Category: 4. Technology

“I Humbly Beg Your Speedy Answer” edited by Mary Beth Norton

The world’s first personal advice column came about by accident. In early 1691, the Athenian Mercury was a new broadsheet that sought to provide talking points for coffeehouse patrons by answering assorted questions of the day. However, the three-man editorial team quickly started to receive queries of a more intimate nature from their subscribers and found that matters of marriage, lust and courtship interested their readers more than those on medicine, law and the military. This book, nimbly edited and introduced by the historian Mary Beth Norton, contains a broad selection of questions and answers, and plus ça change. 

“It is my misfortune to be red-haired,” laments a correspondent with his eye on a woman with the “greatest aversion” to the shade and asking for a method to turn his locks brown; “I’ve a dreadful scold of a wife,” writes another, asking “how to tame her”; if a man finds his fiancée in bed with another man, is he still duty-bound to marry her? We may now have Mumsnet and Reddit but, nevertheless, many of these three-centuries-old quandaries still come with a there-but-for-the-grace-of-God warning.
By Michael Prodger
Princeton University Press, 203pp, £20. Buy the book

Never Flinch by Stephen King

When it comes to reading books by the “King of Horror” it’s best to go in with an open mind and without assuming what will happen next – unless you want to be let down by your deducing skills. This rule clearly applies to King’s latest book, Never Flinch. Though a standalone novel, it features a much-loved private investigator, Holly Gibney, and those associated with her investigation firm Finders Keepers.

Although the reader is introduced to the murderer from the get-go, this by no means spoils the fun. You may think you know all there is to know, but King’s mastery of withholding those final important pieces of information will have you working alongside Holly, perhaps not on unveiling the identity of the criminal, but on their motives. And let’s not discard King’s signature parallel plotlines which in the end collide to bring everything to light. With a killer on a revenge mission and a religious zealot targeting a celebrity feminist speaker, Never Flinch is not as graphic or as scary as King’s previous novels. What makes the book unnerving and impossible to put down is how real and plausible everything described can be.
By Zuzanna Lachendro
Hodder & Stoughton, 429pp, £25. Buy the book

A Perfect Harmony: Music, Mathematics and Science by David Darling

“Math and music are intimately related,” says composer and lyricist Stephen Sondeim. While to many music might seem remote from maths and science, their shared intricacies have been studied for centuries. We all recall Pythagoras’ theorem (some more fondly than others), but what about Pythagorean tuning to create the interval of a perfect fifth? Though its mathematical precision fell out of favour by the end of the 15th century, Pythagorean tuning and its “circle of fifths” remains at the heart of harmonic theory today. It comes as no surprise that many scientists were also musicians.

A Perfect Harmony serves to solidify just how interlinked the fields are. From the Neanderthal bone instrument that mimics the musical scales we commonly use today, through musica universalis of the Middle Ages combining arithmetic, geography, music and astronomy, to the two Voyager spacecrafts’ cosmic LPs, the disciplines co-exist in perfect harmony. Darling’s observant musical odyssey across time reinforces that “music and maths are endlessly entwined… nourishing one another” and have done so for millennia. After all, at its simplest music is melody and rhythm, and rhythm cannot exist without maths.
By Zuzanna Lachendro
Oneworld, 288pp, £10.99. Buy the book

The Harrow by Noah Eaton

The Harrow is a local newspaper – for Tottenham. Not, as its hardened editor John Salmon is sick of explaining, for Harrow: “As in ‘to harrow’, to rake the land and drag out weeds, to distress the powerful. As in Christ harrowing Hell, saving the innocent and righteous. Not Harrow as in that miserable bloody town Harrow!” The paper, each issue announces, is “the guardian of your democracy”.

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The reality is not quite so grand. The coverage focuses on villains, not victims, because no one cares about the latter. Salmon keeps a shabby office and three staff above a betting shop and spends much of his time harassing off-licence proprietors who have tried to lower their order. But when the prospect of a last-gasp “big story” heaves into view, Salmon and his team feel their hopes renewed. At well over 400 pages, The Harrow is on the weightier side for a thriller – and for a debut. But author Noah Eaton keeps the story ticking along at a pleasingly alacritous clip. Sometimes the world Eaton has built is told a little indulgently, but all told the story is complex, amusing and readable.
By George Monaghan
Atlantic Books, 389pp, £18.99. Buy the book

The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal will hold a hearing in the autumn to decide which of two rival class action claims seeking damages against Google’s allegedly abusive conduct in search advertising should proceed to certification.

