Eliana Willis

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    in Robotics

    Google just gave the Gemini Live app its biggest update yet – Android and iOS versions included

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETZDNET’s takeawaysGemini Live now works with Calendar, Maps, Keep, and Tasks.Update is rolling out to most Android and iOS users.It can add events, guide routes, and manage lists or notes.In May of this year, Google debuted Gemini Live with screen sharing and camera access for Android. Google has been slowly integrating the feature, which lets you ask Gemini about anything on your screen (or that you can see with your camera), into its suite of apps since June.Gemini Live is getting a little more useful this week, as it’s officially rolling out for Calendar, Keep, Maps, and Tasks apps. Also: Gemini adds powerful new Deep Think model – what it does and who can try itFirst noticed by 9to5Google, most users are now seeing Google’s real-time AI voice assistant across new apps. You can tell if the update has hit your device by opening the Gemini app, tapping the Live button in the bottom right corner, and looking directly above the Live controls. If you have the capability, you’ll see small chips for the connected apps when Gemini Live is accessing them. Gemini Live’s new tricks CalendarWith Calendar, you can check your events for the day, make a new event with your voice, and even use your camera to point at details (like date and time) to add that event to your calendar. I gave this a quick test with a flyer for a school event, and I was surprised at how easy it was.Also: Have stock questions? Google Finance tests new AI chatbot   What really blew me away, though, was when I tried it with my alma mater’s football schedule for the upcoming fall season. I asked Gemini to add all the home games since I’m a season ticket holder. The AI was able to discern which games were home games and add the events to my calendar, including time and opponent. Live even went down the list, recapping, “I’ve added games against App State, Georgia, Army… to your Calendar.” MapsGemini Live for Maps is useful for getting guidance to a certain spot, and it even works with other Google apps. I asked Live to “guide me to the event that’s on my calendar today” (the same school event I added earlier), and it showed me the way. It didn’t pull up Maps by itself, but it did create a link I could easily tap to get going. TasksWhen it comes to Tasks, Gemini Live can show your saved lists. You could do this on your own easily by pulling up the Tasks app, but Live is an easier way to access your lists. I was able to add tasks to my list and see what was on my to-do list. KeepSimilar to Tasks, Keep’s integration with Google Live is simple but makes an existing capability a little easier to access. I was able to add notes to Keep.The new capability is available on both the Android and iOS versions of Gemini Live. Also: Google’s Jules AI coding tool exits beta with serious upgrades – and more free tasksAs a reminder, you can turn off Gemini in your Gmail, Docs, Photos, and more if you’d rather not have anything to do with Google’s AI. More

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    in Robotics

    After owning every Google Pixel flagship, here’s why 2025 will be a turning point for me

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Google Pixel 10 is expected to receive significant upgrades this year, including a dedicated telephoto lens.Greater feature parity with the Pro models, combined with no expected price increases, makes the standard Pixel an enticing option.It still won’t be the best option for power users, especially if you want the most capable camera system from Google.Google’s non-Pro Pixel phone has always been the “safe pick.” It’s the model I recommend to most users, so long as they can live without the Pro features — whether that’s an extra telephoto camera, more RAM, or better hardware.Also: This rumored Pixel 10 feature puts Google above Samsung and OnePlus for me – here’s whyWhile there’s little left to the imagination as far as what the upcoming Google Pixel 10 phones will look like, if the leaks and rumors are true, there will be a notable shift in dynamics this year. I’ll say it now: The Pixel 10, not the Pixel 10 Pro, will be both the safe pick and the best pick in 2025. I’m not alone in that belief, and here’s why. More

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    in Information Technology

    I found a 36-in-1 multitool that absolutely belongs in your kitchen drawer – here’s why

    Kelvin Tools 36-in-1 Multitool <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways A strange-looking multitool that looks rather Fisher-Price but is actually very good. It has everything from screwdriver bits to a hammer and tape measure! Looks bulky, but it is actually rather ergonomic in use! more buying choices I have… wait, let me just have a look around […] More

