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Elon Musks role overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency is likely a violation of the United States constitutions appointments clause, a federal judge wrote Tuesday.Theodore Chuang, a judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, wrote in an opinion there is more than enough evidence mostly from statements made by Musk and Donald Trump that shows the worlds richest man is really acting as the head of DOGE despite the governments claim he is merely a special advisor to the President.Chuang issued the opinion in a case brought against Musk and DOGE by unnamed workers at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The judge also wrote that the actions Musk has taken in that role, like shutting down USAID which Musk said he threw into the wood chipper are therefore likely unconstitutional, too.Musk has exerted actual authority at USAID that only a properly appointed Officer can exercise, he wrote. (Officer of the United States is a legal distinction set out by the appointments clause.)Chuangs opinion comes more than 50 days after Trump took office and allowed Musk to start cutting government agencies with his DOGE team. His opinion is the most direct shot across the bow of Musk and DOGE among the many lawsuits filed over the past two months.In his opinion, Chuang ordered the restoration of some of USAIDs operations and restricted Musk and DOGE from taking further steps to dismantle the agency. It is unclear whether Musk and DOGE will follow that order; Musk and President Trump have spent the last few days posting on social media claiming that judges who rule against their actions should be impeached. Trumps promotion of that idea is so out of line with the behavior of the presidents whove preceded him that Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts issued a rare public statement rebuking him.For more than two centuries, Roberts wrote, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.

Spend time at a university, and inevitably youll come across someone who has a plan to save the world,or at least make some small part of it better. It might be merely the optimism of youth, but sometimes, theyre actually onto something.Critical Venture Partners is betting that young founders plucked fresh from universities can solve some of the worlds most intractable problems, including climate change, healthcare, and economic opportunity. The firm was founded by a trio of recent graduates from the University of Pennsylvania.Were the type of founder that wed invest in being young people, investing in other young people, Sam Strickberger, co-founder and general partner at Critical Venture Partners, told TechCrunch.Strickberger and his co-founders Seungkwon Son and Max Strickberger, his brother, have raised a $5 million inaugural fund to woo founders to their portfolio with check sizes ranging between $50,000 and $250,000. A quarter of the fund is reserved for follow-on investments. Limited partners include Aarti Chandna, partner at Silicon Valley Social Venture FundSeth Goldman and board chair of Beyond Meat; and Andrew Kaplan, partner at Bain Capital.To attract fresh talent, Critical Venture Partners is working with Yope an accelerator formerly known as Founder.org started by Michael Baum, co-founder and CEO of Splunk to launch a $100,000 startup competition. So far, the firm has invested in three startups: General Galactic, which transforms CO2 into methane; Mobius Industries, which recovers metals from waste; and Stratagen Bio, which adds quantitative data to MRI scans.Were really inspired by the history of young founders building really large category defining companies, Strickberger said.In that sense, Critical Venture Partners is in good company: Venture capital valorizes young founders to such a degree that it borders on obsession. Still, it feels intuitive that intractable problems might require fresh thinking to solve. The optimism at the new firm might be youth talking, but theyre certainly in good company.

