Latest Tech News

Stay updated with the latest in technology, AI, cybersecurity, and more

Filtered by: vac Clear Filter

Even the lowly canister vacuum now wants access to your Wi-Fi network

is a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Despite the convenience of cordless stick vacs, canister vacuums are still very much a thing for those with battery anxiety or those who want a lighter cleaner. Miele still offers over 20 different models of canister vacs in the US, but its latest is the comp

RFK Jr. posted fishing pics as CDC reeled from shooting linked to vaccine disinfo

Staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta are reeling from a deadly shooting that unfolded Friday evening. The shooting left one local police officer dead, at least four agency buildings riddled with bullet holes, and terrified staffers feeling like "sitting ducks." Fortunately, no CDC staff or civilians were injured. But, it quickly drew a spotlight to US health secretary and zealous anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who critics accused of fueli

Fight Chat Control

You Will Be Impacted Every photo, every message, every file you send will be automatically scanned—without your consent or suspicion. This is not about catching criminals. It is mass surveillance imposed on all 450 million citizens of the European Union. 📱 Mass Surveillance Every private message, photo, and file scanned automatically: no suspicion required, no exceptions*, even encrypted communications. 🔓️ Breaking Encryption Weakening or breaking end-to-end encryption exposes everyone’s commu

DJI repurposed its drones' obstacle detection tech for robot vacuums

DJI's obstacle avoidance system could be just as useful on land as it is in the air. DJI, known for its dominance in the drone market, has entered the smart home world with a range of robot vacuums called ROMO. Beyond its drones, gimbals and action cameras, the Chinese company previously branched out into other product categories, including portable power stations and e-bikes. For those wondering why DJI settled on robot vacuums as its next venture, it makes sense considering the company's "omn

Best Cordless Vacuums We've Tested (August 2025)

Many cordless vacuums come with anti-tangle brushrolls better suited for pet hair. Getty Images/Amy Kim/CNET Eureka Eureka ReactiSense 440 (Out of stock): This cordless vacuum would be our best overall pick if it was in stock. It has some of the highest scores of any cordless vacuum we've tested, with 97.53% sand pickup from hard flooring. Carpet performance was also some of the highest we've seen, with 98.53% from low-pile carpet and 92.16% from mid-pile. Battery runtime was one weakness, wit

Tor: How a military project became a lifeline for privacy

The Secret History of Tor: How a Military Project Became a Lifeline for Privacy A story of secrecy, resistance, and the fight for digital freedom. By: Ben Collier A↑ A↓ Off Bright Dark Blues Gray BeeLine Reader uses subtle color gradients to help you read more efficiently. I’m sitting in a cold, scuffed, and dirty plastic chair on a crowded train, watching freezing fog stream past the window — one of the many unpleasant but strangely enjoyable everyday experiences of life in the United

Tor: How a Military Project Became a Lifeline for Privacy

The Secret History of Tor: How a Military Project Became a Lifeline for Privacy A story of secrecy, resistance, and the fight for digital freedom. By: Ben Collier A↑ A↓ Off Bright Dark Blues Gray BeeLine Reader uses subtle color gradients to help you read more efficiently. I’m sitting in a cold, scuffed, and dirty plastic chair on a crowded train, watching freezing fog stream past the window — one of the many unpleasant but strangely enjoyable everyday experiences of life in the United

Why I ditched Google Chrome for Firefox Focus within 10 minutes of using the mobile browser

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET's key takeaways Firefox Focus is a security and privacy-focused mobile browser. This browser offers a minimal UI and maximum privacy features. Firefox Focus is available for both Android and iOS. I've run the gamut of web browsers on Android, and every time I think I've found "the one," I discover a reason not to use it. That reason might be a cluttered UI, a lack of options, or not enough security. Recently, however, I came across a browser

AI Ethics is being narrowed on purpose, like privacy was

A few days ago, OpenAI released an open-source language model for the first time in a very long time. It had been promised for a while, but the deadline kept being pushed for “safety” concerns. In fact, they’ve put quite a bit of time and effort into discussing safety, because, ostensibly, safety and ethics is at the top of people’s minds. So, the public is worried about AI ethics, and OpenAI is putting efforts into making sure the AI is ethical. Sounds like a match. Not just a match, but a

DJI’s first robovac features drone tech and a transparent design

is a senior reporter who’s been covering and reviewing the latest gadgets and tech since 2006, but has loved all things electronic since he was a kid. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Following the reveal of its first 360-degree action camera a week ago, DJI has announced its first robot vacuum cleaner. The DJI Romo is available in three versions that are mostly differentiated by their appearance — two use transparent shells to reveal thei

