New models include the Firefly Image Model 4, GPT-4o image model, and Imagen 3.

Apple's M4 MacBook Air (2025) brings a little more power to the thin and light form factor, while optimizing what made it great in the first place.

Flip phones are officially making a comeback--especially with companies like Google and Android releasing multiple quality models like the recent Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Google Pixel 9 Pixel Pro Fold. If you hopped on the trend by purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, it may be wise to invest in a quality case to make your device last. Samsung makes official Galaxy cases, which will absolutely fit your phone, but come at a premium price. Other brands like Spigen make specialized cases designed to handle everything from dropping your phone on a sticky bar floor to protecting its folding hinges. Countless brands offer slim, stylish cases that allow you to show off your personal style.Also: Galaxy Z Fold 5 reviewWhat is the best Galaxy Z Fold 5 case right now? The Spigen Slim Armor Pro is my pick for the best Galaxy Z Fold phone case overall, due to its slim form, hinge protection, and camera protector. I've extensively researched many other brands and styles of Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases to help you find the best protection and fashion cases. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung slim S-Pen case and my other picks. Sort by All Best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is already pretty bulky, so my pick for the best case protects the device utilizing a slim finish to make it easier to hold and put in your pocket.The slim case features grips on the side to prevent accidental drops, and a slight lip over the lenses offers camera protection. An essential feature is the hinge protection--after all, you want to maintain the Galaxy Z Fold 5's ability to fold.The case also has MagSafe capabilities for wireless charging and can hold a magnetic wallet. Overall, it provides a sleek design without being an eyesore like some protective cases.Users on Reddit say this might be the best case they have tried for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and recommend it the most over other options. However, at $65, it remains a pricier option.Spigen Slim Armor Pro features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Abyss Green, Black, Black Pen, Sierra Blue | Screen protector: No | Hinge Protection: Yes | Drop protection: Air cushion technology Pros Hinge protection Side grips Camera protection Cons No screen protector Pricier The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is already pretty bulky, so my pick for the best case protects the device utilizing a slim finish to make it easier to hold and put in your pocket.The slim case features grips on the side to prevent accidental drops, and a slight lip over the lenses offers camera protection. An essential feature is the hinge protection--after all, you want to maintain the Galaxy Z Fold 5's ability to fold.The case also has MagSafe capabilities for wireless charging and can hold a magnetic wallet. Overall, it provides a sleek design without being an eyesore like some protective cases.Users on Reddit say this might be the best case they have tried for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and recommend it the most over other options. However, at $65, it remains a pricier option.Spigen Slim Armor Pro features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Abyss Green, Black, Black Pen, Sierra Blue | Screen protector: No | Hinge Protection: Yes | Drop protection: Air cushion technology Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The official Samsung-branded S-Pen case is guaranteed to fit your new Galaxy Z Fold 5. It's made of durable, molded TPU plastic for protection against everyday wear and tear and minor bumps and scratches.It also comes packaged with an S-Pen and extra pen nibs to keep your stylus handy and functioning properly. One Best Buy reviewer said, "The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Slim S Pen Case has truly impressed me with its sleek and functional design. The slimmer S Pen and case combination is a game-changer, making it more portable than ever without compromising on usability. " The slim S-Pen case is available in three colors, so you can match your phone's color or show off your style. The only downside is that it doesn't have a built-in screen protector.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Sand, Graphite, Icy Blue | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: NA  Pros Guaranteed to fit Galaxy Z Fold 5 Includes S-Pen and extra nibs Hard case Cons No built-in screen protector Not moisture resistant The official Samsung-branded S-Pen case is guaranteed to fit your new Galaxy Z Fold 5. It's made of durable, molded TPU plastic for protection against everyday wear and tear and minor bumps and scratches.It also comes packaged with an S-Pen and extra pen nibs to keep your stylus handy and functioning properly. One Best Buy reviewer said, "The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Slim S Pen Case has truly impressed me with its sleek and functional design. The slimmer S Pen and case combination is a game-changer, making it more portable than ever without compromising on usability. " The slim S-Pen case is available in three colors, so you can match your phone's color or show off your style. The only downside is that it doesn't have a built-in screen protector.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen case features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Sand, Graphite, Icy Blue | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: NA  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Casetify If you want to show off your Galaxy Z Fold 5's unique blue color, a clear or sheer case will be your best friend. One Casetify reviewer noted that this case is "well designed, [making it] easy to install and remove [your] phone, [and is] unique and lightweight." This clear Impact case from Casetify offers 4 feet of military-grade drop protection and Casetify's proprietary EcoShock material, giving you a security blanket against minor drops and scuffs. The case is also compatible with wireless charging, so you can free yourself of tangled cords to power up your phone without having to remove your phone case. Casetify Impact Case features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Clear - black, sheer - polar blue | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: 4 feet  Pros Military grade drop protection Clear case that highlights the color of your phone Cons $72 Only two color ways If you want to show off your Galaxy Z Fold 5's unique blue color, a clear or sheer case will be your best friend. One Casetify reviewer noted that this case is "well designed, [making it] easy to install and remove [your] phone, [and is] unique and lightweight." This clear Impact case from Casetify offers 4 feet of military-grade drop protection and Casetify's proprietary EcoShock material, giving you a security blanket against minor drops and scuffs. The case is also compatible with wireless charging, so you can free yourself of tangled cords to power up your phone without having to remove your phone case. Casetify Impact Case features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Clear - black, sheer - polar blue | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: 4 feet  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you hate heavy, bulky phone cases that sacrifice ease of use for protection, the Spigen Thin Fit Pro is a great, lightweight alternative. One Amazon reviewer wrote that the case "fits like a glove" and "has a molded curved edge around the camera lenses and it's perfect, get a protection glass separate and it fits right around it like it's meant to be." Like the Samsung Slim S-Pen case, the Thin Fit Pro is made of molded TPU plastic for a sure fit and a low profile that's easier to slip into a pocket or small bag. The matte finish helps keep your phone looking great by resisting fingerprint marks and everyday wear and tear. It's also thin enough to allow wireless charging without removing the case from your phone first. It's even compatible with Samsung's Power Share feature, which allows you to charge your Samsung wireless devices with your phone.Spigen Thin Fit Pro features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Crystal clear, Frost Grey | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: NA  Pros Lightweight and low-profile Fingerprint and scratch-resistant matte finish Wireless charging and Power Share compatible Cons No built-in screen protector Not water resistant If you hate heavy, bulky phone cases that sacrifice ease of use for protection, the Spigen Thin Fit Pro is a great, lightweight alternative. One Amazon reviewer wrote that the case "fits like a glove" and "has a molded curved edge around the camera lenses and it's perfect, get a protection glass separate and it fits right around it like it's meant to be." Like the Samsung Slim S-Pen case, the Thin Fit Pro is made of molded TPU plastic for a sure fit and a low profile that's easier to slip into a pocket or small bag. The matte finish helps keep your phone looking great by resisting fingerprint marks and everyday wear and tear. It's also thin enough to allow wireless charging without removing the case from your phone first. It's even compatible with Samsung's Power Share feature, which allows you to charge your Samsung wireless devices with your phone.Spigen Thin Fit Pro features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Crystal clear, Frost Grey | Screen protector: No | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: NA  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The i-Blason Cosmo proves that protecting your Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't have to be a dull affair. This eye-catching phone case comes in three colors: Marble Pink, Purple, and Ocean Blue. Each color scheme integrates pink or yellow gold accents and a textured, faceted design on the hinge protector to either show off your personality or blend in with your aesthetic office supplies. The case is also impact-resistant for drops up to 10 feet, giving you peace of mind for your new phone. One Amazon reviewer noted, "I had my doubts as I unpacked the case, but after dropping it from my pocket onto a concrete driveway and the only damage being a small crack to the protective screen and scratched plastic, I can say this case is the OtterBox for the Fold." It also has a built-in screen protector and an integrated slot for storing your S-Pen stylus.i-Blason Cosmo features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Marble pink, marble purple, ocean blue | Screen protector: Yes | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: 10 feet  Pros Unique designs 10-foot drop resistance Built-in screen protector Cons Pricey Not moisture resistant The i-Blason Cosmo proves that protecting your Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't have to be a dull affair. This eye-catching phone case comes in three colors: Marble Pink, Purple, and Ocean Blue. Each color scheme integrates pink or yellow gold accents and a textured, faceted design on the hinge protector to either show off your personality or blend in with your aesthetic office supplies. The case is also impact-resistant for drops up to 10 feet, giving you peace of mind for your new phone. One Amazon reviewer noted, "I had my doubts as I unpacked the case, but after dropping it from my pocket onto a concrete driveway and the only damage being a small crack to the protective screen and scratched plastic, I can say this case is the OtterBox for the Fold." It also has a built-in screen protector and an integrated slot for storing your S-Pen stylus.i-Blason Cosmo features: Case style: Hard case | Color: Marble pink, marble purple, ocean blue | Screen protector: Yes | Water resistance: N/A | Drop protection: 10 feet  Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case? The best case for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the Spigen Slim Armor Pro, which offers a slim form factor, hinge protection, and camera protection.Buy this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case...If you need...Spigen Slim Armor ProThe overall best option with a slim but protective form factor, hinge protection, and camera protection.