Eliana Willis

ZDNETAh, 2024. You were a year, that’s for certain. You had 365 days, each a slat on the roller coaster rails that moved us forward while also taking us to higher highs and lower lows.One thing is for certain: 2024 saw a lot of incredible Linux distributions released. There was a new Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, Rhino Linux, EndeavorOS, Manjaro, Zorin OS, openSUSE, Nobara, Garuda, and many more, all of which shined in one way or another.Also: This Linux distro I recommend to power users takes a unique approach to OS designBut, for me, there was one distribution that rose above all the rest and deserves the title of Best Linux Distribution for 2024.That distribution is elementary OS 8. I tell you why below. But first, how do I select a “best distribution?” Isn’t this all subjective? Of course it is. But I like to think that, with nearly thirty years of using and covering Linux, I have developed a fairly deep understanding of the OS, what it can do, and what it means to the community of people who use and depend on it.So, my criteria for being the best include the following:As polished an OS as possibleViable for any type of userTrue to the mission of the OSIt’s uniqueIt’s reliableViable for aging hardwareAn elegant but also simple desktop OSMany distributions fit the above list, but one stands out above the rest: elementary OS 8.When I reviewed elementary OS 8, I claimed that it continued the tradition of being a beautiful, user-friendly desktop, and that checks two of the boxes right off the bat.But let’s hold it up to my criteria. More

Casio Have you ever wished there was a smart ring that’s a little less “smart” and a lot more “watch”? You probably haven’t, but Casio is offering an answer for those who have. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its iconic digital watch, the company is releasing a tiny, ring-sized version that fits around your finger. The […] More

ZDNETRecently, Google has been developing new artificial intelligence-powered tools that transform writing and text materials and YouTube videos into audio or podcasts to assist researchers in their learning processes.The company is now experimenting with a new AI-powered tool called Illuminate, which enables users to convert lengthy, dense research papers and books into concise AI-generated audio conversations. Google describes the tool as an “experimental technology that uses AI to adapt content to your learning preferences.”Also: This Google AI tool could be your new favorite study aid – and it’s freeIlluminate is similar to Google’s NotebookLM, an experimental AI notebook that combines large language models with user-provided notes — such as PDFs, websites, YouTube videos, audio files, and Google Docs — to further youur understanding of a topic by discussing it with you. While Illuminate also generates audio discussions, it is tailored to more technical content and limited formats.What is Illuminate?Illuminate uses AI to transform published papers and works into audio discussions with “two AI-generated voices in conversation” discussing the key points and takeaways of the paper. Google says, “Illuminate is currently optimized for published computer science academic papers.” More

ZDNETGenerative AI has only been around for two years as an emerging technology, but it has already taken its place as a must-have tool for technology professionals. Job postings mentioning gen AI increased by a factor of 3.5x over the past year. For technology professionals, this points to a shift in emphasis in their day-to-day work. But given that it is now a mainstream skill, is it even necessary to include gen AI competencies in postings anymore?Also: 15 surprising ways I used AI to save me weeks of work in 2024Gen AI mentions in job postings are the most prominent in the data analytics, software development, and scientific research fields, a recent survey out of Hiring Lab finds. Ironically, gen AI-related job postings are below expectations in industries that seem natural candidates for gen AI, including the insurance, logistic support, and medical information sectors. Sectors exceeding expectations include architecture, arts and entertainment, and industrial engineering. Still, it’s likely gen AI adoption is everywhere within technology ranks, regardless of industry or level of experience, industry observers point out. The advantages are so compelling that it’s likely as natural as keyboarding skills at this point. Transformative toolsFor starters, gen AI “is reinventing productivity and efficiency in software development, giving developers more time for strategic and creative work,” Paul McDonagh-Smith, senior lecturer of IT at MIT Sloan Executive Education, told ZDNET. These tools are proving transformative in just about every area of software development, including code generation, testing, debugging, and documentation, he added. “In streamlining repetitive coding tasks, these tools are allowing developers to move more quickly onto more complex software design and problem-solving.” Also: If ChatGPT produces AI-generated code for your app, who does it really belong to?”Let’s be direct: most of the early challenges around AI tools have been solved,” said Nate Berent-Spillson, senior vice president of product engineering at NTT DATA. “Yes, there was justified concern about initial missteps and information leakage into models, but we’re past that now.” More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Tuxedo Computers InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen 9 is available now on the official site. This laptop outperformed my expectations in every way, with a powerful CPU and a gorgeous display. Use caution when selecting your keyboard during the order process. –> I love a good laptop or desktop that comes […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The new Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni is available for $799 This mid-range robot vacuum and mop features auto-emptying, mop washing and drying, and strong suction, which we were able to confirm during testing The downside is that the Deebot N30 Omni doesn’t boast the best obstacle avoidance capabilities, which significantly hinders […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Lenovo’s sixth-generation ThinkPad T14s is available now, starting at $1,598. It’s is a powerful workhorse thanks to the new AMD Ryzen AI chipset and support for the speedy Wi-Fi 7 standard. Its display, on the other hand, isn’t all that impressive considering its price tag. –> Whenever Lenovo isn’t pushing the […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Pinwheel phones start at $100 and offer parental control features. There’s a curated app store and call and text history. While phones are inexpensive, the Pinwheel features are available through a quarterly or annual subscription, on top of a mobile data plan. more buying choices Second grade feels too young to […] More