Robotics

Kerry Wan/ZDNETDid you know that whenever you turn on your smart TV, you invite an unseen guest to watch it with you? These days, most popular TV models utilize automatic content recognition (ACR), a form of ad surveillance technology that gathers information about everything you watch and transmits it to a centralized database. Manufacturers then use your data to identify your viewing preferences, enabling them to deliver highly targeted ads.Also: Your TV’s USB port is seriously underutilized: 5 features you’re not taking advantage ofWhat’s the incentive behind this invasive technology? According to market research firm eMarketer, in 2022, advertisers spent an estimated $18.6 billion on smart TV ads, and those numbers are only going up.To understand how ACR works, imagine a constant, real-time Shazam-like service running in the background while your TV is on. It identifies content displayed on your screen, including programs from cable TV boxes, streaming services, or gaming consoles. ACR does this by capturing continuous screenshots and cross-referencing them with a vast database of media content and advertisements. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Viture Pro XR glasses are available for a retail price of $499 in black. The display is larger, brighter, and smoother with the same form factor, fit, and excellent construction. An additional accessory is needed for devices without USB-C and multiple pieces are required for gaming. –> Right now, you […] More

Mykyta Atamanchuk/Getty Images Salesforce has had over one million AI agent-customer conversations. The company launched AI agents on its Salesforce Help site in October 2024, a full-screen experience that makes getting support simpler and more intuitive. With more than 60 million visits each year, Salesforce Help offers a wide range of product content through organized directories, search, and […] More

When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? This year, Prime Day starts on Tuesday, July 8, and goes through Friday, July 11. Are laptops really cheaper on Prime Day? Manufacturers know consumers are on the lookout for deals during Prime Day, so yes, quite a few of the laptop sales have significantly steeper discounts than during regular sales throughout the year. How did we choose these Prime Day deals?Our team of reviewers at ZDNET only write about deals we personally can vouch for and would personally recommend. We scour the deals for sale prices that are at least 20% off, or are hardly ever on sale, using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine how frequently it drops. We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.  More

What are the best Prime Day deals so far?ZDNET’s experts are searching through Prime Day sales to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best deals from other retailers competing with Prime Day sales:When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? Amazon’s annual Prime Day sale will run from July 8 through July 11, with many of the best deals going live the day of. But if you can’t wait to upgrade your PC gaming setup, or are building a gaming PC that’s pulling double-duty as a work computer, you can find great early deals on accessories like keyboards and headsets, components, and prebuilt desktops and laptops.Are gaming PCs and components really cheaper on Prime Day? While you can find steep discounts on gaming PCs, accessories, and components during Amazon’s Prime Day sale, it sometimes pays to look at other retailers and even to see if brands like HP and Dell are offering bundle deals or better markdowns. This is especially true if you’re looking to get new components like graphics cards, RAM, or storage drives. How did we choose these Prime Day deals?Not all PC gaming sales are created equal, and not every retailer will offer markdowns on gaming components or computers. So I chose the steepest discounts on the most popular and trusted names in PC gaming like HP, Razer, HyperX, and more to help you find the best deals on the best accessories, components, and pre-built desktops so you can stay on budget when buying a new gaming rig or updating your current setup. More

Walmart/ZDNETWith Prime Day kicking off, consumers are flocking to Amazon for all the best deals. But one of the best things about Prime Day is all the other major retailers looking to cash in on the shopping palooza, offering similar (or better) deals on top products — and even membership opportunities.  Also: The best Prime Day deals live now Right now, Walmart is discounting its Walmart+ membership program More

When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? This year, Amazon Prime Day runs from July 8-11. It’s the first time that it’s a four-day sale event, instead of just two days.Are tech products really cheaper on Prime Day? Yes, you can find lots of tech for cheaper prices during Prime Day sales, at Amazon as well as competing retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Best Buy. During this sale window, some companies will offer bundles, freebies, or lower prices to entice you to buy directly from them instead of Amazon.We’re monitoring everyone’s sale prices during the event to update you on the most worthwhile ones.How did we choose these Costco deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy — devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.  More

<!–> Tharon Green/ZDNET When is Amazon Prime Day?  Amazon Prime Day will run from Tuesday, July 8, to Friday, July 11, 2025. The annual two-day sale was extended to four days in 2025.  How long will Prime Day last?  Amazon Prime Day will last four days, running from July 8-11, 2025. That’s two days longer […] More