• WWW.CNET.COM
    We Asked a Wine Pro if Open Red Wine Lasts Longer in the Fridge
    Counter or fridge? When it comes to storing open red wine, that is the question. If you're hoping to keep your best bottles in top form until the last sip, you'll want an answer, and we've got one from someone who knows. For those of us that see Dry January as a spectator sport only, the information is as useful now as it is in a prime wine-consuming season. CNETNo open wine lasts more than a week without turning on you, but if you learn the best way to store red, white and sparkling wine, you can extend the life of an open bottle by several days. This story is part of 12 Days of Tips, helping you make the most of your tech, home and health during the holiday season. To find out exactly what those ways are, I asked wine educatorRachel Thrallsfor tips on storing open wine including whether or not open red wine should go in the fridge or now.About the matter, Thralis tells us says, bluntly, "Yes." The cool temps of your fridge keep open wine fresh for longer, up to five days. Just make sure to let it come back down to an appropriate serving temperature before drinking." Here's how to store every type of open wine so you can savor every sip. For more, learn how to buy great wine on a budget or how to stop making these five mistakes for storing and serving wine.How long wine lasts and how to properly store it Not long after the cork is popped, all wine begins to deteriorate. Vacu Vin Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. Once any bottle of wine stays open beyond the few hours it takes to breathe and decant, its quality begins to deteriorate. That's why it is crucial to take some steps to preserve its longevity, should you want to finish the remaining liquid before it essentially turns to vinegar. 20 Best Kitchen Gifts Under $30 See all photos According to Thralls, each wine type requires different storage methods. Here's a breakdown of the most common.Sparkling wineDays it will last in the fridge: 1-3 Sparkling wine has the shortest shelf lives of any wine. Shutterstock"Sparkling wines lose their coronation quickly after opening," stresses Thralls. "A traditional method sparkling wine such as cava or Champagne (which have more atmospheres of pressure, aka more bubbles) will last a little longer than a tank method sparkling wine like prosecco."Invest in a bouchon (sparkling wine stopper) for best results. If you're really serious about preserving your Champagne, Coravin makes a bougiesparkling wine preservation system that pumps carbon dioxide back into the bottle to extend its effervescent fridge life by weeks.Light white, sweet white and ros winesDays it will last in the fridge: 4-5 Uncorked light white wines can go for as long as five days if kept cold. Fresh Vine"Most light white and ros wines will be drinkable for up to a week when stored in your refrigerator with a cork," advises Thralls. "You'll notice the taste will change subtly after the first day as the wine oxidizes. The overall fruit character of the wine will often diminish, becoming less vibrant."Full-bodied white wineDays it will last in the fridge: 2-3 Fuller-bodied whites tend to lose their oomph a little faster. YourWineStore"Full-bodied white wines such as oaked chardonnay and viognier tend to oxidize more quickly because they see more oxygen during their prebottling aging process," explains Thralls. "Be certain to always keep them corked and in the fridge. If you drink a lot of this type of wine, it's a really smart idea to also invest in vacuum caps."Red wineDays it will last in the fridge: 3-5 Open red wine should be stored in the fridge to preserve it and removed about 10 minutes before serving. Pamela Vachon/CNET"Red wines can be stored in a cool, dark place with a cork or in your wine fridge or refrigerator," says Thralls. "The more tannin and acidity the red wine has, the longer it tends to last after opening."For example, a lower tannin wine like Pinot Noir won't last as long as rich reds like Cabernet Sauvignon."Some wines will even improve after the first day open," Thralls adds. "If you don't have a wine fridge, your regular fridge is better than letting the wine sit out in a 70-degree room. Just take the red wine out about 10 minutes before you want a glass so it warms up a little. The red wine will also open up in the glass."Tips for storing wine How and where you store wine is important, both before and after opening. Wine EnthusiastThe aforementioned guidelines are helpful for any wine novice, Thralls suggests a few general rules to take into consideration with any opened bottle.1. Invest in a wine preserver."They work very well for keeping wine after it's been opened. You can use the cork and push it back in or try [a product such as] Repour, which removes the oxygen from the bottle." Coravin wine systems are pricier but these high-tech units actually refill the bottle with argon gas, extending the life of red and white wine for up to a month.2. Store any open wine in the refrigerator. "Or a wine fridge, if you have one," says Thralls. "This cold storage will slow down any development of the wine, keeping it fresh. The ideal cellar or wine fridge temperature is 55 degrees Fahrenheit."3. Keep wine away from direct sunlight or sources of heat. "This includes