I’m a smart home expert. Writing about smart home technology, smart devices, and voice assistants is my job. Yet, I don’t remember the last time I actually spoke with Alexa.  Just to be clear, I don’t mean to pick on Alexa per se. I rarely speak to Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri, either. The reason? It’s way easier to haul out my phone and use an app than it is to get a supposedly “smart” voice assistant to do what I want.  As it stands, there’s a Google Nest Hub Max sitting in our kitchen that acts as a glorified photo frame, and it occasionally interrupts with a random answer to a question nobody asked. A few HomePod minis are scattered around our home, but they’re really just for playing music (which I mainly control on my iPhone). And a lone Alexa speaker in our daughter’s room is merely an alarm clock.  Now Amazon is promising a grand rebirth for Alexa. Slated to roll out as a public preview later this month, Alexa+ will harness the power of generative AI to hold flowing conversations, understand our intentions, take actions on our behalf, and—hopefully—be so helpful that we’ll keep our phones in our pockets.  Alexa+ will be free during its preview period, and it will remain free for Amazon Prime members; non-Prime folks will need to cough up $19.99 a month for Alexa+ access, equivalent to the entry-level subscription tiers for ChatGPT, Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude (the latter of which is among Alexa+’s under-the-hood LLM models).  But cost was never the issue with Alexa (the “classic” Alexa will remain free for everyone, by the way). Instead, it was that Alexa became more annoying than useful.   Here’s what the new AI Alexa needs to do to get us back on speaking terms.  Make it easy to control my smart home devices  Getting the old Alexa to reliably control anything in my smart home is a royal pain. Unless I know the exact name of the device, the name of the room it’s in, and the precise command for making it do what I want it to do, Alexa will frequently come back with “Sorry, I don’t understand” or the equivalent. (Again, Google Assistant and Siri are guilty of this, too.)  As a result, I don’t ask Alexa or any of my other smart speakers to adjust my lights, turn fans on, or switch the TV to the correct input. Instead, I use my phone. What I want from the new Alexa is simple: to get what I mean when I say, “turn the lights up in here” or “turn on the TV,” and not just because I’ve hard-coded those phrases in an Alexa routine. I want Alexa+ to intuit my intentions—and if it can’t, to ask clear follow-up questions that don’t require me to fall back into “Alexa-speak.” Amazon is promising this exact type of smart home performance with Alexa+, and if it delivers, I might start using Alexa to control my smart gadgets again.  Make playing tunes a breeze  We use our HomePod mini speakers for music on a daily basis, teeing up tracks by Steely Dan, Miles Davis, and (more often than not) Taylor Swift. But my family struggles to get Siri to play the right tunes (“No, play the album called Lover, not the song”), so I generally queue playlists using my phone. It’s just easier than arguing with a voice assistant.  The same goes for Alexa, which is partly why there’s only one Echo speaker left in our house (the others are in a cardboard box somewhere.) But what if Alexa+ could make it easier to ask for music rather than searching for it on an app? What if we could just say, “Alexa, play that song from The Hills” and it would know we meant “Unwritten” by Natasha Bendingfield? (That’s an actual question that came up the other night—and naturally, Siri played “The Hills” by the Weeknd instead.)  If Alexa+ could really make it easier to play the music we want, and where we want (don’t get me started about trying to get Alexa or Siri to move tunes from one room to another), then our exiled Echo speakers might come out of hiding to replace our HomePods.  Be truly helpful in the kitchen  Yes, Alexa can display recipes on an Echo Show display (Google Assistant can do something similar on a Nest Hub screen), but more often than not, I just print out the recipe for whatever I’m cooking and bring it to the kitchen. It’s just easier. Put another way, Alexa has never played a meaningful role as a cook’s companion, or at least not for me.  