Robotics

Kerry Wan/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysApple could be developing a new budget-friendly MacBook for around $599. Rumors state it would house an A18 Pro chipset — the processor found in the iPhone 16 Pro. Despite corroboration by industry experts, information is speculative. About a month ago, rumors starting surfacing that Apple was developing a lightweight MacBook that runs on iPhone hardware. Notable Apple insider Ming-Chi Kuo supported the rumors in a post on X in July, claiming the company was currently working on a “more-affordable MacBook” running on the A18 Pro chipset — the same one found in the iPhone 16 Pro — instead of an M-series processor. Also: 5 Apple products you definitely shouldn’t buy this month (and 7 to get instead)Tech news site DigiTimes claims to have recently spoken to an insider with intimate knowledge of this laptop, suggesting the device will cost somewhere between $599 and $699: much cheaper than the M4 MacBook Air’s starting price of $999.Even more notable is the alleged timing of such a product: releasing this fall, just as millions of PC users are looking for a new computer when Microsoft pulls the plug on support for Windows 10. (Even more) lightweight More

blackred/Getty Images ZDNET’s key takeaways Information technology jobs are increasingly threatened by AI. AI also opens up new doors of innovation for startups.  At the same time, AI adds more complexity to startup scenarios. Study computer science or related aspects of information technology, get a job at Chipotle?  Artificial intelligence appears to be subsuming many […] More

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETZDNET’s takeawaysGemini Live now works with Calendar, Maps, Keep, and Tasks.Update is rolling out to most Android and iOS users.It can add events, guide routes, and manage lists or notes.In May of this year, Google debuted Gemini Live with screen sharing and camera access for Android. Google has been slowly integrating the feature, which lets you ask Gemini about anything on your screen (or that you can see with your camera), into its suite of apps since June.Gemini Live is getting a little more useful this week, as it’s officially rolling out for Calendar, Keep, Maps, and Tasks apps. Also: Gemini adds powerful new Deep Think model – what it does and who can try itFirst noticed by 9to5Google, most users are now seeing Google’s real-time AI voice assistant across new apps. You can tell if the update has hit your device by opening the Gemini app, tapping the Live button in the bottom right corner, and looking directly above the Live controls. If you have the capability, you’ll see small chips for the connected apps when Gemini Live is accessing them. Gemini Live’s new tricks CalendarWith Calendar, you can check your events for the day, make a new event with your voice, and even use your camera to point at details (like date and time) to add that event to your calendar. I gave this a quick test with a flyer for a school event, and I was surprised at how easy it was.Also: Have stock questions? Google Finance tests new AI chatbot   What really blew me away, though, was when I tried it with my alma mater’s football schedule for the upcoming fall season. I asked Gemini to add all the home games since I’m a season ticket holder. The AI was able to discern which games were home games and add the events to my calendar, including time and opponent. Live even went down the list, recapping, “I’ve added games against App State, Georgia, Army… to your Calendar.” MapsGemini Live for Maps is useful for getting guidance to a certain spot, and it even works with other Google apps. I asked Live to “guide me to the event that’s on my calendar today” (the same school event I added earlier), and it showed me the way. It didn’t pull up Maps by itself, but it did create a link I could easily tap to get going. TasksWhen it comes to Tasks, Gemini Live can show your saved lists. You could do this on your own easily by pulling up the Tasks app, but Live is an easier way to access your lists. I was able to add tasks to my list and see what was on my to-do list. KeepSimilar to Tasks, Keep’s integration with Google Live is simple but makes an existing capability a little easier to access. I was able to add notes to Keep.The new capability is available on both the Android and iOS versions of Gemini Live. Also: Google’s Jules AI coding tool exits beta with serious upgrades – and more free tasksAs a reminder, you can turn off Gemini in your Gmail, Docs, Photos, and more if you’d rather not have anything to do with Google’s AI. More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Google Pixel 10 is expected to receive significant upgrades this year, including a dedicated telephoto lens.Greater feature parity with the Pro models, combined with no expected price increases, makes the standard Pixel an enticing option.It still won’t be the best option for power users, especially if you want the most capable camera system from Google.Google’s non-Pro Pixel phone has always been the “safe pick.” It’s the model I recommend to most users, so long as they can live without the Pro features — whether that’s an extra telephoto camera, more RAM, or better hardware.Also: This rumored Pixel 10 feature puts Google above Samsung and OnePlus for me – here’s whyWhile there’s little left to the imagination as far as what the upcoming Google Pixel 10 phones will look like, if the leaks and rumors are true, there will be a notable shift in dynamics this year. I’ll say it now: The Pixel 10, not the Pixel 10 Pro, will be both the safe pick and the best pick in 2025. I’m not alone in that belief, and here’s why. More

ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 is available now, starting at $3,300. The 120Hz, OLED, portrait-style 16.7-inch display delivers an expansive workspace, supported by a haptic touchpad. It has limited I/O, has some visible creasing on the rollable display, and has a sky-high price. –> Lenovo unveiled […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETAs a person who covers consumer tech for a living, I get to use a few dozen smartphones every year. While I almost always advise on which is the new best smartphone, the majority of consumers don’t upgrade every year. I have friends and family who tell me they don’t want to upgrade and ask, “How can I make my current phone faster?” I finally have an answer.Also: I test dozens of Android phones every year: Here’s how Google, Samsung, and more stack upI don’t get to use review devices for long, but I have picked up tips and tricks from years of experience that can help boost the speed of your old Android phone. Before you ask, it doesn’t involve rooting your device. These tips are easy to implement for both tech-savvy consumers and the average Joe. If your Android phone has started feeling slow, you should primarily focus on clearing its storage. And if you’re unsure about where to begin, here are a few things you can do to make your old Android phone faster.1. Delete unused apps More

Kelvin Tools 36-in-1 Multitool <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways A strange-looking multitool that looks rather Fisher-Price but is actually very good. It has everything from screwdriver bits to a hammer and tape measure! Looks bulky, but it is actually rather ergonomic in use! more buying choices I have… wait, let me just have a look around […] More

Geekom IT15 Mini PC <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Geekcom IT 15 Mini PC is available on Amazon for $1,100. This tiny form-factor PC has plenty of power to spare for everyday tasks. The only downside is that the IT15 doesn’t have a dedicated GPU. –> I’ve always enjoyed a mini PC, and any time […] More