<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Cam is available for $80 in five colors: Black, Blush, Charcoal, Starlight, and White. This indoor camera pans 360 degrees and tilts up and down to cover the entire area it’s set up in, letting you watch over your home, business, or pets. The Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor […] More
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETDoomscrolling got you down? Tired of seeing misinformation on social media? Can’t put your phone down while you’re driving? Our cell phones have us more connected than ever, but being chronically online has its drawbacks.Also: A new Android feature is scanning your photos for ‘sensitive content’ – how to stop itStress and mental fatigue seem to be rampant these days, but it turns out that one simple thing can help boost your mental health — reducing your phone internet usage. As part of a recent study, nearly 500 people aged 18 to 74 agreed to have all mobile internet access blocked from their phones for two weeks. Texts and calls were still available, as was an internet connection through a non-mobile device. Is phone use negatively tied to mental health?According to this study, research shows that smartphone use is negatively tied to mental health, but few large-scale experiments have been conducted. Ninety percent of American adults own a smartphone, and 50% of that group (80% under the age of 30) worry they’re using their phones too much. This study put that to the test. At the end of the two weeks without mobile internet, 91% of people reported improved mental health (more than the effect of antidepressants), higher satisfaction with their lives, and a better attention span. Total screen time decreased significantly, dropping from more than 300 minutes a day to an average of 161 minutes a day. Also: 6 ways to deal with mental fatigue at workWhat changed? The digital intervention meant people spent their time doing other things, the study said, like socializing in person, exercising, and being in nature. The impact wasn’t immediate, though, as the positive effects increased each day as the study went on. More
Satellite phones are a true game-changer for anyone venturing into remote areas beyond the reach of traditional mobile networks or during emergencies or natural disasters. Unlike standard smartphones which rely on cellular networks made up of physical towers, satellite phones communicate directly with satellites orbiting approximately 500 miles above the Earth. This ensures reliable connectivity even in the most isolated and challenging locations.Staying connected in areas with poor or non-existent cellular coverage can be incredibly difficult, making a satellite phone an invaluable tool. Over the years, I’ve used a variety of satellite phones and communicators during off-grid adventures. Sometimes, I rely on them to stay in touch with others, while at other times, they serve as a safety precaution in case of emergencies. The ability to hit an SOS button and summon help, even in the most remote environments, provides unparalleled peace of mind—a feature I’m grateful to have but have yet to use (and hope I never will).Also: The best cheap phones you can buy: Expert testedSatellite connectivity is an essential communication lifeline for many people, including emergency responders, military personnel, remote field researchers, and avid adventurers. However, accessing these networks often comes with a steep price, requiring expensive subscriptions that may not be accessible to everyone.What is the best satellite phone right now?If you’re keen on staying connected no matter where you roam, ZDNET has done extensive research and hands-on testing with some of the best satellite phones and gadgets on the market. Our top pick right now is the Starlink Mini More
ZDNETAs a long-time Linux and MacOS user, I see the benefits of each operating system. In fact, I use each for specific purposes, and they rarely cross over. For many years, though, there have been things I’d like to see Linux borrow from MacOS.Also: Linux running in a PDF? This hack is as bizarre as it is brilliantI wrote a piece covering the six features I wish MacOS would copy from Linux — and this time, I want to go in the opposite direction. Although I think Linux is the best operating system for my needs, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement. So, let’s dive in. 1. Video stack One of my biggest pet peeves with Linux is that video isn’t nearly what it is on MacOS. Part of the problem Linux has faced for a very long time is the X Window server, X.org, which never got the features, security, and stability the OS deserved. Also: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machineThe migration to Wayland means the situation is slowly changing. Nevertheless, I can’t imagine Wayland will ever achieve what Apple has done with MacOS. The video stack on MacOS is, hands down, the best on the market. Videos of all kinds play by default with a clear, clean, and beautiful look. Linux, on the other hand, isn’t always capable of playing every video format without the user first installing third-party codecs. Additionally, even when the video plays, the content never looks as good as on MacOS. 2. Audio stack The situation is similar with the audio stack. If there’s been one sticking issue for me on Linux, it’s audio. Pulse Audio was a nightmare, and although Pipewire is an improvement, it still has a long way to go before audio catches up with MacOS. Also: Bluestar Linux is a gorgeous MacOS-like take on KDE Plasma that’s easy to useTake, for instance, Audacity. I cannot tell you how often I’ve had to restart the sound server to get Audacity to recognize my input or output devices. I’ve even had to restart the computer to record a simple podcast. Technology shouldn’t be this hard — and MacOS proves that’s the case. Linux could use more plug-and-play technology for its audio stack. 