The 10 most popular products ZDNET readers bought this month (including lots of phone cases)
ZDNet
From phone cases to antivirus software, these are the top tech gadgets and useful items our readers actually purchased in August.
August 31st 2026, 5:07 pm
We found the best Labor Day 2026 streaming deals (including a $20 Fire Stick)
ZDNet
Labor Day deals are already making this a great time to buy a streaming device, and these prices are hard to beat.
August 31st 2026, 5:07 pm
Gemini Notebook can analyze your Google Play books now: 3 ways I use this feature
ZDNet
Import a supported Google Play book, and Gemini Notebook will use it as a source of information to generate reports, quizzes, podcasts, and more.
August 31st 2026, 5:07 pm
I wore Coros and Garmin's sub-$300 sports watches - both are excellent, but one lasts longer
ZDNet
Not into the chunky sports watches? The Garmin Forerunner 170 and Coros Pace 4 are ultralight devices for athletes with smaller wrists. Here's how they compare.
August 31st 2026, 5:07 pm
'Sophisticated' AI swarm attacks are months away, OpenAI warns: What experts say businesses must do
ZDNet
OpenAI sounds a solemn and dire alarm, but we're woefully unprepared for what's coming.
August 31st 2026, 5:07 pm
How an $80 accessory turned my tablet from mouse pad to productivity powerhouse
ZDNet
I never realized how revolutionary a simple stand could be. And the Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub does so much more than hold my tablet.
August 31st 2026, 5:07 pm
Microsoft's latest Windows update breaks cursors, wallpaper, and more - what to do if you're affecte
ZDNet
Here's what to know about the glitch, and the only action you can take for now.
August 31st 2026, 1:35 pm
I used Perplexity's AI agent in Windows to tackle 5 complex tasks - here's what impressed me most
ZDNet
No longer limited to the Mac, Perplexity's Personal Computer for Windows AI can complete complex tasks on your PC with little or no input from you.
August 31st 2026, 1:22 pm
Amazon just dropped the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones down to 50% off - the lowest price yet
ZDNet
Sony's excellent noise-canceling headphones just hit an all-time low price ahead of Labor Day.
August 31st 2026, 1:22 pm
I compared the cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Pixel 11 Pro Fold - and one pulled ahead
ZDNet
I put the two phones' cameras to the test on a recent trip to Germany. It was close, but one phone edged out the other.
August 31st 2026, 11:53 am
How Android 17 stops network snoops and SMS blasters now - with ECH and a 2G kill switch
ZDNet
The latest Android 17 update adds broad support for Encrypted Client Hello, among other changes. Here's how they work.
August 31st 2026, 9:21 am
5 ways I actually use ChatGPT Work in my small business to save time and money
ZDNet
From scanning Gmail to catching ugly loan terms, ChatGPT Work has become my practical small-business assistant. Here's how agentic AI delivers real productivity gains for me.
August 31st 2026, 8:37 am
This pocket AI voice recorder took me back to the good old days of dictation (and shorthand)
ZDNet
The Comulytic Note Pro AI voice recorder packs a lot of power into a credit card-sized device. But its usefulness is up to you.
August 29th 2026, 9:04 am
This $14 retractable USB-C cable is my secret to surviving long car rides with my kids
ZDNet
Talix's USB-C cable is compact and powerful enough to charge a laptop, and it's nearly 40% off.
August 28th 2026, 2:59 pm
Even an AI cost-management vendor can lose control of its agent spending
ZDNet
In one instance, an AI agent stayed open for four days and ran 4,819 calls for almost $4,000. No one had budgeted for this cost.
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
How to get free Google AI Pro for an entire year - and save $240: 3 ways
ZDNet
Google is offering its premium AI subscription plan for free. It usually costs $20 a month - and comes with many benefits.
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
91% of professionals say their firm still falls short on AI - how to fix that
ZDNet
Research suggests a gap between AI ambition and on-the-ground reality, but the good news is that professionals can fill it by focusing on well-grounded explorations and solid production use cases.
