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    This ultra-thin battery pack is my must-have travel accessory – and it’s on sale right now

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Torras’ MiniMag Power Bank is available now for about $41. The MiniMag bank’s 0.3-inch thickness makes it uber-portable while supplying 5,000mAh via 18W USB-C charging or 7.5W wireless charging. However, if you’re looking for larger pack capacities or kickstands or grips, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere. –> Testing MagSafe battery […] More

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    Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy phone and fitness tracker may be the best deals in tech

    Last year’s Galaxy A15 5G was a budget champ. This year’s model may be even better. Kerry Wan/ZDNETIf you’re seeking smart tech for someone who’s not tech savvy, buying your kid their first smartphone, or simply trying to save some money with a no-frills device, you’ll want to pay attention to two new Samsung offerings. Samsung is bringing two popular budget devices – a smartphone and a fitness tracker – to the US for the first time on Jan. 9. Also: The best fitness trackers: Expert tested and reviewedThe Galaxy Fit3 debuted in select markets in February 2024 and quickly found a fanbase with its $59.99 price tag. If you’re new to fitness trackers and curious how much of a savings that is, our current list of best fitness trackers has devices that range from $160 to $450. Like other fitness trackers, the Fit3 is essentially a basic smartwatch. It has a 1.6-inch screen, tracks more than 100 workout types, offers metrics like stress level, blood oxygen level, and heart rate, and is IP68 water- and dust-resistant. If you wear it overnight, the Fit3 also offers sleep insights, including sleep tracking and snoring detection, and has built-in fall detection that gives you the option to call emergency services on your nearby phone.   More

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    These Google Pixel buds have replaced over-ear headphones for me when traveling – here’s why

    Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETFor as long as I can remember, I’ve preferred headphones over earbuds for travel. Yes, they’re bulkier, but the added weight has always been worth it for the superior sound quality and noise cancellation — if not the battery life. Also: CES 2025: What to expect and how to watchThis year, however, Google introduced a pair of earbuds that not only replaced the headphones in my backpack but did so without compromising any essential features. This makes the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 More

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    Your Apple Watch Series 4’s new ‘vintage’ status means fixing it just got more complicated – here’s why

    ZDNETThose of you still wearing an Apple Watch Series 4 on your wrist could now run into problems if your watch ever needs to be repaired. That’s because Apple labels products beyond a certain lifespan as “vintage,” which affects if, how, and where you can get them fixed if they break down.Also: 8 times the Apple Watch predicted danger and saved lives in 2024On the latest version of a page that explains what happens if an Apple product’s warranty has expired, the company added a couple of new devices to its vintage lineup on Thursday. Tops on the list is the Apple Watch Series 4, which debuted in 2018. That year aligns with the new designation. Based on Apple’s assessment, devices become vintage when the company has stopped selling them more than five years but less than seven years ago.What does it mean if you own a vintage product?If the device is still working, great. Keep using it as long as you want. But if it conks out, you may have trouble getting it fixed.You might be able to request parts and servicing; however, that depends on the availability of the parts. If your local Apple Store or third-party repair shop doesn’t have the parts in stock right away, you’ll have to wait until they’re found, or you may be out of luck completely. In that case, you may have to check eBay or a third-party reseller to try to uncover the parts yourself. More

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    Could AI make you a billionaire in 2025?

    Mensent Photography/Getty Images There I was, minding my own bidness, watching Formula 1 videos on IG. 🥰 Sam Altman pops up, talking about the future of AI as it relates to business owners. He said that one day, we could see a one-person billion-dollar company. 😱 My first thought was, “Dude is wilding.” Then I […] More

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    CES 2025: What to expect and how to watch

    Jason Hiner/ZDNETWith CES upon us, you have probably seen countless mentions of the conference from any tech news outlet or company you follow. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or consumer, the show is guaranteed to feature something you care about — be it the launch of a new tech product or feature or the demo of some visionary technology with the potential to change the future.Also: ZDNET joins CNET Group to award the Best of CES, and you can submit your entry nowWant to keep up with the conference’s latest and hottest news? ZDNET will have a team on the ground bringing you the latest announcements during the show, so you don’t miss a thing. Here’s everything you need to know about CES 2025.What is CES? The Consumer Electronics Show, also known as CES for short, is an industry tradeshow that features the biggest tech players from across the globe who will showcase their latest consumer technology with daily product launches, keynotes, activations, and demos. The annual event, which has found a permanent home at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other nearby hotels, has been taking place for decades, becoming a staple in the tech community. More

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    How IBM’s blueprint for industry transformation leverages AI, 5G, and collaboration

    Priya Kurien, the client strategy and innovation leader of global industries at IBM. IBM Priya Kurien, the client strategy and innovation leader of global industries at IBM, has a fascinating job working with C-suite and senior leaders for IBM’s clients across the world, helping them to leverage IBM’s technology, particularly with AI. In this interview, […] More