Googles $32bn (24.6bn) acquisition of cloud native application protection platform (CNAPP) provider Wiz has been hailed as both the worlds most valuable cyber security acquisition to date, as well as a landmark deal for Google.The all-cash transaction, announced earlier on Tuesday 18 March, will ultimately see Wiz folded into Google Cloud and is being described by Google as an investment to accelerate two large and growing trends in the AI era the need to improve cloud security, and the growth of multicloud environments.From its earliest days, Googles strong security focus has made us a leader in keeping people safe online. Today, businesses and governments that run in the cloud are looking for even stronger security solutions, and greater choice in cloud computing providers. Together, Google Cloud and Wiz will turbocharge improved cloud security and the ability to use multiple clouds, said Google CEO Sundar Pichai.Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport, who co-founded the business after selling a previous venture to Microsoft in 2015, and cut his teeth in Israels world renowned cyber defence unit, added:"Wiz and Google Cloud are fully committed to continue supporting and protecting customers across all major clouds, helping keep them safe and secure wherever they operate.This is an exciting moment for our company, but an even more important one for customers and partners, as this acquisition will bolster our mission to improve security and prevent breaches by providing additional resources and deep AI expertise.At its heart, Wiz offers a security platform that can be plumbed into multiple clouds and code environments in order to analyse and detect potential cyber risks and vulnerabilities, and catch them before they snowball into full-blown incidents.It claims to be used by over 50% of the Fortune 100 list of companies, and counts the likes of Asos, BMW, Experian, IHG Hotels and Resorts, LVMH, Morgan Stanley, Salesforce, and Siemens among its customers.Together, the two firms say they hope to improve how security is designed, operated and automated in the AI era, help cyber teams scale, lower security costs, protect against new threats, and boost the adoption of multicloud security.On this final point, both firms today made a point of saying Wizs products will continue to be made available across all major clouds, including AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud.DellOro Group analyst Mauricio Sanchez described the multibillion-dollar buy as one of the most significant cyber acquisitions in history, outweighing in its impact the likes of the 2021 purchase of Proofpoint for $12.3bn, and the 2019 purchase of Symantec for $10.7bn.He additionally noted that Googles last big security buy Mandiant only set it back a comparatively small $5.4bn.Understanding Googles strategic rationale behind this deal requires recognising the surging growth of enterprise cloud investments, coupled with a notable lag in cloud security spending, wrote Sanchez.According to our recentCloud Workload Security Quarterly Reportcovering the CNAPP market, enterprise cloud spending skyrocketed from approximately $81bn in 2020 to an estimated $285bn in 2024, representing an impressive five-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29%.However, security investments have not kept pace, presenting a significant opportunity for vendors like Wiz that provide comprehensive cloud-native security solutions, he added.However, he added that the significant purchase price did raise questions about market dynamics and valuations in security, noting that although Wiz has been seeing exceptional growth that may in part justify the hefty premium, there will inevitably be questions raised over whether or not Google might have paid too much.The deal will almost certainly attract significant regulatory scrutiny and antitrust investigations, he added. However, said Sanchez, Googles willingness to bet on the acquisition being approved reflected its recognition of the need to make some sort of play in CNAPP.Forrester vice president and principal analyst Andras Cser agreed Google was likely motivated by this need.While Google Cloud Platform (GCP) has been investing in built-in CNAPP capabilities for their own platforms native security with success, these tools have predominantly focused only on protecting GCP endpoints/assets. After Microsofts 2021 early acquisition of CloudKnox and development of Defender for Cloud, Google is feelingthe pressure to offer a true, multicloud-capable CNAPP tool given that so many organisations are multi-cloud today, he saidForrester expects that, post-acquisition, most current CNAPP capabilities in GCP (CSPM, CIEM, agentless CWP) will be replaced by Wizs offering and remain with multi-cloud support.Looking ahead, Cser forecast immense competitive pressure and consolidation across the CNAPP community.Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Sysdig, Rapid7, Trend Micro and other independent CNAPP suite providers now face fierce competition from cloud infrastructure providers to stay ahead in features, he said. This planned acquisition plus Microsofts continued investments in CNAPP and app security will make it harder for these vendors to maintain and realise their growth.Read more about cloud securityCloud migration can seem daunting to security teams. Following these essential practices can help them move infrastructure and applications to the cloud safely and securely.Certifications can help security pros prove their baseline knowledge of infosec topics. Consider adding these top cloud security certifications to your arsenal.Does your organization need every cloud security platform and service currently in use? Tool consolidation can reduce the chances of coverage gaps and increase security.

