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    in Robotics

    Should you upgrade to iPhone 16? Here are ZDNET editors’ top reasons for and against

    Kerry Wan/ZDNETICYMI: Apple launched the new iPhone 16 lineup on Monday, along with several other new products and software developments, including AirPods 4, the Apple Watch Series 10, and new upgrades to the AirPods Pro 2 model to create clinical-grade hearing aids. And while you’re probably expecting ZDNET’s team of tech experts to say that we’re all hopping on the iPhone 16 bandwagon thanks to flashy promises of Apple Intelligence, a new camera control button, and an upgraded design, you’d be wrong. Despite many of us extensively covering the development of flagship tech (especially smartphones) over the years with a fervent passion and interest, outside of our work, we’re probably a lot like you. Also: 4 ways I reuse my old iPhones instead of trading them in – including with robotsWe’re always looking for deals on top products, weighing the pros and cons before upgrading or buying new ones, and looking for the best long-term value in our tech. So maybe you’re surprised to learn that despite covering the latest phone launches, from the iPhone 16 to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, some of us are still comfortably using our iPhone 12s, 13s, and 14s — and aren’t necessarily all in on buying a new model. Here are the top reasons why we are (or aren’t) upgrading to the iPhone 16 in the coming months, including considerations of Apple Intelligence, camera features, and preorder or trade-in offers that are just too good to pass up. Here’s why ZDNET editors will be upgrading to the iPhone 16  More

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    in Information Technology

    Google Chrome adds 3 new security features to boost your online safety and privacy

    Lance Whitney/ZDNETOnline threats and privacy concerns seem to be ever more salient as users are becoming more and more aware of the lack of safeguards online. Now, Google is rolling out three new and improved features to Chrome aimed at beefing up your safety and security. Also: Was your Social Security number leaked to the dark web? Here’s how to find outIn a blog post published Thursday, Chrome product manager Andrew Kamau described the new features and explained how they’re designed to better protect you from online threats.1. New and improved Safety CheckFirst up, getting a tune-up is Chrome’s Safety Check. Designed to uncover malicious downloads, compromised passwords, unsupported extensions, and other hazards, this new and improved version will automatically run in the background to scan for more types of threats.Safety Check will be able to revoke permissions from sites you no longer use, alert you to potentially unwanted website notifications, and remind you of any security or privacy issues that need your attention. It will also keep you abreast of the actions it takes so you’re not caught off guard.Also: What is DuckDuckGo? If you’re into online privacy, try this popular Google alternativeFurther, Safety Check will try to protect you against abusive notifications by automatically revoking permissions from sites considered deceptive by Google’s Safe Browsing service. With Chrome on a computer, Safety Check will also alert you to any extensions that might be a security risk and take you to the extensions page where you can remove them.2. Remove website notificationsUnwanted website notifications can not only be annoying but potentially hazardous, and Chrome will now make it easier to opt out of them. Now on Pixel phones and coming soon to other Android devices, a new “Unsubscribe” button will appear in the notifications drawer so you can quickly turn off notifications for a particular site.3. Grant one-time website permissionsLastly, Chrome on Android devices and computers will now let you grant one-time permissions to specific websites. You’ll be able to allow certain permissions, such as access to the camera or microphone, for one time only. After you exit the site, those permissions are revoked and must be granted again the next time you browse to that site. More

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    Only two multitool brands are worth your money – here’s the one I carry

    A good multitool can be a reliable companion for decades (as long as you don’t lose it!). Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI like having a good multitool close at hand. While they can’t replace a proper toolkit, I don’t fancy carrying a full toolkit with me when I’m out and about. Many of my readers are like me, often finding themselves doing random and unplanned DIY tasks throughout the day, so having a portable toolkit that can handle the basics is essential.View at Amazon More

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    in Robotics

    How digital twins of Earth are spinning up safer decisions for the planet

    Nvidia/Adobe Stock Typhoon Chanthu lashed East Asia in 2021. At one point, winds reached 170 mph, making it one of the strongest storms of the season. It wreaked havoc on the region, triggering evacuations and disrupting travel.  During a storm like Chanthu, meteorologists and government leaders want to figure out what’s coming next. The future […] More

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    Microsoft 365 is down for thousands of users

    Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETHaving trouble accessing Microsoft 365 online today? You’re not alone. The site is down for thousands of users, according to outage tracker DownDetector. As of 9 AM ET, more than 23,000 people have reported issues attempting to access the site.Also: Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2 reach end of support: Update now, or elseA post on X from the Microsoft 365 Status account says: “We’re investigating an issue where users may be unable to access multiple Microsoft 365 services. Please look for MO888473 in the admin center for more details and further updates.” We’re investigating an issue where users may be unable to access multiple Microsoft 365 services. Please look for MO888473 in the admin center for more details and further updates.— Microsoft 365 Status (@MSFT365Status) September 12, 2024

    Ironically, Microsoft’s own service health page for its online products and services shows that everything is fine. However, a different Microsoft service status page acknowledges that “users may be unable to access one or more Microsoft 365 services.” Initially, Microsoft said that it was reviewing network telemetry, looking at any recent changes to its networking infrastructure, and working with a third-party Internet Service Provider to understand the underlying cause.Also: Google will now link you to webpages of the past via the Wayback MachineIn an update to the aforementioned MO888473 alert, Microsoft said that by working with the ISP, it was able to confirm that a change in the ISP’s managed-environment impacted such services as Microsoft Teams, Exchange Online, and SharePoint Online. The ISP has since reverted the change, and now Microsoft said that it’s starting to see signs of recovery. The company added that it will continue to monitor its telemetry data ensure a full recovery More