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
I've tested dozens of robot vacuums - this new $599 Roborock has all the features I need
ZDNet
The Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro is a midrange robot vacuum and mop with a hands-free cleaning experience.
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
Want a free Apple Watch? Play ZDNET's 'Guessing Game' to win one - only 4 days left
ZDNet
It's the third and final round of ZDNET's Big Guessing Game. What do you think Apple will announce?
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
This Linux and Windows app makes managing all your documents easier
ZDNet
If you're a student, writer, or professional juggling documents, this app can help keep you organized.
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
3 surveys deliver the same uncomfortable truth about adopting agentic AI
ZDNet
Scaling AI in business is less about technology and more about accountability, governance, and healthy relationships between humans and agents.
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
stillOS offers one of the best Linux onboarding experiences I've ever seen
ZDNet
I've experienced first steps with countless Linux distributions over the years, but this one nails every step of the way for users of all types.
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
How I sorted 22,000 digital photos without getting overwhelmed: 4 easy tricks
ZDNet
Want to organize your photos but don't know where to start? Here are my methods for tackling a massive cloud library.
August 28th 2026, 2:04 pm
These Mammotion robot lawn mowers can climb hills - and they're up to $560 off right now
ZDNet
The Mammotion LUBA 3 AWD 3000H and the LUBA Mini 2 mowers are both heavily discounted - here's which you should get.
August 28th 2026, 6:48 am
Lawsuit says Oura sleep tracking has 'a coin flip's chance of being correct'
ZDNet
The class action lawsuit claims that Oura's sleep-tracking mechanisms sell 'faulty AI-based inference as reliable science.'
August 27th 2026, 7:31 pm
Galaxy Z Fold 8 camera trouble? 4 settings I recommend changing now
ZDNet
The cameras on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 work best when they're pushed to their limits. Here are the settings I changed to get the best results.
August 27th 2026, 2:50 pm
Sony's new Bravia 6 OLED TV aims to bring flagship visuals to the $1,300 price point
ZDNet
The Bravia 6 OLED TV is a new entry-level option in a variety of screen sizes.
August 27th 2026, 1:01 pm
How accurate are sleep trackers? Lawsuit says Oura rings have 'a coin flip's chance of being correct
ZDNet
The class action lawsuit claims that Oura's sleep-tracking mechanisms sell 'faulty AI-based inference as reliable science.'
August 27th 2026, 1:01 pm
Apple escaped Android's 'toxic hellstew' - now Siri AI is creating a new one
ZDNet
Apple's new toxic hellstew is a battle over regulation, litigation, and keeping your data safe.
August 27th 2026, 1:01 pm
How AI-armed script kiddies will soon wield the power of state-sponsored threat actors
ZDNet
Low-skill hacktivists are now 'enabled with the same tooling and sophistication as a state-sponsored group,' according to cybersecurity consultant Unit 42.
August 27th 2026, 1:01 pm
This excellent HP laptop is nearly 50% off at Best Buy - and comes with a cheap TV
ZDNet
Snag the HP OmniBook 3 16-inch laptop for under $700, plus get a 43-inch Toshiba smart TV for just $99 when you bundle at Best Buy.
August 27th 2026, 1:01 pm
How Facebook and Instagram will change after Meta's $18B settlement - and where the money is going
ZDNet
The suit alleges that Meta designed its platforms to be addicting to young people.
August 27th 2026, 9:30 am
Is your really old iPhone still worth anything or just e-waste? How to tell
ZDNet
I found my old iPhone 4 in a drawer and wondered: Does it work? Is it worth anything? What should I do with it? I went looking for answers.
August 27th 2026, 9:30 am
Plaud's first AI earbuds have arrived - what they can do
ZDNet
Can these new wearables deliver on the long-anticipated promises of AI earbuds?
