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The Bose Soundlink Max looks like an unassuming speaker, but it delivers in all the right areas. Jack Wallen/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Bose Soundlink Max More
Jason Hiner/ZDNETSoundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Even with their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few modifications to help unleash the best possible sound quality. Also: The best soundbars of 2024: Expert tested and recommendedWhether you’re new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can take your viewing and listening experience to new heights. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar’s performance. More
Yes, holiday hosting can be a ball, but it can also be a pain in the neck. You’re cleaning before guests arrive and deep cleaning after they leave. There’s constant commotion in the kitchen as you prepare food and mix drinks. There’s the music and overall vibe curation that takes lots of time and energy to get right. And, there’s always that one person who spills red wine on the sofa or breaks your favorite mug. Also: Everything you need to start building out your smart homeWhat if there were tech products that not only made the hosting experience simpler, but enjoyable as well? We’ve rounded up some products that simplify holiday party throwing, whether that’s by mopping and vacuuming your place with a robot vacuum, keeping track of who’s coming and going with a doorbell camera, blasting holiday tunes with the smartest of speakers, or commemorating the moment with a favorite film camera. A robot vacuum/mopThrow that stinky, manual mop away: it’s time for a holiday (and all-year-round) upgrade. The best robot vacuums and mops autonomously clean your floors so you don’t have to. These devices learn the layout of your home and cleans different rooms on the schedule you program into it. It’s a hosts’ secret weapon to easy tidying before a party and facile cleanup after. More
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI handle and review a bewildering array of gadgets throughout the year, from cables to satellite communicators. However, I feel that the real test for any product is whether it can make the shift from something I reviewed into something that I use long-term.That is what this list represents — gadgets that transitioned from mere review assignments to become essential parts of my kit. These are the things that live in my pocket or laptop bag, or accompany me on my travels, both on-grid and completely off-grid.Also: The best drones you can buy: Expert testedOne caveat here is that I’ve deliberately left out any and all Apple gadgets for the simple reason that the top slots of my list would consist of my iPhone, Apple Watch, MacBook Pro, AirPods Pro, and all the AirTags that prevent me from losing my belongings. I want this list to move beyond Apple!So, without any further ado, and in no particular order, here are my top 7 gadgets of 2024, along with a bonus “gadget” that is constantly in a state of flux but is also irreplaceable.1. Klarus K5 waterproof power bank More
Alcuin/Getty Images I’ve been on Bluesky for some time now, and I’ve found it to be exponentially better than X. It offers a similar layout without the deluge of ads, algorithm-driven feeds, and irrelevant (and often offensive) content. Bluesky also offers features that X doesn’t (and likely never will). Notably, Bluesky puts moderation in your […] More
MirageC/Getty Images I’m always taking notes. Whether it’s for a book I’m writing, an idea for a book to be written, an item I need to add to a shopping list, or just about anything else that pops to mind, I turn to my Android phone to jot things down. Without a good note-keeping app, […] More
Which iPhones are compatible with Apple Intelligence?While Apple Intelligence is available with iOS 18.2, which is coming to all iPhone models newer than the iPhone X, not all iPhones compatible with iOS 18 are compatible with Apple Intelligence. Here are all the iPhones compatible with Apple Intelligence:iPhone 16iPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxAdditionally, Apple Intelligence is available for iPads and Macs with an M1 chip or later and the new iPad Mini 7 with an A17 Pro chip. When is Apple Intelligence coming out?Apple Intelligence, featuring the company’s AI tools, began to roll out for compatible iPhones with iOS 18.1, with more features to join in the coming months. The iOS 18.1 software update included Writing Tools to help edit and summarize text, advanced Siri features to maintain context and typing prompts, the Clean Up tool and enhanced search options in the Photos app, and notification summaries.Now, iOS 18.2 includes Image Playground to create images, Genmoji to generate emojis, Image Wand in the Notes app, enhanced Writing Tools, visual intelligence with Camera Control, and ChatGPT integrations for Siri and Writing Tools.Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to Apple’s iOS 18 (and which ones can’t)This slew of AI features will be available on the iPhone 16 lineup and the iPhones 15 Pro and Pro Max. Apple is also releasing iPadOS 18.2 and macOS Sequoia 15.2. When was iOS 18 released?Apple released the iOS 18 developer beta during WWDC 2024 in June, and the public beta version was released on July 15. The general release of iOS 18 was September 16.Also: The best iOS 18 features that will make updating your iPhone worthwhileCan you still download the iOS 18 public beta?You can always be part of the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, you should have some housekeeping items in mind:Back up your device and personal information.Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPhone.You should go into the experience to test new features and share feedback to improve iOS, which is why beta versions are released. How do I install the iOS 18 beta version?You’ll need an iPhone running iOS 16.5 or later. Since not all iPhones are compatible with iOS 18, you’ll also need a model newer than the iPhone X.Go to your iPhone’s Settings and select General.Go to Software Update in Settings.Enable Beta Updates. To enable Beta Updates, go to Beta Updates and select the iOS version you’d like to access. This setting is turned off by default on iPhones.Select iOS 18 Public Beta. Then you’ll begin receiving automatic software updates to the latest beta version of iOS 18. Apple currently has two beta versions of iOS: iOS 18 public beta and iOS 18 developer beta. Once you do this, return to the previous page. If an update is available now, your iPhone will prompt you to download and install it. More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Gemtones Infinity Max Bluetooth speaker is available now from the official Speck site. With a beautiful array of lights and a unique “infinity look,” this speaker is certainly a conversation starter. The sound could benefit from a custom EQ option in the Speck app. –> Bluetooth speakers are everywhere; some […] More
