The cable's layout makes the Anker Nano Power Bank supremely convenient, and the fast-charging seals the deal.

I've always appreciated these simple accessories, and this new feature makes them more useful than ever. Right now they're just $13 for Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Big Spring Sale runs from now through Monday, March 31.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?Deals on flagship Amazon products are typically the best during Amazon's own sales. These sales are also a great opportunity to scoop up decent savings across dozens of categories. Keep in mind that you'll be able to shop at plenty of other retailers during the same period as Amazon's sale as retailers look to compete.Will other retailers offer spring savings?Yes, other major retailers will likely offer their discounts via competing sales. Often, retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more directly match (or sometimes outdo) Amazon's pricing during sale events. It's not unusual to see the same products on sale for the same price across many retailers. I expect many competing sale events to precede, overlap, or follow Amazon's spring sale.How did we choose these anti-Amazon Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is on sale and how frequently it drops.We also reviewed customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we recommend. Our recommendations may also be based on our testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.

I have been exercising with fitness trackers like smartwatches and smart rings for over a year, and the devices have helped me track my progress over time, check my vitals during workouts, understand my recovery, and motivate me to keep my activity streaks alive. Whether you're dialing into your fitness routine or want to learn more about your activity patterns, a health tracker can uncover the details of your activity and sleep throughout the day, week, and month.While the price of some of these trackers can easily surpass $300, Amazon's Big Spring Sale could reduce select products, and we're already seeing record-low savings on the latest Apple Watch, among other health and sleep trackers. The e-commerce giant kicked off its annual sale event on Tuesday, and the week of deals will run until Monday, March 31. Whether you're investing in your first-ever Apple Watch for step-counting or upgrading that Garmin Forerunner to the latest generation, I've rounded up some of the hottest deals on health trackers, you can take advantage of right now.Shop more deals at AmazonThe best smartwatch, smart ring, and fitness tracker deals for Amazon Spring Sale 2025Oura Ring 3: Save up to $100 on select sizes and finishes: Last year, Oura unveiled its fourth-generation smart ring, which brought down the price of its third-generation smart ring. This applies to both the fully circular Horizon Ring and the indented Heritage Ring. Select sizes and finishes are available from $50 to $100 off.Apple Watch SE GPS 40mm: $169 (save $80): ZDNET's Kayla Solino says this watch is value-packed for anyone within the Apple ecosystem who tracks basic health metrics and wants phone-free notifications. The two discounted colorways are midnight and starlight.Apple Watch Series 10 GPS 42mm: $300 (save $100): Get Apple's latest smartwatch, fit with its new sleep apnea detection feature, at a $100 discount right now. This is the lowest we've seen the Series 10 go since its September debut.Apple Watch Series 9 GPS 41mm: $280 (save $110): If you don't want a thinner and wider watch, which the Apple Watch Series 10 offers, then opt for the Series 9, which is on clearance at Best Buy. This deal applies to the midnight sport loop band.Core Body Sensor: $228 (save $57): This is not an Amazon deal, but it's too good to skip out on. ZDNET's Matt Miller has been using this core body temperature sensor to inform his fitness and recovery. He recommends it most to people who exercise in hotter temperatures.Ultrahuman Ring Air (select sizes): $307 (save $43): This smart ring impressed me with the data it gathered on my sleep and activity, and is a subscription-free health tracker with new features constantly rolling out. Select sizes and finishes are down to $307 at Walmart. Nina Raemont/ZDNET Current price: $250Original price: $300The older generation Oura Ring 3 and the new Oura Ring 4 have a few things in common and a few differences. Both rings have the same app software, so whether you're using the 3 or the 4, you'll get the same data display. The differences come out with comfort and battery life. The Oura Ring 3 has sensors that protrude from the ring's interior, while the Oura Ring 4 has flat sensors that you can't feel as you put the ring on your finger. If you don't mind the feeling of the sensors, I'd recommend the 3 over the 4, since it's cheaper. The Oura Ring 4 gets eight days of battery life, while the Oura Ring 3 gets seven.Select finishes and sizes of the Oura Ring 3 are on sale right now, and you could take up to $100 off on the more expensive finishes, like the rose gold. Show more View now at Amazon Kerry Wan/ZDNET Current price: $300Original price: $400This is the lowest we've seen Apple's latest Apple Watch Series 10 drop to. The tenth-generation smartwatch boasts a bigger display and a thinner design. Plus, the Series 10 offers a Sleep Apnea Detection feature that can track your breathing during sleep and provide you with data for a diagnosis by a doctor.If you own an iPhone and want all your activity, sleep, and health data in one place, the Apple Watch Series 10 could be your best bet for an advanced health tracker at a 20% discount. Show more View now at Amazon Nina Raemont/ZDNET Current price: $129Original price: $190What good is a workout without booming and clear music? As someone who runs outside and works out in a gym, I've found that these are ideal for both environments. The Nothing Ear Open is an open earbud, so the speakers hang right outside my ear canal to deliver music. That keeps me aware of my surroundings, whether I'm running miles on a busy New York City street, or lifting weights at my gym. They hang comfortably and stay put in my ears as I lay on the lifting bench (unlike regular earbuds, which annoyingly fall out as I move through my sets and reps), and while I run I don't have to worry about them loosening from my ears and dropping on the pavement. The earbuds get surprisingly loud and have a 30-hour battery life to last you for at least a week of workouts. Show more View now at Amazon Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Current price: $169Original price: $250Want a fitness tracker that easily syncs with your iPhone? The Apple Watch SE is your best bet for an affordable smartwatch that tracks activity data and a mini smartphone around your wrist. Reply to texts, set timers, create reminders, and activity track all on one handy (pun intended) device. Show more View now at Amazon Amazon/ZDNET Current price: $150Original price: $200Reviews on Amazon say that this watch is a wonderful entry-level fitness tracker for runners beginning their training journey. It's got up to two weeks of battery life, so you don't have to worry about constant charging, and comes with race time predictions and finish time estimates, so you can keep an eye on your pace per mile. Show more View now at Amazon More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 health and fitness wearable dealsGarmin Forerunner 55: $150 (save $50): If you just signed up for your first half or full marathon, a running smartwatch could help you meet your mile-per-minute goals. There's no need to buy a $300 watch right in the beginning when this $150 watch from Garmin exists. It's one of the more affordable Garmin sports watches for runners tracking mileage.Garmin Forerunner 255S: $228 (save $80): Want to take your training up a notch? This model of the Garmin Forerunner offers a longer battery life compared to the Forerunner 55 above.Garmin Venu 3S: $400 (save $150): This is a great sleep and activity tracker. It's so good that you might even ditch your Fitbit for it.Fitbit Charge 6: $120 (save $40: This step-tracker has a built-in GPS and Google compatibility.Fitbit Inspire 3: $70 ($30): If you want a basic activity tracker, Wirecutter says that this Inspire 3 nails accuracy as a step counter.Samsung Galaxy Watch 7: $229 (save $70): Samsung's latest Galaxy Watch 7 comes with a new energy score feature and is powered by the tech brand's latest AI.Whoop 4.0 with 12-month subscription and flex sports band: $250 (save $49) The Whoop is a discreet health wearable that's more smart band than smartwatch. It's screenless, first and foremost, and it provides deep insight into sleep, activity, and recovery. The deal applies to the band, the 12-month subscription, and an additional sports band.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $170 (save $80): These aren't just earbuds for exercise. The AirPods Pro 2 function both as hearing aids and as hearing loss detectors. You can take a test with the earbuds to learn if you suffer from hearing loss, and bring that information to a doctor.Nothing Ear Open: $129 (save $70): I like using these earbuds in the gym while I'm lifting weights because they stay snug around my ears, are loud enough to fill out my environment with sound, but offer an open-ear design that won't disconnect me entirely. They also have amazing battery life, comfortable fit, and clear sound.Bose Ultra Open: $240 (save $50): Maybe you want open earbuds, like the Nothing ones above, but want expensive, luxurious sound. These Bose Ultra Open offer immersive sound and a unique build -- it's almost like a clip-on earring. The earbuds come in beautiful colors and finishes, and are $50 off right now.Anker A20 Sleep Earbuds: $120 (save $30): I've used these sleep earbuds to listen to brown noise before dozing off in my nosy Brooklyn bedroom that overlooks a busy road, and they work. They're comfortable to wear and have a decent battery.When is Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025?The second-annual Spring Sale takes place starting Tuesday, March 25, through Monday, March 31.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?You'll find the biggest savings on Amazon devices like Kindles, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, and Amazon Echo devices on sales days like Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Butone studyfound that the average Amazon Prime Day discount is 16.2%. This isn't Prime Day, of course, but several products will be discounted during this deals-palooza, and several retailers, like Walmart, Target, or Best Buy, may offer discounts on products to join in on the competition.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.Amazon Spring Sale 2025

