Information Technology

Microsoft / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETMicrosoft’s on a relentless quest to embed its Copilot AI into every software product it owns. That campaign takes another big step forward today with the addition of some new generative AI features in the company’s Edge browser.Today’s release beefs up the capabilities of Copilot Mode, the chat-based search interface for Edge, on Windows PCs and Macs. You can use natural voice commands to navigate pages, and the chatbot can see all the open tabs in the current browser window instead of being limited to whatever’s on the current page. Also: Microsoft gives Copilot a face – here’s how to try your new Appearance chat buddyIf that sounds appealing, you can go to the Copilot Mode sign-in page and flip a switch that lets you enable Copilot Mode in Edge Settings. That replaces the old search box with a Copilot chat input box that’s designed to handle search, chat, and web navigation. It also gives you the option to open Copilot Mode in a sidebar, where you can ask it questions about the current set of open tabs. More

The Moft Tripod accessory.  Kayla Solino/ZDNETEveryone loves affordable upgrades. And MagSafe accessories are the easiest way to elevate your phone’s design and function. At ZDNET, I test dozens of MagSafe accessories, from battery packs to wallets, phone cases, tripods, and more. And as a mobile accessory expert, there are genuinely a few that I reach for nearly every day that stand out from the mountains of MagSafe gear I’ve tried. The Moft MagSafe Tripod More

Google/ZDNETA little more than a month after Google released an update to prevent the Pixel 6a from overheating and possibly catching fire, a Reddit user reports that it’s happened again.Last month, Google issued a software update that purposefully limited the 6a’s charging capacity and performance. Over the weekend, a Reddit user posted a somewhat harrowing account of how they were woken up that morning by a horrible smell and loud noise. Their Pixel 6a, less than two feet from their face, was on fire. The fire spread to their sheets, the user said, and damaged their AC unit. The user also complained about their throat hurting the rest of the day because they had inhaled toxic smoke. They also shared photos of the badly charred device.Also: The latest Google Pixel 6a update may limit your battery – but you’ll be glad to know whyThe phone was on a third-party 45W fast charger.According to later updates, the user did have the update to prevent overheating but did not have their battery replaced (they weren’t close to a walk-in repair shop). They also explained that the email from Google wasn’t urgent enough and only encouraged them to “consider” a battery replacement for a “performance update.” In that same post, another user reported their Pixel getting very hot when charging after the update when it didn’t before. It’s not just the Pixel 6a that’s having battery issues. The Pixel 4a had battery performance problems that were so bad Google offered financial compensation to affected customers, and the 7a had so many battery swelling problems that the company instituted a special extended repair program. More

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETHaving spent a few days with the Galaxy Z Flip 7, I can easily say that it’s Samsung’s most polished clamshell foldable to date. The expanded cover screen finally feels complete, DeX support is an incredible bonus on such a tiny footprint, and its battery life got a solid bump up.But while the Z Flip 7 closes the gap with rivals like the Moto Razr Ultra, it’s worth looking ahead to what next year’s Z Flip 8 might bring. Apple reportedly has plans to bring its flavor of foldable iPhone to market in 2026 as well, giving Samsung even more motivation to deliver. Also: I spent a week with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, and it’s an even bigger leap than expectedThat’s why, even with the Flip 7 hitting so many marks, upgrading in 2026 could make sense, too. Here’s why next year’s Z Flip 8 could be worth the wait. Battery tech could get a facelift More

Acer Swift 16 AI <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Acer Swift 16 AI is available now starting at $1,250. Its 16-inch OLED display, well-designed lightweight form, and marathon battery work together to create a laptop that feels more premium than its price would suggest. Its speakers, however, leave much to be desired, and it has […] More

Baseus PrimeTrip VR2 Max <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways It can charge four devices simultaneously. It features two retractable USB‑C cables that can rotate and swivel Be aware that the accessory can be a bit bulky, so it might not fit in some vehicles. –> Your car probably has a couple of built-in USB ports, so […] More

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is available for purchase now at a starting price of $349. It’s a capable smartwatch with all the usual health metrics, along with Samsung’s Running Coach, bedtime guidance, and recovery insights. Some features feel more experimental than scientific, like Antioxidant Index and BMI, […] More

Lenovo Idea Tab Pro <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lenovo Idea Tab Pro is a midrange entertainment tablet starting at $290 for the 128GB model and $400 for the 256GB option. This is one of the few midrange Android tablets that can truly work for entertainment and productivity, carefully straddling both lines. This 12.7-inch tablet […] More