Fake news spotter: How to enable Microsoft Edge's NewsGuard
Microsoft's mobile browser is stepping up the fight against fake news sites.
Matt ElliottSenior Editor
Matt Elliott is a senior editor at CNET with a focus on laptops and streaming services. Matt has more than 20 years of experience testing and reviewing laptops. He has worked for CNET in New York and San Francisco and now lives in New Hampshire. When he's not writing about laptops, Matt likes to play and watch sports. He loves to play tennis and hates the number of streaming services he has to subscribe to in order to watch the various sports he wants to watch.
With the latest update to the mobile version of its Edge browser, Microsoft is ramping up efforts to combat fake news. The Edge app now includes a rating system called NewsGuard that alerts you to the trustworthiness of a website. Previously, NewsGuard was available only as an extension to the desktop version of Edge.
But can I trust NewsGuard?
NewsGuard uses actual humans -- journalists and analysts -- to determine if a website is on the level rather than relying on an algorithm that can be tricked or gamed.
Next to a site's URL at the top of Edge, you'll see a red icon if a site is dubious and a green icon if it can be trusted. Tap the icon to get a brief description of the rating. For Breitbart, for example, NewsGuard warns, "Proceed with caution: this website generally fails to maintain basic standards of accuracy and accountability."
Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET
You can then tap to See the full Nutrition Label, which provides a summary of the site and how it meets or fails to meet various journalist standards.
How to enable NewsGuard on mobile
NewsGuard is included with the latest update to the mobile Edge app, but it's not enabled by default. To turn on NewsGuards, tap the triple-dot button in the lower right and go to Settings > News rating and toggle on Display rating on the address bar.
Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET
How to enable NewsGuard on a computer
On the desktop version of Edge, you still need to install the NewsGuard extension from the Windows Store.
Matt Elliott is a senior editor at CNET with a focus on laptops and streaming services. Matt has more than 20 years of experience testing and reviewing laptops. He has worked for CNET in New York and San Francisco and now lives in New Hampshire. When he's not writing about laptops, Matt likes to play and watch sports. He loves to play tennis and hates the number of streaming services he has to subscribe to in order to watch the various sports he wants to watch.See full bio
Your Wallet Will Thank You for Grabbing These 85+ Fourth of July Deals Under $50
Save on everything from tech and home essentials to summer must-haves without blowing your budget.
Max McHoneContributor
Max is a freelance writer on CNET's commerce team with a passion for film, TV, gaming and all things pop culture. When he's not covering the latest tech, he can usually be found backpacking the world, training in martial arts or watching way too many movies at home.
Palash has been writing about technology (and entertainment) for over a decade. His focus has been on the evolution of computing, ranging from smartphones to PC builds and everything in between. You can reach him at lepalash(at)gmail(dot)com, or on Twitter @Whipalash.
ExpertisePersonal computers, smartphones, and gadgets in general.Credentials
Sneha is a sub-editor turned commerce writer with a love for all things digital. She spent years editing print publications, gaining a sharp eye for detail. She writes with curiosity and just a bit of humor. When she's not sharing her takes, you'll find her leveling up in a game, getting lost in a good book or caught in an endless loop of cute cat videos.
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.Reviews ethics statement
Amazon's Prime Day sale wrapped up last week but if you didn't quite finish checking off your shopping list, don't sweat it. Fourth of July deals are already cropping up everywhere. We love a good excuse for a sale and this is no exception. The savings haven't slowed down one bit.
These Fourth of July deals span just about every category, and the timing couldn't be better if Prime Day left you wanting more. CNET's shopping experts have already started rounding up the best bargains worth your attention, including plenty of picks under $50. We'll keep adding to this list as more deals roll in, so it's worth checking back as the holiday approaches.
Besttech deals under $50
Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go
This palm-sized Bluetooth speaker is designed to go just about anywhere. It's got a rugged, waterproof design -- and even floats -- making it a great pick for pool parties and beach days. It boasts 20 hours of battery life and an integrated fabric loop for easy transport.
You don't have to spend a fortune to get some decent noise-canceling earbuds these days. These JBL buds feature 8mm drivers for rich, full sound and boast an impressive 40-hour battery life. They're also IP54 water- and dust-resistant, which means you can use them during workouts.
This ultraslim MagSafe power bank is just 8.6mm thick and weighs 127 grams, yet it still packs a 5,000-mAh battery. It supports 15-watt wireless charging or 20-watt fast charging via USB-C cable.
The JBL Tune 510BT are lightweight Bluetooth headphones designed for everyday listening with up to 40 hours of battery life. They offer foldable earcups for easy storage and a built-in mic for taking calls on the go. With simple wireless pairing and broad compatibility, they’re an easy pick for casual music and podcasts.