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen caseAn official Samsung case. This case is made by Samsung and guaranteed to fit the Galaxy Z Fold 5.Casetify Impact CaseThe best clear case you can buy with military-grade drop protection.Spigen Thin Fit ProA lightweight case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Spigen Thin Fit Pro features a low profile that's easier to fit into your pocket or bag.i-Blason CosmoAn ultra-stylish case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The i-Blason Cosmo comes in three colors with marble, rose gold, or yellow gold accents. Show more Which is the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case for you? When shopping for a new phone case, it's best to consider what level of protection you need. Not only will this help prevent you from overspending or buying something you don't need, it can also help you anticipate career or life changes where you may need more or less phone protection.If you work outdoors or in manufacturing, or are just notorious for destroying phones, it's best to opt for a very rugged phone case like the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro. These types of phone cases are often tested against military standards for shock, drop, and moisture resistance, so you can have more peace of mind.But if you work from home or just want to keep your phone from getting scratched and cracked from everyday use, it may be better to opt for a thinner, more lightweight (and often less expensive) case. These tend to have lower profiles that are easier to slip into your pocket, but also sacrifice protection via built-in screen protectors and water resistance.Buy this Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case...If you need...Spigen Slim Armor ProThe best overall option for drop protection and colorway availability. This case is tested against military durability standards for drop, shock, and moisture resistance.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Slim S-Pen caseAn official Samsung case. This case is made by Samsung and guaranteed to fit the Galaxy Z Fold 5.Casetify Impact CaseThe best clear case you can buy with military-grade drop protection. Spigen Thin Fit ProA lightweight case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The Spigen Thin Fit Pro features a low profile that's easier to fit into your pocket or bag.i-Blason CosmoAn ultra-stylish case for your Galaxy Z Fold 5. The i-Blason Cosmo comes in three colors with marble, rose gold, or yellow gold accents. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a Galaxy Z Fold 5 case We've spent many hours testing phone cases, from big names like Casetify and Samsung to lesser-known brands, to show you that you have many options. The phone case your grandma recommends you try might be the worst phone case you've ever had, which is why it's essential to consider these factors before you buy:Durability: Most people may only care about the aesthetic of a phone case, but if you're looking for a case that's meant to protect your phone from drops, cracks, and scratches, then the SupCase Unicorn Beetle Pro case and Casetify Impact Case are your best options. Material: Phone cases have, no doubt, come a long way. And with time, companies have been able to source the best materials, including silicone, leather, plastic, metal even recyclables such as cardboard or paperboard (each with pros and cons). If you're looking for quality sourced materials, check out DBrand genuine leather skin for Galaxy Z Fold 5.Features: Who doesn't like a convenient stylus pen holder, built-in stand or my personal favorite, a wallet holder, as an added feature to a phone case. If you're looking for beyond basic protection and style phone case, the i-Blason Cosmo comes with a built-in screen protector as well as an integrated slot for storing your S-Pen stylus.Design: Just like your eyes eat first when eating, you could say the same about phone cases. When choosing a phone case, it's also important to consider its style and design, after all, you're most likely carrying it around with you 24/7. Our picks in that case would be OCASE or Casetify.  Show more How we test the phone cases The ZDNET team spends weeks with a phone case, using it in many environments like the office, outdoors, grocery stores, or at home. We do so to test how well a phone case can perform in various environments, as each environment tests the durability and protection.Although you can test phone cases with just a simple drop from various heights, you should conduct your own testing in your frequented environments to see how they hold up. At the end of the day, the only way to know if a phone case works for you is to try it on your own phone. Show more How do I choose the right Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 case? Before you buy a phone case, there are a few things aside from the design to keep in mind. When putting together this list of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases, we kept these criteria in mind:Cost: When it comes to phone cases, you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to "rugged" models. I've made sure that each case featured in this list has features and protection properties that are worth the price.Protection level: Not all phone cases are created equal. If you work a trade, in manufacturing, or spend a lot of time outdoors, it's better to opt for a rugged case. Whereas office professionals and casual mobile users may only require minimal phone protection.Compatibility: There is no worse feeling than getting your hands on a brand new phone and case for it, only to discover that your case doesn't fit. I've thoroughly researched each featured product to make sure that is designed to fit the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. Show more Will a Galaxy Z Fold 4 case fit my Galaxy Z Fold 5? Unfortunately, no. This is because Samsung re-designed the rear camera arrangement, moving the flash from below the lenses to right next to them. If you try to force your Galaxy Z Fold 5 into a case meant for a previous generation, you may risk damaging your phone. Show more Does the Galaxy Z Fold 5 come with a pen? The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 doesn't come packaged with an S-Pen stylus, unfortunately. While Samsung has never included an S-Pen with previous versions of the Galaxy Z Fold, it's still a bit irksome to need to spend extra money on a must-have accessory. Show more What is the point of a folding smartphone? While Samsung has a whole page dedicated to trying to convince you to make the switch to a folding smartphone, the biggest draw is what made flip-phones so ubiquitous in the late 90s and early 00s: They're easier to fit into your pocket. A folding smartphone is a unique solution to the demand for bigger and better screens on our mobile devices while balancing screen size with portability and practicality.A foldable phone also lets you take selfies and group pictures without having to contort yourself into uncomfortable angles for the perfect shot or asking strangers to take family photos. With the larger, unfolded screen, you can also multitask in several apps to streamline your workflow. And a foldable phone brings back the satisfaction of snapping your phone shut to end an irritating call. Show more More Galaxy Z Fold 5 cases to consider Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

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ZDNET's key takeaways The Ozlo Sleepbuds, created by three Bose engineers, launched last fall, and they are the most useful sleep earbuds I've tested so far The sound is perfect for masking environmental annoyances that keep you awake, and the fit is comfortable and secure. The sleep tracking feature hasn't hit the earbuds yet, and setup took a few tries and several glitches, but once these work in your ears, they get you to bed instantly. more buying choices I take my sleep as seriously as some athletes take their workout or diet routine. While I can control everything from the steps I take ahead of bedtime to the pajamas I wear or the sleep mask I put over my eyes to drown out light, one uncontrollable factor often keeps me awake: the sounds outside my Brooklyn apartment. My bedroom overlooks a busy -- and often noisy -- street. As I write this, motorcycle engines rev, and a firetruck's siren blares in the background. I've woken up to police sirens, honking cars, noisy pedestrians, and my neighbors, who loudly celebrate with songs and festivities into the wee hours of the night. During the 2023 holiday season, the loud voices singing songs until 1 a.m. kept me awake and made it difficult to get to bed. But this year, I took the noisy opportunity to test out the Ozlo Sleepbuds, and, boy, am I glad I did. They helped me get to sleep in minutes.For that reason, ZDNET and the rest of the CNET Group picked it for a CES award for 2025. You can see all 12 of the Best of CES winners selected by the CNET Group (ZDNET, CNET, PCMag, Mashable, and Lifehacker) in partnership with the organization that runs CES.  details View at Ozlo Sleep The Ozlo Sleep earbuds are some of the most comfortable and effective sleep earbuds I've ever tested, and I can't recommend them enough to anybody who needs to quiet down their bedtime environment to catch a few more Z's, that is, if they're willing to pay the $300 price tag. Keep reading to learn why. Also: I replaced my Oura 4 with this no-subscription smart ring - and didn't miss itIf you've heard anything about Ozlo, it's probably because you were interested in the discontinued Bose Sleepbuds that the audio brand cut the cord on in 2020. The buds "didn't reach the level of adoption" Bose hoped they would, despite their avid following, Bose spokesperson Joanne Berthiaume told The Verge. The Ozlo Sleepbuds are the Sleepbuds reincarnate, taking some of Bose's proprietary tech, like the StayHear Plus tips, and implementing them into a new product.  The earbuds come in a hefty but sleek case, and you can customize your ear tip and ear wing size to suit your desired fit. Setup was where I confronted the most issues, and the connection fell through twice before I could link up with the app. Once I was connected, the app's introductory pages glitched, and I found myself closing out the app to relaunch it several times. When my settings in the app were confirmed and the connection was established, I had no trouble using these buds. Thankfully, you don't need the app to get white noise out of the earbuds from the jump, and the first night I tested them, I used them easily without the app. But if you want customization, the Ozlo app provides ten different sleep sounds (or masking sounds) you can sort through. There's an earbud alarm you can use (though I have bad luck with these in-ear alarms, given how I wake up with my earbuds strewn across my bed), a sleep timer that shuts down the buds after a customizable amount of time to save battery, and an Auto-Play Sleep Sound feature that detects once you've fallen asleep and switches from the podcast or music you're playing to the masking sound you've selected.The Ozlo Sleepbuds hit the market with two key features that are unfortunately missing: sleep-tracking and environment-sensing capabilities. Eventually, Ozlo will roll out an over-the-air update to add these features. I will test them out once they are available and update my review with my thoughts, although it is disappointing that these key selling points aren't available at launch. These buds are made to last in your ears through a night's sleep. A pair of earbuds rarely lasts the night in my ears, given how regularly I move around in my sleep. When I wear sleep earbuds, it's to help me fall asleep amid a noisy backdrop of sound outside my window. Once I'm asleep, I can stay asleep and am not woken up by much. I only need them to stay in and fit well at the beginning of the night; I don't need them in for the entire night -- though I don't mind when they are. The ear wings on the Sleepbuds stabilize the fit for a long time, and when I wake up, normally, one earbud is still in my ear (there was one night over the past week of testing where both stayed in the entire night). The battery life lasted me about one and a half nights before it was due for a recharge.  