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Kerry Wan/ZDNET When choosing a virtual private network (VPN) service, the options are endless. In a market flooded with promotions, deals, lists of features, different encryption standards, and varying device support, it can be easy to forget the core reason for using a VPN: you need a service that improves your online security and privacy.  Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested and reviewed But how can you make that decision wisely? It’s always best to…

Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images The TikTok ban could be catastrophic for Americans. This crisis has ripple effects that could disrupt industries and shake the American economy. 💰 Aly (my editor) HATES when I do hot takes… but billions per month are at stake, and American small businesses are on the line so I have to share this one. Also: Is this the end of Google? This new AI tool isn’t just competing, it’s winning…

Evgeny Gromov/Getty Images Microsoft’s Windows 10 will reach the end of its life in October 2025. Time seems to be going by faster and faster — the next thing you know, you’ll no longer be receiving updates for your operating system. Why is that a bad thing? Security. Would you want to use an operating system that’s already one of the most targeted on the planet when it’s no longer getting security updates? The answer…

The Raspberry Pi is often the star of the show when you need a powerful brain for your DIY projects, but there are alternatives to the popular single-board computer (SBC).  Why an SBC? SBCs are computers built on a single circuit board and contain all the essentials: a processor, memory, storage, and more. Some SBCs offer better bang for your buck than a Raspberry Pi or are easier to get your hands on, as stocks…

Max Buondonno/ZDNET In a recent Pixel Feature Drop, Google rolled out the ability to cap your phone’s battery charge at 80%. Recent iPhone models also have a similar feature. While that might seem like something you’d never want to do, it’s actually good for your phone’s battery and will help prolong the battery’s life — if you can afford to turn it on. This feature introduces something called bypass charging for any phone that has it….

Microsoft One of the biggest selling points of the Apple ecosystem is the ability to work seamlessly across different devices — like the handy AirDrop feature for easy file transfer. In an announcement today to Windows Insiders, Microsoft said it’s introducing a way to make it easier to share files between an iPhone and a Windows PC.  Also: Microsoft ramps up pressure on users running Windows 11 on unsupported PCs With two apps and a couple…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Amazon Omni Mini-LED (2024) delivers a stellar picture and intense audio. Wi-Fi 6E capability and a 144Hz refresh rate help optimize it for gameplay. The remote response and load times seemed a bit sticky. My two foremost considerations for buying a smart TV are price range and performance. Is it within my budget, and how does it stack up to competitors? Assessing those two factors alone can help determine the value…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Gemtones Infinity Max Bluetooth speaker is available now from the official Speck site. With a beautiful array of lights and a unique “infinity look,” this speaker is certainly a conversation starter. The sound could benefit from a custom EQ option in the Speck app. Bluetooth speakers are everywhere; some offer killer sound, while others sacrifice a bit of aural quality to cut costs or simply because not everyone is an audiophile….

Apple/ZDNET The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and this jolly deal is still live following Cyber Week 2024: a 9th-generation iPad for $200 — a discount of $130, thanks to a holiday offer from Best Buy.  Also: Apple’s iPad 10th-Gen is $70 off at Walmart ahead of the holiday shopping rush At Best Buy, Apple’s 9th-generation iPad with a 10.2-inch screen is down to $200, $130 cheaper than its standard starting price. This deal…

Jaque Silva/NurPhoto via Getty Images The market for artificial intelligence (AI) models is especially hot at the moment, and Anthropic is taking note. On Thursday, several Claude users reported via social media that the company had just made its latest model in that family, 3.5 Haiku, generally available to all users of the chatbot. Also: How does Claude work? Anthropic reveals its secrets Originally announced in October, 3.5 Haiku is, Anthropic says, the company’s fastest model, “ideal for software…