Information Technology

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETI have certain contacts whose messages I need to ensure I never miss. There are many ways of doing this but my go-to is to use Android’s text “bubble” feature, which creates a small, movable bubble for the conversation on my phone’s home screen. By doing this, I always know when an important contact has sent me a message and I can simply tap the bubble to open the conversation (without having to first open Messages). I only do this for very important contacts; otherwise, my display would be awash with bubbles. That’s not very efficient.Also: The best Android phones right now: Tested and reviewedThe bubbles feature has been around for some time, so your Android device should have it included with the Google Messages app. One thing to keep in mind is that bubbles is separate from Rich Communication Services (RCS), so just because you’ve enabled that feature doesn’t automatically add bubbling for conversations.With that said, let’s bubble.How to bubble a Google Messages conversationWhat you’ll need: The only things you’ll need are an Android device and a Messages conversation to bubble. That’s it. Let’s make it happen. More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETDid you know that a modern TV uses significantly less energy than a TV that’s a decade old? Maybe that shouldn’t be a surprise, considering how much more power-efficient today’s display panels are. According to Perch Energy, the average power consumption of an old TV runs around $54 per year in energy costs. Because LED-backlit TVs and OLEDs consume less power than traditional LCD screens, newer models cost about $32 annually. Also: The best home battery and backup systems: Expert testedIn large part, the bigger your screen size, the more power your TV requires. But there are ways to attenuate your TV’s power consumption every time you turn it on. Here are some settings you can change to save more money on your next electricity bill. Even if it’s just tens of dollars that you’re ultimately saving, it’s still a little less money coming out of your pocket, and that’s the goal. More

Getty Images/Westend61 Despite Apple’s initial delay in entering the AI space, after Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference, the company has gone all in on AI. Apple Intelligence will offer AI solutions for nearly all of Apple’s offerings, and the company is not stopping there. Rather, Apple is now moving further into AI language models.  Last Thursday, […] More

Score a Microsoft Office license now for 89% off.  StackSocial Whether you’re setting up your new laptop or using a machine you’ve had for years, access to Microsoft Office is a necessity for many of us to get things done. Right now, you can buy a lifetime license to the 2019 version of Microsoft Office Professional Plus for […] More

If you’re still stuck in the disposable battery era, it’s high time to shake things up and make the switch. Not only will this change save you some serious cash, but it will also make a significant impact on reducing e-waste and protecting our precious planet. Say goodbye to the hassle of constantly running to the store for replacements and hello to a more sustainable and convenient power solution.But bear in mind that not all rechargeable batteries are created equal. The market is flooded with a dizzying array of options, and it can be a real challenge to separate the gems from the duds. But fear not, because ZDNET’s got your back. I’ve scoured the depths of the battery universe to bring you the crème de la crème of rechargeable batteries, allowing you to make an informed choice and ensure that you get the best performance and value for your hard-earned money.So, let’s dive into the world of rechargeable batteries and unleash the power of sustainability and long-lasting performance!Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert testedWhat is the best rechargeable battery right now? So, when you need to stock up on batteries, we recommend getting one of our top picks. Our best overall rechargeable battery choice is the Panasonic Pro rechargeable battery More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETSay you’re watching an edgy new streaming series and find yourself turning up the volume for every scene where two actors are engaged in a dramatic dialogue. It seems like both characters are whispering — until an explosion happens on screen, and the sound is the opposite, almost deafening.Also: I changed these 5 TV settings to cut down my electricity bill (and why they work)What’s up with that? It’s not just the imbalanced proportion of sound that bothers you, and it’s not that your hearing is going bad. Keep reading, and you might find an easy fix for improving (and balancing) your TV’s audio quality.In the scenario above, my first recommendation would be to turn on your closed captions. However, while enabling video subtitles is an obvious solution for understanding the dialogue, some people find on-screen text to be clunky and distracting. If you can’t stand reading scripts on your screen, try the following solutions. More

Get a Babbel lifetime language subscription at a big discount right now.  StackSocial Learning a new language can be daunting. But right now, you can buy a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning from Stack Social that lets you choose from 14 languages and access more than 10,000 hours of online language education for just $140 […] More

This mobile satellite router connects to the Iridium satellite constellation, and you get enough data bandwidth to check emails, use Twitter, pull up weather forecasts, and limited web browsing. You can connect up to five devices to the Iridium Go! hotspot. And this is what I like about this setup — you unbox it, power it up, let it see the sky, and then it acts much like a Wi-Fi router that would might have at your office.This is not a cheap kit, and it’s designed for those who truly want to go off-grid. It includes not only the Iridium Go! base station and AC travel charger with an international adapter but also comes with a solar charger and a desktop charger. Additionally, the unit offers up to 15.5 hours of standby battery life and up to 5.5 hours of talk time. It boasts various features that make it ideal for those looking to stay connected while exploring remote areas. Its compact design measures 114 x 82 x 32 mm and weighs only 305g, making it easy to carry around.Review: Iridium GO! Turn any smartphone into a satellite phoneWhen it comes to communication, the router offers both satellite calls and satellite SMS, allowing users to communicate with others even in areas without cellular coverage. The Iridium Go! operates within a temperature range of 10 to 50 ℃ and meets MIL-STD 810F standards, meaning it can withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions thanks to an IP65 rating, making it dust-tight and able to withstand water jets from any direction.Reviews and comments are divided — those who have bought one are over the moon with the capabilities of this system, its ease of use, and the power it offers. Other reviewers have lamented the price, but it’s worth noting it doesn’t cost any more than a premium smartphone. Iridium GO! tech specs:  Dimensions: 114 x 82 x 32 mm | Weight: 305g | Services: Satellite calls and satellite SMS | Battery life: Talk time: 5.5 hours, standby time: 15.5 hours | Operating temperatures: 50°F to 122°F | Durability: MIL-STD 810F | IP Rating: IP65 More