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What Is Augmented Intelligence? The Future of AI-Human Collaboration

As conversations about artificial intelligence (AI) grow, a new concept — augmented intelligence — is taking shape as a more human-focused way of using technology. While AI often evokes visions of automation and machine-driven decision-making, augmented intelligence focuses on collaboration, where machines enhance rather than replace human capabilities. This concept is increasingly relevant as businesses, healthcare providers, and financial institutions integrate AI-powered tools to improve efficiency and decision-making. Unlike traditional AI, which often operates independently, augmented intelligence keeps human expertise at the core. AI acts as a supportive tool, refining judgment, offering insights, and simplifying complex tasks rather than taking over entirely. Augmented intelligence helps people make better decisions by providing AI-driven insights while keeping humans in control. Unlike traditional AI, which automates tasks, augmented intelligence works alongside humans to…more

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AR vs. VR: A Simple Guide to Augmented and Virtual Reality

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) redefine how we interact with digital spaces. AR layers computer-generated content onto the physical world, seamlessly merging digital elements with real environments. VR, on the other hand, creates entirely synthetic worlds, transporting users into fully immersive digital experiences.  Knowing the distinctions between AR and VR isn’t just about terminology — it’s about understanding how these technologies shape industries, from gaming and enterprise solutions to healthcare and beyond. What is augmented reality?Augmented reality seamlessly blends digital elements with the real world, enhancing what we see, hear, and interact with. Unlike virtual reality, which immerses users in a fully digital space, AR keeps users anchored in their physical environment while adding interactive digital layers. This can range from simple overlays, like navigation prompts in Google Maps Live View, to more advanced apps, such as AR-powered remote…more

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Ray-Ban Meta Review: Smart Glasses That Actually Make Sense?

Ray-Ban’s partnership with Meta keeps getting smarter — literally. The latest Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses aren’t just about looking cool — they’re packing upgraded tech, including the Meta glasses v12 update, faster performance, and surprisingly solid battery life. But do these smart Wayfarers live up to the hype, or are they just another overpriced gadget? After five months of daily use, I’m ready to share what I’ve learned about the trendiest AI glasses to hit the market since Google Glass (anyone remember that?). Let’s break it down. Classic look, smarter functionalityFirst off, these are real Wayfarers. They’re not awkward, thick, clunky, or any of the other negative adjectives. They’re normal Wayfarers. If you’ve ever hesitated to wear smart glasses because they looked like something out of a bad sci-fi movie, rest easy — you will not look like Max Headroom. PRO TIP: If you spring for the matte black version, keep its cleaning cloth handy. They get a bit shiny with use, but…more

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Super Bowl Ads 2025: AI Commercials in the Spotlight

For decades, Super Bowl ads have been used as a launching platform for new products, devices, and even technologies. In Super Bowl LIX, it took center stage in the exploding AI space. Until now, the tech crowd has ravenously ingested much of the most pertinent AI news. The innovators and early adopters are way ahead, but the Super Bowl creates a captive commercial-loving audience of 130 million normal people. With OpenAI, Meta, and Google all taking the opportunity to push artificial intelligence to the populace, they all took interest through very different approaches. Here’s a look at the AI-driven Super Bowl ads that made waves, what they promised, and how audiences reacted. AI-powered Super Bowl ads: Who showed what?OpenAI: The Information AgeWhat it showed: The ad featured black-and-white visuals in constant motion, walking through humanity’s many developments, from tools and fire all the way through to generative AI. Key message: We have entered The Information Age. We might…more

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How to Flatten transparency in PDFs using Acrobat

The introduction of transparency has been quite controversial in print production over the past few years, though the fact is that for most transparency in Adobe files works just fine. However, those of us out there with older RIPs may have issues printing transparency. In this video you’ll see how to flatten transparency in your PDF files before you ever hit the Print…more

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How to Trigger iMessage Effects with Just a Keyword