above a refrigerator or oven. It will get 'cooked' and ruin the aroma and flavor."Ideal serving temperatures for serving wine The Hyperchiller can help you chill warm wine to a proper serving temperature. HyperChillerOne could argue that wine temperature depends on personal preference, there are optimal temperatures that somms and wine professionals aim for.Generally, wine actually tastes better served slightly cool, which applies to both whites and reds. This $21 device can chill warm wine (or any other liquid) in seconds."The same ideology of experiencing coffees, teas and sparkling waters at different temperatures also applies to wine," says Thralls, revealing that the more delicate floral aromatics in fine wines can actually be subdued at overly cool temperatures or burn off too quickly when the wine is too warm. "If you drink affordable wine most of the time, serving it slightly chilled will disguise most 'off' aromas," she shares. "A wine above 70 degrees Fahrenheit will start to smell more alcoholic because of increased ethanol evaporation that occurs as the temperature rises."Thralls notes that this is a good reason to not fill your wine glass up to the brim. "A typical serving of wine is about 5 ounces and a bottle of wine contains just over 25 ounces, so you should get about five glasses of wine per bottle," she explains. "The extra space in a typical wine glass is designed to hold the aromas when you swirl and smell your wine, so try and save some space."The ideal serving temperatures for each type of wine Yes, there's an ideal temperature for serving every type of wine. Africa Studio/ShutterstockChampagne and sparkling winesAffordable sparkling wines taste best served at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a high-quality, more expensive Champagne or sparkling wine, serve at ideal light white wine temperatures, which are slightly warmer.Light white wines and rossExamples of light white wines are Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. These wines are best served between 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly cooler than heavier white wines. Ros wines also taste best and maintain their crispness and acidity at these temperatures.Heavy whites and light redsHeavier white wines, such as chardonnay, taste well at a range of temperatures depending on someone's personal preference, from 48 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit. Oak-aged whites' fruit tends to taste better and when served slightly warmer. Lighter red wines such as Pinot Noir taste better at this cooler end of the spectrum.Medium-bodied redsMedium-bodied reds, such as merlot, are best served right around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is also the ideal cellar temperature. You can grab your bottle right out of your cellar and pour a glass. Keep in mind that wines tend to warm up in the glass as well.Full-bodied and aged redsFull-bodied reds such as cabernet sauvignon, syrah and zinfandel are best served between 59 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit. But isn't that too cold for a red wine? The wine will taste much better if cool and, as Thrall mentioned, the glass will warm the wine as well.No matter how you swirl it, a good wine is one that doesn't end up down the drain. If you must tap out and savor the remainder of your bottle for future imbibing pleasure, take all of these tips into consideration and you'll never waste money (and precious alcohol) again. Cheers.
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    Best Vitamins for Energy in 2025
    Our Experts Written by Caroline Igo Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to consider Ingredients Every multivitamin will have nutrients, but they may also contain ingredients you'd rather avoid. Dosage Always take note of the dosage of each nutrient included in your vitamin selection. Serving size Some vitamins have serving sizes of three or more capsules daily. Others only require one tablet each day. Form The most popular forms of vitamins are capsules, tablets and gummies. Decide which one is best for you. Third-party certifications Extra certifications help you feel confident that the vitamin only contains whats on the ingredient label. Health concerns Always consider your medical conditions and current medication when choosing a multivitamin. Table of Contents Our Picks Best overall vitamin for energy Nature's Bounty Super B Complex View details $16 at Amazon View details Best budget vitamin for energy One a Day Energy Multivitamin View details $20 at Amazon View details Best caffeine-free vitamin for energy Nature Made Super B Complex View details $20 at Amazon View details Best vegan vitamin for energy Garden of Life Raw B-Complex View details $38 at Amazon View details Best gummy vitamin for energy Vitafusion Extra Strength B12 View details $12 at Amazon View details Table of Contents While it's great to eat vitamin-rich foods, sometimes you need to take vitamins to supplement your daily diet. There are a wide variety of vitamins out there that target different health needs, from strengthening your hair to boosting immunity. Particularly in the winter months, a lot of us feel physical and mental fatigue, but luckily some vitamins can help increase energy as well. Good energy metabolism