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CNET Group has released TechPulse, a free iOS and Android app that combines articles and videos from ZDNET, CNET, PCMag, Mashable, Lifehacker, and ExtremeTech into a single feed. Users can filter the feed to show only certain publications, and all content is accessible without a subscription.
A recent survey reveals that 78% of managers have used AI tools in the past year to assist with preparing employee feedback and performance evaluations. Meanwhile, nearly 70% of employees report using AI regularly at work, though only a small fraction are aware that AI influences their reviews. The impact on feedback quality varies, with some employees finding it more specific and actionable, while others see it as more generic and less useful.
Samsung paused a SmartThings software update for its smart refrigerators in Korea after owners reported units losing power, screens failing, doors not auto-opening, and internal lights not turning on, leading to spoiled food. A Samsung representative confirmed on the company's forum that an error occurred during testing of the update and that emergency repairs were being handled through service centers. ZDNET Korea reported the faulty update reached users due to a system error, and Samsung said distribution has been stopped.
Apple quietly confirmed in a footnote to its iPhone 18 Pro announcement that existing iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users will keep free access to its satellite connectivity features for an extra year beyond the standard two-year trial. The extension applies automatically to anyone who activated their device before midnight PT on September 9 in a supported country, marking the third time Apple has prolonged this free trial.
ZDNET published a roundup of the ten products its readers bought most often over the past month, with phone cases making up a large share of the list. The list is compiled from actual reader purchase data through ZDNET's affiliate links rather than editorial rankings alone.
Satechi has released the OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub, an $80 accessory that doubles as a tablet, phone, or laptop stand and a USB-C dock. A ZDNET reviewer tested the device and found it solved long-standing ergonomic and connectivity problems that had left previous tablets gathering dust.
A ZDNET contributor describes tackling a Google Photos library of more than 22,000 photos and videos accumulated since 2016 by breaking the task into manageable daily habits rather than one huge sorting session. The approach relies on features like Google Photos' and Apple Photos' 'On This Day' memory notifications to review small batches of images regularly instead of trying to sort the whole archive at once.
ZDNET is hosting a multi-round 'Big Guessing Game' where readers predict Apple's September 2026 announcements, such as a foldable iPhone or touchscreen MacBook, to win an Apple Watch. The contest's final round closes at 11:59 pm ET on September 1, with winners determined after Apple's event based on correct guesses. Early results show readers split, with 55% doubting a foldable iPhone and 28% expecting a touchscreen MacBook.
A ZDNET reviewer who has used the Galaxy Z Fold 8 since its July launch suggests changing four camera settings rather than relying on Samsung's defaults. The phone has two 50MP cameras and no telephoto lens, but the reviewer notes that enabling a hi-res mode and installing the hidden Camera Assistant tool can improve zoomed and detailed shots. Setting the default photo resolution to 24MP is recommended as the best balance of detail and file size.
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.
OpenAI has rolled out a feature within its agentic ChatGPT Work tool that lets the AI log into password-protected websites on a user's behalf. After an initial manual login, ChatGPT stores the session's cookies and reuses them for future visits, meaning it no longer needs to ask for credentials each time. The feature is limited to ChatGPT Pro and Plus subscribers and is meant to help the AI complete multi-step tasks like renewing a passport or comparing insurance costs.
ZDNET published a guide showing how an unused computer monitor can be converted into a functional television, typically by adding an external streaming device or tuner and speakers since most monitors lack built-in audio and tuning hardware. The guide is part of ZDNET's product recommendation coverage, which discloses that the outlet may earn affiliate commissions from linked retailer purchases.