Eliana Willis

Maria Diaz/ZDNETIf you are a ChatGPT superuser, downloading the app on your desktop can make interacting with the chatbot and incorporating it into your everyday workflow much more seamless. However, the app has been limited to MacOS users — until now. Also: I’m a ChatGPT power user – and this new feature instantly made me more productiveOn Thursday, OpenAI announced via an X post that Windows users can now start testing an early version of the Windows desktop app. However, this option will only be available to ChatGPT Plus, Enterprise, and Edu users.This means that individual users interested in downloading the Windows app will have to subscribe to ChatGPT Plus, OpenAI’s ChatGPT premium subscription model, for $20 per month. Other perks of the subscription include access to all of the latest OpenAI models, including o1-preview, 5x greater messages for GPT-4o, Advanced Voice Mode, and more. The two major perks of the ChatGPT desktop app are that it is more easily accessible (you can use the Alt + Space shortcut) and it is aware of your screen, making it easier to get assistance on what you are working on with fewer explanations and more context. To download the app, you must visit the ChatGPT website and click on “Test an early version of the Windows app.” If you don’t want to pay for ChatGPT Plus, you could wait as OpenAI shared it plans to launch the “full experience to all ChatGPT users later this year.”Also: Google’s stunning AI podcast tool gets new features that make it even betterIt is common OpenAI practice to first roll out features to ChatGPT Plus users and then all users, and it even did so with its MacOS app rollout initially. All MacOS users can download the app following the same steps above but clicking on download for MacOS instead. When reviewing the MacOS app, ZDNET’s Maria Diaz found that one of the most helpful features was the ease of access with the keyboard shortcut. If you are a Windows user waiting for the free rollout, a cost-effective alternative in the meantime could be to keep the ChatGPT website bookmarked on your browser. Artificial Intelligence More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETApple announced four new iPhones (among other things) at the “It’s Glowtime” event last month. Designed from the ground up for Apple Intelligence — Apple’s bespoke AI, set to roll out via iOS 18.1 on Oct. 28 — the series ranges from the base model to the most souped-up. The four models are the iPhone 16, the iPhone 16 Plus, the iPhone 16 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Also: The iPad Mini 7 is almost perfect – except for one critical missing featureThere’s a deluge of new features on both the hardware and the software side, so we don’t blame you if you’re struggling to break it all down. But which features will have the most impact on iPhone enthusiasts? What are the truly novel features of the 16 Pro? Let’s cut through the noise and look at what we’ve got. 1. 5x zoom comes to the Pro When Apple first released the iPhone 15 series, it only gave the 5x tetraprism zoom lens to the Max Pro. This time around, both the 16 Pro and the 16 Pro Max are getting the high-end zoom capability. This choice means the camera is essentially the same on the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, leaving other features to differentiate the two models. 2. Camera control  More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways A very transportable power station now $399 on Amazon Decent 512Wh capacity and 600W output (1,200W surge) Designed to fit into an (included) backpack built to carry heavy loads –> Power stations are all the rage and finding their way into homes, RVs, cars, trucks, and even tents. They are the […] More

H20 Tri 2 bone-conducting headphones <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The H20 Tri 2 headphones are available now on Amazon for $179 With sound superior to other bone-conducting headphones, the Tri 2 make exercising a treat The controls of these headphones can be a bit awkward and the Memory mode does have a bit of a […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold More

Write a simple caption. Don’t forget credit/ZDNETIf you just can’t wait until Black Friday to upgrade your gaming PC, I’ve got a killer deal for you. Right now at Walmart, you can pick up a Sapphire Pulse Radeon RX 7800 XT GPU More

When deciding which home EV charger will be best for you, consider the following:Level 1 vs. Level 2 charging, and your home electrical systemThere are two types of chargers that you can buy: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers operate on a power supply of 120 volts, while Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts. You can use a Level 2 charger for faster charging, but that will require a special outlet that you will need to install in your home. (All of the chargers on this list are Level 2.)When installing a home EV charger, evaluating your home’s electrical system is crucial, as it plays a key role in determining what type of charger and installation your home can support. Many of the chargers listed in this article offer selective amperage settings, meaning that even though they are advertised as providing up to 48A or 50A output, they can often be adjusted to lower outputs, such as 40A or 32A, to better align with your electrical system’s capacity.For Level 2 chargers, there are specific breaker requirements based on the amperage:38A-40A chargers require a 50A breaker. The National Electrical Code (NEC) mandates that the breaker must support 125% of the charger’s maximum load to provide a safety margin for continuous operation.48A-50A chargers typically require a 60A breaker, but in some instances, a 70A breaker may be needed to ensure proper safety overhead.Since many chargers offer selectable amperage settings, they can be configured to work with different electrical setups. For example, a charger capable of 48A output can run at 40A or 32A if your home’s electrical panel can’t support the higher amperage. However, chargers offering higher output (48A-50A) generally require hardwiring rather than using a NEMA socket to comply with safety and electrical standards.It’s critical to consult a licensed electrician to assess whether your electrical panel can accommodate your selected charger. If your panel lacks the necessary capacity, upgrading your electrical system may be required before installation. This could involve installing new wiring, dedicated breaker boxes, or weatherproof components for outdoor setups. Evaluating these factors will ensure safe and efficient operation of your home EV charger.Additional costs & utility programsWhile many local power companies offer EV charger programs that include a charger and basic installation services, these programs may not cover more complex or costly installations. In older homes or homes requiring significant upgrades, installation costs can quickly exceed the charger’s price. For example, suppose your home has an outdated electrical panel or lacks the necessary infrastructure. In that case, you might need additional wiring (such as NEMA 6-50), a weatherproof box, and a dedicated dual breaker box. Additionally, any work done outside may require an inspection to ensure compliance with updated local safety laws, such as proper grounding.Utility-backed programs often cover only basic installations, leaving homeowners responsible for any significant electrical upgrades. Before committing to any program or installation, getting a detailed quote for the entire scope of the work is advisable, especially for older homes or more complex setups.By comparing the full costs of utility-backed programs with the option of purchasing and installing a charger independently, you can make a more informed decision and ensure you’re prepared for all potential costs, not just those covered by the program.WeatherproofingIf you plan on using your home EV charger outdoors, you will want to be sure that it is weather-resistant for added protection.Smart technologyThe best home EV chargers include smart technology, which allows you to use Bluetooth and even Alexa connections to control your unit. Home EV chargers come at a variety of price points, so you can find one that fits into your budget.  More

Apple Many businesses use logos and other branding to give themselves a visual identity — distinguishing them in the eyes of customers. Now, Apple is making it easier for such businesses to share their visual branding when dealing with iPhone users. On Wednesday, Apple announced an update to its Business Connect feature that allows companies […] More