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    Don’t cancel Netflix yet: I used these secret codes to unlock shows I didn’t know existed

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETNetflix wasn’t the first streaming platform, but it was the first to make video-on-demand mainstream. Fourteen years ago, as it phased out its mailing service, it took a massive bite out of the global market.Also: This 30-second fix made my Roku TV run like new again (and why it works)Remember that? Physical DVDs showing up in your actual mailbox — the one at the end of your driveway (or your hallway)? To my surprise, that was still actually a thing up until late 2023. Whaaat?Streaming introduced a slew of new entertainment options and, most importantly, unparalleled convenience. These days, Netflix is one of many platforms that offer a staggering amount of titles to choose from — and yet, there is more there than meets the eye.Did you know Netflix has secret cheat codes?As it turns out, Netflix has a plethora of shows and movies available that you don’t normally see when booting up the app. Our personalized, algorithm-based menus confine us to viewing only a fraction of the entire Netflix library.Also: How to clear your TV cache (and why it makes such a big difference)You can find special cheat codes to unlock more content on resources like Netflix-Codes and the website What’s On Netflix. Either is a good place to start massively multiplying your viewing options. The categories associated with these codes range everywhere from “Deep Sea Horror Movies” (code 45028) to very specific subgenres like “Feel-good Sports Movies for Ages 8 to 10” (code 855).  More

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    Best Prime Day Kindle and e-reader deals: Lowest prices of 2025

    When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? Amazon Prime Day takes place from July 8 through July 11 this year. During the sale, the retailer cuts prices on thousands of products (and many products from brands it owns, like Kindle, Alexa, Ring, and more). Are Kindles really cheaper on Prime Day? Because Kindles fall under one of the many brands Amazon owns, Amazon will normally drop prices during Prime Day on them. I’ve been covering these Kindle deals for over two years, and I can almost guarantee that there will be a price drop on the devices during the four-day event. How did we choose these Prime Day deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy — devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. What are the best Prime Day deals so far? ZDNET’s experts are searching through Prime Day sales to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best deals from other retailers competing with Prime Day sales: More

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    Best Prime Day smartwatch and fitness tracker deals: My 20 favorite sales live now

    When is Amazon Prime Day 2025? Amazon Prime Day takes place from July 8 through July 11 this year. This is when the retailer cuts deals on thousands of products, mostly ones it owns (think Kindle, Ring, and Alexa). To get in on the deals hype, other brands will discount their products during Prime Day to boost overall sales. Are health trackers really cheaper on Prime Day? I’ve seen some sweet discounts on health trackers during my time as an editor covering these events. We’ve seen record savings on tech, including Apple Watches and Oura Rings. Should I buy a smartwatch or a smart ring?A smartwatch functions as a health tracker and an around-the-wrist companion to your phone. You can answer texts, set timers, ask the smartwatch’s AI assistant questions and more with an Apple Watch, Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, or Garmin. It will record your exercise and sleep and deliver that through the smartwatch’s health app, as well as on your phone’s health app. A smart ring is a little different. It doesn’t have a screen, so it won’t distract you throughout the day with pings or messages. All of the data it collects is displayed on your phone. If a smartwatch is a lifestyle wearable with health functionalities, a smart watch is a health-centered wearable. How did we choose these Prime Day deals?I cover health wearables for my job, and I’m particular about the products I like and don’t like. If something isn’t worth my while, I’m not writing about it. The same goes for these deals. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. What are the best Prime Day deals so far?ZDNET’s experts are searching through Prime Day sales to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best deals from other retailers competing with Prime Day sales: More

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    Best Black Friday in July 2025 deals at Best Buy: The best offers available now

    When is Best Buy’s Black Friday in July 2025? Best Buy’s Black Friday in July runs from July 7 to July 13, 2025. However, some sales may still linger after the closing date. What are Best Buy Doorbuster deals? Doorbuster deals are limited-stock, extremely low-priced offers made to attract customers to sales. Best Buy typically employs these deals during its annual Black Friday sales event, but has confirmed they will be present for its summer sale. Where do I find Best Buy’s Black Friday in July discounts?Deals are available each day of the event through the Best Buy App, BestBuy.com, and in-store pickup. Best Buy also offers in-store pickup, so you can take advantage of the sale online and pick up your items in-store. Are tech items really cheaper during Best Buy’s Black Friday in July? The short answer is yes. There are a few cases where retailers inflate normal prices to make it look like sales are better than they are. However, there are lots of deals that are worth the purchase and are great offers to snag. At ZDNET, we make sure all the deals we round up don’t seem sketchy, so you can get the most bang for your buck.How did we choose these Prime Day deals?We at ZDNET only write about the deals that we would want to take advantage of, whether that’s a new hot product or one that’s kept a secure spot on our best lists. As deal experts, we make sure to find deals that cut the price by 20% or more, or for products we rarely see on sale, while using price comparison tools to ensure that anybody’s money is well spent. When we don’t have expert advice, we use customer reviews and online forums to ensure that real people are enjoying and using the product that’s on sale. With ZDNET’s very own lab space, we make sure to deliver deals on products that perform the best. Our goal is to help you shop smarter with the best advice and context possible. What are the best Prime Day deals so far?ZDNET’s experts are searching through Prime Day sales to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best deals from other retailers competing with Prime Day sales: More

