URL: ZDNet

AI News

Friday, December 12, 2025

• How I download YouTube videos for free - 2 easy and reliable methods to do it
  You can download YouTube videos to watch at any time - even without a Premium subscription. Here's how I do it.
  
• I compared 5G network signals of Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T on a road trip - here's who wins
  Between the three biggest mobile carriers, here's which one delivers the best (and most consistent) network signal.
  
• I tested GPT-5.2 and the AI model's mixed results raise tough questions
  Subjected to my battery of 10 text tests and 4 image challenges, OpenAI's latest model barely edged out GPT-5.1. What are Plus subscribers actually paying for?
  
• Opera's Neon AI browser now available for $20/month - packed with these power user features
  The tool is built for AI power users and allows access to a handful of frontier models. It also comes with security risks.
  
• Holiday shopping for refurbished tech? Test and buy it from Back Market's store - but hurry
  You can see, touch, and test used tech before buying, but act fast - Back Market's pop-up store closes next week.
  
• AI could finally pay off for businesses in 2026 - thanks to this, experts say
  If you've been waiting for AI promises to materialize, 2026 may be your year -- and this unexpected element could be the key.
  
• Your earbuds can translate 70 languages in real-time now, thanks to Gemini
  Android users can hear live translations in more than 70 languages, with Gemini preserving the speaker's tone and cadence.
  
• This anti-theft tech bag foiled a pickpocket attempt live - here's how it did it
  This bag saved me from potentially losing access to my phone and passport on the last leg of a trip.
  
• The 8 gifts I'd give to my cool techie friends this holiday season
  Give them tech they'll actually use this year.
  
• Save on refurbished iPhones at Back Market - no trade-in required
  Back Market is offering discounts of up to $500 on refurbished iPhone models, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and more. And if you have a qualifying trade-in, you can save even more.
  
• You can buy the 77-inch LG B5 OLED for 50% off right now, and I highly recommend it
  The LG B5 is a more budget-friendly OLED TV than the brand's flagship lineup, and right now at Best Buy, you can save even more.
  
• Weaponized AI risk is 'high,' warns OpenAI - here's the plan to stop it
  OpenAI is focused on assessing when AI models are sufficiently capable to either help or hinder defenders, and on safeguarding its own models against cybercriminal abuse.
  
• One of the most durable power banks I've traveled with is also one of the slimmest
  The outdoors can be challenging for power banks, but this one by Nitecore is built to withstand the elements.
  
• How to clear your iPad cache (and wipe out lag for good)
  If your iPad is feeling slow, here's a 30-second routine that can help boost speed and free up storage space.
  
• AI is already part of Linux's plumbing - whether developers like it or not
  AI is quietly doing some of Linux's dirtiest work, but not everyone is comfortable with it.
  
• How to clear your Roku TV cache (and make the system run like new again)
  Too much cached data can make your Roku system lag and stutter. Here's how to quickly put an end to it.
  
• My favorite electric screwdriver just got replaced - and the upgrade is somehow cheaper
  The Hoto PixelDrive cordless electric screwdriver boasts impressive torque, clever design features, and a delightful price.
  
• This Kindle nearly replaced my Remarkable tablet with just the display itself - but there's more
  Amazon's latest Kindle Scribe Colorsoft features some design improvements while retaining its core capabilities.
  
• The best proxy server services of 2025: Expert recommended
  Proxy servers act as intermediaries for online traffic and can be used for various business purposes. We recommend these top proxy services.
  
• The 5 most innovative tech products we tested this year (including a tri-fold surprise)
  From AI glasses with digital overlays to robot vacuums that can pick up your leftover laundry, here are ZDNET's Breakthrough Award winners for 2025.