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Rendering by ChargeNet/Diversified Restaurant Group The next time you hit the Taco Bell drive-thru, an AI chatbot might take your order. In a statement released yesterday, Yum! Brands said it plans to roll out voice AI technology to hundreds of restaurants across the US (there are currently more than 7,400 Taco Bell locations in the country). The […] More
Kerry Wan/ZDNETGenerative AI has brought new experiences to smartphones, search engines, smart home devices, and more. Now, the technology is helping to revamp the most popular browser on the market — Google Chrome. Also: You can now use Google Photos’ AI editing tools on Android and iOS for freeOn Thursday, Google announced three new features coming to Chrome that leverage its Gemini models. The features work subtly to improve your browsing experience and solve real-world problems you likely encounter daily.Ready to learn more? You can find the entire round-up below. 1. Circle to Search for Chrome (kinda)If you have FOMO over the Circle to Search feature available on Android phones, which lets you highlight a part of your screen to learn more about it, you’re in luck.Google is unveiling a similar experience for Google Chrome, using Google Lens in the desktop browser. This feature lets you select, search, and ask questions about anything you encounter on the web without leaving the page you are on, as seen in the video below.[embedded content]All you have to do is select the Google Lens icon in the address bar and drag it to the subject you want to search. Your results, including visual matches, should appear in a side panel. Also: Google upgrades Search to combat deepfakes and demote sites posting themYou can then use multi-search to refine your search or ask follow-up questions. Depending on the nature of the question, Google may also produce AI overviews that encapsulate the answer. This feature will begin rolling out globally to Chrome users over the next few days. More
Richard Drury/Getty Images ZDNET’s key takeaways Monarch Money<!–> is one of the most feature-rich personal financial programs I’ve tested, with a cost of $99 per year. Pros: It’s easy to set up and has powerful tools for analyzing finances and building a budget. Cons: It’s one of the more expensive Mint alternatives I’ve tested. I […] More
For a more budget-friendly option, the Birdkiss smart bird feeder currently retails for $150 at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy and is priced at $109 on the Birdkiss website. It includes the feeder with a perch, a wireless camera, a solar panel, and a 5dBi antenna for better Wi-Fi connectivity and range.To deter squirrels, the feeder has voice, light, and alarm buttons so you can scare the squirrels or even tell them to “Go away!”Like the other feeders, you can share photos and videos with family and friends, but with the Birdkiss feeder, you can also upload what you capture directly to your social media accounts to share with birdwatching groups.Again, the AI function and more storage will cost you extra with this feeder, starting at $3 per month. However, those interested in more storage can get up to 128GB with a micro SD card. Birdkiss tech specs: Camera: 1080p | Field of view: 135 degrees | Seed capacity: 40.6 ounces | Battery: 5000mAh rechargeable battery | Solar: 3W | Subscription: Free, $2.99/mo, $4.49/mo, or $7.99/mo More
Jason Hiner/ZDNETWith WWDC 2024 now in the rearview mirror, Apple enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next major event: the fall unveiling of the new iPhone, Apple Watches, and a comprehensive update to Apple’s entire OS lineup, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Until then, expect a relatively quiet summer.Now is arguably the worst time to purchase an iPhone or Apple Watch. With new models set to debut in just a few weeks, buying now means paying full price for devices that will soon be outdated, or missing out on discounts for existing devices.Also: I upgrade my iPhone every year, but the iPhone 16 worries me – here’s whyThe new iPhone models are expected to bring significant upgrades, including enhanced AI capabilities and improved hardware features, while the next-generation Apple Watches should feature new health and fitness tracking capabilities, along with a revamped version of watchOS.For those in need of tablets for work or that back-to-school frenzy, Apple has addressed — for the most part — the great iPad wasteland, updating the iPad Air More
Years ago, we were lucky to have one or two Linux laptop options. Now, you’d be surprised at how many laptops are sold with Linux installed, making it an excellent time for programmers to use the open-source alternative to Windows and MacOS. Linux-based laptops are also great for high school and college students looking to expand their knowledge and skillsets. Linux can also run on many Windows laptops, which is great for beginners who may not be ready to invest in a dedicated machine.Also: These are the absolute best Linux distros for programmingWith so many options, we can now be selective with how we spend our money. On top of that, we no longer have to do extensive research on other laptops to ensure every component will work with Linux. For those of us who’d been working with Linux for some time, that was more a bother than a problem, but for others, it was a significant effort to track down chipset manufacturers and models that went into a particular laptop. Those days are long past, and consumers can now purchase a computer that ships with Linux installed, knowing it will “just work.” What is the best Linux laptop right now?We went hands-on with some of the best laptops on the market that can run Linux, testing their performance, battery, and features. Our pick for the best Linux laptop overall is the Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 More
iPhone batteries have come a long way, but as a result, our dependence on them has skyrocketed. These sleek devices have transcended their humble beginnings as tools for calls, texts, and apps, morphing into indispensable digital keys for our cars and homes, and even our wallets for everyday transactions.Picture this: a dead iPhone derailing your entire day. That’s why I never leave home without a trusty power bank. It’s all about staying one step ahead — better to have it and not need it than need it and be left high and dry. Trust me, a little extra power can make a monumental difference.Also: The best MagSafe accessories for your iPhone What is the best iPhone power bank right now? I’ve deep-dice tested hundreds of iPhone power banks, scrutinizing everything from their sleek designs and rapid charge times to their hefty recharge capacities, power outputs, port varieties, and safety features. This thorough analysis has allowed me to weed out the duds — the low-quality units, the overpriced rip-offs, and the downright failures — focusing exclusively on the cream of the crop. This lineup represents the pinnacle of performance, ensuring you get only the best from your purchase.My top pick for the best overall iPhone power bank is the Anker MagGo 6.6K Wireless Charger More
Nina Raemont/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Sony Ult Field 1 More
