Robotics

Can I just turn off AI Overviews in Google Search? No. There is no official way to turn off Google’s AI summaries, but you can hide or avoid AI Overviews using the four methods described above. These are the only known workarounds as of July 2025.  Will these workarounds ever break or stop working?Possibly. For instance, Chrome extensions may become unavailable for one reason or another, or Search Labs might end its Web Guide mode experiment. I’ll update this guide if and when any of these hacks stop working. What’s the difference between Google’s Web tab and Web Guide mode? Google’s Web tab, which is typically hidden under the More menu in Google Search (after All, Video, News, Books, etc.,) is pure, classic search results. You get 10 or so blue links and no AI summaries. Also: Google’s AI Mode may be the upgrade Search desperately needs – how to try it for freeWeb Guide, however, is a new Search Labs experiment. It uses Gemini AI to group links by topic into categories. AI snippets are still there, but they have been moved further down below a couple of blue links. Which method should I try first? Honestly, I’ve just gotten use to searching with “-AI” at the end of all my queries. It’s quick and easy and works both on mobile and desktop, no matter the browser or app you’re using — no fuss, no muss.  Want more stories about AI? AI Leaderboard, our weekly newsletter. More

LG S95TR Soundbar <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The LG S95TR soundbar with wireless subwoofer is currently on sale for $1,296. The LGS95TR may be expensive, but the high-quality audio is easily worth the price. The soundbar has many features, but some of the best ones require a newer LG TV model. more buying choices It’s […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETFor many people, motion smoothing on TVs is only appropriate for gaming and watching live sports; enthusiasts typically prefer turning off the feature to watch anything else because it can detract from the filmmaker’s original intent, making on-screen images seem artificial or hyper-realistic. This is what’s called the “soap opera effect.” Also: How to turn off ACR on your TV (and why you shouldn’t wait to do it)It’s a perfectly descriptive metaphor that probably requires no explanation. You can see it all too well: the cinematic film should not look like a daytime soap; you shouldn’t feel like you’re on the set with the actors. But it is appealing to feel like you’re in the stadium watching your team with thousands of fans. The soap opera effect makes sense for live sporting event broadcasts. More

Victrola Harmony <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Victrola Harmony turntable system is available for $299 in the colors Natural, Walnut, and Black. This system includes a full-size turntable, two bookshelf speakers, and an A-T ATN3600L cartridge, all great components for beginners. At its $300 price point ($100 up from its debut in Jan.), people willing […] More

Yuliya Taba/Getty Images Part of the “passkeys are more secure than passwords” story is derived from the fact that passkeys are non-human-readable secrets — stored somewhere on your device — that even you have very limited access to.  OK, so what happens to those passkeys if your device is stolen? Over on Spiceworks.com, ZDNET’s sister site […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETIn a series of rare events, the iPhone 17 Pro has seemingly appeared publicly ahead of its expected September launch. Late Monday, X user @Skyfops shared two images of what can be assumed to be an Apple employee handling a test development iPhone.Also: You can download iOS 26 public beta right now – how to install (and which iPhones support it)While the iPhone is encased in a security cover, typically used to hide the device’s final design, there’s a dead giveaway that the model in question is the unreleased iPhone 17 Pro: the right-aligned LiDAR sensor and flash. Even Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman thinks the images look legit.Leaks and rumors have long pointed to the upcoming series of iPhones featuring a redesigned camera bar, with the same arrangement of cameras on the upper-left corner as previous models, flanked by additional sensors on the right side — all upheld by a protruding module. For phone enthusiasts, think Poco M4 Pro design. More

Mowrator S1 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Mowrator S1 remote-controlled lawnmower costs $3,999. This mower makes fun work of yard maintenance; perfect for someone with mobility issues, has a long-lasting battery, and fast RC response. Unfortunately, it is an expensive device, at $3,999, and it’s not meant to perform completely hands-free cleaning like a robot […] More

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETAs they say, fashion is cyclical. It turns out that phones are, too, because flip phones are so back. Gone are the days of clunky phones that don’t fit in tiny pockets. Samsung has just released its brand new Z Flip 7, an AI-full upgrade to one of its most unique smartphone models. Also: T-Mobile will give you the iPhone 16e for free with no trade-in – here’s how to get yoursHowever, Verizon is now offering the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 More