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    How to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC (and why it greatly improves performance)

    Elyse Betters Picaro/ZDNETIf your computer desktop looks a little chaotic and you’re noticing some performance slowdown, it might be time to do a cleanup. The best way to keep things running smoothly is to ensure you’re running the most updated version of Windows (you’d be surprised how many folks’ devices are several updates behind). But if you’re up-to-date, there are other things you can do to optimize.Also: A decade of Windows 10: Chaos, Cortana, and conspiracy theories that never panned outWindows has a few helpful utilities that can free up some space (and they’re already on your PC). These utilities aren’t intended for large-scale repairs, but can help make things run faster by cutting excess weight.Regular computer usage results in stored cache files that can become corrupted and outdated, leading to operational quirks and slower boot times. Clearing this cache and other temporary files can improve performance and keep things running optimally. Here’s how.  More

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    This handy NordVPN tool flags scam calls on Android – even before you answer

    NordVPN / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways NordVPN can detect a scam call before you answer it.The Scam Call Protection is only for NordVPN Premium Android users.Future features include caller ID for legitimate calls and an option to report.Your phone rings, but the call is from an unknown number. Should you pick it up? It could be important. Or it could be a scam call. You’re not sure what to do. Well, a new tool from the folks at NordVPN could help you decide.Scam Call ProtectionNow baked into the NordVPN Android app (in the US only for now), a new feature named Scam Call Protection tries to determine the nature of a call before you answer it. Also: Warning: Protect your phone from choicejacking before it’s too late – here’s howDesigned for NordVPN Premium users, the protection analyzes a call’s metadata without accessing the content of the call. If the call is deemed to be spam, the tool will flash a warning message next to the phone number so you don’t have to waste time picking it up. How to set it upTo set up Scam Call Protection, download and turn on the NordVPN app on your Android phone. In the app, head to the Threat Protection screen and turn on the feature. You’ll then be directed to your Android settings to complete the setup. Also: The best mobile VPNs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedFollow the instructions to enable all the required settings. Go back to the NordVPN app, and the protection will now be in place. More

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    What Zuckerberg’s ‘personal superintelligence’ sales pitch leaves out

    Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images ZDNET’s key takeaways Zuckerberg unveils his vision for personal superintelligence. But his unclear definition leaves product and impact ambiguous. Superintelligence may disrupt jobs despite efficiency promises. Another day, another vague reference to the promise of superintelligence. On Wednesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared a video address and accompanying letter […] More

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    Not just YouTube: Google is using AI to guess your age based on your activity – everywhere

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways Google is implementing a new AI-powered age verification method.Machine learning will analyze your activity (mostly on YouTube) to guess your age.If AI guesses wrong, you’ll need to go through a verification process.A day after announcing AI-powered age verification on YouTube, which we explained in more detail yesterday, Google is launching it on a larger scale, and again it’s on you to sort out any problems if AI guesses wrong.Also: Google Chrome for iOS now lets you switch between personal and work accountsIn a post announcing “a safer online experience for US kids and teens,” Google says it’s introducing new technology to distinguish between older and younger users. This technology will analyze your online activity and make an attempt at guessing your age. If it thinks you’re under 18, your account will be restricted until you can prove you’re older. This process has been in testing in other markets, and Google says it worked well. How Google estimates your age Google says its age-estimation model uses machine learning to interpret “a variety of signals.” It notes that these signals are already associated with your account and that it’s not gathering any new information. These signals include the types of information you search for on YouTube, the categories of videos you watch, and the age of the account itself. Also: You can ask Gemini AI anything directly in Google Chrome – here’s how and why you shouldEven though the age restrictions apply to multiple Google products and services, it seems like YouTube is the only potential source of age information for now outside of how long ago you created your account. More