<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Hatch Restore 3 retails for $170 and comes in three neutral colors. It has a new design with bigger buttons and an upgraded app with more bedtime routines. The device is rather large, and you’ll have to pay for a monthly subscription to utilize the app’s whole experience. –> As […] More
ZDNETIf your computer desktop looks a little chaotic and you’re noticing some performance slowdown, it might be time to do a cleanup. The best way to keep things running smoothly is to ensure you’re running the most updated version of Windows (you’d be surprised how many folks’ devices are several updates behind). But if you’re up-to-date, there are other things you can do to optimize.Also: How to clear the cache on your TV (and why you shouldn’t wait to do it)Windows has a few helpful utilities that can free up some space (and they’re already on your PC). These utilities aren’t intended for large-scale repairs but can help make things run faster by cutting excess weight.Regular computer usage results in stored cache files that can become corrupted and outdated, leading to operational quirks and slower boot times. Clearing this cache and other temporary files can improve performance and keep things running optimally. Here’s how. More
PETER CATTERALL/Contributor/Getty Images Barely a week into its new-found fame, DeepSeek — and the story about its development — is evolving at breakneck speed. The Chinese AI startup made waves last week when it released the full version of R1, the company’s open-source reasoning model that can outperform OpenAI’s o1. On Monday, App Store downloads of […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The EcoFlow Rapid magnetic power bank normally retails for $70 on Amazon. The portable charger uses Qi2 technology to deliver 15W of wireless charging for Apple devices, with an integrated USB-C cable and a kickstand for convenience. While it can charge multiple devices at once, its 5,000mAh battery capacity is very […] More
ZDNETUPDATE: When Microsoft rolled out another Windows 11 24H2 update for January’s Patch Tuesday, instead of fixing existing issues, the update created more havoc, causing conflicts with audio, Bluetooth, webcams, and more. But a preview update released on Jan. 28 finally fixed several glitches — both old and new.In October, after months of beta testing, Microsoft officially released its major 2024 update for Windows 11. Known as Windows 11 24H2, the latest version enhances the Copilot AI, improves File Explorer, promises faster performance and greater stability, and introduces other improvements.The update, which is rolling out to eligible Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 users, may appear on your PC’s Windows Update screen. If so, you can certainly install it from there. Otherwise, the new version is accessible on Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page, where you can grab it through the Installation Assistant, installation media, or as an ISO file.Also: The Windows January updates are a mess – here’s why you should wait to installBut before you dive into the 2024 update, know that you may run into some problems and conflicts. The new version has been plagued by bugs that could prevent you from using Windows reliably and effectively. Microsoft has documented some of the glitches, and Windows users have reported others. In response, Microsoft has put the update on hold for problematic PCs that could encounter blue screens and other issues.To address the barrage of bugs, the company has rolled out several sets of patches so far — one in late October, another in mid-November, a third on December 10 as part of the monthly Patch Tuesday, a fourth in early January, a fifth on January 14 for the month’s Patch Tuesday, and a sixth to resolve some of the bugs triggered by the Patch Tuesday update.Also: How to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro – without overpayingThe October update fixed a few bugs but also created a couple of new ones. The November update resolved some, but certainly not all, of the outstanding glitches. The December update addressed one specific glitch with certain USB-connected scanners and other devices.An early January patch finally fixed conflicts with the Ubisoft games Star Wars Outlaws, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Assassin’s Creed Origins, and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.But then came the January 14 Patch Tuesday update. Instead of resolving some of the persistent issues, this one actually introduced a host of new bugs, creating conflicts with audio devices, Bluetooth connections, webcams, and more.However, there’s been some light toward the end of the tunnel. On January 28, Microsoft released an optional preview update for Windows 24H2 that squashed a number of bugs. Several of the glitches were new ones added by the messy January 14 update. Others had been around since last year, some as old as October.But even after the latest update, several bugs persist. Here are ones that may still cause trouble for anyone running the 2024 flavor of Windows 11.1. Conflict with PCs with Citrix componentsIn one glitch introduced with the January Patch Tuesday update, PCs with certain Citrix components may not be able to complete the installation of the January patches. Microsoft said it found this issue on devices with Citrix Session Recording Agent (SRA) version 2411, which was released in December. The company is working with Citrix to resolve the problem. More
ZDNETIf you’re an Apple Watch owner who experienced battery issues, you might be eligible to claim part of a $20 million settlement related to battery swelling problems.Also: Apple’s WatchOS 11.3 clobbers updates for older Apple WatchesA recent settlement alleges that the first-generation Apple Watch, Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3 models had a battery issue in which the battery would swell over time, potentially damaging internal components. Apple denies any wrongdoing but is offering the $20 million settlement to avoid the hassle of court proceedings.This comes just weeks after Apple announced a $95 million settlement related to privacy issues with Siri.How to check if you’re included in the settlementApple has a record of who owned a watch that is part of this lawsuit and who reported issues to customer service, so you don’t need to take any action to receive payment, unlike other lawsuits. However, you do need to make sure your information is updated at www.watchsettlement.com, including your address, email address, and how you’d like to receive the payment (you can choose a physical check, e-check, ACH transfer, or a prepaid virtual MasterCard or Visa).Also: 8 times the Apple Watch predicted danger and saved livesIf you’re unsure whether you’re included in this settlement, you can call 1-844-933-4042. More
ZDNETAn Apple AirTag can help you keep track of your most important items like keys, wallets, remotes, and even bicycles. However, bad actors can misuse AirTags to track people without their consent, casting a shadow on their use.Apple has made significant changes to how AirTags can be used. The company now provides clear disclosures to AirTag owners, reiterating that these trackers are only for tracking belongings and never for unwanted tracking of others. Both iOS and Android devices now alert their users when an unknown Bluetooth tracker is found moving with them, as well.Also: The best AirTag walletsIn this guide, I’ll explain how to identify unwanted trackers, whether it’s an Apple AirTag or another Bluetooth tracking device. You’ll learn how to receive alerts, locate the trackers, and disable them, with helpful tips for both iOS and Android users.How to tell if an AirTag is tracking youWhat you’ll need: To get help locating an unwanted AirTag, you’ll need an iPhone or an Android phone. I discuss in detail below what it looks like on an iPhone when an AirTag tracks you, but this guide has information for Android users, too. If you suspect someone is tracking your movements without your permission using an AirTag or Bluetooth tracking device, your iOS or Android phone should automatically alert you. But be sure to contact law enforcement if you feel you are in any danger.[embedded content] More
Nassau Hall, oldest building on Princeton campus, 1754, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA. Barry Winiker/Getty Images At the end of 2023, the state of New Jersey and Princeton University announced plans to establish an AI Hub in collaboration with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to drive regional job growth and advance AI developments. […] More
