More stories

  • in

    Should you ever pay for Linux? 5 times I would – and why

    Randall Fung/Getty Images Even though Linux has always been free, I’ve paid for the OS in various ways over the years. I’ve seen distributions come and go, most of which were free, but some had an associated cost. In some cases, those costs were nothing more than a suggested donation, but in others, the only […] More

  • in

    I changed 8 settings on my Pixel phone to significantly improve the battery life

    Jason Howell/ZDNETPixel phones have an excellent reputation for smart software, but battery life has been a common complaint with Google’s smartphones. Thankfully, that same smart software is now improving battery life and longevity, though many features aren’t set up for maximum endurance out of the box. I’ve found that a handful of features can dramatically improve how long your Pixel lasts, both in a single day and over the long haul.Also: 6 hidden Android features that make my life easier – and that you’re overlookingHere are the battery tweaks I rely on with my Pixel, and how you can set them up for the best results.1. Use Battery Saver and Extreme Battery Saver modes More

  • in

    I test laptops for a living and these are the Memorial Day laptop deals I’d grab while you still can

    When is Memorial Day? Memorial Day in the US is on Monday, May 26th. And while the bulk of the best deals will go live day-of, you can find great discounts at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.How did I choose these Memorial Day deals? Not all deals are created equal. Since Memorial Day is better known for lawn and garden deals, I only chose discounts on laptops myself or another ZDNET team member has tested. What are the best Memorial Day 2025 deals?ZDNET’s experts are searching through Memorial Day deals across retailers to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:What are the tariffs in the US? The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Products You Might Need to BuyLaptops and PCs are also hit hard by the new US tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs. These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.    More

  • in

    Buy a Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and get a free SmartTag2 Bluetooth tracker – here’s how

    Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We’re sorry if you’ve missed out on this deal, but don’t fret — we’re constantly finding new chances to score savings and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com.  More

  • in

    My 12+ favorite Memorial Day lawn and outdoor deals: Last chance to save on grills, toolkits, and more

    When is Memorial Day? Memorial Day in the US is on Monday, May 26th. And while the bulk of the best deals will go live day-of, you can find great discounts on grills, lawn mowers, and more at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.How did I choose these Memorial Day deals? Not all deals are created equal. Since Memorial Day is better known for lawn and garden deals, I only chose the steepest discounts from the most trusted brands, like Kobalt, Blink, and EcoFlow, to help you find the right fit for your lawn and your budget.What are the best Memorial Day 2025 deals?ZDNET’s experts are searching through Memorial Day deals across retailers to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends. More

  • in

    I’m a phone expert and these Memorial Day mobile deals are too good to skip — don’t wait

    When is Memorial Day? Memorial Day in the US is on Monday, May 26, and while most of the event’s deals happen during the weekend, major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target often start listing them earlier.How did I choose these Memorial Day deals? I focused on deals that not only saved you a notable amount of money (especially if it’s on a phone that typically isn’t discounted) but were on devices that I’ve personally tested and recommended. Whether it’s a non-Pro iPhone or a budget Android device, I’ve spent enough time throughout the market to know what’s truly worth investing in.What are the tariffs in the US? The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.CNET: Tariff Pricing Tracker: We’re Watching 11 Products You Might Need to BuyThe new US tariffs also hit laptops and PCs hard, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs. These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.What are the best Memorial Day 2025 deals?ZDNET’s experts are searching through Memorial Day deals across retailers to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.    More

  • in

    I replaced my Ring with this outdoor security camera – and there’s no subscription required

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is available for $180 for the Wi-Fi version and $200 for the PoE version. This indoor/outdoor security camera doubles as a smart home hub, features 1520p resolution for crystal-clear images, RTSP support, and has a built-in NPU to process video with AI for visual recognition. […] More

  • in

    I test headphones for a living and these are the Memorial Day headphone deals I’d grab while you can

    When are Memorial Day sales? Memorial Day is observed on May 26, but some sales have already started. Major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy have items on sale, and tech brands like Bose, Sony, Beats, and more are competing for your dollars.Be sure to check back here for more Memorial Day headphones deals, as I’ll be updating this list throughout the sale period.How did I choose these Memorial Day deals?I test plenty of headphones throughout the year and only tell readers about the ones worth their time. Therefore, when those recommended headphones are on sale, I encourage you to jump on them. I look for the headphones we recommend the most, and if they’re on sale, I’ll let you know. Because many headphones are $350 or more, we understand that it can be an investment, and it’s crucial that we make our recommendations based on research, thorough testing, and expertise.What are the best Memorial Day 2025 deals?ZDNET’s experts are searching through Memorial Day deals across retailers to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:Best Memorial Day dealsBest Memorial Day lawn and outdoor dealsBest Memorial Day laptop dealsBest Memorial Day phone dealsBest Memorial Day TV dealsBest Memorial Day health and wellness wearable dealsBest Memorial Day headphone dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.  More