How I block ads with a $7 Raspberry Pi alternative - it's easy

Raspberry Pi boards have gotten expensive, so I've been looking for cheaper alternatives. I found one in a tiny ESP32-S3 board.

Google's big Android sideloading crackdown has a 24-hour catch - how the new limits work

Sideloading Android apps will become such a hassle that the practice will effectively die.

I put the new Siri AI through a 10-round test on my Mac - here's how it did

I tried the new Siri on my Mac, and although it's off to a promising start, Apple still has more work to do.

7 plug-in gadgets that make your wall outlets far more useful (including a lifesaver)

These plug-in gadgets easily enhance your home's routine.

The best power banks of 2026: Expert and lab tested

I tested the best power banks, from big units that can keep laptops running for hours to ones that can charge to 100% in under one hour.

Here's a portable power bank that's actually worth its high price - especially if you travel

The Cuktech 15 Air is a small yet energy-dense power bank that earns a ZDNET Lab Awards badge as the fastest-charging power bank we've tested.

I tested the best MacOS alternative on Linux again - and it even mimics Liquid Glass now

PearOS has been promising to become the MacOS of Linux for some time now, and the latest release just might deliver.

We tested 10 power banks in our lab - and this one had the fastest charge

ZDNET's latest Lab Award goes to the power bank that charged to 100% the fastest.

These useful Amazon gadgets are up to 68% off - here's why I recommend them

Amazon is slashing its smart home prices ahead of Prime Day, and these deals on Echo, Ring, Blink, and other devices are actually worth your money.

Malicious apps got into the Arch User Repository - how to protect yourself

For the second time in a week, the AUR was found to contain malicious applications. What can Arch Linux users do about this?

KDE Plasma 6.7 has way more useful features than I expected - and you'll likely get it soon

The latest release of one of the finest desktop environments on the market is here, and there's plenty to be excited about.

I've spent years with immutable Linux - RakuOS fixed my biggest annoyance

Immutable Linux is the future of OS security, but the current distributions do have one particular limitation that RakuOS has overcome.

This 55-inch Fire TV on Amazon costs just $280 - and I can actually recommend it

You can snag a 55-inch Amazon Fire TV Omni QLED Series with this early Prime Day deal.

Your Android phone keyboard may be tracking your inputs - how to check (and 2 ways to stop it)

Your Android keyboard may be collecting more than you realize. Here are two ways to take back your privacy, but I only trust one.

Amazon has discounted a Lenovo IdeaPad for 73% off, and it's actually worth considering

Over at Amazon, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1i has dropped to $300, making it one of the best laptop deals available on the platform.

How I'm using this $13 smart plug to automate my house with voice commands

Imagine turning your holiday lights, lamps, and fans on or off from anywhere in the house or outdoors for cheap. This plug - now on sale - makes it happen.

These are the 11 best early Prime Day phone deals I'd actually buy myself

Prime Day 2026 is next week. Save hundreds right now on early phone deals, including the Google Pixel 10 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S26, and Motorola Edge.

The 8 best early Prime Day headphone deals: Apple, Bose, Sony, and more deals I'd buy myself

Prime Day is right around the corner, and I've found the best headphone deals - many of which are recent, flagship releases from Apple, Sony, Bose, and more.

The DIY era of smartwatches has begun - Google and Apple already have me hooked

Google's Create My Widget and Apple's new Shortcuts feature prove we're in a DIY era of automation.

Android 17 is out now, with a fresh Pixel Drop for June - here's what's new

You're getting productivity tricks, bubbles, new AI models, upgraded security, and more.