The long-rumored foldable iPhone is expected to launch next year, and a new report from Digitimes suggests that the device has entered its prototype testing phase last month. Based on info from supply chain sources, Apple already has a functioning prototype of its first foldable phone.

The prototype testing phase is expected to finish by the end of this year. From there, the device will enter its Engineering Verification Test (EVT) phase, and if everything goes as planned, we should see it announced alongside the iPhone 18 series in September 2026.

The new report also mentions that Apple has paused development of its foldable iPad due to a mix of manufacturing difficulties and weak consumer demand.

According to the latest rumors, the foldable iPhone is expected to feature a Samsung-made 7.8-inch main OLED display with an under-display camera and a side-mounted Touch ID scanner and no Face ID. It will reportedly feature an “almost invisible” crease, and the whole device will be extremely slim at around 9–9.5mm when folded.

Apple is expected to use a titanium alloy chassis and a liquid metal hinge that would offer unparalleled durability for a foldable. As you might expect, this device won’t come cheap with rumors pointing to a launch price in the $2,100 – $2,300> range.

Source (paywalled)

Apple unveiled new AirPods last year, and while you might be considering buying the brand’s latest earbuds, you shouldn’t forget about the sweet discounts that activate on earlier models once Apple releases new hardware — especially if you’re looking for a new pair of high-quality noise-canceling earbuds. Amazon currently has a great deal on the AirPods Pro 2, our pick for the best AirPods model that you can buy.

Also: The best early Prime Day deals you can shop right now 

The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), which are some of our favorite earbuds and our top pick out of the AirPods lineup, keep getting lower and lower price at select retailers. At Amazon, the pair are on sale for $169, an $80 discount for an impressive pair of earbuds with stellar noise cancellation and native iOS compatibility.

Also: Just installed iOS 18.4? Changing these 3 features made my iPhone much better to use

The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) tops ZDNET’s best AirPods list because they offer impressive sound quality, immersive noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and a wireless charging case. With six hours of battery life and Apple’s latest H2 chip, you’re getting the most modern tech in these Apple earbuds. 

More: These premium JBL earbuds lasted me all week without a charge (and sound great)

And, because the case can utilize wireless charging, you can plunk it down on a MagSafe charger, an Apple Watch charger, or a Qi-compatible charging mat for non-Apple tech products. 

The AirPods Pro 2 are great for iOS users and iPhone owners, as they boast certain features that seamlessly integrate with your phone. My favorite is the in-ear text notifications, which will read the texts you’ve received to you without having to look at your phone. 

ZDNET editor-in-chief Jason Hiner says the pair are the most easily recommendable of the four AirPod models. “That’s because they fit almost every type of ear, they are very comfortable to wear, and they include all of the best and latest features that Apple has to offer in headphones. Plus, they get a bonus set of new features as part of the iOS 17 update, which won’t come to any of the other AirPods,” he writes. 

If you’re ready to replace that old pair of wired earbuds with one of our favorite wireless earbuds, you might as well hop on this AirPods Pro 2 deal. Plus, check out ZDNET’s list of the best headphones for working out.

Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.

How I rated this deal

Based on ZDNET’s rating system, these 20% savings grant this AirPods Pro 2 deal a 3/5 Editor’s deal rating. This deal nearly matches what Apple sells the earbuds for during sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday, when the earbuds go as low as $170. But we’ve seen better savings and have an inkling that once Prime Day deals activate next week, you’ll get the earbuds for even lower. 

The Crew Motorfest Season 7 is out now and brings two new Playlists, one on day one, the second on August 6, 17 new vehicles, and new quality-of-life improvements to the game, all for free.

Available immediately, the new Playlist, Ferrari Supercars, adds the Enzo Ferrari Museum to the island of Maui, seven main events, more than 25 challenges, six photo ops, six feats, and the yet-to-be-released Ferrari F80 supercar. Players will be able to explore the museum on a journey through Ferrari’s most legendary models, guided by Michele Pignatti Morano, Director of the Ferrari Museums. 