Nina Raemont/ZDNETEvery night I wore these buds, I slept like a baby and fell asleep within minutes. I found myself first gravitating towards them on nights when my neighbors celebrated on the street outside my apartment. However, I eventually put them in my ears even when outside disturbances were negligible. They're simply that comfortable and effective. They succeed at masking noise around me and isolating me from the pesky engines and sirens outside. One area that I couldn't test was whether they mask snoring. From my experience using them alone in my bedroom to dim outside sounds, I'd say they do a good job of removing ambient distractions, but I can't confirm how effective they'd be at minimizing snores right next to you. Also: Your Galaxy Watch could get a major sleep apnea upgrade, thanks to AI and StanfordIf you don't shuffle in bed throughout the night, these will stick in your ears -- and they're quite comfortable for side sleepers. I didn't experience any pressure built up over time, and, in the mornings, I didn't feel any soreness or sensitivity. One of my favorite aspects of these buds is the sleep sounds paired with the Sleepbuds' audio strength, which is loud enough to completely mask external sounds outside my bedroom window while being quiet and neutral enough to send me to sleep. That's a difficult feat and one that I had trouble finding while testing competing sleep earbuds.ZDNET's buying adviceSo, who are these for? People who prioritize comfort in a sleep earbud and are willing to pay $300 for it. These earbuds dissolved in my ears during sleep, and as I shuffled from one side to the other, I found myself absolutely content with them in my ears. The Ozlo Sleepbuds masked noises properly and efficiently, dulling down the outside hubbub on one of the busiest weeks of the year in my neighborhood. So, yes, they work as a noise masker (they technically aren't noise canceling). Setup and connection can be a bit dodgy, but brand-new product launches inevitably come with bugs. The product itself is great once it's connected. I look forward to sleeping with these earbuds the next time my neighborhood is up all night singing and partying. What are the tariffs in the US? The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Headphones and wearable devices, which are predominantly manufactured in these regions, are now subject to tariffs as high as 54% on Chinese imports and 46% on Vietnamese goods. As a result, consumers may see price increases of approximately 20% on these items. Manufacturers are exploring options like relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such shifts are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for headphones and wearables due to these trade policies. Show more Featured reviews

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Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETIf your Android phone or tablet is feeling sluggish, it's time for a refresh. Over time, our devices slow down. Fortunately, there are easy things you can do to improve their performance, rather than buying an entirely new one. First, you can just restart your device -- seriously, that solves many issues. But another simple solution for speeding things up (and freeing storage) is to clear cached data from the apps you use and sites you frequent. In this guide, I'll show you how to clear cached data on Android. If you're an Apple user, here's how to clear the cache on an iPhone. How to clear cached data from Android apps What you'll need: You just need an Android device with some apps installed. The location of cached data settings might vary depending on your Android version and device model, but the general process outlined below should be similar and easy to follow.   1. See all the apps installed on your Android device To quickly check all the apps on your Android phone or tablet, open the Settings app. From there, scroll down until you see Storage, and tap on it. Then, look for the Apps option. If you're having trouble finding the Apps section, you can always use the search bar at the top of the Settings app to assist you.Note: On some Android devices, you may not see Storage and can go directly to Apps from the Settings menu.Also: My 5 favorite AI apps on Android right now - and how I use themOnce you're in the Apps section, most Android versions make it easy to see which apps take up the most space. Simply tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Sort by Size. (In my testing, this feature isn't available on Pixel phones running Android 15.) Show more ZDNET 2. Clear the cache of apps installed on your Android device Pick any app from the list to clear its cache. I recommend choosing an app you installed rather than a system service like Android System Intelligence. I've had mixed results when clearing the cache of system apps, so it's best to stick to clearing the cache for apps you've added yourself.Once you open an app, you'll see details like its size, user data, cache size, and the total storage it's using. At the top of the page, you'll find two options: Clear storage and Clear cache. Also: 5 things to do with the Linux terminal on your Android phone - including my favoriteTap Clear cache to remove the stored cache for that app. Avoid tapping Clear storage, as it will reset the app, and you'll need to set it up again. Clearing the cache won't cause any issues. Show more ZDNET 3. Repeat the previous step for all the apps on your Android device Continue browsing through your list of installed apps, checking for any app that uses a lot of space, and clearing its cache.Also: How to factory reset your Android phone without unlocking itIf you're feeling extra thorough, you could clear the cache for every app on your phone. However, it's a good idea to start with the major offenders, like the Facebook app. Show more How to clear the cache from Chrome What you need: You only need the Chrome app on your Android phone or tablet. If Chrome is your default browser, it has likely accumulated a lot of data, which can slow down your device. In that case, here's how to clear its cache. 1. Go to History settings in Chrome Open the Chrome app on your Android device, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, select History, and then choose Clear browsing data. ZDNET 2. Choose the data you want to delete The next screen will display a list of options, allowing you to choose which data you'd like to remove from Chrome. You can also select a time range for when you want the data cleared. Each option briefly explains what it does and how it might affect your browsing experience. For example, clearing cookies and site data will log you out of many (if not all) websites, while clearing cached images and files might cause Chrome to load images a bit slower the next time you visit a site.Select the data you want to delete, choose a time frame, and then tap the Clear data button at the bottom. ZDNET Optional: A simpler way to clear Chrome's cache On newer versions of Chrome for Android, tapping the menu button displays an option called Clear Browsing Data. When you select this, a popup will appear asking you to clear browsing data from a specific period. If you select More Options, you'll be taken to the Browsing Data screen, where you can choose the data to delete and select the time range. ZDNETFAQ Show more What does cached data mean? Cache is temporary storage that holds data like images, files, and scripts from websites you've visited or apps you've used, helping them load faster. When you clear cached data, whether for Chrome or any app, you remove the files they've stored on your device. Also: How to clear your TV cache (and why you shouldn't wait to do it)For example, in the Facebook app, cached data might include profile pictures, photos, and videos. Deleting cached data from the Facebook app will remove these temporary files on your device, which may cause the app to load content a bit slower the next time you use it. But this won't affect the accounts you visit, posts, or your personal information. Will clearing the cache delete all your app data? No, clearing an app's cache won't delete important data like login credentials or saved settings. It only removes temporary files that help the app load faster, so you won't lose any important information. Will clearing the cache make your Android device faster? Yes, clearing the cache can free up storage and remove corrupted or outdated files that might slow down your device, resulting in smoother performance. How often should you clear your cached data? It depends on your device's performance. If you're noticing slowdowns or other issues, clearing the cache can be part of troubleshooting. Otherwise, you might only need to do it once every three or six months.  Is clearing the cache just about gaining storage space? Not exactly. One of the first things you should do when dealing with bugs or issues in an app is clear the cache. Often, cached files become corrupted or outdated, and clearing them forces the app to rebuild the cache, which can solve the problem. So, clearing the cache can help fix issues, not just free up storage. Neat, right? Can you clear the cache for all Android apps at once? There isn't a built-in feature to clear the cache for all Android apps simultaneously, but you can go through the list of apps and clear their cache individually. Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.See also

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETWhat's the deal?The Amazfit BIP 5 is already a low-cost smartwatch, but right now, all three colorways (Cream White, Soft Black, and Pastel Pink) are discounted at a hefty 33% off. If you're new to smartwatches or fitness tracking, we recommend the BIP 5 as a great place to start: it's got tons of data, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg.ZDNET's key takeawaysThe Amazfit BIP 5 is on sale at Amazon for $59. It's a solid budget smartwatch that integrates with the Zepp app, providing a breadth of health and fitness data.It's not the most precise health tracker on the market, and its competitive price is most evident in its physical design. In a crowded marketplace of expensive smartwatches, Amazfit's BIP 5 is an inexpensive option that uses the Zepp app to provide lots of health data. Amazfit's lineup of smartwatches runs the gamut of price points from the Balance to the recently released T-Rex 3, and the BIP 5 is the latest budget option. Also: The best cheap smartwatches of 2024: Expert tested and reviewedSo, what do you get from a $59 smartwatch? What you might expect from a low-cost device, but with some good surprises, too. The BIP 5 is informed by Amazfit's lineup and is carried by Zepp, the comprehensive software that works more or less the same across all the tech giant's smartwatches. I went hands-on with the BIP over two weeks, wearing it regularly to the gym, as well as on a work trip to Europe, and found this watch to be a solid fitness companion. Even though the watch doesn't have the most high-end hardware, the Zepp app makes up for it with loads of metrics and customizability.  details View at Amazon The first thing I'll say about this watch is that the battery is great. I didn't even bother bringing the charger when I went to Europe for six days, nor did I need to. I've been getting away with charging it about once a week. The physical design is the other immediate thing that stands out about this watch. It looks like a sub-$100 smartwatch, but that isn't necessarily bad. The 1.9-inch face is chunky, and the wristband it comes with is basic, but at least it's customizable. The display doesn't compare to high-end AMOLEDs found on other smartwatches, but it's functional and stutter-free.Also: One of the most durable smartwatches I've ever tested is shockingly cheapIt's ultimately a neutral-looking watch that neither attracts nor repels attention, and there's something to be said about that fact when other smartwatches insist on selling themselves as style pieces.In terms of durability, this is not a watch you want to take with you into the pool or shower. It has an IP68 rating, making it splash-proof, but not submersible. Even though I love the outdoors, I'm not someone you'll find running in the rain. Instead, I prefer a smartwatch that offers solid fitness measurements in the gym, coupled with good sleep tracking.I had mixed results with the BIP's fitness tracking. I took the watch to the gym and found that the "workout mode" doesn't really work for me. When in this mode, the app wants you to keep your heart rate up in a certain range, and will alert you to keep moving when it gets too low. The problem, in my experience, is that the heart rate monitor is not entirely accurate. The device constantly insisted my heart rate was too low, urging me to "keep moving" even though I was mid-stride on the treadmill or mid-squat on the rack. I can see this being useful for someone focused on high-intensity interval circuit training, but unless you adjust the parameters, it might be too intrusive for athletes who know their way around the gym. In addition, the device can't always tell when I'm sitting or standing. I use a standing desk in the office and at home, so I'm standing at least half of the day, but the BIP can't always tell the difference.  Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETThere are over 120 different sport measurement modes on the BIP, so there's no way I could try them all, but the ones I did try -- like rowing -- were helpful but not necessarily game-changing. That said, the watch measures a wide array of metrics with Zepp's PAI score. The "personal activity indicator" is a metric that awards you points every day based on cardiorespiratory measurements from all sources (not just designated workouts) with the goal of totaling up to 100 for the week. Personally, I really like Zepp's PAI system and think it makes sense to evaluate your health and fitness levels from a broad perspective, not just as random metrics in a vacuum. Runners will also love the built-in GPS, which can generate maps of your routes and a set of metrics surrounding your workout, such as records, achievement predictions to chart progress, and workout templates. Also: One of the best rugged smartwatches I've tested is also one of the longest lastingThe core features of the BIP 5 are health-centric, so there aren't too many special features here in the way of connectivity, but the ones it does have are at least useful. For example, if you're playing music on your phone, you can control playback with the watch, and it does have Alexa support, allowing you to give commands via the watch if you have a smart home setup.As for its sleep-tracking capabilities, the BIP 5 is again carried by the Zepp app, which is comprehensive and packed full of data. This makes it a great budget option for people who are primarily interested in monitoring sleep, but don't necessarily want a full-fledged fitness watch. Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETEvery morning, Zepp produces a progress report with a grade, including extended AI-generated narrative reports that put your sleep habits into context. Unfortunately, the metrics are not wholly accurate. Zepp often thinks I'm asleep when I'm not, and sometimes says my sleep was worse than it actually was.  One thing that Zepp emphasizes is routine sleep and wake times, and it can harshly judge deviation from that pattern, even if you get a good night's sleep. There were nights when it would give me a 75 to 80 score rating and chastise me for shifting from my sleep schedule, even though it was a weekend, or I felt well-rested.Still, the device does a good job of catching things that disrupt sleep, even if you're unaware. For example, in one instance I had a late-night cocktail, and the next morning it asked me, "Hey, I noticed your heart rate took a while to drop last night. Did you eat late or have alcohol before bed?" Busted. In this case, it did disrupt my sleep, so this level of insight was surprising and smart when I didn't necessarily expect it: an overarching theme to the watch's capabilities. ZDNET's buying adviceIf you're looking for a budget smartwatch that can do a little bit of everything, but your life doesn't depend on ultra-precise monitoring, Amazfit's BIP 5 is one of the best on the market. Its integration with the Zepp app immediately makes this $59 smartwatch feel like it's double the price. Additionally, if you're someone who doesn't want to wear a smartwatch 24/7, the battery life on the BIP 5 is fantastic, and although it's not the classiest smartwatch on the market, it gets the job done.  When will this deal expire? Deals are subject to sell-out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on this deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to score savings and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com.  Show more Featured reviews

Getty Images/WirestockAs artificial intelligence (AI) evolves from a tool to a true assistant, its role in the workplace expands, fundamentally transforming how enterprises operate. Microsoft's latest research identifies a new type of organization known as the Frontier Firm, where on-demand intelligence requirements are managed by hybrid teams of AI agents and humans.Also: Will AI replace software engineers? It depends on who you askOn Wednesday, Microsoft published its 2025 Work Trend Index Annual Report, which combines survey data from 31,000 workers across 31 countries, Microsoft 365 productivity signals, LinkedIn hiring and labor trends, and expert insights to give employees and business leaders a comprehensive view of the work landscape. The focus of this year's report is the concept of a Frontier Firm, which helps researchers explore what work structure will be like in the AI era. As expected, the differences from today are vast. Yet, the report found that every organization will be on its journey to become a Frontier Firm in the next two to five years. Also: The best AI for coding in 2025 (and what not to use)"We went through this exercise as a team, where we were like, if we were starting today, this was the first day in the history of work, there was no history preceding it, how would we design work?" said Alexia Cambon, Future of Work Researcher at Microsoft. "We were surprised by how many assumptions we had about how work should be done."The journeyThe report identifies three phases for an organization's transformation into a Frontier Firm. The first phase involves employees interacting with assistants to work more efficiently. In Phase 2, humans use AI agents, which function as more of a "digital colleague," carrying out tasks under human direction and freeing up their time.  Microsoft"The phase most of us are in right now is AI is showing up as an assistant at work," said Cambron. "But we definitely see the journey will get towards the Frontier Firm, where agents are a part of the workforce and are helping you do net new things, net new types of knowledge work, and those are two very different types of organizations."Also: Why OpenAI's new AI agent tools could change how you codeThe final phase (Phase 3) involves humans working with a team of AI agents, which can run entire business processes and workflows. According to the report, this evolution of AI into knowledge work will mimic how AI-enabled software development has progressed from general assistance in coding to chat interfaces and onto agents that can carry out the task on the user's behalf. Productivity gainsThe report identified real productivity gains from implementing AI into organizations, with one of the biggest being filling the capacity gap -- as many as 80% of the global workforce, both employees and leaders, report having too much work to do, but not enough time or energy to do it.  MicrosoftNow, organizations can "buy intelligence on tap," which is made possible through AI agents that act as digital labor and help companies scale as needed, according to the report. The report found that 46% of leaders say their companies use agents to automate workflows or processes. The exact details of agent-human interaction will look different per function, with some tasks handled independently by agents and others requiring more human involvement.However, adding AI isn't enough, as the speed businesses evolve is outpacing the rate at which people work, with a larger shift needed to rethink knowledge-based tasks. Also: AI agents aren't just assistants: How they're changing the future of work todayAccording to the report, business leaders need to separate knowledge workers from knowledge work, acknowledging that humans who can complete higher-level tasks, such as creativity and judgment, should not be stuck answering emails. Rather, in the same way working professionals say they send emails or create pivot tables, soon they will be able to say they create and manage agents -- and Frontier Firms are showing the potential possibilities of this approach. The report found that only 844 employees out of the 31,000-person sample worked at companies that met the five traits that comprise Frontier Firms: organization-wide AI deployment, advanced AI maturity, current agent use, projected agent use, and a belief that agents are key to realizing return on investment on AI. Out of these firms, 71% of workers reported that their company is thriving, compared to just 37% globally; 55% say they're able to take on more work compared to 20% globally; and 90% report they can do more meaningful work compared to 73% globally. These workers are also less likely, 21% compared to 38% globally, to fear AI will take their job. Workforce changes Beyond the positive outcomes from AI, there will be inevitable changes in the workforce's appearance and operation. Every industry will experience the transformation differently, with AI set to generate new jobs and replace others. Also: As AI agents multiply, IT becomes the new HR departmentOf the business leaders surveyed, 45% said expanding team capacity with digital labor is a top priority in the next 12 to 18 months. The top three areas for accelerated AI investment include customer service, marketing, and product development.  MicrosoftEven after expanding their digital workforce, the researchers found that a key component enterprises need to consider to maximize benefits includes getting the human-agent ratio right. This concept refers to striking a balance between having too few agents per person and underutilizing their potential, or overwhelming the human capacity with too many agents per person.  MicrosoftAs an example of balance, the report cites a Harvard study that found that an individual with AI outperforms a team without the technology, but a team with AI outperforms everyone. Cambron said this trend highlighted how an organization will get better outcomes when it has a bigger team paired with AI, rather than using the technology to reduce the need for humans altogether. "I don't think we need to reduce headcount and replace it with AI. I think we need to maintain headcount and augment it with AI to get the best outcomes," said Cambron. Also: Will synthetic data derail generative AI's momentum or be the breakthrough we need?Another element of workplace change is seeing AI as a teammate rather than a tool, allowing the technology to take on higher-level tasks such as managing projects. However, 52% of respondents currently see AI as a command-based tool, and 46% see it as a thought partner."We need to work towards having a more uniform understanding of how to use it, because if we're doing it like a search engine or a spreadsheet, it's not going to deliver the same return as if we start using it more as a digital colleague, where we're iterating and we're brainstorming together," said Cambron.Maximizing AI agents' performance involves learning about management concerns, including delegating, iterating, prompting, and refining the technology. The need for someone to manage these teams of AI agents has led to the evolution of a new role, the agent boss, responsible for the best performance. "Everyone will need to manage agents," said Cambron. "I think it's exciting to me to think that, you know, with agents, every early-career person will be able to experience management from day one, from their first job."As a result in this shift of duties, the traditional organizational chart may also see some changes, being replaced by a Work Chart, which Microsoft describes as an "outcome-driven model where teams form around goals, not functions, powered by agents that expand employee scope and enable faster, more impactful ways of working." Microsoft compares this system of working to movie production sets in which tailored teams get together to perform the project and disband once the work is completed. In the same way, different AI agents will work together to meet a goal quickly and then shift onto a new project without having to reorganize actual employees. Humans with AI skills are also in demand, with 47% of business leaders listing upskilling their existing workforce as a top priority in the next 12 to 18 months, 51% of managers saying AI training or upskilling will become a key responsibility for their teams within five years, and 35% considering hiring AI trainers to guide employee adoption in the next 12 to 18 months. Although 33% of business leaders surveyed are considering a headcount reduction, Microsoft predicts new roles will evolve. Most business leaders, 78% for non-Frontier Firms and 95% for Frontier Firms, are considering hiring people for AI-specific roles, such as AI agent specialists and AI strategists in marketing, finance, customer support, and consulting, to prepare for the future. "We really see this new type of intelligence as additional, not substitutions," said Cambron. "I believe some jobs will go away, it's a natural order of events, but we absolutely believe we're not going to run out of work -- I think new jobs will be created, and current jobs will evolve."Artificial Intelligence Editorial standards