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    in Information Technology

    These $15 accessories turned my AirPods into the most versatile earbuds I’ve worn

    Jada Jones/ZDNETYour AirPods can be your best friend, small enough to stay in your pocket or bag until you need them. But if you like to work out with your AirPods, pushing your slippery earbuds back into your ear can become a particularly intense workout. I’ve found three products to help with this problem — a few dollars spent can revitalize your AirPods experience.Also: Best AirPods 2025: I’ve tested every pair of Apple headphones and earbudsUnfortunately, some people’s ear anatomy simply isn’t compatible with certain earbuds, and the best option may be purchasing from another brand. But if you’re determined to make your AirPods stay in your ear, try these tips first.1. Detachable ear hooks More

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    in Information Technology

    Your iPhone has a secret in-car feature that’s seriously underutilized – here’s how to access it

    Lance Whitney/ZDNETI’ve always had a mixed experience with motion sickness. I don’t suffer from it on a plane or ship, thankfully. But put me in the back seat of a car, and I often get hit by a bad case of it, especially if the ride is twisty and turny. Triggered by mixed signals across your eyes, inner ear, and brain, those feelings of dizziness and queasiness can be extremely uncomfortable. For anyone else who experiences motion sickness, you can turn to your iPhone for help. Also: Installed iOS 18.6 on your iPhone? Change these 11 settings for the best experienceIntroduced with iOS 18 is a helpful option called Vehicle Motion Cues. With this feature turned on, animated dots appear on the edges of the screen to help you better process changes in the movement of the car. Your goal is simply to use and navigate your phone normally. With its built-in accelerometer, your iPhone will sense that you’re traveling in a moving vehicle. When the car turns, the dots move in the opposite direction of the turn. “Research shows that motion sickness is commonly caused by a sensory conflict between what a person sees and what they feel, which can prevent some users from comfortably using iPhone or iPad while riding in a moving vehicle,” Apple said when it unveiled the feature in 2024. “With Vehicle Motion Cues, animated dots on the edges of the screen represent changes in vehicle motion to help reduce sensory conflict without interfering with the main content. Using sensors built into iPhone and iPad, Vehicle Motion Cues recognizes when a user is in a moving vehicle and responds accordingly.” How to use Vehicle Motion Cues on the iPhoneHere’s how I combat my motion sickness with my iPhone and how you can do the same. You can also use Vehicle Motion Cues on an iPad with iPadOS 18 or higher.  More

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    in Information Technology

    Amazon adding 1,300 more cities to its same-day grocery delivery service – check yours here

    Amazon ZDNET’s key takeaways Amazon will soon offer fresh grocery deliveries in more than 2,300 cities. The current program is available in around 1,000 areas. There’s no delivery charge for orders over $25. Amazon is planning a massive expansion of its fresh grocery delivery business, and it’s coming soon.  Right now, subscribers in more than […] More

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    in Information Technology

    Want free e-books? You can get hundreds for a few more days – here’s how

    Kayla Solino/ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways Indie Author Central created Stuff Your E-Reader Day.It runs from Aug. 12 -16 and features discounted and free e-books.This year’s theme is Stepping Through Time.If you’re looking for the perfect read to wrap up your summer, “Stuff Your E-Reader Day” is a great place to start. ‘Stepping Through Time’Indie Author Central created Stuff Your E-Reader Day. It runs from Aug.12-16 and features hundreds of e-books made free by authors for a limited time. This event’s theme, “Stepping Through Time,” focuses on historic and contemporary fiction. Also: The base model Kindle is the e-reader most people should buy. Here’s whyIn addition to free books, Stuff Your E-Reader Day includes e-books priced at only $0.99 and titles newly added to Kindle Unlimited and Kobo Plus. The featured e-books are available for Kindle and Kobo, but they can also be read on your Nook or through reading apps on your smartphone or tablet.A searchable catalog of the Stepping Through Time recommendations is available on the Indie Authors Central website More