Information Technology

Jada Jones/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones offer even better sound and ANC performance.They have the best travel case for headphones in 2025.I love the more comfortable, snug fit of Sony’s new flagship headphones.The Sony WH-1000XM5 were great but lacked a few features that I consider essential for travel. That’s why I chose the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones as my go-to travel headphones, for their comfortable fit and foldable design. But three years after the XM5 launch, Sony has finally released a worthy successor. And it improves on the last-gen product in every way. Also: I replaced my bulky headphones with these Pixel earbuds for traveling – and can’t go backBefore the Sony WH-1000XM6 More

What does iOS 26’s Hold Assist do on iPhone? Hold Assist monitors your call while you’re on hold, notifies you when a live person returns, and shows a transcript of what you missed. Meanwhile, Hold Assist Detection is a toggle in the Phone app settings that lets your iPhone automatically detect when you’ve been placed on hold by listening for background music. During these calls, a banner will prompt you to activate Hold Assist. Also: How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before the iOS 26 update)When I tried it with my partner, he said he heard a beep. After that, when he started speaking, he was told the message was being transcribed. I also tested Hold Assist while on hold with my insurance company and again with my power utility. Both times, I was prompted to enable Hold Assist, did so, and resumed the calls once I got a notification. Neither agent or caller mentioned knowing they’d been on hold, though in one instance I could see in the transcript that the agent was speaking to me to say they were back.Which iPhones support Hold Assist?Hold Assist is available on iPhone 12, iPhone SE (3rd generation), and later models running iOS 26. Is Hold Assist available everywhere? No. It’s available in the US, UK, and Canada in English, along with additional regions. See the full list of supported countries here More

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juanma hache/Moment via Getty Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways System76 Pop!_OS 24.04 beta is now available. COSMIC desktop is an out-of-this-world environment. You can download and install the beta now for free. Over 10 years ago, I purchased my first System76 desktop computer. That was a Leopard Extreme, and […] More

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Nina Raemont/ZDNETLooking to take some novels on your next vacation? If you’ve got several books you’re hauling on flights, to the beach, or between classes, I can think of one lightweight solution to your book-induced back ache. A Kindle. A Kindle is a portable, e-reading powerhouse that can be loaded with every book on your to-read list. Ahead of next week’s October Prime Day, Amazon is running a deal on its Kindle Essentials bundle More

ZONEofTECH/X Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Rechargeable batteries are incredibly safe, but things can and do go wrong. Don’t cut a stuck smart ring off your finger because it usually makes things worse. If your wearable is acting weird, stop wearing it. Rechargeable batteries are everywhere. In our homes […] More