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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…

ZDNET Well, that wasn’t fun. Last week, Ars Technica ran a report about 33 Chrome extensions that have been found to have malware. And yeah, yesterday I found that I had one of them installed. You can read the Ars article for a list to check yourself. One seemed familiar: Reader Mode. It was intended to clear a page of all non-text to make it more readable, like Safari’s Reader Mode. I haven’t run it for…

Testing the DJI Power 1000 power station. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Remember those bulky power banks that could barely keep your phone charged? Forget them! Power stations are the new rockstars of portable electricity. In just a few years, they’ve exploded in popularity, transforming from niche products to a dazzling array of options. Now you can find everything from compact, grab-and-go systems perfect for camping adventures to heavy-duty units that can keep your entire house running for…

This smartwatch survived a 15K Tough Mudder. Matthew Miller/ZDNET With advanced features such as voice assistants, crash detection, call and text support, and long battery lives, modern smartwatches are far more than just an accessory. And thanks to powerful sensors and extensive app suites, they’ve become one of the most popular health and fitness trackers, too. How do we test and evaluate these smartwatches at ZDNET? How well is the watch supported by a smartphone companion? What functions…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET 2024 is over, with the holidays and New Year’s Eve now consigned to memory. It’s been quite a year for Apple, with the company releasing a whole slew of products, updating old favorites such as the iPhone, Apple Watch and Macs, and releasing a brand new product in the form of the Vision Pro, something that looks like it’s been taking straight from a sci-fi movie. Before we get back to our regularly…

Intel It’s a new year, which means one thing: CES 2025, or the Consumer Electronics Show, is here. It’s a big yearly event where tech companies show off what’s coming in 2025 and beyond. Intel is set to have a big year because it is set to launch the second generation of its Core Ultra processors. The series comprises 24 unique models split across three major builds: the Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7, and Ultra…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The power bank is very powerful It features three charging pads, along with USB-C, USB-A, and DC ports However, it is heavy and somewhat bulky. more buying choices Power banks have become much smarter over the years. While you can still pick up a plastic box with a few batteries inside and a USB port or two on the outside, most are more advanced now. There are fewer power banks and more…

Broader implications for US infrastructure The Salt Typhoon revelations follow a broader pattern of state-sponsored cyber operations targeting the US technology ecosystem. The telecom sector, serving as a backbone for industries including finance, energy, and transportation, remains particularly vulnerable to such attacks. While Chinese officials have dismissed the accusations as disinformation, the recurring breaches underscore the pressing need for international collaboration and policy enforcement to deter future attacks. The Salt Typhoon campaign has uncovered alarming…