Robotics

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

Adam Breeden/ZDNETAfter the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there’s little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port — likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel — offers more potential than you might expect.  Also: Your TV’s USB port has an underrated benefit that can revitalize an old system – here’s how it worksUSB ports are easy to overlook, but they’re a standard feature on most TVs — and more useful than you might think. Here are five clever ways to make the most of them. More

Maria Diaz/ZDNETWhenever I hear about consumer data tracking, my half-century-old brain dredges up that Hall and Oates hit called “Private Eyes” with the refrain “they’re watching you.” I don’t mean to incite Big Brother paranoia; I know I’m not being spied on everywhere I go, especially not in the seclusion of my home. But while using streaming devices, you can almost guarantee that your entertainment and advertisement preferences are being tracked.Also: Your Roku TV is getting several updates for free – including a big one for Roku CityThe culprit is better known as Big Data — arguably less invasive and sinister, but still annoying to some people — and there are ways to mitigate that on your streaming devices if you’re one of them.While some data collection is necessary for basic functionality, many streaming devices collect more than required; so much so that you essentially lose control of your privacy, fall into filter bubbles (viewing algorithms that are more narrow), and receive more targeted ads than expected. Below are some general strategies for regaining control over your privacy while using streaming services.  More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETI’ve spent large portions of my life looking for ways to extend the battery life on my Android phones. Admittedly, that sounds rather dramatic, but growing up with only budget models meant I was constantly tweaking device settings to squeeze every bit of juice out of their batteries. Thanks to this micromanaging, I successfully pushed the batteries on all my past smartphones to their absolute limit. I don’t want to horde this knowledge to myself, so I’ve decided to share it with everyone.Also: I changed 10 settings on my Pixel phone to instantly improve the user experienceThere are many different methods for saving battery life. However, there are 12 key settings that you can change right now to see improvements immediately. The following list highlights the most effective, easiest, and quickest tweaks to improve device longevity regardless of the Android phone you’re rocking, whether it’s the latest model from Samsung, a fancy Google Pixel, or a cutting-edge OnePlus 13. Plus, you won’t have to sacrifice the high-quality experience of using your phone.Although the power settings are practically the same on every Android phone you can buy, the process for adjusting them can vary between devices. Be sure to keep this factor in mind when following the steps I lay out because the approach might be slightly different depending on the model you’re using.1. Turn off the always-on displayOne of the biggest battery drainers for any smartphone is the always-on display. Companies regularly tell you that this display setting only drains about 1% to 2% an hour, but let’s be honest — it’s always way more. It may be nice to glance at your phone while it sits on a table to check the time, but it’s probably not worth sacrificing battery life.Also: How to factory reset your Android phone without unlocking it firstHow to: Open the Settings app and locate the Lock Screen portion. You’ll likely find this portion in the main Settings list or under “Display.” From there, locate the option to “always show info” or a simple toggle to enable the Always On Display. Either way, turn the option off and check to make sure your screen goes completely blank when you lock it.2. Enable Adaptive BatteryThere’s a handy feature built into Androids called Adaptive Battery, and it’s available on most devices. Adaptive Battery can automatically manage your phone’s performance and efficiency in the background using special processes to extend your battery life. For example, when you don’t need maximum performance for something simple like scrolling through your inbox, the setting will throttle things down and save you some juice.How to: Go to Settings > Battery > Adaptive preferences and check to ensure “Adaptive battery” is enabled. If it’s not, flick it on. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is available now for $55 on Amazon. It’s a solid fitness tracker with great battery life that covers the basics in a slim form factor. It might not fit everyone, and the entry-level tracking data lacks the deep, personalized insights you’ll find on more expensive devices. […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Mudita Kompakt is on preorder now for $369, and will be available in May for $439. The E Ink display is easy on the eyes, the battery lasts for days, and it satisfies the minimalist intention with far fewer distractions. The camera is unnecessary, there is no voice-to-text, and the […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETIf you’re in dire need of some bling on your earbuds, this collaboration between Motorola and Swarovski will fill that diamond-encrusted void. Motorola just announced its Moto Buds Loop, and they’re just as much a fashion accessory as they are earbuds. The Moto Buds Loop are open earbuds with a clip-on form factor, mimicking the style and fit of an earring or ear cuff. The earbuds, available in Pantone-curated French Oak or Trekking Green (read: beige and green, respectively), bring the dazzle factor and are adorned with Swarovski crystals.Also: I used Motorola’s $1,300 Razr Ultra, and it left me with no Samsung Galaxy Z Flip envyOpen earbuds are a little different from your classic earbuds: they are a mix between in-ear earbuds that isolate sound within your ear canal and bone conduction headphones that play music close to your ears without obstructing environmental noise from getting through.  More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETYou have my attention, Motorola.The company yesterday unveiled not one, not two, but three Razr flip phones, including a first-ever ‘Ultra’ model that’s feature-packed, fashionably styled, and unsurprisingly expensive at $1,299.Also: Motorola Solutions to outfit first responders with new AI-enabled body camerasI spent an intimate afternoon with all three models ahead of their launch, and, barring the price tag that makes me question the state of the economy, my first impressions were mostly positive. In fact, the Razr Ultra, which I tested the most, left me feeling a little less excited about what’s on the docket from Samsung later this summer. Here’s why. More