The Anker Soundcore 2 features Bluetooth 5 connectivity, IPX7 waterproofing and Anker’s BassUp technology for deeper sound. With up to 24 hours of battery life, it’s designed to keep playing through long days away from a charger.
Soundcore P20i earbuds: $20 (save $20). These budget Anker earbuds are more than half off, and they're a solid option if you want wireless sound without spending much.
This single-serve blender is perfect for fast, easy and nutritious breakfasts that you can take on the go. It has enough power to handle ice or frozen ingredients, yet the rechargeable base is small enough to take with you. Plus, it blends everything right in the same 22-ounce cup you drink out of, so there's minimal cleanup.
The Fullstar Pro Chopper is a simple all-in-one kitchen gadget that speeds up prep work for vegetables, fruit and more. It includes interchangeable blades for chopping and spiralizing, plus a built-in container to catch everything as you go. It’s a compact tool designed to reduce the time spent slicing and dicing during everyday cooking.
Prime members can grab the chopper for this price but non-members would have to pay $3 more.
This is my favorite pan ever. It's fully nonstick, even when cooking eggs. It's coated in ceramic and PFAS-free. Plus, the handle can withstand heat up to 302°F.
This is our pick for the best video doorbell of 2026. It makes it easy to keep an eye on who's coming and going. The doorbell features detailed 2K video, plus night vision and a wide 180-degree field of view. It's also wireless, which makes it easy to set up.
These 800-lumen smart bulbs have over 30 preset scene modes. You can integrate them into your smart home ecosystem with voice commands via Alexa or the Govee Home App and even sync them to your music.
This handheld vacuum comes with various attachments that make it easy to clean those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, even upholstery. And the included wall-mounted charging base makes it easy to charge.
Mosquitoes can ruin your barbecue or beach day as easily as a thunderstorm, so grab this electric repeller while it's 20% off. It's DEET-free, has a 20-foot range and a 12-hour battery life.
This 24-ounce water bottle is a must-have for any serious adventure. It has a built-in microfilter that helps protect against 99.9% of bacteria, parasites, sand, dirt and more. Plus, the double-wall insulation keeps your water cold for hours.
This portable backpack cooler makes it easy to keep snacks, drinks and more cold on your hikes or beach days. It can hold up to 28 cans, and the insulation keeps things cold for up to 12 hours. Plus, it's leakproof and has some extra pockets to hold your wallet, phone and other essentials.
Add some Zen to your shelf with this tranquil bonsai tree building kit. It's an 878-piece set made of sustainable, plant-based plastic, with interchangeable leaves and cherry blossoms so you can match your mood or the season. The kit includes a base, a planter, and the tree, and it stands around 7 inches tall when complete.
Are Crocs the most stylish shoes on the market? Debatable. Are they seriously comfortable? Undeniably. They're perfect for lake days or lounging around on the back patio, and right now you can grab yourself a pair in most colors for $15 off.
With a peak current of 1,500 amps, this portable jump starter has enough juice to start gas engines up to 6 liters and diesel engines up to 4 liters. Plus, it's got other helpful safety features, like a 400-lumen LED flashlight and USB ports to charge your phone.
No more messing around with the round brush and blow dryer. This tool can help you get the perfect blowout in half the time. The device supports 360-degree airflow that lifts hair to add volume, while the titanium finish protects hair for even heat distribution. Plus, it works on all hair types.
This portable neck fan can keep you cool anywhere. Plus, it's hands-free. It has five different speeds that you can adjust depending on how hot it is. It's also rechargeable. It has 78 air outlets around the neck, so you'll get a complete cool-down.
Hoto electric screwdriver: $30 (save $20). This rechargeable cordless screwdriver has three torque settings, an LED light and 25 metal bits for furniture and electrical repairs.
Anker/Tapo/JBL/CNET
When is July 4?
July 4 falls on a Saturday this year but the deals aren't waiting around for the actual date. We're already seeing price drops and you can expect these deals to linger for a few days after the holiday too. We'll be tracking the best of them so you're not stuck scrolling through endless listings over your holiday weekend.
Should you wait for July 4 before buying anything?
If you missed the big Prime Day rush last week, yes, hold off a bit longer. With the holiday weekend approaching fast, most big-ticket items are already dropping in price, and that trend will only continue. Some might not quite match Prime Day's lowest lows but the savings are still substantial.
What will be on sale throughout July 4?
