Robotics

Kerry Wan/ZDNETIn the age of smart TVs, convenience is king. With just a few clicks, we can dive into endless entertainment — but that ease comes with a downside: the buildup of cache data. Also: How to disable ACR on your TV (and why doing so makes such a big difference)Just like on your phone or computer, a cluttered TV cache can lead to sluggish performance, app crashes, and even hinder new content from loading properly. That’s why it’s important to clear all that extra cache and make your TV feel like new again. Before I break down the steps for how to do it, let’s address the big elephant in the room first. What is a cache? A cache is a temporary storage area where data is kept for quick access. On your smart TV, the cache stores information from apps, websites, and system processes to help them load faster every time you turn it on. Think of it as a bunch of temporary files intended to speed up loading times for frequently accessed information. Also: The best TVs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedFor instance, when you open a streaming app, the cache might store thumbnails, login details, or recently watched shows. Caches are designed to help your TV load this content more quickly. Over time, however, the cache can become overloaded with outdated or unnecessary data, which can consequently slow down your TV’s performance. More

Apple Apple just launched a new product coverage plan called Apple Care One, offering consumers comprehensive accident coverage on up to three Apple devices for $20 a month. That includes iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches and AirPods.  The plan’s benefits include unlimited repairs for damage, 24/7 live support from Apple experts, battery replacement at […] More

Method 1: Using a routerWe have our dedicated page on how to set up a VPN on a router. However, the procedure will differ slightly depending on the router model and the VPN service. So be sure to check your provider’s website on how to best install the software router devices. Typically, the steps are as follows; Subscribe to a VPN service of your choice.Access your router’s admin panel and sign in to the network.Go to “Advanced settings” or “WAN” and locate VPN settings where you can enter the credentials. Once the VPN is configured on your router, connect your Roku TV or streaming player to the Wi-Fi.A VPN alone won’t change your location on Roku. You will also have to update the location from your Roku account. See the detailed guides on how to change location on any Roku device.Method 2: Via a virtual router (Windows and Mac)You can share a VPN connection with Roku from your computer as follows:-Install the VPN app on your computer and sign in to the app.-Connect to a server location or streaming service, specifically where you want to watch content.-Set up a mobile hotspot. On Windows:Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile hotspot. Turn on this setting and create a network name and password.Scroll down to “Related settings” and click “Change adapter settings.”Right-click your VPN service adapter and navigate to “Properties” then “Sharing”.Check the box next to “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection”.Select your virtual hotspot adapter from the dropdown and click “OK”.On MacGo to System Preferences > Sharing > Internet Sharing.Choose to share your connection over Wi-Fi (from Ethernet or VPN adapter).Create a hotspot name and password.-With your VPN connected, open the Roku streaming app and access the content you want to watch. Press play and watch it on the large screen.Method 3: Mirroring or casting to Roku with a VPNYou can run a VPN on your smartphone or computer and mirror or cast content to Roku with these simple steps;-Launch the VPN app on your phone or laptop and connect.-Enable screen mirroring on Roku under Settings > System > Screen mirroring.-Mirror or cast your screen.On Android: Find the cast or mirroring option from the quick settings and choose your Roku device from the list.On Windows: Search for “Projection settings” and select “Connect to wireless display,” then find your Roku device.On iOS and macOS: Use the AirPlay feature to mirror your screen.-On Roku, go to Settings > Network > Set up connection, then connect to the virtual hotspot you’ve created. More

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an excellent upgrade over its predecessor, thanks to its slim and light design, a strong hinge and a wider coverscreen. It’s very expensive at $2,000 for the starting configuration. But you’ll dig the improved hardware, especially if you’re familiar with […] More

Crispin la valiente/Getty Images I’m all about new technology, but sometimes, new technology gets in its own way, and passkeys epitomize this more than any other technology. For those who do not know, passkeys are the new password, only more secure. Also: How passkeys work: The complete guide to your inevitable passwordless future Essentially, a […] More

SEAN GLADWELL/Getty Images These days, I’m very popular in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and even Albania. At least, that’s what it looks like based on this list of recent attempts to sign in to my Microsoft account. (It’s available for any Microsoft account at this management page: https://account.microsoft.com. After signing in, click Security and then click “View […] More

Samsung HW-Q990F <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Samsung HW-Q990F home entertainment system is on sale on Amazon for $1,999, including a soundbar, external subwoofer, and two rear speakers. The Q990F is packed with software features, plenty of audio modes, and delivers big, room-filling sound. However, there aren’t many substantial upgrades over last year’s model, leaving […] More

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETOne of the best parts of my job is that I get to chat with industry folks who, like me, eat and breathe AI tools. After meeting with yet another (non-Google-affiliated) media person last week who told me how much they loved NotebookLM, I decided to give it a real try.Also: OpenAI wins gold at prestigious math competition – why that matters more than you thinkAlthough I’ve tried several NotebookLM features for the site before and have been impressed, finding a way to incorporate NotebookLM into my workflow seemed daunting — especially because every time I tried project management tools such as Notion or Asana, I was instantly overwhelmed and never stuck with them. However, for this article, I committed to the bit, moved some of my everyday content over, and here is what my experience was like (and some ways to get the most out of it). Easy to organize your filesGoogle describes NotebookLM as a “Your Personalized AI Research Assistant,” and while the title may be true, it is a little vague. Practically speaking, NotebookLM is a virtual information manager in which you can upload your own files and organize them into “notebooks.”  More