NETWORKING

PM Images/Getty Images The generative AI boom might have started with the launch of ChatGPT, but the technology has now been integrated into all kinds of productivity platforms designed to make our everyday workflows easier. A fear many people have when they hear about AI use in the workplace is that the technology will replace them. However, the tools I’m talking about here won’t do the work for you — rather, they can increase your work productivity….

Kerry Wan/ZDNET If you’ve been missing Google Assistant since Gemini took over, you’ll want to know about a major upgrade coming to your phone. One of the biggest complaints about Gemini on Android is that it lacks a lot of the basic functionality that Google Assistant had like setting alarms and timers and controlling media. Also: Why I recommend this Google Pixel phone to most people A new “Utilities” extension aims to fix that. As Google…

It’s been several years since I evaluated the first-generation Moto G Stylus, and a lot has improved. My ZDNET colleague Kerry Wan covered all of the specifications of the latest model, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), and what to expect in the $399 Android smartphone, so I won’t repeat all that here. Instead, I’ve been testing the phone for a couple of months with my T-Mobile SIM and will share my experience with it…

Lance Whitney/ZDNET Have you recently checked the notes in Apple Notes on your iPhone only to discover that they’ve mysteriously disappeared? You’re not alone. The problem is apparently hitting other iPhone users as well. But fear not for there is a fix. Based on reports from 9to5Mac and other tech outlets, the hiccup pops up after you accept new iCloud terms and conditions presented to you on your phone. After opening Apple Notes, you then…

Buena Vista Images/Getty Images In today’s fragmented social media landscape, staying active across multiple platforms can feel like a full-time job. Many people have started seeking alternatives with the recent shifts at X (formerly Twitter), including the rise in toxicity, relaxed moderation, and decisions that undermine the blocking feature.  Also: How to easily fly away from X to Bluesky without losing your flock – for now Mastodon, Bluesky, Threads, and other networks have grown in popularity as users…

Today’s state-of-the-art drones do more than just capture stunning aerial photos and video. Many boast advanced features like autonomous flight modes and obstacle avoidance systems. What was once the stuff of science fiction is now a reality, highlighting the incredible strides made in drone innovation. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a tech enthusiast, or someone whose job requires them to take photos from above (engineer or realtor, for example), drones are fast becoming a must-have. Also: The…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Pixel 9 is Google’s latest baseline flagship phone, starting at $649 ahead of Black Friday. It comes with the new Tensor G4 processor, an updated design, a bigger battery, and a slightly higher asking price. The hardware improvements over last year’s model are relatively small. more buying choices I had a chance to attend the Made by Google event back in August, and after the keynote wrapped up, I was more…

Dell released a squad of high-performing, versatile laptops this year, including the XPS 16, our pick for best Windows laptop of 2024, and the Alienware m18 R2, our favorite gaming laptop. With high-end hardware, bold design, and adaptable form factors, it’s no wonder that Dell devices have performed so well. Ahead of Black Friday, we’re already seeing some unbeatable deals.  Also: The best Black Friday deals live now If you’ve been looking at scoring a…

While the screwdriver is a timeless classic of any toolbox and has a nostalgic charm, we’re in the age of innovation, and there’s no better moment than now to electrify your toolbox with the power of electric screwdrivers.  Picture this scene: you’re hours deep in a DIY project, wallowing in a sea of screws, each one laughing in the face of your ever-weakening manual efforts.  You toss your old grandpa’s screwdriver to one side and…