More stories

  • in

    I tested smart glasses with built-in hearing aids for a week, and didn’t want to take them off

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Nuance Audio hearing glasses are available in two styles and colors for $1,200 at participating retailers. They provide a stylish and discreet way to aid mild to moderate hearing loss. However, they provide six to eight hours of battery life and a three-hour charging period, which might frustrate power users. […] More

  • in

    My go-to Linux search tool makes finding what you need easy and fast

    Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNETI search for things all the time. And, yes, that search also includes my computer’s file system. I also search YouTube, the web, and even AI services. It’s inevitable at this point, and to that end, I depend on a single tool to help make those searches more efficient. On Linux, that tool is Albert.Also: 10 Linux apps I install on every new machine (and why you should, too)Albert is the closest Linux app I’ve found to Alfred for MacOS. Hit a keyboard shortcut and a search bar opens on the desktop, where you can search any number of targets (file system, ChatGPT, YouTube, web, and more).For example, I might want to research, “What is Linux?” on ChatGPT. For that process, I can open Albert and type, Search ChatGPT for What is Linux? My default web browser will open to the ChatGPT service, and the results of the query will show up.Also: I ditched Spotlight on my Mac for this more powerful search tool – and it’s freeOr maybe I know a file I need to find, so I open the Albert search field and start typing the file name. From the results, I can select the file and open it with Enter.Albert is easy to use and includes a list of plugins you can enable/disable for:ApplicationsCalculatorClipboardDocumentationFilesMedia playerSSHURL handlerWeb searchCaffeineChromiumData and timeHash generatorPATHPython pluginsSnippetsSystemTime zonesTimersVPNMany of the plugins can be configured to meet your needs. For example, the Files plugin allows you to add directories for indexing. Once those directories have been indexed, any file or folder within is searchable. Also: How to create system restore points on Linux with Timeshift – and why you shouldYou can add as many directories as you need and even configure settings for each of those directories.  More

  • in

    Sonos’ cheapest smart speaker is still the one I recommend most. Here’s why

    Jada Jones/ZDNETIn addition to a pair of trusty headphones for private listening when you’re out in public, you need a portable speaker to keep the music bumping when you’re outside grilling, swimming, or walking. A speaker to have inside for jamming out while you’re cleaning, cooking, or hosting friends is a bonus, and one that’s stylish enough to go from your outdoor hike to your indoor dinner party is a rarity.Also: The 15 best expert-picked Father’s Day gifts for tech-loving dadsAlthough smart home speakers and portable Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen — and I’ve tested plenty to know — few are a blend of both. The Sonos Roam 2 is the one I reach for, even a year after its release.Here’s why it’s still my favorite.It’s a perfect blend of style and functionality More

  • in

    Installing iOS 18.5 on your iPhone? 6 settings I recommend changing immediately

    With iOS 18.5, Apple added a new Pride Harmony wallpaper for the iPhone (and the iPad) and a new face for the Apple Watch. Beyond celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, the new wallpaper sports colors that change position as you move, lock, and unlock your phone.If you want to add it as your wallpaper, segue to the Lock screen on your iPhone and press down on any empty area. At the Customize screen, tap the plus sign. Swipe down the screen for adding new wallpaper until you see the Pride section and then tap the one for Harmony.Next, you can change any of the default widgets on the screen, including the date, time, flashlight, and camera. When finished, tap Add. To use this as your wallpaper on both the Lock screen and Home screen, tap the button for “Set as Wallpaper Pair.” Swipe up to exit wallpaper mode, and the new background will be in place. More