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    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Z Fold 6: I tried both phones, and the difference is dramatic

    Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 7 Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETSamsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 is arguably the biggest upgrade to its foldable phone lineup in years. In fact, it is the lightest book-style foldable available on the market right now. I went hands-on with the new Galaxy Z Fold 7, and this is the Samsung upgrade I’ve waited years for. The device is thin, light, and has a wider coverscreen, one that’s closer to a slab phone’s aspect ratio. Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked: Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, Watch 8 Series, moreBut these upgrades come with a price hike. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 will cost you $2,000 for the base variant. If you can get the last-gen Galaxy Z Fold 6 for less than $1,500, should you buy that device instead? Or, if you’re a Fold 6 user, should you upgrade to the new Galaxy Z Fold 7? I’ve used both, and here’s what you need to know about the two Samsung foldables.SpecificationsSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 7Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6Display6.5-inch AMOLED with 120Hz and 8-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate6.3-inch AMOLED with 120Hz and 7.6-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate Weight215g239gProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for GalaxyRAM/Storage12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB/1TB Battery4,400mAh with 25W charging4,400mAh with 25W charging Camera200MP main, 12MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto; 10MP on cover screen and 10MP on the folding screen50MP main, 12MP ultrawide and 10MP telephoto; 10MP on cover screen and 4MP under displayGalaxy AIYesYesPrice$2,000$1,900You should buy the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 if… More

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    How to clear your iPhone cache (and why it greatly improves the performance)

    What is cache?Cache — or browser cache — is the temporary storage of website files. So, things like images, scripts, and cookies that your browser saves on your phone to make pages load faster the next time you visit. Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to iOS 26 (and which ones don’t support it)Over time, though, those files can add up, taking a large bite out of your device storage and slowing things down. That’s why it’s smart to clear your browser cache regularly. In this article, I focused on clearing Safari and Chrome’s cache on an iPhone, but keep in mind that apps and even your phone’s processor have their own caches, too.How to clear your app cache on iPhoneYou can clear an app’s cache by deleting and reinstalling it — or, when available, using an in-app “Clear Cache” option. Since iOS doesn’t offer a universal cache-clearing tool, each app handles it differently. TikTok and CapCut include a built-in cache-clear button, Amazon lets you erase your browsing history, and Reddit offers a way to wipe local history. It depends on an app’s features.Is ‘clear cache’ the same as offloading? Not quite. Offloading an app via your iPhone’s settings can boost performance when your storage is tight by uninstalling the app and keeping its documents and data intact. Just go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the app you want, and choose Offload App. This removes the app and its cache but leaves your data in place, so when you reinstall it, you’ll pick up right where you left off.Are cookies and cache the same thing?Cache and cookies are not the same. Cache stores copies of images, scripts, and other page elements so sites load faster on your next visit, while cookies are small data files that remember specific information about you — like login credentials, site preferences, or items in your shopping cart. Also: Cookie pop-ups don’t have to be a fact of life online – how I block them and whyClearing your cache removes those saved page files but won’t log you out of sites, whereas deleting cookies will wipe your saved logins and settings, forcing you to sign in again and reset any preferences.Can you block cookies on an iPhone?You can block cookies in Safari. Turning them off stops sites from tracking you, but it can also break some websites or limit features. So, you’ll need to weigh privacy against usability. If you’d like to block cookies in Safari, follow these steps:Go to Settings and select Safari.Tap on the toggle next to Block All Cookies.There are also third-party extensions — such as Ghostery More

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    How passkeys work: Do your favorite sites even support passkeys?

    Adam Smigielski/Getty Images Over the last few decades, compromised usernames and passwords have typically been at the root of some of the most sensational, damaging, and costly data breaches. An incessant drumbeat of advice about how to choose and use strong passwords and how not to fall prey to social engineering attacks has done little […] More