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David Gewirtz / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETI record many hands-on projects for my YouTube channel. Often, one or more stages of a project must be recorded in a single take. That's because once whatever it is I'm doing is done, it's done.Take unboxing videos, for example. Some of the items I'm opening come in giant crates. The crates must be aggressively disassembled to access the gear inside. Once that disassembly is completed, there are no redos. The same can be said for cutting material for a project. Once it's cut, it's cut. My point is, I don't get many opportunities for do-overs. If my video has errors, my only option is creative editing. But starting over and trying again is not usually an option.To give myself a fairly good chance of getting good video, I arrange several iOS devices around the work site. Each is pointed at my project for filming. Later, in editing, I stitch the multicam recordings together and jump from view to view to show things from different angles. My collection of iOS recording gear consists of three iPhones, two base iPads (9th and 10th generation), and an M1-based iPad Pro. The base iPads are often the first used, because they're inexpensive. If they were to tumble onto the concrete in the fairly inhospitable environment of my workshop, I'd be out $300 instead of a thousand bucks or more.Also: The camera I recommend to most new photographers is not a Nikon or SonyMy 10th-generation iPad only has 64GB of storage. This capacity has never been a problem. I only have a few filming-related apps on the device. I clear the iPad out after every recording session. But last time, I ran into a snag. My 20GB recording I recorded a 20GB video in a single one-hour and 14-minute take. While I recorded the process with another camera, the iPad take was the only one where I was positioned on frame correctly with the giant 3D printer I was taking out of its crate. In other words, without this 20GB block of video, the YouTube video would have come out looking like crap.Unfortunately, the iPad wouldn't allow me to extract the video from its precious memory. My usual practice is to record using Blackmagic Camera. This feature-rich, free app allows you to record with a ton of settings, record Bluetooth audio, and control up to four iOS devices at once. The one video in the Blackmagic Camera app container directory. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETI usually move the completed video out of the Blackmagic Camera's storage by saving it into Photos, which uses iCloud to sync the video to my Mac. But there wasn't enough storage on the iPad to make a 20GB copy for the Photos app. I tried to AirDrop the file, but the process kept failing. So, I used USB-C to plug my iPad into my Mac and tried transferring the file using the Finder. This process failed. I even plugged an external USB-C drive directly into my iPhone. Blackmagic Camera still wouldn't transfer the video, and the Files app on the phone wouldn't do it either. Everything broke. And my can't-do-it-again hour-plus video would not move to my editing environment. I was stuck. Why won't it work? This is a snapshot of that iPad's storage when almost everything is removed. Photos are set on Optimize iPad Storage, so only small proxy images are stored on the device. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETAs you can see, iPadOS and System Data account for the lion's share of storage allocation. Even virtually empty, the device has 37.3GB of 64GB used. Add a single 20GB recording to that allocation, and the device would have less than 7GB free. My guess is that each of my previous attempts to move the file off the device failed because there wasn't enough storage on the iPad to create a temporary staging copy outside the Blackmagic container directory. Since an app's storage is sandboxed, it's unavailable to other apps. Also: How to try Google's Veo 2 AI video generator - and what you can do with itMoving the file to another app means it must first be moved out of the container directory. With only 7GB spare on the device, that 20GB file couldn't be moved out, so it was stuck there like a bug in amber. That tool that saved meAs you might imagine, I was not willing to give up. I did a mad round of Googling and ChatGPTing. I eventually wound up with the names of a couple of utilities that promised to extract damaged photos and move files onto and off iOS devices. Unfortunately, digging into a few of them, I found they were less than helpful. Most were fronted by the sort of consumer-focused loud-shouting landing page that didn't inspire trust.Also: Is your live TV streaming bill too high? You have other options - including cheaper onesAnd then, I found iMazing. iMazing didn't shout its features and benefits. It had a normal landing page, a working trial, and a clean interface. I loaded the app onto my Mac, connected my iPad via USB-C, launched iMazing, and was immediately disappointed. There was no icon for apps or the Blackmagic Camera. Then I noticed the More button, tapped it, and found the Filesystem option. That situation had promise. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETI clicked that option and was presented with a set of folders. I opened Apps, then Blackmagic Cam, and dug down into Media. There was my 20.35GB file: Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETAt 32 megabytes per second, my 20GB file took about 10 minutes to transfer. Nothing made me happier than to see the percent-done indicator steadily filling up, minute after minute. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETAnd then, finally, this output was displayed: Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETBoom! The file made it to my Mac. I imported the video into Final Cut. The rest is YouTube history (such as it is). I was able to produce and share my video. iMazing did not require any temporary storage on the iPad. You better believe I'll keep the software in my kitbag for future large recordings. I'll also do my best to segment recordings, but that's not always possible. At $40 and up, iMazing isn't cheap. The app's licensing can be confusing. The company has a per-year license that lets you connect up to three or more devices, and another license that's permanent, with a different number of devices. It looks like once you register the app with a device, you can't transfer it to a different device. Like I said, it's confusing. Also: The top 20 AI tools of 2025 - and the #1 thing to remember when you use themThe company provided me with a review copy of iMazing. But even if they hadn't been so kind, the app would have been worth the $40 investment. I'd have happily spent it. Since I use that iPad for almost every shoot, I'm sure iMazing will continue to come in handy. Have you ever hit a wall trying to move large files off an iPad or iPhone? What tools or workarounds have saved you in similar situations? Have you tried iMazing? If so, how did it perform for you? Do you have other go-to utilities for managing iOS storage or transferring files? Let us know in the comments below. You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly update newsletter, and follow me on Twitter/X at @DavidGewirtz, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz, on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz, on Bluesky at @DavidGewirtz.com, and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.Featured

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Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETMuch to the chagrin of those who would like to malign the Linux operating system, it's actually quite easy to use. Thanks to modern GUI desktop environments and applications, anyone can jump into the fray and know what they're doing.On the rare occasions when trouble arises, you might want to know a few commands to help you out. The problem is that there are so many commands available within the realm of Linux, which makes it challenging to know which commands are the best options. Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learnSure, you can learn any of the commands that display system information (such as top, free, iostat, htop, vmstat, and iftop), but those tools will only get you so far. What is more valuable is skipping to the command that can really help you if something goes wrong. With that introduction out of the way, let's get to the commands.1. dmesgBack when I first started using Linux, dmesg was my best friend. Essentially, dmesg is used to examine all messages that are created after the bootloader phase of the kernel. In other words, you might find a clue for anything you could possibly troubleshoot right here. Unlike the dmesg of old, you now have to run the command with sudo privileges, so: sudo dmesgThis will print quite a bit of output you can scroll through, making it a bit challenging to find what you're looking for, and much of what you read will most likely seem like gibberish. The good news is that errors print out in red, so you can quickly scroll to find anything that might be wrong. There's a way to make this even easier. Let's say you're experiencing an error, and you want to see if it is logged via dmesg as it happens. To do that, issue the command: dmesg -wThis will display the output from dmesg as it happens, so when an error occurs, you'll see it written in the terminal window and can troubleshoot from there. The dmesg command is a great place to start troubleshooting in Linux. Jack Wallen/ZDNET2. tailSpeaking of following output, the tail command allows you to follow the output written to any log file. Let's say you're having issues with your Samba share and want to see what's happening in real time. The first thing you would want to do is find out which log file to read. In that case, you could issue the command: ls /var/log/sambaIn that folder you'll find a number of log files (for the Samba server and any/all machines connected to the share). Let's say I want to view the content of the Samba daemon log. For that, I would issue the command: tail -f /var/log/samba/log.smbdAlso: 5 Linux commands for quickly finding the system information you need to knowAs the errors happen, they'll be printed in the terminal. As you can see, I have an unknown parameter in my smb.conf file, named share modes. I can open that file, remove the parameter, restart Samba, and the error is no more. Tail is a great way to view information written to a log in real time. Jack Wallen/ZDNETRemember, to get out of the tail command, you have to use the Ctrl+c keyboard combination. 3. psFor me, ps is a gateway to other commands. The ps command displays a snapshot of any given current process. You could use ps to list every running process or feed it to grep to list only specific processes. But what's it good for? Also: Two tricks that make using the Linux command line a lot easierLet's say you have an application that has crashed and won't close. You click that little X in the upper-right (or upper-left) corner of the window, but it just won't go away. The first thing you need to do is find the PID of that process so you can then take care of the problem. That's where ps comes in handy. But ps by itself isn't very helpful. Why? If you just run ps, it will only list the processes associated with the terminal you're using. Instead, you need to use some specific options, which are: ps auxa – all processesu – processes owned by the user running psx – prints applications that have not been started from the terminal The ps command is essential for finding information about applications that may not be behaving as they should. Jack Wallen/ZDNETThis command prints out a lot of information, all of it in columns. You'll see several columns, but the ones you'll want to pay attention to are PID and COMMAND. With the information from those two columns, you can locate the process's ID causing you problems. Once you've found that process, you can then kill it. If the output of ps aux is overwhelming, you can pipe that output to grep and list only certain processes. Let's say LibreOffice is causing you problems. You can list only those processes associated with LibreOffice like this: ps aux | grep LibreOffice4. killThe kill command is very powerful. When you have a stubborn application that has crashed and won't close (or hasn't crashed but is consuming too much memory), the kill command will force that application to close. But to use the kill command, you must first have the PID of the application in question (which you locate with the ps aux command). Let's say the PID of a wayward LibreOffice application is 604187. To kill that