Tag Archives: CNET

Podcasts, Politics, Science & Health, Web & Technology, Weblogs (Blogs)

Google’s New AI Tools for Gmail, Docs Can Write Drafts for You – CNET

The search giant is testing generative writing and other AI features for its Workspace apps.

By Nina Raemont, March 14, 2023 8:12 a.m. PT

James Martin/CNET

Google plans to bring new AI-powered tools to its suite of Workspace apps. In a blog post on Tuesday, the search giant said it’s starting by testing generative AI writing features in Gmail and Docs that can help people get started on the writing process.

“Simply type a topic you’d like to write about, and a draft will instantly be generated for you,” reads Google’s post. “With your collaborative AI partner you can continue to refine and edit, getting more suggestions as needed.”

The tool, Google suggests, can be used to help create things like customized job descriptions or invitations for a kid’s birthday party. The company is also exploring ways to incorporate AI tools into Slides, Sheets, Meet and Chat.

Source: Google’s New AI Tools for Gmail, Docs Can Write Drafts for You – CNET

Books & Reading, Current Affairs, Film & Movies, Television, Web & Technology

Why You Should Turn Subtitles On For Absolutely Everything – CNET

I use subtitles all the time. No matter what.

By Mark Serrels, Sept. 19, 2022 5:10 p.m. PT

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

“Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

That’s Academy Award winner Bong Joon-ho, quoted from a Golden Globes acceptance speech all the way back in January 2020. He was talking about subtitles, which, despite being completely necessary and helpful and beyond useful, are apparently hated by some people.

Bong Joon Ho: “Once you overcome the one inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films” https://t.co/oWOsq8YtW4 pic.twitter.com/mJAJhEIH4U— Variety (@Variety) January 6, 2020

Almost immediately afterward, Bong pulled in a ridiculous four Oscars with Parasite — a fantastically made, multilayered dark comedy that delves deep into the underbelly of class divides. Parasite was an extremely deserving winner. You should absolutely watch this movie.

Source: https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/why-you-should-turn-subtitles-on-for-absolutely-everything/

Arts & Humanities, Current Affairs, Film & Movies, Science & Health, Television

More People Should Watch This Sci-Fi Masterpiece on Apple TV Plus – CNET

For All Mankind’s version of the space race is one of the most compelling dramas on TV.

By Erin Carson, July 7, 2022 5:40 p.m. PT

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Watching the season 3 premiere of For All Mankind on Apple TV Plus, I didn’t touch my phone once. That never happens.

The hour-long episode, which placed several main characters at a wedding-gone-wrong aboard what was supposed to be the first space hotel, was a tense introduction to what will likely be a tense season.

The hotel is built on the idea that centrifugal force creates gravity, and when a piece of debris hits one of the thrusters, causing the rotation (and gravity) to increase, characters struggle to put one foot in front of the other.

I half expected The Doctor to show up in the Tardis because a seemingly doomed spaceship in the middle of a party is exactly the kind of place he’d be likely to turn up.

Source: More People Should Watch This Sci-Fi Masterpiece on Apple TV Plus – CNET

Current Affairs, Nevada, Pleasures, Politics, Science & Health, Travel

Marijuana Laws in Every State: Is Pot Legal Where You Live? – CNET

Three-quarters of US states have legalized cannabis.

By Dan Avery, July 7, 2022 10:09 a.m. PT

Photo by Aphiwat chuangchoem on Pexels.com

Washington, DC, residents can now self-certify for medical marijuana without the need for a doctor’s note.

The DC Council approved a measure in early July, paving the way for adults to verify their medical need for cannabis starting July 7 through the city’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration website.

While city-issued medical marijuana cards, which must be renewed every two years, cost as much as $100, the new registration system is free. In addition to the nation’s capital, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana and 19 have approved selling, purchasing and possessing cannabis for recreational purposes.

Source: Marijuana Laws in Every State: Is Pot Legal Where You Live? – CNET

Arts & Humanities, Books & Reading, Libraries, Pleasures, Web & Technology

This Library Extension Plug-In Shows You Which Books Are Available at the Library | Mental Floss | Books

By Michele Debczak, Jul 4, 2022

Editor’s Note: I use this extension in my Firefox…

Before you buy books online, check out this extension to see what’s at your local library. / Mitshu/iStock via Getty Images

Though the library is definitely the cheapest resource for readers, it’s not always the most convenient. Your local branch has a limited number of titles available to check out at any given time, while online retailers make millions of books easy to purchase with just a click.

If you want to support your library without giving up your online shopping habits for good, try installing Library Extension.

According to CNET, the desktop plug-in for Firefox, Edge, and Google Chrome will tell you if the book you’re browsing on Amazon (or Barnes & Noble, Audible, or Goodreads) is available through your local library. Once you install it, the extension will ask you to select the most convenient place for you to check out books. If you’re a cardholder at multiple libraries, or if your local branch is part of a larger system, you can select more than one location.

Source: This Library Extension Plug-In Shows You Which Books Are Available at the Library

Books & Reading, Love & Relationships, Pleasures, Science & Health

How to Improve Your Happiness, According to Science – CNET

There are things you can do every day to improve happiness.

By Alison DeNisco Rayome, June 28, 2022 6:36 p.m. PT

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

In 2014, two psychologists at the University of California, Berkeley, launched an online course with a lofty goal: teaching students how to be happy, through both science and practice, in just eight weeks.

No big deal, right?

The amazing thing: It seemed to work. Thousands of students took the Science of Happiness course (which is still free to audit on edX, a provider of open online courses) and learned about the science of connection, compassion, gratitude and mindfulness. Perhaps more importantly, they also completed a series of simple activities that research suggests increase happiness.

Those who fully participated saw their positive feelings increase each week. They reported feeling less sadness, stress, loneliness, anger and fear, while at the same time experiencing more amusement, enthusiasm and affection, as well as a greater sense of community. During the course, students’ happiness and life satisfaction increased by about 5%. And that boost remained even four months after the course ended (though it’s difficult to fully untangle that result; it could’ve been from doing the activities, the students’ new understanding of the psychology of happiness, or something totally different).

Source: How to Improve Your Happiness, According to Science – CNET