Amazon's Big Spring Saleis in full throttle, and so are the deals. Sure, MacBooks, Espresso machines, smartwatches, and more are on sale, but so are everyday tech items. These include the Apple AirTag, which has helped countless people track down lost luggage or keys, or the Blink Mini 2, which can help you keep an eye out for your pets or family when you're not around.Powerbanks from Anker, Rocketbooks, Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and more are available for under $25. Read on to see the best budget deals the Amazon Spring Sale has to offer.See at AmazonBest Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals under $25Anker Nano Power Bank: $22 (save $8): This small but mighty Anker portable power bank makes a great companion for on-the-go travel.Apple AirTag: $24 (save $5): The Apple AirTag is a reliable tracking device that connects to iOS or MacOS products and tracks valuable personal items like keys, wallets, or luggage.Blink Mini 2: $20 (save $20): The Blink branded cameras are a ZDNET favorite, especially the Blink Mini 2. At about 50% off its original price, this is a great deal to jump on.Tile by Life360 Slim: $21 (save $9): This slimTile by Life360 fits into your wallet, passport, luggage, or other valuable item and actively tracks its location for peace of mind.Soundcore P20i True Wireless Earbuds: $20 (save $20): These budget earbuds have great sound quality, Bluetooth, a microphone, and a half-off sale price.Rocketbook Reusable Notebook: $13 (save $22): This smart notebook is a great way to digitize your notes. We have it featured in ourbest smart pens listfor its convenience, sustainability, and good price.Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker: $20 (save $20): This Anker Soundcore speaker is perfect for beach days, showers, or jamming sessions.Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank: $25 (save $15): Magnetic power banks offer a convenient way to charge your phone on the go, as long as it's a MagSafe device.Anker USB-C Hub: $25 (save $10): This USB-C hub is a great option if you travel for work or just have too many things to plug into your computer.Roku Express: $18 (save $11): If you're looking for a reliable streaming hub, Roku is a great option, and this price is unbeatable.Amazon Fire TV Stick: $20 (save $15): The Amazon Fire Stick is another great option for streaming your favorite platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more. Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Current price: $22Original price: $30As our phones age, so do their batteries; having a portable charger is one of the easier solutions to that problem. Editor Sabrina Ortiztried out this power bank, which became one of her everyday essentials. It is a smaller bank, so it may be better for smaller, on-the-go moments. However, it is perfect for daily use. Show more View now at Amazon Maria Diaz | ZDNET Current price: $24Original price: $29The Apple Airtag has become a staple in the Apple family tree. Since its release, it has helped people track lost or stolen items like luggage, keys, or wallets. If you're unlucky with checked luggage or prone to losing your keys, check out some AirTags. Show more View now at Amazon Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $20Original price: $40An indoor camera is great for monitoring pets, small children, or general household security. The Blink Mini is a great option and a ZDNET favorite. With an indoor camera, you may feel more peace of mind leaving your pets home alone. The footage can be accessed through any device, and it's half off. Show more View now at Amazon Tile/ZDNET Current price: $21Original price: $30This Tile tracker works by sliding it into your wallet, purse, luggage, or any valuable item to track its whereabouts. If you don't want to use an AirTag, this tracker is a perfect alternative and works with iOS and Android. Show more View now at Amazon More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals under $25 Maria Diaz/ZDNETTP-Link Tapo 1080P Indoor Security Camera: $15 (save $8): TP-Link offers a great solution to monitoring your children, pets, or home security when you are away, as this video camera offers 1080p camera quality.Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera: $20 (save $10): Another great option for indoor security, this Kasa camera can upload footage to your preferred cloud storage service and works with Alexa and Google Home.Maybesta Lavalier Lapel Microphone: $14 (save $7 with coupon): This is a great deal for starting out if you need a basic microphone for on-the-go content.Samsung Sonic The Hedgehog 256GB microSDXC: $24 (save $13): This extra storage card is suitable for gaming systems, drones, computers, cameras, and more. It also has cute Sonic branding, making it a solid deal.Eaglewireless Universal Sim Card Tray Opener: $5 (save $1): This tool is essential for any tech enthusiast, and ZDNET contributor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has it on hislist of gadgetshe carries everywhere.Anker 2-Pack USB C Adapter: $10 (save $5): These handy Anker adapters, which work on Mac and Windows, are very versatile and help eliminate the headache of outdated cords.Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter: $15 (save $4): This classic iPhone accessory will charge your device quickly and is pretty durable.Kasa Smart Light Bulbs: $15 (save $10): Smart lightbulbs are a great way to liven up your living space as you can toggle through endless lighting possibilities. Plus, they connect to your Alexa or Google Home device.Rocketbook Reusable Notebook: $13 (save $22): This smart notebook is a great way to digitize your notes. We have it featured in our best smart pens list for its convenience, sustainability, and good price.Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker: $20 (save $20): This Anker Soundcore speaker is perfect for beach days, showers, or jamming sessions. One Amazon reviewer said they were "extremely surprised with how good this little speaker is."Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug: $16 (save $3): If you need a cheap and go-to pair of earbuds, the classic Apple wired headphones have a good microphone and solid sound quality.Acer USB Hub 4 Ports: $10 (save $10): This hub is great for computers that need a few extra ports, such as Macs (using an adapter) or any other device with a USB port.Anker Zolo Power Bank: $24 (save $10): A power bank is a great essential to have for emergency situations, especially Anker branded ones.Nelko Label Maker Machine with Tape: $20 (save $20): This label maker connects to your smartphone and prints personal or professional labels for all kinds of use.Sensyne 62" Phone Tripod and Selfie Stick: $15 (save $15): A tripod is essential for getting the best creative shots, whether you're making video or photo content.UGreen Finder Tag: $14 (save $6): UGreen tags work to help locate items, similar to AirTags or Tiles, but this one is only compatible with iOS devices.Tessan Universal Travel Adapter: $20 (save $5): If you frequently travel abroad, having a universal charging block can make a difference in any situation. This one works in the UK, the European Union, and Australia.Anker 2-Pack USB C Cable: $8 (save $2): Simply said, everyone needs a good charger, and Anker is always a great option. Plus, it has a protective braided cord and 6 feet of length.FAQs Show more When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Spring Sale occurs from Tuesday, March 25, to Monday, March 31, 2025.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?Amazon sales are a great opportunity to shop for decent savings, especially on flagship Amazon products. However, Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers also have great offerings. We'll cover the best Amazon Spring Sale deals now through March 31, including top offers from other major retailers.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET's experts scour the internet on deals we would want to buy ourselves, have a good brand reputation, or products we review on our site. We search for deals 20% off or more and deals we rarely see across the board.We also use reviews from real people- Reddit, Amazon reviews, and our colleagues to understand what deals are the best to recommend so we can provide the best money-saving information.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.Amazon Spring Sale 2025

ZDNET's key takeaways The Kindle Colorsoft is available now for $279.It has a bright display (even in direct sunlight), customizable color settings, and zippy performance while browsing titles and turning pages.It could be a bit larger to get the full effect of the color display. more buying choices The newAmazon Kindle Colorsoftis discounted for $55 right now, making it cost $225 during the Big Spring Sale event. This 20% offer is the most discounted we've seen the device since its debut last fall.To avid readers, the Kindle has been a mainstay since its inception in 2007. Each new Kindle model gives readers more advanced features and faster performance. But now, with the new Kindle Colorsoft, readers get a vivid color display to enjoy their books in a new way. The Kindle Colorsoft is the latest iteration in the Kindle lineup. It features the same 300 ppi display that's standard for e-readers, except it also has a 150 ppi display for color images, along with 120 nits of brightness to really make your pages pop. Depending on your color preferences, you can customize the color settings to standard or vivid. Amazon dubs the device as "color without compromise", and as someone who's tested many e-readers this year alone, I was impressed by the Kindle Colorsoft as a welcome addition to the color e-reader world. details View at Amazon Fresh out of the box, the Colorsoft proudly displays its color capabilities, since even when turned off, the display dims to one of Kindle's built-in backgrounds. Alternatively, you can choose to display your book's cover in standby mode so you can see the art how it was meant to be seen. After turning on the device and setting it up (super easy to do, especially if you've owned a Kindle before), the first thing I really noticed was the performance: it's fast. Compared to my base model Kindle (2022 version) it zips through the Kindle library when choosing a book, and pages in your book turn fast without any annoying lag effects. Also: This E Ink tablet revived my inspiration, and it's on sale for $50 offLike the Kindle Paperwhite, the Colorsoft is super bright and can be read in direct sunlight without drowning out the color on the screen. To test how the Colorsoft's 120-nit brightness held up in direct sunlight to competitors, I placed it outside on its highest brightness next to two other color e-readers at their highest brightness: a Kobo Libra Colour and a Boox Note Air C 3. The Colorsoft's color display and brightness outperformed the Kobo Libra Colour in direct sunlight, and it had less lag when moving between titles. The Kindle Colorsoft next to the Kobo Libra Colour in direct sunlight. Allison Murray/ZDNETCompared to the Colorsoft, the Boox Note Air C 3 had the same high brightness and was as speedy as the Kindle when moving through pages, especially when reading a color magazine. However, upon seeing the Boox and the Kindle side by side, you can definitely notice the pixelization on the Boox's color display, as opposed to the smooth color that the Kindle provides. The Kindle Colorsoft next to the Boox Note Air 3 C. Allison Murray/ZDNETThe Colorsoft's color features don't stop there: you can also highlight passages in your books in different colors and organize them into categories (i.e., quotes in yellow, facts in blue, characters to remember in purple, etc.). While I'm not a fan of reading comics, Keeley Boehmer, Principal Product Manager for Kindle, told me that the Colorsoft provides panel-by-panel reading for comics, making it easy to see the elements the author intended for each panel. In addition, a pinch-and-zoom feature allows you to really see the color images in detail. Another impressive feature of the Colorsoft is that it's water resistant (rated IPX8), so you can read it by the beach, pool, or in the bath. Plus, it has wireless charging, a feature previously only available in the Kindle Paperwhite. I have virtually no complaints with this Kindle except perhaps its small size. The size itself is easy and comfortable to hold, but reading color books or magazines, a bigger size like that of the Boox Note Air C 3's 10.3-inch display makes a greater impact, and you can really see and appreciate the color images better when seeing the entire page. ZDNET's buying advice In the world of color e-readers, the Kindle Colorsoft is a top competitor thanks to its customizable color display, fast performance in downloading books and page-turning, and wireless charging. The color display isn't pixelated like some other color e-readers, and its highlight feature enables new ways to read books. If you're someone who reads a lot of books or comics with color, the Colorsoft is definitely worth it. However, if you read primarily in black and white, you can save $120 and opt for the new Kindle Paperwhite, which has just as fast performance. When will this deal expire? While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, deals are on a limited-time basis, making them subject to expire anytime. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we feel in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don't worry -- we're always sourcing new savings opportunities atZDNET.com. Show more Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.Amazon Spring Sale 2025

