This versatile Dell laptop surprised me with 3 standout features
Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysDell’s Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 More
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This AI-powered Linux terminal app can help you learn how to use commands
Jack Wallen/ZDNETI’ve been using Linux for decades and even though the GUIs have all become good enough that I could go without ever running another command, I still often depend on the terminal and CLI (Command Line Interface) when I want to get things done quickly.Not everyone is as familiar with the command line, though, and some find it overwhelming.Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learnIt doesn’t have to be so, as there are new applications that make learning and doing at the same time possible…thanks to AI. One such app is called AI Shell. Now, before we get into this application, know that it depends on OpenAI and, as such, it’s not free. To use this app you must have an OpenAI account with sufficient credits. If using a paid service isn’t up your alley, you can always turn to an app like Warp. If, however, you already have an OpenAI account, AI Shell is a great option because it works with any terminal app you might want to use (so you’re not locked into using one specific terminal).So, if you like the idea of a terminal app that can teach you how to use Linux commands, AI Shell might be what you’re looking for.The only other caveat is AI Shell is a bit tricky to install for new users. That’s fine because I’m here to show you how.How to install AI ShellWhat you’ll need: The only things you’ll need for this are a running instance of Linux, a user with sudo privileges, and an OpenAI API key. I’ll demonstrate this on Linux Mint, so if you’re using a different distribution, you might have to modify the installation process. More
The best Kindle readers of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
The best part of having an e-reader is taking dozens, if not hundreds, of books with you while you travel for work, errands, family gatherings, or vacations. Ayman from @aymansbooks on TikTok is one of BookTok’s most successful accounts, with over 900,000 followers. She creates content and memes about novels and recommends the books she reads on the platform. Ayman told ZDNET that the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is her Kindle of choice. Whether she’s at the DMV, sitting at a cafe, or waiting in a line, she always takes along her Paperwhite Signature Edition and pulls it out when she has a spare second to read. “I love how I can easily highlight and make annotations as I’m reading; it feels just as though I’m reading a physical book,” Ayman said. Review: Kindle Paperwhite Signature EditionThe Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is built with travel in mind. It supports USB-C and Qi wireless charging, so you don’t have to keep a special charging cable for a single device. The internal battery can also last up to 10 weeks on a full charge, allowing you to enjoy your beach reading even if you forget your charging cable.The screen features an anti-glare coating for better visibility in direct lamplight or sunlight and an auto-adjusting backlight to suit dim rooms. With 32GB of internal storage, you can store tens of thousands of titles on the tablet. However, some Reddit owners say extra storage is unnecessary, given how many books the Kindle Paperwhite already holds. The water-resistant tablet is excellent for reading by the pool, on the beach, or anywhere accidental spills may happen. Additionally, it has a screen reader function for blind and visually impaired users and supports Bluetooth headsets for audiobooks.When former ZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani reviewed the Signature Edition, he said: “If you opt to spend a little bit more for the signature edition, you’re gaining some notable features in wireless charging and a light sensor, improving even more on an already reliable experience.” Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition specs: Screen size: 6.8 inches | Storage: 32GB, Amazon Cloud | Battery life: Up to 10 weeks at 30 minutes per day | Lock screen ads: Yes, removable with fee | microSD card support: No More
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The best radar detectors: Expert recommended
When cruising down a lonely stretch of highway, it’s easy to get swept away and forget about the pressure of your foot on the gas. Next thing you know, you might be getting a pricey speeding ticket or even a date in traffic court. If only you had a radar detector.A radar detector notifies you when your vehicle’s speed may be monitored by law enforcement. This allows you to find police before they find you, allowing you to slow your speed and correct your driving. In short, radar detectors can help you drive safer while saving you money with fewer tickets. They are legal in only two areas (Washington, DC and Virginia). Also: Best dash camsWhat is the best radar detector right now?ZDNET researched the best radar detectors available based on features, display, and price. Our pick for the best radar detector overall is the Uniden R7 More
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The best AirPods of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
