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Getty Images / picture alliance / Contributor The value of AI agents, systems that can carry out tasks for humans, is evident, with opportunities for productivity gains, especially for businesses. However, the performance of large language models (LLMs) can hinder the effective deployment of agents. Salesforce’s AI Research seeks to address that issue. Also: 60% of AI […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETDid you know that whenever you turn on your smart TV, you invite an unseen guest to watch it with you? These days, most popular TV models utilize automatic content recognition (ACR), a form of ad surveillance technology that gathers information about everything you watch and transmits it to a centralized database. Manufacturers then use your data to identify your viewing preferences, enabling them to deliver highly targeted ads.Also: I changed these 6 TV settings to drastically speed up its performance (and why they work)What’s the incentive behind this invasive technology? According to market research firm eMarketer, in 2022, advertisers spent an estimated $18.6 billion on smart TV ads, and those numbers are only going up.To understand how ACR works, imagine a constant, real-time Shazam-like service running in the background while your TV is on. It identifies content displayed on your screen, including programs from cable TV boxes, streaming services, or gaming consoles. ACR does this by capturing continuous screenshots and cross-referencing them with a vast database of media content and advertisements. More
Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETSamsung’s Galaxy smartphones are some of the best Android phones available today, thanks to their responsive and feature-rich software. But most Samsung phones — especially the flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6 — come with over-the-top features that you might not use daily. If your new Galaxy phone isn’t lasting an entire day on a single charge, there are ways to make the most of what you have without hindering the user experience. Also: I changed 10 Samsung phone settings to instantly improve the user experienceHere are seven ways to maximize the battery life on your Galaxy phone. Fret not — I won’t be Captain Obvious over here and recommend reducing the screen resolution or using your phone at a lower refresh rate. The recommendations on this list should bring quality-of-life improvements while maximizing your handset’s efficiency. Read on. More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus RT-BE86U router is currently on sale for $300. This supports Wi-Fi 7 delivering fast, wireless connections protected by multiple security features. However, getting the most out of the device requires Wi-Fi extenders which can be an expensive endeavor. more buying choices Wi-Fi 7 has been around since last January, […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETOlder Google TV and Chromecast devices are finally getting the Home Panel feature, allowing you to control your smart home devices from your TV. The feature was initially launched with the Google TV Streamer last year, but Google opened a public preview program to let users enroll older devices. Now, the feature appears to have launched widely and quietly. The latest update began rolling out earlier this week, and reports indicate users are using the Home Panel feature on discontinued Chromecast devices and Google TV sets, including Hisense TVs.Also: These old Google Nest thermostats may soon be obsolete – but it’s not all bad newsThe Home Panel on Google TV lets you control Google Home-compatible smart devices by accessing them on the right side of your TV. These devices include smart thermostats, video doorbells, security cameras, speakers, smart lights, and more. Like Apple’s tvOS and Amazon’s FireOS, the Home Panel can also show smart home notifications, such as a person ringing your Nest Doorbell. More
The Roborock Flexi Lite is a great self-propelled wet/dry vacuum and mop. It looks like a standup vacuum, but you add clean water to its tank, and it can suction anything, wet or dry. It can vacuum pet hair, dust, crumbs, and wet messes like spilled juice, milk, or sauces. I use this vacuum mop for everything around my home, and it’ll completely change your cleaning routine if you’ve never used one. All you have to do is turn it on with a full clean water tank and direct it to where you need to clean. The device is self-propelled, so you don’t have to push it; it glides effortlessly across your floors.Also: Forget Dyson: Roborock’s wet-dry vacuum makes my floors sparkleIt vacuums and mops as it goes, so all you have to do is steer it around during cleaning. Once done, you can put the Flexi Lite on the dock to charge and run a self-cleaning cycle. The vacuum/mop will wash its mop roller with clean water from its tank. I only recommend you empty and rinse the dirty water tank after each use to avoid odors. More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETIn honor of Earth Day last week, Samsung is giving you the chance to help keep e-waste out of landfills and score a discount on a flagship Android phone.Starting today, the Galaxy S24 series, including the S24 Ultra, S24+, and the S24, are available as part of Samsung’s Certified Renewed program More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Strapsicle silicone straps upgrade the grip options on your Kindle and provide a secure hold to prevent drops. At $21, Strapsicle is an easy and affordable Kindle accessory to make your reading experience even more comfortable. If you prefer more ergonomic grips or don’t like the look of straps across […] More
