Sometimes you find something on web—a link, an image, or a block of text—that you want to quickly set aside for later. Gladys is a free indie app from developer Paul Tsochantaris that acts as a sort of shelf for things like this. The application, which is available for Mac, iPad, and iPhone, supports adding anything that can be dragged and dropped. You can also add things using the Share menu or with copy and paste.

I find this a useful tool for turning my unstructured reading and research time into a collection of things to follow up on. When I’m researching potential article ideas, I clip links to applications I might write about and paragraphs I might want to quote. Previously, I was storing them in a messy text document, but now I drop everything in Gladys. Then, when I’m thinking about which articles I’d like to pitch, I can scroll back through Gladys and turn the gathered links and quotes into articles like the one you’re reading now.

You could use almost any application for this, granted, but Gladys stands apart because it turns everything you drag into something easily parsable—drag an image and you’ll see a thumbnail, drag an article link and you’ll see a preview. You can open any item to see more details, if you want, or preview anything with Quick Look.

Gladys really shines if you turn on the iCloud syncing, though. With that feature enabled, you can quickly add things while browsing the web on your iPhone or iPad and follow up on them when you’re back on your computer. I particularly like it on the iPad using the Slideover multitasking feature—it’s quick to drag something from the application you’re using over to Gladys.

I also appreciate that the Mac app allows you to set up something similar to the iPad slideover—you can, in the settings, set the app to open whenever you’re clicking-and-dragging something so the window is handy for whatever it is you want to store. You can also set up the app to open using a keyboard shortcut or whenever the mouse touches a particular side of the screen.

There are also tools for providing context. You can label items, color-code them, and even provide notes. It’s the kind of app that’s simple at first but has a lot of different uses if you dig into the settings, and it’s completely free with no upsells. Check it out if you want a place to store potentially—but not immediately—useful things.

Apple Intelligence launched worldwide in U.S. English yesterday, but if you’re an iPhone user in the E.U. or mainland China, I wouldn’t blame you for not knowing what all the hubbub is about. That’s because Apple’s AI is currently unavailable on phones or tablets in those regions—to use the new tech there, you’ll need to do so on a Mac.

Apple previously blamed the E.U.’s DMA regulations for the restriction, saying releasing AI under its interoperability requirements “could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security.” But suddenly, the company’s tune has changed. It’s not quite clear why, but in an Irish Apple newsroom post, the iPhone maker now says “Apple Intelligence features will start to roll out to iPhone and iPad users in the E.U.” starting next April.

According to the post, the April release will include “many of the core features of Apple Intelligence, including Writing Tools, Genmoji, a redesigned Siri with richer language understanding, ChatGPT integration, and more.”

Whether Apple’s worked out a deal with the E.U. or whether the company is moving forward for some other reason isn’t clear, just as it wasn’t clear how much E.U. regulations were threatening Apple Intelligence in the first place. It’s possible the company could have released Apple Intelligence in Europe alongside the rest of the world and was simply holding back European AI out of an abundance of caution. Less generously, the withholding could’ve been intended as a way to apply pressure to the region. In the past, European regulators have insinuated that keeping Apple’s AI out of the E.U. was not entirely their decision, with a European commissioner calling Apple’s choice to halt Apple Intelligence’s European release a “stunning open declaration” of anticompetitive behavior. 

I’ve reached out to both Apple and the E.U. for clarification and will update this article when I hear back. Still, when the feature does launch in the region, it does sound like it will be almost entirely on par with the U.S. release (I’ve also asked Apple to clarify which features EU phones will and won’t get, and will include that information in updates as well).

As noted, Europeans do already have access to the full suite of Apple AI features, but only on supported Mac devices. They’ll need to update to macOS Sequoia 15.1 and set their device’s language to U.S. English first (under Settings -> General -> Language & Region), but that’s not a unique issue. Apple promises to add support for various other English dialects in December, including for Ireland, the U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. Indian and Singaporean English and other languages will come over the course of the next year, with Apple confirming various European and Asian languages, and promising still others.

(If Asian language support has you excited for a release in mainland China, where Apple Intelligence has yet to even reach the Mac, that is unfortunately still not on the docket.)

