Eliana Willis

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI handle and review a bewildering array of gadgets throughout the year, from cables to satellite communicators. However, I feel that the real test for any product is whether it can make the shift from something I reviewed into something that I use long-term.This list represents gadgets that transitioned from mere review assignments to become essential parts of my kit. These are the things that live in my pocket or laptop bag or accompany me on my travels, both on-grid and completely off-grid.Also: Why Oura Ring 4 is ZDNET’s product of the year – besting Samsung, Apple, and others in 2024One caveat here is that I’ve deliberately left out any and all Apple gadgets for the simple reason that my top slots would consist of my iPhone, Apple Watch, MacBook Pro, AirPods Pro, and all the AirTags that prevent me from losing my belongings. I want this list to move beyond Apple!So, without any further ado, and in no particular order, here are my top 7 gadgets of 2024, along with a bonus “gadget” that is constantly in flux but also irreplaceable.1. Klarus K5 waterproof power bank   More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Beyerdynamic DT1990 Pro MKII headphones are available now on Amzon for $599 These headphones deliver mind-blowing accuracy and detail The price might be a turn-off to some but they are worth every penny. –> In a world of cheap, overly-processed sound, any opportunity to hear music as its creators intended […] More

John Moore / Getty Images When I first explored ChromeOS Flex, it felt like a minor miracle. Here was a platform that breathed new life into aging x86 hardware, transforming dusty laptops into lightweight, secure, and efficient devices. At the time, I saw it as a solution with great potential — not just for reducing […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The TCL QM8 (2024) features rich colors and searing brightness. It has enhanced audio over last year’s model, while still being easy to set up and navigate. I wish the viewing angles weren’t somewhat limited, and you’ll want to wait for a deal to buy one. more buying choices What’s the […] More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETWhat’s the deal?The Sony Bravia X90L More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETWith the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) being less than a week away, you have probably seen countless mentions of the conference from any tech news outlet or company you follow. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or consumer, the show is guaranteed to feature something you care about, whether it’s the launch of a new tech product or feature or the demo of some visionary technology with the potential to change the future. Want to keep up with the conference’s latest and hottest news? ZDNET will have a team on the ground bringing you the latest announcements during the show, so you don’t miss a thing. Here’s everything you need to know about CES 2025. What is CES? The Consumer Electronics Show, known as CES for short, is a tradeshow that features the biggest tech players from across the globe who will be showcasing their latest consumer technology with daily product launches, keynotes, activations, and demos. The annual event, which has found a permanent home at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other nearby hotels, has been taking place for decades, becoming a staple in the tech community.  More

Wireless charging is the easiest way to charge your device these days, and if you have a Samsung phone, you can take advantage of some of the fastest wireless charging available. You’ll need the right charger to get the fastest speeds, though, because some chargers have limited capability. If you’re trying to find the best wireless Samsung charger, I have good news — there are plenty of options available. When picking a Samsung charger, consider the following: how many devices you’ll be charging, what devices you’ll be charging (like a Galaxy Watch), where you’ll be charging your device (at home, at work, in your car, or a combination of places), and how fast you need the charging to be.Also: The best wireless chargersWith all that in mind, ZDNET rounded up the best wireless charging devices to keep your Samsung’s battery constantly up and running. The best wireless charging accessories for Samsung 2024 Samsung Duo Fast Wireless Charger Pad: Wattage: 15 watts | Input voltage: 120 volts | Qi-certified: YesIf you have multiple devices like a Samsung phone and a Galaxy Watch, the Duo charger pad from Samsung is the perfect option. With up to 15W of Fast Wireless Charging support, it’s compatible with USB PD and Super Fast Charging (if you have a 25W power adapter). Indicator lights tell you the charging status of your devices and a cooling fan prevents overheating. The slim design means it won’t take up too much space, and it will charge through most cases.
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ZDNETQuick Share could soon expand to iOS and MacOS, bringing even more cross-platform sharing options to Apple users.Android’s Quick Share feature is a simple method of transferring files from one device to another over a network. Originally named Nearby Share, it has evolved from a slightly clunky to a fairly streamlined experience. It allows you to share files from Android to Android, Android to Chrome OS, and Android to Windows. There’s also the RQuickShare that makes it possible to share from Android to Linux. Also: How to use Apple’s AirDrop over a cellular connectionAs for Apple, there’s AirDrop, but that only works from one Apple device to another.Quick Share coming to iOS and macOSGoogle is reportedly considering the possibility of bringing Quick Share to iOS and macOS devices, which could mean more sharing options, such as Android to Apple or Apple to Android. This development was originally discovered by Mishaal Rahman for Android Authority, by way of a bug fix found in an official Google GitHub repository. In that bug fix, Rahman spotted a possible clue that Google is working on adding Quick Share to Apple devices. That clue came in the form of a reference to resolving an issue on iOS and macOS devices where a non-localized account name is used along with the device type.What is interesting about that iOS/macOS callout in the fix is that Google has yet to release a version of the app for Mac devices. But if the reference in the bug fix is a hint of things to come, it could be very interesting for those who use both Android and macOS. This, of course, is a shot in the dark because Apple is notorious for keeping things locked down. However, since Google did release a version of Quick Share for Windows, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. If this should happen, it would remove one more barrier to entry for those wishing to use devices from multiple companies. More