Robotics

Proton / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways The makers of Proton VPN have released a 2FA app.The app is available for all major platforms.Proton Authenticator is easy to use, elegant, and free.Unless you’re using passkeys, two-factor authentication should be considered a must for security and privacy. If your primary access to the internet is your phone, you are probably using a tool like Authy or Google Authenticator. But what about when you’re on the desktop? What do you use? Also: 7 essential password rules to follow, according to security expertsThere are options that have been around for a while (such as Bitwarden, Authy, or Authenticator), and there’s even a new option available from the makers of Proton VPN. That new solution is aptly named Proton Authenticator, and it has quickly become one of my favorite desktop 2FA apps.You might be thinking, “Why not just grab your phone when you need that 2FA code?” Reason number one is that when I’m working on my desktop, it’s more efficient to open an app directly. Reason number two is that sometimes my phone might not be within reach, and I don’t want to track it down for that 2FA code. Ergo… desktop app.The new Proton Authenticator More

Thermal Master USB-C Camera <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways It’s the perfect thermal camera for professional and consumer use. From my testing, the camera has great accuracy and temperature resolution. While it works with Android and iOS, it’s still fairly pricey at $300. –> I make no bones about being a huge fan of thermal cameras […] More

Jada Jones/ZDNETIn the past few years, Bose, Sony, Sonos, and Beats have released premium headphones to compete with each other and Apple’s AirPods Max More

Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysWindows has a hidden backup tool in Windows 10 and 11.It can save files to discs, drives, or network locations.Deprecated by Microsoft, so expect occasional errors.Regularly backing up your files is always a good idea, just in case any important or irreplaceable ones go missing. For that, you can turn to a variety of programs. But Windows itself has a built-in backup tool that’s simple and flexible. The catch is that you probably don’t even know it exists.Named simply Windows Backup, this feature lets you choose which folders and files to back up. You can back up only select files or all your Windows folders. You’re supposed to be able to include an entire system image in the backup in case you ever need to restore Windows in full. The limitation here is that you can’t save the system image on removable media. But you can always use the system image tool to do this separately. Also: Windows has a secret recovery tool – here’s how to find it and use itFurther, you’re able to save the backup on a recordable CD or DVD, an external hard drive, or a network location. You can also set the backup to run on a regular basis. The tool works the same in Windows 10 and 11. But as always, there is a hiccup here. This version of Windows Backup has since been deprecated by Microsoft, which means it’s no longer supported or updated. As a result, you could bump into issues and errors when using the tool. In my experience, it generally works reliably. However, the last few times I tried using a network share as my backup destination, I received an error that the specified network location cannot be used. Although I confirmed that the network path, credentials, and other settings were correct, I continued to get the same error. I’ve seen posts from other Windows users complaining of the same problem. Your mileage may vary, but keep this in mind when choosing your backup destination. Also: Your Windows 11 PC has a secret emergency shutdown feature – here’s how to use itTo add to the mystery, Microsoft offers a newer tool also known as Windows Backup. (Yes, Microsoft loves to use the same names across different products to confuse people.) The newer Windows Backup is designed to back up and restore certain files and settings. The main objective is to help you move from one PC to another. In contrast, the older legacy Windows Backup that I’m covering here operates more like traditional backup software. Both tools serve their purpose. But here’s how the older, legacy Windows Backup works and how to use it to back up anything you want, to any location you want. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Sigma’s BF is a $2,200, 35mm full-frame, mirrorless digital camera that radically changes the mode of operation by replacing the gaggle of buttons with an elegant click-wheel. It’s a great first camera but also has tons of pro features A future upgrade to a higher-resolution 60-megapixel sensor would be a welcome […] More

The Asus Zenbook A14 redefines the ultraportable category. Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETIt’s time to go back to school, and if you’re looking for a new (or refurbished) laptop, we’ve got you covered with some of the best deals live right now. We’ve personally tested all five of these laptops and singled them out as solid options for students for various reasons. Also: The best laptops of 2025: I’ve tested dozens of laptops and these are the best onesWe’re talking light and portable, great battery life, solid performance, and most of all: fantastic value. The Asus Zenbook A14 More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeaways:An upgraded version of App Intents could make Siri the true hands-free iPhone companion.Apple is currently testing these Siri App Intents with a handful of third-party apps.The revamped Siri could ship in the spring of 2026, reports Bloomberg.When Apple first announced an upgraded and more capable Siri, every one of its users was reasonably excited. Unfortunately, that promise never happened, and the new Siri continues to be delayed. However, ahead of the upcoming Apple event, new details have emerged that may make antsy users a little more patient. And if the rumors are true, I’m anticipating the big Siri rollout to finally get me to switch from Gemini to Apple’s voice assistant.Also: This iOS 26 update ruined the iPhone camera app for me – then Apple saved the dayAccording to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, App Intents could “finally make Siri the true hands-free controller of your iPhone.” He explains, “App Intents will mean: With nothing but your voice, you’ll be able to tell Siri to find a specific photo, edit it, and send it off. Or comment on an Instagram post…. Siri could operate your apps like you would — with precision, inside their own interfaces.” More

imaginima ZDNET’s key takeaways: Employee trust in AI agents is growing, but only for some tasks. Research found that trust increases the more people use agents. The rapid embrace of agents is rewriting some workplace norms. AI agents are becoming a common fixture in the workplace as businesses look to automate a variety of routine, […] More