Google hasn't been shy about pushing the Gemini AI bot into just about every app and device it canfrom the Pixel 9 to your video callsand most of the time you get the same experience when you call up the assistant. If you need a more bespoke AI bot, however, you can tailor Gemini by creating your own Gems.Gems are essentially different flavors of Gemini with their own specific instructions and rules. For example, you could create a Gem that explains difficult concepts in a simple way, or a Gem that's specifically geared toward improving your coding skills.These Gems don't bring anything new that you can't already get through the main Gemini AI, but they can be useful because they are more specific and focused. You can also upload files to give your Gems customized "knowledge" beyond Gemini's main training.For the time being ,at least, you can only use Gemini Gems if you're a paid Gemini Advanced subscriber, giving Google $20 a month.(I haven't heard anything yet about if or when the feature might make its way to free users.) Creating new GemsYou can access your Gemini Gems from any device where you're logged into Google, but to create new Gems. you need to be using the Gemini web app. To get started, click the Gem manager link on the left (click the three lines, top left, if the side panel is hidden): You're then shown a number of premade Gems you can already tap into.These cover topics such as coding, writing, and careers advice, and they give you an idea of what's possible with Gemini Gems. Click on any of these Gems to test them out (you'll also see a gallery of suggested prompts), or click the copy button (two rectangles) to duplicate a Gem so you can edit it yourself. There are some premade Gems to get you started. Credit: Lifehacker Opt to copy a premade Gem, and the information used to build it is shown on screen: You can click anywhere to make changes to the instructions that are already there, and give the Gem a new name. You can even get Gemini's help in writing instructions, via the button that looks like a pen with a star next to it.Creating your own Gem is a lot like editing an existing one. From the Gem manager screen, click New Gem. You'll then give your Gem a name, and some instructions. These instructions can cover the subjects the Gem should concentrate on, the type of language and tone it should use, and anything it should definitely not do (like go off on a tangent). Gems can also come with reference documents attached. Credit: Lifehacker In the Knowledge field, you can upload your own documents: So if your Gem is an expert on DNA, for example, you might want to upload some scientific papers on the topic. This also lets you create custom Gems based around any kind of interest or subject, as long as you've got references for the AI to look at.Any documents you add will work on top of Gemini's existing training, and you can test out your Gem using the input box on the right, making further tweaks along the way if necessary. When you're happy with how the Gem is performing and responding to your prompts, click Save.Chatting with your GemsAny Gems you've created can be called up as needed from the Gem manager on the left-hand side of the web interface, and you'll also find them available in the Gemini mobile appsjust make sure you've got the right one selected before you start chatting.Everything works just as it does with the main Gemini AI: You enter your prompts by typing or speaking (via the microphone button), and you get the responses back on screen. As usual, you can rank the quality of the responses with the thumbs up and thumbs down buttons, get Gemini to try again (the circular arrow button), and see the sources the chatbot has used underneath the response. Gems will follow your instructions when producing responses. Credit: Lifehacker If Gemini has made use of documents you've uploaded to it, you'll see this reflected at the top of the response: Click Analysis complete to see a breakdown. You can also specify that your Gem refers to specific documents for specific answers in your prompts, if needed.This ability to upload documents is what can really make Gems useful. For example, you could upload an essay on your favorite music and movies and develop a Gem to make recommendationsall of this information will be retained, and you don't have to enter it each time you use Gemini. You could also upload examples of your own writing, so your Gem writes more like you do. Gems also draw on Gemini's more general training. Credit: Lifehacker These bespoke AI bots are also helpful when you want answers returned in a consistent way, or in a consistent format: Maybe you just want a playlist generator and nothing else, for example, or you need text rewriting in a particular style. Gems can do this without having the same repeated prompt commands used each time.You can use the + (plus) button at the bottom of Gem chats to upload files and images to use with your prompts, just as you can with any Gemini chat. However, you don't have access to the more natural Gemini Live voice interface inside Gemsyou only get the basic voice interaction mode as well as the typing option.

