Robotics

screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETSpotify HiFi, a version of the popular music streaming service with higher-quality audio that has been in the works for at least three years, might finally be close.Speaking on the company’s Q2 2024 earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek said Spotify plans to offer a more premium option than what’s available now. The new version would include additions like new tools for creating playlists and managing song libraries, and most importantly, high-fidelity lossless audio that lets you hear audio exactly as the artist intended.The announcement comes just a month after Spotify raised its prices again.Also: Spotify now lets you create an AI-made playlist with just a text promptEk said that “a good subset” of the service’s 246 million subscribers would subscribe to get improved quality and control.You will need appropriate hardware to take full advantage of Spotify’s new audio tier. Most wireless earbuds or budget wired headphones aren’t enough to do the job.Ek said the feature was still in its “early days,” which makes it seem like it’s not coming anytime soon, but Bloomberg last month reported that it could arrive later this year. More

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysScrewdrivers are a staple of any toolbox, but manual screwdrivers can be tiring to use and aren’t always the best tool for the job. Electric screwdrivers are a more efficient option that can take the stress out of DIY tasks, and I love using them. They’ve even replaced my precision screwdrivers in delicate work, such as working on laptops and smartphones.Also: The best electric screwdrivers: Expert tested   For the past few weeks, I’ve been using the Arrowmax SES Ultra Electric Mini Power Screwdriver kit More

Maria Diaz/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Roborock Flexi Lite More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung took the smart ring space to new heights when it unveiled its first-ever Galaxy Ring More

Suppose Casetify is like your trendy Gen Z coworker who brings fresh designs and innovative features to the table. In that case, Burga is the more sophisticated, sleek, and cohesive millennial with just a few more years behind them. Like Casetify, Burga is extremely popular for iPhone cases, but it’s easy to overlook the brand’s other protective offerings for devices like the iPad. Burga’s folio case for the iPad Air combines style and function. It features a spot for stylus storage and Apple Pencil charging, has a hard shell backing and a soft close folio front, can be used as a stand for your iPad, features shock absorption and a raised bezel design, and is overall sleek in profile. Perhaps the best part of Burga’s case is that it comes in a slew of designs, patterns, and colors. It’s sophisticated but practical and offers enough secure protection for everyday use. When I tested the Burga case on the last few weeks I liked its light weight feel, Apple Pencil storage, folio-style cover, stand configuration, and numerous prints and designs. It’s a great basic case to protect from everyday bumps and scratches, but I recommend bumping up to something more secure, such as an Otterbox or even the Zugu case, if you’re accident prone or are rougher around the edges when it comes to handling your tech. I also wish the stand options on the case were a bit more comfortable for viewing, though it’s a nice add-on to have the option to prop up my iPad up at all while watching a show or video. For the $60 price tag though, I think this a great buy for the features you are getting, especially considering a similar folio case from Apple is now around $80 and ones at Casetify start at $92. Current customers on the Burga website said they like the overall value of the case, with emphasis on the case’s design, build, and and quality. Many said they enjoyed the fun patterns and color options — which outdo most other case mentioned on this list in the color department, and compete with the likes of only Casetify. Burga iPad Air Case features: Raised bezel design for camera and screen protection | Apple Pencil storage and charging spot | Variety of colors and styles | Shock absorbing bumper | Stand configurations | Never-fading prints  More

Charlie Osborne/ZDNETHere at ZDNET, we extensively cover the virtual private network (VPN) market and keep an eye out for any worthwhile deals.  Over at Stack Social, we’ve spotted an interesting promotion for anyone who wants to use VPN software to mask their online activity from prying eyes, including ISPs, marketers, and other groups that may track what websites you visit and what online services you use.  Also: The best VPN servicesThe VPN in question is from AdGuard, a company well-known for its ad and tracker-blocking technologies. Now, you also have the option to try out their standalone VPN, which could provide an additional layer of privacy to protect your browsing.  What I like about this deal is the price. For $40 (88% off), you can sign up for a five-year plan, which gives you access to a VPN for the equivalent of around $0.67 per month. The subscription includes 10 simultaneous device connections, and AdGuard operates a no-logging policy. One- and three-year subscription AdGuard VPN deals are also available for $20 and $30, respectively, and while inexpensive, they are more in line with typical promotions offered by other VPN providers. Also: The best VPN for streamingThe mobile iOS and Android versions of this VPN are easy to set up, with a clean layout and a simple menu bar. You can opt for the default “smart” location just by clicking a button, or you can wander through the server and country list (over 60 locations) to find your preferred location. Its speeds are fine, and I didn’t notice any real difference in my browsing or app usage. There is a caveat, though: I can’t recommend this VPN for purely MacOS usage. During my testing, I found it a challenge to even sign in, and it is extremely slow. In short, the mobile user experience is what you would expect from a decent VPN, but the MacOS app needs a lot of work. (We do have a list of VPNs that are great for Mac, if you need one.) A free option is available, but keep in mind that VPN traffic, connection speed, and server locations are very limited.  More

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETMove over, Google Maps. Apple Maps now has its own website. On Wednesday, Apple announced that its Maps service is now accessible on the web. Yes, that means you no longer need to fire up the app on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to find places to visit and figure out how to reach them.With the new beta version, you can browse to the Apple Maps website to get driving and walking directions and check out popular destinations. As with the Apple Maps app, you can view photos, hours, ratings, and reviews for restaurants and other businesses.Also: 12 ways Apple Maps can help you plan a better summer vacationThere’s also the handy Guides feature to discover places to eat, shop, and explore. The only feature missing is Look Around, which displays 360-degree panoramic views of specific locales, but that will arrive in the coming months, Apple said.Just like with Google Maps, developers can even link to Apple Maps on their websites using MapKit JS. As a result, you may find more sites offering directions and other details via Apple Maps in the future.The main hiccup so far is that the Apple Maps website supports only certain languages, browsers, and platforms. Currently accessible in English, the site is compatible with Safari and Chrome on a Mac and iPad, as well as Chrome and Edge on Windows computers. When I tried visiting the site using Firefox, I received an error telling me the browser wasn’t supported. More

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open went tooth and nail for the top spot on this list, but key feature advantages put the latter ahead. Still, the Z Fold 6 remains a formidable option for foldable shoppers this year thanks to its more refined and durable design, productivity-inducing software, and undervalued after-sales support.Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6The Z Fold 6 features the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which has proven to yield better on-device and hybrid-based AI capabilities, including Samsung’s new Sketch-to-Image, Interpreter Mode, Composer, and more. Samsung also upgraded the hinge this year, making the Fold notably thinner and lighter yet still durable enough to withstand 200,000 bends — maybe more — throughout its lifespan. Thanks to a brighter 2,600-nit display and a crease that’s a little less noticeable when open, “the Z Fold 6’s 7.6-inch screen is a near-perfect canvas for watching movies, playing games, and getting work done,” I mentioned in my review. It’s unfortunate that Samsung didn’t upgrade the cameras or charging speeds all that much with the latest generation; otherwise, it would’ve given the OnePlus a run for its money.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display sizes: 6.2-inch exterior and 7.6-inch interior | RAM/Storage: 12GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery: 4,400mAh | Camera: 50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, 10MP front | Price: Starting at $1,899 More