This laptop is Microsoft’s competitor to the Chromebook and boasts a sleek design with relatively low pricing for the power it offers. When ZDNET contributor Sean Portnoy wrote about the Stream 14 in 2016, the laptop only had 32GB of built-in storage and 10 hours of battery life. It was powered by Windows 10 and the Intel Celeron N3060 processor. Also: HP updates Stream laptops, adds 14-inch, education models The 2021 version of the laptop boasts a better processor with the Intel Celeron N4000 and an improved battery life of up to 11 hours of video playback. Additionally, it comes with 64GB of flash memory and a 32GB USB card. Users have the option to upgrade to a 128GB USB card for only $10 more, which keeps the total cost under $300. This gadget is a mindfulness aid that calms you down in three minutes. You don’t have to follow any specific instructions or techniques – turn the device on and listen. Every three-minute session is different, with tone sequences that are created at the moment. This is helpful because you won’t tune the device out. You have to pay attention to mark the different tones that you hear. No wires, data collection phones, Bluetooth, or even a screen are needed for these mini speakers, but such a focused device also comes with drawbacks. For one, you cannot extend the meditation time beyond 3 minutes – you have to keep restarting it. Since each session is different, this may not be a huge issue, but it could detract from the focus of your meditation. The device is also costly, at $179 for two small speakers that you cannot repurpose for anything else, but the single-minded focus of the device could be a pro. ZDNET’s Matthew Miller spoke highly of this phone, and wrote in 2022 that the “S22 Ultra is clearly the best Android smartphone available today.” What makes it stand out is its design elements, gorgeous display, and impressive picture quality. Miller took jaw-dropping images of the moon and a train station that showcased the superior cameras incorporated into this Samsung powerhouse. Review: Galaxy S22 Ultra review: Any more perfect and it’d be an iPhone 13 Pro Max One thing I love about this phone is the included S Pen that fits neatly into the phone when you’re not using it. How useful would it be to sketch or jot down a quick note with this pen? The embedded pen is useful for quick video edits as well. The phone is unlocked by Samsung, so you can choose your carrier and all the extras on your own, with no strings attached. This is just the S22 Ultra, customizable to your preferences. If you’re in the market for a smart TV, you’re probably familiar with the Hisense brand. Previous reviews of the Hisense have lauded its bright images and reasonable prices. Review: Hisense U8H 4K TV review: Come for the price, stay for the picture This Hisense in particular is a large 4K UltraHD experience, with four times the resolution of a regular HD screen and over 8 million pixels. That’s thanks to a full array LED backlight that creates a clearer picture on the screen. Dolby Vision and DTS studio sound enhance the visual and auditory experience, while Game Mode allows for gaming with no lagging. The smart TV aspect kicks in with streaming services through the Roku TV operating system. The TV is fairly light, at 25.4 pounds, and its dimensions with the stand are 48.5 by 30.4 by 8.9 inches. ZDNET associate editor Sabrina Ortiz took a deep dive into these second-generation AirPods and highlighted all of their improvements over previous models. For one, the H2 chip gives the audio over these earbuds better clarity than before, and there are considerable upgrades to active noise cancelation and transparency mode. Touch control is also a feature that debuted with this generation of AirPods. With it, you can control the volume of your audio just by swiping on the stem. Review: Apple reveals AirPods Pro 2: Price, release date, and features You can get listen to music all day long by combining the charging case, which has a battery life of 30 hours, with the AirPods, which have up to 6 hours of listening time with active noise canceling.