On August 6, the second new Playlist, Luxury Chronicles: Europe, adds 13 main events (available on a weekly basis), 40 challenges, 13 photo ops, and 13 feats. It will feature vehicles from other European luxury manufacturers such as Porsche, Triumph, and more. 

Season 7 also introduces new quality-of-life features including a redesigned and customizable Fast Fav system, Immersion mode to disable all HUD elements, and an overhaul to Grand Races with new gameplay modifiers, dynamic special event formats, Spectator mode, and split time tracking. 

The Crew Motorfest is available on PC via the Ubisoft Store and Steam, and is included with a
Ubisoft+ Premium subscription. The Crew Motorfest is also available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.

Summer is here and for many of us, travel is on the mind. But with costs increasing seemingly across the board, stretching our budgets for a vacation is a luxury some of us are reconsidering. Hyatt is here to help make your summer travel aspirations a reality by slashing the cost of your stay during its Americas Summer Sale. 

Right now, World of Hyatt members can save up to 25% off qualifying stays at participating hotels. Not a member? Don’t sweat, it’s free to join.

A couple of caveats to consider: First, you must be a member to take advantage of this promotion. Second, be sure to make your booking between now and July 7 to qualify. Additionally, your stay must fall between July 2 and Sept. 30 at a participating location. Note, too, that the discount applies to room rate only and reservations are subject to availability. 

Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.  

Hyatt has hotels in the US, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean, so you should be able to find a destination that works for you. Some popular options worth considering (and that are offering 25% off your booking) include the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, a beachfront getaway in the Bahamas or the Tommie Austin, which is part of JdV by Hyatt in Texas, which sports a rooftop pool and bar. And for families looking to travel to Florida theme parks this summer, consider the Hyatt House Orlando for your stay. 

Why this deal matters

Travel is expensive, so when you can find a deal on lodging it’s usually in the off-season. Hyatt is making it easier to book a vacation this summer by slashing a quarter off the price of your stay. With locations in multiple cities and countries, this is a great chance to get out of the house — whether you’re a global jet-setter or picking a nearby spot. And if you need more travel savings, we’ve found discounted luggage, too.

Amazon’s early Prime Day sale started off slow, but as the event draws closer to its official kickoff on July 8th, it’s beginning to pick up steam. Right now, for example, Prime members can grab an Amazon Echo Hub at Amazon for just $119.99 ($60 off), marking a new low price.

As you might expect, Amazon’s controller makes managing your smart home a breeze. Rather than switching between apps or using voice commands, the Echo Hub allows you to control your smart home from a single, easy-to-use interface. With just a tap of its eight-inch touchscreen, anyone at home can turn on lights, adjust the smart thermostat, or view a live feed from their video doorbell or security camera. If you use Alexa Routines, you can even create personalized shortcuts to automate multiple tasks, meaning you can dim the lights, lock the doors, and adjust the thermostat with just a single tap. And while it works best with other Amazon devices, what makes it a terrific value is that it also supports both Matter and Thread, allowing you to connect it to platforms beyond Alexa.

As an added bonus, the Echo Hub can function like a stripped-down Echo Show, one you can power via a single ethernet cable and place either on your counter or mount on your wall for a cleaner, more streamlined setup. You can also use it to showcase favorite photos, check your to-do list, play music, and even stream videos. The sound quality isn’t as impressive as it is on Amazon’s newer smart displays — and it lacks support for video calls — but it makes up for it by offering a more private, distraction-free experience that’s void of both ads and unwanted cameras.

Apple has filed a patent for a new type of image sensor that could give future iPhones and other Apple devices the ability to capture photos and videos with dynamic range levels approaching that of the human eye.

The patent, titled “Image Sensor With Stacked Pixels Having High Dynamic Range And Low Noise,” was first spotted by Y.M.Cinema Magazine and describes an advanced sensor architecture that combines stacked silicon, multiple levels of light capture, and on-chip noise suppression mechanisms to reach up to 20 stops of dynamic range.

For comparison, the dynamic range of the human eye is estimated to be around 20 to 30 stops, depending on how the pupil adjusts and how light is processed over time. Most smartphone cameras today capture between 10 and 13 stops. If Apple’s proposed sensor reaches its potential, it would not only surpass current iPhones but also outperform many professional cinema cameras, such as the ARRI ALEXA 35.

