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watchOS 26 will alert you if your Apple Watch battery is draining faster than normal

With watchOS 26, Apple is upgrading the battery monitoring features on the Apple Watch. The system will observe your average usage patterns, and notify you if your watch battery is draining faster than normal. This alert gives you a quick shortcut to enable Apple Watch’s Low Power Mode to maximise battery life until you can next get to a charger. As the system compares your current battery usage to your historical average patterns, it means an alert for any abnormalities may help you avoid get

The smart cooler that stopped me from toting ice again just hit an all-time low price

ZDNET's key takeaways The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 is available for $1,349 but currently on sale. This cooler works as a portable mini-fridge, with dual-zone cooling and the capacity to freeze or refrigerate. The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 is bulky and heavy, and it only comes with one battery so you have to purchase the second to reach the full 3.2 day capacity. View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choices The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 58L electric cooler is typically $1,100, but it

Is mandatory battery throttling coming for more Pixels with poor battery health? (APK teardown)

Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority TL;DR Google could potentially force Battery Health Assistance to remain enabled on Pixel phones with poor battery health. Users may not be able to change/disable the feature until they replace their phone’s battery. Pixel 9a users have Battery Health Assistance already enabled and mandatory, even on new devices. Pixel smartphones have been a staple recommendation as great Android phones, but lately, we’ve been hearing more and more about their battery issu

There’s a better Nothing Phone 3 variant, and you can’t buy it in the US

C. Scott Brown / Android Authority TL;DR Nothing has confirmed that the Indian version of the Nothing Phone 3 has a 5,500mAh battery. Other versions of the phone have a slightly smaller 5,150mAh battery. We’re guessing that this discrepancy is related to EU regulations regarding the transport of batteries. The Nothing Phone 3 finally launched yesterday, and it looks like a well-rounded Android phone with a polarizing design. However, it turns out that one regional variant has a bigger batter

Galaxy S26 could be getting not one, but two battery upgrades

Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR Samsung is reportedly exploring more advanced “battery protection circuits” for the Galaxy S26 series, along with the previously reported SUS CAN casing. These upgrades could leave room for Samsung to expand the batteries in capacity. However, these upgrades may still not be able to compensate for the lack of a more advanced silicon-carbon battery. Batteries on the latest Samsung Galaxy flagship phone have been a major reason for disappointment. With the

I replaced my Pixel 9 Pro with a $300 rugged Android phone - here's my buying advice

ZDNET's key takeaways The Oukitel WP56 is now available for $300 on the official site The WP56 is a mid-range phone that performs above its price and has an impressive battery life Like most Oukitel phones, the WP56 is very heavy. View now at Oukitel Let me set the stage for you. You're out in the wilderness. Maybe you're working on a job site, or you've taken your Jeep for some off-road action. The terrain and the weather are rough, and you might not have the means to give your phone a char

I've tested dozens of ThinkPads: Here's the Lenovo model I keep coming back to

ZDNET's key takeaways Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Aura Edition is available now starting at $2,419. It combines all the utility of a ThinkPad with exceptional battery life. It's expensive, and some of the Aura Edition features are being discontinued. $2,419 at B&H Photo-Video Lenovo's 10th-generation ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Aura Edition is a business-minded laptop with a few design perks to differentiate it from the crowd. We're talking a convertible form factor, pen support, ample I/O, and fantas

The 16 best portable Bluetooth speakers for 2025

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Whether you're jamming out at the beach, setting up a backyard movie night or just want some tunes while you work, a great portable Bluetooth speaker is a must-have. The best options today go beyond just playing music — they deliver punchy bass, crisp vocals and even customizable sound

The best smartwatches for Android

is a senior reporter focusing on wearables, health tech, and more with 13 years of experience. Before coming to The Verge, she worked for Gizmodo and PC Magazine. After a long stretch of slim pickings, the last couple of years have been huge for Android smartwatches. Now there are more good options than ever — with more on the way soon. Featured in this article What we’re looking for How we test smartwatches Collapse Smartwatches are meant to help you keep track of your notifications, as well

I changed 10 settings on my Pixel phone to significantly improve the user experience

Kerry Wan/ZDNET The Google Pixel 9a might be the best-value phone of 2025, especially now that it brings flagship-level AI tools, a bright 120Hz display, and a massive battery into a more affordable price tier. But, just like any Pixel phone, the best features often aren't enabled by default. I've tested generations of Google Pixel phones, and to achieve the best user experience, you almost always have to do a bit of digging and research. Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025 That's wh

