More stories

  • in

    5 reasons I turn to ChatGPT every day – from faster research to replacing Siri

    I like my AIs to know a little about me to make the conversations more personal. That doesn’t mean I’m going to share any private or confidential information. But knowing my name, my profession, and a few other tidbits can help the AI feel more like a friendly aide and less like a cold, robotic voice.With that in mind, ChatGPT lets you add certain personal details with both free and paid accounts. For this, browse to the ChatGPT website, launch the Windows program, or fire up the mobile app for iOS or Android. At the website or in the Windows program, click your profile icon in the upper right, select Settings, and then click Personalization. In the mobile app, tap the double lined icon in the upper left, select your profile icon, and tap Personalization.Also: The most popular AI tools of 2025 (and what that even means)From there, select and turn on the option for Customize ChatGPT (Custom Instructions on Android). Add your name and your occupation. You can also add certain traits you’d like ChatGPT to adopt, such as chatty, witty, serious, friendly, encouraging, imaginative, or empathetic. Further, you can include other details the AI should know about you. When done, select Save.Next, turn on the switch for memory. Head back to the chat screen and add details or preferences at the prompt you’d like the AI to incorporate. ChatGPT suggests the following: “Remember that I like concise responses.” “I just got a puppy!” “What do you remember about me?” “Where did we leave off on my last project?”You can then refer to your customizations in your chats. For instance, I’ve asked ChatGPT to reference my favorite TV shows or books that I’ve written. I’ve also asked for advice on dealing with my sweet tooth, my desire to get more exercise, and other goals that I’ve shared with the AI. More

  • in

    Samsung’s new flagship laptop rivals the MacBook Pro in all the right ways

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways You can buy the latest Galaxy Book5 Pro for a starting retail price of $1,349. It sports a brilliant 3K touchscreen and large touchpad, plus Intel’s Lunar Lake chip delivers next-gen performance. Despite the better hardware, this laptop shares some design flaws as its predecessor. –> Through Samsung’s trade-in program, you […] More

  • in

    Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know

    Getty Images/Marcela Barsse Technology permeates nearly every dimension of our lives. Yet, much of that tech, whether the finished product or the component parts, is made overseas and shipped to the US. This is especially true for the chips and processors powering all our devices and AI advancements.  As a result, the Trump Administration’s latest […] More

  • in

    Are smart planters legit? I tested one at home for 45 days, and here’s how it went

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Plantaform Rejuvenate is a smart indoor garden available for $540. It’s an all-in-one garden structure that only requires power for the grow lights and for you to add water and the included fertilizer when it runs low; thankfully, the app gives you notifications and detailed instructions. Unfortunately, you can’t easily […] More

  • in

    Your TV’s USB port is seriously underrated: 5 benefits you’re not taking advantage of

    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: 5 easy ways to instantly improve your soundbar’s audio (without spending a dime)USB 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

  • in

    I tested a $49 OTC continuous glucose monitor for two weeks – here’s what I learned

    <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Abbott Lingo is a $49 continuous glucose monitor that tracks your blood sugar for two weeks It can help people understand how their diets impact their glucose levels and make changes accordingly The app’s suggestions and recommendations could be more insightful to promote daily use. –> There are plenty of […] More