Eliana Willis

Ed Bott/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Microsoft Surface Pro More

KeySmart SmartCard Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysKeySmart’s SmartCard is available from Amazon for $40 More

Cesar Cadenas/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysMicrosoft has made one of the best work tablets of 2024 with the 11th-generation Surface Pro More

Samsung’s latest Galaxy S24 line is the first to go all-in on AI, and the S24 Ultra, the most premium of the three, is the best Android phone today. The new Galaxy AI model embedded in the device brings a host of generative capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, the ability to circle an object on screen to perform an image-based Google search, AI-assisted photo editing and transcriptions, and even a Chat Assist feature for figuring out how to phrase a message in different tones.Like its predecessor, the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra is built with a large 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Though the price has gone up to $1,299 ($100 more than the S23 Ultra), the phone’s upgrades make it well worth it: The S24 Ultra is made of a lightweight yet durable titanium frame, compared to last year’s aluminum, and features Corning’s latest Gorilla Armor. Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe difference in display protection means the S24 Ultra is more glare-free than ever, which ZDNET reviewer Jason Hiner suggested: “makes its screen more enjoyable to use than the iPhone 15 Pro Max and other flagship phones.” Reddit users seem to agree with Hiner, including one who said he believes “the anti-reflective glass really makes a difference.”Under the hood, the S24 Ultra includes an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for improved graphics and AI features, 12GB RAM (an increase from last year’s 8GB), and 2,600 nits of brightness — a big improvement over last year’s 1,750. As for the new camera system, the big upgrade comes in the form of a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. As Hiner discovered, the results were sharper and less noisy images and an overall camera system that could pull in more light than ever before.Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto (5x), 10MP telephoto (3x) | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh More

The S95D sits at the top of the company’s OLED line of TVs, and not only will you get signature OLED picture quality, you’ll also be able to push your TV’s refresh rate as high as 144Hz for smoother action during fast-paced scenes in movies, shows, and video games. You’ll also get high-quality audio with support for both Dolby Atmos and Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound+ technology for audio that follows the on-screen action as it moves.  If you’re a gamer, you’ll find support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to prevent screen tearing and other visual glitches, plus Samsung’s Gaming Hub that gives you access to a depth of settings.Also: Samsung’s S95D OLED is the best TV of CES 2024 and best in the world right nowZDNET’s Editor-in-Chief, Jason Hiner, went hands-on with the S95D at a Samsung event, and he praised the new anti-glare coating on the screen, which helps improve visibility in brighter rooms and under harsh lighting. He also highlighted the TV’s ability to maintain bold, bright colors even with a matte finish for an impressive picture.Samsung S95D tech specs: Screen size: 55-77 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: OLED HDR Pro | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google  More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe “free phone” deal is nothing new, and if you’ve clicked into this article with a bit of skepticism, that’s normal. Such offers are almost always too good to be true, whether promoted by AT&T, T-Mobile, or Best Buy. But for the right customer, they’re the perfect opportunity to own a new phone for less than retail.The latest variation of the “free phone” comes via Boost Mobile, who’s selling the iPhone 15 More

Jack Wallen/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Mojawa Run Plus More

If you’ve cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider and moved exclusively to streaming, the TCL QM8 is an excellent option. It uses the Google TV platform to give you a preloaded suite of popular apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+, and access to thousands of other apps to turn your TV into the ultimate entertainment hub. Review: TCL QM8The 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth action for sports, high-intensity movies and shows, and gaming. The QLED panel provides bold, bright colors, sharp contrast, and fine details that make everything from the latest blockbusters to 20-year-old cartoons like Teen Titans look their best. With Dolby Vision support, you’ll get enhanced detailing and contrast with upscaled, sub-4K media.I got to do some hands-on testing with the TCL QM8, and the screen looks just as good in person as it does in photos. Colors pop in shows, movies, and games, and both music and dialogue sound clean, crisp, and clear, even at higher volumes.TCL QM8 tech specs: Screen size: 75 inches | Panel type: QLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: Dolby Vision | Audio: Dolby Atmos | Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google More