Eliana Willis

Jason Hiner/ZDNETThe “free phone” deal is nothing new, and if you’ve clicked into this article with a bit of skepticism, that’s normal. Such offers are almost always too good to be true, whether promoted by AT&T, T-Mobile, or Best Buy. For the right customer, however, they’re the perfect opportunity to own a new phone for less than retail.The latest variation of the “free phone” comes via Boost Mobile, which is selling the iPhone 15 More

Save big on this lifetime Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro bundle.  Kerry Wan/ZDNETIt doesn’t matter if you’re upgrading to a new laptop or just upgrading your existing system — access to Microsoft Office and Windows is a necessity for getting things done on your computer these days. And right now, you can buy a bundled lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro from Stack Social for $50 — that’s 88% off. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021 includes all of the classic and essential Microsoft offerings, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and Teams. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, check out this deal for Microsoft Office 2019, which offers all the same features except for Teams. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is an operating system perfect for working professionals or at-home users. Get an easy-to-navigate interface, biometrics login, Smart App Control, Windows Studio Effects, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and top features like snap layouts, desktops, seamless redocking, improved voice typing, and a powerful search experience. You’ll also get access to Microsoft Copilot, an AI platform designed to upgrade your workflow experience. Also: How to use Copilot (formerly known as Bing Chat)There’s one caveat, though. 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 now, and ZDNET’s Alison DeNisco Rayome can personally vouch for them — she purchased an Office license from Stack Social about two years ago, and it’s still working on her personal MacBook today. While this bundle deal offers a lot, you won’t get the benefits of the latest Microsoft Office 365 subscription, so if you’re looking for Microsoft 365, this deal may not be for you (though Stack Social does have a discount on Office 365, too.) Windows users must update their OS to Windows 10 or 11 to access these software deals. Get your lifetime license bundles for Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro right now. More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETSoundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Despite their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few adjustments to help fulfill your pursuit of the best possible sound quality. Also: The best soundbars of 2024: Expert tested and recommendedWhether you’re new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can take your viewing and listening experience to new heights. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar’s performance. More

Amazon Fire TV Omni Series QLED 3.5 / 5 Good pros and cons Pros Great picture and sound Dedicated game mode Alexa features are optional Easy to set up Great for gaming Cons A bit overpriced No easy way to access app library Somewhat invasive ads on home screen Lots of cool features locked behind […] More

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETBack-to-school season is here, which means applications to their next academic ventures, internships, or first jobs are top of mind for many students. Whether you’re seeking to launch your career or you’ve been in the labor market for decades, there’s one thing we can all agree on — creating a resume that attracts the eye of recruiters is a challenge.How to use ChatGPT to write: Cover letters | Code | Excel formulas | Essays Landing a job that aligns with your qualifications and expectations is hard enough. You also have to sum up all your professional experiences and strengths in one application — and the heart of that application is your CV or resume.  More

Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro remain popular and great phone options despite the recent release of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. The phones have excellent camera quality and integration of features like Gemini AI and other software upgrades. Google upgraded the Pixel 8’s rear camera and refresh rate for smooth scrolling, and the company embedded powerful security features and around-the-clock battery life into the phone, which starts at $699 More

Procreate In the world of software development, every company seems to want to inject artificial intelligence (AI) into its offerings. For some, that’s great because AI can really bring serious decision-making power into the mix.  For others, however, AI is not the boon it’s being made out to be. This is especially true for the creative types […] More