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ZDNET’s key takeaways The LG S95TR soundbar with wireless subwoofer is optimized for the company’s OLED TVs with immersive audio features. The LGS95TR may be expensive, but the high-quality audio is easily worth the price. The soundbar has many features, but some of the best ones require a newer LG TV model. more buying choices LG released the S95TR soundbar earlier this year, following much hype, as a high-end complement to its newest OLED TVs. The…

ZDNET’s key takeaways Razer’s Laptop Cooling Pad is on sale for $150 on the brand’s digital storefront. It takes the average cooling pad to newer heights by delivering powerful cooling, customizable buttons, and ergonomic design. Although, it is rather expensive and demands a lot of space. more buying choices Laptop cooling pads are functionally simple. Plug the accessory into a power source, and the device immediately begins cooling the computer down. Some offer on-device controls…

Adam Breeden/ZDNET The HDMI Forum, responsible for developing HDMI technology standards, has announced plans to reveal the new HDMI 2.2 specification at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas on Jan. 6. According to the press release, the forthcoming specification will likely be called “HDMI 2.2” and feature new display transfer wizardry that should provide higher bandwidth and a “wide range of higher resolutions and refresh rates.”  Also: The best HDMI splitters of 2024: Expert…

As someone who experiences regular power outages due to storms and random occurrences, I’ve learned that having a backup plan for electric outages is essential for my home. While you can always use a gasoline- or propane-powered generator, a battery system can be a renewable, zero-emissions way to provide your home with an efficient backup solution. Also: The best portable power stations of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed A set of backup batteries can offer…

ZDNET’s key takeaways Ohsnap’s new Snap Grip Wallet combines style and function, and is available now for $80. It comes in five colors, can store up to eight cards, and doubles as a phone stand. If the price turns you off, you’re better off with a more affordable MagSafe cardholder. One of the best parts of working in tech is getting to test out the most popular tech items each year. From MagSafe batteries, MagSafe…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET When Meta teased its prototype Orion smart glasses at Meta Connect, CEO Mark Zuckerberg confidently said they were “the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen.”  The prototype glasses are an attempt to bridge the gap between the popular Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — which are lightweight and practical but limited in features — and the Meta Quest, a full-fledged VR/AR headset with an augmented reality display that’s also bulky and impractical for…

Maria Diaz/ZDNET A keen eye for detail is quintessential when choosing between two of the biggest names in the VPN world. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are high-value providers, and they’re two of our favorite VPNs for their outstanding performance on benchmarks like security, streaming, and speed. Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested and reviewed Based on my hands-on experience testing both services, one may offer a slight advantage over the other, depending on what you want to achieve…

ZDNET In 2023, I reviewed Ultramarine Linux, which was based on Fedora 39, calling it the “desktop of the year.” Since then, the developers have released a new version based on Fedora 40 (which is one release behind the official Fedora distribution). This new release vastly improves the documentation experience, fixes numerous bugs, and polishes the distribution to a gleaming, sparkling shine. Also: Want to save your old computer? Try these 6 Linux distros As with my…

ZDNET’s key takeaways With plans as low as $120 for three years, TunnelBear is an affordable VPN with a free version The software is hassle-free, with minimalistic settings and an outlook that makes setting up and navigating the app easy. Server distribution is smaller than the competition and may not be ideal for streaming. TunnelBear‘s intuitive design greatly appeals to VPN newbies. Advanced users might find it too basic as there aren’t many app customizations….

ZDNET’s key takeaways With plans as low as $120 for three years, TunnelBear is an affordable VPN with a free version The software is hassle-free, with minimalistic settings and an outlook that makes setting up and navigating the app easy. Server distribution is smaller than the competition and may not be ideal for streaming. TunnelBear‘s intuitive design greatly appeals to VPN newbies. Advanced users might find it too basic as there aren’t many app customizations….