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    This $200 Android phone is has no business being so highly functional

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Ruggedized smartphone with a huge battery, massive 800 lumen flashlight, and night vision camera. The battery is a massive 15,000mAh in size, but this does make the handset weigh a hefty 2 pounds. Display can be a bit washed out in bright sunlight. –> I remember when smartphones started to use […] More

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    I swore off smartwatches until the Apple Watch Series 10 lured me back – for 3 reasons

    Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETI’m not a smartwatch person, and I gave up on them three years ago for one simple reason: I didn’t want unsolicited notifications on my wrist. Over the years, I’ve only worn a smartwatch to review it or check out new features. However, I returned to the Apple Watch with its latest iteration — Series 10, in Jet Black — two months ago, and I don’t mind having it on my wrist daily anymore. Also: Apple Watch Series 10 vs Apple Watch Series 9: Should you upgrade to the latest model?It turns out Apple has resolved most of my Apple Watch annoyances, both hardware and software, over the years. Plus, three years changed a lot of things in life, and tracking health data outweighs the inconvenience of unsolicited notifications (which can be turned off) now. Sure, I can choose one of the more affordable options, but I trust the Apple Watch more for its track record of saving lives through irregular heartbeats, and alerts that matter. Just to be clear, I’m not using it as a medical device substitute. Instead, it’s a nice-to-have, but also a reliable companion for health tracking. Also: 3 Apple devices you definitely shouldn’t buy this month (and 10 to get instead)After wearing the Apple Watch Series 10 More

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    The most competent robot vacuum I tested last year just got a major upgrade

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dreame X50 Ultra is available for $1,700, but on sale for $1,360. This is one of the best robot vacuums and mops available, with anti-tangle dual brushes, 20,000Pa of suction, and legs to cross up to 4.2cm thresholds. The Dreame X50 Ultra can get caught on obstacles and require intervention, […] More

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    My favorite bike computer just got more affordable but with just as many safety features

    Wahoo Fitness Wahoo kicked off its next generation of cycling tech with the launch of its upgraded flagship bike computer, the Elemnt Ace, in December 2024. Now, the company is rounding out its lineup with new third-generation versions of its mid-range and entry-level models, alongside its first-ever bike radar. Also: The best Garmin watches you can […] More

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    How to make GIMP more like Photoshop

    Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETI’ve been using the cross-platform image editor GIMP for as long as I can remember. It’s an incredible app often considered the open-source equivalent of Photoshop.That status is crucial because Adobe refuses to port its flagship app to the open-source OS. I’ve managed just fine without Photoshop, and you can too. Also: 5 powerful GIMP features I use nearly every day for easy, free photo editingHowever, if the GIMP interface keeps you from adopting this open-source app, fear not, as there is an easy way to configure the UI to make it look more like Photoshop.I’m going to show you how that approach works. More

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    How the Sound Burger curbed my vinyl craving with a game-changing audio feature

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Audio-Technica Sound Burger retails for $199 and comes in yellow, black, or white. The Sound Burger has unparalleled portability, a long battery life, and provides a novel listening experience. It doesn’t have a counterweight, and also doesn’t have an auto-return feature. more buying choices The Audio-Technica Sound Burger–> is $25 […] More