3. The buttery smoothness of it all MacOS is buttery smooth, including when displaying animations, videos, window movements, and more. Open the Launchpad, and it’s buttery smooth. Click a menu, and it’s buttery smooth. I rarely find something on MacOS that doesn’t feel this way. Also: I rescued my dying 2017 MacBook Pro with Ubuntu and it works like a charm (mostly)Linux, on the other hand, doesn’t enjoy such graphical smoothness. That’s a shame because Linux has a lot of fun eye candy that could benefit greatly from the smooth look and feel found in MacOS. 4. Multitouch gestures that work One of the features on my MacBook Pro I always miss when I’m on Linux is multitouch gestures. Sure, some Linux distributions offer multitouch gesture support, but getting them to work — and reliably — can be a chore. Also: How to format USB drives on Linux, MacOS, and WindowsWhy doesn’t a single-finger swipe to the left or right go backward or forward on a website? I use that trick all the time on MacOS and would love to see it come to Linux. This feature is simple, but it makes browsing much more effortless. 5. Mobile-to-desktop integration The MacOS/iOS integration is as good as it gets. Unfortunately, Android integration with any operating system isn’t exactly stellar. Given how much Android borrowed from Linux, you would think this integration would be a no-brainer. Also: Ready to ditch Windows? 5 factors to help you decide between Linux or MacOSSure, you can use tools like KDE Connect and GSConnect, but they don’t offer the simplicity or feature range found in Apple’s MacOS/iOS integration. I’ve tried both tools and only had success with KDE Connect (GSConnect will install, but won’t run on Pop!_OS). Integration should be a priority, given that the world now defaults to mobile devices over desktops. It’s not, but it should be. 6. Certain applications Linux would greatly benefit from some applications that run on MacOS. For example, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and Arc Browser would make a big difference. I started using MacOS for video editing and have found the videos I can create on Apple’s OS are much better than those I produce on Linux. Also: The best Linux distribution of 2024 is MacOS-like but accessible to allI’m not just talking about ease of use. There isn’t an application on Linux that rivals the pro-quality results I get with Final Cut Pro. Yes, there’s Davinci Resolve, but using that tool on Linux can be a nightmare. Not only do I have to convert the files into a usable format, but the rendered results are often glitchy or unwatchable. Final Cut Pro, on the other hand, rarely disappoints. There you have it — six things Linux should “borrow” from MacOS. I’m not saying these adaptations are possible, but imagine the growth Linux would enjoy if it could adopt just some of these features. More
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETIn the fall, Microsoft unveiled its latest Copilot AI features, including Copilot Voice, a voice assistant that can be interrupted to have multi-turn conversations with you, and Think Deeper, which leverages OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model to deliver higher-quality responses to complex prompts. Since last month, both features have been available to users for free. Now, Microsoft has made the offerings even more robust.Also: Why Anthropic’s latest Claude model could be the new AI to beat – and how to try itFree and unlimited access to all Copilot usersOn Tuesday, Microsoft announced that all Copilot users will have unlimited access to the Think Deeper and Voice features at no additional cost. This is a major advantage over ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20 per month, and grants access to ChatGPT Advanced Voice and o1, the OpenAI equivalent to these two features. Think DeeperThe o1 model underlying the Think Deeper feature was trained to “think before it speaks,” and as a result, it takes a bit longer to process your query — around 30 seconds, according to Microsoft. This is especially useful for STEM-related tasks such as coding, analysis, and advanced math problems. Other use cases include in-depth advice and planning. OpenAI has kept its advanced reasoning model from free users, with the o1 model only available for paid subscribers, including ChatGPT Pro, Team, Edu, and Enterprise users. As a result, being able to access it for free in Copilot is a big opportunity for people who want to try it without shelling out the money. More
Intel emphasizes the efficiency advantage of its Granite Rapids Xeon 6 server chips compared to AMD Turin chips that use more processor cores. Intel Intel on Monday revealed new versions of its Xeon 6 server processors, in a bid to proliferate AI processing throughout its data center product line as it fends off incursions on […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Minisforum AI370 EliteMini normally retails for $1,590 It’s a powerful mini PC with plenty of ports, support for an 8K display, and runs cool and quiet You’ll still need to supply your own peripherals, and it’s best purchased while on sale. –> What’s the deal? A new coupon is available […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways Motorola’s Moto G is available from the company’s website for $200. The smartphone boasts a long-lasting battery, booming speakers, and a solid camera array. However, I wouldn’t call it a “pocket-sized theater” due to its sub-standard screen. –> In a world where flagship smartphones can cost $1,000 or more, key brands […] More
