Robotics

ZDNETA while ago, I wrote a piece on the best way to ensure your privacy with a web browser. Part of that advice was to use the Tor   browser. In simplest terms, you cannot get more privacy and security from a web browser than when using Tor. And given how important privacy and security are now, Tor should be on your radar.Also: How to turn on Private DNS Mode on Android – and why it’s a must for securityThe Tor browser uses the Onion network to ensure privacy and security. What is the Onion network? First off, Tor is short for “The Onion Router.” When using the Onion network, all traffic is encapsulated in layers of encryption, which are transmitted through a series of nodes called “onion routers.” As the traffic passes through a node, it peels away a single layer that reveals the next destination for the data. This makes it very difficult for a third party to trace your internet activity (more so than any other browser).Now that you know what Tor is, let me show you how easy it is to use.How to connect Tor to the Onion networkWhat you’ll need: The only thing you’ll need is Tor Browser installed on your desktop or mobile device. I’ll demonstrate Tor Browser on Linux, but the platform you use won’t matter. You can download the Tor Browser for your desktop from the official download page. The link for the Android version will take you to a page with downloads for .apk files. On that same page, you’ll find a link to the Google Play Store Tor entry. I suggest installing Tor on Android from the Google Play Store because sideloading .apk files can lead to security issues.Also: For anonymous browsing, these extensions are the next best thing to TorWhen using Linux, you can also install Tor from the standard repositories, which means it should be available to install from your desktop app store. For example, installing on an Ubuntu-based distribution is as simple as running the following command: sudo apt-get install torbrowser-launcher -yOnce you have Tor installed, proceed to step one. More

rob dobi/Getty Images In October 2023, former president Joe Biden signed an executive order that included several measures for regulating AI. On his first day in office, President Trump overturned it, replacing it a few days later with his own order on AI in the US. This week, some government agencies that enforce AI regulation […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways HP’s OmniStudio X 31.5 is on sale now at Best Buy for $1,799. It’s a big-screen all-in-one with a solid suite of hardware that makes both powerful and flexible. However, some users will want to upgrade the peripherals and speakers. –> When I reviewed the Apple iMac M4 last year, I […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The iStorage DiskAshur Pro 3 is one of the most secure SSDs on the market today. It comes in a range of storage capacities, so you only pay for what you need. However, the drives aren’t cheap, especially at the higher end of the capacity spectrum. –> There are a lot […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Zendure Supermini Q is on sale at Amazon for $21. It has enough power to keep your iPhone topped up, and can be charged at the same time as it powers your phone. It’s rather bulky, about as big as a MagSafe unit gets. –> MagSafe chargers are an excellent […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Shokz OpenFit 2 are available for $179 in Beige and Black. These open-ear true wireless earbuds deliver meaningful upgrades from the first generation, offering high performance in almost any environment. Wearing glasses causes the ear hooks to become unstable, affecting the earbuds’ fit and sound quality. more buying choices Open-ear […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETIt’s not a stretch to say that only the most powerful of power users have heard of Samsung DeX. While full of whimsical capability, it’s one of the most undermined, poorly advertised features on modern-day Samsung phones, so much so that I only remembered it after reading a recent story from my colleague Jack Wallen.Also: I tried to replace my desktop with a phone for work – 5 frustrating lessons I learnedIn theory, Samsung DeX should be one of the most transformative features to come to smartphones. It allows users to quickly switch from their devices’ mobile interface to a more computer-like experience when hooked up to a monitor or TV. Since the feature was released in 2017, it’s received several upgrades, including wireless connectivity and enhanced multitasking.The story written by Wallen, by the way, speaks to how smartphones aren’t capable of replacing our laptops. So, I tested that theory myself, powering my workflow for a few days solely with the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Samsung DeX. Here’s how it fared as a standalone computing device and why replacing your laptop with it might not be the worst idea. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Hohem iSteady M7 phone gimbal is available now on Amazon for $269. The M7 is the best phone gimbal you can buy for the money, thanks to its reliable tracking. Make sure you install the Hohem Joy app before using the gimbal. –> The Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal<!–> is one […] More