Robotics

Beats/ZDNETBeats may be best known for its headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers, but the company, owned by Apple, has announced another line of mobile accessories. Today, Beats debuted its new Beats Cables More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETAndroid users who want to upgrade to version 15 will need to ensure their device has at least 32GB of storage. In a confidential GMS Requirements document uncovered by Android Authority, Google has set this level as the minimum amount of space required. This applies whether you buy a new phone with Android 15 out of the box or try to upgrade your existing device to the newest version.Also: Android 16 release is way ahead of scheduleAs today’s Android phones typically come with at least 128GB of storage, the latest requirement is not especially onerous. If anything, it seems quite generous. However, it means that older or cheaper phones with 16GB of space or less will not be able to run Android 15, which officially kicked off last October. What was the previous minimum requirement?The new minimum is double the previous amount of 16GB, introduced with Android 13 in 2022, Android Authority explained. Also: How to factory reset your Android phone without unlocking it firstPreviously, Android 12 required just 8GB of storage. Approximately 75 percent of the 32GB must be reserved for the data partition, which houses system apps and files, system app data, and all user apps and files. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Mobvoi TicNote is available now for $159.99, but monthly and annual subscription plans apply to most features. The TicNote’s AI features are impressive, the hardware is small and light, and recordings are accurate, even from across the room. The Pro subscription model appears overwhelming, but TicNote users get 300 credits […] More

mustafaU/Getty Images On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop delivering security updates to your Windows 10 PC unless you’re willing to pay for a subscription to the Extended Security Updates program.  If you try to upgrade to Windows 11 on a PC that’s more than five old, you’ll probably encounter an error message telling you — […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The EcoFlow 125W bifacial solar panels cost $899 for a four-pack. They’re portable panels that you can take with you or set up temporarily without construction, with easy setup, and lightweight construction Though portable, these bifacial solar panels feel very fragile, so they must be weighed down if conditions are windy; […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETAI is everywhere.It’s on your desktop, the web, and your phone. Even if you didn’t install an AI app on your Android device, Google Gemini is already there because Google decided to put it there.If you like the idea of having AI with you at all times, what Android apps should you consider as your best option?Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025You have many choices. And they’re all free.First, know this: Android now ships with a default AI app that doesn’t just serve to answer your queries. It’s baked deep into the operating system.With that said, let’s talk apps.1. Google GeminiGemini is the default AI for Android, and Google has done an excellent job of spreading the AI love throughout the system. Because of that, Gemini is probably the best fit for the average user. With Gemini, there is nothing to install or configure (at least for basic usage). I would, however, disable the Gemini Workspaces extension so you don’t have to worry about the AI using your Workspace files as a training ground. I’ve been using Google Gemini as my assistant since it was first made available, and it has served me well. However, while I do use Gemini as my onboard assistant, I don’t use it as my go-to AI tool. Also: Your Android phone just got a major Gemini upgrade for free – Samsung models includedOne non-assistant feature on Gemini is definitely worth using, and that’s Gemini Live. I’ve had several conversations with Gemini Live that have helped me solve complex problems with complicated plot situations (such as understanding how long-term exposure on the moon would affect the human body and psyche). Gemini is the way to go if you just need a powerful AI-driven assistant and maybe the occasional conversation with AI.Get Google Gemini More

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETOne of the most important aspects of a desktop for me is efficiency. I need an OS that makes it easy to work with multiple windows open in a way that is effortless and painless. The MacOS desktop is an outstanding option for users of all types. It is elegant, simple to use, and rock solid.MacOS did not have built-in window snapping for the longest time, which was a glaring omission, especially given that most operating systems have had built-in window snapping for years — especially Linux.Also: Ready to ditch Windows? 5 factors to help you decide between Linux or MacOSThere is good news. With the recent MacOS update (Sequoia), Apple has finally added window snapping. Even better, you do not have to do anything to enjoy the feature, as it is enabled by default. What is window snapping? Window snapping makes it possible for you to drag a window to the edge of your display (right, left, top, or bottom) and for the window to automatically snap to that edge so it only takes up a certain area of the display. For example: Drag a window to the right edge, and it will automatically take up the right half of the display.Drag a window to the left edge, and it will automatically take up the left half of the display.Drag a window to the top edge, and it will automatically take up the full display.Also: How to install an LLM on MacOS (and why you should)Now that Apple has added window snapping to MacOS, you can be more efficient with your window placement, which makes multitasking on the desktop even easier. In addition, you can even use window snapping if you have Stage Manager enabled — which makes MacOS even more efficient. How to use MacOS window snapping As I mentioned earlier, there is no need to enable the feature, as it works out of the box. To snap a window, all you have to do is click and hold the title bar and drag to one of the following locations: Top center: Full screenTop left; Top left quarterTop right: Top right quarterBottom center; Center third of the displayBottom left: Bottom left quarterBottom right: Bottom right quarterLeft edge: Left half of the displayRight edge: Right half of the displayAlternatively, you can also hover your cursor over the green button at the top left of the app you are using and select where you want the window to be placed: More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Amazon sells the Echo Hub for $180. The Echo Hub gives Alexa the place it has earned in the smart home market: A control panel to easily access smart devices, no ads, and no unnecessary fluff. The smart display can be slow and buggy, especially while loading multiple camera views more […] More