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    Five iOS 26 features that I’ve been using on my Android phone for years

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETApple’s WWDC annual developer conference signaled the first major redesign of iOS since 2013, with flashy demos of iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design and AI-driven features. Apple sometimes takes its time bringing features to its many surfaces, but when it does, it’s often a highly polished and well-considered take on a familiar theme. Let’s unpack a few ways where Apple is catching up, and how they stack up against their Android counterpart.1. Call Screening and Hold Assist More

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    Roku just revamped its TV lineup with big upgrades to picture quality and digital artwork

    Roku Roku just announced the launch of its 2025 lineup of Roku-made televisions<!–>, including the Roku Select, Roku Plus, and Roku Pro Series. The full 2025 lineup features upgrades to its earlier generation, including simplified cable management, easy-to-reach ports, a faster, built-in remote finder, and a more responsive user experience.  Also: Your Apple TV is […] More

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    The headphones I recommend to most audio professionals are cheaper than you think

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The OneOdio Studio Max 1 headphones are available now on the official site for $169.99 These headphones offer wired and wireless options for connecting to a traditional source and produce a well-blended sound If you’re looking for headphones to use with your phone, look elsewhere. –> My best friend has been […] More

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    Your Sonos Ace headphones just got 4 major upgrades for free – here’s my buying advice now

    Jada Jones/ZDNETEditor’s note: This article was first published on June 6, 2025, and updated on June 10, 2025, when Sonos announced the Ace’s latest software updates.It’s been one year since Sonos released its first pair of consumer headphones, and although they made waves when they first dropped, how have they fared after the hype has died down? You can often find the Ace discounted for up to $120 off their original price, and if you’re interested in them, that’s the best time to buy them.Also: The best headphones of 2025I’ve worn the Sonos Ace More

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    Google’s June Pixel drop is here! 7 cool new upgrades rolling out to your phone soon

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETIf you’re a Pixel phone user, be prepared for some cool new features. With the June Pixel Drop, your Pixel will become more helpful, personalized, and accessible. These new features will start rolling out today; however, you can expect the rollout to take a few days (or weeks) to reach every supported Pixel device.What’s new in the June Pixel Drop? Let’s dive in.Also: Your Android phone is getting 4 big upgrades for free, thanks to Android 161. Pixel VIPsWith this new feature, you can turn specific friends and family members into VIPs. The VIPs widget makes it easier to stay connected to your favorite people. You’ll want to add as much information as you can for each VIP  — such as birthdays, email, home addresses, and preferences — to get the most out of the feature. Once you’ve made someone a VIP, you’ll be able to view your last call and message with them and even allow them to bypass Do Not Disturb. You can keep notes on your VIPs, view their locations, and find things to do together.  More

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    Your Android phone is getting 4 big upgrades for free, thanks to Android 16

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETAndroid 16 is officially here, and Google has some big upgrades on the way.  Instead of releasing a new OS and a new phone lineup at the same time, Google is making the same move it did with Android 15 and giving both software and hardware their time to shine. Also: T-Mobile is giving away the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus for freeThis is the earliest Google has launched a major Android release in a while (for comparison, Android 15 was released on Oct. 15, 2024, and Android 14 was released on Oct. 4, 2023).  Here’s a look at four of the biggest upgrades in Android 16. All of these features will drop for Pixel devices first and other devices later in the year.  1. Streamlined updates and lock screen app updates: Don’t want to unlock your phone every time you check to see when your late-night food order is arriving? Feeling uneasy in a new city and want to make sure your ride-share is close? Streamlined app updates give you the ability to see real-time updates from your lock screen. Google says it’s working with app partners to bring this capability to Android, including in Samsung’s Now Bar and OnePlus’ Live Alerts.Also: The best Google Pixel phones to buy: Expert tested and reviewedGoogle says it’s also automatically grouping notifications that come from a single app to make sure you don’t get information overload. More

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    iOS 26 just solved one of my biggest pain points with Apple Music

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETI use the Music app on my iPhone just about every day, and one challenge I face is swiping through my vast library to find the album or artist I want to hear. Now, Apple has unveiled a new option that saves me a lot of swiping time.Apple introduced a pinned music feature with iOS 26 at WWDC on Monday. With this option, you can pin your favorite albums, artists, and playlists for quick, easy access. Pressing an item displays a menu with commands to Pin Playlist, Pin Album, or Pin Artist, depending on what you select. From there, the pinned item appears at the top of your music library. Also: Every iPhone model that can be updated to Apple’s iOS 26 (and which ones can’t)For now, you can pin up to six items — any combination of playlists, albums, and artists. That may not seem like a lot, so hopefully Apple will increase that number over time. The pin option isn’t the only new feature for the Music app in iOS 26.Ever play a song for which you can’t quite make out the lyrics (like Elton John’s “Hold Me Closer, Tony Danza”)? A new Lyrics Translator will help you better understand the actual words, and a Lyrics Pronunciation option will encourage you to sing along with your favorite tunes. Also: Your iPhone is getting a major upgrade for free. Here are the best features in iOS 26An AutoMix feature uses AI to segue smoothly from one song to the next, the same way a DJ might transition between tracks. And if you’re playing music while your phone is locked, the Lock screen will display animated cover art for the current album. To try the pin option and other new Apple Music features, you’ll need the first developer beta of iOS 26.Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter. More