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Schlage Smart home security brand Schlage unveiled two new smart door locks at CES 2025 that help modernize house access. The first is the Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt, which has the unique ability to unlock doors automatically.  According to the announcement, the Sense Pro utilizes Ultra Wideband (UWB) radio signals and a “user’s paired and authorized personal device” (like a smartphone) to “intelligently calculate speed, trajectory, and motion.” It then takes this input to unlock…

The Acer Aspire Vero 16 (2024) was one of our favorite laptops last year. Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET Today at CES, Acer announced a handful of updated laptops across its flagship Swift, Swift Go, and Vero lines, including new all-in-one desktop computers and additional Copilot+ PCs.  Also: This Thunderbolt 4 cable alternative offers the same speed and longer sizes for 40% less It’s broadening its offering of Copilot+ PCs, introducing an Intel device (the Acer Aspire 14…

HP/ZDNET At CES 2025, HP announced several new laptops, desktops, and an AIO computer. They range from consumer-grade and gaming hardware to office machines with interesting designs. From the looks of things, the company isn’t going to reinvent or totally overhaul any of its products, instead taking everything that worked well in 2024 and upping the ante with improved hardware. Also: ZDNET joins CNET Group to award the Best of CES, and you can submit your entry now AI…

And Microsoft isn’t the only one that is ramping up its investments into AI-enabled data centers. Rival cloud service providers are all investing in either upgrading or opening new data centers to capture a larger chunk of business from developers and users of large language models (LLMs).  In a report published in October 2024, Bloomberg Intelligence estimated that demand for generative AI would push Microsoft, AWS, Google, Oracle, Meta, and Apple would between them devote…

The world of mechanical keyboards can feel exclusive but overwhelming at the same time. Personally, it took me a while to figure out what I want, like, and need in a mechanical keyboard. Components like switches, bases, and keycaps can make each one extremely different. That is why we tested a wide range of options, considering factors like environment, noise, convenience, form factor, and more. Also: The best iPad keyboard cases you can buy Tech…

Hisense Today at CES 2025, Hisense announced its first Micro LED display TV, the 136MX.  The company claims its new flagship TV was developed in response to the consumer demand for larger, more immersive screens that maintain durability and long-term performance. Larger indeed. As its name might suggest, the panel measures an astounding 136 inches.   Micro LED technology is different from mini LED in that it doesn’t require a separate backlighting system. Also — as…

TiVo TiVo, the company that pioneered the DVR market, is returning to America in a new way. The company announced today that it’s teaming up with Sharp to offer TiVo-powered TVs in the US as soon as next month. TiVo will join Roku, Tizen, webOS, Google TV, and a host of other smart TV operating systems.  Also: The best TVs you can buy: Expert tested The exact specs and prices weren’t revealed, but TiVo did…

T3 Magazine/Getty Images You have a new alternative if you need a long-distance Thunderbolt cable to connect peripherals to your Apple devices but can’t stomach the price tag those cables carry.  OWC just introduced a USB4 active optical cable available in 3-meter and 4.5-meter versions (just under 10 feet and 15 feet), priced at $94.99 and $128.99 respectively. available in 3-meter and 4.5-meter versions (just under 10 feet and 15 feet), priced at $94.99 and $128.99 respectively….

Zscaler ThreatLabz research team has revealed critical insights and predictions on ransomware trends for 2025. The latest Ransomware Report uncovered a surge in sophisticated tactics and extortion attacks. As ransomware remains a key concern for CISOs and CIOs, the report sheds light on actionable strategies to mitigate risks. Top Ransomware Predictions for 2025: ● AI-Powered Social Engineering: In 2025, GenAI will fuel voice phishing (vishing) attacks. With the proliferation of GenAI-based tooling, initial access broker…

ZDNET When X first came out with its chatbot, it was behind a paywall. But TANSTAAFL notwithstanding, X recently opened up Grok to the world. So I decided to throw my programming tests at it. Also: How I test an AI chatbot’s coding ability – and you can, too I’ve always been a bit intrigued by Grok because of the name. Grok was coined by Robert Heinlein, one of my very favorite science fiction writers. I fully credit…