Robotics

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Platin Monaco 5.2.1 speaker system is available on Amazon for $1,000. With a simple setup and well-defined sound, the Monaco is ideal for entertainment streaming and small spaces. The Monaco’s subwoofer lacks power, and the system requires a phone app as the remote. –> Last year, the JBL Bar 1000 […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Insta360 X5 delivers fantastic image quality and retails for $549. The improved waterproof and build quality are useful upgrades. I just wish the lens didn’t scratch as easily. more buying choices Almost exactly a year later, the team at Insta360 is back with its latest 360-degree camera: the X5–>. I […] More

The GNOME Application Overview is where you can run a search for apps, files, and more. Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETI’ve been using the GNOME desktop environment since its beta. Sure, there have been short periods when I’ve migrated away (such as when I moved to elementary OS or Bodhi Linux), but there’s no place like GNOME. This open-source desktop environment is the sweet spot between minimalism and over-the-top functionality.But that doesn’t mean GNOME is perfect. Out of the box, it can use a bit of help. That’s why the developers created extensions. These tiny applications (and there are many) bring useful features, behaviors, and even visuals to GNOME.Also: How to change DNS servers on a GNOME-based Linux distributionUpon installing GNOME, one of the first things I do is head over to the extensions home page and install a handful of additional features. Here are my top six.1. Dash to PanelAlthough I appreciate the default GNOME layout, I do prefer a panel. Given that I’m at my desktop all day, I like to minimize mouse or key clicks to help make my experience as efficient as possible. For that reason, Dash To Panel is the first extension I install on GNOME.Dash To Panel moves the GNOME Dash from within the Overview to the main desktop window, effectively turning it into a traditional panel. Installing this extension means you don’t have to worry about getting a third-party dock.Also: The best-looking Linux desktop I’ve seen so far in 2025 – and it’s not even closeTo add more launchers to the panel, open the app in question, right-click its icon, and select Add to Favorites. In the Dash to Panel settings (which can be accessed by right-clicking on the panel), you can change its position, style, behavior, action, and more. This extension should be considered a must-have for every GNOME user.2. Bluetooth Quick ConnectIf you connect Bluetooth devices to your desktop or laptop, do yourself a favor and add the Bluetooth Quick Connect extension. By default, when adding or managing Bluetooth connections, you must go through the Settings app, which isn’t exactly efficient.With this extension, you get a Bluetooth menu in the system tray menu to help you easily manage your Bluetooth connections. You also get battery status indicators for all applicable devices. This extension is so valuable that it’s hard to believe it’s not part of the stock GNOME experience.3. Just PerfectionThis extension has more features than you’ll ever need. Essentially, Just Perfection is your one-stop shop for tweaking GNOME Shell, allowing you to change its behavior and even disable elements you don’t want or need.Also: This Linux distro can be used without installation (and it’s totally free)Don’t like having a top bar? Disable it. Prefer faster or slower animations? Just Perfection has you covered. More

Generated via Adobe Firefly by Adobe There are so many image generators on the market, each with its advantages. Picking which model to use for each task can be daunting, so Adobe wants to simplify that process.  Also: Adobe Photoshop is getting its first AI agent – here’s what it can do for you On […] More

Adobe The growing popularity of generative AI image generators has created a two-pronged problem: Creators struggle to protect their work from being used to train the models, while the rest of us struggle to distinguish between what’s real and what’s generated. Adobe’s Content Authenticity app seeks to solve the issue on both fronts.  On Thursday, […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Wahoo Elemnt Ace is available now for $599.99. The display is large with easy to read text, the user interface is easy to navigate, the electronic bell is loud, and positioning is accurate. The bike computer is heavy, the display is a bit dim, battery life is less than advertised, […] More

Screenshot by Aly Windsor/ZDNet/YouTubeWe’ve come a long way since that day at the zoo.20 years ago today, YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim uploaded the first video to YouTube. Less than 20 seconds long, it showed Karim standing in front of elephants and explaining that they have really long trunks.Also: YouTube launches cheaper Premium Lite plan – but are the trade-offs worth it?Two decades later, the video sharing platform is a different place.Since then, users have uploaded more than 20 trillion videos to the site, YouTube says, including YouTube Music. Doing some quick math, that works out to about 2,500 videos for every single person on the planet. Around 20 million videos are uploaded daily, and there are 100 million comments and 3.5 billion likes on the average day. [embedded content]New features on the wayYouTube isn’t just showing off, though. The company is rolling out a few new features to celebrate, both on traditional YouTube and on YouTube TV. YouTube TV will soon let users build their own multiviews. The feature will start with “select non-sports content” and expand over the coming months.YouTube is getting the ability for more creators to add voice replies to comments.YouTube Ask, a feature for Premium subscribers, is rolling out the option for you to stream a personalized radio station based on a description of the type of music you’re in the mood for.Premium subscribers are also getting 4x speed playback alongside 2x, 2.5x, and 3x playback.This summer, YouTube is launching a new TV viewing experience with improved navigation, better playback, quality tweaks, and streamlined access to comments, channel info, and subscribing. More

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETIf you missed Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, there’s no need to fret. Amazon’s Book Sale More