Eliana Willis

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETThose who like to spice up text messages with emojis may get tired of using the same old generic images. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could create your own emojis? Now, you can, if you own an iPhone or iPad that supports Apple Intelligence.Unveiled in iOS/iPadOS 18.2, a new feature called Genmoji lets you cook up your custom emoji. Just describe the character or object you envision, and Apple’s AI does its best to match your description. You can then insert your new emoji in a message, copy it, share it, add a caption, and save it as a sticker to reuse it. Here’s how this process works.Also: Apple Intelligence will improve Siri in 2024, but don’t expect most updates until 2025To use any of the Apple Intelligence AI features, including Genmoji, you must have the right device. That means any iPhone 16 More

ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 USB-C cable with power meter. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETIf you’re a professional repair technician, then having one or more USB power meters in your toolkit is essential. These devices are invaluable as they provide a quick and efficient means of diagnosing issues. A USB power meter can instantly read voltage and amperage, what power protocols are being used, and much more, helping technicians pinpoint power-related problems with various devices. This capability makes them an indispensable, time-saving tool in the fast-paced environment of electronic repairs.Also: My favorite USB-C stocking stuffers for tech-savvy friends and familyBut if you’re a hobbyist, investing over $100 in a high-end, feature-packed USB power meter might not make sense. For most enthusiasts, a simpler power meter that covers the basics is more than sufficient. Such a device can provide essential readings like voltage and current, which are typically all that’s needed to carry out routine checks and minor repairs. This way, hobbyists can enjoy the practical benefits of a USB power meter without the steep cost associated with more advanced models.This is what the ChargerLAB Power-Z AK001 More

Getty Images/Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library Slowly but surely, Starlink is growing into a leading broadband internet alternative. Its network of low Earth orbit satellites ensures its users high-speed internet access, even in areas where traditional infrastructure such as cell towers can’t reach. Now, that technology can provide service to your mobile device.  On Monday, T-Mobile […] More

Screenshot by Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETOpenAI upped the ante in the video generation space earlier this month, making Sora — its state-of-the-art text-to-video generator model — available to ChatGPT Plus users with Sora Turbo. Now, Google is gearing up to compete with the launch of its most advanced video generator. On Monday, Google launched Veo 2, a text-to-video generator that boasts improvements from the company’s previous model, including a better understanding of real-world physics, which helps the AI produce better generations with more detail and realism, according to Google. Also: This new Google AI tool lets you easily generate images from other photos – no prompt requiredThe videos generated can reach up to 4K resolution and, Google said, can tackle common video generator challenges — including hallucinations such as extra fingers. When evaluated by human raters against other leading video models, including Sora Turbo, Kiling v1.5, and Meta Movie Gen, Veo 2 was voted best on overall performance and prompt adherence.  More

Google’s Willow quantum computing chip has 105 physical qubits crafted from superconducting “transmons,” a technique pioneered in 2007 at Yale University. Google Google’s quantum computing scientists this month demonstrated breakthroughs in the field that reinforce the sense that quantum computing is for real and will be able to find its place among other kinds of […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The LTV-3500 Pro projector is available now from the official AWOL site for $6,000. The LTV-3500 Pro projector creates some of the clearest images of any projector I’ve used, and the screen is remarkable, even with too much ambient light. The AWOL package is far too expensive for most family budgets. […] More

Netflix Several months ago, Netflix made it easier to watch your favorite moments again and again and share them with friends. With the new “Moments” feature, you can quickly bookmark a scene while watching on your phone. At first, this was only available on iOS, but now it’s available on Android too.  Here’s how it works: […] More

DKosig/Getty Images Have you decided what to do with your Windows 10 PCs when they reach their official end-of-support date less than a year from now? I know some people who are convinced that Microsoft will back down at the last minute and extend that deadline. Take this prediction to the bank: That’s not gonna happen.  Also: […] More