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    Meta’s latest update is a devastating blow to advertisers – what you need to know

    CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images On January 31, 2025, Meta will deliver another blow to advertisers. 😩  Talk about a happy new year. 🥂 Meta has already started eliminating the ability to set new detailed targeting exclusions as of July 15, 2024. However, beginning Jan. 31, existing campaigns using these exclusions will stop delivering altogether. […] More

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    Wiping your Android phone? Here’s the easiest way to erase all personal data

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETGetting a new Android phone is always a fun experience. You’re anxious to try out the device’s powerful chipset or whatever generative AI features it houses. But before you have fun with your purchase, I strongly recommend wiping out all personal data from the old phone.Also: This simple Gmail trick gave me another 15GB of storage for free – and I didn’t lose any filesBad actors are always lurking around, waiting for someone to get careless online and steal hordes of sensitive information. Home addresses, phone numbers, emails, names, and more could easily fall into the wrong hands, so you must take the necessary steps to protect yourself. While third-party tools are available to help you protect or delete your data from the internet, if you’d like to take matters into your own hands — and know exactly what’s being wiped in the process — I will instead show you one easy way to clean your phone. Before you do anything, you’ll need to unlock your phone and perform several important steps first.1. Preparing for the clean-up More

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    How to blur your house on Google Street View (and 4 reasons why people do it)

    ZDNETWith Street View, you can see panoramic, street-level images of practically any place in the world. Captured by Google’s fleet of specialized vehicles with high-resolution cameras, these images provide a virtual tour of neighborhoods, landmarks, and businesses. While Street View is incredibly useful and sometimes nostalgic, it does raise privacy concerns.Also: A hidden Google Maps feature is making people emotionalGoogle tries to blur identifiable faces and license plates in Street View to prevent misuse, but your house will still appear clearly. If this visibility feels unsettling — whether due to geospatial data privacy concerns, the desire to prevent criminal targeting, or maybe you just want to shield your property from unwelcome attention — Google allows you to blur your home upon request. Here’s how.How to blur your house on Google Maps Street ViewGoogle provides a quick process for requesting that your house, vehicle, different object, or even face be blurred on Street View. Keep in mind that once blurred, the image cannot be reverted, so make your decision carefully. More

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    I streamed with Logitech’s Mevo Core camera, and it nearly beat out my $3,600 Canon

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Logitech’s Mevo Core has a micro 4/3 image sensor that outperforms typical webcams in low light and resolution. Wireless connectivity offers flexible placement and setup for your live streams. The Mevo Core is fairly pricey at $999, with no lens included, but features like multi-cam support for creative live streams utilizing […] More

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    Why the TikTok ban could collapse the creator economy

    Phil Ashley/Getty Images The TikTok ban could be catastrophic for Americans. This crisis has ripple effects that could disrupt industries and shake the American economy. 💰 Aly (my editor) HATES when I do hot takes… but billions per month are at stake, and American small businesses are on the line so I have to share […] More

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    I found a wallet AirTag alternative that’s more functional than Apple’s – and it works with Android

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways KeySmart’s SmartCard is available from Amazon for $40 (3-pack for $90). It’s super thin, works with Apple iOS Find My, has a wireless rechargeable battery, and is IPX7-rated. It needs to be recharged every 5 months or so. –> Apple AirTags<!–> have changed my life, saving me countless hours looking for […] More

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    Why I recommend this Windows tablet for work travel over the iPad and Lenovo Yoga

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Microsoft has made one of the best work tablets of 2024 with the 11th-generation Surface Pro for $1,000. It’s one of the latest Copilot+ PCs housing next-gen hardware, long-lasting battery, and a stunning OLED touchscreen. As great as it may be, the device’s generative AI features don’t perform at the same […] More

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    This tablet solved my biggest problem as a smart home enthusiast

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Amazon sells the Echo Hub for $180. The Echo Hub gives Alexa the place it has earned in the smart home market: A control panel to easily access smart devices, no ads, and no unnecessary fluff. The smart display can be slow and buggy, especially while loading multiple camera views more […] More