More stories

  • in

    This new Wi-Fi 7 router is small enough to fit in your pocket – and priced well

    TP-Link Calling public Wi-Fi unreliable is an understatement; we all have horror stories about dealing with networks in airports and hotel lobbies. But public Wi-Fi woes could soon be mitigated with networking brand TP-Link’s recently-launched Wi-Fi 7 travel router. Also: The best travel VPNs: These are the best VPNs, ranked, for your next trip abroad and […] More

  • in

    This multi-card reader is one of the best investments I’ve made for my creative workflow

    Freewell Pro Card Reader <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways It handles every commonly used storage card currently in use It can handle data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps, so moving big files is effortless The card reader also doubles as a storage card holder, keeping cards that are not currently in use safe. –> There are […] More

  • in

    Mowrator’s remote-controlled robot has changed the way I cut grass (and it’s on sale)

    Mowrator S1 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Mowrator S1 remote-controlled lawnmower costs $3,999. This mower makes fun work of yard maintenance; perfect for someone with mobility issues, has a long-lasting battery, and fast RC response. Unfortunately, it is an expensive device, at $3,999, and it’s not meant to perform completely hands-free cleaning like a robot […] More

  • in

    12 settings you should change on your Apple TV to instantly improve the performance

    Do I lose out on HDR by forcing 4K SDR?No — not if you keep Match Content enabled, anyway. The 4K SDR format setting prevents unnecessary switching on menus and SDR content, but genuine HDR streams still display in full HDR when available. Can my TV even handle 4:4:4 Chroma?It’s worth testing. Connect a quality HDMI cable and switch to 4:4:4. Look for clear text and sharp edges when displaying content with fine details or text. If text appears blurry or jagged on the edges, or if you notice any flicker or dropouts, revert to 4:2:0. How often should I recalibrate color balance?Once or twice a year, or after major tvOS updates, is fine. Your color accuracy does change over time, so it’s worth recalibrating. How do I clear the cache on my Apple TV?Your Apple TV doesn’t offer a specific “clear cache” option like some other devices, as TVOS is designed to manage cache automatically. You can still manually delete or offload apps, though, if you want to better manage your available storage space.Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More

  • in

    These 7 common household items were draining power all day – until I pulled the plug

    Maria Diaz/ZDNETCosts are steadily rising in the US, and energy costs are a prominent example. This is made worse by summer temperatures being at record highs, with heat waves wreaking havoc across various states in the past few weeks. As someone who’s gone through a few of these this summer alone, I’m constantly looking for ways to conserve energy.There are many little things you can do that can shave dollars off your monthly energy bill, and they go beyond switching off the lights when you leave the room. Did you know you can save 3% on cooling costs for every 1°F increase in your thermostat? As a fan of data, I’ve looked into multiple quantifiable ways to save energy and how these translate into saving money. Also: Apple’s tariff costs and iPhone sales are soaring – how long until device prices are too?Unplugging a single device when not in use isn’t going to save you a bucket of cash. But unplugging multiple devices adds up quickly to help you save, especially when you make a habit of it. Here are the devices you should unplug when they’re not in use, and how doing so could save you almost $200 a year, depending on your local rates.1. TVs, gaming consoles, and office devices More

  • in

    This wall-mounted smart calendar has been a game changer in my home (and it’s $50 off)

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The 15-inch Skylight Calendar is a smart display for $320, with a 10-inch version available for $160. It’s a touchscreen calendar designed with busy lifestyles in mind that allows for shared use within a household or team. Though it’s proven indispensable for my family, I wish the chores, not just the […] More

  • in

    Your Samsung TV is getting a huge feature upgrade – 3 AI tools launching right now

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysSamsung is rolling out a redesigned version of Bixby on smart TVs.The new Bixby will have upgraded conversational abilities.You’ll also be able to control smart home devices.If you have a Samsung television, you’re about to get a big upgrade to your TV’s built-in Bixby assistant.In a recent announcement, Samsung detailed a redesigned Bixby that brings a host of new features, including the ability to look up information, utilize Click to Search, and even control your smart home.Also: How to clear your TV cache (and why it makes such a noticeable difference)At present, Bixby is essentially a voice-controlled extension of your remote. You can use it to do basic things like open apps, control your TV’s volume, control media playback, check the weather, or search for content.Here’s what’s coming with the new Bixby.1. Smarter, more natural conversationsSamsung says the new Bixby assistant, powered by generative AI, will provide a much more natural experience compared to the previous version. Bixby can answer any question you have and understand context and follow-up questions, letting you have more of a flowing conversation. Also: How to turn off ACR on your TV (and why you shouldn’t wait to do it)You can ask queries like, “What’s the tallest mountain in America” or “Suggest a chill playlist for a rainy day”. Bixby can also answer questions about what’s on your screen. 2. Click to SearchBixby is now integrated into Click to Search, letting you discover and explore while watching live TV, cable channels, or Samsung TV Plus. You can ask about an actor, a show, or a broader topic, and get answers right on your TV. More