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    Why I no longer travel without these Sony headphones – even after testing competing models

    Jada Jones/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones offer even better sound and ANC performance.They have the best travel case for headphones in 2025.I love the more comfortable, snug fit of Sony’s new flagship headphones.The Sony WH-1000XM5 were great but lacked a few features that I consider essential for travel. That’s why I chose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones as my go-to travel headphones, for their comfortable fit and foldable design. But three years after the XM5 launch, Sony has finally released a worthy successor. And it improves on the last-gen product in every way. Also: I replaced my bulky headphones with these Pixel earbuds for traveling – and can’t go backBefore the Sony WH-1000XM6 More

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    How to use Hold Assist on iOS 26 (and why it’s my must-have iPhone feature)

    What does iOS 26’s Hold Assist do on iPhone? Hold Assist monitors your call while you’re on hold, notifies you when a live person returns, and shows a transcript of what you missed. Meanwhile, Hold Assist Detection is a toggle in the Phone app settings that lets your iPhone automatically detect when you’ve been placed on hold by listening for background music. During these calls, a banner will prompt you to activate Hold Assist. Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before the iOS 26 update)When I tried it with my partner, he said he heard a beep. After that, when he started speaking, he was told the message was being transcribed. I also tested Hold Assist while on hold with my insurance company and again with my power utility. Both times, I was prompted to enable Hold Assist, did so, and resumed the calls once I got a notification. Neither agent or caller mentioned knowing they’d been on hold, though in one instance I could see in the transcript that the agent was speaking to me to say they were back.Which iPhones support Hold Assist?Hold Assist is available on iPhone 12, iPhone SE (3rd generation), and later models running iOS 26. Is Hold Assist available everywhere? No. It’s available in the US, UK, and Canada in English, along with additional regions. See the full list of supported countries here More

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    I was already a Pop!_OS fan – but the new beta is stunning

    juanma hache/Moment via Getty Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways System76 Pop!_OS 24.04 beta is now available. COSMIC desktop is an out-of-this-world environment. You can download and install the beta now for free. Over 10 years ago, I purchased my first System76 desktop computer. That was a Leopard Extreme, and […] More

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    We hand-picked the 10 best tech products to gift this year

    It’s officially October, which means early holiday shopping season is here. With October Prime Day kicking off on Oct. 7, there’s truly no better time than the present (pun intended) to start thinking about your holiday gifting this year. It won’t be long now until Black Friday and Cyber Monday creep up, so it’s time to start making your list and checking it twice. Also: The best stocking stuffers for holiday gifting (all under $75) At ZDNET, we test the best tech products all year and are making recommendations for the best tech items to gift (or get) this year. We’ve focused on cutting-edge picks that elevate everyday lifestyles and are long term investments into yours or your loved ones lives. Some of these are pricey picks, but don’t worry. We’ll be updating this guide throughout the season as products go on sale. Plus, we’ve rounded up our favorite gadgets and gizmos under $75, too. Also: Worried about rising tech prices? Try these 5 easy ways to shop smarter right nowHere’s our favorite tech gifts for the 2025 holiday season thus far. Happy shopping! Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers.The best tech gift ideas 2025 More