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Jada Jones/ZDNET Apple’s latest mobile software update — iOS18.1 — includes new hearing health features for the AirPods Pro 2 earbuds. These features include a clinically validated hearing test to help users assess their hearing health and a hearing aid mode that allows the Pro 2 earbuds to act as an over-the-counter hearing aid. If you’re curious about Apple’s new hearing health features, how to complete the hearing test, or anything related to these AirPods…

No, ANC earbuds should not be confused with a hearing protection device, and experts agree. “Nobody should ever think of them as, in my opinion, pure hearing protection. They’re not,” says ENT Dr. Joe Donzelli. And while noise-canceling earbuds can offer some passive protection like any sound wave boundary, Dr. Donzelli assures that they don’t deter the culprit of hearing loss: Inner ear trauma. “Everything is all about the sound you’re delivering through the headphones,…

Amazon/ZDNET As part of Amazon’s Handpicked event, Samsung has opened preorders for two new displays: the Odyssey G95C Curved Gaming Monitor and the Odyssey OLED G80SD Smart Gaming Monitor. Either of these exceptional monitors would make a great gift for players (or yourself) who want to take their gaming experience to the next level. Also: The best Black Friday Amazon deals 2024: Early sales live now If that’s not enough, Samsung also is offering buyers of…

Black Friday, arguably the best holiday, is still a month away. But retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and more are already offering savings way before the big sale, especially on fitness trackers and smartwatches.  Smartwatches and fitness trackers make great gifts (including a gift for yourself). These devices can count steps, track your heart rate, and, depending on the model you choose, provide detailed health insights and easy app access. They can also provide…

Don’t miss this Sam’s Club membership to save big on everything from groceries to electronics. Sam’s Club/ZDNET A Sam’s Club membership will get you discounts on groceries, clothing, electronics, and just about everything else you might need. And right now, StackSocial is offering a deal that will get you a Sam’s Club membership for $25 for the year with auto-renew — down from the usual price of $50. That’s 50% off.  Your Sam’s Club membership will…

Matt Anderson Photography/Getty Images Only days away from the US presidential election, AI company Anthropic is advocating for its own regulation — before it’s too late.  On Thursday, the company, which stands out in the industry for its focus on safety, released recommendations for governments to implement “targeted regulation” alongside potentially worrying data on the rise of what it calls “catastrophic” AI risks.  Also: Artificial intelligence, real anxiety: Why we can’t stop worrying and love AI…

Virtual private networks, also known as VPNs, are excellent tools to help protect your privacy and security.  Also: Black Friday 2024: Everything to know At ZDNET, we’ve been testing top VPNs for years, and we recommend that you sign up for one to stop people from spying on your online activities. As VPNs create a secure, encrypted tunnel to protect your data and mask your IP address, you can use them as an additional layer…

Arc browser has one of the most elegant UIs on the market. Jack Wallen/ZDNET The world of digital technology is filled with disappointments. I can’t begin to list the applications and operating systems that became favorites of mine, only to watch them go away and never return. That’s why I sometimes hesitate to become too dependent on a single application. At some point, it might no longer be available and I don’t want to find…

Get Windows 11 Pro at a big discount right now. StackSocial Need an operating system upgrade? Windows 11 Pro puts productivity in your hands with features that make everything from hybrid work to streaming entertainment easy, and you can grab the software for a discounted price right now through Stack Social. A lifetime subscription for the software is $20 right now, saving you 89%.  Windows 11 Pro brings an improved user interface and heightened customization…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The CMF Phone 1 by Nothing, which starts at $239, is the best budget phone I’ve tested this year. The replaceable cover and accessories, excellent battery life, and AMOLED display stand out in a crowded market. For the price, the downsides include a lack of NFC and wireless charging, as well as a mere two-year software update policy. more buying choices As a phone reviewer, it’s always a challenge to evaluate cheaper,…