<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dreame X50 Ultra is available for $1,700, but on sale for $1,360. This is one of the best robot vacuums and mops available, with anti-tangle dual brushes, 20,000Pa of suction, and legs to cross up to 4.2cm thresholds. The Dreame X50 Ultra can get caught on obstacles and require intervention, […] More
Wahoo Fitness Wahoo kicked off its next generation of cycling tech with the launch of its upgraded flagship bike computer, the Elemnt Ace, in December 2024. Now, the company is rounding out its lineup with new third-generation versions of its mid-range and entry-level models, alongside its first-ever bike radar. Also: The best Garmin watches you can […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dali IO-8 headphones are available on Amazon for $1,100. They produce a clarity of sound and separation that will blow you away. The beige colorway isn’t the most attractive, and the designed excuses premium. –> I’ve been a connoisseur of headphones since the 1980s. Back then, I was living on […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vivobook S 15, Asus’ first Copilot+ PC, normally retails for over $1,000, but it’s currently on sale at Walmart for $668. It’s sleek and lightweight with a gorgeous OLED, 120Hz display, great battery life, and snappy performance. However, because of the nature of Windows on ARM laptops, some apps might […] More
Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETI’ve been using the cross-platform image editor GIMP for as long as I can remember. It’s an incredible app often considered the open-source equivalent of Photoshop.That status is crucial because Adobe refuses to port its flagship app to the open-source OS. I’ve managed just fine without Photoshop, and you can too. Also: 5 powerful GIMP features I use nearly every day for easy, free photo editingHowever, if the GIMP interface keeps you from adopting this open-source app, fear not, as there is an easy way to configure the UI to make it look more like Photoshop.I’m going to show you how that approach works. More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Audio-Technica Sound Burger retails for $199 and comes in yellow, black, or white. The Sound Burger has unparalleled portability, a long battery life, and provides a novel listening experience. It doesn’t have a counterweight, and also doesn’t have an auto-return feature. more buying choices The Audio-Technica Sound Burger–> is $25 […] More
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
