Information Technology

ZDNETAmazon has partnered with Microsoft to bring the Xbox app to the Fire Stick TV 4K Max. And with this Prime Day bundle deal More

MicroSD cards have become indispensable in our digital age, serving as the backbone of data capture and storage for a wide array of devices including smartphones, tablets, action cameras, dashcams, and drones. They are crucial storage media for both consumers and professionals. However, the market is also flooded with poor-quality and counterfeit storage cards, which pose significant risks to data integrity and device performance.The silver lining is that top-tier microSD cards, the ones truly worth your investment, remain surprisingly affordable. Investing in authentic, high-quality cards is not just advisable; it’s essential. These cards bring with them a high level of performance, reliability, and data integrity. Also: What do all those microSD and SD card numbers and letters mean?What is the best microSD card right now?Over the years, I’ve conducted hands-on testing of numerous microSD cards, evaluating features like capacity, price, and performance. My extensive use of dozens of microSD cards across a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, drones, and action cameras, has given me a comprehensive understanding of their performance in real-world scenarios. Based on my testing, here are my top picks for the best microSD cards, with the SanDisk Extreme microSDXC More

Get a free $40 gift card with your new Costco membership now. StackSocial If you’ve been eyeing a Costco membership but weren’t sure if it was worth the money, now is the time to join. With this deal from Stack Social, when you sign up for a $60 annual Gold Star membership, you’ll get a […] More

Getty Images/PM Images OpenAI has been on a hot streak, unveiling new AI models and updates on a regular cadence. Last Thursday, OpenAI unveiled its latest model, GPT-4o mini, which, as the name implies, packs the power of GPT-4o into a smaller package.  Also: Two ways you can build custom AI assistants with GPT-4o – […] More

Gone are the days of huge PC towers taking up desk space to achieve powerful performance. Computers with an abundance of power can now be condensed into a slim laptop with a lower price tag than some high-end models. Many of the best laptops under $1,000 are lightweight and offer lightning-fast speeds, highly detailed graphics, and up to 1TB of storage space to meet all of your creative or professional needs.Also: The best laptops under $500What is the best laptop under $1,000 right now?My pick for the best laptop under $1,000 overall is the M2 MacBook Air More

June Wan/ZDNETIf you’re a Samsung phone user, the company is making a change you’ll need to pay attention to.For the past two years, Samsung has been phasing out its Samsung Messages app in favor of Google Messages. Samsung’s messaging app has continued to be available — since the Galaxy S22 — but Google’s app was the default option.Also: The best Samsung phones you can buy: Expert testedFirst spotted by Max Weinbach on X, it appears the transition to Google Messages is nearly complete. Starting with the Flip6 and Fold6, you won’t find Samsung Messages pre-installed on new Samsung phones. You will be able to download the Samsung Messages app to a new device, but the company notes that “some features will be excluded.” If you’re a current user, the app isn’t going anywhere and you can continue using it. If you’re a Samsung Messages user, is it time to change? There’s no pressing reason to change at this exact moment, but if you’re planning for the future, there are plenty of reasons to change.  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

The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris kick off this week, and for those who have cut the cord, there are plenty of ways to catch all the action without a traditional cable or satellite TV subscription.Also: The best live TV streaming servicesWhen do the Olympics start? And where can I watch?The Olympics will officially open on July 26, 2024, at noon Eastern time with a ceremony on the River Seine. However, some events, such as handball, rugby, and soccer, will begin on July 24-25. NBC and Peacock will present live coverage of the opening ceremony on Friday, July 26. Telemundo will provide Spanish-language coverage at 1 p.m. ET. Primetime coverage will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock. The Games will feature 16 days of competition, ending on August 11, with around 10,500 athletes from over 200 nations competing. NBCUniversal More