NETWORKING

Getty Images/Yaroslav Kushta With the rise of generative AI, synthetic images and text have become common knowledge — but are you familiar with synthetic data? As the name implies, the term refers to data that is artificially generated and used to replace real data. It is used to create solutions for healthcare, finance, the automotive industry, and, most importantly, artificial intelligence. Synthetic data is such an integral part of the digital revolution that South by…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Cuktech 30 is a compact yet powerful power bank that can output a maximum of 300W. It can recharge in under 2.5 hours thanks to 140W USB-C charging At 40,000mAh/144Wh, it’s too big to take on an airplane. Power banks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to attach to your phone, while others are so big and bulky they come with a handle. Occasionally, you’ll find one…

ZDNET I’ve lost count of how many web browsers I’ve tested and used over the years. From text-based to the weird and wonderful, I’ve tried them all. Knowing how many web browsers are available, it never ceases to amaze me that some languish in the shadows of obscurity — even those that are superior to the ones most people use. I believe that many of those alternative browsers aren’t more widely used because most people…

ma_rish/Getty Images AI is permeating nearly every industry, and, as a result, it is a powerful skill for working professionals or those soon entering the workforce to master. To help more people learn AI skills and technologies, Nvidia established the Deep Learning Institute University Ambassador Program, which equips educators with resources to teach state-of-the-art AI workshops. This program is now expanding to a new state. Also: Open AI, Anthropic invite US scientists to experiment with frontier…

Maria Diaz/ZDNET Since I discovered that Amazon had plans to (and now has) discontinued the ability to download Kindle files to your computer, I’ve been writing a lot about the Kindle ecosystem. I talked about how to sideload ebook files onto your Kindle, how to convert formats so the Kindle can read them, where to get free ebooks, and even how to get deals so you can upgrade an old Kindle and save some cash….

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET If your computer desktop looks a little chaotic and you’re noticing some performance slowdown, it might be time to do a cleanup. The best way to keep things running smoothly is to ensure you’re running the most updated version of Windows (you’d be surprised how many folks’ devices are several updates behind). But if you’re up-to-date, there are other things you can do to optimize. Also: I tested a Windows PC that outdoes…

Meta/ZDNET If you’ve been holding off on the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses because they just weren’t fancy enough, your time is here. Meta unveiled its “first-ever fashion-branded collaboration” yesterday, launching the limited-edition Ray-Ban Meta x Coperni glasses. The glasses have the standard Ray-Ban Wayfarer frames, but in a transparent black shade with the Coperni logo and gray mirror lenses. Also: I took my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses fly fishing, and they beat GoPro in several surprising…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET In the age of smart TVs, convenience is king. With just a few clicks, we can dive into endless entertainment — but that ease comes with a downside: the buildup of cache data. Also: The best TVs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed Just like on your phone or computer, a cluttered TV cache can lead to sluggish performance, app crashes, and even hinder new content from loading properly. That’s why it’s important to…

ZDNET’s key takeaways A premium quality pocket tool with a good selection of tools for under $30. All the tools are nice and sharp when new, and retain their sharpness even after extended use. Because this is a pocket tool, don’t expect pliers or a lifetime warranty. more buying choices I’ve been a big fan of multitools and pocket tools for decades. I’ve owned several items from big names like Leatherman, Gerber, and Victorinox. Some…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Is your smart TV feeling a little sluggish? If it’s lagging between scenes or responding slowly to your remote, you’re not alone. Many users deal with frustrating screen judder and unresponsive controls — but there are ways to fix it. Also: I tested the LG G5 OLED beside the industry’s best TVs – and it made the G4 look outdated Modern TVs have plenty of features and apps (and services that run in…