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    These 4 AI tools boost my productivity at work – and most are free

    PM Images/Getty Images The generative AI boom might have started with the launch of ChatGPT, but the technology has now been integrated into all kinds of productivity platforms designed to make our everyday workflows easier. A fear many people have when they hear about AI use in the workplace is that the technology will replace them. […] More

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    Gemini’s new extension brings back your favorite Google Assistant features on Android

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETIf you’ve been missing Google Assistant since Gemini took over, you’ll want to know about a major upgrade coming to your phone.One of the biggest complaints about Gemini on Android is that it lacks a lot of the basic functionality that Google Assistant had like setting alarms and timers and controlling media.Also: Why I recommend this Google Pixel phone to most peopleA new “Utilities” extension aims to fix that. As Google explains, this tool lets you ask Gemini to handle certain actions on your device. You can use it to set and manage alarms and timers in your clock app, open websites, take photos and screenshots, control your media playback, browse or search for screenshots in Pixel Screenshots, and more. You can find the full list on Google’s support page. Gemini can even handle multiple requests at once like “Turn my media volume and notification volume to [percentage] and turn on battery saver” or “take a photo with a 10s timer.”Also: How to use Gemini to generate higher-quality AI images nowIn addition, several lock-screen-specific features are on the way, like the ability to set or silence alarms and timers, turn on and off your flashlight, enable Bluetooth, check your phone’s battery level, or restart. More

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    Did your Apple Notes vanish from your iPhone? Here’s how to find them

    Lance Whitney/ZDNETHave you recently checked the notes in Apple Notes on your iPhone only to discover that they’ve mysteriously disappeared? You’re not alone. The problem is apparently hitting other iPhone users as well. But fear not for there is a fix.Based on reports from 9to5Mac and other tech outlets, the hiccup pops up after you accept new iCloud terms and conditions presented to you on your phone. After opening Apple Notes, you then find that the Notes folder under iCloud is empty where there used to be a host of notes.Also: How to install Apple’s iOS 18.2 public beta – and what you’ll find insideIn some instances, the bug is temporary, and your notes soon appear back in their rightful folder. In other cases, time doesn’t fix this glitch, so you have to resolve the matter yourself. Here’s how.Head to Settings, select your name at the top, tap iCloud, and then select Notes.Make sure the switch is on for “Sync this iPhone.”Wait a few moments and check the Notes app again. Your iCloud synced notes should then start to appear. More

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    How to manage Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads all from one free app

    Buena Vista Images/Getty Images In today’s fragmented social media landscape, staying active across multiple platforms can feel like a full-time job. Many people have started seeking alternatives with the recent shifts at X (formerly Twitter), including the rise in toxicity, relaxed moderation, and decisions that undermine the blocking feature.  Also: How to easily fly away from […] More

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    Apple fans will love this versatile Qi2 charging station that I found on Amazon (and it’s on sale)

    Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETWhat’s the deal?Black Friday is only three weeks away, and ahead of the sale event several smartphone accessories have received substantial discounts.  Anker’s handy MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station has been reduced to $88, a $22 discount off its original price. However, only the white model is seeing the price drop.Also: The 40+ best Black Friday Amazon deals 2024: Early sales live nowZDNET’s key takeawaysAnker unveiled its MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station More