Robotics

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways ESR’s Aura Halo-Lock MagSafe wallet and stand combine style and function at a fair price point. The $40 MagSafe wallet stores up to five cards, doubles as a phone stand, includes an ID window, and comes in five colorways. If you’re after smaller capacity wallets or more premium materials, you’re better […] 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

Daniella Ramirez/ZDNETIt’s home-buying and renovation season, so it’s only natural that you look for the best tech deals for your future-forward home. After buying my first home, one of the first major appliances I wanted to look for was a nice refrigerator packed with software features. With 23 cu ft. of capacity, the Samsung Bespoke 4-Door French Door Smart Refrigerator with Family Hub More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Amazon Kindle Scribe is on sale for $299 for the 16GB version, the lowest price we’ve seen yet. It combines the familiar features of the Kindle e-reader with a bright display and a suite of premium note-taking features. The aforementioned features have a bit of a learning curve to fully […] More

Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETMicrosoft has expanded the powers and reach of its Copilot Vision AI to help you with all types of content. In a blog post published Thursday, the company revealed that Copilot Vision is now baked into the Copilot Windows app, where you can ask it to analyze and answer questions about any item on your screen.A big leap forwardAvailable in the US for Windows 10 and 11 and coming soon to other non-European countries, Copilot Vision on Windows acts as a virtual companion, providing another set of eyes to help you with files, apps, and other items displayed and shared on the screen. You can ask it to analyze or summarize the content or respond to any questions about it. Not sure how to use a specific application? With the Highlights option, you’re able to ask Copilot how to accomplish a certain task. The AI will then show you where to go and what to do. Also: 8 ways I use Microsoft’s Copilot Vision AI to save time on my phone and PCFor example, maybe you’re playing a game and are stuck at a certain level. Ask Copilot Vision for tips on how to proceed, and it will nudge you along. Perhaps you’re viewing a photo in a program like Adobe Photoshop Elements and are wondering how to improve the lighting. Ask Copilot Vision for advice, and it will explain the specific steps to follow in Photoshop Elements. You can even share two apps or files at a time, and Copilot Vision will connect the dots between them. For example, you might share both your calendar and a web page of interesting events and ask the AI to find dates when you’d be free to attend the events you like. Copilot Vision will find a suitable date and even talk you through the steps to add the event to your calendar. This latest skill is a big leap forward for Copilot Vision. Previously, the desktop version of the tool worked only in Edge and could only analyze and answer questions about your current web page. Now anything you open in Windows is available for you to share with Copilot. How to try itIn Windows 10 or 11, open the Copilot Windows app. More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETXgimi, the brand behind the much-lauded Horizon S Max, just released two portable projectors — the MoGo 4 More

The big story with iOS 26 and all the other operating system updates announced at WWDC this year is the new Liquid Glass appearance. Inspired by the physicality of VisionOS, app icons, settings, and other various user interface elements now have a translucent, glass-like design.Also: What is Liquid Glass? Here’s everything we know about Apple’s major UI overhaul at WWDC”Experiences are more expressive and personal, from the Lock Screen and Home Screen, to new capabilities across Phone and Messages that help users focus on the connections that matter most,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering.With the optical quality of glass and the fluidity that Apple hardware can achieve, the new software design reacts to how you tap, swipe (with some interfaces minimizing or expanding), and even hold your phone. The colors of Liquid Glass react to the various colors on your screen.To accommodate the design change, popular app icons like Messages, Phone, and Camera have received visual updates. More generally, toolbars and tabs have been redesigned into rounded menus instead of the usual drop-down lists. This promotes a less intrusive and distracting experience when navigating the software.Lastly, building on the foundation of iOS 18’s icon themes, Liquid Glass introduces a transparent icon finish. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Stelo by Dexcom is an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitor that uses sensors to track glucose levels and export data to your smartphone. The app utilizes generative AI to provide lifestyle recommendations and share data with your healthcare provider. However, it needs needs additional features in future iterations to offer a […] More