More stories

  • in

    Microsoft wants you to chat with its browser now – but can you trust this Copilot?

    Microsoft / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETMicrosoft’s on a relentless quest to embed its Copilot AI into every software product it owns. That campaign takes another big step forward today with the addition of some new generative AI features in the company’s Edge browser.Today’s release beefs up the capabilities of Copilot Mode, the chat-based search interface for Edge, on Windows PCs and Macs. You can use natural voice commands to navigate pages, and the chatbot can see all the open tabs in the current browser window instead of being limited to whatever’s on the current page. Also: Microsoft gives Copilot a face – here’s how to try your new Appearance chat buddyIf that sounds appealing, you can go to the Copilot Mode sign-in page and flip a switch that lets you enable Copilot Mode in Edge Settings. That replaces the old search box with a Copilot chat input box that’s designed to handle search, chat, and web navigation. It also gives you the option to open Copilot Mode in a sidebar, where you can ask it questions about the current set of open tabs. More

  • in

    You won’t regret buying these two Moft MagSafe accessories for your iPhone – here’s why

    The Moft Tripod accessory.  Kayla Solino/ZDNETEveryone loves affordable upgrades. And MagSafe accessories are the easiest way to elevate your phone’s design and function. At ZDNET, I test dozens of MagSafe accessories, from battery packs to wallets, phone cases, tripods, and more. And as a mobile accessory expert, there are genuinely a few that I reach for nearly every day that stand out from the mountains of MagSafe gear I’ve tried. The Moft MagSafe Tripod More

  • in

    This Reddit user’s Pixel 6a reportedly caught fire, after Google’s update – what you need to know

    Google/ZDNETA little more than a month after Google released an update to prevent the Pixel 6a from overheating and possibly catching fire, a Reddit user reports that it’s happened again.Last month, Google issued a software update that purposefully limited the 6a’s charging capacity and performance. Over the weekend, a Reddit user posted a somewhat harrowing account of how they were woken up that morning by a horrible smell and loud noise. Their Pixel 6a, less than two feet from their face, was on fire. The fire spread to their sheets, the user said, and damaged their AC unit. The user also complained about their throat hurting the rest of the day because they had inhaled toxic smoke. They also shared photos of the badly charred device.Also: The latest Google Pixel 6a update may limit your battery – but you’ll be glad to know whyThe phone was on a third-party 45W fast charger.According to later updates, the user did have the update to prevent overheating but did not have their battery replaced (they weren’t close to a walk-in repair shop). They also explained that the email from Google wasn’t urgent enough and only encouraged them to “consider” a battery replacement for a “performance update.” In that same post, another user reported their Pixel getting very hot when charging after the update when it didn’t before. It’s not just the Pixel 6a that’s having battery issues. The Pixel 4a had battery performance problems that were so bad Google offered financial compensation to affected customers, and the 7a had so many battery swelling problems that the company instituted a special extended repair program. More

  • in

    Add smart touches your dorm room: Everything you need

    If you or a loved one is prepping for college, it’s easy to knock out the apparent dorm room essentials: twin XL sheets, a mini fridge, a laptop, and more. What’s less likely to be obvious is the tech items you buy that will level up a dorm room from basic to smart.With so many tech products flooding the market, especially ones catered to college students, it can be hard to know which ones are worth it and which ones will sit unused for four years to come. Also: These 6 gadgets are the college essentials you’ll actually reach forThat’s why we rounded up our favorite expert-tested tech, perfect for outfitting any college dorm. From smart speakers to nifty streaming options, our team of experts has curated the best picks for back-to-school season, whether you’re a first-time freshman or a returning student. A smart speaker A speaker has been an essential part of a college dorm for years. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since Bluetooth shower speakers. The best smart speakers from top tech brands like Amazon, Google, Apple, and more make it easy to listen to music, amp up a movie night, and serve as the perfect homework helpers thanks to Alexa, Siri, and more. More

  • in

    I compared the best smartwatches from Samsung, Google, and Apple – here’s how Galaxy Watch 8 wins

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is available for purchase now at a starting price of $349. It’s a capable smartwatch with all the usual health metrics, along with Samsung’s Running Coach, bedtime guidance, and recovery insights. Some features feel more experimental than scientific, like Antioxidant Index and BMI, […] More