Brian Fagioli

Google has finally unveiled Gemini 2.0, an evolution of its AI models designed to usher in a so-called “agentic era.” Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, has described this as a major leap forward for AI, emphasizing the model’s advanced reasoning, multimodal capabilities, and its potential to revolutionize tools like Google Search, among others. While Google is making big promises, my own experience with Gemini has left me wondering if it’s really a match for the historically superior ChatGPT.

Gemini 2.0 builds on the successes of previous iterations, like Gemini 1.5, and aims to push boundaries with native image and audio output, text-to-speech capabilities, and native integration with tools like Google Search and coding functions. Google is pitching this as more than just an AI chatbot. The model is described as a foundation for creating AI agents capable of handling complex, multi-step tasks, from generating research reports to serving as a developer assistant. Projects like Astra, Mariner, and Jules further showcase Google’s ambition to embed AI into everyday workflows and beyond.

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Creative has launched Pebble Nova, the latest addition to its desktop speaker lineup. Positioned as an upgrade within the Pebble series, the Nova offers updated design elements, versatile connectivity options, and RGB lighting.

The Pebble Nova features a coaxial driver design that aligns the tweeter and woofer, delivering balanced sound across the audio spectrum. Its 45-degree elevated drivers are intended to direct sound toward the listener, and an included stand allows for further elevation and improved projection.

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If you’re tired of the constant updates, system requirements, and licensing headaches that come with Windows 11, OpenMandriva ROME 24.12 might be the perfect solution. As a rolling-release Linux distribution, OpenMandriva offers users the freedom to always stay on the cutting edge without waiting for major version updates.

With this latest release, OpenMandriva delivers a combination of performance and customization, making it a solid choice for those looking to break free from Windows. The inclusion of KDE Plasma Desktop (versions 6.2.4 and 5.27.11) offers a sleek, modern interface that’s as polished as any operating system Microsoft has to offer. Add to that the flexibility Linux provides, and you’re looking at a user experience that can be tailored to your needs.

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Linux Mint has reclaimed its position as the top-ranked Linux distribution on DistroWatch, dethroning MX Linux. The latest page hit rankings, which reflect the popularity of distributions among DistroWatch users, place Linux Mint in first place with 2,412 hits per day. MX Linux, previously the reigning champ, now sits in second with 2,280 hits.

This shift in rankings isn’t entirely surprising. Linux Mint has long been a favorite among newcomers and seasoned users alike, thanks to its user-friendly interface, stability, and robust support. Its Cinnamon desktop environment, designed for simplicity and familiarity, is often cited as one of the best for users transitioning from Windows. Meanwhile, MX Linux gained a loyal following for its lightweight design, which is perfect for older hardware or users seeking performance efficiency.

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Apple Music has solidified its position as the superior music streaming platform with the launch of three new live radio stations: Apple Música Uno, Apple Music Club, and Apple Music Chill. These additions, available for free without a subscription, further distinguish Apple Music from competitors like Spotify, offering curated, live-hosted programming that highlights Apple’s commitment to a premium listening experience.

Apple Música Uno celebrates the diverse world of Latin music, from Música Mexicana to reggaetón and tropical Latin pop. Artists like Becky G, Rauw Alejandro, and Grupo Frontera bring exclusive shows to the station, which debuts with Bad Bunny’s “EL CLúB.” Programming will feature bilingual commentary, making it accessible to a global audience.

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PNY has introduced the CS2150 M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen5 x4 SSD, a new addition to its lineup of solid-state drives. Designed for professionals, gamers, and content creators, the drive offers improved speed and efficiency for various demanding applications.

The CS2150 uses the NVMe PCIe Gen5 x4 interface, providing sequential read speeds of up to 10,300MB/s and write speeds of up to 8,600MB/s. This SSD is also compatible with Microsoft DirectStorage, a feature of Windows 11 that enhances game load times and image quality.

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Yelp has announced a major end-of-year product release, introducing more than 20 updates aimed at enhancing the experience for both consumers and business owners. The updates include AI-driven features such as Review Insights, which analyze reviewer sentiment, a personalized home feed that surfaces more tailored content, and improvements to the Yelp Assistant AI chatbot for better connections with service professionals. Business owners are also gaining new tools like job summaries to manage their inboxes and a smart selection feature to optimize ad performance.

“This year has been marked by an accelerated pace of product innovation at Yelp,” said Craig Saldanha, Yelp’s chief product officer. “By using AI to harness Yelp’s vast amount of trusted user-generated content, in 2024 we’ve rolled out more than 80 new features that enhance the consumer and business owner experience. Our end-of-year product release highlights how Yelp is simplifying the way users discover and connect with local businesses with new AI-powered features like Review Insights that provide a shortcut to the information consumers care about most. We’re looking forward to continuing this momentum into the new year, with even more updates for consumers and business owners to come.”