Nina Raemont/ZDNET$249 at Amazon The Oura Ring Gen 3 remains one of our favorite smart rings on the market and our pick for one of thebest smart ringsyou can buy. While this space got more attention when the new Samsung Galaxy Ringlaunched last year, Oura has plugged away at the smart ring space, and the brand released a new generation smart ring, the Oura Ring 4, last fall. You know what that means: its third-generation smart ring is finally on sale at Amazon, even ahead of the retailer's Big Spring Sale.Also: The best Amazon Spring Sale deals live nowWith this sale, you can save anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on your choice of style and finish. For example, the gold Horizon ring is selling for 22% off, and the silver Heritage ring is only $200 right now. ZD recommends If you're deciding between buying the newer Oura Ring 4 or getting the discounted Oura Ring 3, there are a few factors to consider before making a purchase. The Oura Ring 4 upgraded its battery life one more day, so you'd get an eight-day battery life in the fourth-generation ring, compared to a seven-day battery life in the third. The Oura Ring 4 has receded sensors that don't protrude around your finger, unlike the Ring 3's sensors that does. But in both smart rings you're getting the same software that will tell you information about your sleep, activity, recovery, and stress. The Ring 4 might record more accurate or continuous data than the Ring 3, but only by a margin. If that doesn't matter to you, I'd buy the Ring 3 over the Ring 4.As someone who has tested both, I like that the Ring 4 has sensors that don't irritate my finger after prolonged wear, but I like the Ring 3's affordability.Also:I've tested dozens of smartwatches, but the Oura Ring 4 was first to show me I'm sickBoth the circular Horizon and flat-topped Heritage styles are on sale, but note some colorways may not be available in all sizes. This is one tech product that rarely goes on sale. Since the Ring Gen 3 is now an older model, it's a great time to swipe up savings on a solid wearable.I own the Horizon Oura Ring, and I can't recommend it enough for sleep, activity, and holistic wellness tracking. It offers around five days of battery life, is compatible with both iOS and Android devices (unlike the new Galaxy Ring), and is made with a titanium lightweight build. I can see my stress levels throughout the day, understand why my sleep was good or bad, and motivate myself to exercise thanks to the data the smart ring presents.Every morning I get a readiness score and a sleep score based on yesterday's sleep, stress, activity, and more. It monitors my heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen, and body temperature -- and takes all that data to offer actionable insights into my daily health regimen, such as when to take breaks during the day, stretch my legs, or wind down at night.Also:I tested this new smart ring with no subscription, and it could replace my OuraThere are many competitive features included in the Oura Ring, such as how many apps you can sync Oura with, including Strava, Natural Cycles, and more. The company has also unveiled, within the past few months, several new features that give you more insights into your overall health. There's a new heart health feature where you can learn your cardiovascular age, a new feature for menstrual cycle and pregnancy insights, and a new AI health advisor feature, where you can get fitness and wellness advice from an AI coach.Also: The best smart rings of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedSome of my colleagues also love and use the Oura Ring. ZDNET's Allison Murray complimented Oura's customer service after her ring's battery kept faltering. Oura sent her a brand new smart ring, no questions asked.Oura is trying to clear out its Oura Ring 3 inventory, so this product won't be around forever -- and neither will its substantial discount.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.How I rated this dealThe Oura Ring 3 deal is a deal I rated a 3/5 Editor's deal rating, since some finishes and sizes are discounted by up to 22%. Oura is a notable and reliable brand with a track record of delivering insightful health data to its users.Plus, the ring is up to $100 off on Amazon right now, ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale that takes place Tuesday, March 25 through Monday, March 31. Certain ring finishes and sizes will have greater discounts than others, but you can expect to get at least $50 and at most $100 off the third-generation smart ring, and we may even see larger discounts next week. When will this deal expire? While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, deals are on a limited-time basis, making them subject to expire anytime. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we feel in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don't worry -- we're always sourcing new savings opportunities atZDNET.com. Show more How do we rate deals at ZDNET? We aim to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. ZDNET offers 33 years of experience, 30 hands-on product reviewers, and 10,000 square feet of lab space to ensure we bring you the best of tech.In 2025, we refined our approach to deals, developing a measurable system for sharing savings with readers like you. Our editor's deal rating badges are affixed to most of our deal content, making it easy to interpret our expertise to help you make the best purchase decision.At the core of this approach is a percentage-off-based system to classify savings offered on top-tech products, combined with a sliding-scale system based on our team members' expertise and several factors like frequency, brand or product recognition, and more. The result? Hand-crafted deals chosen specifically for ZDNET readers like you, fully backed by our experts.Here's some insight into how we rate deals.1-9% off: 1 / 5 Editor's deal rating10-19% off: 2 / 5 Editor's deal rating20-29% off: 3 / 5 Editor's deal rating30-39% off: 4 / 5 Editor's deal rating40-50% (or more) off: 5 / 5 Editor's deal ratingWe factor the numerical deal percentage with other important context, like the brand of the product. For rare brand deals, like a discount on a fan favorite Apple product, we might add a point on a 20% discount, taking the rating from a 3/5 to a 4/5 if it's a product that never goes on sale. Show more Amazon Spring Sale 2025

If you've been looking to snag a great entry-level Roomba, this Amazon Big Spring deal is for you.

When is Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025?The e-commerce giant's latest sales event will run from Tuesday, March 25, to Monday, March 31. However, several deals will go live before and after that time frame.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?While there are no guarantees that the prices you see are the lowest ever, Amazon -- and the various retailers and sellers it works with -- tends to keep promotions as competitive as possible. That's why you can expect discounts that match all-time-lows -- or at least somewhere near them.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?While it's always helpful when products are discounted significantly (we usually cover ones that are at least 20% off), ZDNET experts also prioritize promotions on products we've personally tested and can vouch for. Since the products you purchase are considerable investments, we ensure that our recommendations are grounded by thorough research, testing, and value.We also source reviews from actual customers, whether through Best Buy and Amazon testimonials (with hands-on images) or online forums like Reddit.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale deals

When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Spring Sale runs through Monday, March 31.Are laptops really cheaper during Amazon sales?Absolutely. Retailers and manufacturers have plenty of reasons to discount their laptops: new models coming out, overstock in a particular configuration, etc. Now, many of these discounted events align with Amazon's sales, allowing retailers to clear inventory as part of the sale events.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- laptops we actually have tested and would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.

Meta said it's returning to its roots and bringing 'the magic of friends' back to Facebook.

Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty ImagesSpending money is easy. Keeping track of how much money you spend, not so much.Even if you're good at recording all your expenses in a financial program like Quicken, QuickBooks, or Xero, understanding your expenses and turning all of that transaction data into actionable insights can be more difficult. But, as it turns out, AI can help make that process much easier. And you don't even have to be some sort of accountant or spreadsheet wizard. You just have to know how to ask the right questions (i.e., give the right prompts). To make that process as easy as it can be, I've included 10 powerful AI prompts right here in this article, along with five additional prompts perfect for use at tax time. I'll also show you the fast way to get at your transaction data so you can use the AI to analyze it. But first, let's look at five good reasons to better understand your expenses. Why using AI to analyze your transactions is a good idea Here are five good reasons for using an AI to analyze your financial transactions. Turn raw data into clear insights: The transaction report you get from Quicken or QuickBooks is a list of individual vendors and expenses. It provides a way to record ledger data, not a way to gain insights from that data. Using these prompts can give you understanding in addition to record keeping.Save time on manual analysis: You can use a spreadsheet to do all I'm showing you, but if you're not a spreadsheet guru (and even if you are), the AI can give you results in minutes for something that would likely take you or me hours. I applied these prompts to my credit card data and got results in about 10 minutes.Uncover hidden spending patterns: How much are you really spending on British streaming services? Do you really back that many Patreon accounts? Didn't you cancel that service last year? Using the AI can find things that might not normally stand out.Get tax-ready with minimal effort: This is certainly not a fail safe process (it's AI, after all), but you can use the AI to quickly group expenses by whether or not they're deductible, identify contractor payments, or identify other potential areas of savings you might have missed.Make smarter financial decisions: Having clarity and direction about how you're spending your money can only help you make smarter decisions. How to quickly get at your data Before you can analyze your data, you'll need to export it. Most financial tools like QuickBooks have a reports section. In that reports section, almost all will have a transaction detail report, which is literally a report of every transaction and all the details recorded. Run that report for the period you want to analyze, then find the Export button. Export as either Excel or CSV and that will give you a data set you can import into the AI. The easiest way to start is to just export one credit card account. But you can, for example, export each credit card account and name each file for the appropriate card. Then, when you ask the AI to import, you can either import one after the other and instruct the AI to keep track of which card is in use, or do the AI analysis on each report one at a time. Do be aware you're giving the AI your personal data. But transaction reports don't export the card numbers, just that you have a pattern of watching British cozy mysteries instead of those blockbuster action flicks most people would expect. 10 useful prompts for financial insights Let's get started with some general prompts. 1. Understand your data structure Prompt: "Here is a transaction detail report from my accounting software. Please list all the columns so I can verify the structure." This helps make sure the AI is properly reading your exported file. I find that the AI tends to get lost if the name of the spreadsheet columns aren't in the first row. So if this prompt returns gibberish, tell the AI that the row containing column names contains fields like "transaction date". It should be able to work from that point on. 2. Identify top spending vendors Prompt: "Group all expenses by vendor and show me which vendors I spend the most money with." This is a great way to find out where you're spending your money. Keep in mind that the AI may not know which column is a vendor name, so you might have to tell the AI, for example, that the column "name" is the name of the vendor you want to use for grouping. 3. See totals by category Prompt: "Group expenses by accounting category or account name and show the total for each." This gives you a big-picture view of how your spending is distributed across different expense types. But keep in mind that the AI may not quite understand what each category is, so you may need to provide definitions or tell it that certain vendors fall into certain categories. A good follow-on prompt is "For each category, list the vendors you think are associated with each category." Then, if vendors are associated with the wrong category, correct the AI. 4. Track trends over time Prompt: "Summarize my monthly spending trends by category. Show how much I spend per category per month." This helps you see and understand any seasonal spending patterns, identify recurring costs, and identify any cash flow behaviors you need to fix. 5. Catch vendor price increases Prompt: "Which vendors have increased their prices over time? Show changes in average monthly charges per vendor." This works, but not always. For example, I pay Google for three or four completely different services. So the AI might get confused lumping everything into Google. If it goes down the wrong path, you can tell it to ignore all Google expenses in this prompt, for example. Or you can instruct it on any special handling you want for such vendors. Then, you can go back to those vendors and investigate the charges, renegotiate the fees, drop their services, or suck it up and live with the increases. 6. Find irregular large expenses Prompt: "Which categories contain large one-time or annual expenses? Flag anything over $100 that only shows up once or twice." This is a great way to find out if anyone did an automatic charge that you weren't expecting. I keep a pretty good eye on my online services and software licenses, but once in a while one will sneak through. This is a good way to get ahead of those expenses, or at least prevent them from being charged again. 7. Break down recurring services Prompt: "Break down streaming, subscriptions, and internet service expenses. Group by vendor and show monthly totals." This is a great way to see how you're spending on those recurring services. Just keep in mind you might have to tell it which vendors should be categorized into which categories. To do this, use a prompt like "All expenses from Netflix and Britbox should be considered streaming, all expenses from Patreon and the Washington Post should be considered subscriptions, and all expenses from Pagely and GoDaddy and Comcast should be considered internet services." 8. Spot errors or duplicates Prompt: "Are there any duplicate transactions or likely errors? Highlight any identical amounts to the same vendor on the same day or any transactions that seem anomalous." This helps catch duplicate charges, which can happen. The second part of the prompt is more interesting, though. Here, you're asking the AI to just see what it thinks and if it finds anything that seems weird or unusual and is worthy of your attention. You can fine-tune that approach by prompting, "Are there any transactions or series of transactions that seem different or unusual or could indicate errors, fraudulent charges, or anything else I should pay special attention to? Please list those transactions item by item, along with your reasoning for including them in this list." 9. Compare year-over-year spending Prompt: "Compare this year's expenses to last year's, grouped by category. Show the percentage change." Obviously, this depends on how many transactions you exported. If you want to do year-over-year spending analysis, be sure to set your starting date far enough back on your export to make that possible. However, if you do this, you may want to prepend "For the last 12 months" or "For the year XXXX" (where XXXX is the year you want) to all the other prompts in this article to make sure the AI triangulates on just the period you're investigating. 10. Identify areas to cut Prompt: "Which vendors or categories could be cut or reduced? Flag anything underused, duplicated, or with growing costs." Obviously, only you know what might be considered an overspend, but this is a good way to elevate the expenses that might fit into that classification so that you can see them and make good decisions. And with that, let's look at some tax-related prompts. Tax-specific prompts Whether tax time is upon us or you're planning for your next year, these tax-related prompts can help you prepare, save money, and manage your taxes. Just keep in mind that AI's have a tendency to make stuff up, and that includes numbers. So don't directly use the AI's results in your tax returns. Instead, use them to guide your work but you do need to do the work. 1. Group tax-deductible expenses Prompt: "Group all expenses by tax-deductible categories like insurance, education, office supplies, or charitable contributions." This can help you identify expenses that might qualify as deductions. Be sure to tell the AI whether you're doing taxes as a business or as an individual because deduction categories are quite different. 2. Flag personal expenses in business calculations Prompt: "Flag any personal expenses that may have been included accidentally in my business transactions." This is a prompt that helps if you're preparing taxes or doing record keeping for a small business. It will help you easily identify any expenses that shouldn't be considered deductible expenses, or that you should discuss in more detail with your accountant. 3. Summarize home office deductions Prompt: "Summarize all expenses that are potentially deductible as home office, utilities, internet, phone, and office supplies." If you're a sole proprietor who files a Schedule C, or a small business owner, this can help you identify home office or work-from-home expenses that should be considered deductions. Prepares key figures for Schedule C or small business deductions with minimal effort. 4. List charitable contributions Prompt: "List all charitable donations or contributions. Include dates and amounts." Charitable contributions are often deductible. This prompt can help you quickly pull together donation records needed for itemized deduction filing. 5. Find 1099-eligible vendors Prompt: "Which vendors or transactions might require a 1099 to be issued? Group all payments to contractors or freelancers over $600." This prompt helps you prepare for an IRS ruling where you need to provide 1099s when you issue smaller payments. Called the $600 rule, it's a way of the IRS tracking payments through PayPal, Venmo, and similar TPSOs (third-party settlement organizations). Now, the good news is the IRS has postponed the actual $600 rule until 2026. The bad news is the threshold changes in 2024 and 2025. Using $600 in this prompt now, however, means you can identify all vendors or transactions where this reporting might be necessary. It's your money I know. That last tip was a bit obscure. But it applies to most small businesses. Using an AI to help identify items associated with a reporting requirement that more and more of us will be required to comply with is a big part of how the AI can help save time. Have you tried using ChatGPT or another AI tool to analyze your credit card or accounting transactions? What kinds of insights did you uncover? Were there any prompts that worked especially well for you, or ones that didn't? Are there other types of financial reports you'd like to see AI help with? Let us know in the comments below. Want more stories about AI?Sign up for Innovation, our weekly newsletter.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

The newly released model can finally compete with Midjourney, Google's Imagen 3, and Adobe's Firefly.

Belkin's Connect Universal Pro Dock enhances a laptop's functionality and user experience. Right now, it's on sale at Amazon.

