More stories

  • in

    I tested the Dell XPS’ successor – here are the biggest upgrades (and what’s the same)

    Dell Premium 16 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dell Premium 16 starts at $1,800. This is a premium laptop capable of handling heavy workloads, especially graphic design, thanks to its top-notch hardware. However, it does share some of the same issues as its predecessor, like its tendency to run warm and power-hungry battery. –> I’ve […] More

  • in

    The best gaming speakers of 2025: Expert tested from SteelSeries and more

    Summer is the perfect time to refresh your gaming space, and a great set of speakers can take your experience far beyond what a headset delivers. Whether you’re diving into long campaign sessions or relaxing with open-world exploration, the right audio setup lets you enjoy game soundtracks, dialogue, and effects in full detail, no sweaty headphones required.I tested models with spatial audio features like Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X Ultra, which create a 3D sound field that helps you locate enemies or immerse yourself in cinematic scenes. Many of these speakers work across platforms, including PC, mobile, and major consoles, so you can stay in the game no matter how you’re playing this season.Also: Everything you need for the ultimate gaming setupWhat are the best gaming speakers right now?I chose the Logitech G560 More

  • in

    You can download iOS 26 public beta right now – how to install (and which iPhones support it)

    When will iOS 26 be released?The iOS 26 public beta is available now. The developer beta was released during WWDC in June 2025. If Apple follows its usual cadence, the final, general release of iOS 26 should arrive in September 2025.How to download the iOS 26 developer beta?To download the iOS 26 developer beta version, navigate to your settings to install the iOS 26 developer beta if your device runs iOS 16.5 and is used with an Apple ID enrolled in the Apple Developer Program:Go to your iPhone SettingsTap on GeneralSelect Software UpdateGo to Beta UpdatesChoose the iOS 26 Developer BetaIf you can’t see this option, go to your Settings, select Privacy & Security, and enable Developer Mode.If you aren’t already a member of the Apple Developer Program, you can sign up to become one in the app. An annual membership costs $99, but you don’t need one to try the developer beta.Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of supported devices with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is compatible with the new operating system, including the iPhone SE. Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to iOS 26 (and which ones don’t support it) What to do before installing the iOS 26 public beta? You can always join the Apple Beta program to get the latest beta versions of iOS. Before you download a beta version of an operating system, keep these housekeeping items in mind: Back up your device and personal information.Don’t download beta software, which will likely have bugs and glitches, on your everyday iPhone.Beta versions are released so you can test new features and share feedback to improve iOS.How to submit beta feedback to AppleThe iOS 26 public beta comes with its own built-in Feedback Assistant app, which you can open from the Home screen. If you encounter something that doesn’t work, or you have feedback on any part of the new OS, you can communicate directly with Apple via that app.   Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More

  • in

    How logic can help AI models tell more truth, according to AWS

    AWS distinguished scientist Byron Cook makes the case for “automated reasoning.” Amazon AWS The term “reasoning” is a familiar metaphor in today’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology, often used to describe the verbose outputs generated by so-called reasoning AI models such as OpenAI’s o1 or DeepSeek AI’s R1. Another kind of reasoning is quietly taking root […] More

  • in

    Your MacBook is getting a major upgrade for free – 5 MacOS 26 features I’m trying right now

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETLast month, Apple announced its latest update for MacOS 26, codenamed “Tahoe.” It’s full of new visual design elements like Apple’s Liquid Glass design theme, better integration with the iPhone, and a more robust Spotlight feature that’s better integrated with Shortcuts. In fact, the theme of all of Apple’s updates this year is streamlining both the visual UI and feature sets across Apple devices, while making more apps and features available on them, punctuated by Apple Intelligence. Also: The best MacBooks of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedAlthough the official release of MacOS Tahoe won’t be until this fall, if you’re keen on trying them out early, the public beta is finally here. This means Apple has determined the operating system is stable enough to be opened up to the public at large, but keep in mind that there could still be bugs.  Let’s take a look at the biggest announcements Apple made for MacOS. 1. The Phone app on Mac More