Consumer Technology & Gadgets / Consumer electronics

'Terminalification' refers to the shift from owning diverse physical consumer electronic devices to relying on streamlined smart technology that functions primarily through subscription services. This trend raises concerns about the loss of traditional ownership and control over device functionality, as users increasingly depend on ongoing service payments to access features and content.

Subscription services transform consumer electronics from standalone products into platforms that require continuous payments for full functionality. This model can limit user ownership rights, as access to software, updates, and content may cease if subscriptions end, effectively reducing device capabilities and altering the traditional consumer experience.

The Computer-2 is a mini-ITX computer case made from a single sheet of semi-transparent foldable plastic, featuring snap hooks and living hinges for screw-free assembly. It was designed to be the cheapest computer case in the world, ultimately priced at zero dollars and given away for free as a marketing experiment.

The Computer-2 case supports a mini-ITX motherboard, an SFX power supply, and a dual-slot graphics card up to 180mm in length. It is designed as a small form factor case suitable for compact PC builds.

Concept Plumage is a smartphone case featuring a physical, tactile keyboard integrated into a half-screen, half-keyboard design. It revives the clamshell phone concept with a hinge mechanism, offering precise typing and a clear separation between work and leisure. This design disrupts the typical flat touchscreen experience by providing a mechanical keyboard for error-free typing, appealing especially to users who value tactile feedback in a digital age.

The standout gadgets of July 2025 emphasize sleek, minimalist designs with clean lines and clever mechanics that integrate seamlessly into daily life. They focus on solving practical problems quickly while elevating user routines, such as wireless chargers that reduce workspace clutter or devices that enhance productivity through innovative interfaces. This blend of cutting-edge design and purposeful function defines the month's hottest tech.

Smart notebooks are digital or hybrid notebooks that allow users to write manually but then digitize their notes for easy editing, searching, and sharing. They improve productivity by enabling quick retrieval of information, facilitating collaboration on group projects, and reducing paper use, which also benefits the environment. Some smart notebooks come with features like OCR text recognition and real-time synchronization with mobile devices.

Notebook whiteboards combine the portability and permanence of traditional notebooks with the reusability of whiteboards. Unlike permanent paper notebooks, they offer erasable pages that can be rewritten endlessly, reducing paper waste. Compared to bulky wall whiteboards, they are compact and portable, making them ideal for on-the-go study sessions. They help students organize thoughts visually, boost creativity, and improve focus by providing a screen-free space for brainstorming and planning.

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A portable SSD such as the Crucial X9 Pro is recommended because it provides a reliable, fast, and compact way to back up important academic documents, lab reports, and syllabi. Its small size, durability with an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, and speedy performance make it ideal for students who need to carry their data securely and access it anywhere on campus.

Students should select tech gadgets by balancing performance, portability, and price while considering their academic requirements (such as software needs for STEM or humanities courses), lifestyle factors (like portability for commuters or battery life for long study sessions), and budget constraints. Additionally, taking advantage of student discounts can make midrange devices more affordable.

ZDNET readers are purchasing a variety of innovative gadgets in 2025, including Bluetooth finder tags like the Chipolo One Point, USB-C magnetic adapters, mini projectors such as the DotterPod Mini, and advanced devices like robot vacuums with mechanical arms and rollable laptops from Lenovo. These gadgets are designed to enhance productivity and convenience both at home and in the office.

The new robot vacuums, such as the Roborock Saros Z70, include a mechanical arm with OmniGrip technology that can pick up small obstacles weighing under 8 ounces while vacuuming and mopping. This innovation eliminates the need for users to clear floors of clothes, toys, or other items before cleaning, making the process more autonomous and efficient.

The 'Dive In' theme at CES 2025 emphasized uniting global innovators, decision-makers, and visionaries to explore transformative technologies that will shape future ways of life. It promoted collaboration among international tech companies to foster innovative solutions and progress in the technology sector.

Chinese companies showcased a variety of innovative products including rollable PCs, AI-driven TVs, and smart media centers. For example, BOE partnered with Qualcomm to present the industry's first 65-inch 4K AI Media Center featuring computer vision and generative AI capabilities such as remote 'watch together,' real-time translation, travel planning, and smart home management. Additionally, several Chinese manufacturers launched AI glasses, including models designed for the hearing impaired.