**ZDNET’s Recommendation Process: Trustworthy, Independent, and Thorough**
When ZDNET puts its stamp of approval on a product or service, the recommendation is the result of a rigorous and multi-faceted review process. ZDNET’s editorial team spends many hours testing products, conducting in-depth research, and performing comparison shopping to ensure their recommendations are both current and reliable. The process begins by consulting a wide variety of sources. These include vendor and retailer listings, respected independent review sites, and—importantly—feedback from real customers. By analyzing customer reviews, ZDNET gains valuable insights into how products perform in everyday use and what features matter most to actual users.
One key aspect of ZDNET’s business model is the use of affiliate links. When readers click through from a ZDNET article to a retailer and make a purchase, ZDNET may earn a commission. However, the company stresses that this revenue stream does not influence what they choose to cover or how they report on products. Moreover, the price readers pay is not affected by these commissions. ZDNET and its writers are not compensated by vendors for their reviews, ensuring that their assessments remain objective and independent. The editorial team follows strict guidelines to prevent advertisers from influencing content, thereby safeguarding the integrity of their recommendations.
ZDNET’s mission is to empower readers with accurate information and expert advice, helping them make smarter decisions when purchasing tech products and services. Every article undergoes thorough review and fact-checking to meet the highest editorial standards. If errors or misleading information are discovered, ZDNET commits to correcting or clarifying the content promptly. Readers are also encouraged to report any inaccuracies they find, further reinforcing the site’s commitment to transparency and accuracy.
**Withings’ New BeamO: A Glimpse at the Future of Home Health Tech**
A recent product highlighted by ZDNET exemplifies the kind of innovative technology the site covers. The latest trend in thermometers is a move away from traditional mercury-based devices toward sophisticated sensors that offer much more than just temperature readings. Leading this evolution is the French health technology company Withings, whose new smart thermometer, BeamO, just received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The BeamO has been dubbed the "thermometer of the future" for good reason. While it provides reliable body temperature readings, the device also incorporates advanced medical features typically found in healthcare settings. In under a minute, BeamO can perform a medically certified electrocardiogram (ECG) and conduct an auscultation, which is the act of listening to the sounds of the heart and lungs. This functionality brings vital sign monitoring—previously the domain of doctors' offices—into the comfort and convenience of the home.
As Withings founder and president Eric Carreel explained in a press release, BeamO aims to provide users with a comprehensive overview of their health. By integrating multiple sensors, the device captures the electrical activity of the heart,