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    I tried Shokz’ new open-ear headphones, and they’ve changed how I listen to music outdoors

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Shokz OpenFit 2 are available for $179 in Beige and Black. These open-ear true wireless earbuds deliver meaningful upgrades from the first generation, offering high performance in almost any environment. Wearing glasses causes the ear hooks to become unstable, affecting the earbuds’ fit and sound quality. more buying choices Open-ear […] More

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    I tried to replace my laptop with the Galaxy S25 Ultra – and I’d do it all over again

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETIt’s not a stretch to say that only the most powerful of power users have heard of Samsung DeX. While full of whimsical capability, it’s one of the most undermined, poorly advertised features on modern-day Samsung phones, so much so that I only remembered it after reading a recent story from my colleague Jack Wallen.Also: I tried to replace my desktop with a phone for work – 5 frustrating lessons I learnedIn theory, Samsung DeX should be one of the most transformative features to come to smartphones. It allows users to quickly switch from their devices’ mobile interface to a more computer-like experience when hooked up to a monitor or TV. Since the feature was released in 2017, it’s received several upgrades, including wireless connectivity and enhanced multitasking.The story written by Wallen, by the way, speaks to how smartphones aren’t capable of replacing our laptops. So, I tested that theory myself, powering my workflow for a few days solely with the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Samsung DeX. Here’s how it fared as a standalone computing device and why replacing your laptop with it might not be the worst idea. More

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    This handy phone accessory is my new must-have for work and travel

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Hohem iSteady M7 phone gimbal is available now on Amazon for $269. The M7 is the best phone gimbal you can buy for the money, thanks to its reliable tracking. Make sure you install the Hohem Joy app before using the gimbal. –> The Hohem iSteady M7 gimbal<!–> is one […] More

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    Technology that changed us: The 2000s, from iPhone to Twitter

    Jon Furniss/Getty Images Editor’s Note: ZDNET’s “Technology that Changed Us” series was first published in 2018. We’ve updated this installment to improve its accuracy and ensure that it reflects recent technology developments. In this 50-year retrospective, we’re looking at technologies that had an impact on the world, paved the way for the future, and changed […] More

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    I still recommend this older Samsung phone to most people – here’s why

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE starts at $649, with 128GB of storage and AI features included. Large 6.7-inch AMOLED display and an enduring 4,700mAh battery are the top two strengths. At its price, the S24 FE faces stiff competition from Google, OnePlus, and Samsung itself. more buying choices What’s the deal? […] More

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    Microsoft Build kicks off May 19 – here’s what we know so far

    Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETEvery year, the spring season brings a series of launch events from the major tech companies, including Microsoft. The software giant just revealed the dates of its annual developer conference, Microsoft Build. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Microsoft Build?Microsoft Build will take place from May 19 to 22 in Seattle. Although a schedule is yet to be published, the event typically includes a two-hour keynote on the first day, during which the company makes its major announcements, including software and hardware reveals. If you have been keeping up with the latest generative AI offerings, you won’t want to miss the event. To make sure you don’t, you can sign up for notifications on the Microsoft Build web page. How can you watch?Because the event is still months away, Microsoft has not shared details about attending or viewing the conference. However, even though Microsoft Build takes place in Seattle, the company typically includes options for the public to livestream the keynotes and breakout sessions on the company’s website.  More