Artur Debat/Getty Images Developing, deploying, and supporting artificial intelligence can be a daunting venture that calls for an often-confusing array of new skills and technologies. Yet, ostensibly, it’s supposed to reduce complexity. Can we have it both ways? Magical or a lot of work? AI can’t just be dropped into an organization to start churning […] More
ZDNETI often use the Phone Link app in Windows to interact with my iPhone or Android phone. This lets me send and receive phone calls and text messages directly from my PC. Now, Microsoft has kicked off another feature that lets you control your phone from your computer.New Phone Connection optionThe latest version of the Windows Copilot app introduces an option called Phone Connection. Using this capability, you can ask Copilot to perform certain tasks on your Android device, such as sending a text, setting a timer, or getting directions. Also: Microsoft’s Copilot AI now has a Mac app – here’s what you’ll need to run itAs spotted and tested by Windows Latest, Phone Connection takes a page from Phone Link. The goal is to save you time and effort by not having to reach for your phone whenever you want to perform a specific task. And by using Copilot, you don’t have to manually go through each step as you do with Phone Link. Just type your request in natural language, and Copilot will attempt to carry out your command. How set up and use Phone ConnectionWant to take Phone Connection for a spin? You’ll have to meet a few conditions. First, make sure you’ve already set up your Android phone to sync with your PC using the Windows Phone Link app. If not, check the steps in my article on how to link your Android phone to your Windows 11 PC. Though these steps are geared toward Windows 11, the process is the same in Windows 10. Your Android phone must be running Android 14 or higher. Check your current version under Settings and download the latest update if required. Also: All Copilot users now get free unlimited access to its two best features – how to use themYou also need to have the newest version of the Copilot app. Download the app from the Microsoft Store if you don’t already have it. Otherwise, open the Microsoft Store app, select Downloads, and then click the button for “Check for Updates.” That will update all your store apps, including Copilot. Next, launch Copilot from the Windows Start menu or All Apps screen. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Microsoft account or work/school account that you use with the Link to Windows app on your Android device. In Copilot, click the profile icon at the bottom of the left sidebar, select Settings, and scroll to the bottom of the Settings screen. Under Phone Connection, make sure your Android phone is listed and that the switch is turned on. Return to the main Copilot screen and start a new conversation. Instead of posing a general question, ask it to do something using your phone. Microsoft’s support page on Phone Connection offers a few suggestions. Also: You can ‘Press to Talk’ to Copilot via a Windows hotkey now – here’s howYou can tell Copilot to send a text to a specific person in your phone’s contacts list. You can tell it to set a timer or alarm for a certain time. You can ask it to locate a specific place, such as the nearest pharmacy. You can ask it for directions (though this works only with specific Samsung phones). You can also try other requests that involve your phone, though your results may vary. More
I’ve been working with AI for a very long time. I conducted one of the first-ever academic studies of AI ethics as a thesis project way back in the day. I created and launched an expert system development environment before the first link was connected on the World Wide Web. I did some of the first research of AI on RISC-based computing architectures (the chips in your phone) when RISC processors were the size of refrigerators. I also wrote and deployed the AI Editor, a generative AI tool that built news and content dynamically. That may not seem like much today, but I did it way back in 2010, when I had to create a generative AI engine from scratch. At that point, to work, it had to be distributed across five individual servers, each running one agent of a team of clustered AI agents.Also: Six skills you need to become an AI prompt engineerI also have a master’s degree in education, focusing on learning and technology. My specialty is adult online learning, so this kind of stuff is right up my alley. When it comes to the courses and programs I’m spotlighting here, there’s no way I could take all of them. But I have taken at least one course from each vendor, in order to test them out and report back to you. And, given my long background in the world of AI, this is a topic that has fascinated and enthralled me for most of my academic and professional career.With all that, I will say that the absolute high point was when I could get an AI to talk like a pirate. More
Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images I’m starting to think we might be able to declare 2025 the year of enterprise AI. We introduced generative AI in 2023 and adopted it at warp speed through 2024. But now, in 2025, we’re starting to see the major technology players introduce deep AI-based offerings that are tightly integrated […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Audio-Technica Sound Burger retails for $199 and comes in yellow, black, or white. The Sound Burger has unparalleled portability, a long battery life, and provides a novel listening experience. It doesn’t have a counterweight, and also doesn’t have an auto-return feature. more buying choices The Audio-Technica Sound Burger–> is $25 […] More
<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Nitecore NB Air is is available now for $37. Weighing just 3.14 ounces, it’s the lightest power bank I’ve tested. There’s no USB-C cable or pouch included with the power bank. –> For hikers and runners, every ounce you’re carrying counts. Power banks can be a big challenge because you […] More
ZDNETEvery morning, the first thing I do is grab my phone to turn off the alarm and browse various social media platforms. I usually look through Twitter/X first, bookmarking the articles I want to read throughout the day and seeing what’s happening in pop culture. Then, I go to Instagram and scroll through mutual reels. Sometimes, I check out Reddit for news-gathering purposes.However, I noticed my routine had changed a few days ago. The first app I open now is Substack. Also: Can Digg’s return fix what ails social media today? Reddit’s cofounder is betting on itI’ve been testing Substack for the last couple of months for some personal projects, and I also wanted to keep up with my close friends’ and relatives’ newsletters. Initially, I found it hard to treat Substack like any other social media platform. Originally a platform used by independent writers to share their work with the opportunity to acquire a following and/or paid subscribers, Substack has expanded. Now, all sorts of content creators — writers, influencers, researchers, historians, fashion and lifestyle bloggers, and more — are using the app to share stories, research, analysis, recipes, and news and cultivate internet communities in a refreshing way. Here are four reasons why Substack is now the first social media app I lean towards to begin my day: 1. Diverse perspectives and content typesOver the last few years, Substack has attracted thousands of independent writers, journalists, and creators by allowing them to monetize their content through paid newsletters. Substack has also become a place of refuge for news professionals burned by legacy media sites and for alternative media publications like former MSNBC commentators Mehdi Hasan’s Zeteo and Joy-Ann Reid’s Joy’s House, independent news outlet Drop Site News, and former WashPo journalist Taylor Lorenz’s User Mag.Also: Can Substack lure creators with its new $20 million program? Here’s how it plans to do itMore recently, I’ve gravitated to Substack for news, personal essays, cultural criticism, and even historical analysis. Opening my Substack inbox every morning to a well-curated selection of writings and choosing something to read or skim to start my day has been a nice alternative to opening Twitter and being accosted with weird political ads, misinformation, and bots. While gathering a following may take some time, I recommend downloading the app just for the newsletters alone. Substack has also introduced long- and short-form video posts. If reading is not your thing, I’ve also enjoyed listening to video posts ranging from people’s everyday musings to actual news and interviews. Also, with Substack Live, creators can host live videos and bring on guests to have in-depth discussions or gossip sessions you might find on TikTok. 2. It’s more expansiveSubstack is expansive, and I genuinely believe there is something for everyone on the site. There are dedicated sections for culture, technology, fashion, lifestyle, business, politics, food and art, faith, and more. Sorting through it all can be overwhelming, but it only works if you can find and follow the people and content that interest you the most. Also: I tried replacing Twitter with Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon: Here’s what I foundUnfortunately, that might take some work on your end. I recommend first following your friends and seeing the type of content they’re interacting with. Then, search for your favorite content creators from other social media platforms to see if they have Substacks. 3. The chat feature The chat feature allows content creators to interact with their communities and encourages their followers to interact with each other in civilized and fun ways. As someone who is interested in internet communities but has also witnessed some toxic behaviors from certain siloed groups on Twitter and TikTok, it is refreshing to see people engage with each other civilly. More
Adam Breeden/ZDNETSpring has officially arrived, and Verizon is blooming with a sweet deal for new customers. If you sign up for a Verizon 5G Home Plus internet plan More
