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This Belkin battery pack is not only an upgraded version of a good original, but it’s also ZDNET’s pick for the best MagSafe battery pack right now.  I really liked the first iteration of this battery pack, and I like the newly upgraded Qi2 version even more. This new model has the USB-C connector on the side instead of the bottom of the pack, making it easier to use your phone standing upright while the…

Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images Since the US election, the X exodus has helped increased the user base of social media platforms like Bluesky and Threads. Bluesky has seen 500% growth since the election, and Threads added 15 million signups in November alone, according to Threads creator Adam Mosseri. As X continues to lose followers, other social media platforms are scrambling to come out on top.  Also: You’ll be able to reset your Instagram algorithm…

Ahmad Bilal/Getty Images OpenAI has released several new models lately, but GPT-4o remains its most advanced flagship model. It packs advanced reasoning, multimodality, and conversational capabilities into one, and with the latest update, it has become even more capable.  Also: OpenAI launches free AI training for educators – how to access it On Wednesday, OpenAI announced via an X post that it updated GPT-4o to improve overall performance, including better file reading and writing capabilities…

“Modern networks are becoming increasingly complex, requiring specialized skills and resources that many organizations lack,” Chua said. “At the same time, they are also experiencing challenges in recruiting and retaining networking and security IT engineers. NaaS provides a simplified, managed solution.” In addition, the shift to cloud-based applications and hybrid work models demands a more flexible and agile network infrastructure. NaaS offerings can adapt to these evolving needs. And with cyber threats on the rise,…

As data volumes increase exponentially, the threat of data loss from cyberattacks, human error, or system failure has never been greater — which is why, in 2025, fortifying a data protection strategy has never made more sense. Backups continue to serve as the backbone of any data protection solution. But with a wide variety of software, tools, and services to choose from, how do you know which is right for you? While traditional backup software…

Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Chip giant Nvidia, which dominates the training of artificial intelligence, sold thirty-one billion dollars worth of the systems last quarter, it reported Wednesday evening As chief executive of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, who co-founded the company, is also the chief evangelist of all things AI these days. As such, he spent Wednesday evening telling Wall Street analysts about the important applications being made possible with the technology. Also: Google’s AI podcast tool transforms…

Kayla Solino/ZDNET What’s the deal? The Strapsicle silicone band for Kindle is 25% off (or more) right now in most colors and sizes of the Strapsicle hand straps. Grab most pairs on sale for only $16 (save $5). Snag the same deal directly from Strapsicle, too.  ZDNET’s key takeaways  The Strapsicle silicone straps upgrade the grip options on your Kindle and provide a secure hold to prevent drops.  At $21, Strapsicle is an easy and…

Sony/ZDNET Black Friday is almost here, making it a great time to purchase a new speaker system for that TV you got on sale. Although the holiday shopping season is all about buying for others, who says you can’t splurge on yourself, too? If you or a loved one expressed interest in revamping your home theater products, the Sony Bravia Quad speaker set is $500 off right now. Also: The best Black Friday deals live now…

Black Friday deals are in full swing, and many retailers are offering early and eye-grabbing deals ahead of the major shopping event. Some of the most exciting deals include home theater bundles, as you can find many soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speaker bundles for hundreds of dollars off of their original price. So, if you or a loved one have expressed interest in revamping your home’s audio equipment, there’s no better time than Black Friday to…

June Wan/ZDNET If you’re looking for a new smartwatch, there are plenty of deals to be had as Black Friday sales start to go live across retailers: Right now, you can get $160 off of the Galaxy Watch 6 making it just $140.  Also: The best Black Friday smartwatch and fitness tracker deals  The Galaxy Watch 6 isn’t Samsung’s most up-to-date smartwatch model, but it still offers an extensive Samsung Watch display (1.5 Super AMOLED) and…