Eliana Willis

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    in Robotics

    There’s one new Pixel ‘upgrade’ you might not love – here’s how to fix it

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETGoogle just released its March Pixel drop, which added 10 major upgrades, but the features are still coming for Pixel owners. A recent software update is adding some camera functionality across the board, providing a performance boost for older phones, and adding a change that many people aren’t liking.Here’s what’s new with Pixel devices. 1. Camera upgrades for both the Pixel phone and tablet Pixel Camera 9.8 started rolling out today, and while it’s not a major overhaul, it does add some nice features for Pixel phones and the Pixel Tablet. To start, Google clarified some details about the “raise your hand” gesture that lets you take a picture by holding your palm up. In addition to the front selfie camera, the gesture also works with the higher-quality rear camera. Also: Goodbye Gemini, hello Pixel Sense? What we know about Google’s AI assistant for Pixel 10In addition, Pixel Fold users are getting some new functionality in the form of Dual Screen Preview for video recording. This means you can use both the internal and external displays while taking video. Google is also bringing Add Me to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. If you’re not familiar, this feature uses AR to add people to group shots by blending two photos together. All of this is in addition to the Pixel Feature Drop a few days ago, which added the capability to connect your Pixel phone to a GoPro (or another Pixel phone camera) and stream from different angles. More

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    in Information Technology

    Android’s AI is scanning your phone for scam activity now in two ways

    Google/ZDNETCybercriminals have increasingly been using AI to scam their victims, often through text messages and phone calls. Now, Google is using a similar tactic to protect you from those scammers.Also: Did you get an E-ZPass text demanding payment? Don’t click – it’s a scamOn Tuesday, Google announced two AI-powered scam detection features for calls and text messages on Android devices. The goal is to thwart more complex and sophisticated attacks, especially those that may seem harmless at first but then devolve into riskier territory. 1. Scam detection for MessagesFirst up is scam detection for messages. Enhancing the existing spam protection in Google’s Messages app, the new scam detection is designed to look for a greater variety of threats. With this option enabled in Google Messages, the built-in AI uses real-time detection to determine if and when a text conversation seems suspicious. Let’s say you receive a text from a stranger that starts off innocently enough. But after a few back-and-forth messages, the conversation veers into an unexpected area. Once it detects a suspicious text, the on-device AI steps in to warn you that this is likely a scam. You’ll then be given the option to dismiss the warning or report and block the sender. By checking the ongoing conversation for any red flags, Google’s detection should prove more effective than other security tools that can only block or allow an initial text. The new detection works with SMS, MMS, and RCS messages, so you’re covered no matter which format is used.Turned on by default in MessagesScam detection for Google Messages is turned on by default, though you can turn it off at any time if you want to opt out. It also affects conversations only with people not in your contact list. Also: Why rebooting your phone daily is your best defense against zero-click attacksFurther, Google promises that your conversations will remain private. If you report a suspicious exchange, only the sender details and recent texts with that person are shared with Google and your mobile carrier. The new option is now rolling out in English across the US, UK, and Canada and will soon head to other countries. More

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    in Robotics

    This Vizio soundbar sounds as impressive as speakers twice its price

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE system is available now for only $249. It has immersive surround sound at an affordable price thanks to customizable EQ settings and sound modes. The Bluetooth connection can sometimes be spotty, and be prepared to hide lots of wires. more buying choices One of the easiest […] More

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    This midrange OnePlus phone was a steal at full price – now it’s on sale

    OnePlus Open June Wan/ZDNETMidrange smartphones like the OnePlus Nord N30 are a nice alternative to high-end devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S25. They provide a premium experience without the exorbitant cost. And now, thanks to a new deal, this already affordable phone is even cheaper.Also: This new OnePlus Open deal knocks $500 off and even lets you save on earbudsTypically, the device costs $300. But by entering the code “LUCKY25” at checkout, you shave $70 off the Nord N30’s price tag, making it a $230 More

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    in Robotics

    I wore a low-cost, OTC continuous glucose monitor for two weeks – what I learned

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Abbott Lingo is a $50 continuous glucose monitor that tracks your blood sugar for two weeks It can help people understand how their diets impact their glucose levels and make changes accordingly The app’s suggestions and recommendations could be more insightful to promote daily use. –> There are plenty of […] More

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    in Robotics

    Forget Siri: Apple Intelligence’s true potential on iPad and Mac lies in third-party apps

    Maria Diaz/ZDNETApple is slowly upgrading its entire device lineup to adopt its artificial intelligence features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella. Although progress is going at a snail’s pace for iPads, with the newest iPad base model excluded from the AI features entirely, the company is also highlighting its focus on third-party integrations with Apple Intelligence. Some of these integrations have been around since the release of Apple Intelligence, while others are just now reaching their intended potential. Also: Why the new $349 iPad is sneakily Apple’s best hardware deal right nowIn its current state, Apple Intelligence is limited to relatively simple, almost entry-level features, such as Writing Tools to generate and summarize text and other AI tools for art generation. While the offerings are expected to expand with future updates, you can now use these tools in third-party apps, which often elevates the power of the available Apple Intelligence tools.For example, you can use Image Playground, Apple’s generative art tool, to generate images within a Final Cut Pro More