means you can combat fatigue and improve your overall mental health, and to ensure your body's cellular energy production is in top shape, you'll want the right vitamins. B vitamins will give you an energy boost, not to mention they're an essential part of your diet. There are other essential minerals like iron that you can get via supplements. To help you hit certain nutritional requirements, CNET's wellness experts curated a list of the best energy supplements available to support your nutritional needs, considering factors like brand reputation, ingredient quality, consumer reviews and even taste.Before we continue, if youre deficient in essential energy vitamins, consider adding supplements to fill those nutritional gaps.What are the best vitamins for energy?In addition to coffee, tea or energy drinks, certain vitamins can help boost energy. The best supplements to boost your energy are B vitamins. These essential B vitamins include thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12). All eight B vitamins are responsible for helping the body process energy from food.Other vitamins that boost energy include vitamin C, which aids in energy production in the mitochondria of our cells.Magnesiumaids in the production and use of energy molecules, or ATP, and ironis essential in the production of hemoglobin and the transportation of oxygen.If your diet lacks these essential vitamins and you are experiencing fatigue, you may benefit from an added supplement. Always consult a doctor before adding any supplements to your diet.Best vitamins for energy in 2025 Photo Gallery 1/1 $16 at Amazon Pros Contains folic acid and vitamin C in addition to eight types of vitamin B Not expensive, great price for its high potency One bottle lasts 150 days Cons B vitamins are known for not tasting great Due to high potency, speak with doctor before starting Price $ Form TabletServing size 1 tablet with mealSupply 150 days $16 at Amazon Nature's Bounty has over 50 years of experience in the vitamin industry and is a brand that we consistently choose and trust. Its products are non-GMO and contain no artificial colors, flavors, sugar, starch, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, yeast or fish. One tablet of its Super B Complex supplements contains 60 mg of vitamin C, 25 mg of thiamin (vitamin B1), 20 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2), 25 mg of niacin (vitamin B3), 5 mg of vitamin B6, 400 mcg of folic acid (vitamin B9), 100 mcg of vitamin B12, 1,000 mcg of biotin (vitamin B7) and 5.5 mg of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).These supplements contain high percentages of your daily value of B vitamins. Speak with your doctor before adding any vitamins to your daily routine, as you may already be getting enough vitamin B in your diet. $20 at Amazon One a Day refers to its serving suggestion. One tablet of its energy multivitamin contains 1,050 mcg of vitamin A, 60 mg of vitamin C, 10 mcg of vitamin D, 10.1 mg of vitamin E, 25 mcg of vitamin K, 3 mg of thiamin (vitamin B1), 3.4 mg of riboflavin (vitamin B2), 40 mg of niacin (vitamin B3), 4 mg of vitamin B6, 400 mcg of folic acid (vitamin B9), 12 mcg of vitamin B12, 300 mcg of biotin (vitamin B7), 10 mg of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), 250 mg of calcium, 9 mg of iron, 150 mcg of iodine, 40 mg of magnesium, 15 mg of zinc, 45 mcg of selenium, 2 mg of copper, 2 mg of manganese, 100 mcg of chromium, 25 mcg of molybdenum and 90 mg of caffeine.If you are sensitive to caffeine, be aware that one multivitamin tablet has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee.
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  • WWW.INDEPENDENT.CO.UK
    New Orleans attacker used Meta glasses to record Bourbon Street before rampage.
    New Orleans attacker used Meta glasses to record Bourbon Street before rampagePresident Biden set to visit city on Sunday, as investigators piece together attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbars travels in months before attack Josh MarcusSan FranciscoSunday 05 January 2025 19:29 GMTFBI say New Orleans attacker recorded Bourbon Street with Meta glasses months priorThe latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read ourprivacy policyShamsud-Din Jabbar, the Texas man who drove a truck through a crowd of New Years revelers in New Orleans, visited the city at least twice in the months leading up to the massacre, using Meta smart glasses to record a video as he traveled the length of Bourbon Street, later the site of his attack.Following the October and November trips to New Orleans, Jabbar returned to the city ahead of New Years celebrations and carried out his plan, killing 14 people and injuring scores of others. Jabbar was shot and killled by police in the aftermath.Investigators recovered the glasses from Jabbars body at the scene and dont believe he enabled their live-streaming capacity during the truck massacre.The AI-enabled glasses allow users to make calls, take photos, and record videos. Their use may speak to Jabbars tech savvy. The U.S. Army veteran served in information technology roles in the military, and later at the prominent professional services firms Deloitte and Ernst & Young. Investigators said Shamsud-Din Jabbar visited New Orleans multiple times