Eliana Willis

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETThe Windows 11 Start menu has annoyed many people with its clumsy layout and lack of customization. Instead of enhancing and improving the previous menu designs from Windows 7 and 10, Microsoft opted for a backward redesign that left many of us wondering, “What were they thinking?”Hit by user complaints, Microsoft has taken baby steps to try to improve the menu. One option added in late 2022 lets you create folders in which to store your Start menu shortcuts. A more dramatic overhaul that could address many of the menu’s flaws and limitations may roll out later in 2025. For now, though, the Start menu remains an awkward and frustrating feature, largely the same as it was when Windows 11 rolled out in October 2021.Also: Your Windows 11 Start menu is getting a design makeover – here’s how to try it firstWell, if you hate the Start menu in Windows 11 as much as I do and want something more usable and customizable, your best bet is to switch to a Start menu alternative.Several third-party apps can replace the Windows 11 Start menu, giving it a more familiar look and layout and allowing users to customize it in various ways. The program I use on my Windows 11 machines is Start11. But there are other utilities worth checking out, including StartAllBack and Open Shell Menu. Here’s how to get the Windows 11 Start menu you deserve. More

I like my AIs to know a little about me to make the conversations more personal. That doesn’t mean I’m going to share any private or confidential information. But knowing my name, my profession, and a few other tidbits can help the AI feel more like a friendly aide and less like a cold, robotic voice.With that in mind, ChatGPT lets you add certain personal details with both free and paid accounts. For this, browse to the ChatGPT website, launch the Windows program, or fire up the mobile app for iOS or Android. At the website or in the Windows program, click your profile icon in the upper right, select Settings, and then click Personalization. In the mobile app, tap the double lined icon in the upper left, select your profile icon, and tap Personalization.Also: The most popular AI tools of 2025 (and what that even means)From there, select and turn on the option for Customize ChatGPT (Custom Instructions on Android). Add your name and your occupation. You can also add certain traits you’d like ChatGPT to adopt, such as chatty, witty, serious, friendly, encouraging, imaginative, or empathetic. Further, you can include other details the AI should know about you. When done, select Save.Next, turn on the switch for memory. Head back to the chat screen and add details or preferences at the prompt you’d like the AI to incorporate. ChatGPT suggests the following: “Remember that I like concise responses.” “I just got a puppy!” “What do you remember about me?” “Where did we leave off on my last project?”You can then refer to your customizations in your chats. For instance, I’ve asked ChatGPT to reference my favorite TV shows or books that I’ve written. I’ve also asked for advice on dealing with my sweet tooth, my desire to get more exercise, and other goals that I’ve shared with the AI. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways You can buy the latest Galaxy Book5 Pro for a starting retail price of $1,349. It sports a brilliant 3K touchscreen and large touchpad, plus Intel’s Lunar Lake chip delivers next-gen performance. Despite the better hardware, this laptop shares some design flaws as its predecessor. –> Through Samsung’s trade-in program, you […] More

Getty Images/Marcela Barsse Technology permeates nearly every dimension of our lives. Yet, much of that tech, whether the finished product or the component parts, is made overseas and shipped to the US. This is especially true for the chips and processors powering all our devices and AI advancements.  As a result, the Trump Administration’s latest […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Onyx Boox Page has a seven-inch E Ink display and sells for $219 across major retailers. It runs on a simplified version of Android 11, so you can download any app you want, including Kindle, TikTok, Google Docs, and more. Don’t expect the tablet to receive the latest Android updates. […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Plantaform Rejuvenate is a smart indoor garden available for $540. It’s an all-in-one garden structure that only requires power for the grow lights and for you to add water and the included fertilizer when it runs low; thankfully, the app gives you notifications and detailed instructions. Unfortunately, you can’t easily […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETAfter the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there’s little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port — likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel — offers more potential than you might expect.  Also: 5 easy ways to instantly improve your soundbar’s audio (without spending a dime)USB ports are easy to overlook, but they’re a standard feature on most TVs — and more useful than you might think. Here are five clever ways to make the most of them. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Abbott Lingo is a $49 continuous glucose monitor that tracks your blood sugar for two weeks It can help people understand how their diets impact their glucose levels and make changes accordingly The app’s suggestions and recommendations could be more insightful to promote daily use. –> There are plenty of […] More