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    I switched to a $280 Chromebook from my Windows laptop for a week – and didn’t regret it

    Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lenovo Chromebook Duet Gen 9 is available now for $279 at Best Buy. It’s a versatile and highly-portable device that’s as useful at home as in the office. Some of the most buzzworthy features are tied to subscriptions, and the keyboard and trackpad are very […] More

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    These are the 5 weirdest wellness gadgets I never skip using – and how they work

    I haven’t splurged on a red light therapy mask … yet. In the interim, though, I’ve become accustomed to the popular treatment with Solawave’s red light therapy wand. According to UCLA Health, red light can potentially reduce signs of aging, encourage hair regrowth, minimize acne, and more. Complete transparency — I never would have purchased this wand full price. I could scoop it up during an Ulta sale for half off, which made “trying it out” an easier pill to swallow. I’ve been using this consistently for about a year, and I think it helps with some factors like acne, dark marks, and wrinkles. However, you have to be consistent, using this wand for the recommended amount of time and cycles, and as much as possible, mainly because it isn’t designed for your entire face simultaneously. This little wand works wonders on fading particular scars and spots, plus it’s somewhat therapeutic to use thanks to a massage feature. But ultimately, I don’t feel the bulb size and design are ideal for actual benefits from red light therapy, so I’ll be upgrading to a mask soon. Other users on Reddit agree, saying it’s a nice handheld option that is more for the self-care experience, though some customers say it has helped with skin texture, appearance, and more. These tools are try at your own risk, but consulting a dermatologist with your questions or concerns before using at-home treatments of any kind is a good idea. Remember that, like anything, red light can have some risks, like mild pain or skin irritation, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.  More

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    The best music headphones of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

    In theory, all headphones should sound great when you’re listening to music, but not all are specifically designed to provide a high-quality music listening experience. That’s not always a bad thing, as some headphones are built more to offer lots of features and good noise-cancelation, while others focus more on a sleek and stylish design.Still, some headphones are designed more with high-quality sound in mind. These headphones don’t always have excellent noise-cancelation or some of the high-tech features that consumer-level wireless headphones offer, but they do have an excellent audio response.What are the best headphones for music right now?The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 More

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    Your TV’s USB port is seriously underutilized: 5 features you’re not taking advantage of

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETAfter the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there’s little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port — likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel — offers more potential than you might expect.   Also: Don’t cancel Netflix yet: I used these secret codes to unlock the full catalog of showsUSB ports are easy to overlook, but they’re a standard feature on most TVs — and more useful than you might think. Here are five clever ways to make the most of them. More

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    Every iPhone owner should use MagSafe – I can’t live without these 7 favorite accessories

    This wallet quickly shot to the top of my rotation and became a favorite in my wallet collection, so much so that it is ZDNET’s pick for best MagSafe wallet. While this wallet is very similar to others you can buy, its value is insane. You get a quality vegan leather wallet, strong magnetic hold, five card slots — including a dedicated ID pocket, notches for easy card access, and five colors to pick from — all for under $30. Also: I’ve tested dozens of MagSafe accessories, but this new wallet stand is my ideal iPhone companionWhen I tested this wallet, I was most impressed with how functional the dedicated ID slot is and how purposeful every element is. Each feature, like the notches allowing easy card access, was thoughtfully designed, implemented, and truly upgraded the accessory experience. Plus, ESR offers some of the most fun colors I have seen in a long time, including pastel pink and purple (and some universal neutrals, if that’s your preference). ESR customers on Amazon said they were pleased the Aura wallet came in vibrant colors, and liked the strong magnet, dedicated ID slot, and ample storage it provides. Some customers said that the wallet offers excellent value for the price, and it has a five-star rating on ESR’s website. More

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    These secret Netflix codes saved me from canceling my subscription – here’s why

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETNetflix wasn’t the first streaming platform, but it was the first to make video-on-demand mainstream. Fourteen years ago, as it phased out its mailing service, it took a massive bite out of the global market.Also: This 30-second fix made my Roku TV run like new again (and why it works)Remember that? Physical DVDs showing up in your actual mailbox — the one at the end of your driveway (or your hallway)? To my surprise, that was still actually a thing up until late 2023. Whaaat?Streaming introduced a slew of new entertainment options and, most importantly, unparalleled convenience. These days, Netflix is one of many platforms that offer a staggering amount of titles to choose from — and yet, there is more there than meets the eye.Did you know Netflix has secret cheat codes?As it turns out, Netflix has a plethora of shows and movies available that you don’t normally see when booting up the app. Our personalized, algorithm-based menus confine us to viewing only a fraction of the entire Netflix library.Also: How to clear your TV cache (and why it makes such a big difference)You can find special cheat codes to unlock more content on resources like Netflix-Codes and the website What’s On Netflix. Either is a good place to start massively multiplying your viewing options. The categories associated with these codes range everywhere from “Deep Sea Horror Movies” (code 45028) to very specific subgenres like “Feel-good Sports Movies for Ages 8 to 10” (code 855).  More