Eliana Willis

Jack Wallen/ZDNETIf you’ve been following the release of Android 15, you know there are plenty of features geared toward improving the security of your device. One of those features is called Private Space, which allows you to set up — you guessed it — a private space to house apps and files that are protected behind a separate password/PIN/biometric. With Private Space enabled, even if someone gains access to your phone, they can’t view anything you’ve placed within the area.Also: I upgraded my Pixel 9 Pro to Android 15. Here are my 5 favorite features so farHowever, there have been reports that the new feature is bricking phones. I’ve enabled Private Space on two Pixel phones and haven’t experienced a problem. Second, there are concerns that the new feature makes it easy for Android users to hide things from their significant others, their place of work, or more. Despite those controversies, I’ve found Private Space to improve the Android experience and provide a much-needed security boost. I’m glad for the ability to tuck away apps that house sensitive data about my clients and work.Let me show you how this feature works. More

Get a Babbel lifetime language subscription at a big discount right now.  StackSocial Learning a new language can be daunting. But right now, you can buy a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning from Stack Social that lets you choose from 14 languages and access more than 10,000 hours of online language education for $180 — […] More

Need Microsoft Office, but don’t want to pay a yearly subscription to Office 365? Consider this deal on the latest Office Home & Business 2024 suite for Mac or PC from Stack Social for $180 (reg. $250) — that’s 28% off. The suite includes lifetime access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Office 2024 features several improvements over the 2021 version, including AI integration, better performance and speed (particularly in Excel), more advanced content creation tools, and an improved user interface and accessibility features. One caveat: While Stack Social is an authorized Microsoft partner and offers “lifetime” access to Office, it is possible that Microsoft could end the license. But the site has been running these Microsoft deals for years, and I can personally vouch for them — I purchased an Office license from Stack Social about two years ago, and it’s still working on my personal MacBook today. This deal won’t give you the benefits of the latest Microsoft Office 365 subscription, either — but you won’t have to pay a $70 yearly fee to access Office apps, either. Windows users must have their OS updated to Windows 10 or 11, while Mac users should have at least MacOS Ventura or newer to download the software. You’ll need to redeem your code within 7 days of purchase to access your license.Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 for Windows or Mac with this deal today. More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETIt’s hard to believe I’ve had my M1 Max Mac Studio for almost two years. I still think of it as my new machine, because it’s the most recent machine I’ve bought. At the time, it was ideal for my workload.Also: I bought a Mac Studio: Here are the specs I chose and whyI ordered the M1 Max version instead of the M1 Ultra version, saving me $2,000. Here’s what I said back in 2022: “I did think about buying the M1 Ultra model simply to future-proof the machine for a few more years. But I would have spent so much more that, from a pure cost perspective, it will probably make more sense to upgrade again in a few years and save the $2,000 now.”And yeah, we’re now at the “few more years” stage — and I’m thinking of upgrading. Also: 5 Apple products you shouldn’t buy right nowThe M1 Max Mac Studio has taken everything I’ve thrown at it. I’ve done video editing, coding, server support, writing, general business management, and 3D design. For the most part, the M1 Max has been up to the task. For the most part. More

Bloomberg Creative/Getty Images The US presidential race is in full swing, but not everyone has equal access to the ballot box. With Election Day fast approaching, Lyft is trying to help. Last week, Lyft announced the launch of its Voting Access Program, the company’s “largest voting initiative,” to help millions of Americans get to the polls this […] More

Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Getty Images If your internet service provider (ISP) is charging you extra for going over data caps, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to hear about it. Last week, the FCC announced that it was exploring the impact of data caps on consumer access to broadband. If you’re not familiar, many ISPs […] More

Wireless earbuds and headphones certainly have some conveniences, but there’s so much to be said for a great pair of wired earbuds. Wired earbuds have a lower level of compression for better-sounding music and a built-in microphone for calls and voice commands. They also don’t need to be charged, are immune to annoying pairing issues, and are far easier to keep track of (plus, you won’t run the risk of losing just one earbud). On the whole, wired earbuds are more cost-effective than their wireless counterparts, and the perk of never needing to charge them means you won’t be stranded without your music, audiobooks, and podcasts on a long flight, camping trip, or commute. Bonus—you’ll never need to do the “stop and search” of shame if an earbud pops out during a jog or a frenzied morning (because, let’s face it, it always ends up in a place you really shouldn’t reach into). Also: The best earbuds you can buy What are the best wired earbuds right now? Based on our testing and research, we’ve compiled some of the internet’s and ZDNET staffers’ favorite wired earbuds picks. Our pick for the best wired earbuds overall goes to Lin Soul TIN HiFi T4 earbuds More