Eliana Willis

Beth Mauder/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Husqvarna Automower 430X More

Download a lifetime license to Microsoft Office at a deep discount with this deal. Stack Social If you need access to Microsoft Office but don’t want to pay the yearly fee to access Office 365, you’re in luck: Stack Social is offering a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows or Mac, starting […] More

SynthesiaDon’t have time to record a message, but think it would be better coming from your face? Generative AI video startup Synthesia has a solution.Following last month’s release of Synthesia 2.0, an end-to-end video creation platform for enterprises, the startup announced on Wednesday that it is making Personal Avatars, its lifelike AI digital twin feature, available for all users. Also: I’ve tested dozens of AI chatbots since ChatGPT’s debut. Here’s my new top pick”Whether you’re a content creator, educator, business professional, or simply someone who loves to connect with others online, Personal Avatars offer a new and dynamic way to enhance how you communicate and collaborate,” the company’s blog post states.Synthesia users can generate their Personal Avatar using two minutes of video footage taken on a phone or webcam. To create more engaging, realistic content, the company’s AI feature focuses on accurate lip-syncing and provides natural-looking backgrounds. More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETOne cool feature Apple’s M3 MacBook Air offers is support for dual monitors. With the lid closed on the 13-inch or the 15-inch M3 Air, you can view the screen on two external monitors at the same time. One external monitor can display the screen with a resolution as high as 6K at 60Hz, while the second monitor’s resolution can go as high as 5K at 60Hz. If you bought the M3 MacBook Pro that launched in October 2023, you can now enjoy the same feature. Thanks to a recent software update, the dual monitor feature will work the same way on the M3 MacBook Pro as it does on the M3 Air. Also: I recommend this 4K portable monitor to just about every type of user (including gamers)In a support page updated on Tuesday, Apple explained how to use a dual monitor setup with either M3-based MacBook. More

bymuratdeniz/Getty Images Microsoft 365<!–> subscribers looking for a VPN to protect their internet connections can now turn to a free option available with Microsoft Defender. In a new FAQ on its website, Microsoft described the privacy protection now included with Defender for individuals with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan. Available in the US, […] More

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Onyx Boox Page More

Get Windows 11 Pro at a big discount right now. StackSocial Need an operating system upgrade? Windows 11 Pro puts productivity in your hands with features that make everything from hybrid work to streaming entertainment easy, and you can grab the software for a discounted price right now through StackSocial. A lifetime subscription for the […] More

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETIn a recent ZDNET article, my friend and colleague David Gewirtz explained why he considers the upcoming iPhone 16, with its focus on iOS 18 and Apple Intelligence, an essential upgrade.While I value David’s perspective, I beg to differ.Also: Apple Intelligence arrives in iOS 18.1 developer beta. Here’s what’s new for iPhoneDavid argues that the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in iOS 18 makes the iPhone 16 a necessary upgrade for him, emphasizing the potential of Apple Intelligence to revolutionize how we interact with our devices. While I agree with his view in the long term, I’m not convinced that the first version of Apple Intelligence will represent the big leap forward in usability that so many are anticipating. Every year, my wife and I eagerly await the release of the new iPhone. Being part of Apple’s Upgrade Program More