Robotics

High-end gaming PCs are known for their top-tier components, using the latest processors and graphics cards to deliver all of the power and performance you need to tackle intensive triple-A titles in your library. But if you’re a casual gamer or looking for something for your kid or teen, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a decent gaming computer. There are plenty of budget gaming PC options available that use older or lower-end components, giving you plenty of power for popular games (as long as you don’t mind turning down your graphics settings). Intrepid PC gamers may choose to even build their own PC for gaming, painstakingly choosing parts to squeeze the most performance out of their budget.What is the best gaming PC right now?I am an avid gamer and went hands-on with many of the best gaming PCs available, from budget-conscious selections to premium options with price tags to match. My tested pick for the best gaming PC overall is the Alienware Aurora R16 More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSay you recently picked up a shiny new TV. You unbox it like a kid at Christmas and prepare to indulge in all its visual glory. You think to yourself, “This is 2025. TV technology is sizzling, and it’s going to look amazing no matter what.” So you plug it in and don’t take one look at the default settings. Big mistake.Also: Looking for Netflix shows? I used these secret codes to unlock the full catalogI’ve been guilty of it. And I’m okay with that because it’s widely accepted that the majority of consumers neglect to alter the most basic settings when setting up their TVs. Even if your TV is a few years old, you may have never modified its defaults. For Samsung TVs, in particular, you can change a few settings to improve your viewing experience and make a dystopian survival thriller look that much more appealing. Following are six tips for doing just that. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo’s Legion Go S is currently on sale for $730 at Best Buy This handheld supports AAA gaming thanks to its AMD processor and the front-facing speakers that envelop you in high-definition sound It is, however, bogged down by a low battery life and an expensive price tag. –> The Lenovo […] More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETDid you know that a modern TV uses significantly less energy than a TV that’s a decade old? Maybe that shouldn’t be a surprise, considering how much more power-efficient today’s display panels are. According to Perch Energy, the average power consumption of an old TV runs around $54 per year in energy costs. Because LED-backlit TVs and OLEDs consume less power than traditional LCD screens, newer models cost about $32 annually. Also: How to clear the cache on your TV (and why it’s more important than you think)In large part, the bigger your screen size, the more power your TV requires. But there are ways to attenuate your TV’s power consumption every time you turn it on. Here are some settings you can change to save more money on your next electricity bill. Even if it’s just tens of dollars that you’re ultimately saving, it’s still a little less money coming out of your pocket, and that’s the goal. More

Matthew Miller/ZDNETWhat’s the deal? The Shokz OpenFit Air earbuds More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus Zenbook A14 will be available in late February, 2025. Asus’ new ultraportable is a fantastic balance of innovation and value with a brilliant OLED display, competitive hardware, and a satisfying physical form. While its use case is clearly defined, the laptop has its limits when it comes to high-end […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Bluetti X20 has a massive capacity designed for high-draw devices. This power bank is kitted with a DC port, and it comes with a dozen adapters covering most laptops on the market. There’s no carry handle, so the unit can be a bit cumbersome to carry. –> Most of us […] More

jorge mata/Getty Images If you’re a Pixel phone user who uses Google Wallet, paying for things with your phone is about to become much easier.  Opening Google Wallet isn’t exactly difficult at the moment. You can open the app itself, tap the Wallet icon in Quick Settings, or press and hold the lock screen shortcut. A new option, […] More