Amazon expanded its ereader lineup a few months back with the Kindle Colorsoft, its first model with a color display. However, at $280, it was certainly on the pricier end especially compared with similar devices from competitors. That equation has changed a bit, at least for Amazon Prime members. They're currently able to pick up the Kindle Colorsoft for $230. That equates to a discount of 18 percent. It's the first time that Amazon has reduced the price of the Colorsoft, though you do need to be a Prime member to take advantage of the deal. There were some teething issues with the Colorsoft, with reports that some customers were seeing a yellow band at the bottom of their display. That issue emerged on our review unit as well. Amazon offered refunds or replacements for affected devices. The company sent us a second review unit on which the yellow band wasn't present. The display seemed warmer in general too, which makes it look more like physical book pages. We have removed the score from our review until we've been able to test the replacement unit for a longer period and made sure the yellow-band problem doesn't reoccur. Page turns are swift on the seven-inch display, which has a 300 pixel-per-inch (ppi) density for black-and-white material and 150 ppi for color content. The device has 32GB of built-in storage and it supports Audible audiobooks. The Kindle Colorsoft will run for up to eight weeks on a single charge and you can top up the battery wirelessly or via USB-C. The ereader has an IPX8 rating. That means it can withstand immersion in up to two meters of freshwater for up to 60 minutes and 0.25 meters of seawater for three minutes, according to Amazon. So, you can take the Kindle Colorsoft to the pool or beach without worrying too much about it getting wet. There's a pinch-to-zoom feature that should be helpful for those who read graphic novels on the Colorsoft. The auto-adjusting front light is handy too. Another major positive is that, unlike other Kindle models, the Colorsoft doesn't feature lock screen ads by default. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/prime-members-can-now-get-50-off-the-kindle-colorsoft-173501943.html?src=rss

Here's the biggest tech news stories from Apple, Samsung, TikTok and more.

