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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-23
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.com
· 2026-09-11
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.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-31
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.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-31
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.com
· 2026-08-28
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.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-28
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.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-27
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.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-27
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.com
· 2026-08-27
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.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-26
Garmin has launched the Fenix 9, 9 Pro and 9 Pro Solar smartwatches, arriving August 28th starting at $1,299 for the Pro model. The Fenix 9 Pro upgrades to a 1.5-inch AMOLED screen hitting 3,000 nits, roughly double the brightness of the Fenix 8 Pro's 1,500-nit panel, and adds a titanium watch case, 64GB storage and new ComfortFit woven bands.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-25
OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Work, a version of its assistant that goes beyond answering questions to actually performing multi-step tasks like browsing the web, managing files, and completing sequences of actions autonomously. The feature is available to both free and paid ChatGPT users, though paid tiers unlock greater capacity for agentic tasks.
zdnet.com
· 2026-08-24
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