WIRED's testing roundup for 2026 mesh Wi-Fi systems highlights different products for different needs: the Asus ZenWifi BD5 Outdoor as a weatherproof, PoE-powered node for existing Asus AiMesh setups, TP-Link's tri-band Deco BE67 as a strong all-around Wi-Fi 7 performer despite some setup glitches, and the budget Netgear Orbi 370 as a dual-band system that struggled badly with satellite-node speeds in real-world testing. The TP-Link Deco BE25 is also named a top pick for outdoor coverage on non-Asus networks.
WIRED's latest label maker guide highlights Brother's PT-n25bt as a top pick, praising its simple QWERTY-keyboard operation, built-in cutter, and LCD preview screen that let users create custom tags in under a minute. The device also pairs via Bluetooth with Brother's Design&Print 2 app for expanded template and design options, and works with 17 colors of durable, laminated BTag tape rated water-, temperature-, and fade-resistant.
Android 17 introduced Pause Point, a Digital Wellbeing tool that makes users pause before opening distracting apps, but Google restricted it to the new Pixel 11 series. A reviewer found a free third-party app called Stroll that offers a similar function on any Android phone, requiring users to walk in order to earn time on time-wasting apps.
A Wonder Tools newsletter roundup highlights software for private AI chats, offline audio transcription, and secure PDF redaction that all run without sending user data to external servers. The focus is on tools designed so sensitive information stays on the user's own device rather than being uploaded for processing.
Samsung has overhauled the Galaxy Z Flip 8's outer display, giving it a more phone-like interface with swipe-down notifications, quick settings, and an app drawer. The 4-inch cover screen now supports full versions of apps rather than the limited widgets Samsung previously favored, and it prompts users to install MultiStar, a Good Lock module that unlocks any app on the outer screen.
XREAL's a01 smart glasses, released in May, act as an external display rather than a standalone computer, connecting via USB-C to devices like laptops or Steam Decks. Priced around $300, they use dual mini OLED panels delivering 1080p resolution and up to 1,600 nits of brightness, producing vivid images similar to a personal projector experience. The reviewer tested them for movie watching by pairing them with a laptop streaming the Criterion Channel.
A new Linux distribution called stillOS has debuted with a strong focus on simplifying onboarding for people who have never used Linux before. It uses atomic updates so the operating system and apps update automatically in the background without risking system stability, and it lets users customize their desktop without needing any technical Linux knowledge.
CNET's Scott Stein tested the new $225 Pebble Time 2, part of Pebble's relaunch that also includes an upcoming round model. The watch keeps the classic buttons and retro look but adds a touchscreen, color backlit display, heart-rate sensor, and access to a huge library of free legacy Pebble apps and watch faces via a redesigned companion app.
The TCL QM7L mini-LED television is currently on sale, with the 55-inch model dropping to $797.99, a $200 markdown from its regular price. Discounts also extend to larger screen sizes, though Amazon shows limited stock remaining for the 65-inch version.
Best Buy is currently selling an HP laptop at nearly half its normal price, with the deal including a low-cost television as an add-on. The offer is highlighted as a notable value pick based on comparison shopping and retailer listings rather than a limited flash sale detail specified in the report.
Salesforce shares jumped over 20% Thursday, marking its second-best trading day ever, after the company posted stronger-than-expected second-quarter results and unveiled an expanded partnership with Anthropic. The deal includes a new plugin called Claudeforce, which lets sales teams pull data through Anthropic's Claude chatbot, and was announced by CEOs Marc Benioff and Dario Amodei during a CNBC appearance.
ZDNET published a curated list of Linux distributions suited for people switching from Windows in 2026, deliberately excluding Linux Mint. Zorin OS tops the list for its Windows-like interface options and a feature that detects when a user tries to install a .exe or .msi file and suggests an open-source alternative from its app store.
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