Eliana Willis

Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETLong before ChatGPT blasted onto the scene and sucked all the air out of the room, there was IBM Watson. Watson itself rose to fame when, in 2011, it beat reigning champion Ken Jennings on the TV game show Jeopardy. Fun fact: ZDNET’s own Steven J. Vaughn-Nichols was once a clue on Jeopardy. Also: The best free AI coursesAnyway, back to our story. My point is that IBM has a long history with AI and has not been sitting still. Its generative AI solution, Watsonx, focuses on enabling businesses to deploy and manage both traditional machine learning and generative AI, tailored to their unique needs. I’m telling you this because if any company has the cred to offer a credential on AI fundamentals, it’s IBM.IBM’s AI Fundamentals program is available on its SkillsBuild learning portal. The credential takes about 10 hours to complete, across six courses. Because I have long had an interest in AI ethics (I did a thesis on AI ethics way back in the day), I took the AI ethics class. It was good. Also: 6 ways to write better ChatGPT prompts – and get the results you want fasterIt discussed the challenge of balancing technology with ethical responsibility. Key topics included the five pillars of AI ethics, the importance of fairness and avoiding bias, and the need for AI systems to be transparent, explainable, and robust against attacks. The session also emphasized governance, the protection of personal data, and the significance of privacy through data minimization and differential privacy.I subsequently took all the courses in the credential program. Note: To get started, create a free account on IBM’s SkillsBuild learning portal. All the following links to IBM’s free AI courses require you to have created an account and be logged in before you can use them. IBM’s free AI coursesArtificial Intelligence Fundamentals Learning Plan: You’ll explore AI’s history, and then see how it can change the world. Along the way, you’ll dive deep into ways that AI makes predictions, understands language and images, and learns using circuits inspired by the human brain. After a hands-on simulation in which you build and test a machine learning model, you’ll finish with tips on how to find your career in AI. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (1 hour and 15 minutes): Less than a century old, AI has already undergone three waves of transformative development. Today it gives humanity the most powerful tools for analyzing complex data, not only to find meaning but also to learn without human intervention. In this course, you’ll survey AI’s history and explore ways that it can shed light on unstructured data. Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision (1 hour and 30 minutes): You might already know that some AI systems can understand human language, identify visual images, and even create original art. But do you know how these systems do it? In this course, you’ll explore the theory of natural language and vision processing and learn how these technologies drive real-world mechanisms such as chatbots and photo analysis. Machine Learning and Deep Learning (2 hours): In this course, you’ll see how machines can learn and make amazing, evidence-based predictions. Explore the logic behind computers’ ability to learn, then investigate new ways that AI systems inspired by neurons in the human brain can solve difficult problems. Run AI Models with IBM Watson Studio (1 hour and 45 minutes): In this course, you’ll practice creating a machine learning model in a series of simulations, using IBM Watson Studio. This is hands-on time that can help you do actual work with AI. AI Ethics (1 hour and 45 minutes): You might have heard about problems that arise when AI systems misinterpret data or propose solutions that reflect human prejudice. This is the course I talked about above. Through real-world examples, you’ll learn about AI ethics, how they are implemented, and why AI ethics are so important in building trustworthy AI systems. Your Future in AI: The Job Landscape (1 hour): Are you considering a career in AI? In this course, learn about the AI job market’s rapid growth and the skills needed for success in this exciting field. You’ll hear how real professionals got their start, and find resources and learning opportunities that could help you work alongside them. More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETAt its Glowtime Event this week, Apple included a slew of messaging about its sustainability goals, notably that the Apple Watch Series 10 More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETIt’s the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch Series, and to celebrate its decade on the market, Apple is giving the Series 10 a new look. The Series 10 More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysSamsung’s Galaxy A35 5G More

Apple/ZDNETApple announced its new iPhone 16 Pro More