ahead of the French Quarter attack (Reuters)Despite Jabbar using high-tech tools to surveil the future scene of the attack, investigators said his inexperience with explosives meant a second phase of the plan, using improvised explosive devices placed around the French Quarter, was not realized.Unable to obtain military-grade detonators, Jabbar planned to use an electric match to set off two coolers containing explosives he put in place ahead of the truck attack, but the Texas man never set them off.He didnt use the right or correct device to set it off, Joshua Jackson, special agent in charge of the New Orleans office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, said during a press conference on Sunday. That is just indicative of his experience and lack of understanding of how that material might be set off.Jabbar was able to legally buy the guns he used in the attack, including a semi-automatic pistol and a rifle purchased in a legal private sale in Texas.Jabbar planned to set off explosives housed in coolers in French Quarter, but never triggered bombs (Reuters)Investigators recovered what appeared to be multiple privately made silencers for the weapons, including one found at a New Orleans-area rental home where Jabbar was staying at the time of the attack.The Texas man attempted to set fire to the building as headed out to the French Quarter, but the blaze ran out of fuel and smouldered until firefighters put it out the morning of the attack.Investigators recovered bomb-making materials that matched those found in Jabbars Houston, Texas, home, according to the FBI and ATF.The FBI is scrutinizing Jabbars travels, in addition to the implements he used in the attack. Officials say Jabbar traveled to Egypt for nearly two weeks in June and July 2023, then traveled to Ontario, Canada, that July.Were looking at who he encounters during those trips, who is he meeting with, where has he traveled within those countries, Lionel Myrthil, special agent in charge of the FBI New Orleans office, said during the press conference.Jabbars travels in Egypt, Canada, and within the U.S. have attracted attention from investigators trying to determine whether he had outside assistance (via REUTERS)We cant rule out whether he received any type of assistance, Myrthil added, though he noted investigators so far only have evidence Jabbar acted alone.The FBI is also interviewing potential witnesses in the Tampa, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia, areas, investigators said.Bidens visit to New Orleans comes as the city is trying to determine whether it couldve done more to prevent the truck attack, and as it prepares to host high-profile events like the Super Bowl next month.As The Independent has reported, a series of barricades designed to prevent cars from driving down parts of Bourbon Street had been removed and were not in place when the attacker sped into the French Quarter.The bollards, which officials said frequently malfunctioned due to debris like Mardi Gras beads stuck in their machinery, were in the middle of being replaced as part of an infrastructure upgrade to prepare for the Super Bowl.New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell said Sunday she requested assistance from the White House to analyze the citys security infrastructure and bolster any weak points. More aboutNew OrleansMetaGlassesTexasMost PopularPopular videosSponsored Features
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  • TECHCRUNCH.COM
    Roborocks Roomba competitor gets a robot arm
    iRobots on-going financial crisis aside, the world of robot vacuums is still humming along. At CES Sunday, Roborock announced the Saros Z70. The Roomba competitor showcases what the company believes will be the next big step in robovac evolution: an arm.The idea of mounting a a manipulator is no doubt as old as robot vacuums themselves. Robot arms have, however, proven too expensive and/or finicky for this level of mass production. Manufacturing costs and sensors have come down though the product remains prohibitively expensive for most.I will happily hold off judgement until I get a chance to spend some time with the system at home, but questions remain about the features efficacy and repairability. The five-axis robot arm unfolds from the top of the vacuum. It can extend and twist, in a bid to remove obstacles from its path and pick up laundry items weighing less than 300 grams. The system is designed to make a standard vacuum-only pass at a floor, before circling back around to interact with objects as need. The arm sports an on-board camera and other sensors to orient itself in spaceThe Roborock app will play a key role in how the OmniGrip operates, the company says. The OmniGrip will be disabled out of the box, and users need to activate it through the app, where they can choose different settings for its behavior. The app will let users decide what objects OmniGrip interacts with, the areas where they should be placed. For added peace of mind, the vacuum also includes a child-lock and safety stop button, allowing for immediate shutdown in any scenario.The S70 starts shipping February 10, for the low, low price of $1,600.
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    What is an AI PC exactly? And should you buy one in 2025?
