Information Technology

Kerry Wan/ZDNETI’ve been using Pixel phones since the very first iteration. The relationship has been filled with ups and downs. Some of the downs (such as call quality) have improved enough that they’re no longer an issue. Google’s overall track record with Pixel releases has nevertheless always been pretty shaky.I remember, back with the Pixel 3, the call quality was atrocious. The Pixel 4 seemed to fix the issue, but the battery life was dreadful. The call quality on the Pixel 5 regressed, but the battery life was great.Also: Pixel 9? Pixel Watch 3? The date for the next Made by Google event is sooner than everWith every step forward, there seems to be a couple of steps backward. At the same time, companies like Nothing are producing exciting phones and developing a reputation for consistency and quality. With the Nothing Phone 3 on the horizon, it’s becoming challenging to convince myself that the Pixel is still the phone for me. More

Lossless audio has risen in popularity in recent years thanks to Apple’s implementation of the technology in Apple Music. This MP3 player from Fiio is perfect for lossless audio tracks thanks to a custom-made chip, which provides lower noise floor and distortion. The player comes with Android 10 right out of the box so that you can access the Play Store and whatever streaming app is your go-to. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and when set into Bluetooth receiver mode, it becomes a high-quality Bluetooth amplifier with better frequency response. Reddit users recommend using cable headphone to get the best sound out of it, but note that even the Bluetooth sound via LDAC is much better compared to a smartphone.Fiio M11S specs: Storage: 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage | Battery: 13 hours | Display: 5.15-inch bezel-less (1440 x 720 ) touchscreen | Media types: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, DXD More

Max Buondonno/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe $1,099 Galaxy Z Flip 6 More

Stack Social If you live near a BJ’s Wholesale Club and have been thinking about buying a membership, now is a great time: New members can buy an annual membership for just $20 (reg. $55) through this Stack Social deal — saving you 63%.  Also: The best Prime Day deals: Live updates BJ’s is similar to […] More

The iPad More

Get a Babbel lifetime language subscription at a big discount right now.  StackSocial Learning a new language can be daunting. But right now, you can buy a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning from Stack Social that lets you choose from 14 languages and access more than 10,000 hours of online language education for just $140 […] More

Getty Images/Rosa María Fernández Rz The generative AI boom might have started with the launch of ChatGPT, but the technology has now been integrated into all kinds of productivity platforms designed to make our everyday workflows easier. A fear many people have when they hear about AI use in the workplace is that the technology will […] More

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