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    I’m a remote worker, and Google Beam just reinvigorated my interest in taking video meetings

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETGoogle’s Project Starline, first announced years ago, subsequently evolved into an AI-forward 3D video conferencing platform in partnership with HP. Now, Google is rebranding Project Starline into Google Beam and hopes to make the platform available to select customers later this year.Google Beam leans on artificial intelligence (AI) much more heavily than Project Starline did. It uses the power of Google’s AI volumetric video model to transform traditional 2D video streams into realistic 3D experiences. According to Google, the company’s AI expertise, coupled with Google Cloud’s scalability, delivers enterprise-grade reliability that makes true-to-life 3D video conferencing compatible with existing workflows. Also: Everything announced at Google I/O 2025 Communicating via Google Beam, Google noted, will offer a more natural experience than you’d get with traditional video conferencing software or hardware. Google Beam adds depth and dimensionality to the image, thanks to the combination of its AI video model and a light field display. As someone who works remotely, I couldn’t be more excited about this technology, especially when and if it gets condensed into something more applicable in a home office space. More

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    6 gadgets that got me through college – and why they make such a big difference

    Wireless earbuds are popular purchases for many, but are certainly a staple for college students. Remember when I said we’d come back to the campus never being quiet bit? Well, here we are. Not only did I attend the University of Alabama, which is full of lots of noise generated by a bustling campus, a large Greek community (the music from Fraternity Row rarely ceases), and constant traffic, but I also spent two years living next to Bryant-Denny stadium, which notably can reach volumes of over 90 dbs often. The point here is that a pair of noise-canceling earbuds is essential because, on most campuses, the noise never stops, and you’ll want a way to cut it out when you need to sleep, study, work, or relax. I upgraded to these AirPods Pro only recently this year, but I used various other noise-canceling alternatives during my four years as a student. I use my AirPods Pro to listen to music during my commute, watch videos and shows, and simply drown out the outside sound of the train and daily hustle, which makes them also perfect for dulling the noise of any busy college or university. Also: The best earbuds of 2025: Expert testedThese AirPods have two times more noise cancellation than the previous version and feature an upgraded adaptive transparency mode, which automatically lowers the volume of harmful noises above the 85dB threshold. I enjoy using all of these features and especially appreciate conversation awareness, which makes it easy to talk to friends without taking my earbuds out. Redditors said the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are the best buy out of the entire AirPods lineup currently, thanks to the upgraded features, new chip, and new USB-C charging option. One truck driver on Reddit who describes himself as an audiophile said the improvements of the 2nd Gen Pros were noticeable, to the point where he couldn’t even hear his truck’s engine running like usual. Other Redditors said these AirPods provided pretty good noise cancellation and overall value for using on airplanes and long flights  More

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    Dyson has a new cordless stick vacuum that’s as slim as the brand’s hair dryers – and I’m nearly sold

    Dyson Dyson just announced the launch of the slimmest cordless vacuum cleaner I’ve ever seen. The new Dyson PencilVac resembles those sweep brooms you may have seen growing up, but it features the latest vacuum technology inside. The Pencilvac’s long, thin handle — it’s only 1.5 inches thick — has the vacuum’s motor, dustbin, and […] More

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    This $700 Motorola flip phone is better than flagships that cost hundreds more – here’s why

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Motorola Razr (2025) is on sale for $700 and comes in four distinct colors Its OLED touchscreen, robust camera system, and flexible design combine to create one of my favorite smartphone experiences in 2025 However, the performance from the MediaTek chipset is rather lackluster more buying choices The Motorola Razr […] More