Norman Posselt/Getty Images I’ve tested the coding capabilities of many generative AI tools for ZDNET — and this time, it’s the turn of Perplexity.ai. Perplexity feels like a cross between a search engine and an AI chatbot. When I asked Perplexity how it differs from other generative AI tools, the bot said it uses real-time information […] More
Get a Babbel lifetime language subscription at a big discount right now. StackSocial Learning a new language can be daunting. But right now, you can buy a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning from Stack Social that lets you choose from 14 languages and access more than 10,000 hours of online language education for just $200 […] More
Amazon Prime Day, the e-commerce giant’s biggest sale event of the year, officially returns on July 16 and 17 this year — next Tuesday and Wednesday. But if you’re ready to shop now, Amazon has released several great early Prime Day deals More
Get Windows 11 Pro at a big discount right now. StackSocial Need an operating system upgrade? Windows 11 Pro puts productivity in your hands with features that make everything from hybrid work to streaming entertainment easy, and you can grab the software for a discounted price right now through StackSocial. A lifetime subscription for the […] More
Amazon Prime Day is almost here, and if early sales are any indication, July 16 and July 17 should be a great chance to score some deals on your favorite tech. Since this is Amazon’s 10th Prime Day, there will likely be some fantastic savings. If you’re specifically looking for a smart home security camera, you’re in luck, because there are plenty of deals to be had on brands like Ring, Blink, Arlo, Wyze, and even Roku. Some cameras on this list are indoor or outdoor, some are wireless versions powered by battery, some are plug-in, and some make great options for a pet camera.Amazon isn’t waiting until July 16 to kick things off. Thanks to some early Prime Day deals, you can save hundreds of dollars right now on popular security cameras. We’ll continue to update this list with new Prime Day security camera deals throughout the sale.Also: The best Prime Day deals right nowBest security camera deals for Amazon Prime Day 2024 More
The M1 version of Apple’s ultra-light MacBook Air. Apple Earlier this year, as part of its new partnership with Apple, Walmart began selling MacBook laptops directly in their stores for $699. Right now, the shopping giant is offering an incredible sale on the new-in-box M1 MacBook Air<!–> for $649, just in time for back to school, […] More
I’ve been wearing an Oura Ring on my finger for a few months now, and have used the ring in nearly every environment: while running in the city, working at the office, stretching on a yoga mat, and sleeping in my bed. Oura presents my sleep, activity, and recovery data to me right as I check the home page on the app, and I’m pleased with how it’s helped me further understand myself through health data. It even captured my higher stress levels on one tear-filled night. Additionally, the simplified overall score appears with a detailed chart monitoring heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels through the night. The ring also automatically senses when you’re stressed and adjusts your activity goals accordingly. One recent night, it detected my significantly raised body temperature and suggested I use the rest mode function, which deprioritizes activity and prioritizes rest and recovery. There are many reasons to opt for Oura, but one that comes up in conversations a lot is how many apps partner with Oura. Natural Cycles, Strava, and more health apps offer data syncing into the app. I love that when I use Strava for runs it automatically shows up in my Oura timeline. ZDNET contributor Sherin Shibu purchased a Heritage Oura Ring and tested it with weekly activities like strength training, cycling, yoga, and more. She reported that not only was it a capable and accurate tracker, but it didn’t overwhelm her with data. Instead, the Oura Ring prioritized actionable insights and solutions. For example, the over 50 guided meditation options have helped Shibu to alleviate stress and sleep more soundly, she wrote in her review. This comprehensive but simple approach is evident in the ring’s form factor and integrations — Shibu said she was amazed at how such a sleek device could hold a catalog of information. The ring syncs with Apple Health, Google Fit, and iOS and Android apps, allowing you to see your daily and even monthly metrics from your mobile device. The downside, which Redditors and reviewers often point out, is that there’s a $6 per month membership cost to unlock personal insights, like in-depth morning sleep analysis and temperature trend monitoring (which can even predict early stages of illness). Non-paying members, however, only have access to sleep, readiness, and activity insights. Plus, Oura’s customer service is great, according to ZDNET staff writer Allison Murray, who called them after her ring’s battery began to falter, and the company sent her another ring free of charge. Also: The Oura smart ring’s brilliant new features outshine even its titanium finishOura Ring Gen3 tech specs: Material: Lightweight titanium with non-allergenic, non-metallic inner molding | Battery life: 4-7 days | Charging: Full charge in 20 to 80 minutes | Compatibility: iOS and Android | Durability: Water-resistant up to 328 feet | Sizing: Free sizing kit with purchase on their site More
Jason Hiner/ZDNETIf you’ve been on the fence about jumping into the world of VR headsets, Meta has a new offer that just might entice you. Pay attention, though, because it’s not the best choice for everyone.Meta yesterday announced a new “Play Now, Pay Later” plan. For $24.99 per month for 24 months with 0% interest, you can get a Meta Quest 3 headset with 128GB of storage, a two-year subscription to Meta Quest+, which provides a library of games similar to Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus, and extended Meta Warranty Plus coverage for your new device.Paying an additional $10 per month gets you the 512GB version.Also: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024The payment plan is powered by Affirm, a popular “buy now, pay later” service that’s popping up all across the internet, and is subject to approval. “If approved,” Meta says, “you’ll end up spending less than you would if you purchased each item individually.”Unfortunately, that’s not true in all cases. I went through the process of adding the two different bundles to my cart. Here’s how the numbers break down.With everything included, the 128GB headset bundle comes to $599.76. Individually, the headset costs $500, the warranty $40, and the Meta+ subscription $192. Meta says that’s a savings of $131.98, but that’s not entirely accurate because that Quest+ subscription estimate is for the $7.99-per-month plan. You can pay that, but there’s also an option to pay $60 per year. Since you’re getting a two-year subscription, it would be more fair to estimate that price at $120 instead of $192. More