    ZDNETCompanies are exploring ways to leverageartificial intelligence(AI) to maintain their competitive edge, and PCs must evolve to keep pace.This is why "AI PCs" were a hot topic in 2024 and will continue to be in 2025, as PC manufacturers, OEMs and chip makers aim to initiate a new cycle of upgrades. But what exactly is an AI PC, and how does it differ from a regular PC? What is an AI PC? Think of an AI PC as asupercharged personal computer, tailor-made with the right hardware and software to handle AI and machine learning tasks like a pro. It's all about giving those number-crunching, data-sifting AI and machine learning tasks the power boost they need.These tasks cover a wide spectrum of workloads, including generative AI programs likeStable Diffusion, clever chatbots powered by local language models, comprehensive data analysis, training of AI models, and running intricate simulations and sophisticated AI-driven applications.Along with powerful processors (CPUs) and graphics cards (GPUs) to give the systems multitasking might, and ample RAM and swift storage options, these PCs boast something new: an NPU, or neural processing unit, designed to turbocharge AI tasks.Intel and Microsoft have also come together to define what an AI PC is, and in addition to needing a CPU, GPU, and NPU, these PCs will also have a physical Microsoft Copilot key on the keyboard and be able to run Copilot locally.And, as we'll see when we discuss the measure of the power and performance of an NPU, this has performance requirements that right now are hard to meet.The goal is to create systems that are quicker at executing AI tasks, more energy-efficient, and eliminate the need to send data -- especially sensitive data -- to cloud-based AI servers for processing. This approach ensures that systems can operate independently of an internet connection and enhance security by retaining the data locally.Apple has also made big moves into AI with Apple Intelligence, a platform that combines their latest processors and operating systems to develop writing and image tools. Its latest crop of hardware will all sport the "Apple Intelligence ready" tagline, but hardware support for some features goes back as far as the M1 chip for computers and iPads, and not so far back for the iPhone, with the oldest platform supporting the technology being the A17 Pro of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.This means that, rather than having to sell consumers a new piece of hardware for them to get onto the AI wave, they can get a taste of what it can offer with older hardware. Show more ZDNET What is an NPU? An NPU, short for neural processing unit, is a specialized processor that's tailor-made to manage the heavy lifting for AI tasks, a job typically assigned to the GPU.While a PC's GPU can certainly power through AI workloads, it can be quite a power-hungry endeavor. That's not ideal for laptops, where battery life is precious, and it's not the most efficient choice for desktops either.Also:I saw the future of AI at Qualcomm's headquarters, and Copilot+ PCs were only just the beginningRight now, NPUs aren't quite ready to take the reins from GPUs entirely. It's more like a partnership, with the two working in tandem to slash processing times while at the same time curbing power usage.But this is just the beginning, and next-gen NPUs will likely be up to speeding through AI tasks all on their own, leaving GPUs to focus on what they do best. While that's the endgame, we're just not quite there yet. Show more Who's getting into the NPU game? Tech titans Intel and AMD are wading into the AI PC arena in a big way.Processor ranges such as Intel's Core Ultraor AMD's Ryzen 7000 and 8000 desktop processors, and AI 300 mobile chips, all feature an NPU to take on some of the AI workload -- workloads such as AI effects on video calling and video generation, better multitasking with AI-accelerated software, and AI assistants.You're going to see "productivity," "efficiency," and "advanced collaboration" bandied around a lot.But remember, Intel and AMD are somewhat late to this game. When Apple kicked Intel to the curb and replaced the chip giant with its own line of M-series processors in 2020, these chips all featured "neural engine" NPUs.But the story goes further back. In September 2017, Apple unveiled the A11 Bionic chip for the iPhone, which was the first of its chips to feature a neural engine. And while Apple had been keeping its AI plans close to its chest, the emergence of Apple Intelligence tools and branding during the latter half of 2024 made it clear that the company had been laying the groundwork for AI in its hardware for years.Some Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile processors also featured neural engines back in 2018.Intel and AMD haven't so much been leading the way but instead playing catch-up. Show more How do you know the performance of an NPU? NPU performance will be measured in TOPS -- Trillion Operations Per Second -- and this figure is likely to become the de facto measurement for an NPU.For example, a report byTom's Hardwarewith Todd Lewellen, the vice president of Intel's Client Computing Group, said running Microsoft's Copilot AI service locally rather than in the cloud would require an NPU with a minimum of 40 TOPS of performance.Also:I tried to torture-test Panasonic's ultra-rugged Toughbook. It didn't even blinkWhat this means is that users are going to have to become familiar with