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

Kerry Wan/ZDNET Pixel 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: Why I recommend this $280 Android phone over cheap m

Oura Ring 5 wishlist: All the features I want to see

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority The smart ring arena is evolving quickly, but Oura still sets the pace. Its current-generation ring is polished, feature-packed, and impressively reliable. Yet, no device line is immune to the itch for something more. With new rivals entering the scene and wearables advancing rapidly, now feels like the right time to think about what’s next. The Oura Ring 5 is likely a ways out, but I’m already daydreaming about what the next model might include. A refined de

The best Bluetooth trackers of 2025: Expert tested

At some point, we've all lost our phone, keys, or wallet, and even pets make a break for it sometimes. Bluetooth trackers are indispensable in these situations. These small devices attach to almost anything -- keychains, remotes, your pet's collar, or even your child's backpack, so you can track their location on your phone anytime. There are dozens of options available, but which device is right for you? We've tested out the best Bluetooth trackers to help you make the most informed purchase.

This $499 Windows laptop easily replaced my ThinkPad for one key reason

ZDNET's key takeaways Acer's Aspire 14 AI is on sale at Costco for $499. It has a fantastic battery and some of the latest hardware: all for a very approachable price point. I suggest opting for the OLED, since the low-end display isn't the best. $645 at Amazon I went hands-on with Acer's Aspire Go 15 last year, and praised it as one of the best cheap laptops you can get, priced at around $300. This year, one of the latest additions to Acer's Aspire line, the Aspire 14 AI, is a few steps up i

The best fitness trackers and watches we’ve tested

is a senior reporter focusing on wearables, health tech, and more with 13 years of experience. Before coming to The Verge, she worked for Gizmodo and PC Magazine. Fitness trackers have come a long way from the simple bands that tracked steps and little else. Modern trackers can monitor everything from your heart health to how well you’ve recovered from a hard bout of training. Even flagship smartwatches, which used to be lackluster trackers, have become pretty adept workout companions. Whatever

I'm never toting ice after testing a smart cooler (and it just hit an all-time low price)

ZDNET's key takeaways The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 is available for $1,349 but currently on sale. This cooler works as a portable mini-fridge, with dual-zone cooling and the capacity to freeze or refrigerate. The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 is bulky and heavy, and it only comes with one battery so you have to purchase the second to reach the full 3.2 day capacity. View now at Best Buy View now at Amazon more buying choices The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 58L electric cooler is typically $1,100, but it

One of the best Android smartwatches I've tested is not a Google or Samsung

ZDNET's key takeaways The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is available in Obsidian black for $349 (but on sale for $160 at the time of writing). This Google Wear OS smartwatch offers long battery life, dual-display technology, and a sapphire glass display. The watch currently runs Wear OS 3.5 and is available in one larger size. $157.5 at Amazon For the past couple of years, I've been switching between various Google and Samsung Galaxy Watch models to pair with my Android, as Google's Wear OS is

Finally, a video security doorbell that has similar features as Ring but no monthly fees

ZDNET's key takeaways The Lorex 2K Wi-Fi video doorbell is available for $200. The doorbell comes in wired and wireless installations, communicates reliably, and includes a preinstalled 32GB microSD card for local storage so you can bypass subscription fees. Although it has a 2K resolution, the image is so wide angle that objects look distorted. $149.99 at Amazon Video doorbells are among the best ways to start your smart home journey. They are easy to use and often easy to install, and provi

This data center in Nevada runs on solar power and reused EV batteries in groundbreaking project

Forward-looking: Growing demand for AI-driven data centers is straining the energy grid. Repurposed electric vehicle batteries offer a promising solution, storing renewable energy more efficiently while reducing waste. This emerging technology could reshape how we power the digital age. Redwood Energy, a Redwood Materials venture, aims to change how people use lithium-ion batteries. Instead of sending batteries from electric vehicles straight to recycling, the company gives them a second life,

The best Google phones to buy in 2025 ahead of the Pixel 10 launch

Google nailed it with the Pixel 9 lineup, thanks to its clean software, some genuinely useful artificial intelligence features, and availability in every price segment. The flagship lineup includes four Pixel phones -- the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while the Pixel 9a debuted recently. This makes a Pixel smartphone available in every price segment. The latest devices also include new AI features and camera smarts with the help of Google Gemini. It can be confusi

This portable battery saved my last camping trip (and goes everywhere with me)

