URL: ZDNet

AI News

Monday, August 17, 2026

• Business adoption of AI agents tripled this year - as measurable ROI emerges
  Industries are finding the strategies that work best for their business needs, according to Salesforce's latest Agentic Enterprise Index.
  
• AI-enriched Linux 7.2 delivers cache-aware scheduling - here's everything new
  The latest kernel also brings filesystem and I/O improvements and substantial new support across AMD, Intel, Apple, Nvidia, USB4, and laptop hardware.
  
• You can turn an old Android into a Raspberry Pi alternative - but know this first
  With AI-driven RAM shortages pushing Raspberry Pi prices sky high, here's how to repurpose your old handset into a portable powerhouse for your projects.
  
• Google wants you to use its phones less and its AI more - but who's buying it?
  Google is leveraging our poor relationship to technology to sell its new phones - the same relationship it had a hand in creating.
  
• I turned an old Android phone into a server for my LAN - here's how and why
  Got an old Android phone or tablet lying around? Turn it into a test server for experiments and development - it's simpler than you think.
  
• This Google Play Store trick saved me over $100 on the Pixel 11 Pro XL - here's how
  Here's how I saved hundreds on a new phone and watch in just a few seconds.
  
• Google Workspace lets Gemini access your company data by default - how to shut it down
  In Google Workspace, Gemini has access to Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Chat, and more by default. Here's why it matters, and how administrators can disable it today.
  
• I've tested dozens of tablets - this $300 TCL is a back-to-school powerhouse
  The Tab A1 Plus Nxtpaper is a new offering from TCL that has arrived just in time to become a partner for school productivity.
  

Sunday, August 16, 2026

• The Pixel's new 'HiLight' reminds me of the golden days of Android phones
  Google's new LED feature on the Pixel 11 Pro models pays homage to classic notification LEDs, but so far it's subtle.
  
• Google Pixel 11 Pro vs. Apple iPhone 17 Pro: How the new Pixel competes with its biggest rival
  I've tested both phones, and they're neck and neck. Here's where they each succeed (and have room for improvement).
  
• Google Pixel 11 vs. Pixel 9: Why I'm considering the upgrade this year
  If you didn't upgrade last year (or the year before), there's a good case to be made for the new Pixel 11.
  

Saturday, August 15, 2026

• No space for bookshelf speakers? The Victrola Soundstage sits neatly under my turntable
  The Victrola Soundstage is ideal for those who want to build their vinyl system up rather than out, with plenty of digital and analog connections for every kind of listener.
  

Friday, August 14, 2026

• Google Meet can take notes for your in-person meetings now - here's how it works
  Google's Gemini-driven meeting software can now save a transcript, send it to Google Drive, and email you a copy.
  
• I tested an Android app that lets anyone fight censorship - and shows your impact in real time
  Most apps make our personal lives easier. This one helps the oppressed communicate by turning your phone into a Tor proxy. No technical knowledge needed.
  
• Apple is warning users of new spyware attacks - what to do if you're a target
  New spyware attacks are aimed at journalists, activists, politicians, diplomats, and others. Here's how Apple is notifying them and what they should do - after turning on Lockdown Mode.
  
• ChatGPT's new Computer History tracks your Mac activity to create a timeline - but should you let it?
  Rolling out to ChatGPT's Mac app, Computer History creates a timeline from your activities across the apps and websites you use on your Mac. Is that a privacy risk?
  
• Dell XPS 13 review: The first budget laptop to rival Neo raises the bar for all PCs
  The Dell XPS 13 flaunts build quality rarely seen at this price point, but not without trade-offs.
  
• I used OpenFactory to build my own Linux distro overnight - this AI tool is going to be big
  Need a custom Linux distribution, but don't have time to learn how to build one? OpenFactory can help you.
  
• This free Android assistant fixes my biggest Gemini frustration - and keeps my data private
  With Google set to retire Assistant, and Gemini not exactly the replacement many of us want, Dicio is a solid option. There's one catch.
  

Thursday, August 13, 2026

• I tried the new ChatGPT Desktop App for Linux - but I'll stick to my browser for now
  This preview release of ChatGPT Desktop for Linux supports Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora is here.