Eliana Willis

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  • 163 Shares129 Views

    in Information Technology

    Did your Google Maps Timeline disappear? Here’s the fix to get yours back

    ZDNETThose of you who use the Google Maps Timeline to keep track of past trips and directions may notice that your data has mysteriously vanished. Well, not so mysteriously. The fault lies with Google, and you’re apparently out of luck unless you have a backup.”We briefly experienced a technical issue that caused the deletion of Timeline data for some people,” Google revealed in a statement shared with ZDNET. “Nearly everyone with encrypted Timeline backups will be able to restore their data; unfortunately, those who did not have backups enabled will not be able to recover lost data.” Also: A hidden Google Maps feature is making people emotional – here’s whyFormerly known as Location History, the Google Maps Timeline is a map that shows the directions you’ve used, the trips you’ve taken, and the places you’ve visited. The goal is to help you easily return to a previous location by accessing its history. But in the transition from Location History to Timeline, Google made a few changes. In the past, your location data was stored in the cloud via your Google account. That meant it was automatically backed up and accessible on any device. However, that method also triggered privacy concerns for people who didn’t want Google accessing the places they visited. With Timeline, your location details and travel data are instead stored on your device. Though that may secure the data from prying eyes, you have to sync the information to Google’s cloud if you want a backup that you can then restore. And that’s why many Maps users may be out of luck. How to back up your Google Maps TimelineTo back up your Timeline, open Google Maps on your iPhone or Android device, tap your profile icon at the top, and then select Timeline. Tap the cloud icon and sign in with your Google account. Turn on the switch for Backup. An encrypted copy of your Timeline is then saved to Google’s servers. The backup automatically runs over Wi-Fi when your device is charging and idle. More

  • 238 Shares189 Views

    in Robotics

    This 2600W power station is more than $800 off right now – and I don’t expect it to last

    Bluetti Power stations are increasingly popular, but as their capacity grows, so does the price tag. A system capable of handling heavy loads and providing enough battery capacity to power a home during an outage typically costs around $2,000.  Also: The best portable power stations you can buy However, there are opportunities to find great deals. […] More

  • 150 Shares169 Views

    in Robotics

    10 professional developers on the true promise and peril of vibe coding

    sankai/Getty Images The internet (and especially my inbox) has been awash with buzz about vibe coding. Vibe coding, if you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, is the practice of letting an AI guide your coding while you sit back, drink coffee, watch YouTube videos, and play Cities: Skylines 2, all […] More

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    in Robotics

    I switched to this $379 Android phone while traveling and didn’t miss my Pixel 9 Pro

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Nothing Phone 3a makes smart tradeoffs for a budget device, excelling in design, battery life, and display quality. Essential Space offers a refreshingly subtle AI experience, showcasing Nothing’s restraint and clear vision. While some see Nothing’s design as a novelty, hands-on experience proves its signature style runs deeper than aesthetics. […] More

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    in Robotics

    Amazon Big Spring Sale 2025: Here’s everything you need to know before the sale starts tomorrow

    Adam Breeden/ZDNETAmazon’s second annual Big Spring Sale (commonly known as the Amazon Spring Sale or Spring Deal Days in the UK) will return tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25. Also: The best early Amazon Spring Sale deals live nowThe last week has already been littered with plenty of early offers at the retailer, but the official Big Spring Sale will extend through Monday, March 31. Earlier this month, Amazon shared that customers can expect savings of up to 40% off categories like home, outdoor, and more, highlighting daily deal drops, select Prime-only offers, and more. Also: Amazon’s Spring Sale is incoming, but so is Walmart Super Savings Week and Target Circle WeekAs ZDNET’s deal connoisseur, I’m using my extensive hands-on tech experience and seasoned commerce skills to cover sales and deals. I break down everything you need to know to shop like a pro any time of the year — plus all of the details about Amazon’s first major sale event of 2025. Be sure to check back here for everything you need to know to shop savvy this Big Spring Sale, especially as the event kicks off tomorrow. When is Amazon’s Spring Sale?Amazon’s Big Spring sale starts tomorrow, Tuesday, March 2025. My early estimations — based on information shared on Amazon’s Seller Forum in February — placed the Big Spring Sale returning on Wednesday, March 26. On March 18, Amazon confirmed that the second annual Big Spring Sale event will begin on Tuesday, March 25, and end on Monday, March 31, 2025.  More

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    in Robotics

    10 Siri tips and tricks to make it less terrible (and more helpful)

    ZDNETAs an iPhone user, I’ve been waiting years for Siri to improve. But if anything, Apple’s beleaguered voice assistant has gotten worse. Whether I’m chatting with Siri when I’m at home, out and about, or behind the wheel via CarPlay, it still often fails to respond correctly.I’ve tried using other assistants, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Those are helpful when I need in-depth information or analysis. But since Siri is built into iOS, it’s the only one able to handle personal information or interact directly with my phone. If I need to play music, get directions, set a reminder, call or text a contact, add an appointment, activate a shortcut, or launch an app, I have to use Siri. That means I’m stuck with it, for better or worse. Also: How to turn on Siri’s new glow effect on iOS 18 – and other settings you should tweakBut I don’t have to just accept the worse part. Despite Siri’s faults and flaws, there are ways to improve its behavior. You can correct certain mistakes, modify your questions, retrain your voice, change Siri’s own voice, and tweak specific options. Though Apple is the one that ultimately has to fix Siri, you can at least take certain steps to make it less terrible. Here are 10 ways to do just that. How to make Siri less terrible What you need: An Apple device with Siri, such as an iPhone or iPad. In this guide, I’ll show you how to improve Siri on an iPhone. More