Robotics

Kerry Wan/ZDNETWhether you’re considering buying a new TV or your old flat panel seems to be doing fine, there are still ways to optimize your viewing experience, and it all begins with your television’s settings. Let’s explore some of the key factors determining how your TV performs and what you can do to make it look even better.1. Turn down the sharpnessThe sharper the picture, the better. Right? Not necessarily.Contrary to popular belief, the “sharpness” setting on your TV doesn’t affect the actual sharpness of the displayed image. True sharpness is determined by factors such as screen resolution, source material resolution, and contrast. Instead, the sharpness setting alters the artificial edge enhancement — a processor-driven adjustment that can introduce unwanted noise and, ironically, distort details in the image.Also: The default TV setting you should turn off ASAP – and why experts recommend itEdge enhancement is designed to make onscreen objects more distinct by emphasizing the boundaries between them, theoretically creating a more lifelike image. However, this feature acts like a universal Instagram filter, potentially leading to an unnatural appearance in some media. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways HSFTools’ HF96V thermal camera is available now for $219, with a $50 off coupon on Amazon. It has a broad temperature range and a high level of accuracy with an eight-hour battery life. It has an IP54 rating for dust and water-resistance, but it’s not waterproof. –> Regular readers will know […] More

As stated earlier, I’ve been working from home for the past five years, and I review a lot of tech products, including but not limited to laptops, monitors, smartphones, and PC accessories. One thing I’ve learned in that time is that I’m picky. Even if I like a device, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I will buy one for myself and use it on a regular basis. I have pretty strong opinions on what makes a product worth purchasing. For example, I’ve tried several keyboards before ultimately sticking with the HyperX Alloy Origins.I am a cheap person. I don’t like spending money on random things, especially now when there is a lot of economic uncertainty. So, before I buy something, I always make sure to do my homework. I do my research, check multiple shopping platforms, and consult with other ZDNET experts who know way more than I do.For the main list, I have either tested each product personally or used it for years. I can say with total confidence that these are some of the best tech products I have ever used, and I fully endorse them. Below, I have included a couple of alternative devices. I haven’t used them myself, but they come highly recommended from my fellow colleagues here at ZDNET. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus ProArt P16 is available now, starting at $1,900. It pairs powerful hardware with a suite of customizable options designed for creatives. The deep personalization requires engagement from the user, the huge trackpad won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and the ultra-glossy display tends to glare. more buying choices Asus’ […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Apple’s MacBook Air M4 (13-inch) is on sale at Amazon for $850, a competitive price for Apple’s latest ultraportable. 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, […] More

Getty Images/400tmax As AI becomes an increasingly used tool by organizations across all industries, studies show that employees’ expectations of being knowledgeable about AI are only increasing. Now, Google is presenting business leaders with a new AI literacy opportunity.  Also: I test a lot of AI coding tools, and this stunning new OpenAI release just […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is a 13.1-inch tablet for $649. It’s a good iPad Air alternative for Android users, with reliable performance, a larger display than the S10+, and an IP68 rating that the iPad lacks; it also includes the S Pen. The price increased by $50 for the […] More

Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETThat photo you’d like to share on TikTok seems a bit blah. If only there were some way you could make it more exciting, dynamic, and visual. You can, thanks to a new AI-powered image-to-video feature known as AI Alive.Unveiled on Tuesday, AI Alive creates a brief video clip out of any still photo. Available within TikTok’s Story Camera, the AI tool taps into AI to automatically add the right prompt and transform your photo. After the video is generated, you can preview it and then post it to your story for anyone on TikTok to watch. Also: The best AI image generators Gemini, ChatGPT, Midjourney, and more”As TikTok’s first AI-driven image-to-video creation feature, AI Alive places creativity control directly in your hands,” TikTok said in a news release. “Imagine capturing a serene sunset photo and effortlessly turning it into a cinematic clip: the sky gradually shifts hues, clouds drift lazily, and ambient sounds of waves crashing in the distance bring the scene to life. Or take a group selfie and bring it to life as a lively, animated memory that highlights the subtle gestures and expressions of friends or family. AI Alive unlocks these creative possibilities, taking everyday content to the next level.” Sounds cool.  More