<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The AirFly Pro 2 allows users to listen wirelessly to traditionally wired-only systems like in-flight entertainment systems. You can use your favorite headphones with the AirFly Pro 2 and enable their special audio features like noise cancellation and spatial audio. If you don’t fly regularly or don’t need a Bluetooth dongle […] More
Dimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images Bad news for gamers: Nintendo announced on Friday, April 4, that it is delaying preorders for its upcoming Switch 2 in the US. In a statement made to CNBC, the gaming giant said the date is being pushed “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” Nintendo said it […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The CaseUp Combo includes ProtoArc’s wireless keyboard, mouse, and laptop stand for $99 on Amazon. The ease of use and transport make this a solid option for improving your hybrid and remote work setup. The mouse, while comfortable, might be too small for some people. –> There is no shortage of […] More
Jason Hiner/ZDNETOn Wednesday, April 2, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would impose a new series of tariffs against trade partners. Rates will range from a baseline amount of 10% up to 49% for certain countries. These hikes are slated to go into effect starting April 5. Also: Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders delayed, new price hike likely – here’s whyA full list of the tariffs can be found on the Rapid Response 47 account on X, which is run by the Trump administration, and it details every single country that’ll affected. It’s nearly eight pages long, with the first two highlighting some of the biggest increases.China, for example, will be hit with a 34% tariff. The European Union is going to see 20%. Vietnam is receiving one of the largest tariffs at 46%, only beaten out by Cambodia at 49% and Laos at 48%. More
Microsoft In 50 years, Microsoft has evolved — in our own Ed Bott’s words — from “nerds writing code to help other nerds write code” into a global technology behemoth, transforming how the world works and staying at the forefront of innovation. Naturally, when the AI boom hit, Microsoft seized the opportunity and became a […] More
Nintendo Bad news for gamers: Nintendo announced on Friday, April 4, that it is delaying pre-orders for its upcoming Switch 2 in the US. In a statement made to CNBC, the gaming giant said the date is being pushed “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions.” Nintendo said it will update […] More
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETPresident Trump has signed an executive order that ends the “de minimis” tariff exemption for low-value imports from China and Hong Kong. This policy change, which will take effect on May 2, 2025, is set to have a ripple effect across the e-commerce world, especially for sites like Temu that rely on affordable, small shipments to keep prices low.Also: Are tariffs about to make your next iPhone way more expensive? It’s complicatedHere’s what it all means and how it will most likely impact you, the consumer. What exactly is de minimis? In simple terms, it refers to a threshold below which certain regulations, taxes, and inspections do not apply. The idea is that imported goods of very little value are not worth the administrative cost of processing.For decades, the de minimis rule has acted as a backstage pass for small packages entering the US. It became law in the US Tariff Act of 1930, allowing items valued at $800 or less to bypass customs duties and lengthy inspections. The level used to be $200, but it rose to $800 in 2016, making it even easier and cheaper for companies to import goods. Also: New US tariffs are shaking up tech – here’s how it could hit your walletThe de minimis exemption has become particularly relevant in recent years, as online shopping has exploded with Chinese direct-to-consumer retailers such as Temu. They have grown rapidly by shipping countless low-cost items directly to US consumers. The de minimis rule was a secret weapon they used to help drive down costs and boost sales.According to Congress.gov, de minimis shipments to the US rose from 153 million in 2015 to 1 billion in 2023. Reuters reported that of the 122 million de minimis shipments to the US in January, 89 million were from China alone. Why is Trump closing this loophole?President Trump’s administration decided to close this loophole for several reasons. First, there was growing concern that the de minimis rule was being exploited not just for consumer goods but also for other, more dubious items.Trump framed the closure of the loophole as a measure to combat the flow of synthetic opioids into the US, especially fentanyl, which he claimed is often manufactured in China. In his statements, Trump said low-value shipments from China had been exploited by drug traffickers to bypass US customs checks. By closing this loophole, the government aims to curb these illicit activities. In other words, it’s a move to protect public health.Also: If you need a new laptop, you might want to buy it now – here’s whyHowever, many trade experts and analysts suggest that the real reasons for closing the loophole are more related to economic and trade policy rather than public health. They argue that Chinese companies have increasingly exploited the de minimis rule, leading to a surge in low-cost imports that have hurt US manufacturers.Critics of de minimis, such as former North Carolina Representative Dan Bishop, call these imports “cheap crap.” In the Congressional Record, he said Temu and Shein account for one-third of all de minimis shipments. “Temu appeared on the American scene only in 2022, Shein not much earlier,” Bishop noted. “You can go buy sneakers on Temu for $5.” More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETSoundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Even with their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few modifications to help unleash the best possible sound quality.Also: I spent hours testing Samsung’s new flagship soundbar – it gave my Sonos a run for its moneyWhether you’re new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can take your viewing and listening experience to new heights. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar’s performance. More