The patent outlines a stacked sensor design made up of two layers. The top layer, called the sensor die, contains the parts that capture light. The layer underneath, the logic die, handles processing, including noise reduction and exposure control.

Currently, Apple uses sensors made by Sony across the iPhone lineup. Those sensors also use a two-layer design, but Apple’s version includes several original features and takes up less space.

One of the most important parts of the sensor design is a system called a Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor (LOFIC). This allows each pixel in the sensor to store different amounts of light depending on how bright the scene is, all in the same image. With this, the sensor can handle extremely wide lighting differences, such as a person standing in front of a bright window, without losing detail in the shadows or highlights.

Another part of the design focuses on reducing image noise and grain. Each pixel has its own built-in memory circuit that measures and cancels out heat-related electronic noise in real time. This is done on the chip itself, before the image is saved or edited by software.

Patent filings cannot be taken as evidence of Apple’s immediate plans, but they do indicate areas of active research and interest for the company, as well as what it is considering developing for future devices.

Summer is just about here, and I have the perfect Bluetooth accessory that’s worth scooping up before you hit your next destination. Amid the possibility of a new generation of the Apple AirTag, we’re seeing big discounts on the Bluetooth tracker, making this the best time to buy the current generation. The Apple AirTag 4-Pack is on sale for 24% off right now, and the AirTag is one of those products I love so much that I must share it with everyone. 

Also: The best Amazon Prime Day tech deals live

I use AirTags to track wallets, keys, remote controls, and even my young kids. Over the past few years, AirTags have become this iPhone user’s go-to tracking device since they’re easy to use, small enough to slip in a bag or outerwear, and extremely reliable. And because there are so many aftermarket cases and holders made for AirTags, you can use them to track anything, including your bike, luggage, and car. 

Also: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you – and what to do about it

You can now buy an Apple AirTag 4-pack from Amazon for $75 — which is about $25 for peace of mind. AirTags are nearly $30 each at regular price, so this is a legitimately good deal. Plus, this is a few dollars off from the lowest price we’ve ever seen for the 4-pack. If you’d prefer to only purchase one AirTag, you can for $24, but this value pack is the only way to score an AirTag for $20 right now. 

Thanks to my husband, who always forgets where he puts his wallet, keys, and even his shoes, I’ve gone through several different Bluetooth trackers. While I can easily solve his incessant forgetfulness to lock the doors and close the garage with smart devices, I struggled for years to find a reliable Bluetooth tracker for our smaller items — until I tried the AirTag.

The Apple AirTag is so reliable for iPhone users that you can find out where it is down to a fraction of a foot’s length with your phone. The iPhone’s Find My app tracks the AirTag through Bluetooth, the Find My network, and ultra-wideband (UWB), a connectivity protocol that shows high-accuracy directional data. This results in highly accurate tracking information to help you find your lost devices within minutes.

Also: I finally found Bluetooth trackers for Android users that function better than AirTags

Once I tried the AirTag, I couldn’t consider returning to another Bluetooth tracker. The Apple AirTag is reliable enough to trust blindly with my home’s most frequently lost items. Thanks to how many AirTag holders for different devices, I use AirTags for my husband’s wallet, our car keys, our remote control, and even wristbands for my kids.

I like to keep tabs on our younger kids, so I give them an Apple AirTag on a wristband when we go to crowded places. As much as I try to hold their hands when out and about, I have three kids and only two hands, so it’s easy to find my rowdy toddler trying to escape my grip in search of shiny things or fun places to hide. While I tend to be hypervigilant of said threenager, having my kids wear AirTags gives me an extra piece of mind during fairs and other crowded events.

Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.

How I rated this deal 

AirTags are a popular Bluetooth tracking tool for locating keys, wallets, luggage, and more. But they’re not always available at a discount, especially since they’re Apple products. I’ve been following the price of this AirTag 4-Pack for a year and a half during the busiest sales events, including Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and more. ZDNET’s rating system grants this 24% offer a 3/5 editor’s deal rating. This certainly isn’t the lowest price I’ve seen for AirTags (a $65 price offered some months ago), but this $75 price is one of the best prices I’ve seen in 2025.