Eliana Willis

Kerry Wan/ZDNETI wrote about half of this article on my Apple Watch. Seriously. It’s easy and efficient. If you keep reading, I’ll show you how you can turn your Watch into a powerful writing assistant.Also: iOS 18.1 with Apple Intelligence is here. Try these 5 AI features firstThis is new. It’s made possible by the iOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia updates. The key is the Voice Memos app, which iOS and MacOS can now automatically transcribe. First, I’ll explain where this can fit into your writing workflow, and then I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to use it every day.My new Voice Memo writing workflow We’ve had the Voice Memos app for quite some time, but getting the text transcribed involved listening to the audio and hand-typing what you said in the memo. That was just way more work than it was worth, especially for day-to-day use. Also: I replaced my Apple Watch Ultra with the 46mm Series 10, and it’s surprisingly capableBut this new ability to record a memo and then just cut and paste the text transcription right into your writing is a huge time saver. It removes a tremendous amount of tedium, substantially boosts productivity, and possibly increases the quality of your writing. That last paragraph was dictated into my Watch. I brought it into this article, gave it a quick edit, and now it’s in the article just as if I’d written it using a keyboard while sitting in front of my computer. I think about my articles for quite some time before I hit the keyboard and start putting down words on the screen. During that pre-writing time, elements of the article tend to flow in and flow out of my head. Also: The best Apple Watches of 2024: Expert tested and reviewedI do try to rush back to my computer if I have a really good idea that I want to write down, but it doesn’t always happen. As a result, a lot of good and useful thoughts for my articles wind up forgotten. More

The Google TV Streamer, a full tabletop version of the Chromecast, pictured vs the Roku Ultra, the latest Roku player. Maria Diaz/ZDNETWhether you’re a budget-conscious cord cutter or a streaming binge-watcher, Google and Roku offer different options to upgrade your streaming experience. The companies have smart TVs as well as add-on streaming devices, not to mention different user interfaces.Also: The best live TV streaming services of 2024: Expert testedTheir streaming device lineups offer many similarities and differences, making it difficult to choose. Here are the biggest differences, which should help you make the best choice between a Google TV Streamer, a Google Chromecast, and a Roku streaming device.Specifications More

Utamaru Kido/Getty Images Back in the early 2000s, I remember connecting to my desktop computer via SSH (from another location) while my girlfriend at the time was at my desk. I sent the following command to the printer: echo “I love you” | lp The printer spat out a page with that single line. Within […] More

What is the best Windows VPN in 2024?ZDNET’s top pick for a Windows VPN in 2024 is NordVPN More

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Vivobook S 15 More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETWhat’s the deal?Amazon is running a sale on the TCL QM85 (2024) More

Charlie Osborne/ZDNETHere at ZDNET, we extensively cover the virtual private network (VPN) market and keep an eye out for any worthwhile deals.  Over at Stack Social, we’ve spotted an interesting promotion for anyone who wants to use VPN software to mask their online activity from prying eyes, including ISPs, marketers, and other groups that may track what websites you visit and what online services you use.  Also: The best VPN servicesThe VPN in question is from AdGuard, a company well-known for its ad and tracker-blocking technologies. Now, you also have the option to try out their standalone VPN, which could provide an additional layer of privacy to protect your browsing.  What I like about this deal is the price. For $35 (90% off), you can sign up for a five-year plan, which gives you access to a VPN for the equivalent of around $0.58 per month. The subscription includes 10 simultaneous device connections, and AdGuard operates a no-logging policy. One- and three-year subscription AdGuard VPN deals are also available for $15 and $25, respectively, and while inexpensive, they are more in line with typical promotions offered by other VPN providers. Also: The best VPN for streamingThe mobile iOS and Android versions of this VPN are easy to set up, with a clean layout and a simple menu bar. You can opt for the default “smart” location just by clicking a button, or you can wander through the server and country list (over 60 locations) to find your preferred location. Its speeds are fine, and I didn’t notice any real difference in my browsing or app usage. There is a caveat, though: I can’t recommend this VPN for purely MacOS usage. During my testing, I found it a challenge to even sign in, and it is extremely slow. In short, the mobile user experience is what you would expect from a decent VPN, but the MacOS app needs a lot of work. (We do have a list of VPNs that are great for Mac, if you need one.) A free option is available, but keep in mind that VPN traffic, connection speed, and server locations are very limited.  More

Amazon/ZDNETIf you’ve been looking for a new digital storage option, Amazon has a deal on the 4TB Samsung T5 Evo More