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    Finally, a Sony speaker with clear sound and the highest discount I’ve seen

    Sony Ult Field 1 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Sony Ult Field 1 is a portable speaker available for $130 (but it’s currently $88 on Amazon) The speaker prioritizes crystal-clear sound and pronounced bass, with vibrant audio that sounds like it’s coming from a much more expensive device It doesn’t boast as long a battery […] More

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    I tested Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones, and I’m seriously considering ditching my Bose

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Sony WH-1000XM6 are available in Black, Silver, and Midnight Blue for $450. These headphones provide exceptional noise cancellation, practical software features, and an enjoyable sound. A tight fit and non-adjustable noise cancellation are noticeable pitfalls for premium headphones. more buying choices –> may / 2025 It’s been three years since […] More

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    Google rolls out 3 new Cloud Marketplace perks and incentives to keep you loyal

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETOn Thursday, Google announced three updates to Cloud Marketplace, its online platform where users can buy and sell cloud software solutions.What’s new?Each of the changes is designed to make it easier for customers to navigate the online marketplace while saving them money on purchases. They’re also, of course, part of a broader effort to keep vendors and buyers loyally within Google Cloud’s ecosystem.1. Variable revenue share modelThe first change is that Cloud Marketplace is transitioning to a variable revenue share model, which in plain English means vendors’ earnings (and buyers’ savings) will fluctuate depending on the type and value of each particular transaction. Revenue sharing starts at 3% and will go as low as 1.5%.Also: The best cloud storage services: Expert tested”This update will enable partners to improve deal economics and to retain more earnings,” Dai Vu, Managing Director of Google Cloud Marketplace, wrote in a company blog post. 2. Commit drawdownNext, the company announced that starting June 9, all qualifying purchases made through Marketplace Channel Private Offers (MCPO) — which allows software vendors to transact private deals with customers — will come with a 100% commit drawdown on the final offer amount. Also: How Google’s new Unified Security platform aims to simplify the fight against cyberthreats”Commit drawdown” is an investment phrase referring to the amount that an investor is obligated to provide to a fund after the two parties have entered into an agreement. In this case, it means simply that vendors can expect to receive their payments in full, without a cut being allotted to Google. 3. Marketplace Customer Credit ProgramFinally, Cloud Marketplace is launching its Marketplace Customer Credit Program (MCCP), which is essentially a coupon for customers looking to buy software solutions from Google and its partners. The announcement of the new changes follows the April unveiling of Google Cloud’s AI Agent Marketplace, a virtual shop where customers can browse and buy agentic AI models from Google partners. More

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    These budget earbuds have no business sounding this good for the price

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The CMF Buds 2 Plus are the most premium pair of earbuds from the Nothing sub-brand. At $79, they’re one of the best-sounding and most feature-rich earbuds in the price segment. The way these earbuds are designed makes them not ideal for side sleepers. –> The new Nothing CMF Buds 2 […] More

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    The best Android tablets of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

    Android tablets have come a long way. They boast powerful performance, vibrant displays, and a user-friendly interface. It’s a great time of year to pick up a tablet that can handle entertainment, reading, note-taking, and creative work. We tested the best models of 2025, from premium options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, to budget-friendly picks like the Fire Max 11. If you want to stay in the Android ecosystem for a tablet (or you’re just curious to see what’s out there), you have plenty of options. Whether you need a portable device to replace your laptop for work tasks, something to act as a smart home hub, or just a device for watching videos, there’s an Android tablet that will meet your needs. What is the best Android tablet right now?I chose ZDNET staff-tested tablets that offer a reliable experience and a variety of features at a reasonable price point. Not all Android tablets are created equal, so I employed research and my experience with the products to suggest the best Android tablets below. I found that the best Android tablet overall was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra More