Robotics

Microsoft Were you thinking Microsoft has added AI to virtually its entire software lineup except for Notepad? Well, here comes an update to prove you wrong. Now rolling out to Windows Insiders in Windows 11 is a new Rewrite option for Notepad that promises to spruce up your text with the help of AI. Using […] More

Nina Raemont/ZDNETWhat’s the deal? The Ultrahuman Ring Air More

Jason Hiner/ZDNETExtension cords are generally a safe solution for running power to electronics that are too far from the nearest wall outlet. But the operative word here is “electronics,” which is not as all-encompassing as some people might think.Also: I changed these 5 TV settings to lower my electric bill. Here’s why they workAppliances (like refrigerators and toaster ovens) are obviously electronic devices, but they’re in a different class from most electronics because of the amperage demands they need to function. Why you shouldn’t plug everything into an extension cordExtension cords are manufactured with a maximum capacity to handle electrical current, which is determined by the size or gauge of the wire used in the cord. For instance, a 16-gauge extension cord can handle a maximum of 13 amps, while a 14-gauge cord can handle up to 15 amps (or 1,800 watts), the same as a standard wall outlet in the U.S. When an appliance demands more power than the extension cord can handle, it results in an overload, which could lead to overheating. You really don’t want your cord’s insulation to melt, exposing the live wires and potentially sparking a fire.Any appliance requiring more than 1,800 watts should be on a dedicated circuit — never connected by an extension cord. And the following are seven household devices you’ll definitely want to connect directly to an outlet. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro camera is available now on Amazon for $349. This action camera has some of the best stabilization of any action camera on the market. The default settings on the Action 5 Pro aren’t exactly the best for action shots, so you’ll need to customize it […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The 2024 Mac Mini is considerably smaller and faster, has two USB-C ports on the front, and upgrades the base RAM from 8GB to 16GB, all while staying at the $599 starting price. While you could pair this compact computer with Apple’s premium – albeit high-priced – accessories, one of the […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The M4 MacBook Pro starts at $1,599 and features improvements in the most subtle places. Upgrades to graphical performance, battery life, and transfer speeds are the most notable. Be prepared to overpay for almost every spec bump. more buying choices I’ve been using the M4 MacBook Pro–> for about a week […] More

Need Microsoft Office, but don’t want to pay a yearly subscription to Office 365? Consider this deal on the latest Office Home & Business 2024 suite for Mac or PC from Stack Social for $160 (reg. $250) — that’s 36% off. The suite includes lifetime access to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Office 2024 features several improvements over the 2021 version, including AI integration, better performance and speed (particularly in Excel), more advanced content creation tools, and an improved user interface and accessibility features. One caveat: While Stack Social is an authorized Microsoft partner and offers “lifetime” access to Office, it is possible that Microsoft could end the license. But the site has been running these Microsoft deals for years, and I can personally vouch for them — I purchased an Office license from Stack Social about two years ago, and it’s still working on my personal MacBook today. This deal won’t give you the benefits of the latest Microsoft Office 365 subscription, either — but you won’t have to pay a $70 yearly fee to access Office apps, either. Windows users must have their OS updated to Windows 10 or 11, while Mac users should have at least MacOS Ventura or newer to download the software. You’ll need to redeem your code within 7 days of purchase to access your license.Get Microsoft Office Home & Business 2024 for Windows or Mac with this deal today. More

Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe Blink Outdoor 4 More