Latest Tech News

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

Filtered by: tv Clear Filter

I tested Hisense's flagship QLED TV and didn't miss my OLED set (especially when it's $700 off)

ZDNET's key takeaways The Hisense U8QG is available from 55-inch to 100-inch, with most models currently on sale. It offers arresting HDR picture quality and brightness. However, this set lacks some premium features like four HDMI ports and an ultra-thin frame. View now at Amazon View now at Best Buy View now at Walmart more buying choices The Hisense U8QG is one step down from the company's flagship TV, (the U9QG), and it's currently on sale for about $1,500 at major retailers (normally $2,2

Topics: 4k hisense tv u8qg ultra

The default TV setting you should turn off immediately - and why experts recommend it

Kerry Wan/ZDNET For many people, motion smoothing on TVs is only appropriate for gaming and watching live sports; enthusiasts typically prefer turning off the feature to watch anything else because it can detract from the filmmaker's original intent, making on-screen images seem artificial or hyper-realistic. This is what's called the "soap opera effect." Also: How to disable ACR on your TV (and why doing so makes such a big difference) It's a perfectly descriptive metaphor that probably requ

How to disable ACR on your TV (and why doing so makes such a big difference)

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Did 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: Don't cancel Netflix yet: I used these sec

Brad Pitt and Tim Cook surprise fans at Apple Fifth Avenue ahead of ‘F1 The Movie’ release

Apple fans visiting the company’s iconic Fifth Avenue store in New York were treated to an unexpected moment this week: following a panel on Apple TV+ hit series Severance, Apple CEO Tim Cook and actor Brad Pitt took the stage to promote the upcoming Apple Original Film F1 The Movie. Their appearance followed an earlier panel at the store, with cast members from Severance joined a conversation moderated by Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner. Actors Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, Britt Low

Apple TV+ is on a comedy hot streak, and its new show doesn’t disappoint

Apple TV+ is having a big year, with a new most watched series ever and Jon Hamm claiming biggest drama debut—but comedies have been on a hot streak too, including the latest new series. The Studio, Murderbot, and more strengthen the Apple TV+ comedy lineup There’s no doubt that two of the biggest hits for Apple TV+ this year have been dramas: Severance and Your Friends & Neighbors. But the streamer has nonetheless been on a hot streak with comedy debuts too. The Studio is seen by many as th

Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar is just for audiophiles, and it's on sale

Allison Murray/ZDNET You can buy the Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar for $300 ($100 off) on Amazon. ZDNET's key takeaways The Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar retails for $400. This soundbar comes with plenty of customizable EQ options to fully optimize your sound for whatever you're listening to. It's large in size, and the setup can be a little complicated. Good sound is easily detectable -- you know it when you hear it. While the Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbarproduces dynamic sound, it lacks th

I changed these 6 TV settings to instantly make the system feel like new again

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Is your smart TV slow to respond or stuttering during scenes? You're not alone -- many people experience laggy performance and choppy playback. The good news? A few simple fixes can get things running smoothly again. Also: Don't cancel Netflix yet: I used these secret codes to unlock the full catalog of shows Modern TVs have plenty of features and apps (and services that run in the background) that can slow them down over time. Fortunately, some simple actions can rectify your

Your TV's USB port is criminally underrated: 5 features you're not using enough

gerenme / Getty Images After the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there's little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port -- likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel -- offers more potential than you might expect. Also: Don't cancel Netflix yet: I used these secret codes to unlock the full catalog of shows USB ports are easy to overlook, but they're a standard f

Topics: drive port ports tv usb

Amazon Fire TV Cube (Newest Model) Drops $10 Below Prime Day Price, Perfect for Non-Smart TV Users

While a lot of modern TVs do make it possible to access a lot of streaming services, it doesn’t mean it’s the best way to do so. In fact, for those who use a lot of different ones and a lot of the time, you’d be better off using a dedicated device. There are a lot of options out there, but the Amazon Fire TV Cube is one of the best. See at Amazon Along with being high quality, it’s also currently on sale. That means you can get your hands on it for just $100 right now, instead of the usual $14

Topics: just lot means tv use

Best Buy will give you a free Sony 65-inch 4K TV right now - how to qualify for the deal

The Sony Bravia 5 TV. Kerry Wan/ZDNET Sony is most known for its high-end OLED TVs and home audio equipment, but its Mini LED and midrange LED models still offer impressive picture and audio quality, even if you opt for an older model. And right now at Best Buy (or Sony), when you buy a 98-inch Sony Bravia 5 at the regular price, you'll get a 65-inch Bravia X90L for free. That's a $1,200 TV you can use as a second screen in your home. Also: The best 98-inch TVs you can buy Here's the deal wit

Topics: best bravia inch sony tv

I turned this 98-inch TV into an immersive at-home theater system (and it's $1,500 off)

ZDNET's key takeaways TCL's 98-inch Class S5 Series TV is one of the most accessibly-priced TVs of its size. Watching movies and TV shows on such a big display is as close to a theatre-like experience as one can get at home. With such a large TV, setting it up can be a struggle, especially if you don't have a big enough console or wall space. $1,498 at Amazon $1,799.99 at Best Buy more buying choices Over at Best Buy, the 98-inch TCL Q6 TV has been discounted by $1,500, essentially knocking o