Short-form video is, of course, all the rage. Why sit down to watch a two-and-a-half-hour YouTube essay when you could watch 300 30-second videos in a row? Now, even Netflix wants in on the game—sort of. While it might seem counterproductive for a company specializing in long-form content to get into short-form video, Netflix’s approach is both unique, and oh-so-close to being smart.

On Monday, the company announced “Moments,” a new feature for its mobile app that lets users save their favorite, er, moments from shows and movies for later viewing. These saved clips can be rewatched in the app, of course, but they can also be shared on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

That said, you can’t share the clip itself to your social media: That would be too convenient. Instead, if someone taps on your shared link, it will open Netflix on the other user’s end, and they’ll be able to watch your Moment on their Netflix account.

It’s a shame, because being able to share true clips to platforms like Instagram and Facebook would be a great way to garner word of mouth about a particular show. Netflix already shot itself in the foot when they disabled screenshots in their apps, since it made it much more difficult for fans to share their favorite scenes with their networks. Sure, sharing links to Moments will likely help some users find shows they wouldn’t have otherwise watched, but, in my view, it’s not very convenient to be taken to the Netflix app to watch these clips rather than watch them organically in your feed. I imagine most people will skip posts with links to Moments and miss out entirely, when they easily could have watched the clip and been hooked then and there.

As of today, the feature is live in the Netflix app for iOS. The company plans to bring Moments to the Android app in a few weeks.

How to save clips as “Moments” in the Netflix app

Assuming the feature works in your version of the Netflix app, start a show or movie, then tap on the screen. Here, you should see a “moments” option. Tap this, and Netflix will automatically clip the current scene and save it to your “My Netflix” tab. You can come to this tab to watch any of your saved clips, and share links to them to your socials.

If you’re a DIY enthusiast or just want to perform routine maintenance or minor repairs on your home, a good tool kit is indispensable. But you don’t need to go out and buy every new cordless tool, no matter how cool it might be, to have a core toolbox. Here are 20 essential tools for your kit, each costing under $20.

Measuring and marking

Getting an accurate measurement for your DIY projects, whether you’re patching drywall or thrifting some furniture is foundational for success. While it might seem obvious, there are a few different types of measuring and marking tools that can help you get the right cut the first time, so here are a few essential measuring and marking tools,

• A FastCap tape measure ($9.99) is a reliable, accurate tape, and the body of the tape measure can be used as a notepad for writing down your measurements. There’s also a pencil sharpener built into the body.

• A Swanson 7-inch metal speed square ($9.98) can help keep your corners square when making a cut and mark lines parallel to the edge of your board. It can also help you gauge angles.

• A Thorvald heavyweight mechanical pencil ($13.97) for marking will help you make clear marks without needing to sharpen, and it can be used with a compass for drawing curves as well. It comes with seven leads.

• An Irwin 50-foot chalk reel ($6.59) can be used for making a straight line between two points. This is handy for marking plywood to cut, or for demarcating an area when measuring flooring.

• A Swanson 12-inch combination square ($13.70) can be used for squaring boards, marking cuts on a chop saw, marking 45-degree cuts, drawing straight lines along the edge of a board, and leveling. It has a scriber built into the body of the square for quick marks.

Drivers and wrenches

Having the right-sized wrench or driver for your hardware is important, and to avoid last-minute trips to the hardware store, you should have a few types and sizes on hand. Large sets of wrenches and drivers can be a good choice if you’re working on vehicles or other complex mechanical projects because they often require specific tools in specific shapes. However, for basic DIY and home maintenance, a smaller set of drivers and wrenches is more than enough.

• A Craftsman 12-piece screwdriver set ($19.98) comes with four Phillips head, six flat head, one low-profile, double-sided driver, and a magnetizer/demagnetizer. This kit will work for many household projects.

• A Craftsman 6-piece wrench set ($9.99) comes with three imperial and three metric wrenches in sizes ⅜-inch, 7/16-inch, ½-inch,11mm, 12mm, and 13mm. This is a good start for a basic set of wrenches.

• A 6-inch Crescent adjustable wrench ($12.70) will allow you to tackle nuts and bolts between ⅛ inches and ¾ inches. It’s an essential DIY and maintenance tool because it’s so versatile.

