NETWORKING

ZDNET I’m an Android user and have been since version 1.5 of the OS. Over the past year or so, Google has switched its default assistant to its powerful AI solution, Gemini. For a while, I used Gemini on Android to get answers to my questions. I even made use of Gemini Live (which is quite impressive). But recently, I’ve been defaulting to a different AI service, Perplexity. I’ve installed the Perplexity app on Android,…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vivobook S 15, Asus’ first Copilot+ PC, normally retails for over $1,000, but it’s currently on sale at Walmart for $668. It’s sleek and lightweight with a gorgeous OLED, 120Hz display, great battery life, and snappy performance. However, because of the nature of Windows on ARM laptops, some apps might still not be optimized. What’s the deal? Asus’ Vivobook S 15 laptop is currently marked down to $668 at Walmart for…

ZDNET iPhone users can now tap into Google’s Deep Research agent to research a topic on their behalf. Added to the Gemini website in December and to the Android app last month, the tool is now making its way to the iPhone version. Be aware, though, that Deep Research is available only to Gemini Advanced users who pay $20 a month for the subscription. Also: Google Gemini’s lock screen update is a game-changer for my phone Deep…

It’s time to bring in the new with our next ethical hacking Capture the Flag challenge in Cisco U., Pentest Quest – Nmap & Kali. Since introducing our Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking back in October, we’ve continued our commitment to keeping you at least one step ahead of threat actors—and providing you with the evidence to prove it. New to the certificate program or need a refresher? View the certificate program infographic. If you’ve…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The InfinaCore 2024 has a Qi2 MagSafe charging pad and two other pads for the Apple Watch and AirPods. The charging stand is strong, stable, and minimalist. It doesn’t come with a wall charger, so you’ll need to provide one. I’ve tested many wireless charging stands over the years, and I find them to be a convenient option if you own all three of Apple’s main devices: the iPhone, Apple Watch, and…

ZDNET I’ve been writing for over 30 years. When I first started, I worked from a legal pad and a pen, trying my best to forge my way the best I knew how. I can still remember sitting backstage for Tartuffe (the title character didn’t enter until Act 3, Scene 2, so I had plenty of time on my hands) and writing my first attempt at a short story. Even before that, way back in…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET This review was originally published on September 12, 2024, and was updated on February 11, 2025. What’s the deal? On Amazon, every single configuration of Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL has seen a $200 discount. Prices now start at $899. ZDNET’s key takeaways The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has a starting price of $1,099, while the Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999. For the price, you’re getting a larger, brighter-than-ever 6.8-inch display, exclusive…

Yuliya Taba/Getty Images VPNs are a hot topic among ZDNET readers. Many of you use VPNs to protect your communications, protect your privacy or location, or to location-shift your apparent physical address (which may or may not violate various sites’ terms of service). Also: Is a VPN-ready router the ultimate Wi-Fi upgrade? I tested one to find out If you’re not familiar with what a VPN does, my VPN explainer will give you a really…

Galeanu Mihai/Getty Images What if I told you that the biggest winner in this AI arms race isn’t OpenAI, Meta, Google… or even DeepSeek? This company is quietly winning, and nobody’s talking about it. 🫣 Also: From zero to millions? How regular people are cashing in on AI And when I say winning, I don’t mean hype. “One day, a magical company will change the world and revolutionize AI blah blah blah…” Nah!!! This ain’t hypothetical….