More stories

  • in

    Finally, a video security doorbell that has similar features as Ring but no monthly fees

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lorex 2K Wi-Fi video doorbell is available for $200. The doorbell comes in wired and wireless installations, communicates reliably, and includes a preinstalled 32GB microSD card for local storage so you can bypass subscription fees. Although it has a 2K resolution, the image is so wide angle that objects look […] More

  • in

    I switched to a Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock with facial recognition – and can’t go back

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways As part of its Zeno Series, Lockly’s Visage smart lock is available now for $349. The Lockly Visage comes with facial ID support, automatic unlocking when you’re near, and Apple Home Kit compatibility. The Lockly app can be more user-friendly, as it’s difficult to find certain settings, and it’s pricier than […] More

  • in

    Google just gave its Photos app the feature upgrade it deserves – here’s what’s new

    Google / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETAfter hitting pause three weeks ago, Google is resuming rollout of its AI-powered Ask Photos feature. This time around, the company says, things should be better.Last fall, Google slowly began rolling out a new feature that lets you ask queries to find particular pictures in your Photos app. You might ask something like, “Where was that restaurant we ate at in San Francisco?” or “Show me all the selfies I took in NYC museums,” and Gemini will find what you’re looking for. You can even ask open-ended queries like “Which of my photos would make the best phone background?” Also: 10 must-try Google Photos tips and tricks – including a new AI editorA full rollout began earlier this month, but user complaints quickly piled up. Ask Photos often didn’t find the right photos, and when it did, it was painfully slow. A project manager at Google admitted, “Ask Photos isn’t where it needs to be.” The problems seemed to be ongoing, as ZDNET Senior Editor Sabrina Ortiz tested Ask Photos in February and had similar complaints, saying, “‘Ask Photos’ actually made Google Photos worse.” In a blog post yesterday, Google says it “heard your feedback.” Also: How I back up my photos on Android to Google Drive – and why”We’re bringing the best of Photos’ classic search feature into Ask Photos,” the company said today, “and improving latency, so you can get fast help with simple and complex queries in one place.” You’ll now see results right away for simple searches like “beach” or “pizza,” while Gemini works in the background on more complex ones. More

  • in

    These premium outdoor speakers made me reconsider switching to Bluetooth audio – here’s why

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Polk Audio Atrium 5 speakers are available for $325 a pair, offering a sleek and weatherproof design. These speakers have a crisp, detailed, and surprisingly deep sound profile. You’ll need an amplifier for these speakers, making them less convenient than using a Bluetooth speaker. –> While plenty of folks use […] More