<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Cosmo JrTrack 4 is a relatively inexpensive kids’ smartwatch at $130. This device has reliable functionality that you can count on to keep track of your kids, along with no social media or distractions. The Cosmo JrTrack 4 kids’ smartwatch is best for the 6 to 9-year-old crowd, but its […] More
Adam Breeden/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Formovie Cinema Edge 4K UST projector More
Jada Jones/ZDNETBluetooth Auracast is a Bluetooth feature that allows devices like smartphones, TVs, or public announcement systems to broadcast audio to unlimited audio receivers, such as hearing aids. Also: Turn your AirPods Pro 2 into hearing aidsLast week, Google announced Android support for Auracast, and users with Auracast-supported smartphones can use them to connect their compatible earbuds or hearing aids to broadcasts via Bluetooth. Android phones that support AuracastIn a press release, Google highlighted the importance of Auracast to help those who are hard of hearing better interact with the world around them, using Auracast to tune into classroom lectures, public broadcasts, or concerts. People who wear GN Hearing, Starkey, or Jabra hearing aids can access this feature, provided they have a compatible smartphone. Currently, Samsung Galaxy smartphones running UI 7 or Android 15, and Google Pixel 9 smartphones running the Android 16 beta, are Auracast-compatible. In addition to Android support for Auracast, Google included that hearing aid presets can be applied to Auracast streams, allowing users to customize their audio settings. Real-world use casesAlthough Auracast has significant assistive capabilities for those with hearing impairments, this technology has real-world use cases for everyone. Imagine you’re in a sports bar and want to tune into a muted TV playing the primetime game. Connect your Auracast-compatible smartphone and earbuds or hearing aids, then use your phone to find the TV broadcast in your Bluetooth settings. The long-term goal is eliminating the need to access your settings to tap into an Auracast broadcast. To achieve this goal, the Google Pixel 9 family will be the first smartphones to support scanning QR codes to connect to Auracast audio streams. Also: I tried smart glasses with built-in hearing aids – and they worked surprisingly wellPlenty more Auracast-compatible earbuds and Bluetooth speakers are on the market, including the Sony WF-1000XM5, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, JBL Charge 6, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Eero 7 Dual Band Router retails for $180 per unit. Users won’t have to wait long to enjoy high-speed connectivity at home as the device is very easy to set up. However, this router model is light on features; it doesn’t offer much beyond its simple package. more buying choices […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Piccolo N150 netbook is on sale now for $389. This eight-inch laptop has a nice display, enough power for most use cases, and even runs Linux well. The keyboard on the N150 is a challenge to get used to –> If given the opportunity, I would much rather use a […] More
OnePlus Open Matthew Miller/ZDNETPreorders for the OnePlus Watch 3 More
ZDNETThe experts suggest generative AI’s game-changing capabilities mean we won’t have to focus on mundane tasks that limit our productivity. However, while the technology has benefits, generative AI also comes with challenges, such as ethical risks and hallucinations.Various business leaders have told ZDNET that keeping humans in the loop is the key to the successful deployment of AI. Talented professionals ensure emerging technology behaves as it continues to evolve. Also: Is your business AI-ready? 5 ways to avoid falling behindSo, with humans expected to fulfill an important role in a workplace boosted by generative AI, how can managers ensure their staff are eager and productive? Five business leaders gave us their best-practice tips. 1. Make your team feel empowered Carrie Jordan, global director of proposals at Microsoft, said a solid culture is the key to creating more productive teams. “I believe that to create the best team in the world, you have to create the best team to work for,” she said. “In my experience, when your team feels valued, they feel known as a person first, you celebrate their unique characteristics and recognize them, and you encourage collaboration and create a safe psychological space in the team, then they will naturally want to rise and be high performers for you.” Also: 5 quick ways to tweak your AI use for better results – and a safer experienceJordan told ZDNET managers should see culture as the foundation to build great teamwork. “As the leader, you must communicate that you are in a safe place and failure is just learning — we either win or we learn. Then the team will be more innovative, more trusting, and they’ll work hard for you because they feel safe and empowered by you,” she said. “When you hold yourself and your team to high standards, it’s not intimidating. It’s empowering.” 2. Stop having pointless meetings Madoc Batters, head of cloud and IT security at Warner Leisure Hotels, said he boosts productivity using Agile development techniques. “We’re big believers in using extreme programming, running sprints, doing Kanban sessions, and applying all the artifacts for Agile workflows,” he said. Batters told ZDNET he likes to make work processes visible so everybody knows what tasks they should be doing. Once people have direction, you can stop attending pointless get-togethers. “I sometimes think about the number of meetings I used to go to with a bunch of people — maybe a dozen or more — talking about what they’d done last week or what they’re going to do next week,” he said. “If you’d ask them an hour later, the other people in the room wouldn’t know what each person was supposed to be doing.” Also: Here’s why you should ignore 99% of AI tools – and which four I use every dayBatters said people should be able to see the tickets for everyone else. Update those tickets regularly, and people will know what they’re supposed to achieve, without constantly asking others. “There’s so much time wasted talking about what people should be doing,” he said. “Save those meetings for when teams need to make important decisions.” More
Hill Street Studios/Getty Images By the time you finish this sentence, at least two new AI thingies have been announced. Big tech will have made some ridiculous promise that either makes you question your livelihood or makes you go, “Cool story, bro.” Not gonna lie; this ish is exhausting. Trying to keep up makes my […] More
