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Why I recommend this Garmin watch over competing Apple, Samsung, and Google models

Garmin Vivoactive 6 ZDNET's key takeaways The Garmin Vivoactive 6 is available in four colors for $300. The AMOLED display is brilliant, the available activity functions are comprehensive, and the battery lasts 5-11 days. There is no altimeter, the 30 minute smart alarm interval is a bit long, and it's a bit small for those with larger wrists. View now at Amazon View now at Garmin more buying choices Garmin's latest smartwatch for the masses, the Vivoactive 6, brings a fresh perspective to it

This palm-recognizing smart lock left me wondering how I lived so long without it

TCL D1 Pro ZDNET's key takeaways The TCL D1 Pro smart lock is available for $170. This smart lock features some of the most reliable and fastest palm recognition technology I've tested, and it has a rechargeable battery instead of the standard replaceable batteries. The TCL D1 Pro's biggest downfall is the app, which is not user-friendly for customizing settings and feels outdated. $125.98 at Amazon Palm vein recognition is becoming quite popular among smart lock manufacturers, and the TCL D1

Topics: d1 lock palm smart tcl

Samsung Smart Monitor M9 M90SF Review: The 4K OLED Hybrid

I don’t own a TV. That’s right, I’m a professional tech reviewer, and I’m still living like a millennial in my twenties. But a smart monitor—now, there’s something I could justify. A computer monitor is useless without a PC plugged into it, but that’s where smart monitors come in, offering a more versatile screen that is as much for work as it is for entertainment. Not until now have these smart monitors felt like proper TV replacements in terms of quality. The latest model from Samsung, the Sm

Study finds your smartwatch might be way off on one key health stat

Kris Carlon / Android Authority TL;DR Study finds smartwatch stress scores often don’t match how you actually feel. Researchers tracked 800 Garmin users for three months and saw “basically zero” correlation for stress. Sleep tracking was more accurate, but better at logging hours slept than rest quality. They’re meant to be your health sidekick, you might suspect that there’s only so much that a wearable can tell you about your mental state from taking a pulse reading. If this wasn’t already

The top 3 smartphone gimbals on the market right now

Smartphone gimbals have become a dime a dozen at this point, but who are the leaders right now? Here are our top three gimbals that you should be looking at if you are in the market for one. Who is using a smartphone gimbal? It feels like smartphone gimbals were all the rage with the rise of social media a decade or so ago. Back then, the only option was really just DJI, and they’re still the leader. However, with corporate America realizing they need a bigger social media team and being an “i

How to save a smart home company

is a senior reviewer focused on smart home and connected tech, with over twenty years of experience. She has written previously for Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, BBC, and US News. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. The smart home can be scary. It seems like every other month, we hear about another smart home company going out of business, leaving you scrambling for a new way to turn on your lights. Why is it so hard for smart home manufacturers

TD Securities taps Layer 6 and OpenAI to deliver real-time equity insights to sales and trading teams

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 Despite being a highly regulated industry, equity trading has consistently been at the forefront of technological innovations in the financial services sector. However, when it comes to agents and AI applications, many banks have taken a more cautious approach to adoption. TD Securities, the equity and securities trading arm of TD Bank, ro

Topics: ai bank bosman said td

Apple’s ‘HomeKit’ brand could disappear in big new smart home push

Apple is gearing up for a new investment in the smart home that’s coming soon, and according to changes in the latest tvOS 26 beta, it seems part of that may be the replacing of the HomeKit brand with a fresh, unified name. ‘Apple Home’ looks set to be the new branding for smart home products and technology Rumors last fall indicated 2025 would be a big year for Apple and the smart home. This was expected to kick off in March with a brand new product: a smart display that’s like a mix between

Surprise Matter update focuses on reliability and stability

is a senior reviewer focused on smart home and connected tech, with over twenty years of experience. She has written previously for Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, BBC, and US News. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. For Matter, this year was never going to be about flashy new features. Other than support for security cameras, which I hear should finally arrive this fall, 2025 is all about fixing problems. And with Matter 1.4.2, announced today, t

How to Protect Yourself From Portable Point-of-Sale Scams

Considering the widespread use of contactless payment systems, it's no surprise that portable point-of-sale thefts are making a comeback. This type of robbery is enjoying a new wave of popularity, and is much harder to spot given how quickly those transactions take place. But how much risk is there, really? And how can you protect yourself from POS scams? The Case of Sorrento A recent example of POS theft happened recently in Italy, when topic exploded again a few days ago when the news agency

