ZDNET’s key takeaways This super-thin, super-durable tool has a myriad of uses. These are priced well, with cheaper copies on the market, but you should avoid them because they’re not a patch on the originals. The only downside I’ve found is that I can’t seem to find the Mini Spudgers for sale on their own, only as part of a set. One question I get asked a lot is which of my tools is my…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Google Pixel 9a is the latest midrange phone from the company and retails for $499. It features a new Tensor G4 chip, helpful AI tools, an improved main camera, and the largest battery of any Pixel. You’ll have to settle for some budget trade-offs, including the lack of a telephoto lens and slower charging speeds. more buying choices For a limited time, Google is bundling a $100 gift card when you…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Wahoo Elemnt Ace is available now for $599.99. The display is large with easy to read text, the user interface is easy to navigate, the electronic bell is loud, and positioning is accurate. The bike computer is heavy, the display is a bit dim, battery life is less than advertised, and expensive. more buying choices I was intrigued when I first heard about the Wahoo Elemnt Ace back in December 2024….

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET In the decades since I started using Linux, I’ve experienced just about every distribution ever created, some of which were user-friendly and some of which were not. In some cases, I was determined to use them just for the bragging rights that I’d installed and used one of the most challenging operating systems on the planet. Other times, I just needed something to work out of the box. Also: Miss old-school…

When it comes to lawn mowers, there is such a thing as overkill. If you’ve been on the fence about what kind you’ll need for your yard, push and walk-behind models are best for yards that are about a quarter of an acre or less, while riding mowers are suited to larger properties, up to five acres, depending on the cutting deck width. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly way to care for your…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is perfect for those who want an affordable plug-and-play solution, available now for $480. Bass is impressive (especially with the subwoofer), and the dialogue enhancement feature is helpful for clarity. It lacks built-in Wi-Fi streaming, smart features, or Alexa integration, connects with Bluetooth, and doesn’t have a companion app. Amazon showcased its Fire TV Soundbar Plus at CES 2025, where it was one of the highlights for…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The EufyCam S3 Pro is available separately for $220 or in a two-pack with the HomeBase 3 for $550. This EufyCam is an excellent 4K outdoor security camera that delivers on its night vision promises, features no monthly fees, and has dual motion detection to reduce false alerts. The biggest downsides are that the camera is expensive, especially when you bundle it with HomeBase 3, and its resolution drops to 1080p with…

Broadcom’s demonstration and a follow-up session explored the benefits of further developing CPC, such as reduced signal integrity penalties and extended reach, through channel modeling and simulations, Broadcom wrote in a blog about the DesignCon event. “Experimental results showed successful implementation of CPC, demonstrating its potential to address bandwidth and signal integrity challenges in data centers, which is crucial for AI applications,” Broadcom stated. In addition to the demo, Broadcom and Samtec also authored a…

The internet can be a dangerous place, with malware lurking around every corner. While many antivirus programs promise protection, choosing the right one can be surprisingly difficult. Which one should you download? Windows Security comes free with every Windows PC, and it’s a solid free option. Bitdefender boasts a fully loaded arsenal to protect your computer from bad actors. At the time of this writing, a subscription to Bitdefender Total Security costs $60 for a…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Google TV Streamer is a streaming device that typically sells for $100. The Google TV Streamer offers beautiful image, fast performance, and the best smart home integrations of any Google streaming device. It’s built for Android users but can work with iOS, with some compromise, and there are only a few audio customization options. more buying choices For a limited time, several retailers, including Google, are selling the TV Streamer for…