August 27th 2026, 9:30 am
ChatGPT can log into your web accounts without you now - but should you let it?
ZDNet
OpenAI's agentic ChatGPT Work can sign in to your online accounts without any interaction on your part. Is that a privacy risk?
August 27th 2026, 9:30 am
The 5 best Linux alternatives to Windows in 2026 (that aren't Mint)
ZDNet
Looking to leave Windows? I've used Linux for years and there's never better a better time to make the leap.
August 27th 2026, 7:59 am
The best iPad Air cases of 2026: Expert tested
ZDNet
The right case can take your iPad Air to the next level. These are our favorite iPad Air cases from brands like Apple, Burga, and Logitech.
August 27th 2026, 7:31 am
Apple sets its iPhone 18 event for September: A new foldable and CEO could steal the show
ZDNet
Is a foldable iPhone finally in our future? We'll be on the ground on Sept. 9 to find out.
August 26th 2026, 9:20 pm
How to sideload Android apps on your phone in 2026 - and what's behind the changes
ZDNet
If you're into installing Android apps outside the Google Play Store, you should be aware that the process has changed and now includes a waiting period.
August 26th 2026, 2:30 pm
Will plug-in solar plus batteries solve your power problem? I did the math
ZDNet
It can't be just about harvesting solar power - it's also about storage, and time-shifting cheap, off-peak power to times when it's more expensive.
August 26th 2026, 2:30 pm
Google Pixel 11 review: Why the base model is still my favorite, even this year
ZDNet
In a year of iterative upgrades, Google is introducing smart features that make the base Pixel still the one to buy for most people.
August 26th 2026, 2:30 pm
This 120Hz tablet replaced my Kindle and iPad for $220 - here's why I recommend it
ZDNet
The TCL Nxtpaper 11 Plus is an 11.5-inch Android tablet that can be all you need, especially with this early Labor Day deal.
August 26th 2026, 2:30 pm
July was the worst month for ransomware victim claims in 2026 - or was it?
ZDNet
We shouldn't ignore agentic AI ransomware threats, but the claims of a new ransomware group might be skewing the numbers.
August 26th 2026, 11:45 am
4 AI development skills you need, according to Andrew Ng - and what experts say he's missing
ZDNet
The rise of generative and agentic AI has dramatically changed the software-building process - and the skills required.
August 26th 2026, 10:14 am
This simple antivirus tool is the easiest way to scan your Linux PC for threats - for free
ZDNet
Worried about Linux vulnerabilities or sharing files with Windows users? This ClamAV GUI makes it easy to ensure they're clean.
August 26th 2026, 10:14 am
I built my own secure network in the cloud to access my home PCs remotely - for free
ZDNet
Do you need easy, secure remote access to your home or small business network? Before you pay big bucks for a VPN or remote-access plan, try Tailscale. Did I mention it's free?
August 26th 2026, 10:14 am
The best reading tablets of 2026: Expert tested
ZDNet
We rounded up the best reading tablets of the year that you can take with you anywhere.
August 26th 2026, 10:14 am
Have an old PC monitor laying around? Turning it into a TV is easier than you think
ZDNet
Give your old monitor a second chance at life as a dedicated streaming screen or over-the-air TV with just a few simple steps.
August 26th 2026, 6:44 am
Universal adapter vs. travel charger: Confused? Here's the device you need most
ZDNet
These are two different products, but consumers end up confused because of misinformation and poor marketing copy.
August 25th 2026, 10:48 pm
Garmin's new Fenix 9 Pro smartwatch is twice as bright as the previous gen - here's how they compare
ZDNet
Garmin's new flagship Fenix 9 epitomizes the premium rugged smartwatch - but how much of an upgrade is it from the Fenix 8?
August 25th 2026, 6:16 pm
Some Spectrum internet customers can get free Amazon Prime - see if you're eligible
ZDNet
The offer is open to subscribers on any tier, but it is location-based.
August 25th 2026, 3:13 pm
The best early Labor Day Costco deals 2026: TVs, smartwatches, Apple devices, and more
ZDNet
Summer may be ending, but Costco deals are heating up in time for Labor Day: Save big on electronics, home essentials, and more now.
August 25th 2026, 3:13 pm
Anthropic's Claude and Cowork will share memories about you now - unless you opt out
ZDNet
Anthropic is merging Claude chat and Cowork memory, raising privacy questions about what AI remembers and if it's worth the tradeoff.
August 25th 2026, 3:13 pm
Android's motion sickness feature is rolling out - how to see if you have it
ZDNet
Will moving dots cure your car nausea? History says yes.
August 25th 2026, 3:13 pm
I ditched T-Mobile for Mint and found 3 major drawbacks of smaller carriers - and their workarounds
ZDNet
Downsizing from a 'big three' carrier can save you big money, but it has its downsides. Here's how I'm adapting to them.
August 25th 2026, 1:01 pm
The best early Labor Day 2026 laptop deals: Apple, Lenovo, Dell, and more
ZDNet
Labor Day is still a couple of weeks away, but some of the best laptop deals are already live. Here are a dozen we recommend.
August 25th 2026, 1:01 pm
You probably have Google Play points you can turn into gift cards - how to check
ZDNet
I had seven years' worth of points I didn't know about, and now I have a Starbucks card to show for them.
August 25th 2026, 1:01 pm
How I turned my ancient Windows PC into a Chromebook for free - with FydeOS
ZDNet
FydeOS aims to bring a Google Chromebook-like experience to standard PCs, and it succeeds - with a caveat or two.
August 25th 2026, 1:01 pm
'Just a hobby, won't be big': Linus Torvalds introduced Linux 35 years ago - and almost called it Fr
ZDNet
It's been 35 years since Finnish graduate student Linus Torvalds drafted a brief note saying he was starting a hobby operating system. The world will never be the same.
August 25th 2026, 1:01 pm
Portable Computer is Perplexity's new local AI agent - why it's a game changer
ZDNet
Running an AI model locally, Perplexity's new Portable Computer can deliver faster performance, tighter security, and lower costs. But it has some strict requirements.
August 25th 2026, 1:01 pm
Apple's M5 Ultra is its most powerful chip ever - with 4x faster AI performance than M3 Ultra
ZDNet
The Mac Studio with the M5 Ultra will feature up to a whopping 512GB of unified memory, and drive up to eight external displays.
August 25th 2026, 1:01 pm
This free tool keeps my bookmarks synced across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge - here's how
ZDNet
I use multiple browsers every day, and this free utility fixed one of my biggest annoyances.
August 25th 2026, 8:14 am
Businesses must reinvent their processes and workforce to scale agentic AI adoption
ZDNet
Only 15% of US-based organizations have reached scaled, orchestrated, multi-agent adoption, according to the latest Deloitte research.
August 24th 2026, 4:00 pm
The $649 Fairphone 6+ is the Goldilocks of Android phones - and it's available in the US now
ZDNet
Fairphone is finally selling its latest model in the US. The $649 handset has 11 swappable parts, and a replacement battery is only $40.
August 24th 2026, 2:44 pm
This Blink security camera can last up to 2 years on one charge - and it's on sale
ZDNet
The Blink Outdoor 2K+ security camera and Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ are on sale in this bundle deal, but not for long.
August 24th 2026, 2:44 pm
I tried Meta's new free vibe coding app to make my own games, and it was surprisingly fun
ZDNet
You can now code your own mini games and 'gizmos' with no experience. Creating is just half the fun.
August 24th 2026, 2:44 pm
The best early Labor Day deals to shop now: Save on TVs, Apple devices, and more
ZDNet
Labor Day is just around the corner, and there are already some great deals available at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and more.
August 24th 2026, 2:44 pm
I found the best early Labor Day Walmart deals: Save on Apple, Samsung, and more
ZDNet
Summer may be almost over, but you can find solid Walmart deals on headphones, TVs, laptops, and more for Labor Day.