Now, I have had success using ChatGPT to help in the kitchen (“What can I substitute for sesame oil?”). but that requires pulling out a phone when I have sticky or raw-meat hands. I would really love the ability to say “Hey Alexa, I need a quick recipe for a vinaigrette dressing, can you whip one up for me? Give me the steps one at a time, and I don’t have red wine vinegar, but I do have mustard, olive oil, and balsamic,” and Alexa would just talk me through it.  Again, Amazon demonstrated this very capability during its Alexa+ presentation last month, even going further to show how Alexa could order groceries with a partnered retailer like Whole Foods. But to just have a conversation with Alexa about general cooking questions (“what’s the safe internal temperature for pork?”) without it saying “I don’t know the answer, but I can show you search results from the web” would be a major win. Heck, I might even leave my printer alone the next time I’m about to cook.  Answer my random questions  We’re a family with lots of questions about, well, everything (it’s the byproduct of having a 13-year-old daughter), but I always groan when someone asks, for example, “Alexa, what’s something cool to do in Baltimore?” Why? Because Alexa won’t know, or it will come up with a random answer, and then someone will inevitably tell Alexa to “shut up,” and it won’t, and then things get ugly.  A more conversational Alexa+ could help keep such random questions from devolving into shouting matches, with the ability to go back and forth, ask follow-ups for clarity, and deliver organized responses that are actually relevant and interesting. The advanced voice modes for the ChatGPT and Google Gemini apps can already do this, and summoning Alexa+ on an Echo speaker for such general questions would be even easier.  Of course, if Alexa+ could go ahead and do something based on our conversation—say, book one of those interesting activities it found in Baltimore—we’d really have something. And that leads me to my next point… Take action on my behalf  One of the big points Amazon made during its big Alexa+ reveal is that unlike ChatGPT and Gemini, the new Alexa won’t just be stuck in a chatbox. Instead, it will actually be able to do things for you.  An example demonstrated during Amazon’s event was how Alexa+ could help find a nearby carpet cleaner who uses organic materials, book an appointment, and put it in your calendar. Done and done. Here’s another example from real life: I’m using ChatGPT to help me find affordable real estate in New York City. (Cue the laughter.) But while ChatGPT has been reasonably effective at zeroing in on listings that fit our criteria, it’s useless when it comes to proactively scouting for and notifying me about new properties on the market, and it can’t do squat about booking viewings.  But if I could have a daily chat with Alexa+ about my real estate ambitions, or if it could chime in when it learns of an enticing open house and put it on my calendar, or even fill in a real estate agent’s web form, that would be cool.  Amazon has been touting Alexa+’s skills as an AI agent, and it can supposedly fill in web forms on its own, so the kind of functionality I’m talking about here is theoretically possible. I’m eager to see it in practice.  Stop interrupting me How many times has Alexa, or Google Assistant, or Siri just started talking out of nowhere? Sometimes I’ll just be sitting in the kitchen and I’ll hear Alexa nattering away in my daughter’s empty bedroom, or Siri will jump in with an “mmm hmm?” because it thought it heard someone say “Siri.”  Part of the reason we tucked away most of our Alexa speakers (and I’m tempted to mute the microphones on our remaining Google Assistant and Siri devices) is that they’re constantly talking out of turn, butting in on conversations, and replying to phantom queries.   What I’m hoping is that the new AI Alexa is smart enough not to jump in every time it thinks it hears the “Alexa” wake word—or if it does accidentally speak up, that it gracefully cedes the floor when we say, “Not talking to you, Alexa.” Read...

