More stories

  • in

    I did not expect this JBL soundbar to rival my premium Sonos system the way that it did

    JBL Bar 1000MK2 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The JBL Bar 1000MK2 includes a soundbar, two detachable rear speakers, and an external subwoofer for $1,200. It’s a versatile system, with powerful audio performance suitable for large rooms. It’s not an ideal option for people who want permanent rear speakers. more buying choices Follow ZDNET: Add us as […] More

  • in

    Best early Black Friday Verizon deals 2025: 10+ deals for new and existing users

    When is Black Friday? Black Friday is Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving. While it’s typically associated with general retail sales, we’re seeing a lot more online deals, as well. Cyber Monday, the traditional online shopping sale day, is Monday, Dec. 1. Both of these days will have some great deals, and there will be some overlap.  Are phones really cheaper during Black Friday? Yes, phones, including recent iPhone models, are often cheaper on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, matching (if not beating) the level of discount you’d find during any other major shopping event. This is partly because Cyber Week occurs months after most manufacturers, such as Samsung, OnePlus, Google, and Apple, have launched new devices. With the passage of time, you’ll often see the more recent phones discounted by a significant amount at this time.iPhones are cheaper during this time because carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T offer competitive trade-in and sign-on promotions. As long as you read the fine print about the qualifications, most of these deals will cover the retail cost of the new iPhone. You’ll just have to agree to a long-term installment plan that ranges between 24 months to 36 months.How did we choose these early Black Friday deals?ZDNET chooses Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals based on the percentage of discount compared to the original price ($5 off a $20 item is just as good as $250 off a $1,000 item), how significant the discount is compared to pricing history, and whether our experts have tested and recommended the product.We also examine deals from a broader perspective, considering alternative options, unique use cases, stock availability, and existing customer reviews on websites such as Amazon, Best Buy, and Reddit. The best deals will save you a meaningful amount of money while providing a truly worthwhile product. More

  • in

    Waze vs. Google Maps: I compared two of the top navigation apps, and this one easily wins

    Waze definitely has a personality, thanks to its colorful, cartoony design packed with big icons and bold, in-your-face alerts. It’s also got a playful side when it comes to customization. You can stream music directly through the built-in audio player (Spotify, anyone?), pick a voice “sidekick” like Halo’s Master Chief or comedian Nate Bargatze, and even set a mood once you’ve driven more than 160 kilometers.Google Maps isn’t quite as caricatured, but it is loaded with features. It’s fantastic for exploring neighborhoods, digging into business info, or finding restaurants, parks, and stores. You can even hop into Street View to preview a location before heading out. There are plenty of layers and details too. You can switch between satellite, terrain, air quality, wildfire zones, and even 3D buildings. Now it even has an AR-powered Lens feature that lets you use your phone’s camera to identify shops, restaurants, or landmarks around you and get quick AI-powered info on them. It might feel a little cluttered when you’re just trying to drive, but honestly, it’s kind of fun to click around and see just how much it can do.Also: How to blur your house on Google Street View (and 4 reasons why people do it)While Waze has basic details like business addresses and hours, what about restaurant reviews or photos? Not so much. Google Maps is a beast in this department. Full reviews, photos, peak hours, menus, and more.I’ll admit this can come down to personal preference. If you’re into quirky extras and playful design, Waze definitely delivers. But since I’m not big on the gimmicky stuff and prefer a more feature-rich interface with plenty of discovery options that actually help me get around, I’m giving the edge to Google Maps. More

  • in

    Why Amazon really doesn’t want Perplexity’s AI browser shopping for you

    Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Amazon has threatened legal action against AI startup Perplexity. Perplexity called the move “a threat to all internet users.”  The fight could impact the future of AI-powered shopping. The battle over the future of AI-powered shopping has begun. […] More

  • in

    Microsoft confirms a bug is hitting paid Windows 10 ESU users – here’s what’s happening

    <!–> Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Windows 10 may tell you that support has ended even if you paid for it. The incorrect message is due to a display bug. Microsoft promises a fix in a future Windows update. Microsoft offers extended security updates for its now unsupported Windows […] More