digging into spec sheets to find out what a certain processor is capable of. For example, whileAMD's Ryzen AI 9 HX 375,HX 370, andHX 365 can hit NPU TOPS of 55, 50, and 55, respectively, the Ryzen 9 8945HS can only hit 16 NPU TOPS.Similar care needs to be taken with Intel chips. While theIntel Core Ultra 9 Processor 288Vcan hit NPU peak TOPS of 48, theCore Ultra 5 Processor 245KFis only capable of 13.Also out are the QualcommSnapdragon Elite Xchips, which feature the company's Hexagon NPUs that are capable of 45 TOPS.Bottom line, you're going to need to become familiar with processor spec sheets if NPU performance is important to you.And while it's all a rather apples vs. oranges comparison, the NPU in Apple's M4 Pro chip is capable of 38 TOPS. Show more What performance can you expect from an AI PC? It's hard to take benchmarks and translate them into real-world numbers, but Intel has published data on how itsCore Ultra chips perform under different workloadscompared to the competition -- in this case, AMD. Show more ZDNET Who makes AI PCs? Big-name OEMs such as Dell, Lenovo, and HP are all rolling out AI PC systems, powered by Intel and AMD processors that feature NPUs.However, currently, the largest manufacturer of AI PCs is Apple, since not only are the new Macs Apple Intelligence ready, but older Macs going back to the M1-powered hardware can make use of some Apple Intelligence tools. Show more Where does Windows 12 fit in here? There's nothing like a new release of Windows to get both consumers and businesses to upgrade their hardware, so PC makers are hoping thatWindows 12will make a big AI push.And if just some of the hints or rumors are true, AI is going to be a cornerstone of the new Windows release, and it will be a way for Microsoft to giveWindows Copilot-- formerly Bing Chat, the company's centralized AI assistant -- more features, closing the gap between Windows and Apple's MacOS. Show more Will existing AI PCs be compatible with Windows 12? While we don't have any official word on what the system requirements for Windows 12 will be, you can be sure that this current crop of AI PCs will have been built by the OEMs with a lot of feedback from Microsoft.Also: The best Windows laptops Show more Should you buy an AI PC? Good question!For Mac users, the decision is made for you in the fact that all the new hardware is Apple Intelligence ready. You're good to go!For Windows users, things are a little more hazy. There are some who feel that the true potential of Windows-based AI PCs might not become clear until Windows 12 rolls out (likely in the latter part of this year), so it may be better to play the waiting game. After all, why invest in the hardware now while the tools to leverage it fully are in the early stages?Also: This low-cost Lenovo PC is the desktop I recommend to most people - even though its made for gamersThat said, it's important to bear in mind that the last big update to Windows 11 --Windows 11 24H2-- brought with it a slew of AI-infused apps and features, as well as a Windows Copilot runtime layer. So AI PCs don't really have to wait for Windows 12.If you're in the market for a new PC anyway, opting for one with AI capabilities seems like a smart move. It not only future-proofs your investment but also offers immediate benefits, like blurring your video call background or quickly summarizing lengthy documents. If this sounds useful to you, it might just be worth spending the money now and beginning to leverage AI sooner rather than later. Show more Artificial Intelligence
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    Is your office cold? These power banks double as hard warmers - on purpose
    Most of the time, you definitely don't want a power bank getting hot. These ones have been designed to do just that!
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    You still have time to try Apple TV+ for free - here's how
    If you've been curious about Apple TV+, you can test drive it for free this weekend. See for yourself!
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  • WWW.FORBES.COM
    LG Unveils 2025 Premium OLED TVs With Ground-Breaking Brightness, Advanced AI Features And 165Hz Gaming Support
    LG has whet the appetite of visitors to this weeks CES in Las Vegas by taking the wraps of its 2025 range of premium Evo OLED TVs and as usual there seems to be more than enough new stuff going on with the latest M5 and G5 OLED series to keep movie and gaming enthusiasts seriously keen.For starters, the OLED Evo M5 and OLED evo G5 ranges will both boast LGs new Alpha 11 Gen 2 processor, which LG claims uses more power and much-expanded AI and machine learning capabilities to further improve picture and sound quality over 2024s already hugely acclaimed G4 series.The new G5 OLED TV series from LG promises more brightness, smoother gaming and advanced AI ... [+] features.Photo: LG Electronics/LIM TAE JOON The second-gen Alpha 11 processor can, for instance, more meticulously analyze and refine low-resolution and low-quality images to deliver more natural and sharp upscaling results, while a new Professional grade of LGs long-acclaimed dynamic tone mapping system provides users and calibrators with a new level of colour and detail precision when customizing and fine-tuning HDR images for all viewing environments.On the audio side, the latest Alpha 11 processor now includes the ability to output all sound sources, even basic stereo, in a virtual 