Robotics

Adam Breeden/ZDNETAmazon has had a busy last few weeks. After a smashing Devices and Services event last month, at which the company unveiled new Alexa upgrades and teased Alexa+ companion devices on the horizon soon, the retail giant is looking to get back to its roots: e-commerce.  Also: Amazon just gave Alexa its most significant upgrade in a decade – and old Echo devices will support it.With President’s Day behind us, ZDNET’s team of experts is gearing up for the second annual Amazon Big Spring Sale. Last year, the retail giant announced its first-ever Big Spring Sale event, which ran from March 20-25. Amazon slashed prices and offered near-holiday-priced deals on tablets, TVs, headphones, robot vacuums, home goods, as well as popular flagship Amazon products. I expect the sale to return this year with many similar deals. As ZDNET’s deal connoisseur, I’m using my extensive hands-on tech experience and seasoned commerce skills to cover all-things sales and deals. I break down everything you need to know to shop like a pro any time of the year — plus all of the currently unconfirmed details about Amazon’s first major sale event of 2025. Also: Here’s how to use Alexa+ for free – especially if you’re an Amazon Prime memberAmazon has not officially confirmed a spring sale for 2025, nor has the brand publicized specific sale dates or verbiage. However, my research points to a second Big Spring Sale in bloom soon. Towards the end of February, moderators of Amazon’s Seller Central (a public forum for third-party merchants) announced More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Xgimi’s Horizon S Max offers sharp and vibrant picture quality that’s well above its price tag. The new gimbal design is convenient and easy to set up. Minimal port selection might be a problem for some more buying choices The Xgimi Horizon S Max–> is one of the brightest projectors I’ve […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The TCL Tab 10 Nxtpaper 5G is a full-color, color paper, and ink paper tablet available at Verizon for $239. It’s a great entertainment tablet for daily use that also functions very well as an e-reader. Although the screen is versatile, don’t expect the graphics to compare to those on an […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways This is a great value tablet, with a 12-inch display and running Android 15. While performance is on the lower end of the spectrum, this is still more tablet than most people need. The tri-fold case leaves a little to be desired, and there’s nowhere to store the stylus. –> The […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways This super-thin, super-durable tool has a myriad of uses. These are priced well, with cheaper copies on the market, but you should avoid them because they’re not a patch on the originals. The only downside I’ve found is that I can’t seem to find the Mini Spudgers for sale on their […] More

Getty Images/J Studios It’s increasingly difficult to avoid artificial technology (AI) as it becomes more commonplace. A prime example is Google searches showcasing AI responses. AI safety is more important than ever in this age of technological ubiquity. So as an AI user, how can you safely use generative AI (Gen AI)?  Also: Gemini might […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Acer’s Aspire 14 AI is available now at Costco for $699. It has a fantastic battery and some of the latest hardware: all for a very approachable price point. I suggest opting for the OLED, since the low-end display isn’t the best. –> I went hands-on with Acer’s Aspire Go 15 […] More

If you have an iPhone, you already know that Apple’s ecosystem makes integrating iOS-compatible devices super easy. Many iPhone accessories — like MagSafe grips, batteries, and car mounts — can help do the same. But with hundreds of iPhone accessories on the market, it’s hard to know what’s worth your money. Also: The best MagSafe accessories of 2025ZDNET regularly researches and tests the best Apple — and Apple-compatible — products available that can enhance your iPhone’s already feature-rich functions, protect your device, or give it an extra battery boost. We’ve gone hands-on with tons of MagSafe battery packs, phone wallets, grips, car mounts, stands, and cases — all designed for iPhone — and continually research and update our top picks to make sure you find the best products on the market. What’s the best iPhone accessory?We’ve researched and personally tested every iPhone accessory on this list and can attest to each product’s style, function, and value. From the staple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) More