Hoto Snapbloq Tools Review: Attractive Power Tools

Tools often have a utilitarian design. Their purpose is to get stuff done, so their shape is exclusively focused on getting stuff done. This is where the Hoto SnapBloq toolkit is unique: These tools emphasize style and design to prove that functionality doesn’t need to have a rugged, utilitarian, and (typically) unappealing style. Hoto’s SnapBloq line is a set of three small power tools meant for tinkerers and hobbyists. The full set consists of a screwdriver, a rotary tool, and a drill, along

Kuxiu debuts tiny smart connector charger for iPad: meet the M30

Kuxiu continues to make some of the best iPad accessories in the game. They were the first to introduce “wireless” charging for the iPad by implementing the smart connector into their products, like the X33 Pro Max. It was the first magnetic iPad stand that also charged your iPad Pro with those smart connectors. They have doubled down on that and made it ultra compact. Today, they unveiled the M30 Magnetic Smart Connector Charger, and I’m so excited about it. Here is what you should know. Close

Google Maps sucks on unpaved roads, so I use this open source app instead

Andy Walker / Android Authority Google Maps was primarily designed for inner-city travel, where roads are well-marked and relatively smooth. I doubt the app’s developers envisioned users navigating gravel roads in the heartland of South Africa. So, it’s unsurprising that the app becomes far less useful once you hit the dirt. However, where Google Maps falls short, OsmAnd excels. OsmAnd is a free, open-source app on the Play Store and F-Droid. It draws data from various sources, primarily relyi

‘Enterprise’ Producer Has Hopes Scott Bakula Might Return to ‘Star Trek’

Star Trek is in a bit of an uncertain place right now, as the shows that created its streaming boom have spent the last couple of years either coming to their end or announcing that they’re preparing to do so—and that’s even putting aside that Paramount itself is controversially about to come under new management. Beyond two and a half more seasons of Strange New Worlds and at least two seasons of Starfleet Academy, where Star Trek goes next is unknown. But it’s also a situation where one Trek a

HomeKit Weekly: The ultimate HomeKit survival kit for dorm life

When I was in college, smart home technology was still something that was super futuristic. Today, that’s changed a lot. If I were starting college today, though, I’d bring a few HomeKit items to make dorm life more comfortable and functional. Between cramped desks, bad overhead lighting, and shared everything, a little automation can go a long way. Whether it’s turning off lights from bed or checking if your fan’s still running, here’s what I’d pack today if I were heading off to campus. Some

Meta Says ‘Big Wearable’ News Is Coming, but There’s Only One Thing I Want to Know

Meta has been on a pretty serious campaign to prove it’s at the cutting edge of consumer tech, and AI isn’t the only target on the board. AR/XR has also clearly been a priority if the last few weeks are any indication (see this paper in Nature about its wristband tech and drips on groundbreaking VR research for proof), and its vision on that front is starting to actually take shape. According to Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth, the company’s annual Connect conference in September, where it showcases t

The best smartphones without AI features in 2025: Expert tested and recommended

These days, it feels like AI and machine learning algorithms are being stuffed into every device, whether it makes sense to do so or not. And with almost every major brand announcing that AI will be a standard feature in new releases going forward, you may be looking for a way to opt out or avoid it entirely. Thankfully, there are still plenty of options on the market for phones that don't force AI as an integral feature; you can even find a few "dumb" phones if you're thinking of a total digita

Smartwatches Recalled for Catching Fire, Burning Hands

The Altafit af28 smartwatches have been recalled, according to a press release Thursday from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The problem? The watches can overheat on their chargers and even ignite into flames. The smartwatches were sold on the Home Shopping Network from March 2025 to May 2025 for $50, marked down from $100. There have been 39 reports of the watches melting, burning, and catching fire with at least six reports of consumers’ hands being burned along with property dam

Deal: This huge Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series TV is only $449.99!

Get this: When I bought my first TV, it cost more than this one, measured 32 inches, and had a 720p resolution. It’s impressive how affordable televisions have become, and this one is quite a steal considering today’s discount on it. You can take an Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series 65-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV for just $449.99, which equates to a $270 discount. Buy the Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series 65-Inch 4K UHD Smart TV for $449.99 ($270 off) This offer is available directly from Amazon as a “lim

Topics: 65 amazon inch smart tv

Save $50 on the Ember Smart Mug 2, my favorite tech gadget

I am literally sipping some amazing coffee out of my Ember Smart Mug 2 as I write this deals article. It quickly became my favorite tech gadget, and I paid much more than you will if you take advantage of today’s deal. The Ember Mug 2 10oz is $50 off right now! Buy the Ember Smart Mug 2 10oz for just $79.99 ($50 off) This offer is available from Amazon. The only caveat is that the discount only applies to the Black color version. All other variants cost more. Also, keep in mind this offer is fo