Last year we combed through 80,000+ deals from small discounts on tiny products, to a ton of great deals on the larger items like TVs, laptops, e-bikes and vacuums (especially robot vacs), as well as power stations and grills for the outdoors. We're expecting to see similar deals this year. We're already seeing tons of big-ticket items start dropping in price.
Max is a freelance writer on CNET's commerce team with a passion for film, TV, gaming and all things pop culture. When he's not covering the latest tech, he can usually be found backpacking the world, training in martial arts or watching way too many movies at home.See full bio
PALASH VOLVOIKAR
Writer
Palash has been writing about technology (and entertainment) for over a decade. His focus has been on the evolution of computing, ranging from smartphones to PC builds and everything in between. You can reach him at lepalash(at)gmail(dot)com, or on Twitter @Whipalash.See full bio
SNEHA IYER
Sneha is a sub-editor turned commerce writer with a love for all things digital. She spent years editing print publications, gaining a sharp eye for detail. She writes with curiosity and just a bit of humor. When she's not sharing her takes, you'll find her leveling up in a game, getting lost in a good book or caught in an endless loop of cute cat videos.See full bio
Download iOS 26.5.2 Now for a Smorgasbord of Security Fixes
This update includes a patch for a vulnerability found with the help of Anthropic's Claude AI model, which has been in the news for its cybersecurity implications.
Zachary McAuliffeStaff writer
Zach began writing for CNET in November, 2021 after writing for a broadcast news station in his hometown, Cincinnati, for five years. You can usually find him reading and drinking coffee or watching a TV series with his wife and their dog.
ExpertiseWeb hosting | Operating systems | Applications | SoftwareCredentials
Apple software beta tester, "Helps make our computers and phones work!" - Zach's grandparents
Apple released iOS 26.5.2 on Monday, June 29, almost a month after launching iOS 26.5.1 to people with devices from the iPhone 17 lineup or an iPhone Air. Apple writes online that iOS 26.5.2 brings over two dozen security fixes to your device, including one found with the help of AI.
You can download iOS 26.5.2 now by going to Settings and tapping General. Next, select Software Update, tap Update Now and follow the prompts on your screen.
Apple writes in the update's release notes that this update offers security fixes, many of which are related to malicious web content vulnerabilities.
A closer look at the update's common vulnerabilities and exposures report shows that many of the patches address issues in WebKit, the engine that powers Safari and other third-party browsers on iOS. Anthropics' AI model Claude is credited for assisting in the discovery of one particular issue, which was related to a potential memory corruption exploit.
Zach began writing for CNET in November, 2021 after writing for a broadcast news station in his hometown, Cincinnati, for five years. You can usually find him reading and drinking coffee or watching a TV series with his wife and their dog.See full bio
How to Manage the AI Features on Your Samsung Galaxy Smartphone
You can disable certain features or turn AI off completely on your Galaxy phone.
Blake StimacReporter 2
Blake has over a decade of experience writing for the web, with a focus on mobile phones, where he covered the smartphone boom of the 2010s and the broader tech scene. When he's not in front of a keyboard, you'll most likely find him playing video games or watching horror movies.
You don't have to use AI with your Samsung Galaxy phone if you don't want to.
Samsung/James Martin/CNET
Smartphones are becoming AI-first devices these days, with nearly every major phone maker prioritizing the technology -- whether you want it or not. Samsung, known to throw any feature it can into its phones, is no different, and you might want to tone some of these AI features down if you don't use them.
The latest lineup of Galaxy devices from Samsung have more AI features in them than any previous generation, but you're luckily not stuck with them. If you want, you can disable certain features and keep the ones you want or you can completely disable AI on your device entirely. Best of all, it's not hidden down a long path of settings menus and just takes a couple of taps.
If you're looking to manage the AI features on your Samsung device, we'll show you how below.
How to turn off Galaxy AI services
You can turn off most Galaxy AI features with a couple of taps.
Nelson Aguilar/CNET
Some of the features that smartphones can do using AI are undeniably cool. If you like some of them but don't want AI everywhere, Samsung lets you pick and choose which to use.
To turn off AI for individual services:
Go to Settings.
Tap Galaxy AI.
Select the service to disable.
Tap the toggle to Off.
You'll see a list of the services that form Galaxy AI. You can choose the apps for which you want to turn AI on or off from here.
If you're more privacy-minded but still want to take advantage of Galaxy AI features, there's a toggle at the bottom of this screen that limits AI from sending anything to the cloud and keeps data processing on your device. Choosing this option will disable some AI features that require an internet connection to process, and the results may be less useful.
Goodbye, Bixby
Samsung luckily makes it easy for you to ditch Bixby for another voice assistant.