process, the command would be: kill 604187The app should close, and you're good to go. 5. systemctlThe systemctl command is not only good for starting and stopping applications; it can also help you troubleshoot. Let's say Samba isn't working as expected. Issue the command: systemctl status smbdThe above command will list whether the service is running, its PID, the number of associated tasks, how much memory and CPU it's using, and the CGroups to which it belongs. Even better, if there are any issues with the process, systemctl will give you the information you need to troubleshoot the problem further (usually with the help of journalctl). Also: Why I use the Linux tree command daily -- and what it can do for youThere you have it. These five commands will serve as a great place to start with your Linux troubleshooting. Yes, there are quite a few more tools that are available, but for those just starting with Linux, you might want to know these commands first. FAQs Show more What is the difference between cd and pwd?cd stands for "change directory" and allows you to navigate through directories. pwd stands for "print working directory" and displays the current working directory. How do I list all files in a directory?Use the command ls. How do I create a new directory?Use the command mkdir. What is the difference between the -d option in mkdir and creating a parent directory separately?The -d option creates only the top-level directory, whereas creating a parent directory separately ensures that all necessary subdirectories are created as well. If you use the -p option, it will create parent directories as well as the subdirectory. How do I navigate to a specific file or directory from within another directory?Use the command cd [directory_name]. What is the purpose of using ../ in navigation?../ refers to going up one level in the directory hierarchy, whereas ./ (dot/period) refers to staying in the same directory. How do I create a new file or edit an existing one?Use the command touch [filename]. What is the purpose of using the -e option with touch?The -e option allows you to specify an editor to open in place of creating a blank text file. How do I delete a file or directory?Use the command rm [filename] to delete a file and rm -rf [directory] to remove both the top-level directory and any child directory or file within. What is the purpose of using pipes (|) with commands?Pipes allow you to pass output from one command as input for another command, enabling complex data processing pipelines. How do I use redirection operators (> and >>)?Use > to redirect standard output and >> to append new output. Also, use << to read the contents of a file into a variable or pipe. Featured

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung's One UI 7 is my favorite Android skin right now. It is fast, responsive, and intuitive. But nothing comes fine-tuned to your experience straight out of the box. You need to personalize your smartphone to make it more appealing. I change almost a dozen settings on every Samsung Galaxy phone to best suit my needs, and I believe these will elevate your user experience, too. From setting the highest available screen resolution to more privacy-focused features, here are 10 Galaxy phone settings (plus a bonus) that I recommend changing to enhance your Galaxy phone experience. Please note that some settings might be phone-specific.1. Turn off pop-up notifications Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETI do not like it when a message from a contact or an intrusive app notification pops up while I am in the middle of reading online or texting my favorite people. I get distracted easily. If a notification pops up, I tap on it and forget what I was doing. If you are anything like me, you should change this setting even before switching to gesture navigation. Go to Notifications > Notification pop-up style > Apps to show as brief > Toggle off All apps. 2. Switch to gesture navigation Unless you are setting up your new Samsung Galaxy phone from an older model, it defaults to the older three-button navigation system. If you like it, that is fine. But I find Android's gesture navigation more intuitive -- everything is a swipe away instead of an on-screen button. If you want that, you can change the system navigation to gestures by going to Settings > Display > Navigation bar > Swipe gestures. 3. Set to the highest screen resolution Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETSamsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra has the best display on a smartphone right now. Thanks to second-generation Gorilla Armor, it is less reflective and displays colors better than its predecessor. You get a sharp QHD+ screen, but it is not set to that resolution by default. You need to go to Settings > Display > Screen resolution to get the best available display experience. It will use more battery, but the Ultra is an efficient smartphone. Even after maxing out the screen resolution, I still get an all-day battery life. 4. Change the side key's function Smartphones no longer have a "power button." It is called a side key or side button now, and it is one of my most disliked changes in recent times. Phone companies have renamed the power button to accommodate their smart assistants on long press. Google's Gemini is available by other methods, and Bixby is not as useful anyway, so I suggest changing the side key's function to offer a power menu. You can do so by going to Settings > Advanced features > Side button > Long Press > Power off menu. 5. Adjust lock screen notifications Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETOne UI 7 has changed how notifications appear on your lock screen. It is set to show icons on the top left corner by default, which is a big change from the previous card view. I prefer apps to show notifications in the latter form. To change this, you can go to Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications > Cards. I also hide sensitive notification content on the lock screen because I do not want anyone to walk up to my phone and see my personal messages. To change this setting, you can opt for Hide content under the same Lock screen notifications menu. 6. Sign in or sign up for a Samsung account I juggle between different phones but keep coming back to Samsung phones for One UI. Having a Samsung account is a big part of the user experience on Galaxy phones. From Samsung Wallet to Samsung's own password manager, I have a lot of information saved in them. Many might want to turn to Google Passwords for better cross-device functionality, but I still recommend signing up for a Samsung account to access Galaxy Themes (more on this below) and the Galaxy Store. It will also benefit you when you move from one Samsung phone to another with a seamless transfer. 7. Install this app Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETI recommend installing the Good Lock app from the Galaxy Store. It enables a slew of Samsung-exclusive features on your phone. I found the best use case for it when I was reviewing the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It features a module called Home Up that has a One Hand Operation+ function. Since the new Samsung flagship is a big phone, I set up a swipe down from the right edge to access Quick Settings. You can do the same for six shortcuts within the Short swipe and Long swipe gestures, and access many more features within the Good Lock app. 8. Uninstall the bloatware Samsung Galaxy phones come with many apps that you might not use. Unlike previous years, you can now uninstall or at least disable them to save memory. For example, I do not have a Samsung TV and do not want the Microsoft CoPilot app on my phone, so I uninstall TV and CoPilot, respectively. Other apps I disable or uninstall include Facebook, Samsung Tutor, and OneDrive. 9. Customize the home screen Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETSamsung has some of the best widgets on a phone. I love the Calendar widget because I can adjust the transparency. As a result, it looks better and keeps the functionality intact without disturbing the layout of my home screen. I have it located on the top so everything is just a glance away, yet it never asks for attention -- unlike other opaque Calendar widgets. I also change my icon grid to the 5x5 layout to accommodate more icons on the bottom-most row. They are just a thumb tap away. Additionally, I apply my wallpaper color tones to the app icons for a more pleasing look. You can go to Wallpaper and style > Color palette and toggle it on to apply wallpaper colors to the whole system. It is not perfect, and some icons might still not be supported. However, it looks better than the basic colors. 10. Fix always-on display You get efficient displays on Samsung phones -- make use of them and enable everything, including the Always On display. I like having the time, day, and date information right there on the screen, available at a quick glance. Samsung defaults it to the Tap to show setting, meaning you need to tap on the screen for information. I recommend changing that to Always to make it more functional. Go to Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Always-on Display > Always. You can choose if you want to display the wallpaper or not -- I have set it to just display a black screen so it does not drain more battery. Bonus. Revert changes to the Notification Panel Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETSamsung changed its notification panel design to an iOS-like drawer. A right swipe down gives you access to Quick Settings, whereas a swipe down from the left side of the screen gives you access to notifications. However, if you like the previous design better, you can change it. I like having my notifications under Quick Settings, like the good old days. To revert this new design element, swipe down from the top right corner of the home screen > Pencil icon > Panel Settings > Together. You can also edit the top quick settings within this menu. A few other things I do on my Galaxy phones include changing the keyboard to Google Keyboard and sorting the home drawer icons in alphabetical order so it is easier to navigate. Samsung phones are some of the best on the market. While they do not promise over-the-top features, they are reliable and offer the most polished user interface with One UI. Just adjust these few settings, and you are all set. Enjoy your new Galaxy phone! 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ZDNET's key takeaways The Boox Note Air 4C is a color ePaper tablet for notes and reading, available for $500. The tablet's display is crisp and paper-like, and the included pen is accurate and sensitive, making it easy to create highly detailed sketches. The Note Air 4C isn't cheap, at $530, and the included pen is much thicker than the tablet, so it falls off easily. $529.99 at Amazon For several months, I've used the Boox Note Air 4C tablet as my go-to digital notebook. This tablet is the perfect companion for those who like taking notes on the go, but it's also become the best substitute for my bullet journal.Writing on the Boox Note Air 4C tablet feels similar to writing on paper, though it's never exactly the same. However, the included pen is fast and responsive. The pressure-sensitive Boox pen is unforgiving, providing a contrasting experience to the Apple Pencil Pro. Also: I discovered the hidden benefit of E Ink tablets, and this study proves itI've been using the Apple Pencil Pro on the iPad Mini 7 and iPad Air, and it makes calligraphy easy, disguising mildly uneven strokes and making most handwritten cursive fonts look appealing. The Boox pen on the Note Air 4C is better than the Apple Pencil Pro for more precise, meticulous work, like sketching and drawing. The pressure-sensitive mechanism also works beautifully for calligraphy, but it sometimes fails to transition smoothly from thick to thin lines.  details View at Amazon I'm an avid bullet-journaler -- I love the freedom of creating calendar and page layouts that suit my needs. Naturally, I transitioned to making the Boox Note Air 4C my new journal, especially because bullet journaling as a hobby is hard to maintain, with work consuming a lot of my time and my kids consuming my pens.The Boox Note Air 4C's 10.3-inch display is a Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen. This display's black-and-white resolution is 300 ppi, but its color resolution is only 150 ppi. Color images won't appear crisp and detailed on the Boox Note Air 4C; instead, they look slightly blurry and noisy. Also: Can an iPad replace a MacBook? I tested the M3 Air for weeks, and here's my verdictThe Kaleido 3 display, also used in the Kindle Colorsoft, uses a base monochromatic E Ink layer with electrophoretic technology that renders sharp detail at 300 ppi. But adding color is done through a color filter array layered on the black-and-white screen. This divides each pixel into RGB subpixels, each taking up the space of a single pixel, halving the color display's resolution.  