Robotics

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETMicrosoft wants you to upgrade to Windows 11, but the company doesn’t make it easy. The latest version of Windows imposes strict hardware and security requirements, ruling out older PCs that don’t make the grade and forcing you to buy a new system. Plus, the software giant makes it almost impossible to use a local account with a new Windows 11 installation.But with Windows 10 losing support this coming October, you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 11 if you want to retain Microsoft’s help and get the latest security patches, bug fixes, and other updates. So, what can you do if you want to move to Windows 11 but are facing Microsoft’s restrictions?Also: How to upgrade your ‘incompatible’ Windows 10 PC to Windows 11To update my older PCs, I use Rufus, a handy and free Windows installation tool. Designed to run or install Windows from a USB drive, Rufus will help you sneak past Microsoft’s most stringent requirements. You can tell Rufus to sidestep the hardware constraints, bypass the need for a Microsoft account, and adopt a name for the local account you want to use.You’re able to skirt past the hardware restrictions whether you’re upgrading your existing Windows 10 PC or installing Windows 11 on a clean computer. The account type you use depends on whether you’re upgrading or installing Windows 11 from scratch. An upgrade to Windows 11 will preserve whatever type of account you set up in Windows 10 — local or Microsoft. With a fresh install, however, Rufus will let you choose a local account, which Microsoft doesn’t easily allow. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Belkin Connect Universal Pro Dock retails for $150, but right now it’s on sale for $130. This midrange docking station is an excellent accessory, adding 11 additional ports while serving as a supportive base. The device sports a power cable that cannot be removed and may get in the way. […] More

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETTechnology permeates nearly every dimension of our lives. Yet, much of that tech, whether the finished product or the component parts, is made overseas and shipped to the US. This is especially true for the chips and processors powering all our devices and AI advancements. As a result, the Trump administration’s latest round of tariffs against international trade partners promises to impact the prices of your tech. Also: If you’re planning to upgrade your phone, you might want to buy one now – here’s whyIf you’re in the market for some tech products, you’re likely concerned about when the right time to buy is, when prices will increase, and how much they will increase. ZDNET scoured reporting from across the web that should help provide some clarity on your next steps. The tariff impact Because tariffs will impose higher prices on goods imported into the US, companies importing parts or devices from overseas will pay higher prices. How that trickles down to the consumer is a matter of how the company chooses to handle the additional costs. Higher costs for goods typically leave companies with several options: absorbing the cost themselves, raising the prices of the items to offset the increased costs, or some combination of both approaches. More

My themed Android keyboard is spacy. Jack Wallen/ZDNETI knew it was only a matter of time before Android had its own terminal app. Little did I know that Google would use the Android Virtualization Framework (AVF) to run a local virtual machine, powered by Debian, to give users access to a lot of powerful commands, even a package manager. And I am 100% on board with the addition. Also: 5 Linux terminal apps better than your defaultWith the Linux terminal on Android, you can do so much more (assuming you are comfortable with the Linux command line). If this sounds like something you want to add to your Android phone, keep reading, and you will find out how.How to enable the Linux terminal on Android What you’ll need: The only thing you will need for this is an updated Android device. If you do not find the option on your phone, it means you are either running an older version of Android or the terminal app has not made its way to your phone. More

The_Pixel/Getty Images Bash scripts are one area of Linux that help to make it the marvel of flexibility and efficiency that it is. I have used bash scripts for just about everything, from backups to user creation, and much more, but there is one area where bash scripts really shine — automation. Also: The first 5 […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The EufyCam S3 Pro is available separately for $220 or in a two-pack with the HomeBase 3 for $550. This EufyCam is an excellent 4K outdoor security camera that delivers on its night vision promises, features no monthly fees, and has dual motion detection to reduce false alerts. The biggest downsides […] 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 This ruggedized smartphone has a huge battery, a massive 800-lumen flashlight, and a night vision camera. The massive battery does make the handset weigh a hefty 2 pounds. The display can be a bit washed out in bright sunlight. –> I remember when smartphones started to use the built-in flash as […] More