One of the coolest aesthetic features of iMessage is its animated message effects. If you’re like many users, you might even have discovered them by accident, where wishing your friend a “Happy Birthday!” or congratulating them on a promotion unexpectedly flooded your screen with balloons or confetti. Apple’s iMessage effects first appeared in iOS 10 and still work perfectly in the most current iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions. While Apple has only formally mentioned a few code words and phrases that automatically trigger these effects, I’ve compiled a massive list of all the hidden triggers I could find through research and trial and error — with over 50 languages included. Don’t Miss: Every Hidden Special Character on Your iPhone’s Keyboard That You Can Unlock Right Now While Apple hasn’t added any more English trigger words and phrases to its list of Easter eggs for iMessage effects since iMessage effects were a thing, it has added more words and phrases that work with other…more

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Download and Install iOS 18.4 Beta or iPadOS 18.4 Beta to Try New iPhone or iPad Features First

Apple’s iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 have been out since September, but more features are coming, such as new emoji from Unicode 16, and you can test them after installing a beta build for iOS 18.4 or iPadOS 18.4. Apple Intelligence debuted on iOS and iPadOS 18.1 and expanded on iOS and iPadOS 18.2 and iOS and iPadOS 18.3, but iOS and iPadOS 18.4 will likely improve Apple Intelligence features even more. But there will also likely be new features and changes beyond Apple Intelligence you’ll want to try out. The iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 betas were first available to registered developers on June 10 and to Apple Beta Software Program users on July 15. While stable iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 versions were released to everyone on Sept. 16, Apple continues beta testing 18.x versions. iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 were released on Oct. 28. iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 were released on Dec. 11. iOS 18.3 and iPadOS 18.3 were released on Jan. 27. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 are approaching the initial beta build. The most…more

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Freeform on iOS 18: All the Features You’ve Been Missing Out On

Apple’s Freeform app levels up with iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, offering you new features to enhance creativity, collaboration, and organization. While some updates, like the new Scenes feature, are prominent, others are more subtle but just as powerful. This incredible app’s versatile features work equally well on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. If you haven’t updated to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 yet, it’s definitely worth it for Freeform’s upgraded capabilities. Many of these features also work on macOS Sequoia 15. The updates cater to a wide range of users, from casual planners to professional teams working on large projects. Freeform’s improvements also beautifully integrate with other Apple ecosystem features, including iCloud, Siri, and Apple Intelligence. If you enjoyed the app’s earlier ability to create freehand sketches and collaborative boards, this update expands on those strengths with new tools designed to make your workflow smoother and your projects more polished. Don’t Miss: Unlock the…more

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iOS 18.3 Is Coming Soon — Here’s What to Expect on Your iPhone

Apple is gearing up to release iOS 18.3, its latest software update for iPhone, and it could hit devices as early as the last week of January. While it’s not as feature-packed as the previous updates for iOS 18.2 and iOS 18.1 were, there are still a few important changes you’ll want to know about. Aside from the return of a critical Calculator feature, most of the changes in iOS 18.3 apply to iPhone models that support Apple Intelligence. Those would be the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPhone 16 models. The new emoji from Unicode 16 are also missing from this update but are expected to arrive with iOS 18.4. Note: Many of these features and changes also apply to iPads running iPadOS 18.3 and Macs running macOS Sequoia 15.3. Apple Intelligence Enabled by DefaultAccording to Apple’s release notes for developers, you’ll automatically be opted into Apple Intelligence after upgrading a supported device to iOS 18.3. That way, you have immediate access to all of Apple…more

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How to Create Custom Offline Routes for Walks and Hikes in Apple Maps

Apple Maps keeps getting better and better for all the hikers in the world. With iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia 15, you can access thousands of detailed trail maps within U.S. national parks and topographic views, but you can also create your own walking and hiking routes. Custom walking and hiking routes, available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac since Sept. 16, work anywhere you want. It could be for hikes in state or local parks, walks around town, or any path you’d like to remember. You can give your routes custom names, add notes, label them one-way, out-and-back, or closed-loop hikes, and more. On an iPhone or iPad, you can also download custom routes for offline use when you don’t have cellular and Wi-Fi connections. Don’t Miss: 13 New Weather Features and Changes iOS 18 Gives Your iPhone Step 1: Start a Custom RouteThere are multiple ways to get started. First, you can mark a location on the map for the start of the route, hit the More (•••) button on the place card, and choose…more