Amazon'sBig Spring Salekicked off earlier this week, and the seasonal savings event runs from Tuesday, March 25, through Monday, March 31. The best part? The Spring Sale is open to all customers -- not just Prime members.I've been scouring Amazon's Spring Sale deals since the event was announced on March 18, including all-time-low prices on top tech like the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple M4 Mac Mini, and plenty of additional tech fromApple, Roborock, Anker, and more.While you can score savings on select products, it's important to remember that not all deals are treated equally. These deals likely aren't as competitive as they were during Cyber Week. Nevertheless, we've selected our favorite Amazon Spring Sale offers that you can shop now, and we'll be updating this list every 30 minutes so you can shop the best of these spring seasonal savings. (Our sister site, CNET,has extensive coverage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, too.) And be sure to check out other retailers' deals this week as well, as stores will cut down prices to compete.Find your Amazon dealsZDNET's top-selling Amazon Spring Sale 2025 dealsOur team has collected the top-selling products among ZDNET readers during the Big Spring Sale so far. (A note: Your privacy is protected. We only have access to aggregate data from our user base, and we cannot identify individual people's purchases).Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds: $120 (save $30): Catching up on lost sleep? Ourexpert says these sleep earbuds help you doze off, and they're on sale again for 20% off.Jakemy 180-Piece Smart Cordless Screwdriver Kit: $40 (save $30 with coupon): Ourexpert says this is the perfect accessory for tinkerers (or to just have on hand) and it's over $20 off now.Chipolo Card Point Bluetooth Tracker: $24 (save $13 with coupon): ZDNET's best-selling product of February is on sale for 31% off. Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says Chipolo's Android Bluetooth trackers are theperfect substitutes for AirTags, (plus, he says they're even better and cheaper).Apple 2024 Mac Mini Desktop Computer with M4 Chip: $529 (save $70): The 2024Mac Miniis a great pick for those who want the latest Apple tech without the high cost. For comparison, the M4 iMac and MacBook Pro deliver a similar experience, but prices for those devices start at over $1,000, while the Mac Mini is on sale for 12% off.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $170 (save $80): Apple'sAirPods Pro 2consistently ranks among the most premium earbuds on the market thanks to their H2 chip and pioneering features. Right now, you can get them for $170 -- the best price we've seen them sell for.Ecoflow Delta Pro Portable Power Station: $1,798 (save $1,002): Featuring a 3600Wh LFP battery capacity, this portable power station provides strong electrical storage for home battery backup power supply and outdoor camping.LG 65-inch OLED G4 Series Smart TV: $1,870 (save $527): This is the best TV our expert saw in 2024, and he still highly recommends it. Plus, it's nearly 22% off.Nitecore NB10000 Gen 3 Ultra-Slim Power Bank: $52 (save $13): Our expert loves that this 10,000mAh power bank can fully charge most phones two times with power to spare. Plus, its dual USB-C QC ports can fast charge two devices simultaneously.Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition: $225 (save $55): Ourexpert saysthe Kindle Colorsoft brings a smooth color display to your favorite books, and its bright screen looks great outdoors, even in direct sunlight. Right now, it's on sale for the first time at 20% off.Eufy E340 Video Doorbell: $115 (save $65): This battery-powered doorbell has no hidden or extra monthly fees, is on sale for its best price yet, and isloved by our smart home expertfor its dual-camera design.Hisense 55-inch Class QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV: $763 (save $237): As Hisense's answer to Samsung's The Frame TV, this TV comes with a frame and allows you to display artwork when you're not watching your TV in a hi-matte display.Our favorite Amazon Spring Sale deals Adam Breeden/ZDNETApple Watch Series 10 (GPS 42mm): $299 (save $100): The Watch Series 10, Apple's latest smartwatch, is down to its best price yet, and expert Matthew Miller says the Series 10 is better than the Watch Ultra in certain areas. Plus, shop the GPS 46mm model on sale, too.KeySmart SmartCard: Our expert loves this Bluetooth card for its thin profile and rechargeable design, and ZDNET has the only exclusive offer available now. Now through April 9, you can use the code25ZDNET2025at checkout to snag $10 (or 25%) off a singular KeySmart SmartCard, or code23ZDNET2025at checkout to get $20 off (or 23%) off a three-pack of SmartCards.Apple iPad Mini A17 Pro: $399 (save $100): Our expert says this is the best iPad you can get for under $400, it supports Apple Intelligence, and it's 20% off.Shark FlexStyle Hair Styler: $220 (save $80): The FlexStyle is most known for being a Dyson Airwrap competitor, and right now it's on sale for 27% off.DJI Osmo Action 5 Camera Adventure Combo Bundle: $369 (save $80): Our expert says if you're into filming vacations or outdoor activities, the DJI Action 5 Pro is one of the best cameras on the market. Plus, several bundle options are on sale now.SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card: $13 (save $12): This ultra-thin wallet tracker is shaped like a credit card, is highly reliable and works seamlessly with the Apple Find My network. Expert Maria Diaz says its as good as an AirTag. There's an extra 30% off available via coupon, too, and you can save more with multiple purchases.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29): Speaking of AirTags ... if you'd prefer Apple's native Bluetooth tracker,AirTagsare great for tracking keys, luggage, wallets, and more, and they're on sale for 29% off.Great deals from other retailersSpring Sale deals under $50: MagSafe gear, mobile accessories, and more Kayla Solino/ZDNETAUFU 240W USB-C Magnetic Breakaway Connector 2-Pack: $13 (save $4): Another top-selling product for ZNDET in February, expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes calls this USB-C accessory the ultimate breakaway connector thanks to its 180-degree swivel feature. Plus, it's saved his laptop from numerous cord-induced crash situations.Baseus Free2Pull 100W Retractable USB-C Cable: $10 (save $3): My favorite travel accessory is this retractable USB-C cable that keeps tangled cords off my itinerary, and it's 20% off.Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam: $20 (save $20): One of the best security camera deals is back. Save 50% on the Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam, which oursmart home expert lovesfor its great connectivity, easy set-up, and more.Anker Nano Power Bank USB-C: $24 (save $6): This tiny power bank is perfect for those on the go. ZDNET's Sabrina Ortizloves this battery boosterfor its compact form and foldable adapter, and ZDNET's Charlie Osborne has purchased one for future trips. Thelightning modelis on sale, too.Anker 25W USB C Charger Block: $10 (save $6): For a compact, cheap charging option for mobile devices, you can take 38% off the Anker charger block.Amazon Echo Pop Speaker: $30 (save $10): Amazon's smallest Alexa-enabled speaker is on sale for 25% off. The larger Echo Dot is also on sale for $40.Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini 15A: $15 (save $5): Smart plugs are an inexpensive way to upgrade your home, and our expert loves them for lights, speakers, and even seasonal decor.Amazon Fire TV Stick HD: $20 (save $15): Nearly every model of the Fire TV stick is on sale now, including this HD model that's 43% off, the 4K Max Stick, and the base 4K Stick.JBL Go 3 Mini Speaker: $30 (save $10): JBL's portable mini speaker is on sale for 25% off. It comes in tons of colors and is great for dorms, the beach, and more.ESR Aura MagSafe Wallet and Stand: $19 (save $6): My favorite MagSafe wallet is the perfect companion for most iPhones, holds up to five cards, and has a dedicated ID slot. Plus, it's a few dollars off and comes in several colors.Anker MagGo Qi2 15W Charging Pad: $20 (save $5): Got an extra $20 lying around? Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says this budget charger is better than Apple's, and has a longer cord, too. TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software: $48 (save $22): Download thistax softwareto your PC or Mac to file your 2024 federal tax return. It even comes with live tax advice if you need help while filing. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Current price: $30 or $70Original price: $40 or $90Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says Apple AirTags are bulky and not ideal for wallets. His perfect solution is this SmartCard from KeySmart, which is thin and lightweight enough to fit in your wallet or luggage.Lucky for you, ZDNET has an exclusive pormo code that will nab you up to $20 off, and you can't find this offer anywhere else. Now through April 9, you can use the code 25ZDNET2025 at checkout to snag $10 off (or 25%) off a singular KeySmart SmartCard, or code 23ZDNET2025 at checkout to get $20 off (or 23%) off a three pack of SmartCards. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale headphone deals: Sony, Bose, Apple, and more Jada Jones/ZDNETApple AirPods 4: $100 (save $30): It's not too often you see deals on Apple earbuds, but Apple's new AirPods 4 range is back down to their lowest price. These buds "feature significant improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort,"our reviewer says.Apple AirPods Pro Max: $479 (save $70): The only Apple-made over-ear headphones dropped by $70. These promise strong noise cancellation and a comfortable fit suited for air travel, deep work sessions at the office, and workouts at the gym. Deals are available for Starlight models.Marshall Major V Headphones: $112 (save $38): Our expert says these deliver powerful sound, with bass and treble to spare and smooth, subtle mids, and can last for days on a single charge. Right now they're under $120.Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: $150 (save $30): Our expert calls these the best bone conduction headphones she's tested, and right now they're seeing a rare sale.Beats Solo 4 Headphones: $130 (save $70): Ourexpert saysthese refreshed Beats Solo headphones carry all the nostalgia while sounding great. Right now they're over $50 off.Nothing Open Earbuds: $129 (save $60): These are without a doubt thebest earbuds for working out-- whether you're in the gym or outdoors.Nothing Ear (a): $77 (save $23): Think of the Nothing Ear (a) as the AirPods Pro 2's more interesting cousin. While you won't get as strong noise cancellation on these as you would the AirPods, they deliver impeccable sound for more than half the price. They're our earbuds expert's favorite pair of earbuds.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $170 (save $80): Apple'sAirPods Pro 2consistently rank among the most premium earbuds on the market thanks to their H2 chip and pioneering features. Right now, you can get them for $170 -- the best price we're seeing right now.Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones: $328 (save $72): Our expert calls the XM5 headphones "basically perfect," and they're on sale for a decent $72 off.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $219 (save $80): Our audio expert tests earbuds for a living and she can confidently say theBose QuietComfort Ultraare the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market -- and they're $80 off now.Bose Ultra Open: $249 (save $50): These open earbuds deliver immersive audio in a unique form factor that mimics a clip-on earring. They're some of the most interesting earbuds we've tested.Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: $179 (save $51): Ourexpert saysthe Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver comfort, utility, and premium features for Android users. Plus, they're currently on sale for $179, which is their best price drop since their release last fall.Beats Studio Pro Headphones: $180 (save $170): These Beats headphones are 49% off and ourexpert saysthey're the perfect middle-ground headphones for Android and Apple users.Beats Solo Buds: $60 (save $20): The cheapest pair of earbuds Beats offers just got 25% cheaper, andthey feature18-hour battery life and a compact form.Beats Studio Buds: $93 (save $57): Our expert says theBeats Studio Budsare a worthy competitor if you're eyeing Apple's AirPod Pro 2s, and right now they're 38% off. Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $349Original price: $429Working in a noisy office or traveling on a blaring airplane? You need a good pair of noise-canceling headphones to immerse you in music and quiet the distractions. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are our audio expert's pick for the best noise-canceling headphones, and they're on sale for $80 off now. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale TV deals: Sony, LG, soundbars, speakers, and more Jason Hiner/ZDNETSonos Era 100 Smart Speaker: $198 (save $50): The Sonos Era 100 is the smart speaker expert Maria Diaz recommends to most people, audiophile or not, and it's finally on sale for 20% off again.Sony Ult Field 1 Portable Speaker: $98 (save $32): Portable speakers are perfect for the beach, outdoors, and more, and our expert loves this one from Sony for its crystal-clear sound.Beats Pill Portable Speaker: $100 (save $50): Our expert says this Beats speaker delivers "gloriously smooth sound," and right now it's $50 off -- the same price offered during Black Friday.Samsung 43-inch QN90D Smart TV: $848 (save $450): Select models of the Samsung QN90D TV are on sale. This TV is ZDNET's favoritefor gaming thanks to a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz, making it great for both console and PC gaming.Hisense 65-inch U6 Series ULED Smart TV: $498 (save $236): This limited-time deal on a Hisense U6 TV offers top features like Dolby Vision and Atmos, Game Mode, Mini LED with dimming, and more for 32% off.Amazon Fire TV Cube: $110 (save $30): The newest model of the Fire TV Cube features AI-powered Fire TV Search, hands-free streaming with Alexa, and is on sale for 21% off.Insignia 32-inch Fire TV: $75 (save $55): This 32-inch TV is one of Amazon's top sellers for a reason. Right now it's under $100, and is the perfect size for a dorm, kids room, or kitchen.TCL Q65 65-inch QLED Smart TV: $398 (save $152): ZDNET's pick for thebest budget TV with premium features, the TCL Q65, is on sale for over $150 off. Released in 2024, this TV offers great 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support for smooth action and sharper contrast.Hisense 85-Inch QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD TV: $798 (save $300): If you want a huge amount of display space, check out the discount on this 85-inch Hisense Google Smart TV.Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar: $98 (save $32): A soundbar on offer for under $100 has caught our attention. This Sony soundbar is 25% off.Xgimi Horizon S Max: $1,609 (save $209): This deal is not available on Amazon, but it's too good to skip. You can save over $200 on an Xgimi Horizon S Max, an IMAX-level home theater projector. The company is throwing in a free floor stand, too. Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $1,598Original price: $1,998The Sony Bravia X90L is one of our picks for thebest Sony TVs you can buy, and for good reason. Its color accuracy, precision brightness, 120Hz smooth motion, and 4K image processing make it one of our most recommended TVs you can buy. Editor-in-chief Jason Hiner also considers it one of the most underrated TVs available. And with the 2025 TVs hitting the market, you can save on select sizes of this excellent 2023 model. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale laptop deals: MacBooks, gaming laptops, and more Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETApple MacBook Air M3: $1,149 (save $350): Eyeing the M3 MacBook Air? This model is a step up from the older M2 but not quite as fast or fresh as the newest M4. It's still a great option if you're looking for a reliable laptop that comes with some savings. The 16GB Unified memory model ison salefor $999, too.Apple MacBook Pro M4: $1,589 (save $210): Speaking of the M4, if you need a fast and capable laptop with speedy software, this MacBook Pro is $200 off right now.Microsoft Surface Laptop Snapdragon X Elite 15-inch: $1,300 (save $400): Our laptopexpert saysthis model lives rent free in his head for its sleek look, and right now it's on sale for 24% off.Microsoft Surface Laptop Snapdragon X Plus 13.8-inch: $777 (save $223): Our laptopexpert saysthis laptop (Microsoft's first consumer laptop built for the AI era) puts a big smile on his face. Plus, it's on sale with a discount of $223.Lenovo ThinkPad T14s: $1,300 (save $400): ZDNET's pick forbest laptop for workis on sale for 24% off. Our laptop expert says it's an excellent choice for professionals seeking a fast laptop that can tackle intensive productivity tasks thanks to the recently released AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 processor, the integrated AMD Radeon 880M graphics card, and the ample 32GB of RAM.LG Gram 14-inch 2-in-1: $1,200 (save $400): We wenthands-on with the 16-inchand17-inch Pro versionsof LG's light-as-a-feather Gram laptops last year and praised them for their portable form factor and powerful hardware. Now, the 14-inch from the baseline joins the party with a massive $400 price cut for the configuration with 16GB of RAM.HP EliteBook 665 G11: $680 (save $120): This 16-inch EliteBook comes in multiple configurations, up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB of memory. The 32GB version, however, is on sale for just $680, a bargain for this versatile device designed to handle productivity workflows and multitasking.HP Chromebook 14 Chromebook: $220 (save $50): An interesting Amazon Spring sale deal we've spotted is for a Chromebook. This affordable HP model is perfect for basic tasks, including internet browsing.Samsung 15-inch Galaxy AI Book4 Edge laptop: $699 (save $201): If you're in the market for a work-ready laptop, you can enjoy a 22% discount on the 15-inch Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, equipped with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage.Acer Gateway Chromebook 311: $135 (save $65): If you need a basic laptop for casual use, consider the cheap Acer Gateway Chromebook, available for only $135.Lenovo V15 laptop: $470 (save $100): We particularly like this deal for a business-ready laptop. You can save $100 on a Windows 11 Pro model with a 15.6-inch display, 16GB RAM, and 1TB of storage. Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $499Original price: $599Apple products don't frequently see savings, especially on newer products. Editor-in-chief Jason Hiner says theMac Mini M4 introduceda "long-awaited redesign [to] one of Apple's quirkiest and most utilitarian products," and this is one of the lowest prices we've seen since its release.Plus, theMac Mini is a great pick for those who want the latest Apple tech without the high cost. For comparison, the M4 iMac and MacBook Pro deliver a similar experience, but prices for those devices start at over $1,000. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale smartphone and accessory deals: iPhone, Samsung, chargers, and more Prakhar Khanna / ZDNETGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL 256GB Unlocked: $949 (save $251): Our smartphone expert loves the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but says the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the better deal, especially while it's on sale.Motorola G Stylus 5G 2024: $245 (save $155): A standout among the budget crowd, this Motorola comes with 256GB storage and a built-in stylus for precision inputs. The textured backing is the cherry on top.Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2024: $180 (save $120): Motorola's sub-$200 handset is ideal for those who want greater battery life and a big display.Twelve South Butterfly SE 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger: $73 (save $27): Expert Jada Jones loves this 2-in-1 MagSafe wireless charger from Twelve South for its compact design and quick charge. Plus, it's nearly half-off in the black color, while other colors are slightly discounted.Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB Unlocked: $1,188 (save $232): ZDNET's mobile expert says that the slimmer, lighter design, enhanced processor, and suite of Galaxy AI features make this year's Ultra flagship more powerful than ever.Torras MiniMag 5,000mAh MagSafe Battery Pack: $36 (save $24 at Amazon):ZDNET's favoritethinMagSafe batterypack is on sale. This battery is lightweight, powerful, and perfect for topping off your phone's battery on the go, and it comes in three sleek colors.Motorola Razr 2024: $500 (save $200): The entry-level flip phone is nearing all-time lows in price, and it comes with 256GB of storage and a series of stylish colors.Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: $999 (save $220): The 512GB variant of the foldable phone is on sale, with multiple colors available. Kerry Wan/ZDNET Current price: $849Original price: $1,099ZDNET's mobile expert says Google's Pixel 9 Pro is a brilliant piece of technology, but the software isn't what makes this entry in the series stand out. Right now, it's on sale for 23% off. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale tablet deals: iPads, Kindles, Galaxy tablets, and more Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy Tab A9+: $220 (save $50): This 64GB Android tablet features a large screen, quad speakers, an upgraded chipset, and multi-window display. Plus, it has a slim and light design perfect for travel, and it's 25% off now.Amazon Kindle Scribe: $325 (save $75): Our expert says Amazon's newest Kindle Scribe comes with new note-taking features and a stellar pen-and-paper experience. It's on sale for its lowest price yet.Google Pixel Tablet: $359 (save $140): Our expert says the Google Pixel tablet works well as a smart home display, and even performs better than other options on t