Nelson Aguilar/CNET
Bixby, the Samsung digital assistant that you may not even realize is on your phone, is something that you'll want to disable if you're trying to tame the AI on your Galaxy device.
Samsung offers a way to replace Bixby with another voice assistant of your choice. For all intents and purposes, Google Assistant will be your best bet, even if it will eventually be replaced by Google's advanced AI assistant somewhere down the road.
Depending on the specific model of Galaxy phone you have, your options may vary. For instance, on the Galaxy S26, Bixby is no longer an option, but if you download the Perplexity app, it will become an option.
It's likely already installed on your phone, but you may need to redownload the Google app if you uninstalled it or never had it.
Go to Settings
Tap Apps
Tap Default apps
Tap Digital assistant app
Tap Google
That's it. Now, when you trigger your voice assistant, you'll be greeted by Google Assistant instead of the AI-powered Bixby. Something to note here is that you may have additional options to replace your assistant if you have the apps downloaded.
BLAKE STIMAC
Reporter 2
Blake has over a decade of experience writing for the web, with a focus on mobile phones, where he covered the smartphone boom of the 2010s and the broader tech scene. When he's not in front of a keyboard, you'll most likely find him playing video games or watching horror movies.See full bio
Meta Halts Employee Data Tracking After Sensitive Info Reportedly Exposed
The company wanted to use the controversial program to help train its AI.
Alex Valdes
Alex Valdes from Bellevue, Washington has been pumping content into the Internet river for quite a while, including stints at MSNBC.com, MSN, Bing, MoneyTalksNews, Tipico and more. He admits to being somewhat fascinated by the Cambridge coffee webcam back in the Roaring '90s.
Meta paused a surveillance program that tracked staff computer activity to train AI after sensitive information was made accessible to the entire company.
NurPhoto/Contributor/Getty Images
Meta's controversial surveillance tool, which tracked staff's keystrokes, mouse clicks and content to train the company's AI models, didn't quite work out as planned. The Model Capability Initiative, which was implemented in April and strongly opposed by staff, has been paused following an incident in which employee data became accessible to the entire company.
Over the last several weeks, more than 1,600 Meta employees, including software engineers, research scientists and designers, signed a petition calling on the company to stop collecting and repurposing employee computer data.
"We collectively believe that empowering individuals and communities through building responsible AI includes respecting their boundaries and privacy," the petition states. "Any approach to AI that relies on intrusive, coercive, non-consensual data collection contradicts that principle."
Business Insider reported that the software tracked apps and programs such as Gmail, Google Chat and Metamate, an employee AI assistant, as part of its data collection. The data tracking software also captured screenshots. It's unclear if it will be reinstated.
Citing an internal security notice and information from three Meta employees, Wired reported that private conversations, prompts, transcriptions and performance reviews were exposed to "anyone inside the company."
In a statement obtained by Wired, a Meta spokesperson said the company was investigating the incident and would stop data tracking indefinitely.
"We have carefully designed this program with privacy safeguards, and while we have no indication at this time that any data was improperly accessed by Meta employees, we're pausing it while we investigate," the spokesperson said.
A representative for Meta did not respond to CNET's request for comment.
Employers ramp up AI use
Meta, which is spending at least $135 billion on AI infrastructure this year, is among several major tech companies ramping up AI investment, including Amazon ($200 billion), Microsoft ($190 billion) and Alphabet ($185 billion).
Meta AI, the company's main chatbot, is integrated into its main social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.
According to leaked audio from an in-house company meeting on April 30, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said it made sense to use his own employees to train the AI.
"The AI models learn from watching really smart people do things. ... The average intelligence of the people who are at this company is significantly higher than the average set of people that you can get to do tasks," Zuckerberg said.
Rory Mir, director of open access and tech community engagement at the digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation, said Meta employees were right to oppose an invasive practice that raises privacy, consent and trust concerns.
"Seeking new data for AI training is no excuse," Mir told CNET. "Such disproportionate monitoring of workers is an abuse of power and highlights the necessity of legislation to protect worker privacy by requiring consent and due process."
Companies are monitoring how much their employees use company AI tools in their daily work. CNBC reported in May that "almost every Fortune 500 is tracking overall AI usage" to determine whether workers are using it effectively and maximizing its potential.
ALEX VALDES
Alex Valdes from Bellevue, Washington has been pumping content into the Internet river for quite a while, including stints at MSNBC.com, MSN, Bing, MoneyTalksNews, Tipico and more. He admits to being somewhat fascinated by the Cambridge coffee webcam back in the Roaring '90s.See full bio
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