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNETHaven’t updated your Windows 11 PC in a while? Then you could find yourself on the outs with Microsoft. Windows 11 21H2 and 22H2 are no longer supported by the folks in Redmond. This means that anyone still running these versions won’t receive future bug fixes, security patches, or other updates. And that could place your computer at a greater risk for malware, security flaws, and other threats.Also: Yes, you can upgrade that old PC to Windows 11, even if Microsoft says no. These readers proved itOn Sunday, Microsoft revised its Windows 11 release information page to indicate the retirement of the two older versions, listing both 21H2 and 22H2 as having reached the end of servicing for Windows 11 Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations. Only the Enterprise and Education editions are spared; they’re still able to receive updates to Windows 11 22H2 until October 14 of 2025.How do you know which version you’re running? That’s easy enough. Head to Settings, select System, and then click About. Scroll down to the section for Windows specifications to find the version. If Windows 11 23H2 is listed, then you’re fine. But what if you’re stuck with an older edition? In that case, you can update your PC yourself, or Microsoft will now do it for you.Also: Microsoft is going to start charging for Windows 10 updates next year. Here’s how muchGo to Settings, select Windows Update, and click the button for “Check for Updates.” Microsoft will download and install the latest updates, which will include 23H2. If you don’t do this yourself and automatic updates are turned on, the update will automatically run as part of this month’s Patch Tuesday, rolled out on September 10.Keeping track of Windows updates can be challenging and frustrating, especially with so many of them pushed out on a regular and irregular basis. Microsoft has tried to streamline the major updates by launching them annually and naming them with the year and period. But the names can be confusing since we’re almost in the final quarter of 2024 and Windows 11 is still stuck on a 2023 version. In the midst of this messiness, making sure your PC is fully protected against security hazards is the most critical task.On its Windows Message Center page, Microsoft issued this warning:”The October 2024 security update is the last security release for Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 21H2 and Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 22H2. After this date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats.” More

A good pair of headphones can become a daily companion. Buying the right headphones is a personal experience, as everyone wants and needs different things. Maybe you want headphones with noise-canceling properties strong enough to mute a crying baby on a plane. Perhaps you want headphones that will help you appreciate your favorite songs in new ways. Or, maybe those things don’t matter to you, and you just want headphones that work and won’t break the bank.Also: The best over-ear headphones: Expert tested and reviewedNo matter what your headphone needs are, there’s a pair for everybody, and you shouldn’t be toting a pair of headphones that don’t best serve you. Each pair of headphones has different strengths in different categories. Some are better at noise-canceling, while others have longer battery life. Once you find your perfect match, you’ll want to hold onto them for many years. There are many things to consider before buying headphones, and I’ve tested dozens of pairs to recommend the best ones.What are the best headphones right now?After extensively testing all of the top headphones available today, my pick for the best headphones overall right now are the Sonos Ace for their stylish and premium design, extreme all-day comfort, and unrivaled sound. These headphones are great for people willing to splurge on a pair of elevated headphones that offer every feature you need. If you’re looking for headphones for more specific use cases, keep reading and check out my top suggestions.The best headphones of 2024 Sonos Ace Best headphones overall The Sonos Ace results from the company’s many years of work creating its first pair of over-ear headphones. The Ace headphones are stacked with audio features, like compatibility with Dolby Atmos, noise-canceling, and transparency modes. These headphones’ standout feature is their integration with the Sonos soundbars via a TV audio swap feature. This feature allows users to seamlessly transfer audio from their Sonos Arc, Beam, or Ray to the Ace headphones.The Ace headphones deliver 30 hours of continuous playback, but you can recover three hours of battery life in a three-minute quick charge. The Ace debuted with thoughtful design features, like removable ear pads and color-coded ear cups. Review: Sonos AceThe Sonos Ace are compatible with Dolby Atmos, which was highly immersive when I watched movies and TV shows and listened to music. The TV audio swap feature is impressive, and the Sonos Ace are incredibly comfortable headphones. Additionally, they are stylish and have a simplistic design, staying true to Sonos’ dedication to creating products with an unassuming visual presence.When I reviewed the Sonos Ace, I was thoroughly impressed by their rich sound profile. However, their ANC is weaker for their near $500 price tag. But if noise-canceling isn’t your top priority, the Ace headphones offer immense comfort, a vibrant and exciting sound profile, and an elevated design.If touch controls aren’t your preference, the Ace sports two multifunction buttons, notably, the Content Key. You can slide and press this button to control audio commands and toggle the TV Audio Swap. Overall, the Ace headphones are a pair of fresh, premium headphones that any audio lover will enjoy.Still, if you’re looking for headphones with better noise-canceling properties, I recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones or the Apple AirPods Max headphones. Sonos Ace tech specs: Form factor: Over-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 30 hours (ANC on) | Driver size: 40mm dynamic | Noise cancellation: Yes | Wired