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ZDNET I often need random passwords. Mostly, those passwords are used for the creation of user accounts on apps and services, at which point I’ll use my password manager that includes a very good random password generator. But other times, I might need a temporary password that doesn’t require saving in a password manager. Or maybe it’s a permanent password, but I’m logged into my desktop from a remote machine, and the command line is…

ZDNET If you’re an Android user, you are familiar with Gemini, as it has replaced Google Assistant as the default. Although Gemini is a powerful and helpful tool, some worry that it invades their privacy. If you use the default settings, that concern is not too far from the truth. If you happen to share that mindset, I have five tips to help you maximize your privacy when using Gemini on your Android device. Also: How…

From academic to entrepreneur Goodwin says the transition from academics to running a company has been pretty smooth. He points out that the academic world has a competitive aspect to it. “You end up a founding team of one for a company that is your thesis effort. You need to ensure that you have a competitive edge and a different angle than other people in the field,” he says. “The Ph.D is high-altitude training for…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Oukitel WP100 Titan will be available on Amazon in mid-April for around $599. With a built-in projector, massive battery, rugged chassis, and powerful light, this phone is ideal for outdoorsy types. It’s also massive, and weighs nearly 1.5 pounds. I have in my hand the single heaviest phone I’ve ever reviewed. It’s beefy in a way I never imagined a phone would be. This phone weighs 1.93 pounds. Pounds! To put…

simonkr/Getty Images Ongoing Trump administration cuts to government agencies risk creating new collateral damage: the future of AI research.  On Monday, Bloomberg reported that the February layoffs at the National Science Foundation (NSF) of 170 people — including several AI experts — will inevitably throttle funding for AI research. Since 1950, the NSF has awarded grants that led to massive tech breakthroughs, including the algorithmic basis for Google and the building blocks for AI chatbots. …

A virtual private network and antivirus perfectly complement each other to fend off cyber threats. As the VPN provides privacy and data security online, the antivirus remains vigilant against potential offline threats that can infiltrate your system. Some providers package the two together for less, saving you the additional costs of buying them separately. In most cases, however, a VPN with antivirus may not be as effective for cleaning your system as a dedicated antivirus,…

Adam Breeden/ZDNET Google is rolling out its March 2025 Pixel feature drop, bringing some serious upgrades to the entire Pixel family.  Also: 4 Pixel phone tricks every user should know – including my favorite Most Pixel phones are getting new scam detection, the Pixel Watch 3 is receiving a first-of-its-kind feature, there’s a new option to share your location with friends, and more.  What’s new in the March 2025 Pixel feature drop? Among all the new…

Google/ZDNET As far back as 2023, Google was reportedly working on an AI assistant for Pixel phones called “Pixie.” Many people expected to see that assistant debut with the Pixel 9, but we haven’t really heard anything about that project since. Until now. Pixel Sense on Pixel 10 According to a report from Android Authority, Google is dropping a new context-aware assistant with the Pixel 10 — Pixel Sense. Also: Gemini Live just got much easier…

Netskope is expanding its global presence by adding multiple regions to its NewEdge carrier-grade infrastructure, which now includes more than 75 locations to ensure processing remains close to end users. The secure access service edge (SASE) provider also enhanced its digital experience monitoring (DEM) capabilities with AI-powered root-cause analysis and automated network diagnostics. “We are announcing continued expansion of our infrastructure and our continued focus on resilience. I’m a believer that nothing gets adopted if…

The idea behind tariffs is to increase domestic manufacturing, but Almassy notes the United Stated doesn’t have the manufacturing capacity or capability that Taiwan does. TSMC, Samsung, and GlobalFoundries have some fabs here but they are not building the most leading edge technologies. “Those are all in Taiwan at the moment. Those fabs take years to ramp up right. And then you need the workforce to be able to turn them into profitable factories. It…