Baltimore Assessments Accidentally Subsidize Blight–and How We Can Fix It

One of the biggest challenges facing Baltimore is blight. For decades, the city has grappled with population loss, leaving behind thousands of vacant homes and empty lots that scar neighborhoods. These empty spaces not only serve as a constant reminder of visible decline, but also drain city coffers and undermine community safety. Both the city and the state have launched ambitious initiatives to tackle this very problem. But what if the government’s own policies were quietly making the problem

This Robo Vac’s Navigation Capacity Is Unmatched and Prime Members Can Now Snag It at a $500 Discount

Deal alert: The Dreame X50 robot vacuum is available for $1,200. That's a Prime-only $500 discount on a robot vacuum that usually lists for $1,700. Non-Prime members can get it at its retail price. If you're looking for top-tier performance, this robot vac is better at climbing obstacles than any robot vacuum we've tested. CNET's key takeaways No robot vacuum has truly solved the challenge of multi-level cleaning without requiring you to physically move it between floors. This robo-vac can do

RFK Jr. defends $500M cut for mRNA vaccines with pseudoscience gobbledygook

If anyone needed a reminder that US health secretary and fervent anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has no background in science or medicine, look no further than the video he posted on social media Tuesday evening. In the two-and-a-half-minute clip, Kennedy announced that he is canceling nearly $500 million in funding for the development of mRNA-based vaccines against diseases that pose pandemic threats. The funding will be clawed back from 22 now-defunct contracts awarded through the

Jury Decides Meta Stole Data from Users of Period-Tracking App. What to Do If You're Worried

A California jury ruled Wednesday that Meta broke state privacy laws by collecting data from the popular period-tracking app Flo, including private health data and pregnancy goals. The case claimed that, among other actions, Meta used the data to create targeted advertising content. As Meta claims it will fight the verdict, the court continues to decide specific financial damages -- and the plaintiffs have asked for billions. A representative for Meta did not immediately respond to a request fo

Topics: app data flo meta privacy

Dyson Week deals include the 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $300 off

Dyson is hosting a week-long sale on many notable products. This includes the well-regarded Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum for $300 off , bringing the price down to $700. This is the best discount we've seen on this particular model. The Vis Nav made our list of the best robot vacuums . This was primarily based on the item's superior suction power, especially when compared to rival units. We said it had the strongest suction power of any robovac we've tested and made short work out of dog hair

RFK Jr. Yanks $500 Million From Critical mRNA Vaccine Research

Robert F. Kennedy’s ongoing war against vaccines is escalating. Under his authority, the government has just stripped away its funding toward developing several next-generation vaccines reliant on messenger RNA technology. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Monday that it is ending its development of mRNA vaccines organized through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The revoked funding will affect nearly two dozen projects worth almost $5

Firefox Focus won me over in just 10 mins - why it's my new default mobile browser

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET's key takeaways Firefox Focus is a security and privacy-focused mobile browser. This browser offers a minimal UI and maximum privacy features. Firefox Focus is available for both Android and iOS. I've run the gamut of web browsers on Android, and every time I think I've found "the one," I discover a reason not to use it. That reason might be a cluttered UI, a lack of options, or not enough security. Recently, however, I came across a browser

Best VPN for Chrome 2025: Keep Your Browsing Traffic Private

Based on our years of testing and using VPNs across operating systems and browsers, these are the top factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for Chrome: Chrome compatibility If you’re looking for a VPN for Chrome, your primary consideration will be whether the VPN offers a Chrome extension. Most of the top VPN providers offer plugins for Chrome and other browsers, but some do not. Check that the VPN you’re considering offers a Chrome extension before purchasing. Alternatively, you can

HHS Winds Down mRNA Vaccine Development Under BARDA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced the beginning of a coordinated wind-down of its mRNA vaccine development activities under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), including the cancellation and de-scoping of various contracts and solicitations. The decision follows a comprehensive review of mRNA-related investments initiated during the COVID-19 public health emergency. “We reviewed the science, listened to the

Knowing these 7 rules helped me optimize my home security camera for the best footage

Maria Diaz/ZDNET If you're a subscriber to the Nextdoor app, you've seen plenty of footage of prowling ne'er-do-wells caught in the eye of a video doorbell or home security camera. Hopefully, you don't have your own first-hand experience with suspicious characters milling around your front porch, or far worse. Also: Unplugging these 7 common household devices helped reduce my electricity bills For good reason, security cameras continue to grow in popularity, and we can expect them to become e

I tested a robot vacuum with 19,000Pa of suction power, and it left my Roomba in the dust