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A new firmware update has rendered some HP LaserJet printers inoperable, even when using HP’s own toner, Ars Technica reports. The update, version 20250209, was released on March 4, 2025 for HP’s LaserJet MFP M232 to M237 series. According to HP, the update includes security enhancements, updates to meet regulatory requirements, and general improvements and bug fixes. There’s no mention of any changes to how the printers handle HP toner. Despite this, users have started reporting Error Code 11 and a flashing toner indicator after updating their printer firmware. On HP’s support forums, frustrated customers are reporting that their printers with HP-branded toner have suddenly stopped working, despite attempts to clean the connectors and reinstall the toner cartridges. HP has acknowledged that a problem exists, with a company spokesperson commenting: “We are aware of a firmware issue affecting a limited number of HP LaserJet 200 Series devices and our team is actively working on a solution. For assistance, affected customers can contact our support team at: https://support.hp.com.” However, HP hasn’t confirmed how many users are affected, and the exact extent of the problem remains unclear. This is far from the first time HP firmware updates have caused havoc for users. In May 2023, an update caused several HP OfficeJet printers to stop working completely and display a blue screen for weeks. HP also has a controversial policy of blocking printers that use non-original ink and/or toner, which has been criticized by both customers and consumer organizations. The company has also been criticizes for its shady business models, like always-online printers and subscription ink. Further reading: HP adds AI to its printers for some reason Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros High-quality feel and stable Construction Modular T-channel system for flexible customization Quiet and efficient electric height adjustment Large work surface with integrated cable tray Simple assembly thanks to pre-sorted components Cons High price Expensive accessories Cable eyelets poorly made and difficult to mount Our Verdict The Corsair Platform:4 is a well thought-out, versatile, and customizable desk system that appeals to both gamers and productive users. The workmanship is high quality, the design is clearly structured, and the modularity offers many expansion options. The table top and the stable aluminum frame system ensure long-lasting usability. The Elevate version with quiet and efficient electric height adjustment (reviewed here) makes for a long-term and flexible solution. However, it does come at a price. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Corsair Platform:4 Elevate Retailer Price $899.99 View Deal Corsair $899.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket With the Corsair Platform:4, Corsair is launching a modular desk system that’s interesting for both gamers and home office users thanks to its flexibility, high-quality workmanship, and well thought-out ergonomics. The standard version of the Platform:4, which sits at a fixed height, costs $699.99. We tested the Elevate version with electric height adjustment. The desk promises a high degree of adaptability that goes beyond the basic requirements of a conventional work or gaming desk. Corsair Platform:4 design and workmanship The Corsair Platform:4 has a robust table top made of black laminate. If you prefer a natural look, the tabletop is also available in a light wood surface for the fixed-height model, or a dark wood for the Elevate, each at a $100 premium. With dimensions of 47 inches wide and 30 inches deep, it is quite compact, but still offers sufficient work space for monitors, peripherals, and other accessories. The surface is pleasant to the touch and resistant to scratches and stains. Thanks to the solid workmanship, the desk shows hardly any signs of wear even after intensive use. Friedrich Stiemer The highlight of the design is the aluminium T-channel system, which makes it easy to attach and adjust accessories such as monitor arms or lighting. This system allows the use of numerous extensions, including customized ones, which can be retrofitted as required. In terms of stability, the Corsair Platform:4 was completely convincing in the test — even under dynamic load, the table was always stable. Friedrich Stiemer Assembly and scope of delivery Corsair delivers the Platform:4 in a single large and heavy box, which requires two people for transport. In addition to the parts for the table, the package also includes a flexible monitor arm with a gas pressure spring and VESA mount. There are also connection adapters for Elgato accessories, numerous plastic and Velcro cable ties, cable guides, cable eyelets, and a small bag with spare parts such as additional screws and T-nuts. A particularly positive feature was that the assembly materials were sorted for each assembly step and packed in labelled bags. These bags contained precise information on the number and labelling of the respective parts, which made assembly much easier. Corsair even supplies tools! Friedrich Stiemer The assembly itself was quite straightforward and for the most part even self-explanatory. The threads, drill holes, and materials were flawless throughout, which further emphasized the impression of high-quality workmanship. The general feel of the table should also be emphasized positively, as