<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Powerbeats Pro 2 retail for $250 in vibrant Black, Quick Sand, Hyper Purple, and Electric Orange colorways. The earbuds can replace your smartwatch or fitness tracker, offering exercise and activity data via companion apps. The sound isn’t very robust, delivering weak bass and hollow mids. –> I’ve tested dozens of […] More
ZDNETOpenAI recently announced Operator, an AI agent designed to perform tasks on the web.After testing it (yes, I paid the $200 bucks, but, more importantly, I kept the subscription🤯), this is a game-changer, but not for the reason you think.This article will probably get me in trouble with my business partner.Also: Will AI kill creativity and destroy human innovation? Here’s the unsettling truthI’m about to snitch on myself for your benefit. 😩I’m going to tell you the secret sauce behind how our ecom business generates millions in revenue and how Operator can help.In this article, I’ll break down:What Operator is and why it mattersThe good, the bad, and the ugly of using itThree ways you can turn Operator into a side hustleGrab a pen and paper if you’re into this kind of stuff. You’ll want to take notes. 🧐Quick introTo understand why this is a game changer, first, you must understand who I am and what I do for a living.If you are new to my work, my name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les.I’m a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I’m the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I’m an award-winning performance marketer. 🤓☝️Also: From zero to millions? How regular people are cashing in on AINeedless to say, data and insights are my jam. We operate more like a data company than an ecom brand. Our secret sauce? Pairing data and insights with ideas that generate revenue.If you are into leveraging AI or emerging tech to help your workflow or generate revenue, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I break down what is working in the world of AI along with actionable insights to implement… no fluff, just facts (see what I did there).But enough about me. I have to tell you why Operator is a game changer! 🤫 More
Foldables may be the most exciting innovation in phones since Apple’s iPhone. Thanks to improvements to durability, display quality, and battery life, the best foldable phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open, are just as worthy of recommendation as standard slab handsets. Based on the dozens of devices we’ve tried and tested at ZDNET, it’s safe to say that consumers today have more choices than ever, whether they want a foldable that expands into a tablet or a book-style foldable. Our top picks include a Samsung foldable phone, Motorla Razr foldables, and the cheapest foldable phone you can buy.What is the best foldable phone right now?ZDNET has tested and reviewed every single mass-market foldable during the past year, and the devices below represent the best of the best. Our pick for the best foldable phone overall is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold More
Whether you’re looking for a tough tablet that can handle toddlers or on-site workers, there are plenty of rugged tablets. And just because they’re rugged, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with a heavy, bulky device. The best rugged tablets from Samsung and other brands offer the same military standard protection against drops, shocks, and moisture while offering a thinner, sleeker profile. While working in the field, a bright screen and robust battery are just as important in a tablet as a rugged chassis. Each of the top tablets we tested was chosen because it offered a great balance between protection, battery life, and ease of use, and we found the most durable tablet to be the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5. What is the best rugged tablet right now?My full-time job as a naval architect is rather unique and offers me the opportunity to get out into shipyards filled with sand, dirt, oil, and more elements that can destroy typical tablets like an iPad More
The $340 Kindle Scribe combines a digital library with a digital notebook. You can use the basic pen to create notes either through an app or on the book you’re reading, making it convenient if you’re studying for a test and want to organize what you’re reading and your notes in one place. Additionally, you can upgrade to the Kindle Scribe Premium Pen to easily erase notes.The display is remarkable, with a high-resolution 10.2-inch screen. You’ll also have access to ample storage options, and the battery life will let you read the next bestseller without worrying about finding the nearest plug for charging. Review: Amazon Kindle ScribeWhen Matthew Miller reviewed the Scribe last year, he called it his on-the-go note-taking tablet of choice. “My desire to find something that doesn’t waste paper and also provides the ability to preserve and share my notes has been met with the Amazon Kindle Scribe,” Miller said. He adds that the writing and erasing capabilities are top-tier, too, especially with the add-on Premium Pen. One Scribe owner on Reddit said that the wider screen is “a joy to read on,” while other Redditors reported that the writing software is “half-baked” with minimal note-taking capabilities. So, if you’re looking for a Kindle with a great screen and some beginner note-taking options, this one is for you. Also: Best tablets for school in 2025There is certainly room for improvement. Currently, you can export notes to a PDF and email them. However, sending notes to other programs like Microsoft Word would be ideal, as it will be part of a future software update. Additionally, we found that organizing your notes on the Kindle Scribe is impossible. Overall, it’s an excellent foray into the digital note-taking market, and with future software updates, it should become one of the more popular models in the Kindle lineup.Kindle Scribe specs: Screen size: 10.2 inches | Storage: 16, 32, or 64GB | Battery life: Up to 6 weeks at 30 minutes per day | Lock screen ads: Yes, removable with fee | microSD card support: No More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETSmartwatches are a gym-goer’s best friend. These devices actively track your fitness activity, collect health data for future analysis, and even control music streaming apps from your wrist. Many solid options exist on the market, but which wearable should you get?Should you splurge and buy a really expensive Garman watch? You could, but I recommend opting for the Galaxy Watch FE More
Nina Raemont/ZDNETWhat’s the deal? As part of a new Presidents’ Day sale, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are now $229 More
TCL’s 2024 QM8 photographed in the ZDNET testing lab. Adam Breeden/ZDNETLast year’s TCL QM8 More
