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Tesla inks first deal to build China's largest grid-scale battery power plant

Tesla has inked its first deal to build a grid-scale battery power plant in China amid a strained trading relationship between Beijing and Washington. The U.S. company posted on the Chinese social media service Weibo that the project would be the largest of its kind in China when completed. Utility-scale battery energy storage systems help electricity grids keep supply and demand in balance. They are increasingly needed to bridge the supply-demand mismatch caused by intermittent energy sources

I finally found a Lenovo ThinkPad I'm comfortable taking to the office without a charger

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

Amazon’s Best-Selling 50,000mAh Portable Power Bank Is Almost Free, Now 79% Off With Limited Stock

If you’ve ever spent time frantically searching for an outlet in a crowded airport, panicked over your phone battery at a music festival, or just wished you could charge everything without lugging around a mess of cables, you’re not alone. It’s frustrating (and can be kind of scary) when you don’t have any charge left on your phone. What if you have an emergency? What if the group chat keeps texting you and you can’t respond? We kid, but hey, sometimes it truly is a dire situation. But a power b

I changed 12 settings on my Android phone to significantly improve the battery life

Kerry Wan/ZDNET I've spent large portions of my life looking for ways to extend the battery life on my Android phones. Admittedly, that sounds rather dramatic, but growing up with only budget models meant I was constantly tweaking device settings to squeeze every bit of juice out of their batteries. Thanks to this micromanaging, I successfully pushed the batteries on all my past smartphones to their absolute limit. I don't want to hoard this knowledge to myself, so I've decided to share it wit

These apps are quietly draining your phone battery - how to find and shut them down

Lance Whitney / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Running low on battery power is a common complaint among mobile phone users. Beyond complaining, you want to preserve the juice before it runs out. One way to do that is to determine which apps are draining your battery the most. Here's one expert who can steer you in the right direction. Blame the cloud In an analysis shared with ZDNET, Thomas Davy, CEO and co-founder of cloud optimization firm Cloud ExMachina, blames one particular factor for bat

Concha Sol Hearing Aids Review: Feeling Dated

Concha Labs has been making over-the-counter hearing aids since 2017, marketing just one product—the Concha Sol. The hearing aids have a familiar design, a classic behind-the-ear configuration with a simple rocker control on the back of each. Concha particularly touts its customizability: The Sol come in your choice of four colors, and can be configured with lead wires in four different sizes, though it should be noted that many competing hearing aids have lead wires that can be adjusted on the

Hot deals: High-capacity power banks that are still portable

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority Technicalities Powkey Portable Power Station 200W Discounted with a $50 coupon The Powkey Portable Power Station 200W has long been a respected model in the world of battery packs. It came out at a time when this level of power was a bit unheard of in something so portable. Now it has some competitors, but it is still an excellent alternative for those who want a high-capacity battery pack that is actually portable. It measures 7.87 x 1.81 x 5.71 inches and

First Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Double XP Weekend Dates Announced for Season 4

It's finally time to get ahead on the battle pass with the first set of double XP boosts in Black Ops 6 Season 4. Developer Treyarch has your back with a new double XP weekend featuring three boosts for players to take advantage of -- you'll be able to speed through account levels, weapon attachment unlocks and battle pass tiers to kickstart your advancement of the newest seasonal content. This double XP weekend runs from Thursday to Monday. Anyone playing Black Ops 6 during the event period ha

The Fairphone 6 leaks ahead of its rumored late June launch

The Fairphone 6 is widely expected to get an official unveiling in the next week but the leadup to the repairable smartphone’s launch has been leakier than a bad tap. In a new report from WinFuture , purported images of the Fairphone 6 show that it’ll feature two back covers: one for the main body covering the cameras, and a lower panel that can be easily removed by loosening a few visible screws. Doing so grants access to the battery, which WinFuture notes is not glued down, though swapping it

I don’t buy Samsung’s excuse for not using a silicon-carbon battery in the S25 Edge

Ryan Haines / Android Authority Samsung just launched the Galaxy S25 Edge, and it’s probably the most polarizing Galaxy phone in years. The new phone brings an impressively thin and light design along with a 6.7-inch display. It also has the S25 Ultra’s 200MP main camera. Unfortunately, this thin and light phone comes with several compromises, such as no telephoto camera and 25W wired charging power. However, the 3,900mAh battery is the Galaxy S25 Edge’s biggest cutback. Samsung could have use

If You Own a Samsung Galaxy Phone, the SmartTag 2 (Much Like the AirTag) Is Nearly Free