As he assumes the presidency for a second time,Donald Trumpbrings with him a broad expanse of business relationships and financial entanglementsand the possibility that those associations couldinfluence his decision-makingin the White House.Trumps team dismisses such concerns. President Trump removed himself from his multibillion-dollar real estate empire to run for office and forewent his government salary, becoming the first President to actually lose net worth while serving in the White House, Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Unlike most politicians, President Trump didnt get into politics for profithes fighting because he loves the people of this country and wants to make America great again.But questions remain. Heres a look at the various connections and potential conflicts in Trumps second administration.Winning Team PublishingLaunched in 2021,Winning Team Publishingis run by Donald Trump Jr. and Sergio Gor, a Trump adviser selected by the president-elect to run the White House personnel office. Gor also led the pro-Trump super PAC Right for America.Trump has earned at least $11.6 million in royalties over the last two years from two of his books produced by Winning Team, according to financial disclosure statements filed with the U.S. Office of Government Ethics.Letters to Trumpis an anthology of correspondence from celebrities and politicians written to him over the years.Our Journey Togetherfeatures hundreds of photos from his first presidential term with captions handpicked by Trump. Another coffee table book,Save America,features reminiscences from Trumps presidential campaigns and term in office, as well as a lengthy reflection about his brush with death during a Julyassassinationattempt during a rally in Pennsylvania.Campaign finance records show Trumps political fundraising committees have paid Winning Team Publishing more than $242,000 for unspecified books and printing services.The company also publishes titles written by Trumps staunchest supporters, including GOP Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, and conservative provocateur Charlie Kirk.Licensing dealsTrumps name and image are branded on a dizzying array of merchandise that he promotes and profits from through licensing agreements, including Bibles, diamond-encrusted watches, gold-colored sneakers and guitars that cost as much as $10,000.Thousands of copies of the God Bless the USA Bible Trump sells were printed in China, a country he has repeatedly accused of stealing American jobs and engaging in unfair trade practices. As president, Trump would be able to exempt Bibles and other religious texts from hefty tariffs hes threatened to impose on imported Chinese products.Trumps endorsement of a line of guitarsled to a cease and desist letter from Nashville-based Gibson Guitars. A company representative said in a brief statement the design of the Trump guitars infringes upon Gibsons exclusive trademarks, particularly the body shape of the companys iconic Les Paul model.Civil judgmentsJudgments of more than half a billion dollars from civil lawsuits hang over Trump and will be more difficult to avoid than the criminal cases brought by the federal government and then abandoned after his election in November.A New York judge ordered Trump and his companies earlier this yearto pay more than $450 million after rulinghe had manipulated his net worth in financial statements to secure favorable loans. That penalty came shortly after Trump wasordered to pay $83.3 millionto the writer E. Jean Carroll for damaging her reputation after she accused him of sexual assault. A separate jury awarded Carroll $5 million from Trump for sexual abuse and defamation.Trump has appealed the rulings in the fraud case and one of the Carroll cases. His latest financial disclosure list more than $101 million in liabilities stemming from the two cases.As president, Trump cant pardon himself for penalties imposed in civil cases unrelated to his official government duties, said Richard Briffault, a professor atColumbia Law School in New York.And because the trials have already occurred, hell have difficulty arguing the cases are an undue burden on his time.Golf coursesThe constellation of high-end golf resorts Trump owns or manages generated hundreds of millions of dollars for him in 2024 and may pull in even greater sums once hes back in the Oval Office.Trumps financial disclosure reported close to $267 million in golf-related income, with another $161 million in combined golf and hotel proceeds from his Doral golf club in Miami.During his first term, Trump frequently promoted his golf courses and routinely played at them with a large, taxpayer-funded entourage in tow, leading to criticism that he was using the power of the presidency to enrich himself. Trump pushed to host the international Group of Seven summit at the Doral property in 2019.But he dropped the plan amid accusationshe would violate the emoluments clause of the Constitution that bans presidents from receiving gifts or payments from foreign governments.The golf courses may also attract foreign officials and special interest groups hoping to gain access and curry favor by spending large sums at Trump properties.Mar-a-Lago fees and Secret Service costsSince the start of Trumps first term in office, the cost to join his private Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, has soared to $1 million, allowing wealthy people to mix pleasure with politics and government business during his frequent visits to the club.While Trump collects income from Mar-a-Lago$111 million over the last two yearshes beenaccused of charging the U.S. Secret Serviceexorbitant room rates of more than $800 per night for agents assigned to protect him when he traveled there and to other Trump family properties.Who Trump meets with while at Mar-a-Lago and what he discusses are largely hidden from public view. The Secret Service has no electronic systems to screen or monitor presidential visitors to the estate,according to a 2020 federal appeals court ruling.Truth SocialTrump launched his social media platform, Truth Social, in early 2022, after he wasbanned from major sitessuch as Facebook and theplatform formerly known as Twitterfollowing the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.While hes since beenreinstated to both, Trump has often used Truth Social for more personal commentary, leaving traffic on X and other platforms for more formal statements and pronouncements. The company hasnt disclosed how many users it has, so its hard to know how broad Trumps reach there is.But what is clear is that Trump is the primary player in Trump Media & Technology Group, which started trading on the NASDAQ stock market in March. The incoming president has a majority stake in the company, and said shortly after his general election win that he had NO INTENTION OF SELLING his shares, which have significantly boosted Trumps net worth, and at that time were valued at around $3.5 billion.CryptocurrencyTrump has promised to make America the crypto capital of the planet as he returns to the White House, a promise that would likely pay off for him personally.Amidst the 2024 campaign, Trump launched a new venture to trade cryptocurrencies that he has promoted on the same social media accounts he used for his campaign. His two eldest sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, have also posted about their new platform, called World Liberty Financial, as has his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, who is married to Eric and also serves as co-chair of the Republican National Committee.The new moneymaking venture could explode in value if Trump pushes through legislative and regulatory changes long sought by crypto advocates.During his first term, Trump said he was not a fan of cryptocurrency but he has since taken a more favorable viewfromannouncing in Maythat the campaign would begin accepting donations in cryptocurrency toattending a Bitcoin conference in Nashville, promising to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the planet and create a Bitcoin strategic reserve using the currency that the government currently holds.Several of Trumps cabinet nominees, including Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick and Trumps pick for the Securities and Exchange Commission, Paul Atkins, have substantial cryptocurrency investments.By Meg Kinnard and Alex Connor, Associated Press

