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    Google Wallet brings digital IDs to more states – how to add yours

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETGoogle Wallet is expanding its support for official state IDs again, and it is adding a new way to verify your age while keeping your identity safe.Soon, residents in Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will be able to save their official government-issued digital ID cards, like a driver’s license, to Google Wallet. Support for government IDs is already available in California, Maryland, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Georgia.  Also: Google Wallet’s latest feature is a game-changer for both parents and kidsYou can use the Google Wallet version of your ID at the DMV, at certain airport TSA locations provided it is a Real ID (if you do not have a Real ID, you can add your passport), and at other locations.  How to add your license to Google WalletTo add your license to Google Wallet, open the app and tap “Add to Wallet” at the bottom. You will see a list of available options. Choose “ID Card” and follow the instructions, which include taking photos of the front and back of your ID, and a short video of yourself.  Also: Google Wallet now alerts you to loyalty card benefits you’re missing out onGoogle warns that a digital version of your ID card should not be considered a replacement, and you should always have your physical card with you. New uses for your Wallet ID are on the way, including online health services with CVS and MyChart by Epic, verifying your profile on platforms like Uber, and more. More

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    The best AirPods you can buy are $80 off on Amazon right now

    Jada Jones/ZDNETIn 2024, Apple unveiled new AirPods, and while you might be considering buying the brand’s latest earbuds, you shouldn’t forget about the sweet discounts that activate on earlier models once Apple releases new hardware — especially if you’re looking for a new pair of high-quality noise-canceling earbuds. Amazon currently has a great deal on the AirPods Pro 2 More

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    You can get a free $349 Starlink kit if you live in one of these US states

    Starlink If you have been considering signing up for Starlink’s satellite internet service, there is a new offer that may make your decision a little easier. Also: I turned my Starlink Mini into a near-perfect off-grid internet solution. Here’s how In a post on X, Starlink announced that it is offering customers in certain areas a […] More

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    ZDNET Editors’ Choice: What it is, and how we’re awarding the best products we review

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe world of technology is constantly evolving. Every week brings new gadgets, software that changes how we work, and innovative services, all vying for your attention and hard-earned money. Navigating this crowded landscape to find genuinely exceptional products can feel overwhelming. Also: How we test products and services at ZDNETHow do you separate the truly great from the merely good, or even the overhyped? That’s why we, the editorial team at ZDNET, are thrilled to announce the launch of our Editors’ Choice program.What is the ZDNET Editors’ Choice? More

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    How an ‘internet of agents’ could help AIs connect and work together

    Wpadington/Getty Images Countless AI agents are performing countless functions, but are they talking to each other? It is time to think about how to connect them, both within and across organizations. An open-source collective called AGNTCY has been formed, intended to provide the protocols and standards for an open and interoperable “internet of agents” that […] More

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    Your Meta Ray-Bans just got a major feature upgrade for free – and it feels surreal

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe universal translator in later Star Trek series always seemed convenient since it was built directly into the communicator. Now, Meta is officially launching a similar convenience through its smart glasses.Previously limited to early access in certain countries, the company announced last week that the live translation on Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses is expanding to all owners. This means you’ll be able to carry on conversations with people in certain languages directly through the glasses. For now, the translation supports English, French, Italian, and Spanish.How live translation worksAssuming you speak English, here’s how this works. First, tell Meta to start the live translation. Now, let’s say someone speaks to you in French, Italian, or Spanish. Your Ray-Ban glasses instantly translate and speak their words into English. You then reply to them in English. Also: Meta’s upcoming $1,000 smart glasses sound like the Ray-Bans successor I’ve been waiting forIf the other person also has Ray-Ban glasses, you can carry on a back-and-forth conversation this way. That scenario may not be likely, though. In that case, they can view your words in their own language through the Meta app on your smartphone and continue the conversation. When done, just tell Meta to stop the live translation. By downloading the languages ahead of time, you don’t need Wi-Fi access or a cellular connection, so this will work even in dead zones. Beyond conversations, you can listen to movies, shows, lectures, instructions, and more in one of the supported languages and hear the translation through your glasses. Also: I tested Meta’s transparent Ray-Ban smart glasses, and they’re a near-perfect accessory for meMy wife and I like to travel to other countries outside the US and would certainly take advantage of a live translator both for conversations and other situations. We once went to a Kabuki show in Japan where all the performers naturally spoke Japanese. Having a live translator as we watched the show would have come in handy. More

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    These Bose clip-on earbuds made me a believer in the form factor (and they’re on sale)

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Bose Ultra Open earbuds sport a clip-on design, making them a great alternative to traditional bone-conduction headphones. Thanks to Bose’s OpenAudio technology, the earbuds are ideal for runners who want to enjoy music while remaining aware of their environment. For the higher price, the battery life could be better. –> The Bose […] More