Max Buondonno/ZDNETZDNET's key takeawaysNormally retailing for $699, the Pixel 8 offers a flagship-level experience with Google's latest AI and machine learning features.With fast performance, amazing cameras, and Google's Actua display, it's one of the best smartphone deals available.Compared to similarly priced phones, like the Nothing Phone 2, the Pixel 8 is a far better value.As part of Amazon's 2025 Spring Sale, Google's base Pixel 8 in Obsidian (black) has received a 30% discount. Its price has dropped from $700 to just $487. Other color options, like Hazel, are on sale too, although the price drop isn't as deep.The Google Pixel 9 might be getting all the attention nowadays (especially with its access to Google's new Gemini AI model), but the standard Pixel 8 is still an impressive model among the rest of Google's smartphone catalog.Also:We picked the 155+ best deals for Amazon's Spring SaleThat's because the Pixel 8 offers one of the best combinations of specs, features, and premium design at a price considerably lower than the competition. Even at full price, the device is cheaper than contemporaries like the Galaxy S24 ($760) and the OnePlus 12 (which normally retails for $900). details View at Amazon Because it balances performance and cost so well, the Pixel 8 is difficult to ignore and perhaps the only phone you should consider if you're shopping on a budget. You won't find another phone like it under $500, and it's only when you sift through the $800-$1,000 options that you find commendable competition.A big reason why this is such a compelling option is the Tensor G3 chip, Google's latest in-house processor that powers all of the Pixel 8's AI and machine learning features. It's not just a solid Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 alternative but a monumental reason why the Pixel 8 is such a great phone.Also:Grab the Samsung Galaxy S25 for as low as $700 at AmazonThe chip powers all the Google Pixel-ness of the Pixel 8, from transcribing voices in the Recorder app to letting you edit photos to your heart's content with the AI-powered Magic Editor. The Google Assistant also takes advantage of the G3 to process your voice quicker and even summarize web pages for quickly consuming information. Alongside powering Google's HDR pipeline for photography and ensuring Android 14 is slick and smooth, the G3 is one of the most capable smartphone chips on the market. And when paired with 8GB of RAM, you'll never have a slow day. Max Buondonno/ZDNETThe display is another huge reason to get this phone. The Pixel 8's 6.2-inch Actua display is a bit smaller than the screen on the Pixel 7, but that makes it easier to hold in one hand. It's also stunning to look at; with a Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 2,000 nits of peak brightness, it's one of the brightest and clearest displays on the market. Plus, it's OLED, so colors are vibrant, and inky blacks are plentiful.Look beyond the display, and you'll find a good-looking phone crafted out of aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus. Featuring Google's signature camera bar on the back and thin bezels around the display, the Pixel 8 is a stunner among other sub-$500 phones. It's also IP68-certified for dust and water resistance, and it comes in three nice finishes: Obsidian (black), Hazel (kinda green), and Rose (more of a golden peach, in my opinion). Max Buondonno/ZDNETWhen it comes to Pixel phones, there are two areas you have to talk about: cameras and software.On the camera front, Google knocked it out of the park. The rear 50MP main shooter and 12MP ultra-wide are both excellent performers in broad daylight and at night. The cameras easily match or outpace what you'd get with an iPhone 15 Pro or Galaxy S23 Ultra in terms of clarity, detail, and sharpness, while colors are often far more accurate than they ever have been on a Pixel phone.Also:This midrange Galaxy phone can make you forget ever wanting a flagship - and it's on saleYou also get all of the camera chops that the Pixel name carries like astrophotography, Super ResZoom, dual exposure controls, and Ultra HDR. That's on top of other features like Best Take and Magic Editor that make these cameras the smartest you'll find. Plus, video quality has been vastly improved over previous Pixels -- it's flat-out comparable to the iPhone.On the software side, Google's Pixel experience atop Android 14 remains my favorite way to interact with Android. It's clean and minimal and gives you a warm, inviting feeling that no other Android skin can mimic. You get all the features of Android 14, like customizable lock screens, better security, larger fonts, and improved notifications, along with all of the Pixel features you could ask for, such as Call Screen, Now Playing, Direct My Call, AI-generated wallpapers, and -- of course --the Pixel Launcher. Max Buondonno/ZDNETBut the real kicker in the software department is Google's extended support. The company guarantees seven full years of software support, which means you'll get updates until 2030 if you buy this phone. That's unheard of for an Android phone, and it gives devices like the iPhone a run for their money.Thanks to the 4,575mAh cell inside, the Pixel 8 can also last all day on a charge. With my medium to heavy usage, I typically end days with 30-40% in the tank, which means anyone using the phone a bit less could stretch it out to last a day and a half. Plus, you get 30W fast charging to juice back up and Qi wireless charging.So, what are the downsides? Honestly, there aren't a lot. The Pixel 8 still gets pretty warm after being used for a while, but that's typical with Google's Tensor processors. I also wish there was a proper telephoto camera on the back; Super Res Zoom is handy for upscaling digitally zoomed photos, but it can only take you so far. Oh, and I still don't trust Face Unlock; Google lets you use it to pay for things now using Google Pay, but it still relies on a flat image of your face to authenticate you.ZDNET's buying adviceYou're not going to find a much better value than the Pixel 8 - especially at such a deep discount. From the gorgeous display and design to the speedy performance and amazing cameras, Google's standard flagship phone stands on its own with an impeccable balance of high-end features for a lower price than other flagships.With its sale price of $487, the closest competition happens to be the Galaxy A35 5G and Nothing Phone (2), two devices that are perfectly worthy of a spot in your pocket but don't offer the same value as the Pixel 8. Google's phone is a proper flagship with seven years of software support, the latest AI features, and the company's latest camera tricks.Anyone shopping for an Android phone under $500 should consider the Pixel 8. Its value is simply incredible, and it's still a formidable device in 2025. When will this deal expire? Deals are subject to sell out or expire anytime, 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 save and sharing them with you atZDNET.com. Show more Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.Amazon Spring Sale 2025