This lookbook spotlights the self-designed studios of eight architects, each defined by earthy tones, wooden furnishings and views of greenery that bring a feeling of tranquillity to their interior.The benefits of bringing natural materials and greenery into our built environment are well-reported, particularly in workspaces where they can help promote focus and well-being.These architect-designed studios illustrate these principles, while also demonstrating how they can be tailored to reflect personal tastes and spatial requirements.While using harmonious earthy palettes and maximising outward views, the featured projects also make room for plenty of natural light and ample desk space, catering to the ideal working environment.This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring home interiors with earthy finishes, listening bar interiors and bathrooms with chunky sculptural stone sinks.Photo by James RetriefGardenhide Studio, UK, by Commonbond ArchitectsA sunken floor brings the employees of Commonbond Architects "eye to eye with visiting animals in the garden" surrounding its studio in Abbey Wood in London.The mono-pitched studio is built from hempcrete and timber and lined with warm wood and plaster. Expanses of glass flood the space with natural light, creating a bright workspace that feels immersed in its garden setting.Find out more about Gardenhide Studio Photo by Douglas Sterling PhotographyMourning Dovecote, USA, by Neal SchwartzNeal Schwartz set out to give his studio, Mourning Dovecote, the look and feel of a chapel.Light from a skylight in the angled high-pitch roof filters softly down its plaster-lined walls, which give way to sliding timber desk panels. Adding colour to the space are glimpses of external greenery and a painting by artist Maggie Connors suspended overhead."I wanted a somewhat chapel-like space in which it was not immediately clear where the light was coming from," explained Schwartz.Find out more about Mourning Dovecote Photo by Rory GardinerL'Atelier, France, by A6ABirch desks and plants help visually soften the industrial white-painted structure of this former model-making workshop in Bordeaux, now home to architecture studio A6A.Accessed by a set of double-height glass sliding doors and lit by a skylight above, it was self-designed by the studio to provide employees with a flexible and timeless workspace.Find out more about L'Atelier Photo by Rui CardosoAtelier Ceclio de Sousa, Portugal, by Aires MateusAires Mateus created its own studio in an 18th-century building in Lisbon that is filled with intricate pastel-hued paintings and stucco ceilings.These decorative features are most visible in the heart of the office, the Noble Room (above), where a wooden table and chairs are used as a backdrop while adding a sense of comfort to the ornate space.Find out more about Atelier Ceclio de Sousa Photo by Hemant PatilStudio by the Hill, India, by Mind ManifestationIn Pune, Mind Manifestation converted an apartment to create its 120-square-metre workspace. It features perforated brickwork and green-plaster walls, intended to echo the local landscape and how its colours change throughout the year."The material palette has been tastefully chosen so as to match with the different shades of the hill throughout the year," the studio explained. "Thus nature flows through to the indoors and the space becomes part of nature."Find out more about Studio by the Hill Photo by Hiroyuki OkiUrban Farming Office, Vietnam, by Vo Trong Nghia ArchitectsViews of greenery are granted from all around Urban Farming Office, the self-designed office of Vo Trong Nghia Architects in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to the "vertical farm" that wraps its exterior.In tandem with dark wood furnishings, views out to the sheath of vegetables, fruits and herbs help visually soften the concrete structure that is left visible throughout.Find out more about Urban Farming Office Photo by Clinton WeaverRed Hill House and Studio, Australia, by Zuzana & NicholasA deliberately utilitarian palette of concrete and metal is used in the studio of designer Zuzana Kovar and architect Nicholas Skepper, which forms part of their house in Brisbane.It is designed as a cool counterpart to the heat of the garden outside, through which it is directly connected by large windows and a full-height sliding glass door."When the studio sliding doors retract, the remaining enclosure is formed by raw concrete and masonry, giving the sense of a cool grotto on the edge of the garden, providing respite from the hot, humid climate," said the studio.Find out more about Red Hill House and Studio Photo by Tom FrederixHempcrete studio, Belgium, by Van Laethem ArchitectenThe hempcrete and timber structure of this garden studio is exposed throughout its interior.It was self-designed by Van Laethem Architecten to accommodate its three employees and demonstrate its commitment to using biomaterials in its work."There is no intention of hiding, disguising or enhancing them," the studio told Dezeen. "Natural materials therefore create a natural atmosphere. There is no need to add anything."Find out more about this hempcrete studio This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen's archive. For more inspiration, see previous lookbooks featuring home interiors with earthy finishes, listening bar interiors and bathrooms with chunky sculptural stone sinks.The post Eight self-designed studio interiors that cater for calm working environments appeared first on Dezeen.

