More stories

  • in

    On the 5th day of OpenAI, ChatGPT partners with Apple for iOS 18.2

    NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty Images With the holiday season upon us, many companies are finding ways to take advantage through deals, promotions, or other campaigns. OpenAI has found a way to participate with its “12 days of OpenAI” event series. On Wednesday, OpenAI announced via an X post that starting on Dec. 5, the […] More

  • in

    Changing these 5 soundbar settings made my living room feel like a movie theater

    Jason Hiner/ZDNETSoundbars are gaining in popularity because of their sleek design and ability to provide an ample boost in audio quality compared to built-in TV speakers. Even with their plug-and-play nature, you can make a few modifications to help unleash the best possible sound quality. Also: The best soundbars of 2024: Expert tested and recommendedWhether you’re new to soundbar setups or a self-proclaimed audiophile, familiarizing yourself with some key settings can take your viewing and listening experience to new heights. Read on for five pointers on how to optimize your soundbar’s performance. More

  • in

    Everything you need to host a holiday party

    Yes, holiday hosting can be a ball, but it can also be a pain in the neck. You’re cleaning before guests arrive and deep cleaning after they leave. There’s constant commotion in the kitchen as you prepare food and mix drinks. There’s the music and overall vibe curation that takes lots of time and energy to get right. And, there’s always that one person who spills red wine on the sofa or breaks your favorite mug. Also: Everything you need to start building out your smart homeWhat if there were tech products that not only made the hosting experience simpler, but enjoyable as well? We’ve rounded up some products that simplify holiday party throwing, whether that’s by mopping and vacuuming your place with a robot vacuum, keeping track of who’s coming and going with a doorbell camera, blasting holiday tunes with the smartest of speakers, or commemorating the moment with a favorite film camera. A robot vacuum/mopThrow that stinky, manual mop away: it’s time for a holiday (and all-year-round) upgrade. The best robot vacuums and mops autonomously clean your floors so you don’t have to. These devices learn the layout of your home and cleans different rooms on the schedule you program into it. It’s a hosts’ secret weapon to easy tidying before a party and facile cleanup after.  More

  • in

    The 7 tech gadgets I couldn’t live without in 2024

    Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI handle and review a bewildering array of gadgets throughout the year, from cables to satellite communicators. However, I feel that the real test for any product is whether it can make the shift from something I reviewed into something that I use long-term.That is what this list represents — gadgets that transitioned from mere review assignments to become essential parts of my kit. These are the things that live in my pocket or laptop bag, or accompany me on my travels, both on-grid and completely off-grid.Also: The best drones you can buy: Expert testedOne caveat here is that I’ve deliberately left out any and all Apple gadgets for the simple reason that the top slots of my list would consist of my iPhone, Apple Watch, MacBook Pro, AirPods Pro, and all the AirTags that prevent me from losing my belongings. I want this list to move beyond Apple!So, without any further ado, and in no particular order, here are my top 7 gadgets of 2024, along with a bonus “gadget” that is constantly in a state of flux but is also irreplaceable.1. Klarus K5 waterproof power bank   More

  • in

    7 Bluesky settings tweaks that make the popular X alternative even better

    Alcuin/Getty Images I’ve been on Bluesky for some time now, and I’ve found it to be exponentially better than X. It offers a similar layout without the deluge of ads, algorithm-driven feeds, and irrelevant (and often offensive) content.  Bluesky also offers features that X doesn’t (and likely never will). Notably, Bluesky puts moderation in your […] More