An example of the visual texture when using color Maria Diaz/ZDNETAside from photos often looking unintelligible from up close, this display also shows some color images with a denim-like texture, which bothers some users. The Boox Note Air 4C colors are also limited, so you don't get a full spectrum of over 16 million colors, and they look more muted than on traditional tablets. The same applies to other color ePaper devices, like the Kindle Colorsoft and reMarkable Paper Pro. Though muted, I like the Boox Note Air 4C colors because they keep the same aesthetic throughout my work. I like having a dedicated note-taking tablet, so I don't mind the limitations of color ePaper. Also: I tested an E Ink tablet that runs on Android, and it made my Kindle feel insufficientPerformance-wise, the Boox Note Air 4C runs on Android 13, with an octa-core processor and 6GB of RAM. It has up to 64GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB with a microSD card. Don't expect it to be as fast as an iPad, though. While you can considerably speed up its refresh rate by changing its settings, the Note Air 4C is sluggish compared to a traditional tablet -- but is not as slow as a Kindle.  Pressure-sensitive pen test Maria Diaz/ZDNETSome ghosting issues are common with E Ink tablets, including the Note Air 4C, when switching from one page to another, but this didn't bother me.My bigger complaints with the Boox Note Air 4C are highly specific. Depending on the content, each page takes a long time to render, up to 30 seconds, which can get annoying. The display's palm recognition fails when I've zoomed in to work on detailed drawings, shifting my image with the accidental touch of my hand, and causing the tablet to pause to render for a few seconds.Also: This 14-inch Samsung tablet gave me a productivity boost (and is even better for entertainment)The Boox's AI features have a lot of room for improvement, but that's common across many companies' AI offerings. I tried all the features and found they failed so often that it was best to keep them toggled off. The most glaring one was when the tablet automatically "corrected" my drawings, inadvertently deleting part of my work. The Boox Note Air 4C tablet's Smart Scribe AI features. Maria Diaz/ZDNETI also wish handwriting optical character recognition (OCR) were possible by default, but it's included as an AI feature and isn't very accurate. Handwriting conversion tends to require computer resources that are often beyond a tablet's capabilities, which may be why the Boox Note Air 4C, like the reMarkable Paper Pro, doesn't offer it as a default feature.The Boox's pen attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet but is prone to falling off, likely due to the tablet's 5.8 mm thin profile. I recommend buying a case to keep the pen attached when transporting. The pen works with electromagnetic resonance (EMR), so it doesn't need charging; it attaches magnetically for convenience. Also: I tested an E Ink tablet worthy of replacing my Remarkable (and it wins in some ways)The Boox Note Air 4C works wonderfully as a bullet journal, especially because the pen is accurate and responsive, making precise drawing or coloring easy. I can save all my pages in a single, lightweight device and don't have to lug around a pencil case full of pens and markers when I want to sit down and catch up on my journaling. I also like the bonus of adding external files, like photos, to add memories without printing them out. ZDNET's buying advice After weeks of use, my nib is ready for a replacement. Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe Boox Note Air 4C is great for professionals and creatives. It's not a productivity tablet or one to replace a laptop, but it is perfect for note-takers who like handwriting, journalers, reading enthusiasts, and even designers.  Aside from other Boox tablets, the only real competitor for the Boox Note Air 4C is the reMarkable Paper Pro, a color ePaper tablet that retails for $629. Though both tablets share similar shortcomings, I'd choose the Boox Note Air 4C of the two. Aside from being $100 cheaper, the new Boox is an Android tablet and doesn't require a paid subscription to access extra features, as reMarkable does with the Connect membership.Also: The best iPad stylus of 2025: Expert testedLike any traditional Android tablet, the Boox Note Air 4C lets you download any apps available in the Google Play Store, like games and social media apps. But those looking for a device focused on writing and reading can keep their Boox tablet distraction-free. I downloaded the Kindle app for reading, Google Docs for work, and OneDrive to transfer files and add photos to my notes, keeping my Boox Note Air4 C as a versatile device.Featured reviews

Not everyone wants an iPad. If you prefer Android, Samsung makes some of the best devices, especially tablets. Whether you're after productivity or a compact screen for streaming, Samsung's lineup has something for every use case. And unlike Apple, your options aren't just limited to just a handful of models. Right now, the best Samsung tablet on the market is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra.What is the best Samsung tablet right now?We've tested and compared the top Samsung tablets on the market, and our top pick is the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, thanks to its large size, ultra-responsive S Pen, Galaxy AI capabilities, and ability to act as a replacement for your laptop. Read on to see how other Samsung tablets compare and what model you might want based on your needs.  Sort by All The best Samsung tablets of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon If you're looking for an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is one of the best Android tablets. The Tab S10 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, runs on the Android 14 operating system, and Samsung's S Pen stylus is included in the box. The base model comes with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet, the combination of which should be enough for most. Plus, new for this generation is Galaxy AI capabilities thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor. Among these AI features that the S10 Ultra can handle include Sketch-to-Image, an improved version of Note Assist, and Circle to Search.Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 UltraZDNET's Maria Diaz reviewed the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and said she found it a superb option for creative professionals and productivity-focused users looking to take advantage of a strong processor and reliable AI features. She added, "Even those looking for an AI-powered tablet like an iPad Pro would do well to consider the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra."If you opt for the $350 Book Cover Keyboard, you can effectively turn the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time. Just keep in mind the tablet isn't as portable as some other options on this list--it weighs 2.35 pounds (compared to the S9 Ultra's 1.6 pounds. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra specs: Display: 14.6-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Memory: 12GB, 16GB | Colors: Moonstone gray and platinum silver | Cameras: Rear: 13MP main, 8MP ultrawide, Front: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide | Weight: 2.35lb | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches | Connections: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth v5.3 | Battery: Up to 16 hours Pros Snappy processor AI capabilities Supports up to seven years of OS upgrades Cons Not super portable Minor design flaw where S Pen stores awkwardly on the back If you're looking for an Android tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is one of the best Android tablets. The Tab S10 Ultra features a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, runs on the Android 14 operating system, and Samsung's S Pen stylus is included in the box. The base model comes with 12GB of memory and 256GB of storage, and a microSD card for adding up to an extra 1TB of storage to the tablet, the combination of which should be enough for most. Plus, new for this generation is Galaxy AI capabilities thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor. Among these AI features that the S10 Ultra can handle include Sketch-to-Image, an improved version of Note Assist, and Circle to Search.Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 UltraZDNET's Maria Diaz reviewed the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra and said she found it a superb option for creative professionals and productivity-focused users looking to take advantage of a strong processor and reliable AI features. She added, "Even those looking for an AI-powered tablet like an iPad Pro would do well to consider the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra."If you opt for the $350 Book Cover Keyboard, you can effectively turn the tablet into an Android-powered 2-in-1 device with plenty of space for multitasking and using more than one app at a time. Just keep in mind the tablet isn't as portable as some other options on this list--it weighs 2.35 pounds (compared to the S9 Ultra's 1.6 pounds. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra specs: Display: 14.6-inch, 120Hz refresh rate, Dynamic AMOLED 2X 2960 x 1848 display | Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Memory: 12GB, 16GB | Colors: Moonstone gray and platinum silver | Cameras: Rear: 13MP main, 8MP ultrawide, Front: 12MP main, 12MP ultrawide | Weight: 2.35lb | Dimensions: 12.85 x 8.21 x 0.21 inches | Connections: 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi Direct Bluetooth v5.3 | Battery: Up to 16 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus was intended to be a second-level tablet in the Galaxy S10 line of tablets. The specs are similar to that of the S10 Ultra, but the Tab S10 Plus costs $200 less. This tablet features a screen 2.2 inches smaller than the S10 Ultra, but both models have the same Dynamic AMOLED display and refresh rate. Included with the purchase of this tablet is Samsung's S Pen, which provides a realistic paper-on-pen experience. In addition, you can add the $229 keyboard accessory to the tablet, turning it into a DeX-powered 2-in-1 that you can use to hammer out emails, crush work reports, write your next novel, or watch your favorite YouTube channel. I went hands-on with the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and found that movies and shows were a joy to watch with bright colors, flawless performance, and outstanding audio playback. Even my wife was shocked that the output came from the tablet, not an actual speaker. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus tech specs: Display size:12.4-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2,800 x 1,752 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB  Pros Great stereo speakers Updated and bright display 5G option Cons Wi-Fi 6E instead of Wi-Fi 7 The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus was intended to be a second-level tablet in the Galaxy S10 line of tablets. The specs are similar to that of the S10 Ultra, but the Tab S10 Plus costs $200 less. This tablet features a screen 2.2 inches smaller than the S10 Ultra, but both models have the same Dynamic AMOLED display and refresh rate. Included with the purchase of this tablet is Samsung's S Pen, which provides a realistic paper-on-pen experience. In addition, you can add the $229 keyboard accessory to the tablet, turning it into a DeX-powered 2-in-1 that you can use to hammer out emails, crush work reports, write your next novel, or watch your favorite YouTube channel. I went hands-on with the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and found that movies and shows were a joy to watch with bright colors, flawless performance, and outstanding audio playback. Even my wife was shocked that the output came from the tablet, not an actual speaker. