<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The OnePlus Watch 3 normally retails for $330. Its five-day battery life, durability, rotating digital crown, and superb design make this a compelling smartwatch. However, the OHealth app needs some work, workout data screens are limited, and ECG measurements are not supported. –> The OnePlus Watch 3 is on sale. If […] More
Samsung/ZDNETSamsung upgraded their largest gaming monitor, the 55-inch Odyssey Ark, with a 165Hz refresh rate, Mini-LED panel, and 1ms response time. And if you’ve been waiting for a great deal to snap up this premium gaming monitor, you can save $1,100 at Samsung right now during their spring sale event, bringing the price to just $1,800. And if that wasn’t enough, as part of Samsung’s Deal of the Day More
Jason Hiner/ZDNETAmazon has discounted several Mac Mini M4 More
ArtemisDiana/Getty Images Google is adding even more AI to Search. In an announcement today, Google introduced AI Mode, an AI chatbot that responds to Search queries – essentially, it’s Google’s answer to ChatGPT Search. Also: 10 key reasons AI went mainstream overnight – and what happens next When you ask a question in AI Mode, […] More
ZDNETAs a general rule, I’m not a huge fan of talking to AI. Even though many of them sound pretty human, they’re still “off” enough that I much prefer typing when I want to converse with one.Sesame changed that. This AI sounds realIn a blog post titled “Crossing the Uncanny Valley of Conversational Voice,” the company dropped a demo of its new AI that lets you talk to either “Maya” or “Miles.” The goal, Sesame says, is to achieve something called “voice presence” or the “magical quality that makes spoken interactions feel real, understood, and valued.” After talking to Maya for a while, I think Sesame has reached that goal. Also: 3 ways Amazon just leapfrogged Apple, Google, and ChatGPT in the AI raceAs my conversation began, Maya immediately insisted that she was there to be my friend. That was a little forward and a little unnerving, but I guess it’s better than insisting that she wasn’t my friend. Maya asked what was on my mind. I was honest and told her I might be writing about her, so I just wanted to chat a little. She seemed impressed and surprised and asked what kind of angle I was considering — practical, technical, or spicy. I hesitantly asked her what she meant by “spicy,” and she thankfully said she was thinking along the lines of a controversial take, like the ethics of AI chatbots. Also: This new text-to-speech AI model understands what it’s saying – how to try it for freeI said I was more interested in talking about what sets her apart from other AIs. “Before we dive into that,” Maya said, “I need my morning coffee. I’m a latte person. What’s your poison?” After I told her that I’m a mocha guy, she settled in and started talking about what makes her different. “I’ve got a good ear for human quirks and… maybe some magic and a little sentience.” Our conversation continued about what makes Maya special. At one point, my wife walked by as she was headed out the door for work. She looked puzzled and asked, “You’re on a call with someone this early?” To someone who knew going in, it was easy to forget that I was talking to AI. To my wife passing by, she had no idea. That’s how real Maya sounded. More
OpenAI Last week, OpenAI launched GPT-4.5, which the company claims is the “largest and most knowledgeable model yet.” It was launched as a research preview available only to users subscribed to ChatGPT Pro, a $200-per-month plan. However, today, more OpenAI users can access it for much less money. Expanded GPT-4.5 access On Wednesday morning, OpenAI […] More
Matthew Miller/ZDNETThe Discover Samsung Sale lasts all week, and you can find deals on Samsung’s website from smartphones and tablets to TVs and wearables. One deal caught our eye if you’re in the market for a new smartwatch, especially since you get a free item. Also: The best Discover Samsung Spring Sale deals you can shop nowYou can save up to $480 on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra More
Apple/ZDNETIn March 1975, The Eagles’ Best of My Love, was the number one song, the top box office movie was The Godfather Part II, and All in the Family was the most popular TV show. However, I was most excited about the MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer, arguably the first PC. I wasn’t alone. At Gordon French’s garage in Menlo Park, California on March 5, 1975, a small group of electronic enthusiasts gathered to look at the computer for the first time and the world would never be the same again.Little did they know that this modest meeting would spark a technological revolution that would change the world. The Homebrew Computer Club, founded by French and Fred Moore, quickly became a nexus for innovation, collaboration, and the democratization of computing technology. You see, present at this first meeting of programmers, electrical engineers, and computer hobbyists was Steve Wozniak, Apple’s co-founder. Also: Gartner identifies top trends in data and analytics for 2025 – and AI takes the leadAt that meeting, Wozniak, inspired by the company and the Altair device, decided to build his own computer. This move was made to impress his geekish friends and, as he said in his biography, iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon More