the surfaces appear pleasant and stable. On closer inspection, we only noticed very small imperfections in the edges — but nothing of any significance. Precise information on the number and labelling of the respective parts, made desk assembly much easier. Corsair even supplies tools! Friedrich Stiemer Nevertheless, you should allow around two hours for assembly. It is helpful to have enough space available for the boxes and packing materials so that you are not hindered during the assembly process. A second person should also assist with turning over the assembled table to avoid damage and injury. Friedrich Stiemer There were no more problems worth mentioning when setting up the Elevate version. The cable remote control could be fitted without any problems as the screws were the right length and there were enough of them. In other media reports on the Corsair Platform:6, there was talk of difficulties when screwing on the remote control due to the screws being too short. These problems seem to have been solved with the Platform:4. The other assembly steps went smoothly. A tip for assembly: The cable eyelets supplied make it easier to lay the cables neatly along the underside of the table, even if there is no special cut-out for cable routing. With a little skill, all cables can still be stowed away safely. The only point of criticism: The eyelets are not only difficult to press into the holes, but are also poorly finished as there are numerous burrs on them. Friedrich Stiemer Functionality The most outstanding feature of the Corsair Platform:4 is its modularity. The T-channel system enables a wide range of customizations. We fitted a table extension in the test, which extended the width of the table by a further 11.8 inches. This addition was easy to install thanks to the T-Channel system on the sides and proved to be very stable. Corsair specifies the load capacity of the extension at 50 pounds, which is sufficient even for larger gaming PCs. However, the gaming desk is dominated by the T-channel system on the tabletop, which is primarily used for mounting monitor and microphone arms. Friedrich Stiemer Another positive feature is the optional perforated panel that can be mounted on the sides. Corsair supplies several hooks and brackets for this purpose, which can be used to securely hang headsets or rucksacks, for example. Users can therefore customize the desk to suit their individual needs. Friedrich Stiemer Electric height adjustment The Elevate version of the table that we tested has electric height adjustment with two presets. The motors work quietly and smoothly, with a lifting speed of 1 inch per second. Particularly practical: The height adjustment can also be used unnoticed during video conferences, as the noise level remains below 50 decibels. This ensures undisturbed use, even in noise-sensitive environments. Friedrich Stiemer Another highlight is the integrated cable tray, which is large enough to neatly store a multiple socket and cable bundles. Thanks to numerous attachment points for cable ties, even large quantities of cables remain tidy. There is also a coverable storage compartment with USB-A and USB-C charging ports for smaller devices. This is particularly helpful when using multiple devices, as chargers no longer need to be placed separately on the table. Friedrich Stiemer Monitor arm with gas pressure spring A central element of the whole package is the monitor arm supplied. This arm is equipped with a gas pressure spring that enables infinitely variable height and tilt adjustment. Thanks to the VESA mount, the arm is compatible with monitors with a load capacity of up to 27.5 pounds. We mounted the monitor arm on the main T-rail on the top plate. No T-nuts or screws were required here. Instead, the clamp of the arm had to be opened by loosening a screw and loosening the set screw. This adjusting screw also allows the arm to be moved flexibly sideways on the rail, which is particularly practical for optimum positioning of the monitor. Once mounted, the arm offers a high degree of stability, even with repeated adjustments. Friedrich Stiemer The integrated cable channels and clips along the arm are practical, ensuring neat cable routing and preventing cables from hanging down. This keeps the workplace tidy and functional. Friedrich Stiemer Practical use In everyday use, the Corsair Platform:4 impressed us with its high level of ergonomics and adaptability. The tabletop offered enough space for a multi-monitor setup and additional peripherals. The ability to adjust the desk to the optimum ergonomic sitting or standing height proved to be a real advantage for longer working or gaming sessions. Users with changing working positions benefit from the flexible height adjustment. Friedrich Stiemer The high load capacity of up to 264.5 pounds offers enough leeway for extensive setups. Even with intensive use, the table showed no instability. Even large-format monitors or heavy audio setups could be positioned securely. The cable management proved to be useful for keeping the desk tidy and avoiding tripping hazards caused by hanging cables. Friedrich Stiemer Another advantage is the versatile customizability of the workstation. Users who often switch between different activities, such as creative work and gaming, can quickly change their individual configuration. The modular system also enables long-term expansion without having to replace the entire desk. Friedrich Stiemer Read...

