Information Technology

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETZDNET’s key takeaways New iPhones and Apple Watches are inbound.New AirPods Pro and HomeHub hardware are also rumored.Expect pricing tweaks to offset tariff costs.It’s August, and that means we’re now in the home stretch to Apple’s biggest yearly update. New iPhones are weeks away, and it’s likely we’ll see new Apple Watches, and possibly new AirPods Pro and a HomeHub device. Also: The best Apple deals right now: Save on MacBooks, iPhones, and moreFor the savvy buyer, this situation means that there are a lot more items on the “don’t buy” list than usual. But fear not, as this guide will ensure you don’t spend your money on something outdated in a few weeks. Tariffs and trade wars Tariffs still dominate the news. One moment they’re on, next they’re off, then they’re on again with a list of ifs, buts, and exceptions that may or may not stick around. CNET: Tracking tariff prices: See how the new tariffs are hitting these 11 popular productsAccording to Apple’s July 31 earnings call, tariffs have cost the company approximately $800 million for the last quarter, with this figure expected to rise to $1.1 billion for the current quarter. So far, Apple is shouldering that burden.So far. More

TCL 60 XE Nxtpaper 5G <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways This budget Android phone features a large, paper-like display, 128GB of storage, and more. It has a feature set that promotes minimalism and digital wellbeing. I just wish the camera system and general performance were better. –> Looking at smartphones all day can be exhausting on […] More

Maria Diaz/ZDNETCosts are steadily rising in the US, and energy costs are a prominent example. This is made worse by summer temperatures being at record highs, with heat waves wreaking havoc across various states in the past few weeks. As someone who’s gone through a few of these this summer alone, I’m constantly looking for ways to conserve energy.There are many little things you can do that can shave dollars off your monthly energy bill, and they go beyond switching off the lights when you leave the room. Did you know you can save 3% on cooling costs for every 1°F increase in your thermostat? As a fan of data, I’ve looked into multiple quantifiable ways to save energy and how these translate into saving money. Also: Apple’s tariff costs and iPhone sales are soaring – how long until device prices are too?Unplugging a single device when not in use isn’t going to save you a bucket of cash. But unplugging multiple devices adds up quickly to help you save, especially when you make a habit of it. Here are the devices you should unplug when they’re not in use, and how doing so could save you almost $200 a year, depending on your local rates.1. TVs, gaming consoles, and office devices More

Fender Rockster Cross <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Fender x Teufel Rockster Cross speaker is available now on Amazon for $250 (currently $200). With massive sound and an immersive option to punch up the highs and lows, this speaker is a brilliant option for those who love it loud. The Rockster Cross immersive option might […] More

Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 users are entitled to a six-month subscription to Google AI Pro for free.The premium tier includes access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, Veo 3, 2TB of cloud storage, and more.You can renew the subscription or cancel it at expiration.The Galaxy Z Fold 7 More

MSI Stealth 16 AI <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The MSI Stealth 16 AI is on sale at Best Buy for $2,030. It’s a gaming laptop with powerful hardware and a vibrant OLED display that’s ideal for both gaming and graphic design. However, like its predecessor, it has a hungry battery and runs hot. –> The […] More

Samsung Galaxy Ring <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Samsung Galaxy Ring is a smart ring that excels at wellness tracking, especially for delivering actionable insights to help you improve areas of your health that could use some attention. People interested in digital health tracking will appreciate the Galaxy Ring’s minimalism, comfort, long battery life, and […] More

June Wan/ZDNETWith the start of back-to-school shopping, you may have tweens, teens, and college-aged kids asking for their first smartphone or an upgrade to their old device. And right now at Verizon, both new and existing customers can get up to four free iPhone 15 Plus More