Information Technology

A common mistake I often see is people purchasing the largest, bulkiest external hard drive they can find, under the impression that it’s the best solution for their needs. Later, they find themselves with a huge, noisy device that occupies too much desk space and is inconvenient to carry to the office or on the road.This is why I recommend the WD My Passport Ultra to those who need a compact, easy-to-use hard drive for a few critical files, or for moving data between systems, or for travel.Over the years, I’ve recommended this drive to dozens of people, ranging from home users in need of a backup solution to amateur photographers and videographers facing disk space limitations. Everyone who has purchased one has reported back that they’ve been satisfied with their choice.What sets this drive apart are two key features: It includes WD Backup software for PCs, which simplifies and optimizes the backup process, and it offers built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring that data on the drive is secure.Given the solid reputation of the WD brand and the quality of their hard drives, I have little concerns about premature data loss.WD My Passport Ultra features: USB-C and USB 3.1 interface | 1TB to 5TB capacities | 256-bit AES hardware encryption | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETThe Meta Quest 3 headset is getting a big feature before its more expensive counterpart, the Apple Vision Pro.Less than a month after Bloomberg reported that Apple was working on a version of Apple Intelligence for its Vision Pro headset, Meta has announced that its Quest 3 headset is getting Meta AI. Also: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024Soon, Meta’s announcement says, “You’ll be able to get answers to a wide range of questions with real-time information thanks to Bing.” In addition, Meta AI with Vision will be part of the update. This means you’ll be able to ask questions about your surroundings while wearing the headset.With Meta AI, your Quest 3 headset can see people, objects, and more and — give more information about them, much like Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. You’ll be able to look at a sign and have it translated, get fashion tips, find info on a landmark or portrait, and more. More

Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images Two telcos in Singapore have been granted additional time to move their 3G customers to newer networks, a transition originally scheduled to be completed by this month.  A third carrier, M1, already has fully migrated all their mobile 3G subscribers, including enterprise customers, either to 4G or 5G services, the Infocomm […] More

Stability AI The popularity of AI image generation has led us to the next frontier: video generation. Nearly every major player in the AI space, including Google and OpenAI, is developing text-to-video generators. Stability AI just released its latest AI video model, but its take is a bit different from the rest.  Also: This AI […] More

Get Windows 11 Pro at a big discount right now. StackSocial Need an operating system upgrade? Windows 11 Pro puts productivity in your hands with features that make everything from hybrid work to streaming entertainment easy, and you can grab the software for a discounted price right now through StackSocial. A lifetime subscription for the […] More

Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of our ZDNET team. We’ve been reviewing VPNs for years, and have spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression if we’ve included them on this list.ZDNET does test VPN services from multiple locations, but we can’t test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure. Once you choose a VPN, it’s essential that you test for all your likely usage profiles and only then decide whether to keep the service or request a money-back guaranteed refund.These VPNs also have solid money-back guarantees, and we would not have recommended them otherwise. We analyzed the best VPNs for streaming TV and movies below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance, especially while streaming. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags, making it intolerable.Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you’d need a service that allows at least five simultaneous connections.Security: There’s no point using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured that the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an essential feature for a VPN, as it prevents a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.Geoblocks and streaming: We know that VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations perform well regarding these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming. Countries & servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether or not there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety for customers.Trial length & price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee. For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page. More

Max Buondonno/ZDNETWhen I got my first Apple Watch (a Series 2) back in 2017, I didn’t care much about its ability to display notifications. In my mind back then, notifications were for my iPhone, and that was that. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m on my third Apple Watch, a Series 9. I am all about the notifications. In fact, the Watch’s notification capability is one of the features I find most important. That’s because I can get Slacked no matter where I am or what I’m doing. Also: Slack now offers four iPhone widgets – here’s how you can use themIt’s very important to me to be able to stay in touch with my team, but I don’t necessarily like to carry my phone everywhere or stay tethered to my computer. With the Apple Watch and its notification feature, I can work in the workshop without having to carry my phone. I can be in the necessary. I can be out with the dog. I can be cooking. I can be curled up under the blankies in bed. That may seem excessive, but it’s actually freeing. If I want a quiet spell, I can turn on Do Not Disturb. If I want to go on with my life, and stay connected when I have to, having my Watch means I don’t have to lug my phone or even think about how I’m going to be reached. If I have my watch, I’m good. More

If you’re looking for the ultimate combo of style and function — the Casely Power Pod battery pack is for you.  This battery pack uses MagSafe technology to snap onto the back of your iPhone or other device. It will also attach to and charge through any case that is MagSafe compatible or any case that is wireless charging compatible, and Casely even includes an adhesive magnetic ring that attaches to any non-MagSafe case or device, which will turn it into a MagSafe-compatible accessory. It offers 5,000 mAh of battery capacity and a max wireless output of 15W that can be used three ways: as a MagSafe battery pack, as a Qi charging pad for things like wireless earbuds, or as a traditional battery pack with a USB-C cord. When I tested the Power Pod last month, I couldn’t get enough of it. After starting with a fully charged Power Pod, my iPhone 14 Pro went from 47% to 83% after an hour of MagSafe charging, and I still had 50% charge left in the Power Pod. The magnetic grip is plenty strong, too, and the on/off button on the front of the pack makes it super easy to find and use.  Also: Finally, a MagSafe battery pack that doesn’t look like a brick (and it charges fast, too)But the Power Pod’s crown jewel isn’t any of the above features. Instead, unlike its brick-esque competitors, the Power Pod features a clean, curved, ergonomic design available in 50 different colors, patterns, and prints. It also has a smaller overall footprint compared to other MagSafe battery packs I’ve tested, making it easy to toss into a going-out purse or small bag. After all, why should your battery pack have to look boring? Current Power Pod reviewers on Casely’s website like the endless designs and seamless compatibility (both physically and aesthetically) with their phone cases and the easy, reliable power boost the pack offers. This battery pack certainly isn’t going to give your phone the biggest power boost out of the options on this list, but you’ll definitely get the most compliments and the best aesthetic appeal. Author’s Note: At the time of publication, Casely is offering a BOGO on their power pods, as well as 25% off sitewide with promo code LUNCHBOX. Casely Power Pod MagSafe battery specs: Capacity: 5,000mAh | Charging Port: USB-C | Power button: Yes  More