Eliana Willis

David Gewirtz/ZDNETThis is an article about using artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool and how to apply it to your unique, specialized needs. It provides some interesting lessons for everyone. I’ve also updated it with feedback from readers.Also: The most popular programming languages in 2024 (and what that even means)You’ll learn you can use a tool like ChatGPT to solve complex problems quickly, so long as you have the right prompts and a hint of skepticism. First, a brief 3D printing rabbit holeOur context for this lesson is 3D printing. A special test in 3D printing called a 3DBenchy checks printer performance. It helps 3D printer users test speed and various print-quality measures. The Benchy takes most printers an hour or two to print out.I recently tested a new printer that’s supposed to be faster than many others. On this printer, the Benchy took 42 minutes, while on other 3D printers in the Fab Lab, it took 60 to 70 minutes. But here’s the thing: the test version provided by the company that makes the printer took 16 minutes. That’s a heck of a difference.Also: The rise and fall in programming languages’ popularity since 2016 – and what it tells us3D printers are controlled with G-code, a program custom-generated by a tool called a slicer that controls how the printer moves its print head and print platform, heats up, and feeds and retracts molten filament. The pre-sliced G-code provided by the factory for the printer I was testing resulted in a 16-minute print. The G-code I generated using the company’s slicer resulted in a 42-minute print. I wanted to know why.Unfortunately, no one on the company’s support team could answer my question. Despite numerous tries, I couldn’t get an answer about what slicer settings to change to get the G-code I produced using their slicer to perform as well as the G-code generated using their slicer. Also: 6 ways to write better ChatGPT prompts – and get the results you want fasterAfter many web searches and reading posts from frustrated Reddit posts, it was clear that other customers had the same problem. Here’s a machine capable of more than double the performance, yet none of us could reproduce that performance successfully. More

putilich/Getty Images Lawyers in Singapore now have access to Microsoft’s generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tool Copilot, but are reminded about the importance of human oversight even as they embrace the technology.  Copilot for Microsoft 365 has been integrated with the country’s legal technology platform, which was introduced in 2022 as a collaboration infrastructure designed […] More

Weiquan Lin/Getty Images Linux has always had text editors. Back in the early days, the infamous editor wars that pitted Emacs against vi and those on either side of the fence were fiercely loyal to their choice. Both of those text editors are not only very powerful but aren’t exactly the user-friendly sort. Consider this: To […] More

Nina Raemont/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeaways The Oura Ring More

Salesforce Autonomous artificial intelligence (AI), or agents that can complete tasks without human supervision, is steadily becoming a part of many enterprises’ daily operations. Salesforce is pitching its contribution to the space with a new feature.  On Thursday, the global CRM platform launched Agentforce, a “suite of autonomous AI agents” designed to take on various […] More

Nina Raemont/ZDNETIn theory, wearable health trackers all do the same thing: they monitor your vitals and deliver insights in a way the average Joe can understand. In practice, however, different devices perform in vastly different ways. Take the Oura Ring and the Apple Watch, for example. You can exercise with them both, wear them to bed, and keep them on in the shower as they monitor your heart rate, body temperature, and sleep. Also: The best Apple Watches of 2024: Expert tested and reviewedBut they couldn’t be more different. The smart ring promises a discreet build and a few days’ battery life (Oura says seven days max, but it’s closer to four or five from my testing). The smartwatch, on the other hand, is a chunkier device that brings all your smartphone’s features to your wrist. So which should you buy? Let’s break down the differences. You should buy an Apple Watch if… More

Getty Images/Eugene Mymrin If you have ever used ChatGPT, you know that the chatbot outputs answers with incredible speed, taking seconds to process even complex queries. Although speed is a clear advantage, it is also a disadvantage because it means the chatbot rushed through generating an answer. These new OpenAI models specialize in tackling that […] More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETWhile Linux is my overall operating system of choice, I use MacOS primarily for video editing. However, when it comes to writing, I depend on a select few additional apps to help make cranking out words more efficient and reliable. Below are the apps I use every day to get work done on my Mac.Also: 10 Linux apps I can’t do without – and why1. Arc browserAlthough Safari is a serviceable browser, it’s not Arc. Arc is a beautiful, modern take on the web browser that’s more than just aesthetics. This browser does tab management as well as Opera, renders faster than Chrome, and is a bit more customizable than any browser on the market. Since I started using Arc on MacOS, I’ve been trying to get the attention of Browser Company to port this outstanding browser to Linux. Should that happen, Arc would become my default on both desktop and laptop. Also: 5 ways Arc browser makes browsing the web fun againArc browser is free to use and install.2. Davinci ResolveFor the longest time, I used Final Cut Pro for video editing. But when I continued having trouble getting the look I needed for my videos, I knew the problem was in my software of choice. Also: I was a Final Cut Pro diehard until DaVinci Resolve won me over with these 3 featuresAfter switching to Davinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro goes unused, collecting dust. Davinci Resolve is the best prosumer option on the market for editing and color grading by a long shot. Davinci Resolve’s color tools are unbelievable — I get true-to-life skin tones with ease (thanks to the ACES workflow) and can tweak color to my heart’s content. Davinci Resolve does have a fairly steep learning curve, so if you decide to give the free version a try, make sure to do a bit of research on how it works before you dive in. I opted for Davinci Studio More