Out of the four current models of AirPods, I recommend the AirPods Pro 2 the most because they fit almost every type of ear, are comfortable to wear, and include all of the best and latest features that Apple offers in headphones. Plus, they get a bonus set of new features as part of the iOS 17 update.These will be ideal for those long-haul study sessions at the library when all you want is silence and time to focus or as you’re exercising at the bustling campus gym and want to lock in on your favorite music. They’re the best earbuds in the lineup and a great choice for portable headphones with competitive noise-canceling. Most Redditors agree that the AirPods Pro 2 takes the cake. When searching on Reddit for the best AirPods to buy, it isn’t easy to find an alternative recommendation. One user on the r/AirPods thread called the earbuds “transcendent,” and another said they are worth the money. The AirPods Pro 2 uses silicon tips to fit into your ears (with four sizes to choose from), similar to the ones you’re probably familiar with in most earbuds you’ve used. Comparatively, the standard AirPods have hard plastic tips like the traditional Apple EarPods that used to come in the box with most iPhones — which many people found to fall out of their ears easily or weren’t very comfortable to wear. The AirPods Pro 2 were the first to get Apple’s latest H2 chip for improved sound. That includes active noise cancellation, which roughly doubles the noise cancellation of the first-gen AirPods Pro and works impressively in loud environments like airplanes and city streets. It also includes adaptive transparency mode, which lets you hear the world around you when you have your earbuds in while also automatically reducing loud sounds such as sirens. In 2023, Apple slightly revised this model as the “AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C,” swapping out Apple’s Lightening connector with the more universal USB-C that has also come to iPhone 15. But it also added Lossless Audio with ultra-low latency for the Apple Vision Pro headset that launched this week.If you use headphones for more than a couple hours every day, wireless headphones might be your most important device next to your smartphone and your laptop — and they can enhance the experience of using both. If you use headphones that much, spending $250 on the best and most versatile wireless earbuds Apple offers will likely be a worthy investment to raise the quality of your daily life.AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) with USB-C features: Type: In-ear | Chip: H2 | Battery life: 6 hours | Water-resistant: Yes More
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The best TVs of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
The Samsung S95D is the brand’s latest iteration of their OLED lineup, and it offers plenty of reasons to upgrade. Along with signature OLED picture quality, you’ll get a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for gaming or smoother action during fast-paced movies, shows, or sports broadcasts. It works with both Dolby Atmos and Samsung’s object tracking sound technology to create 3D virtual surround sound without the need for extra speakers or sound bars. Read more: Samsung’s S95D OLED is the best TV of CES 2024 and the best in the world right now You’ll also get built-in voice controls via Alexa, Samsung’s Bixby, and Hey Google for hands-free use of your TV. ZDNET’s editor-in-chief, Jason Hiner, got to check out the Samsung S95D for himself at CES 2024, and he not only named it the best TV of CES, but the “best in the world right now.” He was very impressed by the anti-glare coating of the screen, which helps boost visibility in brighter rooms. He also praised the color accuracy and crisp text the QD-OLED panel can produce. And verified reviews from Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung’s own site agree that the picture quality is some of the best on the market and highlight that the TV’s quality is well-worth the price.Samsung S95D specs: Screen size: 55-77 inches | Panel type: OLED | Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz | Resolution: 4K | HDR: OLED HDR Pro | Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ | Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google More
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One of Samsung’s best TVs of all time is on sale and would be a great TV for the Olympics
Samsung S90C OLED TV 65-inch Jason Hiner/ZDNETIf you’re in the market for a TV with the best possible picture for watching the 2024 Summer Olympics, then you’ll have a difficult time finding many TVs better than Samsung’s S90C OLED TV More
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Slack now offers four iPhone widgets – here’s how you can use them
Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETIf you have an iPhone and regularly use Slack, you should appreciate Slack’s four new widgets that give you access to key features at the tap of a finger. Released by Slack on Monday, three of the widgets are meant for the Home Screen, while the fourth is geared for the Lock Screen. The widgets let you quickly access certain features so that you don’t have to open the actual app yourself.The first one for the Home Screen is a Catch Up widget, which displays unread messages and mentions to help you catch up on the latest info. More
