EschCollection/Getty Images Business leaders recognize the value of intellectual property (IP) — they go to great lengths to ensure their organization’s best ideas don’t fall into the hands of competitors, using everything from tight data policies to strict access privileges and enforceable patent applications. However, sometimes professionals benefit from working with people in organizations that might […] More
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETMicrosoft wants people to upgrade to Windows 11, but the company certainly doesn’t make it easy. The latest version of Windows imposes strict hardware and security requirements, ruling out older PCs that don’t make the grade. Plus, Microsoft makes it almost impossible to use a local account with a new Windows 11 installation. So, what can you do if you want to jump to Windows 11 but keep bumping into Microsoft’s restrictions?I regularly use Rufus, a handy and free Windows installation tool. Designed to run or install Windows from a USB drive, Rufus can help you sneak past some of Microsoft’s stringent and annoying requirements. You can tell Rufus to sidestep the hardware constraints, bypass the need for a Microsoft account, and choose a name for the local account you want to use.Also: Microsoft is changing how it delivers Windows updates: 4 things you need to knowYou can skirt past the hardware restrictions whether you’re upgrading your existing Windows 10 PC or installing Windows 11 on a clean computer. The account type you use depends on whether you’re upgrading or installing Windows 11 fresh. An upgrade to Windows 11 will preserve whatever type of account you set up in Windows 10 — local or Microsoft. With a fresh install, however, Rufus will let you opt for a local account, which Microsoft doesn’t easily allow.Here’s how this all works.How to install Windows 11 the way you want with RufusWhat you’ll need: Before you can use Rufus, you’ll need an ISO file of the latest version of Windows 11, which you can get from Microsoft’s website. You’ll also need a USB drive with at least 8GB of space. More
Raimund Linke/Getty Images Linux is a powerful operating system that also happens to be the most secure platform on the market. With plenty of security features and sub-systems, anyone using the open-source OS can add even more security and privacy, thanks to groups. Groups make it possible to control what files and folders users have […] More
Google Ever since Google released the first iteration of Gemini, then known as Bard, the AI chatbot has gone through several iterations in attempts to compete with giants like ChatGPT. Now, Google is at it again, giving Gemini a facelift with an LLM upgrade and other highly anticipated features. On Thursday, Google announced the chatbot […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETI’ve been using Pixel phones since the very first iteration. The relationship has been filled with ups and downs. Some of the downs (such as call quality) have improved enough that they’re no longer an issue. Google’s overall track record with Pixel releases has nevertheless always been pretty shaky.I remember, back with the Pixel 3, the call quality was atrocious. The Pixel 4 seemed to fix the issue, but the battery life was dreadful. The call quality on the Pixel 5 regressed, but the battery life was great.Also: Pixel 9? Pixel Watch 3? The date for the next Made by Google event is sooner than everWith every step forward, there seems to be a couple of steps backward. At the same time, companies like Nothing are producing exciting phones and developing a reputation for consistency and quality. With the Nothing Phone 3 on the horizon, it’s becoming challenging to convince myself that the Pixel is still the phone for me. More
Lossless audio has risen in popularity in recent years thanks to Apple’s implementation of the technology in Apple Music. This MP3 player from Fiio is perfect for lossless audio tracks thanks to a custom-made chip, which provides lower noise floor and distortion. The player comes with Android 10 right out of the box so that you can access the Play Store and whatever streaming app is your go-to. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and when set into Bluetooth receiver mode, it becomes a high-quality Bluetooth amplifier with better frequency response. Reddit users recommend using cable headphone to get the best sound out of it, but note that even the Bluetooth sound via LDAC is much better compared to a smartphone.Fiio M11S specs: Storage: 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage | Battery: 13 hours | Display: 5.15-inch bezel-less (1440 x 720 ) touchscreen | Media types: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, DXD More
Max Buondonno/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe $1,099 Galaxy Z Flip 6 More
Stack Social If you live near a BJ’s Wholesale Club and have been thinking about buying a membership, now is a great time: New members can buy an annual membership for just $20 (reg. $55) through this Stack Social deal — saving you 63%. Also: The best Prime Day deals: Live updates BJ’s is similar to […] More
