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    My favorite lens and screen-cleaning kit keeps my tech smudge-free, and it costs $8

    The Koala cleaning kit with a pair of glasses.  Kayla Solino/ZDNETI’ve been wearing prescription glasses since I was 18 months old, so trust me when I tell you I know a lot about keeping lenses clean and protected — I’ve had over 20 years of practice. While it may seem like you can clean your sunglasses or glasses with any old “glass cleaner,” or something as simple as soap and water, I am here to tell you that it can be a huge (and costly) mistake. Most glass cleaning products (even dish soap) can be too abrasive and harsh on specialized lenses and damage protective coatings for UV, glare, blue light, and more. Of course, clean at your own risk, but I have damaged my lens coating once before from plain soap and water, and there is no fix for it besides getting brand new lenses. Also: I tested the $15 screen-cleaning solution used in Apple stores and it worked like magicAnd just like glasses, the screens on your tech products should be handled with the utmost care. Lucky for you, I’m sharing one of my best-kept secrets that can clean lenses and screens with ease without damaging either. Meet Koala cleaner More

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    Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max: We tested both, and here’s the winner

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETA quick scan through ZDNET’s list of the best phones, and two names usually top the list — Samsung and Apple. That’s no exception with our most recent picks, as the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max take the top two spots. That list will likely be changing soon, though, as Apple is expected to unveil a successor that is the iPhone 17 Pro Max.Also: Should you buy the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17? How to decide which model to buyBoth the 16 Pro Max and the S25 Ultra are their brand’s most impressive phones to date, with each handset packed with premium features and high-end specs, and both being the largest of their lineups. They also feature a whole lot of AI, like it or not.If you’re already locked into a specific ecosystem, the choice here is simple. But if you’re on the fence or you’re considering switching sides, you have a decision to make. Fortunately, there’s enough of a difference between these two devices that you can make a choice. Here’s what you need to know.  Specifications Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 16 Pro MaxDisplay 6.9″ QHD AMOLED 120Hz, 2600 nits peak6.8-inch AMOLED with 120Hz, 2000 nits peakWeight 218 grams227 gramsProcessor Snapdragon 8 EliteA18 ProDimensions77.6 x 162.8 x 8.2mm  77.6 x 163 x 8.25RAM/Storage12GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB8GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TBBattery5000 mAh4685 mAhCamera200MP wide / 50MP telephoto (5x) / 10MP telephoto (3x) / 50 MP ultrawide / 12MP front48MP Fusion / 48MP Ultra Wide  / 12MP telephoto (5x) / 12MP front    Price$1,299$1,199 You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if… More

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    I did not expect this Marshall speaker to rival pricier Bose and Sonos models like this

    Marshall Middleton II <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Marshall’s Middleton II Bluetooth speaker is available in Black And Brass or Cream for $330. The Middleton II debuts with meaningful upgrades from its predecessor, spectacular sound, a stylish design, and 30 hours of battery life. Despite its long list of pros, this speaker is considerably more expensive […] More

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    I found a 36-in-1 multitool that absolutely belongs in your kitchen drawer – here’s why

    Kelvin Tools 36-in-1 Multitool <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways A strange-looking multitool that looks rather Fisher-Price but is actually very good. It has everything from screwdriver bits to a hammer and tape measure! Looks bulky, but it is actually rather ergonomic in use! more buying choices I have… wait, let me just have a look around […] More

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    These $15 accessories turned my AirPods into the most versatile earbuds I’ve worn

    Jada Jones/ZDNETYour AirPods can be your best friend, small enough to stay in your pocket or bag until you need them. But if you like to work out with your AirPods, pushing your slippery earbuds back into your ear can become a particularly intense workout. I’ve found three products to help with this problem — a few dollars spent can revitalize your AirPods experience.Also: Best AirPods 2025: I’ve tested every pair of Apple headphones and earbudsUnfortunately, some people’s ear anatomy simply isn’t compatible with certain earbuds, and the best option may be purchasing from another brand. But if you’re determined to make your AirPods stay in your ear, try these tips first.1. Detachable ear hooks More

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    I bought the 2025 version of Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra – here’s the model I’d recommend instead

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is on sale for $650 in four color options. Its display is vibrant and large, the battery lasts through a couple of days, and LTE is provided at no extra cost. It comes in a single 47mm size, gesture support is limited, […] More

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    Your iPhone has a secret in-car feature that’s seriously underutilized – here’s how to access it

    Lance Whitney/ZDNETI’ve always had a mixed experience with motion sickness. I don’t suffer from it on a plane or ship, thankfully. But put me in the back seat of a car, and I often get hit by a bad case of it, especially if the ride is twisty and turny. Triggered by mixed signals across your eyes, inner ear, and brain, those feelings of dizziness and queasiness can be extremely uncomfortable. For anyone else who experiences motion sickness, you can turn to your iPhone for help. Also: Installed iOS 18.6 on your iPhone? Change these 11 settings for the best experienceIntroduced with iOS 18 is a helpful option called Vehicle Motion Cues. With this feature turned on, animated dots appear on the edges of the screen to help you better process changes in the movement of the car. Your goal is simply to use and navigate your phone normally. With its built-in accelerometer, your iPhone will sense that you’re traveling in a moving vehicle. When the car turns, the dots move in the opposite direction of the turn. “Research shows that motion sickness is commonly caused by a sensory conflict between what a person sees and what they feel, which can prevent some users from comfortably using iPhone or iPad while riding in a moving vehicle,” Apple said when it unveiled the feature in 2024. “With Vehicle Motion Cues, animated dots on the edges of the screen represent changes in vehicle motion to help reduce sensory conflict without interfering with the main content. Using sensors built into iPhone and iPad, Vehicle Motion Cues recognizes when a user is in a moving vehicle and responds accordingly.” How to use Vehicle Motion Cues on the iPhoneHere’s how I combat my motion sickness with my iPhone and how you can do the same. You can also use Vehicle Motion Cues on an iPad with iPadOS 18 or higher.  More