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    I tried MSI’s Windows PC handheld – now I’m wondering if gaming laptops should even exist

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is on pre-order through the company’s online store and Amazon for $999. It stands tall as a high-performing gaming handheld with a vibrant touchscreen and unique design. However, its large size won’t be for everyone, and there are still a few software bugs. more buying choices […] More

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    Happy birthday, Apple Watch: 10 best features that changed how we track our health, ranked

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETIn 2015, Jony Ive, Apple’s then-industrial designer, introduced the Apple Watch and explained the design decisions behind the wearable that would eventually revolutionize health technology. “You can’t determine a boundary between the physical object and the software,” Ive said. Also: Your next Apple Watch could have a feature that transforms healthcareOn the Apple Watch’s 10th birthday, this concept of boundary-less-ness still holds. Eight years after the iPhone’s debut, Apple created a device that blended into the wearer’s life, with technology that tracked steps, maintained connections with friends and family, and even saved a few lives along the way. Sure, the Apple Watch debuted during Fitbit’s reign, but the smartwatch, aided by constant feature innovation and mainstream ubiquity, trumped its competition in the long run.Tim Cook has said that Apple’s greatest contributions will be through its developments in health — and nowhere is this more true than through the Apple Watch. Throughout its 10-year run, the tech giant has churned out lifesaving features around a user’s wrist. In celebration of 10 years of the Apple Watch, here are some of the most impactful features that have come out of the device and revolutionized wearable technology.1. Closing rings More

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    Netflix introduces a new ‘dialogue only’ subtitles option (crowd cheers)

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETNearly half of all Americans use subtitles when they watch TV, a recent study showed, so Netflix is making them even better.In a blog post this week, Netflix announced a new subtitle option — dialogue only. Also: I discovered Netflix’s secret genre codes and my watchlist exploded – how they workRight now, if you turn on subtitles, you’ll see not just words that are spoken, but other audio cues like [cell phone rings] or [dog barks] ([or squelching noises] for Stranger Things fans). You’ll also see the names and titles of songs that play. With the new setting, captions will only display spoken words. No background sounds will appear. It’s a small change, but it’s an improvement for the many people who turn on captions to make sure they catch every word over the bustle of kids, dogs, or other family members around them, or people watching with lower volume at night. Also: The best Netflix VPNs: Expert tested and reviewedIt’s not just background noise causing difficulty, though, as a New York Times report indicates the issue stems largely from the way audio is mixed for cheaper televisions and phones. More

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    What is Model Context Protocol? The emerging standard bridging AI and data, explained

    Flavio Coelho/Getty Images Chances are, unless you’re already deep into AI programming, you’ve never heard of Model Context Protocol (MCP). But, trust me, you will. MCP is rapidly emerging as a foundational standard for the next generation of AI-powered applications. Developed as an open standard by Anthropic in late 2024, MCP is designed to solve […] More

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    This new Garmin watch offers flagship features at an affordable price point – and I’m a fan

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is available in two sizes and four color variations for $399 (45mm) and $499 (50mm). The unlimited battery life, brilliant integrated flashlight, rugged build, and accurate tracking make this a perfect watch for adventurists. Unfortunately, the display is still monochrome, mapping remains limited, and the watch […] More

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    These XR glasses gave me a 200-inch screen to work with – and they’re priced well

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The RayNeo Air 3S is available for $269 These XR glasses provide advanced micro-OLED screens, dual speaker chamber design, and a 201-inch screen visual experience There are no light-blocking shades or electrochromic dimming capability, and productivity support is limited to native MacOS and Windows support. more buying choices Just about every […] More

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    Your TV’s USB port is seriously underutilized: 5 handy features you’re overlooking

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETAfter the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there’s little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port — likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel — offers more potential than you might expect.  Also: Your TV’s USB port has an underrated benefit that can revitalize an old system – here’s how it worksUSB ports are easy to overlook, but they’re a standard feature on most TVs — and more useful than you might think. Here are five clever ways to make the most of them. More