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    The next big TV panel leap was just unveiled by Sony – and it makes OLED look outdated

    Sony Bravia X90L 98 inch TV Adam Breeden/ZDNETSony recently announced that it has developed a brand new display system capable of far better color reproduction than conventional LED and OLED screens. The details behind this technology are rather complicated, so I’m going to break things down and simplify much of the information.Also: I changed these 6 TV settings to drastically speed up its performance (and why they work)Referred to as “New RGB LED,” this panel tech can individually control the three primary colors of red, green, and blue in LEDs, allowing them to “emit [each] light independently.” The result is higher color purity or trueness. Images will cover 99% of the DCI-P3 color space and about 90% of the ITU-R BT.2020 television standard.This system will also have Sony’s “advanced backlight control technology,” which will allow future TVs to faithfully reproduce specific hues and gradations. More

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    This budget Windows laptop easily replaced my M4 MacBook Air for one reason

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Acer’s Aspire 14 AI is available now at Costco for $699. It has a fantastic battery and some of the latest hardware: all for a very approachable price point. I suggest opting for the OLED, since the low-end display isn’t the best. –> I went hands-on with Acer’s Aspire Go 15 […] More

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    This kids’ smartwatch made me think twice about giving my child a phone

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Cosmo JrTrack 4 is a relatively inexpensive kids’ smartwatch at $130. This device has reliable functionality that you can count on to keep track of your kids, along with no social media or distractions. The Cosmo JrTrack 4 kids’ smartwatch is best for the 6 to 9-year-old crowd, but its […] More

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    Your Android phone just got a huge audio upgrade for free – including Google and Samsung

    Jada Jones/ZDNETBluetooth Auracast is a Bluetooth feature that allows devices like smartphones, TVs, or public announcement systems to broadcast audio to unlimited audio receivers, such as hearing aids. Also: Turn your AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aidsLast week, Google announced Android support for Auracast, and users with Auracast-supported smartphones can use them to connect their compatible earbuds or hearing aids to broadcasts via Bluetooth. Android phones that support AuracastIn a press release, Google highlighted the importance of Auracast to help those who are hard of hearing better interact with the world around them, using Auracast to tune into classroom lectures, public broadcasts, or concerts. People who wear GN Hearing, Starkey, or Jabra hearing aids can access this feature, provided they have a compatible smartphone. Currently, Samsung Galaxy smartphones running UI 7 or Android 15, and Google Pixel 9 smartphones running the Android 16 beta, are Auracast-compatible. In addition to Android support for Auracast, Google included that hearing aid presets can be applied to Auracast streams, allowing users to customize their audio settings. Real-world use casesAlthough Auracast has significant assistive capabilities for those with hearing impairments, this technology has real-world use cases for everyone. Imagine you’re in a sports bar and want to tune into a muted TV playing the primetime game. Connect your Auracast-compatible smartphone and earbuds or hearing aids, then use your phone to find the TV broadcast in your Bluetooth settings. The long-term goal is eliminating the need to access your settings to tap into an Auracast broadcast. To achieve this goal, the Google Pixel 9 family will be the first smartphones to support scanning QR codes to connect to Auracast audio streams. Also: I tried smart glasses with built-in hearing aids – and they worked surprisingly wellPlenty more Auracast-compatible earbuds and Bluetooth speakers are on the market, including the Sony WF-1000XM5, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, JBL Charge 6, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. More