• A set of Stanley hex wrenches ($16.26) will allow you to work on Allen key and hex hardware that’s common for assemble-yourself furniture as well as some mechanical projects. This set comes with a range of metric and imperial sizes.

• A six-piece set of Olympia tool nut drivers ($12.65) can help you drive hex nuts in imperial sizes from ¼ inches through ½ inches.

Pliers and cutters

Pliers can help you hold parts, bend wire, and make cuts to wire and other materials. Having a good set is important for DIY tasks and can expand your home maintenance and repair capabilities.

• A pair of 6-inch Irwin long-nosed pliers ($9.99) are helpful for wiring projects as well as working on things with small parts. You can also use these pliers as wire cutters for smaller gauge wire,

• A pair of 8-inch Irwin slip-joint, locking pliers ($15.66) can grasp pipe and larger gauge objects for added leverage when tightening or unscrewing. They have a button for adjustment to keep them at the opening size you need.

• A pair of 8-inch Irwing diagonal cutters ($15.99) are good for cutting smaller gauge wire and nipping off the ends of staples and nails on woodworking projects.

• A pair of Knipex end cutters ($18.05) are helpful for cutting off the ends of staples of nails if they poke through on a woodworking project and they can also help when pulling nails. They cut very close to the surface, allowing you to use a nail set to make your surface smooth and free from sharp protrusions.

• A set of Irwin vise grip pliers ($14.99) is good for grasping with extra power. They can be used for grabbing stubborn nuts and bolts that are stuck, holding onto objects that are harder to grasp with your fingers, or as an added handle on things to provide extra leverage.

Finishing and trimming

Getting your projects across the finish line and making them look polished is simpler with the right tools. Here are a few more essentials to round out the backbone of your tool kit.

• A Springtools nail set ($12.95) allows you to countersink nails without using a hammer by using the force of a spring snap-back. You can also use this tool as a center mark when drilling a hole to keep your bit from wandering.

• A pull saw from Irwin ($15.99) allows you to flush cut dowels and joints, making your finished woodworking projects smooth and clean. It comes with a protective case.

• A sanding block from 3M ($5.98) is a way to grip your sandpaper and keep it flat while you work. It’s a great tool to have if you’re working on projects like refinishing furniture or any woodworking.

• An Estwing rubber mallet ($17.25) with no-mark tips for use in upholstery, woodworking, and any finishing applications where you don’t want to dent your lumber is a must-have for DIY enthusiasts.

• A Milescraft gluemate anti-drip bottle ($6.99) for glue will allow you to keep your work surface clear of drips; the bottle has an anti-clog design that allows you to keep it handy and upright while still having glue handy. It comes with a variety of tips for different applications.

When it comes to the best TVs you can buy for picture quality, OLED TVs are at the top. They are expensive, but you’re getting what you pay for. If you’re on a budget and are wondering what the best TV pound-for-pound for your money is, look no further than the LG Evo G4 OLED. It is the best budget OLED TV of 2024 and PCMag’s Editors’ Choice award for top-of-the-line OLED TV. Currently, the 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch versions are all hitting their lowest price ever on Amazon, according to price-tracking tools. It’s a great time to splurge on an OLED TV.

The LG Evo G4 OLED TV came out this year, but it’s already well-discounted, and for its price, the it’s best value for your money on an OLED TV right now (at least for the 55- and 65-inch versions). One of the biggest downsides of OLED TVs is their lack of brightness, but that’s not an issue for the Evo G4. It gets a peak brightness of 1,103 nits, which is a respectable amount and allow you to you watch TV in a bright room with no issues. It’s also great for gamers, with its 120 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms input lag, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and compatibility with FreeSync and G-Sync.

The resolution is the standard 4K of 3,840 by 2,160. You’ll get HDMI (four total), RF, USB video inputs, a virtually infinite contrast ratio to let your colors pop out, and comes with a webOS smart TV operating system. WebOS lets you connect to Apple devices over AirPlay and to computers over Miracast/WiDi. If you want to watch multiple channels at once, you can use Multi-View, which uses split-screen and picture-in-picture to watch multiple sources.

If you’ve been waiting to get an OLED, this is a great opportunity. Just make sure to choose the right size TV for your living room.

