Google Ever since Google released the first iteration of Gemini, then known as Bard, the AI chatbot has gone through several iterations in attempts to compete with giants like ChatGPT. Now, Google is at it again, giving Gemini a facelift with an LLM upgrade and other highly anticipated features. On Thursday, Google announced the chatbot […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETI’ve been using Pixel phones since the very first iteration. The relationship has been filled with ups and downs. Some of the downs (such as call quality) have improved enough that they’re no longer an issue. Google’s overall track record with Pixel releases has nevertheless always been pretty shaky.I remember, back with the Pixel 3, the call quality was atrocious. The Pixel 4 seemed to fix the issue, but the battery life was dreadful. The call quality on the Pixel 5 regressed, but the battery life was great.Also: Pixel 9? Pixel Watch 3? The date for the next Made by Google event is sooner than everWith every step forward, there seems to be a couple of steps backward. At the same time, companies like Nothing are producing exciting phones and developing a reputation for consistency and quality. With the Nothing Phone 3 on the horizon, it’s becoming challenging to convince myself that the Pixel is still the phone for me. More
Lossless audio has risen in popularity in recent years thanks to Apple’s implementation of the technology in Apple Music. This MP3 player from Fiio is perfect for lossless audio tracks thanks to a custom-made chip, which provides lower noise floor and distortion. The player comes with Android 10 right out of the box so that you can access the Play Store and whatever streaming app is your go-to. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and when set into Bluetooth receiver mode, it becomes a high-quality Bluetooth amplifier with better frequency response. Reddit users recommend using cable headphone to get the best sound out of it, but note that even the Bluetooth sound via LDAC is much better compared to a smartphone.Fiio M11S specs: Storage: 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage | Battery: 13 hours | Display: 5.15-inch bezel-less (1440 x 720 ) touchscreen | Media types: WAV, FLAC, WMA, MP3, OGG, APE, AAC, ALAC, AIFF, DFF, DSF, DXD More
Max Buondonno/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe $1,099 Galaxy Z Flip 6 More
Stack Social If you live near a BJ’s Wholesale Club and have been thinking about buying a membership, now is a great time: New members can buy an annual membership for just $20 (reg. $55) through this Stack Social deal — saving you 63%. Also: The best Prime Day deals: Live updates BJ’s is similar to […] More
screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETSpotify HiFi, a version of the popular music streaming service with higher-quality audio that has been in the works for at least three years, might finally be close.Speaking on the company’s Q2 2024 earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek said Spotify plans to offer a more premium option than what’s available now. The new version would include additions like new tools for creating playlists and managing song libraries, and most importantly, high-fidelity lossless audio that lets you hear audio exactly as the artist intended.The announcement comes just a month after Spotify raised its prices again.Also: Spotify now lets you create an AI-made playlist with just a text promptEk said that “a good subset” of the service’s 246 million subscribers would subscribe to get improved quality and control.You will need appropriate hardware to take full advantage of Spotify’s new audio tier. Most wireless earbuds or budget wired headphones aren’t enough to do the job.Ek said the feature was still in its “early days,” which makes it seem like it’s not coming anytime soon, but Bloomberg last month reported that it could arrive later this year. More
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysScrewdrivers are a staple of any toolbox, but manual screwdrivers can be tiring to use and aren’t always the best tool for the job. Electric screwdrivers are a more efficient option that can take the stress out of DIY tasks, and I love using them. They’ve even replaced my precision screwdrivers in delicate work, such as working on laptops and smartphones.Also: The best electric screwdrivers: Expert tested For the past few weeks, I’ve been using the Arrowmax SES Ultra Electric Mini Power Screwdriver kit More
