TechPulse by CNET Group: news app
TechPulse by CNET Group is a news app by CNET. that delivers a customizable, algorithm-free feed of tech news and reviews.
TechPulse by CNET Group is a free news app with ads that lets readers filter publication sources into a single unified feed. It is designed for tech enthusiasts who value editorial integrity and direct sources, offering lab-tested reviews from CNET and PCMag experts.
Screen gallery
TechPulse by CNET Group is a news and magazines app by CNET that aggregates technology and lifestyle journalism from multiple trusted publishers into one customizable, algorithm-free feed. It solves the problem of juggling several news sources or dealing with unpredictable algorithmic timelines by letting you select which publication sources appear in your unified dashboard. The app draws on editorial teams from CNET, PCMag, Mashable, Lifehacker, and ZDNET, offering a transparent stream of breaking news, lab-tested reviews, productivity tips, digital culture coverage, and professional tech trends, all curated by human experts rather than recommendation engines.
Key features
- Filter the publication sources you want to appear in your unified feed for easy navigation
- Access lab-tested reviews from CNET and PCMag experts to simplify tech buying decisions
- Follow breaking tech news with objective takes from reporters on what you need to know
- Track trending digital culture and entertainment news from Mashable
- Get practical hacks and science-based productivity tips from Lifehacker
- Monitor disruptive professional tech breakthroughs and emerging industry trends from ZDNET
- Read CNET product updates and troubleshooting guides to get more from your gadgets
- Recent updates include design optimizations for typography and spacing, plus embed support for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and similar platforms
How to install
- Tap the download button on this page to obtain the APK file.
- When Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting.
- Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
- Tap Install and wait for the installation to complete; the file size is not specified, and the minimum Android version required is 7.0.
- Open the app from your home screen or app drawer after installation completes.
Pros
- Aggregates five major tech and lifestyle publishers into one feed
- No algorithmic sorting, giving you a transparent and predictable reading experience
- Free to use with no in-app purchases required
- Regular updates with design and embed support improvements
- Content rating is Teen, suitable for older readers
- Backed by decades of independent editorial experience from trusted industry names
Cons
- Contains ads, which may interrupt the reading experience
- Requests permissions for photos, media, files, storage, and Wi-Fi connection information, which some users may find excessive for a news app
- Requires Android 7.0 or newer, potentially excluding older devices
- Rating is modest at 3.55 out of 5 from about 5,000 ratings, suggesting mixed user satisfaction
Recent updates · 5.0.3
Version 5.0.3 brings design optimizations that refine typography and spacing for a cleaner reading experience. It also adds support for embedded content from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Note that this update requires the minimum app version 5.0.0.
Version history
| Version | Size | Requires Android | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0.3 | — | 7.0 | Sep 16, 2026 |
TechPulse is for experienced tech enthusiasts and professionals who prefer a curated, source-transparent news feed over algorithm-driven content. It suits readers who already follow CNET, PCMag, Mashable, Lifehacker, or ZDNET and want to consolidate those sources without losing editorial context. The app also appeals to those who value human curation, lab-tested product reviews, and practical productivity advice, and who are comfortable tolerating ads in exchange for a free, ad-supported service. It may not be ideal for users who are privacy-sensitive about storage and Wi-Fi permissions or who expect a highly polished, high-rated app experience.
Since the feed is algorithm-free, take a few minutes to explicitly filter which publication sources you want to see; this reduces clutter and ensures you only get content from outlets you trust. Also, keep the app updated to benefit from the latest design optimizations and embed support for video platforms.
Permissions
Frequently asked questions
Which publications can I add to my TechPulse feed, and what kind of content does each provide?
TechPulse lets you filter the sources that appear in your unified feed. It includes lab-tested reviews from CNET and PCMag experts, breaking tech news with objective reporting, trending digital culture and entertainment from Mashable, practical productivity tips from Lifehacker, and professional tech breakthroughs and industry trends from ZDNET. You can pick which of these sources show up to match your interests.
Does TechPulse use an algorithm to decide what I see in my feed?
No. TechPulse is designed as a customizable, algorithm-free dashboard. You control the publication sources that appear, and the content is curated by human editors, so your feed stays transparent and free of bias rather than being driven by unpredictable algorithms.
What does the latest update (version 5.0.3) include?
The most recent update, version 5.0.3, brings design optimizations for typography and spacing, adds support for embedded content from platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and raises the minimum required app version to 5.0.0. The update was released on September 16, 2026.
Which Android versions are compatible with TechPulse, and what permissions does it request?
TechPulse requires a minimum operating system of Android 7.0. It requests access to photos, media, and files, as well as storage and Wi-Fi connection information. The app is rated Teen for content and is free with ads, with no in-app purchases.
How long has TechPulse been available, and how widely is it used?
TechPulse was first released on November 17, 2017, and has been updated as recently as September 16, 2026. It has been installed over 1,000,000 times, and its current average user rating is 3.55 based on 4,971 ratings.
TechPulse consolidates credible tech journalism into a single, customizable feed without algorithmic noise. It is a practical choice for readers who prioritize editorial integrity and source control, provided they accept the presence of ads and moderate app permissions.
Similar apps
Updated: Nov 5, 2026
| Version | Size | Requires Android | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0.3 | — | 7.0 | Sep 16, 2026 |
- Version
- 5.0.3
- Requires Android
- 7.0
- Updated
- Sep 16, 2026
- Installs
- 1M+
- Rating
- ★ 3.55 (4,971)
- Category
- News & Magazines
- Developer
- CNET.
- Content rating
- Teen
- Package
- com.cbsinteractive.cnet
- Free
- ✓ · Contains ads