What 'mAh' means for your phone's battery, and why I focus on another metric instead

New smartphones boast batteries with higher-than-ever mAh numbers, but it's actually a small factor in how long the battery lasts.

I replaced my paid streaming apps with free ones - here's what surprised me

Are free streaming services that bad? I swapped my paid subscriptions for free ones to see.

ZDNET readers are skeptical of a foldable iPhone in 2026. Here's what they think instead

We asked ZDNET readers to predict the iPhone 18 specs for a chance to win a new Apple Watch. Hot takes welcome.

Google Home vs. Sonos Era 100: I used both smart speakers, here's what I recommend

With the new Google Home Speaker hitting store shelves, you may wonder if the Sonos Era 100 is still the best choice.

The best smartwatches of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

I've tested the best smartwatches, including the newest Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Here's how to choose the right one.

Open weights vs. closed: An AI civil war's afoot, and the stakes are existential

It started as China vs. the US, but it's become a face-off between two fundamentally different ways of building LLMs. And the safety of everything is on the line.

I tested a premium Linux laptop that's as light as it is powerful - here's why I love it

The Ar Gen 1 is an impressive device, suitable for anyone from students to developers to business owners.

How to remap the Windows 11 Copilot key and restore your missing Right Ctrl button

Pressing the Copilot key on your laptop keyboard launches Copilot. But whether or not you use Microsoft's AI, you can remap the key to trigger a different feature.

I tried ArchEZ to see if it really makes Arch Linux easy for beginners - and it delivered

Arch Linux doesn't have to be challenging, and ArchEZ proves that point with point-and-click ease.

74% of workers ask AI questions instead of colleagues - with potentially serious consequences

A series of studies revealed that employees are spending less time asking their coworkers for help. Here's how that tactic could backfire and how organizations need to adapt.

Get Apple Music's student discount plus Apple TV for just $6 a month - here's how

Students can save big on an Apple Music subscription. Here's how to get it.

I tested the Ultrahuman Ring Pro: Rich in features, but still a hard sell

The latest ring from Ultrahuman is packed with features, but it's both larger and more expensive than its predecessor.

5 ways I speed up my Android phone beyond clearing system cache - all for free

Here's how I improve the performance of my Google Pixel, Samsung, and even Motorola. Or at least make it seem that way.

12 keychain gadgets worth carrying every day (and why they're worth it)

We test dozens of gadgets each year - these are some of our favorite keychain accessories we're still using.

You can lease an iPhone through Klarna now - but should you? I did the math

Apple Upgrade allows customers to lease their devices ahead of a future upgrade -- but does it make sense for you?

How much storage does your phone really need in 2026? Probably less than you think

Phones today are coming with massive amounts of storage, but is it overkill? Let's break it down.

Microsoft's new AI model beats Mythos on security benchmark

Our AI Model Release Tracker keeps new models in context with their peers, so you know which are worth your time.

Is your smart TV a secret proxy? LG to suspend rogue apps, Samsung sets impacted too

One of your smart TV's apps could be relaying someone else's internet traffic. Here's how to check if you're affected.

Did ransomware attacks really decline? Here are your business' 4 best defenses

Did it look like the ransomware threat was receding last year? New research suggests it was more of a reshuffle - and recommends renewed vigilance.

I tested Sonos' new beta features on iOS and Android - how to opt in and what to expect

Sonos's software comeback is nearly complete, with small but mighty fixes. Here's everything you need to know.