with competitive noise-canceling. Most Redditors agree that the AirPods Pro 2 take the cake. One user on the r/AirPods thread said the AirPods Pro 2 are worth the money, while another called the earbuds “transcendent.”Also: I’ve used my AirPods Pro 2 since their 2022 release. Are they still worth it?The AirPods Pro 2 use silicon tips to fit into your ears (with four sizes to choose from), similar to the ones you’re probably familiar with in most earbuds you’ve used. Comparatively, the standard AirPods have hard plastic tips like the traditional Apple EarPods that used to come in the box with most iPhones — which many people found fell out of their ears easily or weren’t very comfortable to wear. The AirPods Pro 2 sport Apple’s latest H2 chip for improved sound, stable Bluetooth connections, and efficient power consumption. The Pro 2 offer the most effective noise cancellation of Apple’s earbuds, working impressively in loud environments like airplanes and city streets. These earbuds also include Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts the noise-canceling levels based on your environment’s noise levels. Software-wise, the Pro 2 are Apple’s most advanced earbuds. These earbuds offer Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency when paired with the Apple Vision Pro headset, and can be used as an over-the-counter hearing aid for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.If you use headphones for more than a couple hours every day, wireless headphones might be your most important device next to your smartphone and your laptop — and they can enhance the experience of using both. If you use headphones that much, spending $250 (or as low as $170 during seasonal sales) on the best and most versatile wireless earbuds Apple offers will likely be a worthy investment to raise the quality of your daily life.AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C features: Type: In-ear | Chip: H2 | Battery life: 6 hours | Water-resistant: IP54 (dust, sweat, and water resistant)
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MicroStockHub/Getty Images Three months after a prior survey of chief information officers, the latest data shows the majority of companies are not ready to put their generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) into production, according to the new report by consulting giant Deloitte. More than two-thirds of global corporate executives surveyed said that fewer than one-third […] More
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETWhen ChatGPT first launched two years ago, the AI chatbot was met with such high demand that OpenAI introduced a premium plan called ChatGPT Plus. This plan guaranteed access to the chatbot even during blackout periods. The plan’s perks also included access to OpenAI’s most advanced models, which at the time included GPT-4, making the $20 plan almost a no-brainer for superusers. However, as OpenAI’s offerings have continued to grow over the past few years, so have its plans.Also: How to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus (and 7 reasons why you should)If you consider yourself an AI superuser, you’re likely wondering which ChatGPT tier you should try. In this guide, we’ll help you decide whether a ChatGPT Plus or a $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro subscription is the best fit for you.You should use ChatGPT Plus if… More
Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images In the US, most people can always Super Bowl LIX for free through their local Fox station. This year, cord-cutters aren’t left out either — thanks to the lesser-known Tubi streaming service<!–>, they can stream the game for free as well. This is happening because Fox owns Tubi. This will be […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Asus’ ZenScreen Smart Monitor is a 27-inch 4K TV/monitor/hub all in one, and it’s on sale at Amazon for $379. It uses Google TV, supports hundreds of apps, and can switch between different modes on the fly. Getting everything connected can take some trial and error, and there are usability quirks. […] More
cagkansayin/Getty Images Stepping into a senior position is a proud moment for upwardly mobile professionals. However, becoming a successful manager is far from straightforward. Analyst Gartner suggests that as many as 40% of managers with two years or less of experience struggle to support their teams. The research indicates that first-time managers face significant challenges as they […] More
