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Kerry Wan/ZDNET I’m going to preface this piece by saying the choice of widgets is personal, and what might be useful to me might not be useful to you. Even so, there’s a widget for everyone, and depending on the apps you have installed on your Android device, you’ll more than likely find one or two in this article that help make your day a bit more efficient. Also: This might be the end of ChromeOS, but…

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET We test dozens of laptops every year here at ZDNET, and our testing process employs a dual approach. On one hand, we run a series of benchmarking programs to gather important system data and metrics. On the other hand, we approach laptops the way any normal consumer would, considering ease of use, form factor, durability, and battery life.  Also: The best laptops: Expert tested and reviewed Our core testing philosophy is simple: while…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Samsung will almost certainly be revealing its Galaxy S25 lineup in less than a month. While the company’s latest phone will reportedly bring a new design, an upgraded camera, and more, it might also bring a surprise perk — a free Gemini Advanced subscription.  While running an APK teardown of the latest version of the Google app, a process that involves diving deep into code to predict upcoming features, Android Authority noticed several…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The LG G4 OLED is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for $2,796. LG has made great strides with its OLED picture quality, and this model is truly exceptional However, the regular price might be a turn-off since you can buy great TVs for half the price. more buying choices I’m not usually a fan of LG TVs, but I’ve tested the LG G4 OLED TV this year, and I have…

The Blackview MP60 mini PC. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Why this deal is ZDNET-recommended Blackview, a company best known for its rugged Android smartphones with built-in thermal cameras, released the MP60 Mini PC in late 2022. Also: The best Raspberry Pi alternatives: Expert recommended It’s a really nice mini PC, perfect wherever you need a tiny computer. Right now, you can get one for as little as $269 on Amazon. Blackview MP60 Mini PC tech specs Processor: Quad-core…

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET I handle and review a bewildering array of gadgets throughout the year, from cables to satellite communicators. However, I feel that the real test for any product is whether it can make the shift from something I reviewed into something that I use long-term. This list represents gadgets that transitioned from mere review assignments to become essential parts of my kit. These are the things that live in my pocket or laptop bag…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro MKII headphones are available now on Amzon for $599 These headphones deliver mind-blowing accuracy and detail The price might be a turn-off to some but they are worth every penny. In a world of cheap, overly-processed sound, any opportunity to hear music as its creators intended can elevate the experience in ways many listeners have never known. Beyerdynamic knows this all too well and has a reputation for…

John Moore / Getty Images When I first explored ChromeOS Flex, it felt like a minor miracle. Here was a platform that breathed new life into aging x86 hardware, transforming dusty laptops into lightweight, secure, and efficient devices. At the time, I saw it as a solution with great potential — not just for reducing e-waste but for extending the usability of older systems in an increasingly fast-paced tech world. But even then, I recognized…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The TCL QM8 (2024) features rich colors and searing brightness. It has enhanced audio over last year’s model, while still being easy to set up and navigate. I wish the viewing angles weren’t somewhat limited, and you’ll want to wait for a deal to buy one. more buying choices What’s the deal? Several models of the TCL QM8 (2024) have received huge discounts on Best Buy. You can buy the 65-inch and 75-inch displays…

Adam Breeden/ZDNET What’s the deal? The Sony Bravia X90L is on sale at both Amazon and Best Buy with the 55-inch model starting at $998, or 17% off. The steepest discount is on the 98-inch model, which has had its price tag slashed by 25%, going from $7,999 to $5,998. For most people, I’d recommend the 65-inch Sony X90L — on sale for $1,098. Why this deal is ZDNET recommended What the Sony Bravia X90L lacks…