Mova P50 Pro Ultra ZDNET's key takeaways The Mova P50 Pro Ultra is available for only $799, down $200 from its regular price. This is one of the strongest robot vacuums on the market with 19,000Pa of suction, with reliable edge cleaning, mop removal, and obstacle avoidance. While its obstacle avoidance far exceeds its price point, the P50 Pro Ultra doesn't always avoid loose cables on the floor. View now at Us.mova I test a lot of robot vacuums, but there's no doubt that these devices have go

Best VPN for Android for 2025: Protect Your Privacy on Mobile Devices

With so many Android VPN apps available, it can be difficult to choose the right solution. Based on our extensive research and hands-on testing of VPNs over the years, these are the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN for Android: Privacy No matter which VPN you use on Android or any other device, the bare minimum for consideration is that it protects your privacy. Look for a VPN that uses industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption over the OpenVPN protocol, or ChaCha20 over W

Dental Floss Could Deliver Next-Gen Vaccines, No Needles Required

Flu shot season is around the corner, and while injections remain the most common form of vaccination, scientists are working hard to find other ways to deliver inoculations that don’t involve shoving a needle into your flesh. And in a new study, researchers think they might have found another novel approach: dental floss. In the new work, a team of scientists based in the U.S. demonstrated how this might work on lab mice, finding that vaccine delivery via dental floss was more effective at sti

Is your Roku TV spying on you? It's possible, but here's how to put a stop to it

Maria Diaz/ZDNET Whenever I hear about consumer data tracking, my half-century-old brain dredges up that Hall and Oates hit called "Private Eyes" with the refrain "they're watching you." I don't mean to incite Big Brother paranoia; I know I'm not being spied on everywhere I go, especially not in the seclusion of my home. But while using streaming devices, you can almost guarantee that your entertainment and advertisement preferences are being tracked. Also: Your Apple TV is getting 5 useful f

Google Will Use AI to Guess People’s Ages Based on Search History

Last week, the United Kingdom began requiring residents to verify their ages before accessing online pornography and other adult content, all in the name of protecting children. Almost immediately, things did not go as planned—although, they did go as expected. As experts predicted, UK residents began downloading virtual private networks (VPNs) en masse, allowing them to circumvent age verification, which can require users to upload their government IDs, by making it look like they’re in a diff

Yes, You Can Bundle Other Cybersecurity Services With Some VPNs. But Is It a Good Idea?

If all you’re using to protect your digital privacy and security is a VPN and your own vigilance, you’re still leaving yourself vulnerable to various online threats like phishing, malware, identity theft and ransomware. To fully protect yourself, you need to start putting together an arsenal of privacy and security tools. Using a trustworthy VPN is a great start because a VPN can boost your online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your true IP address. But a VPN is only on

This unexpected robot vacuum made me forget about my $2,000 Roborock

Mova P50 Pro Ultra ZDNET's key takeaways The Mova P50 Pro Ultra is available for only $799, down $200 from its regular price. This is one of the strongest robot vacuums on the market with 19,000Pa of suction, with reliable edge cleaning, mop removal, and obstacle avoidance. While its obstacle avoidance far exceeds its price point, the P50 Pro Ultra doesn't always avoid loose cables on the floor. View now at Us.mova I test a lot of robot vacuums, but there's no doubt that these devices have go

Our Farewell from Google Play

Our project started in 2016 with the goal of offering alternatives to apps with basic functionality that demanded – back then at install time – many permissions they did not need. From our humble beginnings with Privacy Friendly Torchlight, our apps have always been available in the Google Play Store. Our current selection of Privacy Friendly Apps has grown since then to more than 30. And with more than 350,000 installs we believe we left a dent. We want to take this opportunity to also thank al

OpenAI removes ChatGPT feature after private conversations leak to Google search

Want smarter insights in your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletters to get only what matters to enterprise AI, data, and security leaders. Subscribe Now OpenAI made a rare about-face Thursday, abruptly discontinuing a feature that allowed ChatGPT users to make their conversations discoverable through Google and other search engines. The decision came within hours of widespread social media criticism and represents a striking example of how quickly privacy concerns can derail even well-inten

Why the best-value robot vacuum right now isn't made by iRobot or Shark

Mova P50 Pro Ultra ZDNET's key takeaways The Mova P50 Pro Ultra is available for only $799, down $200 from its regular price. This is one of the strongest robot vacuums on the market with 19,000Pa of suction, with reliable edge cleaning, mop removal, and obstacle avoidance. While its obstacle avoidance far exceeds its price point, the P50 Pro Ultra doesn't always avoid loose cables on the floor. View now at Us.mova I test a lot of robot vacuums, but there's no doubt that these devices have go