John C Magee/Getty Images One complaint about Windows is near the top of everyone’s list: updates. There are too many updates. They take too long to install. They sometimes fail in ways that cause additional problems. And they always pop up at the most inopportune time. In most cases, these updates require the computer to […] More
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETWhat’s the deal?Dell’s XPS 14 is seeing some big discounts at Best Buy right now for the higher-end configurations. The laptop with the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Intel Arc GPU is on sale for $1,799 More
IntelThe AI revolution is upon us, but it remains extremely hard for business leaders to set a direction and vision and to make plans with any certainty. Still, we can offer some relatively uncontroversial observations regarding current and future capabilities — around which we can start to build a broad picture of this revolution. These include:Also: Welcome to the AI revolution: From horsepower to manpower to machine-power AI is already impressive in its generative and predictive capabilities and is only going to keep getting more so.There is a huge amount of investment and excitement in the space, which seems unlikely to abate any time soon.CEOs are always on the search to achieve more with less (growth and margin).Many jobs — or parts of jobs — are routine, procedural, or algorithmic in nature, and are therefore candidates for reallocating to AI resources. According to H. James Wilson and Paul Daugherty in Harvard Business Review (Sept-Oct 2024), most business functions and more than 40% of all US work activity can be augmented by AI.New companies very soon will be AI natives, meaning that they simply will not hire humans in the first place except when they have to. These companies will probably show the rest of us where humans are still valuable and where they’re not, and we’ll follow suit (some faster than others).On this patchy but still relatively solid ground, we were inspired by “The 6 Levels of Driving Automation” — created by the Society of Automotive Engineers — to develop a framework that reflects this evolution of AI capabilities and how they will affect companies over the next decade or so. A continuously improving set of AI resources over the next decade will have a two-fold impact on business and the human workforce. Initially, AI will have a broadly augmentative effect, taking over low-value tasks and empowering humans to focus their efforts on more strategic and creative jobs. More
Charlie Osborne/ZDNETHere at ZDNET, we extensively cover the virtual private network (VPN) market and keep an eye out for any worthwhile deals. Over at Stack Social, we’ve spotted an interesting promotion for anyone who wants to use VPN software to mask their online activity from prying eyes, including ISPs, marketers, and other groups that may track what websites you visit and what online services you use. Also: The best VPN servicesThe VPN in question is from AdGuard, a company well-known for its ad and tracker-blocking technologies. Now, you also have the option to try out their standalone VPN, which could provide an additional layer of privacy to protect your browsing. What I like about this deal is the price. For $35 (90% off), you can sign up for a five-year plan, which gives you access to a VPN for the equivalent of around $0.58 per month. The subscription includes 10 simultaneous device connections, and AdGuard operates a no-logging policy. One- and three-year subscription AdGuard VPN deals are also available for $15 and $25, respectively, and while inexpensive, they are more in line with typical promotions offered by other VPN providers. Also: The best VPN for streamingThe mobile iOS and Android versions of this VPN are easy to set up, with a clean layout and a simple menu bar. You can opt for the default “smart” location just by clicking a button, or you can wander through the server and country list (over 60 locations) to find your preferred location. Its speeds are fine, and I didn’t notice any real difference in my browsing or app usage. There is a caveat, though: I can’t recommend this VPN for purely MacOS usage. During my testing, I found it a challenge to even sign in, and it is extremely slow. In short, the mobile user experience is what you would expect from a decent VPN, but the MacOS app needs a lot of work. (We do have a list of VPNs that are great for Mac, if you need one.) A free option is available, but keep in mind that VPN traffic, connection speed, and server locations are very limited. More
Max Buondonno/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe $1,099 Galaxy Z Flip 6 More
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Save big on this lifetime Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro bundle. Kerry Wan/ZDNETIt doesn’t matter if you’re upgrading to a new laptop or just upgrading your existing system — access to Microsoft Office and Windows is a necessity for getting things done on your computer these days. And right now, you can buy a bundled lifetime license to Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro from Stack Social for $50 — that’s 88% off. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2021 includes all of the classic and essential Microsoft offerings, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and Teams. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles, check out this deal for Microsoft Office 2019, which offers all the same features except for Teams. Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is an operating system perfect for working professionals or at-home users. Get an easy-to-navigate interface, biometrics login, Smart App Control, Windows Studio Effects, DirectX 12 Ultimate, and top features like snap layouts, desktops, seamless redocking, improved voice typing, and a powerful search experience. You’ll also get access to Microsoft Copilot, an AI platform designed to upgrade your workflow experience. Also: How to use Copilot (formerly known as Bing Chat)There’s one caveat, though. While Stack Social is an authorized Microsoft partner and offers “lifetime” access to Office, it is possible that Microsoft could end the license. But the site has been running these Microsoft deals for years now, and ZDNET’s Alison DeNisco Rayome can personally vouch for them — she purchased an Office license from Stack Social about two years ago, and it’s still working on her personal MacBook today. While this bundle deal offers a lot, you won’t get the benefits of the latest Microsoft Office 365 subscription, so if you’re looking for Microsoft 365, this deal may not be for you (though Stack Social does have a discount on Office 365, too.) Windows users must update their OS to Windows 10 or 11 to access these software deals. Get your lifetime license bundles for Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro right now. More
Download a lifetime license to Microsoft Office at a deep discount with this deal. Stack Social If you need access to Microsoft Office but don’t want to pay the yearly fee to access Office 365, you’re in luck: Stack Social is offering a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows or Mac, starting […] More