ZDNET's key takeaways The EcoFlow River 3 is a new compact portable battery It is available for $239. It's portable and lightweight, making it easy to carry, it features fast charging, going from 0% to 100% in 55 minutes, and has a 245Wh output capacity Since portability is a priority for the River series of portable batteries, they're much less powerful than alternatives and best suited for smaller tasks or shorter use times. $239 at Amazon EcoFlow announced the addition of three new portab

The best rugged phones in 2025 (including Samsung and Oukitel)

The best mainstream smartphones like the Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones offer sharp displays, powerful performance, and versatile cameras. They are IP-rated for dust and water resistance, but most of them won't be enough if you're an adventurer. If you like hiking or camping, you should consider buying one of the top rugged phones. They are meant to withstand rough elements. The top contenders on this list are tested for military-standard durability, so you don't have to w

This Card-Slim MagSafe Portable Power Bank Is Going for Peanuts, Limited Stock for This Early Prime Day Deal

The summer is here which means way more time spent outside and far, far away from a outlet where you can charger your phone. Thankfully, you have plenty of options for portable chargers that can extend the battery life of your devices while you’re out and about. This deal on the LISEN magnetic battery could be your saving grace. If you have an iPhone that supports magnetic wireless charging, this charging portable charger is down 27% right now so you can scoop it up for just $22. That’s a saving

I’ll only upgrade to the Galaxy Watch 8 if it focuses on these 2 features

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority I’ve used several smartwatches throughout my career, switching between devices to match my changing priorities. However, the one smartwatch I always return to is my Galaxy Watch 4. Now paired with a Galaxy smartphone, it’s become the center of my ecosystem. Samsung’s first new-generation Wear OS watch launched in 2021. Now, nearly four years later, I still feel little temptation to upgrade. While the watch is starting to show its age, as its chipped exterior

Best Alkaline Batteries for Your Devices in 2025

For this round of testing, we gathered four of the most popular battery brands and tested five battery categories, including AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt. Our objective was to find out which battery manufacturer offered the best value for your money. To assess battery performance, we used our custom-built battery test rig and timed the longevity of each battery, paying attention to their voltage output over time, and compared the difference in price per unit. Battery performance and voltage drop M

The best HP laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

A new laptop is an investment, and making it last is essential to maximizing its value. To care for your new laptop, you'll want to minimize the amount of bumps and vibrations it's exposed to and keep it closed when not in use to protect the keys and screen, which can be fragile. Maximizing your laptop's battery life is also part of its longevity, as it's best to keep it between 30% and 80% to optimize battery life. Besides these obvious factors, you'll want to keep the software and drivers up

Finally, a smart ring worthy of replacing my Oura 4 - and with no subscription fees

ZDNET's key takeaways The RingConn Gen 2 is a subscription-free smart ring that retails for $300. It monitors your sleep, activity, stress, and vitals, and it's got a marathon battery life. The only downside is the user interface feels underdeveloped. View now at Amazon View now at Ringconn more buying choices Most smart rings these days claim to offer marathon battery lives, but often fall short of their promise. Many smart rings claim to last a week's worth of battery, but only make it to f

Take the CUKTECH 10 Power Bank home for a mere $27.99

Paul Jones / Android Authority It used to happen to me all the time. I’d go about my day, and when I most needed my phone, it would die on me! No more! Now I carry around a handy battery pack with me, and my phone can make it through a day or two without breaking a sweat. If you want this peace of mind, and would rather not spend much, the CUKTECH 10 Power Bank is among our favorites, and it is only $27.99 right now! Buy the CUKTECH 10 Power Bank for just $27.99 ($12 off) This offer is availab

The best Garmin watches of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

Garmin is very popular with those who enjoy outdoor activities and the new Forerunner 970 is a perfect option for runners. Garmin appeals to multi-sport athletes, outdoor adventurers, and weekend warriors, so you can hike with a Garmin Instinct 3 or golf with the Approach S70. Garmin offers a sports watch for everyone with a price range from $200 to $1,600. Garmin's smartwatches stand out with precise location accuracy. Its watches provide health and fitness tracker data for all smartphone owne

AirTag 2 rumor highlights what Android’s trackers could do better

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority TL;DR Apple’s AirTag 2 may offer both low and very low battery alerts. Most Android trackers still rely on a single vague low-battery warning. The AirTag 2 is expected to launch in the fall, likely alongside the next iPhone. Bluetooth trackers are supposed to give you peace of mind, but there’s always the risk that they’ll silently die on you when you need them most. That’s why one rumored battery management upgrade to Apple’s upcoming AirTag 2 could be a s