Eliana Willis

For a more budget-friendly option, the Birdkiss smart bird feeder currently retails for $150 at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy and is priced at $109 on the Birdkiss website. It includes the feeder with a perch, a wireless camera, a solar panel, and a 5dBi antenna for better Wi-Fi connectivity and range.To deter squirrels, the feeder has voice, light, and alarm buttons so you can scare the squirrels or even tell them to “Go away!”Like the other feeders, you can share photos and videos with family and friends, but with the Birdkiss feeder, you can also upload what you capture directly to your social media accounts to share with birdwatching groups.Again, the AI function and more storage will cost you extra with this feeder, starting at $3 per month. However, those interested in more storage can get up to 128GB with a micro SD card. Birdkiss tech specs: Camera: 1080p | Field of view: 135 degrees | Seed capacity: 40.6 ounces | Battery: 5000mAh rechargeable battery | Solar: 3W | Subscription: Free, $2.99/mo, $4.49/mo, or $7.99/mo  More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETWith WWDC 2024 now in the rearview mirror, Apple enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next major event: the fall unveiling of the new iPhone, Apple Watches, and a comprehensive update to Apple’s entire OS lineup, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Until then, expect a relatively quiet summer.Now is arguably the worst time to purchase an iPhone or Apple Watch. With new models set to debut in just a few weeks, buying now means paying full price for devices that will soon be outdated, or missing out on discounts for existing devices.Also: I upgrade my iPhone every year, but the iPhone 16 worries me – here’s whyThe new iPhone models are expected to bring significant upgrades, including enhanced AI capabilities and improved hardware features, while the next-generation Apple Watches should feature new health and fitness tracking capabilities, along with a revamped version of watchOS.For those in need of tablets for work or that back-to-school frenzy, Apple has addressed — for the most part — the great iPad wasteland, updating the iPad Air More

Years ago, we were lucky to have one or two Linux laptop options. Now, you’d be surprised at how many laptops are sold with Linux installed, making it an excellent time for programmers to use the open-source alternative to Windows and MacOS. Linux-based laptops are also great for high school and college students looking to expand their knowledge and skillsets. Linux can also run on many Windows laptops, which is great for beginners who may not be ready to invest in a dedicated machine.Also: These are the absolute best Linux distros for programmingWith so many options, we can now be selective with how we spend our money. On top of that, we no longer have to do extensive research on other laptops to ensure every component will work with Linux. For those of us who’d been working with Linux for some time, that was more a bother than a problem, but for others, it was a significant effort to track down chipset manufacturers and models that went into a particular laptop. Those days are long past, and consumers can now purchase a computer that ships with Linux installed, knowing it will “just work.” What is the best Linux laptop right now?We went hands-on with some of the best laptops on the market that can run Linux, testing their performance, battery, and features. Our pick for the best Linux laptop overall is the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 More

iPhone batteries have come a long way, but as a result, our dependence on them has skyrocketed. These sleek devices have transcended their humble beginnings as tools for calls, texts, and apps, morphing into indispensable digital keys for our cars and homes, and even our wallets for everyday transactions.Picture this: a dead iPhone derailing your entire day. That’s why I never leave home without a trusty power bank. It’s all about staying one step ahead — better to have it and not need it than need it and be left high and dry. Trust me, a little extra power can make a monumental difference.Also: The best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone What is the best iPhone power bank right now? I’ve deep-dice tested hundreds of iPhone power banks, scrutinizing everything from their sleek designs and rapid charge times to their hefty recharge capacities, power outputs, port varieties, and safety features. This thorough analysis has allowed me to weed out the duds — the low-quality units, the overpriced rip-offs, and the downright failures — focusing exclusively on the cream of the crop. This lineup represents the pinnacle of performance, ensuring you get only the best from your purchase.My top pick for the best overall iPhone power bank is the Anker MagGo 6.6K Wireless Charger More

Nina Raemont/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Sony Ult Field 1 More

Artie Beaty/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Roku Streambar Pro More

Asus Vivobook 16 (2024) Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETLooking for a laptop for college but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry — you’re not the first one to be overwhelmed by all the different kinds, and nonsensical computer jargon. The good thing is that depending on what you’re going to school for, you can narrow down your choices, and we can help make some suggestions along the way. Also: The best laptops for college you can buy: Expert testedWe’ve tested dozens of laptops this year alone at ZDNET, and have a pretty solid understanding of which laptops are good for college since, well, we were students once, too! Here are the big things to consider when picking out a laptop for college, and some recommended models that might help you narrow down your choices. Let’s run through it. More

Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images Matching the right talent to an open role can be challenging, both for recruiters and jobseekers. High volumes of applications make it difficult for recruiters to identify the best candidates, and equally difficult for candidates to stand out. That’s where AI can help — and talent software company Workday is capitalizing […] More