The Apple Watch Series 10 is Apple's latest smartwatch, and it just hit its lowest discount yet. Snatch it up while the deal is live.

The Onson 2-in-1, with both vacuum and mop features, is built to handle whatever your pets throw at it - and it's almost 70% off at Walmart.

The Bowers and Wilkins Pi8 earbuds exude luxury while impressing audiophiles. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the earbuds are $80 off.

When is Amazon's Big Spring SaleThe sales event kicked off on Tuesday, March 25 and runs until Monday, March 31. Expect savings on all kinds of products the e-commerce giant sells coming and going throughout the week.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?While there are no guarantees that the prices you see are the lowest ever, Amazon -- and the various retailers and sellers it works with -- tends to keep promotions as competitive as possible. That's why you can expect discounts that match all-time-lows -- or at least somewhere near them.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?While it's always helpful when products are discounted significantly (we usually cover ones that are at least 20% off), ZDNET experts also prioritize promotions on products we've personally tested and can vouch for. Since the products you purchase are considerable investments, we ensure that our recommendations are grounded by thorough research, testing, and value.We also source reviews from actual customers, whether through Best Buy and Amazon testimonials (with hands-on images) or online forums like Reddit.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.

When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?This year, Amazon's Big Spring Sale begins on March 25 and ends on March 31.Are headphones and earbuds really cheaper during Amazon sales?Yes, you can find many headphones and earbuds at cheaper prices during Amazon's sales. However, the spring sale typically offers smaller discounts than Amazon's fall and holiday sales later in the year. During Amazon's sales, headphone, and earbud brands also slash prices on their sites to compete for your dollars. Sometimes, prices are lower at other retailers, so you should compare factors like prices, return policies, and free items included with your purchase before buying. If you want all-time low prices on the latest headphones and earbuds, wait until later in the year.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?I spend most of my time testing the latest headphones and earbuds and revisiting headphones and earbuds released in past years to provide our readers with the most sound buying advice. I also notice products' retail prices and when the lowest prices were offered, typically later in the year.Additionally, by retesting products, I can determine if they're still worth hundreds of dollars a year or two later. If they are, I will still recommend them during significant sales. Another factor I consider is when newly-released products are on sale; if a product I recommended was released six months ago and is already on sale, I'll notify our readers to take advantage of the sale price.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends

This soon-expiring offer saves you almost $80 over six months.

The Dreame L10s Ultra is a robot vacuum and mop combo marked down to its lowest price ever for Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

This ESR Qi2 car charger juices up your phone while holding it securely, even on bumpy roads.