Topics: 98 big inch tcl tv

The 14 Best TVs We’ve Reviewed, Plus Buying Advice (2025)

Saving up for a new screen? Whether you’re a videophile or new to 4K, the best TVs you can buy are bigger, brighter, and cheaper than ever. To help you navigate the dozens of models from LG, Samsung, TCL, Hisense, Sony, Panasonic, and others, we've done intensive testing and watched hundreds of hours of content to grab the standouts from our recent reviews. Below you'll find everything from the best OLED TVs we've ever tested to the best cheap TVs for tight budgets—with plenty of excellent optio

Topics: 4k best models tvs ve

Live TV Streaming Channel Face-Off: YouTube TV vs. Hulu Live vs. Sling and More

Making the switch from cable to streaming could feel confusing or like a chore, but it might be exactly what you're looking for. As TV costs increase, there are plenty of alternatives you can consider, such as live TV streaming services and affordable skinny bundles. Cord-free live services come with perks like a broad mix of channels, DVR and no long-term commitments. You can stream sports and more, and these services offer wider channel options than antennas but also let you watch on your lapt

How to watch new Apple TV+ movie starring Sydney Sweeney and Julianne Moore

Echo Valley is a new movie streaming worldwide on Apple TV+ from today. The R-rated thriller stars Sydney Sweeney and Julianne More, playing mother and daughter roles. If you’ve never used Apple’s streaming service before, here’s how to get started. Echo Valley is available to watch exclusively through the Apple TV app, which is the home of Apple TV+ streaming service. Alongside movies to buy or rent, the TV+ tab includes a catalog of almost 300 original TV shows and movies to watch. That libr

Topics: app apple echo tv valley

Apple TV+ has two premieres this weekend, here’s what to watch

Following the successful debut of Stick, and ahead of the much-anticipated return of The Buccaneers for its second season, Apple TV+ has two releases this weekend that promise to grip both kids and adults alike. Here’s what to watch: Echo Valley From Apple Original Films, Echo Valley stars Julianne Moore (The Big Lebowski) as Kate, a mother whose stable life running a horse therapy ranch is shattered when her drug-addicted daughter Claire, played by Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria), shows up covered

Topics: apple award emmy tv watch

Inside the firm turning eerie blank streaming ads into useful nonprofit messages

StreamTV Insider provided flights from New York City to Denver and two nights of accommodation so Ars could attend its StreamTV Show. Ars does not accept paid editorial content. DENVER—Ads shown while you're streaming shows or movies are disruptive enough. But there's something uniquely eerie about what you see when a connected TV (CTV) platform fails to sell ad inventory. You may get a black screen accompanied by ethereal music or a confusing thumping beat, alongside a graphic that says someth

Topics: ad adgood ctv johns space

tvOS 26 hints at a big hardware change for the new Apple TV 4K

There’s a brand new Apple TV 4K coming later this year, and as sometimes happens, Apple’s just-announced software update for the platform—tvOS 26—seems to hint at a new hardware feature that’s on the way. New Apple TV 4K hardware expected this fall The last time a new Apple TV 4K released was 2022, so it’s very much time for an update—and a new model is indeed coming. Apple will reportedly launch a new Apple TV 4K this fall. Rumored features include: more powerful A18 or A17 Pro chip Apple

The latest state of the game jobs market | Amir Satvat

Amir Satvat provides a lot of job resources for games. He has built a big community of game people, and they are providing him with a lot of data. And here’s the latest data from Amir Satvat’s Games Community and what it says about games hiring today, across functions, experience levels, and regions. First, Satvat, who was honored for his work at The Game Awards, said in a LinkedIn post that hiring remains concentrated in the middle. This means that most roles, and role growth, is aimed at prof

The best live TV streaming services to cut cable in 2025

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . We still think paying for a live TV streaming service makes better financial sense than signing up for cable or satellite TV. Of course, the price difference between the two is steadily narrowing as many live TV streaming subscriptions have jumped to more than $80 per month. Still, you

I replaced my living room TV with this 4K laser projector for a month - and didn't regret it

ZDNET's key takeaways Valerion's VisionMaster Pro 2 retails for $2,999. This premium-built laser TV projects up to a 300-inch screen. It's still not ideal for brightly lit rooms (like all projectors). $2,999 at Amazon I chose the word "glorious" in the headline for this review because that word sprang to mind when I first laid eyes on the VisionMaster Pro 2 projector from Valerion -- and that was before I even plugged it in. Valerion, a sister company to Awol Vision, is just over a year old,

This TCL Mini LED is the TV deal I recommend to most - especially at up to $1,000 off

ZDNET's key takeaways The TCL QM6K (65-inch) normally retails for $1,000. A host of upgrades, and new features, make it highly competitive with other brands' higher-end models. Its speakers are loud, but clarity could be made even crisper with a soundbar. View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choices Every single size option for the TCL QM6K TV is on sale at Best Buy. The biggest discount belongs to the 98-inch display at $1,000. Back in January, we highlighted the release of t