When it comes to professional exchanges, I’ll be the first one to admit that I’m a bit awkward. Sometimes my tone is more terse than intended (sorry!) or I’m just not as clear as I’d like to be from the get-go. Weirdly enough, sometimes I’m more comfortable writing from the perspective of a fictional character than from my own, though it depends on the type of writing.  Since I work from home and communicate with my coworkers via text the majority of the time, I decided to elicit help from the all-knowing chatbot otherwise known as ChatGPT. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised by the offered guidance and often found myself using the chatbot as a soundboard for my email drafts. Not only does it give pretty solid prompts and tips, but it also recommends revisions and on-the-fly tweaks. Asking ChatGPT for general guidance The first thing I wanted from ChatGPT was general guidance for writing emails with confidence. So, the first question I typed into the chat box at the bottom was simply: “How do I write confident emails to my colleagues and other professionals?”  ChatGPT The bot offered three different responses. The first two were in the form of lists (more like step-by-step guides) with overlapping information. These lists highlighted the importance of clear subject lines and stating your purpose early on in the exchange. However, the third was an email template that illustrated concise language and a polished ending. Bingo! That’s the one I clicked on.  Though I appreciate how ChatGPT organizes information in easy-to-digest lists, I gravitated to the third response because I prefer to learn by example. The template emphasized clear and concise language, no doubt an important aspect to consider when constructing professional emails, but the tone was too stiff for my liking. Here’s what the bot churned out:  Subject: Proposal Approval Needed Hi [Recipient’s Name], I’m writing to request your approval on the updated proposal for the Q2 project. The revised document is attached for your review. Key updates include: Adjusted timelines to align with new deliverables. Additional resources allocated to streamline production. Please let me know if you have any questions. I’d appreciate your approval by [date] to ensure we stay on track. Best,[Your Name] While I agree it’s important to be direct, the above AI-generated example is almost too direct. I wanted to see a friendlier and less formal template (as well as something more specific to my line of work), so I asked the bot to help me craft a new email.  More warmth please ChatGPT asked me to provide more context. Am I providing an update on a group project? Am I requesting something from a manufacturer? I asked ChatBPT to write an email requesting a laptop for review, but to make it more casual in tone. This was the response the bot cobbled together: Subject: Request for Laptop Review Hi [Recipient’s Name], I hope you’re doing well! I’d like to request a laptop for review to [briefly mention purpose, e.g., test compatibility with our software, evaluate performance for our team, etc.]. If one is available, please let me know the process for checking it out. Let me know if you need any details from my end. I appreciate your help! Best,[Your Name] The above AI-generated email was more specific to my line of work, but it still felt a bit soulless, so I tried a different approach and asked ChatGPT to evaluate an email I’d written up. While it helps to have a template to look back on, I find that constructive feedback (even if it’s from a bot) is the most helpful. Asking ChatGPT for constructive feedback Sometimes it’s nice to have a sounding board, even if that sounding board is a chatbot. I asked ChatGPT to evaluate an email I’d written and to recommend revisions. Here’s my original email: Good afternoon, My name is Ashley Biancuzzo and I oversee the laptop section at PCWorld. I’m interested in getting a couple of entry-level laptops in for review, as I’m looking to expand our coverage of more budget-friendly machines. I would love to get this plan in motion sooner rather than later, so I’d appreciate a swift response. Thank you so much! Best,Ashley Biancuzzo And here’s the revised version of my original email (plus suggestions): ChatGPT This feedback is really worth its weight in gold, as it really irons out the bumpiness of the original construction. I struggle with sounding natural in professional emails and ChatGPT definitely clocked me on that. The bot also asked me to soften the urgency of my laptop loan request, which makes total sense. I had asked for a swift response in my version, but that might be too demanding in tone. The other thing I struggle with is integrating my name in a natural way, especially in introductory emails. It