When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Big Spring Sale runs from now through Monday, March 31.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?Deals on flagship Amazon products are typically the best during Amazon's own sales. These sales are also a great opportunity to scoop up decent savings across dozens of categories. Keep in mind that you'll be able to shop at plenty of other retailers during the same period as Amazon's sale as retailers look to compete.Will other retailers offer spring savings?Yes, other major retailers will likely offer their discounts via competing sales. Often, retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and more directly match (or sometimes outdo) Amazon's pricing during sale events. It's not unusual to see the same products on sale for the same price across many retailers. I expect many competing sale events to precede, overlap, or follow Amazon's spring sale.How did we choose these anti-Amazon Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is on sale and how frequently it drops.We also reviewed customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we recommend. Our recommendations may also be based on our testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.

When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Spring Sale runs through Monday, March 31.Are laptops really cheaper during Amazon sales?Absolutely. Retailers and manufacturers have plenty of reasons to discount their laptops: new models coming out, overstock in a particular configuration, etc. Now, many of these discounted events align with Amazon's sales, allowing retailers to clear inventory as part of the sale events.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- laptops we actually have tested and would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.

ZDNETIn October, after months of beta testing, Microsoft officially released its major 2024 update for Windows 11. Known as Windows 11 24H2, the latest version enhances the Copilot AI, improves File Explorer, promises faster performance and greater stability, and introduces other improvements.The update, which is rolling out to eligible Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 users, may appear on your PC's Windows Update screen. If so, you can certainly install it from there. Otherwise, the new version is accessible on Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page, where you can grab it through the Installation Assistant, installation media, or as an ISO file. Before you dive into the 2024 update, know that you may run into some problems and conflicts. The new version has been plagued by bugs that could prevent you from using Windows reliably and effectively. Microsoft has documented many of the glitches, and Windows users have reported a lot more.In response, Microsoft hasput the update on hold for problematic PCsthat could encounter blue screens and other issues.Windows 11 24H2 bugs still causing troubleDespite the latest updates, several bugs persist. Here are the ones that could still cause issues for anyone running the 2024 version of Windows 11. 1. AutoCAD 2022 might not open On some PCs running Windows 11 24H2, Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 might not open. Users have reported error messages when trying to launch the application. In response, Microsoft has blocked the update for affected PCs and is currently working on a fix. Autodesk 2. Conflict with PCs with Citrix components In one glitch introduced with the January Patch Tuesday update, PCs with certain Citrix components may not be able to complete the installation of the January patches. Microsoft said it found this issue on devices with Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411, which was released in December. This issue affects organizations more than individual or home users. The company is working with Citrix to resolve the problem. In the meantime, Citrix offers a workaround for SRA users. Citrix 3. Conflict with Easy Anti-Cheat online gaming app A program known as Easy Anti-Cheat is automatically installed with some online games to prevent cheating. Windows 11 2024 doesn't play well with this software -- users can experience the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), at least in rare cases, according to Microsoft. Only devices with Intel's Alder Lake+ processors and vPro platform are affected. Microsoft is working with the developer of Easy Anti-Cheat to resolve the glitch. Until then, those who run this app on PCs with the affected Intel chip should be aware of the conflict. Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 4. Network connection issues Some people who've installed the Windows 11 2024 update report that their internet connections are now glitchy. As discovered by Windows Report, these users seem to be able to connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, but they don't receive a valid IP address and therefore can't get an internet or network connection. Neither updating drivers and firmware nor resetting the network connectivity resolves the problem. In certain cases, using a static IP address instead of a dynamic address resolves the issue. Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 5. Network sharing doesn't work In another network-related issue triggered by the 24H2 update on some PCs, either the computer or other devices fail to appear in the network list, according to Windows Latest. As a result, you're unable to share files and printers between different PCs. The problem could be related to Function Discovery Resource Publication (FDResPub), which lets Windows 11 remain visible on the network. As a workaround, some people have resolved the glitch by setting FDResPub to start manually instead of automatically. 6. Printer issues with ARM-based Copilot+ PCs Yet another issue that has been popping up affects people who own Copilot+ PCs. Based on several user reports spotted by Neowin, some users who upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 are unable to set up or use a printer. The glitch seems to be hitting those with printers made by HP, Canon, Brother, and other manufacturers. Microsoft has posted a support article highlighting the problem and offering some workarounds. But at this point, this bug remains unresolved. 7. Audio output glitch on some PCs PCs that contain Dirac Audio with a file named cridspapo.dll could bump into audio issues. Dirac Audio is a digital sound technology that improves audio clarity and precision. Some users with this configuration who ran the update say that the integrated speakers, Bluetooth speakers, and Bluetooth headsets have stopped working and that first-party and third-party applications no longer recognize these speakers or headsets. As with most of the bugs, Microsoft has paused the update for affected PCs. Once the manufacturer releases a fix, Microsoft promises to offer a new driver through the standard Windows Update process. Dirac 8. Outlook may not launch with Google Workspace Sync In some cases, Microsoft Outlook may fail to load if Google Workspace Sync is installed. This particular Google Workspace Sync tool lets you manage your Google Workspace emails, calendar events, contacts, notes, and tasks directly in Outlook. The specific error that pops up says: "Cannot Start Microsoft Outlook. Cannot Open the Outlook Window. The set of folders cannot be opened. An unexpected error has occurred. MAPI was unable to load the information service..." Microsoft has blocked the update for users with older versions of Google Workspace Sync and recommends that you install the latest version. Microsoft 9. Problems with integrated cameras Some PCs with integrated cameras may run into trouble if you try to use the Windows camera app, the Windows Hello facial recognition, or another device that taps into the camera. Microsoft has blocked the 2024 update for affected computers and is still working on a fix for this glitch. Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET 10. Compatibility problems with Intel Smart Sound Technology drivers Certain versions of drivers for Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) on PCs with Windows 11 24H2 and Intel 11th Gen Core processors could trigger blue screens. Only PCs with Intel SST driver version 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152 are affected. You can find the problematic driver under System Devices in Device Manager by looking for a file named IntcAudioBus.sys. Affected PCs have been blocked from receiving the 2024 update. If you haven't yet updated Windows 11, Microsoft recommends that you first install the latest version of the SST Audio Controller drivers by going through the Windows Update settings screen. MicrosoftThese are just some of the glitches plaguing Microsoft and its users with the Windows 11 2024 update. Microsoft has listed others on its Known Issues and Notifications page. You can also see a list of previous bugs that have been fixed at the page for Resolved issues in Windows 11, version 24H2. I initially installed the update on a test Windows 11 PC in 2024 and bumped into a few of the bugs described here, along with others. A calendar and contact syncing program I used, called Sync2Cloud, wouldn't run in Windows 11 24H2. Two driver updates from Intel kept failing when I tried to install them. Connecting to the PC using Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection didn't always work the first time around. Since installing the latest patches over the past couple of months, two of the problems I encountered previously seem to have been corrected. I'm still having trouble connecting through Remote Desktop Connection. However, the April Patch Tuesday update promises to fix that one. Some conflicts are expected when Microsoft rolls out a major new Windows update. Even with widescale beta testing, not every potential problem will be found. However, any significant issues are still frustrating for those of us who need to use Windows for work and other tasks. Plus, some of the bugs have been around since last October with no fixes in sight. The number of bugs in Windows 11 24H2 also seems greater than in past annual Windows updates. The ongoing spread of one bug after another and Microsoft's need to stall the update for many people both point to a problem with this latest version. With Windows 10 support due to expire in October, the onus is on Microsoft to make sure that Windows 11 is much more reliable and stable for the users who will have to update. FAQ Show more How many patches has Microsoft issued so far?To address the barrage of bugs, the company has rolled out several sets of patches so far -- one in late October, another in mid-November, a third on December 10 as part of the monthly Patch Tuesday, a fourth in early January, a fifth on January 14 for the month's Patch Tuesday, a sixth to resolve some of the bugs introduced by the Patch Tuesday update, a seventh for February's Patch Tuesday, and an eighth for March's Patch Tuesday.TheOctober updatefixed a few bugs but also created a couple of new ones. TheNovember updateresolved some, but certainly not all, of the outstanding glitches. The December update addressed one specific glitch with certain USB-connected scanners and other devices.An early January patch finallyfixed conflicts with the Ubisoft gamesStar Wars Outlaws, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Assassin's Creed Origins, and Assassin's Creed Odyssey.But then came theJanuary 14 Patch Tuesday update. Instead of resolving some of the persistent issues, this one actually introduced a host of new bugs, creating conflicts with audio devices, Bluetooth connections, webcams, and more.However, there's been some light toward the end of the tunnel. On January 28, Microsoft released anoptional preview update for Windows 24H2that squashed a number of bugs. Several of the glitches were new ones added by the messy January 14 update. Others had been around since last year, some as old as October. The Patch Tuesday updates for February and March further addressed some of the persistent glitches.Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with ourTech Today newsletter.Security

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The Anker Nano charger is portable and fast, and has a 35% discount. However, you'll have to act quickly, as most deals have already been claimed.