Tag Archives: software

The US, China and the AI arms race: Cutting through the hype

This story is part of Generation China, CNET’s series exploring the nation’s technological ambition. Artificial intelligence — which encompasses everything from service robots to medical diagnostic tools to your Alexa speaker — is a fast-growing field that is increasingly playing a more critical role in many aspects of our lives. A country’s AI prowess has major …

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How to use your DSLR as a webcam for a PC or Mac

Webcams are in short supply because of coronavirus lockdowns, so you may find yourself looking for a better-quality camera than the one in your Mac or PC. Fortunately, there is a way to use your DSLR or camcorder to boost the picture quality for all those Zoom calls and Skype sessions. You can use your phone as a webcam and save yourself …

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Hulu ads vs. no ads plan: Should you pay extra to nix commercials?

For TV fans and cord-cutters Hulu is a must-have, especially in the age of coronavirus when we’re all stuck at home starving for entertainment. The popular TV and movie streaming service has a wealth of familiar shows from networks like ABC, Fox and NBC that you can watch soon after they air, as well as a growing catalog of critically-acclaimed original …

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Google Meet: 4 steps to setting up Google’s video chat app, free

Google is making more moves into the video chatting space during the coronavirus pandemic, now providing its premium video conferencing service Google Meet free for consumers. Previously available only to organizations using G Suite, Meet is now open to everyone, in a move that puts Google in competition with rival video chat service Zoom.  Now playing: Watch this: 3 video …

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We found 7 of the best hidden features for your Mac

Mac computers are so stuffed to the gills with clever and useful features, you could go years without finding them all. Your Mac has plenty of buried treasures, like a full-on emoji keyboard and a simple process to rename a bunch of files with just a few clicks. Here are seven hidden features from Apple’s computer that I can’t live …

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Google Hangouts vs. Zoom: Which video

To slow the spread of coronavirus, many governments have imposed quarantines, lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders. This means many people are now working from home and in-person visits have moved to video-chat apps and services. There are many options available, whether you’re looking for a way to virtual happy hour or host a brainstorming session with coworkers, and two popular choices …

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Stop incoming iPhone calls from ringing all your other Apple devices

Every time my iPhone rings with an incoming call, the rest of my Apple devices ring in unison, turning my kitchen into a cacophonous digital orchestra. Making matters worse, my iPad and Mac often continue ringing for a few seconds after I’ve answered the call, leaving both the caller and me startled and confused. Sound familiar?  The problem is compounded …

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Working from home: This invaluable Google Docs feature keeps you from losing your work

If you’re one of the millions of people now working solely from home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, you might be spending more time in your home office than usual. I do this daily, and for me, work means Google Docs. There’s one invaluable tool I urge every remote worker to make sure they have turned on, regardless of …

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Stitch Fix vs. Thred Up: Which clothing style box is better for your closet and your wallet

Clothing box subscription services can help you change up your closet, but choosing the right clothing box service for you might feel overwhelming. It can feel like there are almost as many options to choose from as there are brick-and-mortar stores to shop at. The search becomes particularly challenging when you’re looking for affordable clothes without scrimping on quality.  Stitch …

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Uber vs. Lyft: We compare the two ride

OYou’re on vacation, at a conference, being responsible after a night out or don’t have a car, and need to get a ride. If you’re like me, you have two apps on your phone for this very purpose: Uber and Lyft. But how do you choose which ride-hailing service to use at any given time, especially if they seem to …

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