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Jack WallenZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways NixOS is an open-source operating system that is available to install and use for free. It offers several desktop environments to choose from, is as rock-solid as any OS on the market, and performs quite well. However, there’s a fairly steep learning curve for installing non-free software. Before we get into this review, I want to offer some information for new Linux users. If you’re uncomfortable using the command line…

ZDNET Decades ago, if you wanted information on anything, you would go to the library and open a book. That changed with the emergence of the web and search engines, where now all you have to do is type in a search query and get all the information you could ever want. As if that wasn’t easy enough, artificial intelligence (AI) is here to make information gathering even more hands-off. Earlier this month, Microsoft launched Copilot…

PerlaStudio/Getty Images Between unencrypted messaging hacks, data breaches, and AI scam calls, smartphone-centered security threats appear to be everywhere. iVerify found that one type of spyware is trying to make a comeback. Also: Why you should power off your phone once a week – according to the NSA Recently, the mobile security firm resurfaced findings from its spyware detection feature: Out of 2,500 device scans that customers submitted for inspection, seven devices had been infected by the infamous…

ZDNET’s key takeaways Pinwheel phones start at $100 and offer parental control features. There’s a curated app store and call and text history. While phones are inexpensive, the Pinwheel features are available through a quarterly or annual subscription, on top of a mobile data plan. more buying choices Second grade feels too young to get a smartphone, yet my second-grader welcomes the idea with open arms. While she loves her Fitbit Ace LTE for communication…

OpenAI Whenever a company announces a fancy new AI feature, I think to myself… “Wow, I can take a pic of a plate of sushi, turn it into a cartoon character, and make it dance with a single prompt.” Incredible… Truly life-changing stuff. 😐 Sarcasm aside, OpenAI Sora is cool.  Also: Is this the end of Google? This new AI tool isn’t just competing, it’s winning But I had to ask myself… “Self, how can…

ZDNET Microsoft Copilot is one of the easier AI tools to use on Microsoft Windows. You can access it from the desktop or the web browser.  If your operating system of choice is MacOS, there are a few options within the App Store (such as Nextbot). However, if you use Linux, you’ll find that Microsoft has yet to release an official Copilot app that can be installed on your distribution of choice. Also: 5 biggest Linux…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Samsung Neo QLED (QN90D) 98-inch TV lists for $15,000, but is marked down to $13,000 at most vendors. Its picture quality rivals OLED models in contrast and motion handling while exceeding most of them in peak brightness. The location of its connection ports can make setting up such a large TV a bit fussy. more buying choices It’s rare for me to be blown away by the picture quality of any…

ZDNET Ever wished you could unlock your door with just a glance? Smart locks that unlock your door with a code or thumbprint are common these days, and there are even versions that automatically unlock your door when you get close enough. Apple, though, is taking it a step further. In his latest Power On newsletter, Apple Insider Mark Gurman reveals that Apple is working on a smart doorbell that unlocks your door through facial recognition…

ZDNET It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. It was the age of wise development. It was the age of open-source business foolishness. It was the spring of AI hope. It was the winter of security despair. The year 2024 saw major advances in Linux and open-source software development. However, it also witnessed some disturbing open-source business moves that raised concerns about its future. Let’s start with the bad news….

Why is Aliro a hot startup to watch? Quantum networking is very much in the pioneer phase, and Aliro is an early mover. The startup is backed by Accenture Ventures and Cisco Investments, and Aliro has already landed contracts with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to provide software and professional services. This will enable AFRL to simulate, test, and operate entanglement-based quantum network infrastructure, including connecting quantum computers with heterogeneous qubit platforms. Automox Year…