iPhones May Soon Accept Card Payments, Making Cash Obsolete

Buying a food truck taco with your phone? With direct iPhone-to-iPhone payments using the same NFC chips that enable Apple Pay. Imagine shopping at a flea market and being able to pay by card. Clay Banks / Unsplash In theory, anyone with an iPhone might accept credit card payments, from food trucks tohomeless magazine vendors. But unlike the now almost-universal Apple Pay, this new scheme already has some competition. “Apple Pay isn’t the only game in town,” Japan-based attorneyMatthew Cartertold Lifewire via email....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 276 words · Kristi Cooley

iPod nano: Everything You Need to Know

Apple discontinued the entire iPod nano line on July 27, 2017. While there are no new iPod nanos coming, there are lots still in use. This article can help iPod nano owners continue to enjoy the devices. Check out the end of the article for information on the end of the nano). The set-up process is pretty easy and quick. There are a few ways to do this, but the easiest is probably by using third-partysoftware....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 265 words · Michelle Ramirez

IPv4 vs. IPv6: What's the Difference?

IPv6 lets more devices use the internet There are twoInternet Protocol (IP)types: IPv4 and IPv6. What does an upgraded IP do? Is IPv6 better than IPv4? KTSDESIGN / Science Photo Library / Getty Images Let’s look at what these terms mean and how they’re different. What IPv4 and IPv6 Mean IPv4 stands forIP version 4. It was developed byDARPAand started being used in 1983, and is still widely used today....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 362 words · Grant Lopez

IPVanish Review 2024: Good for Beginners, but Privacy-Critical Users Should Avoid

(Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by CNET’s parent company, Ziff Davis.) IPVanish delivers consistent performance across platforms and is mostly effective for streaming. I also tested IPVanishs streaming performance through various server locations on many of the most popular streaming sites. Ultimately, I was underwhelmed by how little IPVanish has improved its service over the past couple of years. Apart from a few minor enhancements, IPVanish is basically the same service it was two years ago....

April 15, 2025 · 3 min · 564 words · William Cummings

iRobot Announces New Roomba j7+

Users can configure the j7+ to note a persons cleaning preferences such as which area often needs cleaning. Users can create schedules for the j7+ with the Clean-While-Im-Away feature. It recognizes and avoids cords and solid pet waste, too. iRobot iRobot says it will replace any j7+ unit if it ever runs over any pet waste. The Roomba j7+ is available for purchase with a price tag of $849 on thecompanys website....

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 86 words · Shawna Lucas

IRS Adds Option That Lets Taxpayers Skip Facial Recognition

Taxpayers will still need to use ID.me to register for an online IRS account. The interview option doesn’t use facial recognition, and no biometric data is required. People will need to show some documents and answer “a few questions” to verify their identity. People can still use biometric verification through ID.me’s self-assistance tool if they choose, according to the IRS. The IRS didn’t respond to a request for additional information.

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 70 words · Robert Brown

IRS Warns of Dangerous New Tax Scam Involving W-2 Forms

But there is also the risk of criminal prosecution. “There is no secret way to get free money.”

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 18 words · Thomas Martin

IRS Warns Taxpayers to Carefully Choose Their Tax Preparer: What to Know

“Criminals are attracted to the tax preparation business to commit crimes and rip people off.” Maybe you’re still getting things so that do your 2024 taxes. For more on taxes, don’t miss our 2025tax cheat sheetwith essential tips you should know. Ready to file your taxes? Get started with one of CNET’s partner offers. Eligible taxpayers are encouraged to use the VITA Locator Tool online or call800-906-9887. Watch out for red flags of tax preparers There are some clear signs when something is amiss....

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 167 words · Amy Hart

Is 'Healthy Coke' Healthier Than Real Coke?

It consists of ice, balsamic vinegar and sparkling water. Yes, you read that right: Balsamic vinegar – the ingredient you add to salad dressings. The idea is that the mixture is supposed to taste like Coca-Cola. To find out, I spoke with a couple of dietitians and a dentist. Here’s what they had to say about this latest TikTok trend. As a result of these habits, many people end up developing disordered eating....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 227 words · Penny Carpenter

Is 2025 the Year of Crypto?

Notably, younger generations may view the market differently. Here’s what we learned. Will the government stance on crypto change this year? Historically, the federal government, especially the SEC, has been wary of the cryptocurrency industry. Under Gary Gensler, the former SEC chair, the SEC filed high-profile lawsuits against crypto companies likeCoinbaseandKraken. and Crypto Czar." “So, definitely, we should expect a different approach to crypto.” Could the crypto market see new laws on the books?...

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 276 words · Mr. Jose Freeman PhD

Is a Selfie Stick Worth It? 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy One

Go for wider shots and steadier selfies Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Is a Selfie Stick Worth It? Jasper Cole / Getty Images 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy One Selfie sticks might seem like a frivolous mobile or camera accessory. Let’s see if selfie sticks deserve a spot next to your camera phone. Who Should Buy a Selfie Stick?...

April 15, 2025 · 3 min · 441 words · Brian Yu

Is a Tax Prep Service Promising You a Huge Tax Refund? It Could Be a Scam

A big tax refund might sound tempting, but beware of the ghost tax preparer. TheInternal Revenue Service estimatedthat $9.1 billion worth of tax fraud and financial crimes were committed in 2024. Here’s how they work and how to avoid them. File your tax return with one of CNET’s tax partners. Ghost preparer tax scams can vary, but they usually go something like this. After you file, the ghost preparer might even take off with your refund, then disappear....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 290 words · Andrew Kelly

Is a Used Mac mini Worth Buying?

What Is a Mac mini? The Mac mini is Apple’s smallest, least-expensive desktop Mac. You’ll need to supply your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse. But to answer the main question: Yes, it’s worth buying a used Mac mini. Now, the usual caveats apply, of course. It needs to be completely functional, and it needs to launch the software you plan to use. Despite the low price, the Mac mini is a practical and reliable used Mac desktop....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 364 words · David Whitehead