Apple is widely recognized for its AirTag but Samsung has stepped up with a worthy alternative: the SmartTag2. This tiny Bluetooth tracker is now available at a remarkable price on Amazon – just 18 dollars, down from its original listing of 30 dollars, which makes a 38 percent discount. See at Amazon Tiny Bluetooth Tracker Samsung has refined its design from the previous version to make it easier to attach to keys, wallets, luggage, or even your pet’s collar. Its compact size means it won’t a

I replaced my laptop with Microsoft's Surface Pro tablet - here's my verdict after a month

ZDNET's key takeaways The 12-inch Microsoft Surface Pro is available now starting at $799 for the 256GB option, and $899 for the 512GB model. The 12-inch version is exceedingly thin and light with a fast-charging battery, and the refreshed form factor looks more premium. The 256GB of storage is not enough for a device at this price point, and the cost adds up quickly, as the keyboard, mouse, and even the power adapter are sold separately. $899.99 at Walmart $899.99 at B&H Photo-Video more buyi

DJI Portable Power Station Gets 55% Off as Part of Amazon’s Surprise Early Deals, Limited Time Only

Most of us don’t think much about electricity until it’s not there. Until the lights go out during a storm or you’re packing for a weekend trip off-grid and you realize hey! You need power! That’s why a reliable portable power station is always a good idea. It can go from a luxury to a necessity in a flash. And when you’re counting on one to keep your laptop, phone, fridge, or even medical equipment running, quality and performance really matter. So with that in mind, it might be time to invest

I changed 10 settings on my Pixel phone for an instant performance boost

Jason Howell/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

For Almost Free, PopSockets and Anker Come Together With This Easy-to-Hold Magnetic Phone Charger

Save 50% on the PopSockets x Anker MagGo 5,000mAh portable magnetic battery charger over at Best Buy. This collaboration between PopSockets and Anker is a match made in heaven. If your phone is new enough that it supports magnetic wireless charging, then you can pick up this Anker MagGo 5,000mAh portable magnetic battery charger that has an integrated PopSockets grip on the back. Right now, Best Buy has it discounted down by 50%. It’s normally $70, but you can score one in either black or clear

Stop Waking Up So Often to Pee in the Middle of The Night. Use These 5 Tips, Instead

There's nothing worse than having to get up and leave your warm, cozy bed when the feeling of having to pee disrupts your sleep. What's even worse is if this happens to you multiple times during the night, significantly interfering with your sleep and making it harder for you to get through the next day. CNET Urine production typically decreases when you sleep, allowing 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted rest. That's why bathroom breaks can be so annoying, preventing you from getting those hours of

OnePlus Watch 3 Review: The Best Battery Life of Any Android Smartwatch

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Editor's note, June 16, 2025: OnePlus released a smaller 43mm version of the OnePlus Watch 3 in silver stainless steel. This review has been updated to reflect the new addition to the lineup. Editor's note, March 4, 2025: We've updated our score for the OnePlus Watch 3 from 8.5 to 8.8 to reflect that OnePlus extended its Wear OS update cycle to three years

The Nissan Leaf Is Back and Looking to Make Up Lost Ground

Finally, after 15 years, we have a new 2026 Nissan Leaf coming. As befits the “truckification” of global car markets, it’s no longer a compact hatchback. Now it’s a compact SUV—or, more accurately, a crossover utility vehicle built on passenger-vehicle underpinnings. The new Leaf will offer a range of up to 303 miles, Nissan says, from a 75-kilowatt-hour battery pack powering a 160-kilowatt (214-horsepower) motor that produces 261 pound-feet (354 newton-meters) of torque. That motor drives the

The Nissan Leaf Is Back And Looking to Make Up Lost Ground

Finally, after 15 years, we have a new 2026 Nissan Leaf coming. As befits the ‘truckification’ of global car markets, it’s no longer a compact hatchback. Now, it’s a compact SUV—or, more accurately, a crossover utility vehicle built on passenger-vehicle underpinnings. The new Leaf will offer a range of up to 303 miles, Nissan says, from a 75-kilowatt-hour battery pack, powering a 160-kilowatt (214-horsepower) motor that produces 261 lb-ft (354 Newton-meters) of torque. That motor drives the fro

The Nissan Leaf is finally getting the makeover it deserves

is transportation editor with 10+ years of experience who covers EVs, public transportation, and aviation. His work has appeared in The New York Daily News and City & State. Nissan revealed new details about the upcoming 2026 Leaf, which will return as a crossover SUV with up to 303 miles of estimated range, dual charge ports, and Google’s software built-in. The reborn Leaf will reach dealerships in the US starting this fall at a yet-to-be-announced price. The 2026 Leaf is a significant improv

