NETWORKING

HyperX It’s been about two years since I first got my hands on the HyperX Cloud Alpha wireless headset for testing here at ZDNET, and I’m very pleased to inform you dearest gentle readers that it’s still just as impressive now as it was then. Before, I’d been using hardwired models like the HyperX Cloud Alpha S and Audio-Technica ATH-M20X for reliable connectivity and near-infinite power. But I can honestly say that the Cloud Alpha…

TCL/ZDNET The holidays are almost here, and it’s a great time to take advantage of deals on big-screen TVs. The 85-inch TCL Q65 is currently $1,000 off at Amazon — which means you can still snag a brand-new, cinema-sized TV for just $2,000.  An updated version of TCL’s mid-range TV, the Q65 offers support for both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for improved picture quality and virtual surround sound to give you a more cinematic experience…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Hisense U8N typically retails between $1,100 and $2,800. The U8N has a 144Hz native refresh rate and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, making it perfect for console gaming. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision support give you enhanced picture quality as well as virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience. more buying choices If you’re a console gamer or entertainment buff looking for a high-quality, dedicated TV for your…

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Although virtual reality (VR) headsets allow for immersive, unique experiences, the reality of a world where we walk around with a massive headset is clearly not the most feasible. Instead, the ability to have your glasses display augmented reality (AR) experiences that enhance your everyday life is a lot more compelling, and the Snap Spectacles are a step towards that.  Also: Qualcomm’s new chipset that will power flagship Android phones makes the iPhone seem…

Samsung/ZDNET Whether you’re a console or PC gamer, your display can make or break your gaming experience. The Samsung Odyssey Ark is a 55-inch, curved gaming monitor designed to be the ultimate display for hardcore gamers and content creators alike. And right now, you can save $1,000 on one at Amazon — that’s a sizable 33% off. And you won’t want to wait to take advantage of this incredible discount, because you might not see…

When you travel, you don’t want to leave security and privacy at home. A virtual private network (VPN) can keep your data safe and mask your online activities, enhancing your privacy no matter where you are in the world.  Connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot in an airport, hotel, or coffee shop may be convenient, but it isn’t secure. That’s where a VPN comes in. The best VPNs create secure, encrypted tunnels that protect your internet traffic,…

A new Costco membership comes with a $20 gift card right now. StackSocial Thinking about joining Costco? Or, have you been sharing a membership card with your parents or friends? Now that Costco is starting to crack down on membership sharing (in the coming months, the stores will start scanning cards at the entrance and requiring the member to be present), it’s a good time to invest in your own. And with this deal, when…

Jack Wallen/ZDNET If you’ve been following the release of Android 15, you know there are plenty of features geared toward improving the security of your device. One of those features is called Private Space, which allows you to set up — you guessed it — a private space to house apps and files that are protected behind a separate password/PIN/biometric.  With Private Space enabled, even if someone gains access to your phone, they can’t view…

Get a Babbel lifetime language subscription at a big discount right now.  StackSocial Learning a new language can be daunting. But right now, you can buy a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning from Stack Social that lets you choose from 14 languages and access more than 10,000 hours of online language education for $180 — that’s 69% off.  Not everyone has the time or resources to study a brand-new language. Babbel keeps you organized with…

Need Microsoft Office, but don’t want to pay a yearly subscription to Office 365? Consider this deal on the latest Office Home & Business 2024 suite for Mac or PC from Stack Social for $180 (reg. $250) — that’s 28% off. The suite includes lifetime access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote.  Office 2024 features several improvements over the 2021 version, including AI integration, better performance and speed (particularly in Excel), more advanced…