11.1.2 surround sound configuration, with supposedly improved tonal balance and clarity compared with 2024s virtual 9.1.2 configuration.Perhaps the most instantly obvious sign of progress from LGs 2024 premium Evo OLEDs, though, will come from the brightness of the new M5 and G5 screens. A new Brightness Booster Ultimate system, combining the latest Micro Lens Array OLED panel designs with advanced pixel color and light control courtesy of the new Alpha 11 processor, is claimed to hit brightness peaks three times higher than those achieved by regular OLED TVs such as LGs B series models.MORE FOR YOULG wont put an exact number of nits on the new Evo OLEDs increased brightness, and stresses that it will only apply to the 55, 65, 77and 83-inch G5 and M5 screen sizes. Though based on the brightness performance of last years B4s and G4s, we can likely expect brightness on a 10% window of 1900 nits or so. And maybe a fair bit more on smaller measuring windows.The new M5 series can transmit 4K/144Hz video and Dolby Atmos audio wirelessly between its ... [+] connections box and advanced MLA OLED screens.Photo: LG ElectronicsLG stresses in its advance information on 2025s Evo OLEDs that this extra brightness improves visible detailing at different brightness levels, while doing nothing to damage OLEDs reputation for premium pixel-level light and color control. In fact, LGs new Evo screens have achieved Perfect Black and Perfect Color verification from independent assessor UL Solutions as well as 100% color fidelity verification by Intertek, and Quick Stability with Image Quality certification from TUV Rheinland.The M5 and G5 TVs also introduce the Ambient Light Compensation version of the Filmmaker Mode to LG OLEDs for the first time, whereby the Filmmaker Modes accuracy-based settings can adapt in real time to changing light conditions, ensuring that viewers get a consistent HDR experience no matter how bright or dark their room is.Game onThe big new gaming move for LGs 55, 65, 77 and 83-inch G5s adds support for 4K/165Hz variable refresh rate gaming signals (up from the previous 4K/144Hz limit), while the M5 series now support wireless video transmission between their external connection boxes and their screens of gaming signals up to 4K/144Hz.Both the M5 and G5 TVs can handle the Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR systems too, as well as becoming the first sets to receive ClearMR 10000 certification by VESA as further evidence of their motion clarity and smoothness.AI on the riseAs I predicted would happen in my article last year on the growing use of AI in TVs, LG talks at length in its information about its new Evo TVs about their AI features. For instance, the new AI Picture and Sound Wizard features claim to analyze more than 1.6 billion image settings and 40 million sound profiles to help users tailor their audio and visual settings to suit their personal tastes and needs.The new so-called AI Remote provided with 2025s LG Evo TVs includes a dedicated AI Button that takes you to a new AI Concierge home page where different users are greeted by name and provided with personalised recommendations based on their viewing habits. Or, if you hold the AI Button down, it activates a new AI Voice ID feature capable of recognizing different household members voices and automatically switching to their personalised content recommendations and settings.In some territories (the U.S., U.K. and South Korea), a new AI Search feature on LGs 2025 Evo TVs can leverage a Large Language Model to better understand conversation context and detect subtle user intentions, with the process further streamlined by access to Microsoft Copilot. And all territories will benefit from the latest version of LGs excellent AI Chatbot feature, where the TV can troubleshoot any potential issues with or questions about your LG TV without you needing to call LG customer services.Last but not least on the AI feature front, a new Generative Image Gallery lets you create custom background images simply by giving the software a few core image content terms to work with.WebOS for yearsThe latest version of LGs webOS smart platform now supports multi-platform integration with the Home Hub, so that it can connect with multiple eco systems for control of more IoT devices. LG is also continuing its webOS Re:New program, where buyers of the new Evo TVs can expect to have their webOS platforms upgraded to new versions for up to five years.As youve probably picked up over the course of this article, the big difference between the new M5 and G5 Evo OLED models is that the M5s are designed to be almost completely wire-free, using an external connection/transmission box to send video up to 4K/144Hz and audio up to lossless Dolby Atmos wirelessly to the screen.The 83-inch G5 has picked up a CES 2025 Best of Innovation award, with the 83M5 earning an Honoree title in the Video Display category.LG hasnt revealed any price information on its latest Evo OLED TVs yet, but visitors to CES 2025 will be able to get an early look at these new screens from January 7 at both 15004 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.Related ReadingLG Unveils New Home Entertainment ProjectorsIncluding The Worlds Smallest UST ModelLG Unveils Three New OLED Gaming MonitorsIncluding Worlds First 5K2K Bendable ModelLG Actually Puts Its Jaw-Dropping Transparent 77-Inch OLED TV On Sale
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    Roborocks CES 2025 Launch Has A Robo Arm To Pick Up Toys And Socks