This $300 Motorola has no business being this good for the price (and it has a large battery)

ZDNET's key takeaways Motorola's Moto G Power is currently on sale for $300. This device boasts multi-day battery life, a 6.8-inch Full HD+ screen, and decent performance for a mid-range phone. However, its similarities to the base Moto G may not be enough to convince people to pay an extra $100. View now at Amazon View now at Motorola more buying choices Motorola's Moto G Power is the sibling to the 2025 Moto G, a solid mid-tier smartphone that I reviewed not too long ago. The variant is not

Finland warms up the world's largest sand battery, the economics look appealing

It doesn’t look like much, but Finland recently flipped the switch on the world’s largest sand-based battery. Yes, sand. A sand battery is a type of thermal energy storage system that uses sand or crushed rock to store heat. Electricity — typically from renewable sources — is used to heat the sand. That stored heat can later be used for various ends, including to warm buildings. The economics are compelling, and it’s hard to get any cheaper than the crushed soapstone now housed inside an insu

iPhone 17 Rumors: New iPhone Battery Could Be Stronger and Smaller

The next iteration of iPhones is just around the corner, with an official announcement expected sometime this fall. With the Worldwide Developers Conference now behind us, we're most looking forward to the announcement of the iPhone 17. There are plenty of rumors about what the next iPhone will look like and what sort of specs it may have. One of the more popular talking points for any new smartphone release is battery life, and the new iPhone is no exception. A rumored iPhone 17 Air with a thi

I upgraded to Android 16 - here's what I love and what's still missing

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET Android 16 looked to be one of the most impressive upgrades to the mobile operating system in recent times. Google teased some seriously cool features that would elevate Android to the next level. However, although some of those expected features made their way to the final release, some did not. Because some of the more hotly anticipated features have yet to materialize, Android 16 seems (on the surface) to be kinda blah. But don't be fooled. Even though the big U

Finland warms up the world’s largest sand battery, and the economics look appealing

It doesn’t look like much, but Finland recently flipped the switch on the world’s largest sand-based battery. Yes, sand. A sand battery is a type of thermal energy storage system that uses sand or crushed rock to store heat. Electricity — typically from renewable sources — is used to heat the sand. That stored heat can later be used for various ends, including to warm buildings. The economics are compelling, and it’s hard to get any cheaper than the crushed soapstone now housed inside an insu

Pitaka unveils their aramid fiber MagSafe power bank, a slim magnetic charger with Qi2

We are now in 2025, and there are so many MagSafe battery packs out there. Some are multifunctional, others have software touches, some can charge your phone fast, and they all have differentiators to help you decide. But sometimes you just want a beautiful-looking MagSafe battery pack that does all the main things great, while also looking slim, sleek, and stylish. That is precisely what Pitaka was able to do with their new aramid fiber magnetic power bank. Here is what you should know. Be sur

Our favorite power bank for iPhones is 20 percent off right now

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 . I test a lot of batteries and I find myself drawn to the ones that do a little extra, like offering built-in cables, magnetic charging, onboard displays or, in this case, a handy kickstand that lets you view your phone as it recharges. Anker's MagGo 10,000mAh power bank is the one we r

James Gunn Calls Batman His Biggest Problem in the DC Universe

When you’re in charge of DC, there are three things you know you have to get right: Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. That’s why, when James Gunn and Peter Safran took over DC Studios in 2023, plans were immediately put in place for the Holy Trinity of the company. The first part of that, Superman, is about to come to the big screen on July 11, but the other two pieces are still in flux. “Batman’s my biggest issue in all of DC right now, personally,” Gunn told Rolling Stone. “And it’s not—I’m

This Battery-Powered Doorbell Now Costs Peanuts, Amazon Is Clearing Out Google’s Stock

When it comes to home security and convenience, the battery-powered Google Nest Doorbell is a top choice for many and for good reason. This device offers the flexibility of battery power which makes it perfect for those who want a smart doorbell without the hassle of wiring—something especially appealing if you’re not comfortable working with electrical systems. With this model, installation is as simple as mounting the device to your door frame and you’re set. No drilling holes, no complicated

Survey shows people are deeply divided over Pixel battery issues

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority Pixels are among the best Android phones money can buy, but if there’s one issue that keeps coming back to haunt them, it’s battery safety. We’ve seen battery overheating problems take down the Pixel 4a. The Pixel 6a took it further, and in one alarming case, it reportedly melted completely. More recently, Google acknowledged that a batch of Pixel 7a units was experiencing “unexpected” battery swelling. In response, Google pushes out software updates that re