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    Your Apple Watch Series 4’s new ‘vintage’ status means fixing it just got more complicated – here’s why

    ZDNETThose of you still wearing an Apple Watch Series 4 on your wrist could now run into problems if your watch ever needs to be repaired. That’s because Apple labels products beyond a certain lifespan as “vintage,” which affects if, how, and where you can get them fixed if they break down.Also: 8 times the Apple Watch predicted danger and saved lives in 2024On the latest version of a page that explains what happens if an Apple product’s warranty has expired, the company added a couple of new devices to its vintage lineup on Thursday. Tops on the list is the Apple Watch Series 4, which debuted in 2018. That year aligns with the new designation. Based on Apple’s assessment, devices become vintage when the company has stopped selling them more than five years but less than seven years ago.What does it mean if you own a vintage product?If the device is still working, great. Keep using it as long as you want. But if it conks out, you may have trouble getting it fixed.You might be able to request parts and servicing; however, that depends on the availability of the parts. If your local Apple Store or third-party repair shop doesn’t have the parts in stock right away, you’ll have to wait until they’re found, or you may be out of luck completely. In that case, you may have to check eBay or a third-party reseller to try to uncover the parts yourself. More

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    Could AI make you a billionaire in 2025?

    Mensent Photography/Getty Images There I was, minding my own bidness, watching Formula 1 videos on IG. 🥰 Sam Altman pops up, talking about the future of AI as it relates to business owners. He said that one day, we could see a one-person billion-dollar company. 😱 My first thought was, “Dude is wilding.” Then I […] More

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    CES 2025: What to expect and how to watch

    Jason Hiner/ZDNETWith CES upon us, you have probably seen countless mentions of the conference from any tech news outlet or company you follow. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or consumer, the show is guaranteed to feature something you care about — be it the launch of a new tech product or feature or the demo of some visionary technology with the potential to change the future.Also: ZDNET joins CNET Group to award the Best of CES, and you can submit your entry nowWant to keep up with the conference’s latest and hottest news? ZDNET will have a team on the ground bringing you the latest announcements during the show, so you don’t miss a thing. Here’s everything you need to know about CES 2025.What is CES? The Consumer Electronics Show, also known as CES for short, is an industry tradeshow that features the biggest tech players from across the globe who will showcase their latest consumer technology with daily product launches, keynotes, activations, and demos. The annual event, which has found a permanent home at the Las Vegas Convention Center and other nearby hotels, has been taking place for decades, becoming a staple in the tech community. More

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    How IBM’s blueprint for industry transformation leverages AI, 5G, and collaboration

    Priya Kurien, the client strategy and innovation leader of global industries at IBM. IBM Priya Kurien, the client strategy and innovation leader of global industries at IBM, has a fascinating job working with C-suite and senior leaders for IBM’s clients across the world, helping them to leverage IBM’s technology, particularly with AI. In this interview, […] More

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    Siri’s secret recordings lead to a $95 million settlement. Could you get a share?

    Maria Diaz/ZDNETApple has settled a class action lawsuit in which tens of millions of users can expect a slice of the payout.Also: The first open-source, privacy-focused voice assistant for the home is hereOn Tuesday, the iPhone maker agreed to pay $95 million to settle a 2019 lawsuit claiming that Siri violated the privacy of Apple users by recording their conversations, as reported by Reuters.Lopez v. Apple, Inc.Known as Lopez v. Apple, Inc., the class action lawsuit was filed by three plaintiffs who alleged that Apple programmed Siri to intercept conversations even when no hot word, such as “Hey Siri,” was spoken. Further, the plaintiffs claimed that Apple violated their privacy by sharing recordings of the conversations with third-party contractors.Specifically, two of the plaintiffs said that mentioning Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden restaurants prompted ads for both products. The third plaintiff said he received ads for a surgical treatment after discussing it privately with his doctor.In settling the suit, Apple has denied any wrongdoing on its part. Before the plaintiffs and Apple users can receive their slice of the payout, the settlement must be approved by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White in the Oakland, Calif., federal court. More

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    How to transform your doodles into stunning graphics with Apple’s Image Wand

    Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETI’m not much of an artist. When I try to draw an image on my iPhone or iPad, the result often looks like something created by a two-year-old. That’s why I like Apple’s new Image Wand. Part of the AI-powered Apple Intelligence, Image Wand will transform your rough sketches into high-quality imagesSupporting only the Apple Notes app for now, Image Wand also can use AI to modify existing images, conjure up an image from empty space, and convert text into an image. You’re even able to choose a specific style for your image: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. To create the initial image, you can use your finger or a stylus like the Apple Pencil.Also: Apple Pencil Pro vs. Apple Pencil 2: Which model you should buy for your iPadIf you’re like me, the drawings you create may look as if if they were produced by a child. Or you can simply use a drawing done by a real kid on an iPhone or iPad. Your child might then enjoy seeing their sketches come to life.The only limitation is that you need the right type of device. That means an iPhone 16, an iPhone 15 Pro, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, any iPad model with an M1 or later chip, or an iPad mini with an A17 Pro chip. You’ll also need iOS/iPadOS 18.2.Let’s see how this works.How to use Apple’s Image Wand to create high-quality images More

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    Apple Fitness Plus gets a big update for the new year: 5 new or improved features

    Image: Apple Even though an Apple Watch Ultra 2<!–>, sometimes the Watch Series 10–>, is always mounted on one of my wrists, I haven’t spent much time with Apple Fitness Plus. After attending a briefing with Apple a couple of weeks ago, I started using Fitness Plus for cycling, walking, running, and strength training and […] More