<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Woburn 3 is the most expensive home audio speaker from Marshall. It has fantastic sound quality, strong bass, and clear mids. However, the system only supports the SBC codec. –> What’s the deal? The Marshall Woburn 3<!–> is still on sale at Amazon for $499, saving you $80. It might […] More
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETAnother day, another bug in Windows 11 24H2. Early last week, Microsoft revealed the latest glitch to befall its newest flavor of Windows 11. And this one could keep you from downloading any future security updates.The problem occurs if you installed the Windows 11 24H2 version through physical media such as a CD or USB flash drive anytime between Oct. 8, 2024, and Nov. 12, 2024. Those dates covered the October 2024 and November 2024 security updates as part of the installation.Also: Why Windows 11 requires a TPM – and how to get around itIn this event, your PC is unable to receive any future Windows security updates. That means you’re stuck if new vulnerabilities are discovered and you need to patch the OS. The problem doesn’t occur if you installed or updated Windows 11 24H2 through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website. “When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates,” Microsoft said on its Windows 11, version 24H2 known issues and notifications page.”This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation,” the company explained. “Please note, this only occurs when utilizing media – such as CD and USB flash drives – to install Windows 11, version 24H2. This issue does not occur for devices where the October 2024 security update or the November 2024 security updates are installed via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website.” More
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETWhat’s the deal?The LG Gram Pro 16 More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is available now for $50 on Amazon. It’s a solid fitness tracker with great battery life that covers the basics in a slim form factor. It might not fit everyone, and the entry-level tracking data lacks the deep, personalized insights you’ll find on more expensive devices. […] More
MirageC/Getty Images Earlier this month, Google’s quantum computing scientists demonstrated a breakthrough that indicates quantum computing is for real — and will be able to find its place among other kinds of computers as a valuable resource. But much remains to be done. Google’s latest quantum chip, which is called Willow and fabricated in the company’s […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus ProArt P16 is available now, starting at $1,900. It pairs powerful hardware with a suite of customizable options designed for creatives. The deep personalization requires engagement from the user, the huge trackpad won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and the ultra-glossy display tends to glare. –> Asus’ ProArt series […] More
ZDNETAlt text has been around for a long, long time. If you’ve never heard of it, the explanation is simple: Hover your cursor over an image. Essentially, alt text is what appears on a web page if an image fails to load.With well-crafted alt text, even those with vision impairments will have the necessary context for the images. This is an important feature that everyone should be using. It’s simple, doesn’t add much time to posting, and makes a vast difference for those who require such features.Also: 7 things to know about Bluesky before you join – and why you shouldSocial media sites haven’t been all that big on alt text. Facebook and X allow you to add alt text, but it’s kind of cumbersome, and most people neglect to do so. Bluesky, on the other hand, makes it very easy to add alt text, and I’ve found that more people use the feature than both Facebook and X combined. Bluesky even informs you why alt text is important. When you upload an image, you’ll see a bit of information that reads: “Alt text describes images for blind and low-vision users, and helps give context to everyone.”Also: How to delete your X/Twitter account for good (and protect your data)Let me show you how easy it is to add alt text to your Bluesky images so you can be certain those users with vision impairments know the contents of your image.How to add alt text to an image in BlueskyWhat you’ll need: To make this work, you’ll need a valid Bluesky account and an image to post. I’ll demonstrate this process on the web version of Bluesky. Fortunately, the process is the same on the mobile app. More
For most people, everyday essentials include a phone, keys, wallet, and a reliable pair of headphones. Whether you’re studying for a test, running errands, or powering through a workout, a quality pair of over-ear headphones can help you stay focused by blocking out distractions.Premium headphones can come with a hefty price tag, often exceeding $600. However, with the new year approaching, post-holiday sales offer a great opportunity to grab deals on top brands — like Beats, Sennheiser, and Sony — that usually retail for over $330. Despite the gap in sound quality, build, and noise cancellation between budget headphones and premium models, midrange options like the ones featured here can deliver exceptional value and longevity starting at $100. That’s why I’ve tested a variety of headphones for $200 or less to help you find top-notch options that are budget-friendly and deliver great sound. Keep reading to see my top picks.What are the best cheap headphones right now?My top pick for affordable headphones are the Monoprice BT-600ANC More
