Robotics

Getty Images The last time I booked a vacation flight, I literally spent over an hour finding the cheapest ticket to Hawaii with two criteria in mind: that it wasn’t a red-eye flight, and it only had one layover. At least one layover was to be expected (at LAX) because Kentucky is a long way […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Nerdytec Couchmaster Cyworx is an ergonomic lap desk for WFH employees or gamers for $150. It features an oversized mouse pad, a ventilation grill for laptop cooling, wrist pads, and more. The setup may be too cumbersome for smaller couches and isn’t ideal for travel. more buying choices I recently […] More

Maria Diaz/ZDNETHave you ever found yourself in a thermostat tug-of-war? One room feels like a sauna, another like an icebox, all while your trusty thermostat claims your home is at a perfectly average and comfortable 72 degrees?The truth is, you’re probably not imagining things, and the culprit could be hanging right there on your wall. As it turns out, where your thermostat is located can make a world of difference to both your comfort and your energy bills.Also: The best smart home devices of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedChances are, your thermostat is not located in the sweet spot for accurate whole-home temperature readings. In a way, your thermostat is the brain of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It senses the air temperature and tells your system when to kick on and when to take a break. But what if it’s getting a skewed version of reality? According to experts, this is a common scenario, and it’s likely costing you money. Here are some tips for where to avoid installing your thermostat, and the best places to do it instead. More

While GFCI outlets offer reliable protection compared with standard outlets, they aren’t meant for every type of electrical device. Some items should never be plugged into a GFCI, as they could malfunction or trip the circuit unnecessarily, leading to power disruptions or unsafe situations. Below is a list of devices not suited for GFCIs.1. Devices with a “high inrush” currentAppliances like refrigerators, freezers, air conditioner units, and power tools require a serious initial burst of electricity when powered on. Yes, even though refrigerators are almost always located in kitchens, the counterintuitive truth is that they can cause the GFCI to trip because of the large initial surge of current, even if there is no actual fault. This is known as “nuisance tripping,” and it is aptly named. Don’t risk spoiling a fridge full of foods by plugging it into a GFCI.2. Outdoor equipmentSimilarly, outdoor equipment such as electric lawnmowers or pressure washers should ideally be plugged into a dedicated outdoor outlet. While GFCIs are designed for outdoor use to reduce shock hazards, high-powered equipment can cause the GFCI to trip if it draws too much current at one time. Also: The best portable power stations of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed3. High-powered appliancesAppliances that use significant power, such as space heaters, microwave ovens, or vacuum cleaners, can cause a GFCI outlet to trip, especially if they are used on a circuit with high loads. These appliances could create a situation where the GFCI trips frequently (more nuisance tripping).4. Surge protectors or power stripsSome power strips and surge protectors, particularly those with multiple plugs for high-powered devices, could cause the GFCI outlet to trip due to the combined electrical load. A sudden power surge or imbalance could cause the GFCI to trip unexpectedly, defeating the GFCI outlet’s purpose and causing repeated circuit tripping.Also: How I used this portable power station to bring electricity to a caveman5. Medical equipmentMedical equipment like CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators require continuous, uninterrupted power, so we advise plugging these vital devices into conventional outlets, not GFCIs. Some medical devices have sensitive circuitry, and the GFCI may trip unnecessarily, causing a loss of power to life-sustaining equipment.Bonus. Sump pumpsWhile the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifically mandates that new construction includes GFCIs in basements, there is another ironic exclusion among the list: sump pumps. Sump pumps are designed to prevent flooding, but if the GFCI trips and cuts off its power, your basement might end up under several inches of water. More

Savushkin/Getty Images Cord-cutting was supposed to be the smart way to free yourself from exorbitant cable bills.  Then you started to be seduced by all the buzzworthy shows, each one delivered by a separate network. Add a Netflix<!–> here, a Paramount+–> there, toss in some Hulu<!–>, Max–>, Apple TV+<!–>, and your favorite sports network, and pretty […] More

Vera Vita/Getty Images With dozens of image generators on the market that can produce hyper-realistic pictures from text prompts, many developers have started tackling a new challenge: video generation. AI lab Odyssey has launched a video generator that unlocks a new kind of interactive experience.  Also: Hume’s new EVI 3 model lets you customize AI […] More

We’re not living the Jetsons’ life yet, but I’m a firm believer that we’re headed that way. With so many home automation systems and brands selling smart home devices, creating a smart home ecosystem can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of products in stores that even I, as a smart home reviewer, haven’t tried. I have tested dozens of home automation platforms from different manufacturers and can help you decide which products are worth your money.What’s the best home automation system of 2025?ZDNET set out to find the best home automation system for your needs. Our team of home tech experts personally tested these options to learn about each system’s ins and outs. Based on features, installation, and price, we found Home Assistant to be the best overall, but that’s not your only option. Read on for more on the best home automation systems you can buy today.  Also: The best smart home devicesThe best home automation systems Why we like it: Home Assistant is an open source smart home platform for connected devices. It runs locally, with minimal reliance on the cloud, so it can keep your smart home devices connected even if your internet connection fails. It works with over a thousand integrations, including Matter, which makes this the most versatile smart home automation systemWho it’s for: Home Assistant (HA) used to be reserved for tech-savvy users and tinkerers, but it’s also accessible enough for entry-level smart home users to integrate it into their homes. If you’re not a tech wiz, you can get the Home Assistant Green, a hub for the smart home platform that makes it easy to set up and use. If you like to tinker with your connected devices, you can run HA on a Raspberry Pi, an Odroid, or an x86-64 machine. Either way, you’ll have complete control of your smart home devices.Who should look elsewhere: While setting up HA is easier than ever, there are other simpler, plug-and-play solutions that are natively built into Android and iOS devices. These include Google Home and Apple HomeKit, respectively. If you’d rather stick with a simpler solution than HA, you should read on about our options below.Home Assistant features: Doesn’t require a hub to control all devices | Works with over 1,000 APIs | Simplified user interface
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In a world full of social media and digital marketing, high-quality editing is a must in many industries. Creating this content, whether it is short reels for TikTok or full-length productions, is often resource intensive. If you don’t have access to a powerful PC, you will need to find an online alternative.Online video editors can boast the same — or similar — power as desktop solutions. Some programs may even offer basic editing functions for free. If you’re not sure where to start looking, read on. What is the best online video editor right now?ZDNET experts have years of experience in editing videos, and we’ve extensively researched and compared the best editing solutions in the market today. I went hands-on with many of the recommendations on my list. In addition, I consulted several professional videographers on the best online video editing solutions and what they use in their day-to-day workflows.Also: I tested the best video editing laptops: Here’s what I recommend for your next projectThe best online video editing suite around right now is Adobe Express More