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Macally has launched its latest accessory for iPad users, a versatile iPad Case with Keyboard designed for productivity and protection. Compatible with the latest iPad Air and iPad Pro models, this new case combines a detachable backlit keyboard, a multi-touch trackpad, and a fully adjustable stand, making it ideal for work, study, or entertainment.

According to Joey Ang, General Manager at Macally, “The iPad Case with Keyboard enhances productivity and flexibility. It’s the smart solution for work, play, and everything in between.”

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Reddit is diving deeper into AI with the introduction of Reddit Answers, an AI-powered tool designed to provide curated insights, recommendations, and discussions on virtually any topic. This new feature, currently in testing, aims to make it easier for users to tap into the platform’s wealth of community-generated knowledge.

With Reddit Answers, users can ask questions via an AI-powered conversational interface. The tool delivers curated summaries of relevant discussions, complete with links to related communities and posts. Users can skim snippets and answers directly or explore deeper by engaging in full conversations or asking follow-up questions, either their own or suggested by the platform.

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If you’ve been looking for a reason to ditch Windows 11, the latest version of Manjaro Linux, 24.2 Yonada, might just be it. This new release brings updates across its GNOME, Plasma, and XFCE editions, offering a polished experience for both newcomers and seasoned Linux users.

The GNOME edition of Manjaro 24.2 has been updated to the GNOME 47 series, bringing features that put Windows 11’s customization options to shame. For example, users can now choose from a range of accent colors instead of being locked into a single default. Scaling improvements ensure icons and interface elements look sharp and usable, even on older or lower-resolution displays. If you’ve ever been frustrated with screen recording on Windows, Manjaro’s GNOME edition now supports hardware encoding for Intel and AMD GPUs, reducing system strain and providing a smooth recording experience.

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The world of Windows application compatibility on Linux has just reached a new milestone. The Wine team has unveiled Wine 10.0-rc1, the very first release candidate for the highly anticipated Wine 10.0. This isn’t just another update -- it’s the beginning of the yearly code freeze, a crucial period where the team hones the software to perfection. Enthusiasts and developers are encouraged to put this release to the test and report any bugs, ensuring the final 10.0 version shines.

Wine 10.0-rc1 isn’t playing it safe. It brings several key upgrades and features that signal serious progress. Among the highlights, the bundled vkd3d has been updated to version 1.14, promising improved Direct3D 12 support. Meanwhile, the Mono engine has been upgraded to version 9.4.0, delivering better .NET compatibility. There’s also an initial version of a Bluetooth driver, a major leap toward better hardware interaction.

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Lexar has launched two new portable SSDs, the SL300 and ES3, targeting everyday users and professionals who value speed and reliability in data storage. Both drives offer read speeds of up to 1050MB/s and write speeds of 1000MB/s, claiming to be up to 9.5 times faster than traditional HDDs.

The SL300 and ES3 share nearly identical specifications, with no notable differences apart from their color -- the SL300 comes in black, while the ES3 is silver. Both drives are equipped with double-layer graphite sheets to manage heat during use and feature drop resistance up to 2 meters, making them durable options for those on the move.

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ORICO has launched the MiniMate M4PRO, an external SSD enclosure aimed at users of the 2024 Mac mini and other devices. Built from aluminum alloy and finished in sleek silver, the M4PRO is designed to complement the aesthetics of the Mac mini while providing practical storage expansion for creative professionals and general users.

The MiniMate M4PRO supports SSD capacities ranging from 512GB to 8TB, making it ideal for handling large files or expanding the base storage of devices. Its compact dimensions (127x127x25mm) allow it to sit snugly either underneath or atop the Mac mini, creating a cohesive desktop look.

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ADATA has launched its new SC740 external SSD, which features an integrated USB-C cable for added convenience. It offers read and write speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s respectively, along with storage options up to 2TB.

The SC740 is compatible with Android, Windows, macOS, and Apple’s iPhone 16 series, offering support for Apple ProRes video recording. This feature allows users to record and store high-quality videos directly on the SSD, providing additional flexibility for mobile content creation.

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Redfin has introduced a new feature called Redfin Redesign, which allows homeowners and buyers to use AI-powered technology to virtually add holiday decorations to home images. Designed in collaboration with Roomvo, the tool aims to provide inspiration for decorating and staging homes during the holiday season.

The tool lets users quickly apply festive touches like lights and garlands to photos of their home or a listing. Ariel Dos Santos, Redfin’s senior vice president of product and design, stated, “Redfin Redesign’s warm and welcoming designs help buyers envision celebrating special moments in a home and suggest styles that highlight a home’s best features.”

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