Robotics

Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETThe iPhone 16 comes with a physical Action button that you can program to launch a specific task. By default, the button switches your phone between Ring and Silent mode. But you can change that to trigger other features, including the camera, the flashlight, or the magnifier. You can also program the button to activate a certain control or Siri shortcut.Also: Here’s how to get a free iPhone 16 Pro from T-Mobile with no trade-in requiredI’ve tried using the Action button for different tasks. Here’s how this works, and here are the ones I like best. How I use the iPhone’s Action buttonThough I own an iPhone 16 Pro, the Action button is available on any iPhone 16 model, including the iPhone 16e as well as the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. It works the same on all supported devices, so my experience with it will apply no matter which of these phones you own. 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 car’s USB port has hidden superpowers: 5 features you’re not taking advantage ofUSB 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

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Perfect way to share 100W of power between three devices This cable does exactly what it says it will on the box – something that a lot of cables can’t claim Some might find the 65W limit a bit restrictive for charging laptops. –> Over the past couple of years, I’ve […] More

Lenovo/ZDNETThe Lenovo Tab M9 More

Apple Apple has officially revved up its next-generation CarPlay Ultra, an integrated system that promises to change the way you control your car. Uniting key functions of both your car and your iPhone, the new flavor of CarPlay will let you view and access a variety of options from your dashboard and touchscreen. Also: This touchscreen […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The OnePlus Pad 2 is the company’s latest Android tablet with a premium design and flagship specs for $550. It’s compatible with a keyboard and pen that OnePlus sells separately, so you can turn it into an Android-powered laptop. While the multitasking features are excellent, and the Pad 2 checks all […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Boox Note Max comes bundled with the pen and case for $649. It’s thin and light, has a high-contrast display, and has a long list of features that make it a very versatile device. Theres no backlight, it’s monochromatic, and there’s a bit of a learning curve to use it […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The NexTool multitool is blade-free, making it TSA and airport security friendly. The tool is compact and can be attached to a keychain All the tools are decent quality, and can actually do the job they claim to be able to do. –> I like my EDC (everyday carry) gadgets, but […] More