option(s): USB-C More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETAfter ChatGPT’s launch in November 2022, nearly every company joined in on the AI craze — except Apple. Two years later, at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in June, Apple unveiled a collection of AI features called Apple Intelligence. While they look impressive (and certainly are), many of the new features have been done before by OpenAI’s ChatGPT.Also: Apple Intelligence arrives next month: 6 AI upgrades iPhone users can expect firstNext month, Apple’s software updates will bring generative AI capabilities to iPhones, iPads, and Macs. However, OpenAI already unveiled major upgrades to the free version of ChatGPT in May, and the similarities to what Apple Intelligence will do are worth noting. The Apple Intelligence updates will be free, but the full experience will only be available on iPhones with the A17 Pro chip or above, which currently only includes iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPads and Macs with the M family of chips, and of course, the iPhone 16 lineup announced earlier this week at Apple’s iPhone 16 launch event. Also: iOS 18.1 update: Every iPhone model that will support Apple’s new AI features (for now)Instead of spending thousands of dollars rushing to upgrade to the newest Apple devices or waiting until next month when these features drop, you should check out ChatGPT first. OpenAI’s free chatbot has many of the same features coming to Apple Intelligence. 1. Writing help With Apple Intelligence, Writing Tools will be built into the Apple devices to help rewrite, proofread, and summarize text. Apple says the tools will be accessible “everywhere words matter,” including Mail, Keynote, third-party apps, and more. Also: How ChatGPT (and other AI chatbots) can help you write an essayChatGPT has advanced natural language processing (NLP), making it a great writing tool. It can generate new text from scratch, proofread, coedit, rewrite, and more. While the ChatGPT experience may not live natively within Apple devices the way Apple Intelligence will, users can easily copy and paste its output into a tab while accessing ChatGPT in their browser.Another option for Apple users is to take advantage of the ChatGPT app for iPads and iPhones. There’s even a ChatGPT app for MacOS, which allows users to access the chatbot quickly via a keyboard shortcut, simulating a built-in experience. 2. Image generatorApple also unveiled its first text-to-image generator, Apple’s Image Playground, at WWDC. This generator will be built into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and MacOS Sequoia as part of Apple Intelligence and will also live as a stand-alone app. With it, users will be able to generate images from simple text prompts and even a person from their Photo library. However, Image Playground will not roll out in October but in the coming months, according to Apple. Also: The best AI image generators to try right now Image Playground’s functionality will likely be similar to OpenAI’s image generator, DALL-E 3, which can be accessed via ChatGPT. There is a limit of two pictures in the free version of ChatGPT, but with ChatGPT Plus, users can generate as many images as they’d like. Even though ChatGPT Plus has a $20 per month subscription, it offers users a wider variety of options since it can render images in any style. Image Playground is limited to three styles: Animation, illustration, and sketch.3. Type and chatWith Apple Intelligence, Siri will be upgraded to accept typed and voice queries — a significant change considering that it has only ever functioned as a voice assistant. However, as discussed above, ChatGPT can also take text and voice inputs. You can type anything you need assistance with in the ChatGPT textbox and receive an immediate response. 4. ChatGPT itselfApple announced that Siri will have access to ChatGPT, which, as discussed above, can be accessed directly from the source without Apple Intelligence for free. 5. Advanced conversational capabilities Another update coming to Siri is better NLP, meaning it will be able to understand you even if you stutter or pause. OpenAI indicated at its Spring Launch that the improved Voice Mode for ChatGPT will have the same capabilities, such as stopping when a user interrupts it, understanding queries better, and more. Also: You can now chat with ChatGPT by voice for freeThe improved Voice Mode is currently rolling out in alpha to a small group of ChatGPT Plus users, and OpenAI shared it will continue to add users on a rolling basis. 6. Multimodal capabilitiesApple shared that with Apple Intelligence, Siri will have on-screen awareness, making asking it for help with certain tasks easier. During OpenAI’s Spring Launch event, the company also showed a demo indicating that ChatGPT will have on-screen awareness as well — though it hasn’t clarified when we’ll see this feature. The value of having an AI voice assistant that can see what you are working on and use it as context for your query is evident, and it will likely be the future of all assistants. [embedded content]Also: Apple adds Google Lens-like Visual Intelligence to the iPhone 16 cameraBeyond on-screen awareness, ChatGPT’s updated Voice Mode will enable you to understand your surroundings and provide assistance using your phone’s camera, as seen in the demo video above. The newly announced Apple Visual Intelligence works similarly, allowing users to show the AI their surroundings to get up-to-date information on what they are looking at or surrounded by.  More