Want to download a backup of your TikTok videos before the US ban? Try following these simple steps.

TikToks cultural footprint in America is huge. Why is its potential disappearance being met with a shrug?

MacworldLife is hectic, and sometimes, its hard to find ways to step back, relax, and work on yourself when theres so much on your mind. Thats why its nice to have something like Harmony on your phone. Its a new type of relaxation app designed by a renowned hypnotherapist, and a lifetime subscription is on sale (but not for much longer).Whether its the stress of the day or sleepless nights, Harmony could help you find, well, harmony. This unique self-help app lets you access personalized sessions to help you unwind, improve your sleep, boost confidence, improve focus, and work toward your goals. Its like an emotional mentor in your phone.If you havent heard of Harmony before, it was only a matter of time. Theyve already been recognized by the Dot Comm Awards and the Best App Ever Awards. Its not hard to see why. The app even works on the full Apple ecosystem, and it also works with Android devices.And if finances are your major stressor, theres one more way Harmony can help. Instead of paying $199, a lifetime subscription is available now for $99.99Harmony Premium Plan Lifetime Subscription $99.99See DealStackSocial prices subject to change.

It's the start of a new year, and expectations are high for a rumored iPad and iPad Air refresh in Apple's first batch of product updates. Here's what has been rumored so far.iPad AirFollowing after the end of 2024, the attention on Apple turns to its next product launches. Strong candidates among the group due to be updated are the iPad and the iPad Air, representing the budget and mid-range tablets in Apple's catalog.Apple last updated the iPad to the current tenth-generation model in October 2022, making it over two years since it was most recently refreshed. That makes the model prime to be updated soon. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

It was back in 2022 that EA and Respawn Entertainment announced that they were working with Bit Reactor a studio comprised of formerXCOMdevs on a new strategyStar Warsgame. In the years since, details on the title have been scant, though it seems an official announcement is not too far away now.Thats as per Twitter user @bogorad222, who has claimed that the strategy title is going to be announced at this years Star Wars Celebration event, which is scheduled to take place in Japan from April 18-20. The game will allegedly release for PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, and the Epic Games Store, though its claimed that its full release lineup is TBD, which could potentially suggest a Nintendo Switch 2 version as well.Additionally, in its own report, Insider Gaming claims to have seen sufficient evidence from @bogorad222 to deem the leak genuine.Little is known about Bit ReactorsStar Warstitle right now, other than the fact that it is being developed on Unreal Engine 5. After Respawn Entertainment suffered layoffs last year and ended up cancelling another unannounced Star Warsproject, Bit Reactor assured everyone that its own project had remained unaffected.I got some details (regarding the upcoming Respawn Star Wars RTS game )There will be a public announcement and trailer released during Star Wars Celebration in Japan (April 18-20)Aimed Platforms are Steam, Xbox, PlayStation, and Epic Store. The true lineup is TBD Timur222 (@bogorad222) January 17, 2025