Topics: like qm6k tcl test tv

TCL 55-inch 4K QLED Smart TV With Google TV (2025) Is Already Nearly 50% Off Only at Best Buy

How old is the TV in your living room? It might be time to upgrade to some of the modern luxuries that comes with a new TV. You don’t have the break the bank either. The TCL Class QM5K Series is available at Best Buy for a discounted rate. Normally you can get the 55″ model of this 4K QLED smart TV for $700, but right now Best Buy has it discounted by $320. That’s over 45% of the standard price, bring it down to just $380. You’ll find similar discounts across the whole family of TCL 4K QLED TVs

Topics: best buy hdr tcl tv

‘All of You,’ new Apple TV+ movie starring Brett Goldstein, gets a premiere date

Apple TV+ has officially set a release date for All of You, its upcoming romantic drama starring and co-written by Ted Lasso breakout Brett Goldstein, who also recently appeared in Season 2 of the Apple TV+ hit Shrinking. Here’s when you can watch it. According to a post on the official Apple TV+ X account, the film will premiere in select theaters and stream on Apple TV+ starting September 26. "A love story for grown-ups.” – @EW Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots star in a new romantic drama

The 46 Best Shows on Max (aka HBO Max) Right Now (June 2025)

It may not have the shine it once did, but Max (previously HBO Max—and soon to be again) is still home to some of the best TV shows of the past 25 years, from The Sopranos and The Wire to Game of Thrones and The Leftovers. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the “it’s not TV” cable network or a Max newbie trying to figure out where to start, the shows below should give you plenty upon which to feast your eyes. Looking for more recommendations? Head to WIRED’s guide to the best TV shows on Netflix

Topics: new season series time tv

These Are the Best TV Shows on Apple TV Plus That'll Scratch Your Sci-Fi Itch

You'd be mistaken if you think Severance is the only must-watch sci-fi TV show on Apple TV Plus. Apple's original entertainment platform has steadily churned out top-notch genre titles for years. Finally, audiences are discovering what you and I have known for a while. The problem with Apple TV Plus is that its library is packed with high-quality programs, and it can be confusing to determine which one to click play on first. But that won't discourage you. How do I know? You could've gone to Ne

Topics: apple plus sci series tv

Amazon Is Clearing Out Fire TV Sticks, Prices Crash to a Level That’s Simply Too Good to Miss

Amazon is running one of its biggest Fire TV stick sales of the year and the record-low prices are mind-blowing. This flash sale is open to everyone so it’s a great time if you’re looking to upgrade their home entertainment system. With prices comparable to the best of Black Friday and Prime Day, the only problem is how long these prices will remain in effect before supplies are exhausted. As the center of Amazon’s streaming device lineup, the Fire TV Stick 4K is the top-selling model and headl

Sony Bravia 8 II OLED TV Review: Strikingly Clear

If you’re looking for a premium 2025 TV, the latest round of the best OLEDs has you spoiled for choice. With LG and Panasonic using LG’s new breakthrough four-stack panel, and Samsung and Sony sharing Samsung’s most advanced QD-OLED panel yet, there are four tantalizing top-tier OLED TVs hitting stores this year, each one offering a notable brightness boost to go along with OLED’s many other talents. What Sony has done with Samsung’s new display is, in a word, beautiful. The awkwardly named Bra

Topics: ii lg panel sony tv

Best Buy will give you a free Sony 4K TV for a limited time - how to qualify for the deal

The Sony Bravia 5 TV. Kerry Wan/ZDNET Sony is most known for its high-end OLED TVs and home audio equipment, but its Mini LED and midrange LED models still offer impressive picture and audio quality, even if you opt for an older model. And right now at Best Buy (or Sony), when you buy a 98-inch Sony Bravia 5 at the regular price, you'll get a 65-inch Bravia X90L for free. That's a $1,200 TV you can use as a second screen in your home. Also: The best 98-inch TVs you can buy Here's the deal wit

Topics: best bravia inch sony tv

Why I still recommend these Sonos headphones over competing models - including AirPods

Jada Jones/ZDNET Editor's note: This article was first published on June 6, 2025, and updated on June 10, 2025, when Sonos announced the Ace's latest software updates. It's been one year since Sonos released its first pair of consumer headphones, and although they made waves when they first dropped, how have they fared after the hype has died down? You can often find the Ace discounted for up to $120 off their original price, and if you're interested in them, that's the best time to buy them.

My Cord-Cutting Adventure (2020)

For starters, the consumer electronics industry, normally so eager to sell us computers, laptops, pads, phones, and watches; the industry that for 30 years has sold us VCRs, competed over Beta vs VHS and Super-VHS (look it up, it existed), then sold us DVDs, DVD recorders with DVD-R and DVD-RW, then sold us DVRs that recorded standard definition, then sold us Blu-Ray players of increasing degrees of quality and declining prices...these days, they've utterly given up selling us anything that can