More stories

  • in

    I used the M5 iPad Pro exclusively for weeks, and it’s so close to replacing my laptop

    Apple iPad Pro (M5, 2025) <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The M5 iPad Pro is now available for purchase, starting at $999 for the 11-inch and $1,199 for the 13-inch variant. It features Apple’s most powerful processor yet, promising faster speeds, improved AI workflows, and better efficiency. It also runs on Apple’s most updated connectivity chipsets. […] More

  • in

    My favorite Bluetooth tracker for Android and iOS just got a useful design upgrade

    Chipolo Loop finder tag <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Chipolo Loop is available now for $39. It’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about battery disposal, and the speaker is much louder than the Apple AirTag. It’s significantly more expensive than the AirTag, so could be a hard sell to iPhone user. –> Follow […] More

  • in

    Did your logins just get leaked? How to check online for free (and what to do next)

    Sean Gladwell/Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Two new Have I Been Pwned datasets added with millions of accounts. Emails and passwords exposed in recent data breaches. Check if your info was leaked and learn what to do next. Cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt has added two […] More

  • in

    Shop the 4 best early AirPods deals for Black Friday 2025

    When is Black Friday? Black Friday is Friday, Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving. Traditionally, Black Friday sales were reserved for in-person shopping for one day only. In recent years, Black Friday promotions have begun in early November, and most of the best deals are available online. Cyber Monday is Monday, Dec. 1, and is another opportunity to shop end-of-year deals.Are AirPods really cheaper during Black Friday? Yes, AirPods are typically cheaper during Black Friday sales. However, in nearly November before the sales really begin, you’ll find lighter, more shallow discounts. As we get closer to the end of the month, you’ll find deeper discounts on the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4, and AirPods Max. You can expect to find the AirPods Pro 2 for as low as $170, the AirPods 4 with ANC for as low as $140, and the AirPods Max for as low as $429. How did we choose these early Black Friday deals?Typically, ZDNET chooses Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals based on the depth of their discount (preferably 20% or more) and our hands-on testing. However, Apple devices are in high demand and rarely discounted, making their deals more exclusive. Although some Apple AirPods deals aren’t overwhelmingly steep, they are harder to come by.When AirPods are on sale, we compare the sale prices across retailers, as they sometimes vary. We keep an eye on AirPods sale prices throughout the year, comparing prices to declare which annual sale offers the best discounts. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing, in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.  More

  • in

    The best AI agents are terrible freelancers – for now

    Mininyx Doodle/iStock/Getty Images Plus Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Top AI agents fail at freelance work, according to a new study. The study assessed Gemini 2.5 Pro, GPT-5, and other agents. Close to half of the US workforce did freelance work in 2025. If you’re a freelance […] More