This AirTag key organizer has survived the ultimate torture test - and I'd buy it again any time

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET In November of 2022, I decided I needed to organize my pocket EDC (everyday carry) gear. As part of that reorganization, I picked up a KeySmart Air key organizer as a way to both keep my keys sorted and also attach an AirTag to them. Also: 10 tiny tools I carry with me everywhere - how they work So, here we are, almost three years on, and I'm still using the KeySmart Air, and while it's looking a little battered, it's still going strong. The KeySmart Air comes in

Is the Xperia line dead? Sony clarifies the future of its smartphones

It’s no secret that Sony Xperia smartphones aren’t the best-selling phones, nor are they the top choice for Android flagships . Sony built a loyal niche of fans who buy its Xperia phones, but the market beyond them doesn’t pick up on the phones with as much enthusiasm. When the company’s latest flagship, the Xperia 1 VII, began dying and disappearing across markets , many presumed that the end was near for Sony’s Xperia line of phones. Sony is laying rest to those fears, indicating it is around,

Framework Desktop Review: A Delightful Surprise

The Framework laptops did something no other laptop could. With the ability to upgrade or swap out nearly every internal component, they are sustainable, unlike any other. But the Framework Desktop isn’t so unique. After all, one of the primary reasons people buy (or build) desktop PCs is the ability to upgrade the system on their own. This 4.5-liter mini-ITX PC isn’t so different from many of the compact PCs you can already buy. And yet, Framework’s distinctive approach makes this stand out.

Google TV’s uncertain future

Last year, Google surprised online video publishers with some stunning news: the company, which now generates over a quarter trillion dollars with advertising every year, effectively admitted that it isn’t very good at selling ads for its own smart TV platform, Google TV. The issue at heart: Google has long required publishers to share a percentage of their ad inventory to be on Google TV. It’s a common industry practice. Companies like Roku or Vizio routinely sell a subset of the ad spots you

This smart lock lets me see through my door

is a senior reviewer focused on smart home and connected tech, with over twenty years of experience. She has written previously for Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, BBC, and US News. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. It’s a beast of a door lock, and it screams high tech sitting on your front door. My favorite feature is the integrated video screen, which shows a live feed of who is on the other side of the door without you having to pull out your

How to upgrade your deadbolt with a smart lock - and the one I recommend most

Nuki Smart Lock ZDNET's key takeaways The Nuki Smart Lock is now available for $159 on its own, and $229 when combined with the Keypad 2. This smart lock fits into an existing deadbolt, supports Matter for easy integrations with smart home systems, and features hands-free unlocking. Though innovative, the Nuki smart lock requires a subscription for full remote access; it's also very loud when locking and unlocking, and the Keypad 2 is somewhat slow. $159 at Amazon I'm all for smart home techn

I wore the best smartwatches from Samsung, Apple, and Google - here's how Galaxy Watch 8 wins

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 ZDNET's key takeaways Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 is available for purchase now at a starting price of $349. It's a capable smartwatch with all the usual health metrics, along with Samsung's Running Coach, bedtime guidance, and recovery insights. Some features feel more experimental than scientific, like Antioxidant Index and BMI, which failed to work several times. View now at Samsung Samsung's latest smartwatches have arrived. The Galaxy Watch 8 lineup, which includes bo

Your Samsung TV is getting a huge feature upgrade - 3 AI tools launching right now

Kerry Wan/ZDNET ZDNET's key takeaways Samsung is rolling out a redesigned version of Bixby on smart TVs. The new Bixby will have upgraded conversational abilities. You'll also be able to control smart home devices. If you have a Samsung television, you're about to get a big upgrade to your TV's built-in Bixby assistant. In a recent announcement, Samsung detailed a redesigned Bixby that brings a host of new features, including the ability to look up information, utilize Click to Search, and

This USB-C accessory gave my Android and iPhone an ingenious emergency tool

Heat It Smartphone-Powered Insect Bite Healer ZDNET's key takeaways The Heat It is available on Amazon for $40. It heats up from your smartphone and reduces swelling and itchiness from bug bites. While its power consumption is modest, it will take some charge from your phone. $39.95 at Amazon As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors (and someone who got hit with Lyme disease), it's astonishing how often I forget to apply insect repellent. Just the other night, I spent the last half of a f

Sonos’ smart assistant is expanding from music to home control

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. Since its launch in 2022, the capabilities of Sonos Voice Control have expanded to include setting timers and checking the weather. But by the end of this year, the smart assistant will introduce compatibility with the Philips Hue smart home platform allowing