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    Learn a new language with a Babbel subscription for 76% off right now

    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

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    How my 4 favorite AI tools help me get more done at work

    Getty Images/Rosa María Fernández Rz The generative AI boom might have started with the launch of ChatGPT, but the technology has now been integrated into all kinds of productivity platforms designed to make our everyday workflows easier. A fear many people have when they hear about AI use in the workplace is that the technology will […] More

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    The best external hard drives of 2024: Expert tested

    A common mistake I often see is people purchasing the largest, bulkiest external hard drive they can find, under the impression that it’s the best solution for their needs. Later, they find themselves with a huge, noisy device that occupies too much desk space and is inconvenient to carry to the office or on the road.This is why I recommend the WD My Passport Ultra to those who need a compact, easy-to-use hard drive for a few critical files, or for moving data between systems, or for travel.Over the years, I’ve recommended this drive to dozens of people, ranging from home users in need of a backup solution to amateur photographers and videographers facing disk space limitations. Everyone who has purchased one has reported back that they’ve been satisfied with their choice.What sets this drive apart are two key features: It includes WD Backup software for PCs, which simplifies and optimizes the backup process, and it offers built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring that data on the drive is secure.Given the solid reputation of the WD brand and the quality of their hard drives, I have little concerns about premature data loss.WD My Passport Ultra features: USB-C and USB 3.1 interface | 1TB to 5TB capacities | 256-bit AES hardware encryption | 2.5-inch form factor | 3-year limited warranty More

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    Meta Quest 3 is getting AI before Apple’s Vision Pro does – here’s how to enable it

    Jason Hiner/ZDNETThe Meta Quest 3 headset is getting a big feature before its more expensive counterpart, the Apple Vision Pro.Less than a month after Bloomberg reported that Apple was working on a version of Apple Intelligence for its Vision Pro headset, Meta has announced that its Quest 3 headset is getting Meta AI. Also: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024Soon, Meta’s announcement says, “You’ll be able to get answers to a wide range of questions with real-time information thanks to Bing.” In addition, Meta AI with Vision will be part of the update. This means you’ll be able to ask questions about your surroundings while wearing the headset.With Meta AI, your Quest 3 headset can see people, objects, and more and — give more information about them, much like Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. You’ll be able to look at a sign and have it translated, get fashion tips, find info on a landmark or portrait, and more. More

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    Telcos given extra time to retire 3G networks

    Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images Two telcos in Singapore have been granted additional time to move their 3G customers to newer networks, a transition originally scheduled to be completed by this month.  A third carrier, M1, already has fully migrated all their mobile 3G subscribers, including enterprise customers, either to 4G or 5G services, the Infocomm […] More

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    Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $25 right now

    Get Windows 11 Pro at a big discount right now. StackSocial Need an operating system upgrade? Windows 11 Pro puts productivity in your hands with features that make everything from hybrid work to streaming entertainment easy, and you can grab the software for a discounted price right now through StackSocial. A lifetime subscription for the […] More

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    I tested the 3 best VPNs for streaming ahead of the Summer Olympics

    Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of our ZDNET team. We’ve been reviewing VPNs for years, and have spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression if we’ve included them on this list.ZDNET does test VPN services from multiple locations, but we can’t test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure. Once you choose a VPN, it’s essential that you test for all your likely usage profiles and only then decide whether to keep the service or request a money-back guaranteed refund.These VPNs also have solid money-back guarantees, and we would not have recommended them otherwise. We analyzed the best VPNs for streaming TV and movies below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance, especially while streaming. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags, making it intolerable.Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you’d need a service that allows at least five simultaneous connections.Security: There’s no point using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured that the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an essential feature for a VPN, as it prevents a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.Geoblocks and streaming: We know that VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations perform well regarding these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming. Countries & servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether or not there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety for customers.Trial length & price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee. For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page. More