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    I still prefer my Google Pixel 9 Pro over the expensive flagships – and it’s not even close

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETLast year, I was emphatic that my time with Pixel phones was over because Google had announced it was planning to inject even more AI “goodness” into Android. I saw that as an opportunity to jump ship.My goal was to buy the Nothing Phone 3. Then, as fate would have it, Nothing CEO Carl Pei announced that his company was going all-in on AI, and the next Nothing Phone would leverage the technology in ways no other device had.Foiled again.Also: This hidden Pixel camera setting makes my photos absolutely pop – here’s howShortly after, I looked into the Pixel 9 Pro series More

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    This Apple Watch model is my favorite and I use it daily – right now, it’s over 30% off

    The Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) pictured with the Spigen Crystal Liquid Pro Apple Watch band.  Kayla Solino/ZDNETApple’s popular watch devices are available in several models, and the Watch SE (2nd Gen) is still the latest base model watch to hit the market. Despite Apple unveiling the Watch Series 10 in September 2024, the SE did not get an upgrade as originally rumored. While it’s not packed with all the Series 9 or 10 features, it offers great value for those looking to track basic health and fitness metrics, keep in contact with ease, and benefit from connection to the Apple ecosystem.  Also: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the premium smartwatch I prefer – here’s whyI own the Watch SE (2nd Gen), and it’s been the perfect smartwatch companion to my mostly low-key tech lifestyle. It’s proven great for tracking my workouts, steps, and other health metrics, and it has been a great introduction to sleep tracking. Right now, you can grab my favorite watch model (and Apple’s most up-to-date base model), the Watch SE (2nd Gen) More

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    Apple’s latest iPad hit a new low price at Walmart – and it’s available in every color

    Maria Diaz/ZDNETAn iPad can help with success in many areas, such as school, professional work, content creation, and more. With the new school year just around the corner, there’s no better time to scoop up the most recent iPad model from Walmart.Also: Why I like the base iPad more than the Pro and Air – especially at this priceRight now, the 11th-Gen 128GB iPad More

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    I took a walk with Meta’s new Oakley smart glasses – they beat my Ray-Bans in every way

    Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETThe Meta Ray-Bans have been a success since their launch, with consumers (like me) drawn to their regular form factor packed with mics, cameras, speakers, and AI. Now, Meta is catering to a more athletic audience with its new Meta Oakley smart glasses — and with them, it has upped the ante across nearly every spec. As a glasses wearer, photo fanatic, and AI reporter, it was an absolute no-brainer for me to purchase the Meta Ray-Bans. After months of trying them, I was mostly impressed. My biggest qualm was the battery life, which only lasted four hours. So, when Meta announced the Oakley version would have eight hours of battery life, I was immediately intrigued. I spent one day with the Meta Oakley HSTN Limited Edition More