Breville has launched the Eye Q 850 Auto Toaster, a $300 device that uses a pulsing internal light sensor to track the bread's color as it toasts, rather than relying solely on a timer or fixed temperature settings. A CNET reviewer tested the toaster for a month and found the sensor-based approach generally delivers consistent results, though with some caveats worth noting. The sensor only operates in the left slot, and the machine features a motorized lift instead of a spring-loaded pop-up mechanism.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-17
CNET is revisiting its original 2007 review of the first iPhone, written by Kent German and Donald Bell, as Apple prepares to launch the foldable iPhone Duo starting at $2,000. The original review praised the iPhone's design but criticized its missing features, slow EDGE network, and $499 price tag, which required a two-year AT&T contract.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-16
CNET reviewed a low-cost sliding pizza peel, a wooden board fitted with a manual conveyor belt made of nonstick, fiberglass-like material rather than actual cloth. Instead of shoving a rigid peel entirely under a raw pizza, users only need to get the leading edge under the dough before pulling the conveyor toward themselves to load it, then reversing the motion to launch it into the oven.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-16
CNET published its daily hints and full solutions for the NYT Strands puzzle #924, dated September 13. The puzzle's theme, tied to secret agents and espionage, centers on the spangram UNDERCOVER along with related words like MOLE, AGENT, ASSET, PLANT, OPERATIVE and COUNTERSPY.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-12
Apple introduced its first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, at a launch event where CEO John Ternus showed off the $2,000 passport-style device with dual 48-megapixel rear cameras. The phone opens for preorder Oct. 16 and hits stores Oct. 23, arriving years after competitors already established the foldable phone category. CNET staff writers offered varied reactions, from excitement about foldables regaining relevance to skepticism about buying the very first version.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-11
A CNET survey found that 52% of US adults would consider upgrading their smartphone mainly for longer battery life, while 55% cited price as their top motivator. The findings arrive just before Apple's Sept. 9 event, where the company is expected to unveil its first foldable phone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and Ultra models.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-09
CNET's latest People's Picks survey asked readers to rate phone brands on customer satisfaction, battery longevity, and price-to-value. Google came out on top with a 4.52 out of 5 average score, narrowly edging out Motorola at 4.45, while Samsung and Apple trailed with 4.19 and 3.87 respectively.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-08
A CNET survey found 55% of US adults say a lower price would push them to upgrade their phone, while 52% cite longer battery life and 38% want more storage. Only 12% said AI features would motivate an upgrade, and just 13% said a new form factor like a foldable would sway them. The findings come ahead of Apple's Sept. 9 event, where the company is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone alongside new iPhone 18 Pro models.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-07
A longtime home cook recounts how years of daily air fryer use narrowed the range of dishes she still prepares in a conventional oven. She names nine specific foods—including hard-boiled eggs, salmon, cheeseburgers and whole roasted chicken—where the air fryer consistently outperformed the oven. The piece also points to CNET's current top-rated air fryer, which features a glass cooking chamber that doubles as storage.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-04
Sony has added three models to its ULT Power Sound lineup: the flagship ULT Tower Max at $1,500, plus the ULT Tower 7 and ULT Tower 5, both priced at $650. The Tower Max weighs 121 pounds and packs three woofers, four tweeters and midrange drivers, while all three units feature redesigned drivers, built-in handles, and XLR, RCA and USB-C ports for DJ or karaoke use.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-01
CNET published the full solution set for the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle dated Sept. 1, 2026, listing all across and down clues with their answers. Highlights include a British Royal Family reference, with 4-Down clued as Prince Archie's relation to Harry and Meghan, answered SON.
cnet.com
· 2026-09-01
A CNET writer shares a simple method for poaching eggs using only a bowl of salted water and a microwave, skipping the stovetop entirely. The process involves cracking an egg into a water-filled ramekin and microwaving it for roughly 40 to 60 seconds depending on desired yolk firmness, then lifting it out with a slotted spoon.
cnet.com
· 2026-08-31
GoKawiil