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    4 free project management apps I recommend on Linux – and why you should use one

    christophertdumond/Getty Images I have several projects that are too much to manage in my head or with a simple calendar or text file. When those projects come along, I turn to a project management app on my Linux desktop.  Before you turn away thinking, “Project management is for business users only,” know that these apps […] More

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    Buying an iPhone 18 next year may look a little different – and why you should be excited

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETApple is planning a major iPhone launch timeline refresh. For years, the company has launched the base iPhone with its Pro variants, but it could change starting in 2027. Both The Information and Kuo have predicted a staggered rollout for the iPhone 18 series. A few models in the lineup are said to launch in the usual September window, while others might be announced in March the following year. Also: I tested the best iPhones: Here are the latest models that suit you mostOver the years, Apple’s iPhone launch timeline has shifted from the June/July period to September. Historically, Apple has reserved the March to April window for the launch of more affordable iPhones like the iPhone SE series and iPhone 16e. However, this timeline could receive a refresh as the Apple iPhone lineup expands with new models. For context, Apple is rumored to launch a new iPhone 17 Slim later this year. It is said to replace the Plus series, which was a replacement for the Mini lineup. This is touted to be followed by the launch of a foldable iPhone in 2026, and Apple just announced a new iPhone 16e earlier this year. In 2026, this will equal an expanded six-iPhone lineup, which is why Apple is planning a different launch cycle than usual. More

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    I found the popular Samsung Frame TV on sale for up to $1,700 off

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung’s Frame TV lineup is popular for a reason; It’s unique, makes practical use of all the idle space a TV typically leaves behind, and looks great doing so. And right now, on Samsung’s website, you can save up to $1,700 on the flagship TV. That’s right. Samsung is selling every size of The Frame TV at a discount. Also: Samsung Frame TV 2024 vs. 2023: Comparing the key differencesThe smallest 43-inch display More

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    Can you trust a portable battery for home backups? My advice after testing one

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Ampace Andes 1500 is a portable power station that sells for $1,399. It features a 1462Wh capacity, which enables it to power essential appliances during an outage. While it is a reliable power station, it is expensive, so you can often find better value from competitors. –> I rely on […] More

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    Google’s May update for Pixel devices packs a critical security fix

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETGoogle is rolling out its Pixel Update for May 2025, and it includes a critical security patch. Here’s what you can expect from the company’s new update. What’s in the May Pixel update?The update bundles a fix for a bug that causes degraded microphone recording quality in certain apps, a fix for a problem that causes issues with Bluetooth pairing to certain smartwatches, and a fix for a glitch that causes quick settings menu items to appear in a secondary language. Then there are the security patches.Nearly 30 security fixes are a part of this update, but the most important is one called CVE-2025-27363, which Google says “may be under limited, targeted exploitation.” In other words, it’s a vulnerability that’s being actively exploited by people with bad intentions. Google didn’t offer any more details about what this exploit is or how it’s being taken advantage of, but the fact that Google named it specifically in the patch notes shows it’s critical. Google says this update also includes a bootloader update that prevents your device from being rolled back to a previous, vulnerable version of Android. Once you install this update, your phone won’t be able to go back to an earlier build.What devices are getting the May Pixel update?All supported Pixel phones and tablets (the 6a and beyond) running Android 15 will get this update, Google says. Rollout will start today and continue over the next week in phases, depending on your carrier and device. You’ll get a notification once the update is available.You can always check your Android version manually, too. To see if an update is available, open Settings, scroll down, and tap on “Security and privacy.” Tap “Check for updates” under “System & updates” and follow the prompts.Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More

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    T-Mobile’s data breach settlement payments are finally rolling out – how to see if you qualify

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETIf you’re a T-Mobile customer — or were back in 2021 — you might have a check showing up in your mailbox soon.In 2021, the mobile carrier suffered a massive data breach that affected around 76 million customers (this isn’t related to the 2023 breach that affected 37 million people). T-Mobile denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle a lawsuit about the breach out of court. Four years later, affected customers are getting compensation. Payments were supposed to start in April, but T-Mobile recently updated its settlement site to read “Due to unexpected delays, we now expect the distribution of settlement payments to begin in May 2025.”Also: I clicked on four sneaky online scams on purpose – to show you how they workIf you suffered financial loss from the incident, you might receive up to $25,000. If you didn’t suffer any loss, even if you didn’t file a claim in the suit, you can receive up to $25 (except California residents, who will receive up to $100). While those are the maximum amounts, a quick crunch of the numbers — a $350 million settlement divided between 76 million people — works out to about $4.50 a person, and that’s before attorney fees.  More