Latest news, developments and reporting on Products & Applications.
Google announced new agentic features for Maps' Ask Maps, including food ordering, hotel booking, event tickets, and personalized responses using Gmail and Calendar.
Financial advisors now recommend that retirees hold 40% to 80% in equities to counter inflation and longevity risk, challenging the old conservative approach. Tailored allocation and regular reviews are key.
VettaFi's Todd Rosenbluth says collateralized loan obligation ETFs could be the next big push in the industry as investors await Fed clarity and seek yield without long-term maturity risk.
The $500bn beauty industry faces sustainability challenges, but inconsistent efforts and missing standards fuel greenwashing and consumer confusion, experts say.
A PC builder recounts how Dropbox saved his work twice when SSDs failed, calling it essential digital insurance.
A The Verge report examines how AI detectors, despite dubious accuracy, are widely used and causing distrust and harm.
Tom Vek's smaller, cheaper Sleevenote music player is here, with limited Day One Editions for $349.
The Verge’s Installer newsletter features the return of Ted Lasso Season 4 and recommendations for new gadgets, including Peak Design’s City Backpack, Bose QuietComfort headphones, and Notability for Android.
Meetily is a free, open-source meeting assistant that transcribes and summarizes calls locally on Windows and macOS, protecting privacy and avoiding subscription fees.
TCL Note A1 Nxtpaper hybrid tablet reviewed: matte LCD aids note-taking and video, but writing feel falls short.
Redmi launched its K100 Pro phones, while reviewers tested the MSI Claw EX, Insta360 X6, Dell XPS 13, and more.
Wired reviews Xteink X4 Pro, a tiny e-reader that snaps onto your phone. It has a 4.3-inch touchscreen, new design, but no built-in bookstore, requiring users to bring their own books.
Wired tested 22 red-light therapy devices; Hairmax LaserBand and CurrentBody helmet showed visible hair regrowth, while Shark CryoGlow mask improved skin.
WhatsApp has begun rolling out group chat updates, including an @all mention, new poll controls, and easier creation of sub-group chats, as announced in an August 4 release.
Reuters reports Volkswagen plans a US-built pickup by 2030 to revive its American business; VW declined to comment.
The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope has confirmed tiny plasma vortexes on the Sun’s surface, a phenomenon predicted more than a century ago.
Ars Technica looks back at the pre-Google internet, when search engines were quirky, fragile, and just one part of a larger web ecosystem.
The three major U.S. carriers provide SIM swap protection settings. AT&T has August deals, and a T-Mobile user says switching to Mint drastically reduced his bill.
Microsoft issued a Windows 11 quality progress report with promises to fix File Explorer, Search, and Start. ZDNet says it offers few benchmarks and confirms years of neglect.
Wi-Fi 7 adoption in the US quadrupled to 7.2% of routers, according to Ookla data reported by ZDNet.
Fall 2026 tech guides from ZDNet, Wired and Engadget cover top earbuds, robot mowers, compression boots and Bluetooth rules.
ZDNET named the Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver the best overall electric screwdriver of 2026 after hands-on testing, praising its compact size, long battery life, and USB-C charging.
Anker's travel adapter drops to $20; experts and Wired tests recommend Anker 737, Jackery and Bluetti solar gear for trips.
Engadget reports iOS 18 adds new ways to hide apps on iPhone and iPad, including Face ID and a Hidden folder.