After months of beta testing and a ton of advertising, Apple Intelligence is officially here. If you have a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can install Apple’s latest update and try out the first wave of new generative AI features on your devices. You’ll just have to wait in line first.

As it happens, you can’t just turn on your compatible Apple device and expect Apple Intelligence to be up and running. Once you install iOS 18.1 on your iPhone 15 Pro or newer, iPadOS 18.1 on your A17 Pro or M-series iPad, or macOS 15.1 on your M-series Mac, you’ll actually need to join the Apple Intelligence waitlist if you want to have the opportunity to test out these new AI features today.

We’ve covered how to actually enable (or turn off) Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, so if you’re interested, check out our guide. But maybe you’ve just come from that guide, after joining Apple’s waitlist, and are wondering, “Man…how long is this supposed to take?”

Expect to wait up to a few hours (I had to wait 90 minutes)

The answer? It depends. Officially, Apple says Apple Intelligence is “usually available for activation within a few hours of joining the waitlist, though wait times can vary.” The company doesn’t want every eligible user signing up for Apple Intelligence at once, and is trying to spread out activation by introducing a delay with this waitlist.

That said, your wait time will definitely vary. Back when the beta first started rolling out, I remember users reporting that the waitlist took anywhere from 30 minutes, to just seconds to get approved. At launch, however, it appeared to be a longer wait, as more users are jumping on the bandwagon. Personally, it took about an hour and a half for my own access to get approved. Lifehacker Associate Tech Editor Michelle Ehrhardt, on the other hand, only had to wait about 10 minutes after signing up around 11 p.m. ET.

Once you are approved, iOS, iPadOS, or macOS will send alert you via a notification from the Settings app, which reads, “Ready for Apple Intelligence: Time to experience the new personal intelligence system.”

iOS 18.2 beta’s waitlist could take “a couple weeks”

The above applies to the waitlist for iOS 18.1’s Apple Intelligence features. However, Apple is currently beta testing a new collection of Apple Intelligence features with iOS 18.2. That includes Image Playground, the company’s AI image generator; Genmoji, AI-generated emojis; and Image Wand, which turns your rough sketches into full illustrations, among other new features.

If you accept the risks that come with running beta software and install either iOS 18.2 or macOS 15.2, it may take some time to experience some of these new features. Apple says that it could take “a couple weeks” for users to get access to Image Playground, Genmoji, and Image Wand. Like with the general Apple Intelligence waitlist, you will be notified when these features are available for you to test.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is awarding $39 million in grants to U.S. business owners to increase the availability of domestic biofuels in 18 states and give Americans cleaner, more affordable fuel options.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2024 — Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service announced an investment of more than $265 million to conserve nearly 335,000 acres of ecologically and economically significant forestlands across the nation, in partnership with states across the country, thanks to funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.

If you’re looking for a DIY home security system for your one- or two-bedroom home or apartment, you’ll want to check out this eight-piece Ring Alarm kit. It’s currently on sale for $149.99—40% off the regular $329.99 price tag, which according to price-tracking tools, is the lowest price this kit has ever hit. That said, this deal is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, so you’ll need to be subscribed to take advantage of the deal.

This Alarm kit comes with a base station, a motion detector, a keypad, four contact sensors, and a range extender, giving you everything you need to get started with home security. To get it up and running, you only need to download the Ring app, plug in the base station, put the sensors where they’re needed, and activate it using the app. It gives you three pre-set security modes to choose from: home mode (which keeps the exterior sensors active while disabling the indoor ones), away mode (which arms everything), and disarm mode (where all sensors are off). (This PCMag eview notes that you won’t get any notifications or alerts when your system is in disarm mode.)

If you’re comfortable handling the monitoring and alerts on your own, you can skip the $20 monthly fee and take the DIY approach. But if you’d prefer the added peace of mind that comes with 24/7 professional monitoring and automatic dispatch of authorities when required, you’ll need to subscribe to the Ring Protect Pro plan. This subscription also unlocks smart home integration with devices like Amazon Echo and Alexa, along with compatibility with other Ring products.

For those looking for a home security system with broader third-party compatibility or integration with Apple HomeKit or Google Assistant, the Abode Iota is a good alternative, though it comes with a higher price tag of $329.99.