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    An affordable Windows laptop with great specs for work travel? I found the one to buy

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vivobook S 15, Asus’ first Copilot+ PC, normally retails for over $1,000, but it’s currently on sale at Walmart for $668. It’s sleek and lightweight with a gorgeous OLED, 120Hz display, great battery life, and snappy performance. However, because of the nature of Windows on ARM laptops, some apps might […] More

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    This is the most customizable smart home accessory I didn’t know I needed

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Govee Neon Rope Light 2 is available in white or black and in two lengths: 10 feet and 16.4 feet. More pliable than other neon light strips on the market, the Govee Neon Rope Light 2 is easy to install and comes with bend clips to facilitate getting closed angles. […] More

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    New White House tariff exemptions for electronics could offer temporary break for tech

    Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETAmid uncertainty over rising costs as a consequence of steep tariffs, the White House announced an exemption for imported smartphones, laptops, chips, and other electronics. This temporary exemption would have significant implications for the US economy, which has suffered highs and lows since the announcement of new tariffs. The Trump administration had previously imposed up to 145% tariffs for imported goods from China and a minimum 10% global tariff for nearly all other countries. While the tariff on China has yet to be enacted, US consumers were riddled with concerns of price hikes that translated into a crashing stock market and panic-buying electronics. Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we knowThe new exemption announced by the White House is temporary as a way to pause tariffs on some imported electronics, including smartphones, laptops, CPUs, memory chips, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Other electronics included in the exemptions are solar cells, flash drives, tablets, memory cards, and flat panel TVs. More

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    I found the smartest (and cheapest) way to protect your laptop’s charging port

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The magnetic USB-C connector now supports a 180-degree swivel, and it’s only $13 at Amazon. It can pump out as much as 240W of power. I just wish it was suitable for data transferring or powering monitors. –> These handy 240W USB-C magnetic adapters<!–> come in a two-pack and are on sale for […] More

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    I compared two of the best Roborock models on the market – and it came down to the wire

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Roborock Saros 10 is available for $1,599. This robot vacuum and mop does it all, with 22,000Pa of suction power, a retractable LiDAR sensor that easily fits under furniture, and a vibrating mopping plate that removes stubborn stains on hard floors. Unfortunately, the docking station has required intervention twice due […] More

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    A crucial tech race is happening on your wrist – and you need to watch closely

    Jason Hiner/ZDNETWant to catch up on the latest health and wearable tech news? As ZDNET’s editor of health and wearable technology, I keep up with the daily rumors and news of new tech, so you don’t have to. I’ve rounded up some of the week’s most memorable stories on smartwatches and fitness trackers. Keep reading to learn about the latest features landing around your wrist. From condition detection to condition management Samsung is seeking an upgrade on its FDA-cleared obstructive sleep apnea detection feature, thanks to a collaboration with Stanford Medicine. The tech brand is working with Stanford to leverage AI and turn your Galaxy Watch into a sleep apnea management device instead of simply a sleep apnea detection device. Also: The best smartwatches of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedCondition detection has been a key feature in these new-age wearable devices. Tech brands like Samsung, Google, and Apple have rolled out several features in their wearables that detect conditions like atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, and hearing loss. The question is: Will people continue using the product once they’ve received a diagnosis? Tech brands seem to be exploring what’s next following detection to encourage continued use. This explains the introduction of management features and personal AI health assistants in everything from the Oura Ring to Polar watches. Speaking of Polar smartwatches, Polar unveiled its Fitness Program plan on Thursday. This paid subscription plan gives Polar watch wearers their own personal fitness assistant. The Fitness Program creates “science-backed” cardio fitness plans catering to users’ fitness goals and routines. OnePlus Watch 3 sees a price hike The OnePlus Watch 3 just got a price hike, which we can only assume is partly due to the trade war between China and the US. Originally set for $330, the OnePlus Watch 3 now retails for $500, a $170 increase. If trade tensions between the countries continue, we’ll likely see more price hikes on tech soon. New features roll out on Pixel Watches Google rolled out its Scam Detection feature, which uses AI to scan calls and detect suspicious activity, on its second- and third-generation Pixel Watches. Pixel Watch 3 users also got a lifesaving feature upgrade in the Loss of Pulse Detection feature, which is rolling out now through the end of the month. The feature, which is opt-in-only, checks your pulse and calls emergency services if it has been lost.  More

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    Why I still recommend the AirPods Pro after testing dozens of earbuds – especially at this price

    Jada Jones/ZDNETIn 2024, Apple unveiled new AirPods, and while you might be considering buying the brand’s latest earbuds, you shouldn’t forget about the sweet discounts that activate on earlier models once Apple releases new hardware — especially if you’re looking for a new pair of high-quality noise-canceling earbuds. Amazon currently has a great deal on the AirPods Pro 2 More