    Roborock Saros Z70 RoborockRoborock has unveiled one of the most unique robot vacuum cleaners at CES 2025. It replaces the flagship S8 MaxV Pro Ultra vacuum cleaner and, at first glance, looks like any other Roborock vacuum cleanerbut it has a clever trick up its sleeve.The company has added a mechanical robotic arm called OmniGrip, which can deploy itself to pick up and remove obstacles that previously caused the cleaning process to pause. Plus, the device features Roborocks new StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 for more precise navigation and mapping.What is the Roborock OmniGrip?Roborock Saros Z70RoborockThe Saros Z70 features OmniGrip, a five-axis robotic arm housed within the vacuums 7.98 cm body. It comes equipped with precision sensors, a camera, and an LED light, and it remains folded inside the vacuum cleaner until it detects an obstruction. The robotic arm then unfolds, extends, and twists both vertically and horizontally to move such objects.OmniGrip can pick up and remove objects weighing up to 300 grams, including small items such as socks, tissue paper, and towels. The Saros Z70 performs regular cleaning duties while marking and detecting objects it can lift along the way, then returns later to clean missed areas. While this might not be the fastest method, it addresses areas that were previously problematic.This headline feature is disabled by default but can be activated via the Roborock app. You can customize OmniGrip's interactions by specifying which objects it should handle and where they should be placed. Safety features include a child lock and a stop button to disable the arm is and when needed.MORE FOR YOURoborock Saros Z70 also features a new navigation systemRoborock Saros Z70RoborockThe Saros Z70 features Roborock's new StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 for enhanced environmental mapping and obstacle detection. It utilizes a traditional LDS (Laser Distance Sensor) tower module for navigation, accompanied by new dual-light 3D Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors and RGB cameras. As expected for 2025, these features are empowered by AI. The AI can detect up to 108 different obstacles, including socks, toys, and more.The Saros Z70 robot vacuum and mop sports an impressive 22,000 Pa of suction power, which is among the highest in the industry. It also includes Roborock's dual anti-tangle system, a FreeFlow main brush, and a liftable FlexiArm Riser side brush to prevent hair tangling. The product is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2025.Roborock has also launched the Saros 10 and Saros 10R robot vacuum cleaners. The Saros 10R is designed for low-clearance furniture and lacks the retractable LDS module, opting instead for an ultra-thin 3.14-inch design to access tight spaces. It will be available later in 2025. On the other hand, the Saros 10 also features the industry-leading 22,000 Pa of suction power and will be available starting this month.
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  • iOS 18.2 doubles storage needs for Apple Intelligence - and users aren't thrilled
    In context: When Apple Intelligence launched last year with iOS 18.1, the company announced a 4GB storage requirement for its AI-powered features, including Visual Intelligence and Siri with ChatGPT integration. At the time, the requirement seemed reasonable, given that much of the processing occurs locally on the device to prioritize user privacy. Fast forward to last month's release of iOS 18.2, and the storage requirement for Apple Intelligence has jumped to a staggering 7GB of free space per device, according to Apple's website. That's nearly double the original requirement in just a few months.The likely reason? All the shiny new AI features packed into iOS 18.2. These include the Genmoji custom emoji creator, an AI image generator called Playground, the Visual Intelligence feature for identifying objects and places, and, of course, ChatGPT for text composition alongside a significantly smarter Siri.These features are undoubtedly useful for many, but the 7GB storage requirement is a significant hurdle especially for users who want to enable Apple Intelligence across multiple devices like an iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Together, that adds up to a hefty 21GB of storage.The frustrating part is the lack of flexibility. Users can't pick and choose which AI features to enable, leaving them with limited options: upgrade to a higher storage tier when buying new hardware, pay for additional iCloud storage, or forgo Apple Intelligence altogether.Unfortunately, relief doesn't appear to be on the horizon. While iOS 18.3 doesn't introduce major new AI capabilities, Apple has announced bigger Siri upgrades for iOS 18.4 in April, which could push the storage requirements even higher. // Related StoriesApple defends its approach by emphasizing the advantages of on-device AI processing, including faster performance, improved responsiveness, and enhanced privacy protection compared to cloud-based models. However, these benefits come at the cost of consuming space that could otherwise store photos, videos, apps, or files.For those struggling with storage limitations, Apple does offer an opt-out. You can completely disable Apple Intelligence by navigating to Settings > Apple Intelligence.
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