Robotics

Adam Breeden/ZDNETEarlier this week at WWDC, Apple announced a handful of changes to the iPad for the upcoming iPadOS 26, including making it feel a little bit more like a Mac with window control and tiling, the same Games app that’s also available for MacOS and the iPhone, and of course, more Apple Intelligence. Also: Your iPad is getting 4 big upgrades for free. Here are the top features in iPadOS 26All these new features won’t roll out onto your iPad until this fall, but if you’re keen on checking out the features iPadOS 26 has to offer now, you can download the beta version of the OS and take a peek at what’s in store. However, as with any beta, be aware that it can be full of bugs and not optimized for speed and efficiency.  How to install the iPadOS 26 developer beta What you need: An iPad running iPadOS 16.4 or later with an Apple ID used in the Apple Developer Program. Since not all iPads are compatible with iPadOS 16.4, you’ll also need a model that’s on this list.  More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The TCL QM6K (65-inch) normally retails for $1,000. A host of upgrades, and new features, make it highly competitive with other brands’ higher-end models. Its speakers are loud, but clarity could be made even crisper with a soundbar. more buying choices Every single size option for the TCL QM6K TV–> is on […] More

I haven’t splurged on a red light therapy mask … yet. In the interim, though, I’ve become accustomed to the popular treatment with Solawave’s red light therapy wand. According to UCLA Health, red light can potentially reduce signs of aging, encourage hair regrowth, minimize acne, and more. Complete transparency — I never would have purchased this wand full price. I could scoop it up during an Ulta sale for half off, which made “trying it out” an easier pill to swallow. I’ve been using this consistently for about a year, and I think it helps with some factors like acne, dark marks, and wrinkles. However, you have to be consistent, using this wand for the recommended amount of time and cycles, and as much as possible, mainly because it isn’t designed for your entire face simultaneously. This little wand works wonders on fading particular scars and spots, plus it’s somewhat therapeutic to use thanks to a massage feature. But ultimately, I don’t feel the bulb size and design are ideal for actual benefits from red light therapy, so I’ll be upgrading to a mask soon. Other users on Reddit agree, saying it’s a nice handheld option that is more for the self-care experience, though some customers say it has helped with skin texture, appearance, and more. These tools are try at your own risk, but consulting a dermatologist with your questions or concerns before using at-home treatments of any kind is a good idea. Remember that, like anything, red light can have some risks, like mild pain or skin irritation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.  More

M3 iPad Air running iPadOS 26 Developer Beta. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETMy biggest takeaway from WWDC 2025 is that I can finally use my iPad Air to its full potential. For the longest time, the iPad has been a product that I’ve wanted to add to my workflow but couldn’t due to its rigid operating system — one that doesn’t necessarily complement the iPad’s flexible hardware. But iPadOS 26 is finally bridging the gap between the Apple tablet and a computer.  Also: ZDNET’s WWDC 2025 recap with Sabrina Ortiz and Jason HinerI recently installed the first developer beta on my 13-inch M3 iPad Air to see if I could use it for my usual productivity workflow. The new multitasking system, better support for mouse or trackpad, an improved file management system, and subtle additions to the UI tell me yes. And within hours of usage, I could sense that iPadOS 26 is the update I’ve waited years for. (Note: Since I’m testing on the developer beta of iPadOS, this is more of a first-hand demonstration of its latest features, and not a review or testimonial. The experience using the software will likely undergo several more changes before it’s ready for the public.)Multitasking on the iPad gets a meaningful boost More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETApple’s Worldwide Developers Conference, or WWDC, is a momentous occasion for Apple fans. The tech giant held its keynote speech on Monday at Apple Park, with the full conference running through June 13. It also marks one year since the company entered the AI space with the announcement of Apple Intelligence.Also: ZDNET’s WWDC 2025 recap with Sabrina Ortiz and Jason HinerAs WWDC is a developer conference, the keynote focused on software. Apple revealed it’s planning to make sweeping UI changes to all its operating systems, add new features and apps, and enhance Apple Intelligence.  How to rewatch WWDC 2025 More

 A decent drill is still a must-have in my opinion, especially one that can do triple duty — drill into wood and metal, hammer drill into concrete, and also drive screwdriver bits.I prefer cordless tools not only because they are more convenient, but also because I won’t trip and fall over the cord. For the screwdriving job, my brand of choice has got to be Dewalt. Its tools are durable, last years of use and abuse (this drill has been used as a hammer more than once!), and are reasonably priced. This 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver is currently priced at $100 (and discounted by $60). It offers two speeds, a 2.0Ah battery, and comes packed with a charger.  More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Valerion’s VisionMaster Pro 2 retails for $2,999. This premium-built laser TV projects up to a 300-inch screen. It’s still not ideal for brightly lit rooms (like all projectors). –> <!–> may / 2025 I chose the word “glorious” in the headline for this review because that word sprang to mind when […] More

Jason Cipriani/ZDNETAt least for one device, the battery problems that have plagued some Pixel phones may be ending – but the fix is coming at a price.According to Alex Moriconi, communications manager at Google (Pixel phones), Google will soon release an update that will purposefully limit the battery capacity of some Pixel 6a phones, hopefully also limiting issues with overheating.Also: 4 exciting features Google just announced for Android phones (and why they’re a big deal)In an emailed statement, Moriconi said, “A subset of Pixel 6A phones will require a mandatory software update to reduce the risk of potential battery overheating.” He went on to explain that the update will reduce the device’s battery capacity and charging performance after 400 charge cycles.When asked why only a “subset” of 6a devices were seemingly affected by this issue, Google didn’t offer any details. The issues weren’t rampant by any means, but I found several different reports from users saying their 6a devices caught on fire. There are almost certainly more reports than the ones publicly posted (I found plenty of reports of overheating), and given that Google is also having battery issues on other phones, it makes sense why it’s taking action. More