August 24th 2026, 12:28 pm
I dumped Firefox, but these 5 features finally won me back - here's why
ZDNet
It's been a bumpy road for Mozilla's browser, but as the dust of doubt settles, Firefox has once again become my default browser on all platforms.
August 24th 2026, 12:28 pm
After years with an Apple Watch, a Pebble Time 2 'downgrade' was exactly what I needed
ZDNet
The Pebble Time 2 is a no-frills smartwatch that helps you disconnect from the digital world.
August 24th 2026, 12:28 pm
Amazon hikes prices on Echos, Kindles, Fire TVs as much as 60% - here's what you'll pay now
ZDNet
Be prepared to pay more for an Echo Dot, 16 GB Kindle, Fire TV Stick HD, and Amazon eero 7 mesh router, among several other products.
August 24th 2026, 12:28 pm
The best early Labor Day Garmin watch deals: Gear up for marathon training for less
ZDNet
Training for a fall marathon? Snag one of these Garmin running watches we've tested at a discount.
August 24th 2026, 12:28 pm
Google's AI-first Googlebook laptop is almost here - can it avoid the Copilot+ PC problem?
ZDNet
It won't be another high-end Chromebook like the Pixel, and Google has to hope it'll succeed where Copilot+ PCs have fallen short.
August 24th 2026, 9:14 am
How to use ChatGPT Work - and my top 10 tips for getting started with agentic AI
ZDNet
Curious about ChatGPT Work? Here's how the agentic AI handles research, files, and multistep projects, plus its risks and limits.
August 24th 2026, 9:14 am
These 10+ car gadgets upgrade your daily commute for cheap
ZDNet
Make your car feel high-tech without breaking the bank. Shop our favorite Bluetooth adapters, chargers, and more.
August 24th 2026, 6:59 am
You can instantly curate your Discover feed now by telling Google exactly what you want
ZDNet
If you're not happy with the algorithm on your Discover page, you'll love this new feature.
August 22nd 2026, 4:44 pm
How to turn your TV in a computer monitor in 3 easy steps - and for free
ZDNet
Breathe new life into an old TV by setting it up as a monitor for your Mac, Windows, or Linux laptop with gear you may already have around the house.
August 22nd 2026, 4:44 pm
'I can't stop': 80% of developers find AI coding more addictive than helpful
ZDNet
A Coddy Developer Survey revealed that AI coding is leading to a new kind of burnout.
August 22nd 2026, 4:44 pm
You can change your Messages backgrounds on iPhone - so you never text the wrong person again
ZDNet
Android has had the advantage when it comes to changing your message wallpaper - but there is an easy way to do it in iOS 26, too, as long as you don't mind one thing.
August 22nd 2026, 4:44 pm
Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 5: Is Google's new model worth it? It comes down to this
ZDNet
Google's latest smartwatch costs the same as the previous generation for now, but the upgrade could be worth it for a certain user.
August 22nd 2026, 8:29 am
I ditched T-Mobile for Mint after 10 years of service - now I'm saving $120/month
ZDNet
Mint uses the same 5G and LTE networks as T-Mobile, so I had no service interruptions after switching.
August 22nd 2026, 7:00 am
Google's new Pixel Tag tracker has a big advantage over AirTags (and they cost the same)
ZDNet
Google's new finder tags use an emerging Bluetooth technology to offer more precise tracking - and stand apart from Apple and Samsung in the process.
August 22nd 2026, 7:00 am
The best early Labor Day 2026 TV deals: Samsung, LG, and more
ZDNet
Labor Day may still be a couple weeks away, but you can already find steep deals on top TVs from Samsung, Sony, and more - just in time for pre-season football.
August 21st 2026, 4:45 pm
80% of developers find AI coding more addictive than helpful
ZDNet
A new Coddy Developer Survey found that four in five developers, 80%, say their use of AI has felt more like a dependence than an advantage.
