Technologies

Microsoft Bing AI Chat Widgets: How to Get Them on iOS and Android

SwiftKey now also has the capacity to compose text for you using AI.

Microsoft launched artificial intelligence-powered search on Bing 100 days ago, celebrating the milestone with a few updates to the system this week. One of those is adding a chatbot widget for phone screens across both iOS and Android.

«We’re launching a new Bing Chat widget,» Microsoft said in a blog post Tuesday. «Soon, you’ll be able to click the Bing icon to land directly in the new Bing Chat experience, or click the microphone icon to verbally ask a question.»

Microsoft in February unveiled Bing search powered by the large language tech behind ChatGPT, calling its search engine an «AI-powered co-pilot for the web.» Search results began incorporating info from OpenAI as well as Bing adding a chat window to help you with things like making shopping lists, summarizing PDFs, generating LinkedIn posts and giving advice to your queries.

The Bing AI chatbot was opened to everyone with a Microsoft account in early May, though it was limited to the Edge browser on computers, phones and tablets and the Bing app. From this week, you’ll be able to use Bing AI chat without a Microsoft account, though you’ll be limited to just five chat turns per session (signing in gives you 20 turns with the chatbot).

Tuesday’s news means it’s now available as a widget, too.

Microsoft also announced it has brought AI-powered Bing to the Compose feature in the SwiftKey keyboard, «which will now draft text for you according to the parameters you suggest — not just the subject matter but also the message tone, format and length.»

It’s additionally improved the quality of chats in other languages than English and added the ability to continue your chatbot conversation between your mobile device and your desktop.

How to add the Bing widget to your Android phone

Download the Bing Chat app.
On your home screen, touch and hold on an empty space until your home screen zooms out.
Tap Widgets.
Scroll through the list or use the search function to find the Bing AI chat widget.
Touch and hold on the widget.
Slide it to where you want to place it on the Home screen.
Lift your finger, and the widget will be in place.

How to add the Bing widget to your iPhone

Download the Bing Chat app.
On your home screen, touch and hold an empty space until your apps jiggle.
Tap the add (+) button, located in the upper left corner.
Select the Bing AI chat widget.
Choose the size you want the widget to be.
Tap Add Widget.
Tap Done.

After Microsoft introduced the Bing AI chatbot in February, rival Google followed with AI Bard in March. CNET has broken down ChatGPT as well as Bing and Google Bard to work out which is the most helpful chatbot.

Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to create some personal finance explainers that are edited and fact-checked by our editors. For more, see this post.

Technologies

Adorn Your Wrist With a 45mm Pixel Watch 3 for Just $200 This Black Friday

Both Amazon and Walmart are selling Google’s Pixel Watch 3 for just $200, but for how long?

There are tons of reasons to pick up a new smartwatch, not the least of which is monitoring your health and tracking your fitness goals. If you’re in the Android world, there are plenty of options to choose from right now. The Pixel Watch 3 is a solid choice, and it was our favorite Android smartwatch until the new Pixel Watch 4 took its place in the lineup. But the Watch 3 still boasts some great features that can help you stay on top of your wellness goals into the new year as well. And both Amazon and Walmart are running Black Friday deals that make it significantly cheaper than the Pixel Watch 4.

Both retailers are selling the bigger 45mm model with a solid $100 discount, so you can pick one up for just $200. That’s $100 less than the Pixel Watch 4’s Black Friday price. Again, this offer is available at both Walmart and Amazon, so take your pick as to where you place your order. Just do it soon because we don’t know how long these Black Friday deals will last.

The impressive watch was previously our top Android smartwatch because of its attractive design, large screen and speedy charging. It no longer requires a Fitbit Premium membership to access your readiness score, and it has plenty of great tools for runners. However, although the watch comes with Google Assistant, it doesn’t include Gemini, Google’s AI.

Lisa Eadicicco, a former senior editor, said in her CNET review, «The Pixel Watch 3’s upgrades are enough to keep it as my top pick for a general-purpose Android smartwatch. If you’re anything like me and consider yourself a casual runner in need of a general-purpose Android watch that’s sleek and comfortable, the Pixel Watch 3 won’t disappoint.»

If this isn’t the Pixel Watch for you, take a look at our full roundup on the best Pixel Watch deals going on right now.

SMARTWATCH DEALS OF THE WEEK

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band):

$339 (save $60)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (40mm, Bluetooth, Graphite Band):

$280 (save $70)
Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm, Wi-Fi, Matte Black):

$300 (save $50)
Garmin Venu Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch (Shadow Gray):

$150 (save $100)
CMF Watch 2 Pro Smartwatch (Blue):

$49 (save $30)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Google Watches don’t go on sale often. These rare discounts on the Pixel Watch 3 are thanks to the release of the Pixel Watch 4 earlier this year. This deal drops the 45mm model to just $200 — a new all-time low, and a strong value for one of the most versatile Android smartwatches available.

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Technologies

I Regularly Buy Belkin Gear at Full Price, but You Can Save Up to 63% for Black Friday

Belkin makes excellent mobile accessories, from cables to wireless charging stands. Snag some of our favorites for less this Black Friday.

You can never have too many charging options, especially when you can stock up during an epic sale. We’re just hours away from Black Friday, and Belkin is offering up to 65% off its mobile accessories at Amazon. Belkin regularly shows up in our best lists, including our roundup of top wireless chargers.

The brand makes excellent gear at reasonable prices, and those prices just got even lower. Whether you’re looking for a charging station for your nightstand or a sleek power bank for travel days, there’s a Belkin Black Friday deal for you.

The Belkin MagSafe three-in-one wireless charging stand landed on our list of best wireless chargers for its impressive fast-charging performance. Our expert, David Carnoy, praised the stand’s convenient design and its ability to fast charge Apple’s entire ecosystem. That means you’ll be able to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and any AirPods with a wireless charging case — all at once. Carnoy’s only complaint was the price; however, it’s substantially discounted for Black Friday. Belkin’s MagSafe three-in-one wireless charging stand is now just $78 — 35% off the usual $120 price.

If you spend a lot of time in your car, be it a long commute or regular road trips, a good car mount is a must. The Belkin MagSafe car mount is another one of our favorite accessories. The magnets provide a strong, secure hold for your phone, and you can rotate it for easy access. The mount plus charger is currently available for $55, down from $80.

Speaking of road trips, if you’re traveling this holiday season, you definitely need a portable power bank. Belkin has a 10,000 mAh power bank with a built-in USB-C power delivery cable for $15. This 20-watt charger typically retails for $40, so you’re saving 63%. There are four colors, but this price only applies to the black model. Other colors are available for $30.

If you’ve got a Nintendo Switch 2 or you’re gifting it to a loved one, you’ll love Belkin’s Switch 2 travel case. It’s lightweight with a hard shell and has storage pockets for up to 12 game cards. Snag one right now for $22. Just make sure you click the on-page coupon to get the full discount.

Belkin also has huge discounts on headphones and earbuds if those are on your gift list this year.

Why this deal matters

Phone accessories, including chargers and earbuds, can wear quickly and are easy to lose. Third-party retailers like Belkin offer a solid selection of mobile accessories for all budgets. This Black Friday deal makes now an excellent time to shop with up to 63% off top-rated charging stations, car mounts and even headphones.