looks clunky and is probably difficult to read on the receiving end. ChatGPT clocked me again here, as you can see in the above snapshot. For some reason, I often forget that my name is in my email signature, so there’s no need for me to start the exchange with it. I didn’t like the em dash in the final sentence of ChatGPT’s revision, so I asked the bot to remove it and also tweak that last sentence. Here’s what ChatGPT came up with: Subject: Entry-Level Laptop Review Request Good afternoon, I hope you’re doing well! I oversee the laptop section at PCWorld and am interested in reviewing a couple of entry-level laptops as we expand our coverage of budget-friendly machines. I’d love to get this process started soon. Please let me know if units are available and how we can move forward. I appreciate your time and look forward to your response. Best,Ashley Biancuzzo I love that I can ask ChatGPT to make minor tweaks to current revisions. It’s a lot faster than asking ChatGPT to construct a new email from scratch. My takeaway I don’t use ChatGPT for every email I send, especially if it’s a quick, straightforward exchange between myself and a colleague. However, for introductory emails or something more complex, I’ll ask ChatGPT for recommendations and revisions, as I want to be as clear as possible. It turns out to be a useful second set of eyes and an antidote to the pitfall of overthinking it. Read...

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In order to take full advantage of all the features of Windows 11, you need a Microsoft account. (It’s possible to use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account, but the company doesn’t want that and is trying their darndest to get users onto Microsoft accounts.) And when you’re using a Microsoft account, it’s imperative that you remember your password. But what do you do when you accidentally forget that so-very-important password? Normally, with any other digital account, you just click the “I forgot my password” link and get a password reset email. But you can only do that if you have a backup email or phone number registered. That’s why Microsoft is adding push notifications in Windows 11 to remind you to add an email address or phone number to your account if you haven’t yet. This way, if you do ever forget your password, you’ll have a backup method for password recovery. The new push notification reminders are currently being tested in update KB5053660 for Windows 11 Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels, reports Windows Latest. The feature will likely roll out to the general Windows 11 public later this spring. Further reading: You can now use passkeys with Microsoft accounts Read...

X, formerly Twitter, has been experiencing intermittent disruptions since yesterday at around 3pm ET. These disruptions have been causing users to be unable to access their feeds, send/receive messages, or a combination of both. Users keep receiving an error message that says “Something went wrong. Try reloading” without any recognizable cause. However, reloading the feed doesn’t help, nor does restarting the app. What’s going on with X? According to owner Elon Musk, the platform is being hit by targeted cyberattacks. At least, that’s what he wrote on his X account last night when it briefly worked again. In general, the outages only seem to last for a short time, with posts and messages going out again in the meantime. Whether this is really a targeted cyberattack hasn’t been conclusively clarified. Musk didn’t make any specific accusations, but surmised that a “coordinated group and/or a country is involved.” He also hinted that actors from Ukraine were involved or linked the attacks to the protests and attacks against Tesla. Curiously, the twitter.com site also went offline yesterday for the first time since Musk’s takeover and its renaming to X. Until now, the domain was still accessible, but presumably this has nothing to do with the outages. What can you do about it? As the X app becomes available from time to time, you can periodically check your feed to see if it’s working. In my case, I was unable to access my messages for around two hours last night. It worked again this morning, but currently my feed isn’t updating again. If nothing helps, you can try switching to alternative platforms like Bluesky. Millions of users and creators now post regularly there, recreating what Twitter used to be like before it was driven into the ground. (PCWorld is on Bluesky, too!) It’s currently not possible to predict how long these problems will continue. To check whether the disruption at X is still going on, all you can really do is come back every so often and see for yourself. Further reading: Beginner’s guide to Bluesky Read...