August 21st 2026, 4:45 pm
Walmart will finally accept Apple Pay and Google Pay. Here's what's changing
ZDNet
Walmart was one of the last big retailers to not accept tap-to-pay. Now what happens to Walmart Pay?
August 21st 2026, 3:30 pm
Sonos' improved Voice Control points to an intriguing smart home future
ZDNet
Reports suggest that Sonos is preparing to compete in the evolving smart speaker market, readying new hardware and an AI-backed overhaul of its voice assistant.
August 21st 2026, 3:30 pm
How AWS Marketplace is using AI agents to meet the rising demand for AI agents
ZDNet
Increasingly, AI agents are handling the nitty-gritty admin and due diligence tasks, but agent-powered marketplaces won't replace live human sales reps or engineers anytime soon.
August 21st 2026, 3:30 pm
ChatGPT's new Mac plugin analyzed my iMessages - and I found it surprisingly useful
ZDNet
ChatGPT can now analyze text messages on your Mac to reveal how you interact with others.
August 21st 2026, 3:30 pm
There's one big reason I'll choose the Pixel 11 Pro Fold over the Galaxy Z Fold 8
ZDNet
It hit me while on vacation: The Pixel has something the Z Fold 8 doesn't, and it's a game-changer.
August 21st 2026, 12:46 pm
I tried the free Wispr Flow voice dictation tool everyone's talking about - and I'm hooked
ZDNet
Designed for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, Wispr Flow is a pleasure to use compared with other voice dictation apps. Here's how.
August 21st 2026, 11:15 am
The best small tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
ZDNet
Looking for a small tablet to take with you on your next trip, one that you can throw in your bag before the workday begins, or a kid-friendly option? Check out our tried and tested favorites.
August 21st 2026, 8:14 am
China joins Europe in scrapping Windows for Linux
ZDNet
The specialized Chinese version of Windows was already scheduled for retirement in February 2027, but now its end-of-life date has been moved up.
August 21st 2026, 8:14 am
The best large tablets of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
ZDNet
We tested the best big-screen tablets from Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and more, to help you choose the right one.
August 21st 2026, 8:14 am
A low-tech solution from the past may be your best defense against AI deepfakes
ZDNet
AI-enabled identity theft is getting too sophisticated to have predictable tells anymore, so experts recommend answering with a seemingly old-fashioned approach.
August 21st 2026, 8:14 am
Google Pixel Watch 5 vs. Garmin Fenix 8 Pro: Which has more accurate GPS?
ZDNet
Google says its new Pixel Watch 5 outperforms the location tracking on the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro. I put them to the test.
August 20th 2026, 7:30 pm
Wispr Flow is better than your device's built-in voice text tool - how to try it for free
ZDNet
Designed for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, Wispr Flow is a pleasure to use compared with other voice dictation apps. Here's how.
August 20th 2026, 7:30 pm
The best and worst AI for your privacy, ranked - and how each handles your data
ZDNet
Incogni researchers analyze 13 AI platforms and the potential risks they each pose to your privacy. The larger the platform, the bigger the risk - with one exception.
August 20th 2026, 7:30 pm
Roborock Q7 M5+ review: A capable budget robot vacuum that nails the fundamentals
ZDNet
The Q7 M5+ is a strong value robot vacuum for households that want reliable mapping and an auto-empty dock without flagship pricing.
August 20th 2026, 7:30 pm
The LG C6 OLED TV is one of the most impressive TVs I've tested year - and it's on sale
ZDNet
The LG C6 OLED is one of my favorite TVs of 2026, with excellent color accuracy and picture quality - especially for this deal with free wall mounting and a free $200 gift card.
August 20th 2026, 7:30 pm
After one week wearing the Pixel Watch 5, here's what I want most
ZDNet
The Google Pixel Watch 5 is a faster, intelligent smartwatch with some helpful health and wellness features under the hood.