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus tech specs: Display size:12.4-inch | Display type: Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Resolution: 2,800 x 1,752 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | RAM: 12GB | Storage: 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less In 2023, Samsung launched two new FE tablets with the same internal components and two display/battery capacity options. The smaller Tab S9 FE is available for $450 and offers a lot in a sleek package. The high-powered tablet comes with an S Pen and even an IP68 dust/water resistant rating to make it a good choice for first-time tablet owners.The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has an 8,000mAh battery, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, 128 or 256 GB of included storage, and support for a microSD card up to 1TB. Color options include gray, silver, mint, and lavender. In addition, the FE series remains a media powerhouse with AKG-tuned dual speakers. Video calling is well supported with a front 12MP ultra-wide camera and a rear 8MP camera to help you capture documents. Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FEZDNET contributor Max Buondonno went hands-on with the Tab S9 FE and said that it's "great for getting work done on the go and watching movies while you're traveling," noting that the battery life was solid. "[Battery] standby is surprisingly great; I left this tablet unattended all night at 100 percent, and it only dropped to 96 percent by the next morning," Buondonno wrote. "It's reminiscent of the kind of endurance you can get from an iPad Air."Reddit users note that this particular Samsung tablet is great for lighter uses like web browsing and watching Netflix, but doesn't hold up as well in gaming instances. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tech specs: Display: 10.9-inch, 90Hz refresh rate, TFT LCD, 1200 x 800 display | Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 (S5E8835) | Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Memory: 6 or 8 GB | Colors: Gray, silver, mint, and lavender | Cameras: Front: 12MP ultra-wide, Rear: 8MP | Weight: 1.15 lb | Dimensions: 10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi 6 or 5G + Wi-Fi 6 , Bluetooth v5.3 | Battery: 8,000mAh Pros Affordable Expandable storage Good battery life Cons Display could be better In 2023, Samsung launched two new FE tablets with the same internal components and two display/battery capacity options. The smaller Tab S9 FE is available for $450 and offers a lot in a sleek package. The high-powered tablet comes with an S Pen and even an IP68 dust/water resistant rating to make it a good choice for first-time tablet owners.The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE has an 8,000mAh battery, 6 or 8 GB of RAM, 128 or 256 GB of included storage, and support for a microSD card up to 1TB. Color options include gray, silver, mint, and lavender. In addition, the FE series remains a media powerhouse with AKG-tuned dual speakers. Video calling is well supported with a front 12MP ultra-wide camera and a rear 8MP camera to help you capture documents. Review: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FEZDNET contributor Max Buondonno went hands-on with the Tab S9 FE and said that it's "great for getting work done on the go and watching movies while you're traveling," noting that the battery life was solid. "[Battery] standby is surprisingly great; I left this tablet unattended all night at 100 percent, and it only dropped to 96 percent by the next morning," Buondonno wrote. "It's reminiscent of the kind of endurance you can get from an iPad Air."Reddit users note that this particular Samsung tablet is great for lighter uses like web browsing and watching Netflix, but doesn't hold up as well in gaming instances. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tech specs: Display: 10.9-inch, 90Hz refresh rate, TFT LCD, 1200 x 800 display | Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380 (S5E8835) | Storage: 128GB or 256GB | Memory: 6 or 8 GB | Colors: Gray, silver, mint, and lavender | Cameras: Front: 12MP ultra-wide, Rear: 8MP | Weight: 1.15 lb | Dimensions: 10.01 x 6.53 x 0.26 inches | Connections: Wi-Fi 6 or 5G + Wi-Fi 6 , Bluetooth v5.3 | Battery: 8,000mAh Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Samsung's tablet lineup spans all aspects of price, capability, and screen size, and the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a small tablet that combines affordability and usefulness. The 8.7-inch screen features a 1340x800 display, making it worthy of streaming, working, and more.The lightweight design and small display make it portable enough to take anywhere, especially if you're using it to entertain kids with educational apps. Plus, the Tab A7 Lite has a metal frame for some added ruggedness. You can expand your storage beyond the 32 or 65GB allotted. The tablet allows up to 1TB of expandable storage, which is twice as much as the previous model. Overall, 91% of Best Buy customers would recommend buying this tablet, and gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tech specs: Display: 8.7-inch, 1340x800 display | Processor: MediaTek MT8768N, Octa-core, PowerVR GE8320 | Storage: 32GB, 64GB,  microSD up to 1TB | Memory: 3GB | Colors: Grey and silver | Cameras: 2MP front and 8MP AF rear | Weight: 0.81lbs | Dimensions: 8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches | Connections: Bluetooth v5.0 and Wi-Fi | Battery: 5,100mAh Pros Expandable storage Low price point Long-lasting battery Cons Performance could be better Samsung's tablet lineup spans all aspects of price, capability, and screen size, and the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a small tablet that combines affordability and usefulness. The 8.7-inch screen features a 1340x800 display, making it worthy of streaming, working, and more.The lightweight design and small display make it portable enough to take anywhere, especially if you're using it to entertain kids with educational apps. Plus, the Tab A7 Lite has a metal frame for some added ruggedness. You can expand your storage beyond the 32 or 65GB allotted. The tablet allows up to 1TB of expandable storage, which is twice as much as the previous model. Overall, 91% of Best Buy customers would recommend buying this tablet, and gave it an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tech specs: Display: 8.7-inch, 1340x800 display | Processor: MediaTek MT8768N, Octa-core, PowerVR GE8320 | Storage: 32GB, 64GB,  microSD up to 1TB | Memory: 3GB | Colors: Grey and silver | Cameras: 2MP front and 8MP AF rear | Weight: 0.81lbs | Dimensions: 8.37 x 4.91 x 0.31 inches | Connections: Bluetooth v5.0 and Wi-Fi | Battery: 5,100mAh Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the tariffs in the U.S.?The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Tablets are also hit hard by the new US tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything. These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest. What is the best Samsung tablet? Our pick for the best Samsung tablet is the Samsung Galaxy S10 Ultra since its large and stunning display is extremely capable and impressive, allowing it to act as a laptop replacement.  Samsung tablet PriceDisplayStorageSamsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra $1,050 14.6 inches 256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TB     Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus$1,00012.4 inches         256GB, 512GB, microSD up to 1TBSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $450 10.9 inches          128GB or 256GB Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite $154 8.7 inches          32GB, 64GB, microSD up to 1TB  *MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons. Show more Which Samsung tablet is right for you? It really depends on what size tablet you're looking for, what features are most important to you, and how much money you're willing to spend. Below, we've broken down the best Samsung tablets to help make your decision easier. Choose this Samsung tablet... If you want... Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra The best overall option. It can work as a laptop replacement thanks to its large screen and powerful performance. Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 PlusA mid-range Samsung tablet with much of the same features as the S10 Ultra, but slightly cheaper. Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE A budget tablet with a 10.9-inch display. It also comes in unique color options like mint and lavender.  Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite A small, lightweight Samsung tablet. Its portable enough to take with you anywhere, thanks to its 8.7-inch display and its light weight of less than a pound. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a Samsung tablet: We know there are many Samsung tablets to choose from, so pay attention to the following factors before making your final purchase. Features: Not all Samsung tablets are created equal. Some are better for kids, others are simply for entertainment purposes, and then there's the one's that can act as a laptop for working professionals and students. Consider your own use-case before buying. Price points: Tablets are an expensive piece of tech, especially if you're planning on investing in compatible accessories. However, Samsung tablets come at different price points so there is something for every budget. Battery life: Whether you're using your tablet for work or play (or both), you'll want it to last the duration of your task. Look for tablets that have substantial battery lives. Show more How did we choose these Samsung tablets? The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance when tested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy. We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.Performance: For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks. Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.Camera and audio: For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensive tablet testing methodology.  Show more FAQs on Samsung tablets What's new in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 tablets? Samsung announced the new Tab S10 series last year with two new tablets: the Galaxy Tab S10+ and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. New to both tablets is a new chipset powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 9300+ processors and allows for Galaxy AI capabilities such as Circle to Search, Instant Translation, Handwriting Assist, Note Assist, and Sketch to Image. While both models support Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, Samsung is giving the Galaxy Tab S10+ Wi-Fi 6E support, while the S10 Ultra supports Wi-Fi 7.Also: Samsung's new Galaxy Tab S10 series may be the iPad Pro for Android users (but better)The battery life, display and resolution, and storage options all remain the same in the S10 series. The Galaxy Stab S10+ starts at $1,000, and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra starts at $1,200.  Show more What is the difference between Samsung A and S tablets? The Galaxy Tab S series is ideal for users who need power, such as creators or professionals. The tablets in this series have larger screens and more processing power.In comparison, the Galaxy Tab A series comes at a lower price point with smaller screens for those who need a simple tablet for everyday tasks and entertainment.  Show more What makes Samsung tablets stand out? Compared to their biggest competitor (the iPad), Samsung tablets have more storage options thanks to expandable storage via microSD cards. In addition, you have to buy an Apple Pencil separately with an iPad, whereas most current Samsung tablets come with the S Pen included. Plus, where Apple only has four iPad models, Samsung currently has 11 tablets available on its website, with even more older models and generations available at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.  Show more What is the lifespan of a Samsung tablet? Generally, Samsung tablets are built to last for several years, but their lifespan may be shorter compared to iPads due to differences in software support longevity. Factors that affect lifespan include model quality, usage, maintenance, software updates, and battery health. Show more Is a tablet better than a laptop? It depends on what you plan to use your device for. For example, digital artists usually prefer tablets over laptops since they're easier to draw on with a stylus. Tablets are also great for photo editing and streaming movies.However, if you want to create spreadsheets, type in a word processing program, or do intensive 3D animation or modeling, a laptop is better suited than a tablet. Show more Other Samsung tablets we've tested ZDNET’s Tablet Guide Tablet Roundups Tablets Reviewed & Compared Tablets Explained ZDNET Recommends

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