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    Can you still get a Windows 10 upgrade for free in 2025? Short answer: Maybe

    by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Note: This article was originally published in January 2017. It has been updated multiple times since then to reflect the most current information. The most recent update was on January 18, 2025. When Microsoft released Windows 10 in 2015, it offered the new operating system as a free, no-strings-attached upgrade […] More

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    Finally, I found a 5K monitor that rivals the Apple Studio Display – but costs hundreds less

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Asus’ ProArt PA27 is on sale at Amazon for $800. This 5K monitor delivers stunning visual quality and color reproduction on par with Apple’s monitors. Power users, however, may be frustrated with the display’s limited array of ports and low refresh rate. more buying choices High-quality 5K monitors have been around […] More

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    What to expect from Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy S25 Ultra, AI features, and more

    Considering that Samsung’s Unpacked invitation reads, “The new Galaxy S series is about to set the bar once again for mobile AI experiences now and into the future,” it’s nearly certain that the S25 lineup will launch at the event. When Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 8 Elite in October, the company shared that Samsung would be one of the leading manufacturers to adopt the mobile platform. With this event being Samsung’s first release since the Snapdragon 8 Elite launch, it’s likely the S25 lineup will sport Qualcomm’s newest chipset. Also: Leaked Nothing Phone 3 email teases AI-powered flagship – but I’d rather see thisThe chipset will bring major improvements to smartphones, especially in the AI space with support for on-device processing, which will result in faster processing speeds, less latency by forgoing sending data to the cloud, and increased security, as data doesn’t have to leave the device.The Snapdragon 8 Elite has already launched in North America in the OnePlus 13, in which ZDNET’s Kerry Wan found the chipset to “gracefully” tackle day-to-day tasks such as bouncing between productivity apps. However, its performance with graphic-intensive applications is a bit less efficient. In terms of form factors, many leaks give us a good idea of what the phones will look like. An Android Headlines report claims the Galaxy S25 will have a 6.2-inch screen, the Galaxy S25 Plus will have a 6.7-inch screen, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will have a 6.9-inch display. Images within the report also reveal that the S25 lineup will all have rounder edges, but other than that, it seems like all three will be staying very close to their current design. The color ways for the base models will include Iceblue, Mint, Navy, and Silver Shadow and for the Ultra will include Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver Blue, and Titanium White Silver, according to the report.  More

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    This Lenovo laptop handled my various workflows with grace – and it’s surprisingly affordable

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 with the Snapdragon X Plus processor is available now, starting at $749. It’s durable and reliable, runs cool, and features a comfortable keyboard and nice OLED display. However, it might not stand out in a market of similarly-specced devices that are lighter and cheaper. more buying choices […] More

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    This cheap fix to make my Google Pixel Buds Pro sound so much better

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Foam earbud tips are readily available on Amazon for as low as $17 for three sizes. These tips can keep your earbuds in place and create a superior seal to enhance the sound. They have to be regularly replaced and are not a one-size-fits-all solution. –> When I insert a Google […] More

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    No, RedNote is not the new TikTok – and here’s why

    I used this tutorial to learn how to navigate the app because of the language barrier. The tutorial details how to change your settings to English. However, while changing the settings does make it easier to use, there are still limited English translations when viewing other people’s posts, mostly Chinese users. Also: How to delete Facebook, Messenger, or InstagramAfter choosing my “interests” and following some “moots” (mutual followers) from TikTok that I knew were making the transition to RedNote, my Explore page began suggesting fashion/style content, cooking videos of Chinese dishes, beauty content, and educational videos of Chinese society, culture, and customs. Surprisingly, I’ve also been seeing a mix of content from users outside China because I’m following mutuals from TikTok. I noticed that RedNote does have some similarities to TikTok, Instagram’s Reels, and YouTube Shorts in the sense that your Explore page will be an amalgamation of short video clips and posts related to your interests and the content you’ve been viewing and liking. However, RedNote has more curated sections than other apps I’ve seen. You can view sections dedicated to household products, food, fashion, travel, music, film/TV, skincare, art, emotions, and even “science popularization.” I would assume that’s because users can create content tied to specific products. More