Robotics

Earbuds have come a long way over the last decade. The tiny — increasingly wireless — gadgets can seamlessly swap from playing music to answering a phone call with just a tap. With Bluetooth technology, they’re also compatible with smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, as well as laptops and desktop computers. Earbuds can cost hundreds of dollars, but you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality, everyday-use product. Our ZDNET experts have been testing wired and unwired headphones for a long time, analyzing features like spatial audio, sound quality, battery life, and noise cancelation. We’ve got you covered with this list of our favorite earbuds for under $50.What are the best earbuds under $50 right now?The best earbuds under $50 are the JLab JBuds ANC 3 More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETApple claims that the batteries shipped inside the iPhone 15 and later models are designed to retain 80% of their original capacity after 1,000 complete charge cycles “under ideal conditions.”When I acquired my iPhone 15 Pro Max, I decided to put this claim to the test. This smartphone was first used in March 2024 and has been my daily driver ever since. I have taken every possible measure to care for the battery: I have permanently set the charging limit to 80% (Settings > Battery > Charging), avoided keeping the handset on charge for excessively long periods, and ensured it remains away from extreme temperatures. How has it been performing?Not great. Also: iOS 18.4 update draining your iPhone’s battery? Try these 6 fixesIn a little over 12 months and 355 recharge cycles — approximately once a day, which is quite a high amount of usage — the maximum capacity has dropped to 91%. More

If you’re in the market for a new laptop, size matters. A 13- or 14-inch laptop might be too small, while a 16-inch device is too big. While often overshadowed by larger, flasher screens, a 15-inch laptop is just right. For example, the Apple MacBook Air M415-inch version is both portable and spacious. We’ve tested dozens of the best laptops this year, but these devices stood out to our team of experts. Read for a full breakdown of our favorite 15-inch laptops so far in 2025 to help you make the best purchase.What’s the best 15-inch laptop right now? Our pick for the overall best 15-inch laptop is the MacBook Air M4 More

Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld/Getty Images Michael Vuong, head of project management at fashion specialist BrandAlley, has worked hard to reach the top of his profession. However, he recognizes that people who succeed in business also enjoy time outside the workplace — and that’s why he’s taken sabbaticals. Also: 5 secrets to achieving your goals, according to […] More

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images Accompanying the rise in detentions and deportations by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other authorities are increasingly frequent reports of smartphone searches. US authorities allegedly dig through past emails, photos, social network activity, and other content to establish grounds for apprehension or other enforcement decisions. While such intrusions […] More

Vizio might not be the most popular TV brand on the market, but it still offers decent picture and audio quality if you want a midrange or budget-friendly model. With features like QLED panels for better color accuracy and contrast, VRR support for console gaming, and high refresh rates, Vizio TVs hold up pretty well against more expensive competitors from Samsung, Sony, and even Hisense or TCL. And with screen sizes ranging from as small as 24 inches to more popular options like 50- and 65-inch models, you’ll find the right fit for just about any space. What is the best Vizio TV right now? I chose the Quantum Pro 50-inch More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dreame X50 Ultra is available for $1,700, but on sale for $1,360. This is one of the best robot vacuums and mops available, with anti-tangle dual brushes, 20,000Pa of suction, and legs to cross up to 4.2cm thresholds. The Dreame X50 Ultra can get caught on obstacles and require intervention, […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The HP EliteBook Ultra G1i is on sale for $2,199 I highly recommend it to people looking for a laptop with top-performing hardware, a vibrant screen, and a high-quality webcam However, because of its limited port selection, some might find its usability limited without supplementary accessories. –> Work laptops don’t have […] More