Information Technology

Kerry Wan/ZDNETA quick scan through ZDNET’s list of the best phones, and two names usually top the list — Samsung and Apple. That’s no exception with our most recent picks, as the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max take the top two spots. That list will likely be changing soon, though, as Apple is expected to unveil a successor that is the iPhone 17 Pro Max.Also: Should you buy the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17? How to decide which model to buyBoth the 16 Pro Max and the S25 Ultra are their brand’s most impressive phones to date, with each handset packed with premium features and high-end specs, and both being the largest of their lineups. They also feature a whole lot of AI, like it or not.If you’re already locked into a specific ecosystem, the choice here is simple. But if you’re on the fence or you’re considering switching sides, you have a decision to make. Fortunately, there’s enough of a difference between these two devices that you can make a choice. Here’s what you need to know.  Specifications Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraiPhone 16 Pro MaxDisplay 6.9″ QHD AMOLED 120Hz, 2600 nits peak6.8-inch AMOLED with 120Hz, 2000 nits peakWeight 218 grams227 gramsProcessor Snapdragon 8 EliteA18 ProDimensions77.6 x 162.8 x 8.2mm  77.6 x 163 x 8.25RAM/Storage12GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB8GB with 256GB, 512GB, 1TBBattery5000 mAh4685 mAhCamera200MP wide / 50MP telephoto (5x) / 10MP telephoto (3x) / 50 MP ultrawide / 12MP front48MP Fusion / 48MP Ultra Wide  / 12MP telephoto (5x) / 12MP front    Price$1,299$1,199 You should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra if… More

Marshall Middleton II <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Marshall’s Middleton II Bluetooth speaker is available in Black And Brass or Cream for $330. The Middleton II debuts with meaningful upgrades from its predecessor, spectacular sound, a stylish design, and 30 hours of battery life. Despite its long list of pros, this speaker is considerably more expensive […] More

Kelvin Tools 36-in-1 Multitool <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways A strange-looking multitool that looks rather Fisher-Price but is actually very good. It has everything from screwdriver bits to a hammer and tape measure! Looks bulky, but it is actually rather ergonomic in use! more buying choices I have… wait, let me just have a look around […] More

Jada Jones/ZDNETYour AirPods can be your best friend, small enough to stay in your pocket or bag until you need them. But if you like to work out with your AirPods, pushing your slippery earbuds back into your ear can become a particularly intense workout. I’ve found three products to help with this problem — a few dollars spent can revitalize your AirPods experience.Also: Best AirPods 2025: I’ve tested every pair of Apple headphones and earbudsUnfortunately, some people’s ear anatomy simply isn’t compatible with certain earbuds, and the best option may be purchasing from another brand. But if you’re determined to make your AirPods stay in your ear, try these tips first.1. Detachable ear hooks More

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is on sale for $650 in four color options. Its display is vibrant and large, the battery lasts through a couple of days, and LTE is provided at no extra cost. It comes in a single 47mm size, gesture support is limited, […] More

Lance Whitney/ZDNETI’ve always had a mixed experience with motion sickness. I don’t suffer from it on a plane or ship, thankfully. But put me in the back seat of a car, and I often get hit by a bad case of it, especially if the ride is twisty and turny. Triggered by mixed signals across your eyes, inner ear, and brain, those feelings of dizziness and queasiness can be extremely uncomfortable. For anyone else who experiences motion sickness, you can turn to your iPhone for help. Also: Installed iOS 18.6 on your iPhone? Change these 11 settings for the best experienceIntroduced with iOS 18 is a helpful option called Vehicle Motion Cues. With this feature turned on, animated dots appear on the edges of the screen to help you better process changes in the movement of the car. Your goal is simply to use and navigate your phone normally. With its built-in accelerometer, your iPhone will sense that you’re traveling in a moving vehicle. When the car turns, the dots move in the opposite direction of the turn. “Research shows that motion sickness is commonly caused by a sensory conflict between what a person sees and what they feel, which can prevent some users from comfortably using iPhone or iPad while riding in a moving vehicle,” Apple said when it unveiled the feature in 2024. “With Vehicle Motion Cues, animated dots on the edges of the screen represent changes in vehicle motion to help reduce sensory conflict without interfering with the main content. Using sensors built into iPhone and iPad, Vehicle Motion Cues recognizes when a user is in a moving vehicle and responds accordingly.” How to use Vehicle Motion Cues on the iPhoneHere’s how I combat my motion sickness with my iPhone and how you can do the same. You can also use Vehicle Motion Cues on an iPad with iPadOS 18 or higher.  More

Amazon ZDNET’s key takeaways Amazon will soon offer fresh grocery deliveries in more than 2,300 cities. The current program is available in around 1,000 areas. There’s no delivery charge for orders over $25. Amazon is planning a massive expansion of its fresh grocery delivery business, and it’s coming soon.  Right now, subscribers in more than […] More

Kayla Solino/ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways Indie Author Central created Stuff Your E-Reader Day.It runs from Aug. 12 -16 and features discounted and free e-books.This year’s theme is Stepping Through Time.If you’re looking for the perfect read to wrap up your summer, “Stuff Your E-Reader Day” is a great place to start. ‘Stepping Through Time’Indie Author Central created Stuff Your E-Reader Day. It runs from Aug.12-16 and features hundreds of e-books made free by authors for a limited time. This event’s theme, “Stepping Through Time,” focuses on historic and contemporary fiction. Also: The base model Kindle is the e-reader most people should buy. Here’s whyIn addition to free books, Stuff Your E-Reader Day includes e-books priced at only $0.99 and titles newly added to Kindle Unlimited and Kobo Plus. The featured e-books are available for Kindle and Kobo, but they can also be read on your Nook or through reading apps on your smartphone or tablet.A searchable catalog of the Stepping Through Time recommendations is available on the Indie Authors Central website More