<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Torras PolarCircle has an active cooler that’s more effective than a standard fan. The best part is that it’s almost silent when operating. Naturally, the accessory consumes more power than most. –> On Amazon, the Torras PolarCircle Qi2<!–> has received a 17% discount and currently retails for$50. I’ve become a […] More
Hill Street Studios/Getty Images It’s increasingly difficult to avoid artificial technology (AI) as it becomes more commonplace. A prime example is Google searches showcasing AI responses. AI safety is more important than ever in this age of technological ubiquity. So as an AI user, how can you safely use generative AI (Gen AI)? Also: Here’s why […] More
Jada Jones/ZDNETBluetooth Auracast is a Bluetooth feature that allows devices like smartphones, TVs, or public announcement systems to broadcast audio to unlimited audio receivers, such as hearing aids. Also: Turn your AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aidsToday, Google announced Android support for Auracast, and users with Auracast-supported smartphones can use them to connect their compatible earbuds or hearing aids to broadcasts via Bluetooth. Android phones that support AuracastIn a press release, Google highlighted the importance of Auracast to help those who are hard of hearing better interact with the world around them, using Auracast to tune into classroom lectures, public broadcasts, or concerts. People who wear GN Hearing, Starkey, or Jabra hearing aids can access this feature, provided they have a compatible smartphone. Currently, Samsung Galaxy smartphones running UI 7 or Android 15, and Google Pixel 9 smartphones running the Android 16 beta, are Auracast-compatible. In addition to Android support for Auracast, Google included that hearing aid presets can be applied to Auracast streams, allowing users to customize their audio settings. Real-world use casesAlthough Auracast has significant assistive capabilities for those with hearing impairments, this technology has real-world use cases for everyone. Imagine you’re in a sports bar and want to tune into a muted TV playing the primetime game. Connect your Auracast-compatible smartphone and earbuds or hearing aids, then use your phone to find the TV broadcast in your Bluetooth settings. The long-term goal is eliminating the need to access your settings to tap into an Auracast broadcast. To achieve this goal, the Google Pixel 9 family will be the first smartphones to support scanning QR codes to connect to Auracast audio streams. Also: I tried smart glasses with built-in hearing aids – and they worked surprisingly wellPlenty more Auracast-compatible earbuds and Bluetooth speakers are on the market, including the Sony WF-1000XM5, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, JBL Charge 6, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. More
Adam Breeden/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Formovie Cinema Edge 4K UST projector More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways PNY 1TB CS3150 M.2 storage drive, available for around $170. Overall, it’s a fast M.2 drive with active cooling to keep running temperatures below the maximum rated temperature. The heatsink makes the drive rather bulky, and you will need a 4-pin fan header on the motherboard to power the fans. –> […] More
ZDNETSome T-Mobile customers might soon be able to claim a full year of free satellite texting.Last month, T-Mobile expanded its Starlink satellite messaging program beyond its own borders and allowed AT&T and Verizon customers to sign up for the beta test of the service. Also: T-Mobile’s most loyal customers are about to see their bills rise – here’s how muchThis meant that users of three of the biggest wireless providers in the nation had access to satellite-powered texting to send messages without a cell signal. All you have to do is…The test for AT&T and Verizon users is free until July, but those customers have a chance to take advantage of an offer for a free year of satellite texting. All you have to do is switch carriers.According to an email sent to customers, T-Mobile will offer a year of free Starlink satellite texting to any customer who is currently enrolled in the beta test and transfers their number from AT&T or Verizon to T-Mobile before the trial period ends in July.”An exclusive offer for beta registrants,” the email reads. “Switch to T‑Mobile today and you’ll receive a free year of satellite coverage for every line you register in the beta.” The offer is good for up to 12 lines and applies to any T-Mobile plan except Go5G Next. There’s no indication that existing T-Mobile customers will receive a discount. More
Meta/ZDNETMeta’s controversial “community notes” system will begin rolling out next week. It incorporates the same open-source rating algorithm that Elon Musk used to address political bias and misinformation on X.Also: How to protect your privacy from Facebook – and what doesn’t workOn Thursday, the company announced in a blog post that Meta will begin testing the new community notes system on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads with users in the US starting March 18, 2025, before expanding to other countries. Communuty Notes waitlist remains openThe company’s blog post said that 200,000 people have signed up to become Community Notes contributors, and the waitlist remains open for those who wish to participate. However, Meta will “gradually and randomly” admit contributors off the waitlist to the program and “will take time to test the writing and rating system before any notes are published publicly.” Also: Can Digg’s return fix what ails social media today? Reddit’s cofounder is betting on itMeta also revealed that it’s embracing X’s Community Notes model, which allows contributors to write and rate notes, but notes “won’t be published unless contributors with a range of viewpoints broadly agree on them,” as well as adopting X’s open-source algorithm as the basis for its rating system. It further iterates in the post that “as our own version develops, we may explore different or adjusted algorithms to support how Community Notes are ranked and rated.”In January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that his social media platforms would abandon their current third-party fact-checking process and replace it with a system similar to the community notes model used by X, formerly Twitter. In a video explaining the decision, Zuckerberg criticized the current system and, in an effort to “restore free expression,” alluded to the fact that the social media platforms’ third-party fact-checkers have been prone to “political bias” and “too much censorship.” Also: Instagram is testing a Discord-like feature – for you and 249 friendsTo contribute to Community Notes, editors must live in the US, be over 18, have an account over 6 months old and in good standing, and have a verified phone number or two-factor authentication. Contributors won’t be able to write notes on advertisements at launch but can contribute to “almost any other forms of content.” Moreover, Community Notes will be available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and Portuguese. More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The EufyCam S3 Pro is available separately for $220 or in a two-pack with the HomeBase 3 for $550. This EufyCam is an excellent 4K outdoor security camera that delivers on its night vision promises, features no monthly fees, and has dual motion detection to reduce false alerts. The biggest downsides […] More
