Robotics

Jason Hiner/ZDNETIs your smart TV acting not-so-smart? Does it exhibit lag in sequences or a slow response to your remote control? You aren’t the only one who’s experienced the frustration of watching a juddering screen or disconcerting digital hang-ups. Also: How to calibrate your TV for the best picture quality – 2 easy and simple methodsModern TVs have plenty of features and apps (and services that run in the background) which can leave them bogged down over time. Fortunately, there are some simple actions to take that might just rectify your flatscreen’s sketchy performance. More

Long-Term Support Linux Kernels December 2024 sjvn/ZDNETAs expected, the recently released Linux 6.12 will be the next Long-Term Support (LTS) version of the Linux kernel, according to Greg Kroah-Hartman, Linux kernel stable maintainer.This new LTS kernel comes with many useful new features, the most significant being the inclusion of real-time support in the mainline kernel, which — after 20 years of work — dramatically improves the performance of real-time applications.Also: 5 first-rate Linux distros for power users (or anyone seeking a challenge)Other noteworthy additions include a new extensible scheduler, sched_ext, which leverages eBPF in kernel virtualization technology and grants users more control over process scheduling and prioritization. In addition, 6.12 is giving us QR error codes for Linux’s kernel and the Direct Rendering Manager (DRM) panic screens. This makes debugging Linux failures much easier than navigating a flood of text error messages. Linux kernels used to have a six-year lifespan. This was cut to two because people were not using the older kernels. In addition, maintaining older kernels wasn’t easy, and Linux code maintainers were burning out.Linux 6.12’s selection came as no surprise because, in recent years, the last kernel release of the year is usually selected as the next LTS kernel. This version will receive extended maintenance and security updates for at least two years. More

Charlie Osborne/ZDNETHere at ZDNET, we extensively cover the virtual private network (VPN) market and keep an eye out for any worthwhile deals.  Over at Stack Social, we’ve spotted an interesting promotion for anyone who wants to use VPN software to mask their online activity from prying eyes, including ISPs, marketers, and other groups that may track what websites you visit and what online services you use.  Also: The best VPN servicesThe VPN in question is from AdGuard, a company well-known for its ad and tracker-blocking technologies. Now, you also have the option to try out their standalone VPN, which could provide an additional layer of privacy to protect your browsing.  What I like about this deal is the price. For $35 (90% off), you can sign up for a five-year plan, which gives you access to a VPN for well under $1 per month. The subscription includes 10 simultaneous device connections, and AdGuard operates a no-logging policy. One- and three-year subscription AdGuard VPN deals are also available for $15 and $25, respectively, and while inexpensive, they are more in line with typical promotions offered by other VPN providers. Also: The best VPN for streamingThe mobile iOS and Android versions of this VPN are easy to set up, with a clean layout and a simple menu bar. You can opt for the default “smart” location just by clicking a button, or you can wander through the server and country list (over 60 locations) to find your preferred location. Its speeds are fine, and I didn’t notice any real difference in my browsing or app usage. There is a caveat, though: I can’t recommend this VPN for purely MacOS usage. During my testing, I found it a challenge to even sign in, and it is extremely slow. In short, the mobile user experience is what you would expect from a decent VPN, but the MacOS app needs a lot of work. (We do have a list of VPNs that are great for Mac, if you need one.) A free option is available, but keep in mind that VPN traffic, connection speed, and server locations are very limited.  More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETSay you picked up a shiny new TV this holiday season. You unbox it like a kid at Christmas and prepare yourself to binge-watch Squid Game 2. You think to yourself, “This is 2024. TV technology is sizzling, and it’s going to look amazing no matter what.” So you plug it in and don’t take one look at the default settings. Big mistake.I’ve been guilty of it. And I’m okay with that because it’s widely accepted that the majority of consumers neglect to alter the most basic settings when setting up their TVs. Even if your TV is a few years old, you may have never modified its defaults. Also: The best Samsung TVs of 2024: Expert testedFor Samsung TVs, in particular, you can change a few settings to improve your viewing experience and make a dystopian survival thriller look that much more appealing. Following are six tips for doing just that. More

Tim Bieber/Getty Images It’s no secret that Meta has been enhancing and building out its Twitter-like offering Threads over the past few weeks — likely to remain competitive against X competitor Bluesky. Recent improvements include custom feeds, advanced search, the option to choose a default feed, AI-powered summaries of trending topics, and more.  Also: 8 Bluesky […] More

NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty Images With the holiday season upon us, many companies are finding ways to take advantage through deals, promotions, or other campaigns. OpenAI has found a way to participate with its “12 days of OpenAI.”  On Wednesday, OpenAI announced via an X post that starting on Dec. 5, the company would […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE system is available now for $250. It has immersive surround sound at an affordable price thanks to customizable EQ settings and sound modes. The Bluetooth connection can sometimes be spotty, and be prepared to hide lots of wires. more buying choices One of the easiest ways […] More

We all know what antivirus software is, but how many of us actually use it? Do we even know which antivirus software best suits our needs? There are many different kinds, after all. In our digitally connected world, where we’re carrying smartphones, tablets, and laptops filled with personal data, it’s more important than ever to protect ourselves. That’s why we set out to find the best antivirus software of 2024.Threats are constantly evolving. Manufacturers include default protection with their devices, but these do the bare minimum. You should seriously consider installing a dedicated antivirus program to protect against the sophisticated threats of today, like phishing, ransomware, trojans, and worms.   With the right protection, you will be alerted when you visit suspicious websites, try to download or execute potentially malicious software, or malware otherwise finds its way on your system. You can also perform regular scans to remove threats from your system without too much fuss. Also: The best free antivirus software in 2024What is the best antivirus solution right now?ZDNET has searched for the best antivirus you can trust to protect multiple devices and operating systems. Our pick for the best antivirus software overall is Bitdefender Total Security More