Robotics

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSoundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Even with their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few modifications to help unleash the best possible sound quality. Also: Your Roku TV is getting 5 useful updates for free – including a Roku City shortcutWhether you’re new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can take your viewing and listening experience to new heights. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar’s performance. More

MirageC/Getty Images Multimodal AI, which can ingest content in non-text formats like audio and images, has leveled up the data that large language models (LLMs) can parse. However, new research from security specialist Enkrypt AI suggests these models are also more susceptible to novel jailbreak techniques. Also: Anthropic finds alarming ’emerging trends’ in Claude misuse […] More

MicroStockHub/Getty Images Every spring, new grads rush to the job market to land their first role. However, with little real-world experience, it can be tough to land a position, and federal data shows recent college graduates are especially feeling the squeeze. Also: Only 8% of Americans would pay extra for AI, according to ZDNET-Aberdeen research […] More

Intel RIP, 486 processor. You’ve had a long run since Intel released you back in 1989. While Microsoft stopped supporting you with the release of Windows XP in 2001, Linux kept you alive and well for another 20+ years. But all good things must come to an end, and with the forthcoming release of the […] More

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETWith every Android upgrade, there are certain new features to get excited about. Of course, not every upgrade is created equal, so some releases have more new features than others. With the upcoming release of Android 16, there are quite a few cool (rumored) features that have me giddy for the release.Notice that I said “rumored.” That’s because with every release there are rumors spread around the internet as to what people “think” will be included with the latest, greatest update from Google. Because of that, take this list with a grain of salt, as you never know what will make the final cut. Also: With Android 16, the Linux terminal gets all the space it needsEven so, I’ve tested the beta of Android 16 and combed the internet (using reliable sites such as Android Authority, Android Police, Engadget, Android Developers, Business Today, Android Headlines, GSMArena, Android Update Tracker, and various forums) for all the best possible features that could be coming out this summer with Android 16, and here they are. 1. App drawer blur This isn’t something that’s going to make your phone perform better or make you more efficient with the device. However, one thing that’s always bugged me is how boring the Android app drawer is. You pull it down and it either has a white background or a black background. Sure, there are some home-screen launchers that allow you to customize the look of the app drawer, but the default home-screen launcher doesn’t include such an option. It has been rumored that Android 16 will change all of that and add a nice background blur to the app drawer. It’s about time. Also: I changed 12 settings on my Android phone to dramatically improve battery lifeI understand that not everyone feels aesthetics are as important as other issues — such as performance and reliability — but one of the reasons why the iPhone is so popular, other than the simple fact that it’s popular, is the aesthetic of the UI. If Google follows through and adds a nice app drawer blur, it’ll place the Android UI on a more level playing field with iOS. 2. Hybrid Auto Exposure in the camera If you’re a photo buff, this feature will tickle your fancy. With the hybrid auto-exposure, you’ll get more flexible control over the camera’s exposure settings. Instead of just full manual or auto exposure, you’ll be able to manually set either ISO or exposure time (shutter speed), or let the auto-exposure algorithm take care of things. Also: My favorite SSH clients for Android – and why you need themWith this, you’ll be able to fine-tune ISO to reduce noise or set a specific shutter speed to get really creative with your shots — while still getting the convenience and reliability of auto-exposure for everything else. You’ll also find, within the Android 16 Camera app, precise color-temperature and tint adjustments, and improved support for high-quality image formats like HEIC and Ultra HDR. 3. Live updates Android 16 is rumored to also be bringing a new class of real-time notifications that are designed to keep you informed about ongoing activities, such as navigation, ridesharing updates, food delivery, etc. These live updates will appear as dynamic “chips” in the status bar that display real-time information — such as the ETA of deliveries or rideshare arrivals. Also: My 5 favorite AI apps on Android right now – and how I use themWhen you tap one of the live-update chips, a full notification pop-up appears below the status bar to keep you informed. Within the Notification Shade, live updates appear above all other notifications (with the exception of the media player). More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung has been playing with my emotions, drip-feeding teasers of its upcoming Galaxy S25 Edge phone since it was first unveiled at Unpacked in January. I got a more intimate look at the phone at Mobile World Congress a few months ago, and since then, it’s been on the back of my mind whenever I’ve tested a new handset and wondered exactly how much slimmer these things can get. Also: The best Samsung phones to buy in 2025It seems I’ll find out the answer next week, as Samsung has confirmed that it’ll be hosting a Virtual Unpacked event for the Galaxy S25 Edge on Monday, May 12, at 8pm ET. Is Samsung hoping we’ll kick back to the live stream after dinner? Maybe. But a more reasonable explanation is that it’s targeting the demographic it knows will most likely adopt the lighter, slimmer form factor of the S25 Edge: Koreans, who will be tuning in at a more friendly Tuesday morning broadcast. Ahead of the event, Samsung has confirmed a few things about the phone. While its dual camera system won’t suggest it, the upcoming handset is heavily focused on photography. “Even with its slim form, Galaxy S25 Edge’s 200MP wide lens continues Galaxy’s iconic camera experience,” says Samsung in a Wednesday press release. Whether the second camera lens on the new model is a telephoto, ultrawide, or a mere macro sensor remains unanswered. Also: I saw Samsung’s thinnest Galaxy phone ever at MWC — and it made my devices feel outdatedAs for the rest of the phone’s hardware, Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S25 Edge will be “portable and lightweight without sacrificing power and innovation.” Here’s to hoping that “power” refers to battery life, which remains a disadvantage as phones become slimmer, and the laws of physics simply don’t allow there to be larger-sized lithium-ion batteries to fit within the form factors. More

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe first time I used an anti-reflective display on a personal device was last year when I reviewed the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I was amazed by the quality-of-life improvements it brought to my daily use — and I wanted to see it on more devices. Therefore, I wasn’t too pleased when Apple priced its nano-texture iPad Pro out of budget by limiting it to the 1TB variant. I wanted a flagship iPad with an anti-reflective screen, but that price made the feature inaccessible. Finally, I’ve found a great tablet with a nanotexture display that doesn’t break the bank.Also: You don’t need to spend $800 on a good iPad – this budget model proves itThe Xiaomi Pad 7 More

A good multitool can be a reliable companion for decades (as long as you don’t lose it!). Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI like having a good multitool close at hand and at all times. While they can’t replace a proper toolkit, I don’t fancy carrying a full toolkit with me when I’m out and about. Many of my readers are like me, often finding themselves doing random and unplanned DIY tasks throughout the day, so having a portable toolkit that can handle the basics is essential.Also: I gave my Android phone thermal vision superpowers with this accessory – and it’s on saleNot a week goes by without someone asking for my multitool recommendations. My advice is always the same: check out what Leatherman More