Robotics

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETThe 2024 version of Windows 11 is yet again creating headaches for certain users. As described by Microsoft, a conflict between Windows 11 24H2 and a security driver is crashing unlucky systems.The trouble centers on a file called sprotect.sys, a driver from SenseShield Technology that provides encryption through specialized enterprise security software. This particular driver can be added to Windows through the installation of many different applications, according to Microsoft, so it cannot be pinned down to one specific program. Also: 6 things I always do after setting up Windows 11 – and why you should tooBut if the driver is on a PC updated to Windows 11 24H2, the system can stop responding and display a blue or black screen error, typically known as the infamous Blue Screen of Death. The problem can occur with any version of the sprotect.sys driver, specifically versions 1.0.2.372 and 1.0.3.48903. Microsoft has blocked the Windows 11 2024 update for PCs with this driver. That means you will not see the latest flavor of Windows 11 in Windows Update, and you should not try to manually install it. What you can doAnd what about people who have already updated and are bumping into blue screens? Microsoft said that it is working with SenseShield to try to resolve the issue. In the meantime, you have a couple of options. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways A well-designed multitool with a range of quality tools that can handle a variety of tasks. At under $20, this is in a class of its own in terms of price, and it makes it a great tool for occasional use, or a tool that you don[t mind if it gets […] More

Moto G Stylus 2025 MotorolaMotorola started the year off strong. The 2025 Moto G and Moto G Power proved to be solid midrange smartphones thanks to their lengthy battery life, high-definition screens, and decent camera systems. Now the company has announced a third model: the 2025 Moto G Stylus.Also: The best Android phones you can buy (including top models from Samsung and Google)As the name reveals, this model has a built-in stylus to help users jot down notes, navigate the UI, and enable better interactions with such key features as Sketch to Image, which utilizes artificial intelligence to bring crude drawings to life within the Moto Note app. There’s also Google’s Circle to Search, which lets owners look up on-screen items on the search engine just by circling them. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Ruggedized smartphone with a huge battery, massive 800 lumen flashlight, and night vision camera. The battery is a massive 15,000mAh in size, but this does make the handset weigh a hefty 2 pounds. Display can be a bit washed out in bright sunlight. –> I remember when smartphones started to use […] More

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETI’m not a smartwatch person, and I gave up on them three years ago for one simple reason: I didn’t want unsolicited notifications on my wrist. Over the years, I’ve only worn a smartwatch to review it or check out new features. However, I returned to the Apple Watch with its latest iteration — Series 10, in Jet Black — two months ago, and I don’t mind having it on my wrist daily anymore. Also: Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade to the latest model?It turns out Apple has resolved most of my Apple Watch annoyances, both hardware and software, over the years. Plus, three years changed a lot of things in life, and tracking health data outweighs the inconvenience of unsolicited notifications (which can be turned off) now. Sure, I can choose one of the more affordable options, but I trust the Apple Watch more for its track record of saving lives through irregular heartbeats, and alerts that matter. Just to be clear, I’m not using it as a medical device substitute. Instead, it’s a nice-to-have, but also a reliable companion for health tracking. Also: 3 Apple devices you definitely shouldn’t buy this month (and 10 to get instead)After wearing the Apple Watch Series 10 More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dreame X50 Ultra is available for $1,700, but on sale for $1,360. This is one of the best robot vacuums and mops available, with anti-tangle dual brushes, 20,000Pa of suction, and legs to cross up to 4.2cm thresholds. The Dreame X50 Ultra can get caught on obstacles and require intervention, […] More

Wahoo Fitness Wahoo kicked off its next generation of cycling tech with the launch of its upgraded flagship bike computer, the Elemnt Ace, in December 2024. Now, the company is rounding out its lineup with new third-generation versions of its mid-range and entry-level models, alongside its first-ever bike radar. Also: The best Garmin watches you can […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dali IO-8 headphones are available on Amazon for $1,100. They produce a clarity of sound and separation that will blow you away. The beige colorway isn’t the most attractive, and the designed excuses premium. –> I’ve been a connoisseur of headphones since the 1980s. Back then, I was living on […] More