Robotics

ZDNETAs an iPhone user, I’ve been waiting years for Siri to improve. But if anything, Apple’s beleaguered voice assistant has gotten worse. Whether I’m chatting with Siri when I’m at home, out and about, or behind the wheel via CarPlay, it still often fails to respond correctly.I’ve tried using other assistants, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Those are helpful when I need in-depth information or analysis. But since Siri is built into iOS, it’s the only one able to handle personal information or interact directly with my phone. If I need to play music, get directions, set a reminder, call or text a contact, add an appointment, activate a shortcut, or launch an app, I have to use Siri. That means I’m stuck with it, for better or worse. Also: How to turn on Siri’s new glow effect on iOS 18 – and other settings you should tweakBut I don’t have to just accept the worse part. Despite Siri’s faults and flaws, there are ways to improve its behavior. You can correct certain mistakes, modify your questions, retrain your voice, change Siri’s own voice, and tweak specific options. Though Apple is the one that ultimately has to fix Siri, you can at least take certain steps to make it less terrible. Here are 10 ways to do just that. How to make Siri less terrible What you need: An Apple device with Siri, such as an iPhone or iPad. In this guide, I’ll show you how to improve Siri on an iPhone. More

Sigma BF camera in silver. Sigma Corp. Cameras were long ago overtaken by smartphones, but one class of camera, the “mirrorless,” has seen a surge of interest in the past five years. Since 2019, unit sales of mirrorless cameras have grown by 150%, overtaking their predecessor, the DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera.  An amazing 5.6 […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Nitecore NB10000 has a lightweight construction that’s ideal for travelers and storage. Robust charger with all the essentials you’d need. It’s rated IPX5 to handle splashes of water –> I don’t usually worry too much about the weight of power banks, but a multi-day adventure I am planning has got […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus Vivobook Pro 15 is a solid machine for graphic design and creative work that won’t break the bank. Its Nvidia GeForce GPU, OLED display, and full-sized keyboard can handle even the toughest of tasks. However, the short battery life and placement of the heat vents may pose some usability […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Cuktech 30 is a compact yet powerful power bank that can output a maximum of 300W. It can recharge in under 2.5 hours thanks to 140W USB-C charging At 40,000mAh/144Wh, it’s too big to take on an airplane. –> Power banks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETAfter the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there’s little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port — likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel — offers more potential than you might expect.  Also: The default TV setting you should turn off ASAP – and why it makes such a big differenceUSB ports are easy to overlook, but they’re a standard feature on most TVs — and more useful than you might think. Here are five clever ways to make the most of them. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus expands up to 24,000 Wh, powering a home for two weeks. Built-in wheels and handle make the Explorer 2000 Plus easy to move. The Explorer 2000 Plus delivers 3,000W power, fast charging, and rugged durability. more buying choices For a limited time, Amazon has the Jackery […] More

This Dreo wall-mounted heater is far more powerful than its size would indicate. Jack Wallen/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysThe Dreo Smart Wall Heater More