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    The best CRM software of 2025: Expert tested

    CRM software, also known as customer relationship management software, is a solution that assists businesses in handling the customer side of their operations. It can be used to manage and track customer relationships, trends, marketing efforts, and communication, bringing everything into one centralized platform or system to optimize interactions.Also: The best password managers for businesses: Expert testedAutomation is one of the key benefits of CRM software, but depending on the type of solution you opt for, you may also be able to harness analytics, collaborative tools, and advanced features that streamline your business operations. Some options now even include AI.What is the best CRM software right now?Our top recommendation for CRM software is Salesforce Starter CRM More

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    This battery-powered outdoor camera is my go-to recommendation for darker spaces

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways At $130, the Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera is a practical, battery-powered solution for darker areas around your house that lack wiring and outlets. The AA batteries allow the floodlights to beam at 700 nits of brightness, which is not the most powerful on the market but good enough to see […] More

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    The default TV setting you should turn off ASAP – and why it makes such a big difference

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETI love March Madness, at least when my team is invited to the Big Dance. I even enjoy watching other teams play their hearts out like everything is on the line — because it is. While NCAA basketball continues to be broadcast in standard HD, the games can look clear, bright, and beautiful on most modern TVs. Part of that appeal, though, is owed to your TV’s motion-smoothing capabilities. Also: How to watch March Madness 2025: The best streaming optionsFor many people, motion smoothing is only appropriate for gaming and watching live sports; enthusiasts typically prefer turning off the feature to watch anything else because it can detract from the filmmaker’s original intent, making on-screen images seem artificial or hyper-realistic. This is what’s called the “soap opera effect.” It’s a perfectly descriptive metaphor that probably requires no explanation. You can see it all too well: the cinematic film should not look like a daytime soap; you shouldn’t feel like you’re on the set with the actors. But it is appealing to feel like you’re in the stadium watching your team with thousands of fans. The soap opera effect makes sense for live sporting event broadcasts. More

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    The 15 best early Amazon Spring Sale laptop deals 2025

    When is Amazon’s Spring Sale 2025? Amazon’s Spring Sale will be returning this year on Tuesday, March 25 and ending March, 31. Amazon confirmed its second annual Big Spring Sale event on March 18. Are laptops really cheaper during Amazon sales? Absolutely. Retailers and manufacturers have plenty of reasons to discount their laptops: new models coming out, overstock in a particular configuration, etc. Now, many of these discounted events align with Amazon’s sales, allowing retailers to clear inventory as part of the deals events. How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy — laptops we actually have tested and would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends. More

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    The 25+ best early Amazon Spring Sale headphone deals

    When is Amazon’s Spring Sale 2025? This year, Amazon’s Big Spring Sale begins on March 25 and ends on March 31.Are headphones and earbuds really cheaper during Amazon sales? Yes, you can find many headphones and earbuds at cheaper prices during Amazon’s sales. However, the spring sale typically offers smaller discounts than Amazon’s fall and holiday sales later in the year. During Amazon’s sales, headphone and earbud brands also slash prices on their sites to compete for your dollars. Sometimes, prices are lower at other retailers, so you should compare factors like prices, return policies, and free items included with your purchase before buying. If you want all-time low prices on the latest headphones and earbuds, wait until later in the year.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?I spend most of my time testing the latest headphones and earbuds and revisiting headphones and earbuds released in past years to provide our readers with the most sound buying advice. I also notice products’ retail prices and when the lowest prices were offered, typically later in the year.Additionally, by retesting products, I can determine if they’re still worth hundreds of dollars a year or two later. If they are, I will still recommend them during significant sales. Another factor I consider is when newly-released products are on sale; if a product I recommended was released six months ago and is already on sale, I’ll notify our readers to take advantage of the sale price. Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends More