More stories

  • in

    How to find out what apps are draining your Android phone’s battery

    Daniel Megias/Getty Images For some Android users, battery life can be a constant problem, especially when working with a non-flagship device (where batteries tend to be smaller and less capable of making it through the day) or with apps that aren’t optimized for battery life.  You’ve seen this plot play out in many films or […] More

  • in

    Women to surpass men in gen AI use by 2025, research predicts

    MicroStockHub/Getty Images The gender gap in artificial intelligence (AI) use appears to be closing — and fast.  On Tuesday, the Deloitte Center for Technology, Media and Telecommunications released new predictions around gender-based AI adoption that suggest women’s use of generative AI will “equal or exceed that of men” by the end of next year in the US and within […] More

  • in

    The best cheap phones in 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

    If there’s one mobile trend in the past decade that I’ll proudly stand by, it’s the fact that cheap phones are getting good. Really good. In today’s market, buying a phone that costs a fraction of the latest flagship iPhone or Samsung Galaxy doesn’t mean settling for a noticeably inferior experience. Instead, manufacturers have begun to bring core features such as wireless charging, 5G, and high-performance processors downmarket, making the more accessible tier of handsets just as worthy of your consideration.Also: The best phones of 2024 What is the best cheap phone right now? My pick for the best cheap phone overall goes to the CMF Phone 1 More

  • in

    Kirk and Spock reunite: AI gives us the Star Trek farewell we always wanted

    Screenshot by Jason Perlow/ZDNETFor decades, the friendship between Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock symbolized Star Trek’s core message of unity and hope. But for fans like me, their story felt unfinished — until now.As a lifelong Star Trek fan, I have always cherished the bond between Kirk and Spock. Their friendship was the heartbeat of the original series, embodying humanity’s best ideals by transcending logic and emotion. This is why Star Trek: Generations  (incidentally, the movie my future wife and I saw on our first date) left me with bittersweet closure 30 years ago. While Kirk’s death was undeniably heroic, sharing his final moments with Captain Picard felt incomplete because Spock wasn’t there. I have always wished for a different ending where Kirk and Spock could share a final farewell.Also: How Apple, Google, and Microsoft can save us from AI deepfakesWhen Leonard Nimoy passed away in 2015, that dream seemed impossible. But thanks to the Roddenberry Archive, that longing has been addressed. Their new short film, 765874 — *Unification*, brings together William Shatner’s Kirk and Leonard Nimoy’s Spock in a deeply emotional farewell that left me in tears. Directed by Carlos Baena and enhanced by advanced AI and deepfake technology from the cloud graphics firm OTOY, the film bridges a decades-old gap in the Star Trek universe and provides the moment of closure that fans like me have been craving for years.[embedded content]A reunion that feels rightWatching Kirk and Spock share the screen again feels like reconnecting with an old friend. The film imagines Kirk leaving the Nexus, where he existed outside of time after Generations, to visit Spock in his final moments. This profoundly emotional encounter blends nostalgia with raw poignancy. For fans who grew up with these characters, it feels like both a farewell and a celebration of their bond.The performance is a testament to the care and artistry behind the production. Actor Lawrence Selleck portrays Spock’s physical presence, while advanced CGI and deepfake technology restore Nimoy’s unmistakable features. The result is a seamless blend of old and new, preserving Spock’s essence in a way that feels authentic. Every expression and nuance — from his calm demeanor to the famous eyebrow raise — reflects the Spock we know and love. More

  • in

    ‘Scam yourself’ attacks just increased over 600% – here’s what to look for

    Kulpreya Chaichatpornsuk/Getty Images Most people are keeping a close eye out for online scams these days, but if you’re not careful, you might do the scammers’ work for them. A new study from Gen, the company behind cybersecurity brands like Norton, Avast, LifeLock, AVG, ReputationDefender, and CCleaner, shines some light on “scam yourself” attacks that […] More

  • in

    You can now talk with ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode on the web

    Volha Yemialyantsava/Getty Images If you rely on ChatGPT for your everyday workflow, you are likely used to having a tab open with the chatbot on your desktop at all times. Now, right from your desktop, you’ll have the chance to access OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode — and you’ll want to.  Also: Google’s Gemini Advanced gets a very […] More