I've been anticipating the return of Amazon's spring sale event for the last several weeks -- thanks to plenty of tips across Amazon's seller forum -- but the wait is now over. This morning, Amazon confirmed the return of the second annual Big Spring Sale, which kicks off next week.The seasonal savings event runs from Tuesday, March 25, through Monday, March 31, and is open to all customers -- not just Prime members. But you don't have to wait until next week for savings to spring up. There are already plenty of great offers on top tech from brands like Apple, Roborock, Anker, and more, including top-tested and ZDNET-approved tech. We've rounded up our favorite early Amazon Spring Sale offers that you can shop for right now, and we'll be updating this list daily.Shop more early Spring Sale deals Our favorite early Amazon Spring Sale 2025 dealsApple Watch Series 10 (GPS 42mm): $329 (save $70): Save nearly 20% on the Watch Series 10, which expert Matthew Miller says is better than the Watch Ultra in certain areas. Plus, shop the GPS 46mm model on sale, too.Amazon Echo Frames (3rd Gen): $180 (save $90): Our expert says these Alexa-enabled smart glasses beat the Meta Ray-Bans in key ways, and they're on sale for 33% off right now.Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam: $20 (save $20): One of the best security cam deals is back. Save 50% on the Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam, which our smart home expert loves for its great connectivity, easy set-up and more.Chipolo Card Point Bluetooth Tracker: $24 (save $13 with an extra 10% off coupon): ZDNET's best-selling product of February is on sale for 31% off. Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says Chipolo's Andorid Bluetooth trackers are the perfect substitutes for AirTags, (plus, he says they're even better and cheaper).Apple 2024 Mac Mini Desktop Computer with M4 Chip: $529 (save $70): Apple products don't frequently see savings, especially on newer products. The 2024 Mac Mini is a great pick for those who want the latest Apple tech without the high cost. For comparison, the M4 iMac and MacBook Pro deliver a similar experience, but prices for those devices start at over $1,000.Anker Nano Power Bank USB-C: $22 (save $8): This tiny power bank is perfect for the on-the-go, and right now, it's around $20. Expert Sabrina Ortiz loves this battery booster for its compact form and foldable adapter. The lightning model is on sale, too.Apple iPad 10th Gen: $269 (save $80): Apple's 2022 iPad 10th Gen 64GB is on sale for 23% off in silver and blue, and this iPad is editor in chief Jason Hiner'smost recommended model.SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card: $13 (save $13 with extra 40% off coupon): This ultra-thin wallet tracker is shaped like a credit card, is highly reliable and works seamlessly with the Apple Find My network. Right now it's on sale for close to 60% off, and expert Maria Diaz says its as good as an AirTag.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29): Speaking of AirTags ... if you'd prefer Apple's native Bluetooth tracker,AirTagsare great for tracking keys, luggage, wallets, and more, and they're on sale for 29% off.Spring Sale deals under $50: MagSafe gear, mobile accessories, and more Kayla Solino/ZDNETAUFU 240W USB-C Magnetic Breakaway Connector 2-Pack: $13 (save $4 with coupon): Another top-selling product for ZNDET in February, expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes calls this USB-C accessory the ultimate breakaway connector thanks to its 180-degree swivel feature. Plus, it's saved his laptop from numerous cord-induced crash situations.JBL Go 3 Mini Speaker: $30 (save $10): JBL's portable mini speaker is on sale for 25% off. It comes in tons of colors and is great for dorms, the beach and more.Torras MiniMag 5,000mAh MagSafe Battery Pack: $40 (save $20 at Amazon):ZDNET's favoritethinMagSafe batterypack is on sale. This battery is lightweight, powerful, and perfect for topping off your phone's battery on the go, and it comes in three sleek colors.Anker iPhone Charger USB-C 2-Pack: $13 (save $6): You can't go wrong with this budget pick for a USB-C charging setup. You'll get two USB-C cords, and two Anker charger blocks for 35% off.ESR Aura MagSafe Wallet and Stand: $22 (save $3): My favorite MagSafe wallet is the perfect companion for most iPhones, holds up to five cards, and has a dedicated ID slot. Plus, it's a few dollars off and comes in several colors.Anker MagGo Qi2 15W Charging Pad: $22 (save $2): While this deal isn't all that great, expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says this budget charger is better than Apple's, and has a longer cord, too. Grab one for a few dollars off. Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Current price: $22Original price: $30This tiny power bank is perfect for on-the-go use, and it's close to $20 right now. Expert Sabrina Ortiz loves this battery booster for its compact form and foldable adapter. The lighting model is also on sale. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale TV deals: Sony, LG, soundbars, speakers, and more Kerry Wan/ZDNETSonos Era 100 Smart Speaker: $199 (save $50): The Sonos Era 100 is the smart speaker expert Maria Diaz recommends to most people, audiophile or not, and it's finally on sale for 20% off again.Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar: $399 (save $100): Right now you can save 20% off our pick for the best budget Sonos soundbar.Samsung 43-inch QN90D Smart TV: $1,098 (save $200): Select models of the Samsung QN90D TV are on sale. This TV is ZDNET's pick for thebest TV for gaming thanks to a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz, making it great for both console and PC gaming.Hisense 65-inch U6 Series ULED Smart TV: $498 (save $236): This limited-time deal on a Hisense U6 TV offers top features like Dolby Vision and Atmos, Game Mode, Mini LED with dimming, and more for 32% off.Insignia 32-inch Fire TV: $75 (save $55): This 32-inch TV is one of Amazon's top sellers for a reason. Right now it's under $100, and is the perfect size for a dorm, kids room, extra space, and more.TCL Q65 65-inch QLED Smart TV: $350 (save $100): ZDNET's pick for best budget TV with premium features, the TCL Q65, is on sale for $100 off. Released in 2024, this TV offers great 4K resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support for smooth action and sharper contrast. Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $1,598Original price: $1,998The Sony Bravia X90L is one of our picks for thebest Sony TVs you can buy, and for good reason. Its color accuracy, precision brightness, 120Hz smooth motion, and 4K image processing make it one of our most recommended TVs you can buy. Editor-in-chief Jason Hiner also considers it one of the most underrated TVs available. And with the 2025 TVs hitting the market, you can save on select sizes of this excellent 2023 model. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale headphone deals: Sony, Bose, Apple, and more Jada Jones/ZDNETApple AirPods 4: $117 (save $13): It's not too often you see deals on Apple earbuds, but you can still save a few bucks on Apple's new AirPods 4 range, which "features significant improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort,"our reviewer says. This pair has only sold for $30 off at best, and this offer is about half of that.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $199 (save $50): Apple'sAirPods Pro 2 consistently rank among the most premium earbuds on the market thanks to their H2 chip and pioneering features. Right now, you can save $50 off these earbuds and get them for $199 -- the best price we're seeing right now, but certainly not the lowest ever.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $219 (save $80): Our audio expert tests earbuds for a living and says she can confidently say theBose QuietComfort Ultra are the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market -- and they're $80 off now.Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: $179 (save $51): Our expert says the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver comfort, utility, and premium features for Android users. Plus, they're currently on sale for $179, which is their best price drop since their release last fall.Beats Studio Pro Headphones: $180 (save $170): These Beats headphones are 49% off and our expert says they're the perfect middle-ground headphones for Android and Apple users.Beats Solo Buds: $60 (save $20): The cheapest pair of earbuds Beats offers just got 25% cheaper, and they feature 18-hour battery life and a compact form.Beats Studio Buds: $100 (save $50): Our expert says the Beats Studio Buds are a worthy competitor if you're eyeing Apple's AirPod Pro 2s, and right now they're 33% off. Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $349Original price: $429The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are our audio expert's pick for the best noise-canceling headphones, and they're on sale for $80 off now. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale smartphone and accessory deals: iPhone, Samsung, chargers, and more Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy S24 FE 128GB Unlocked Smartphone: $614 (save $46): ZDNET's senior reviews editor still recommends this older Samsung phone to most people thanks to its great essentials at an accessible price.Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station and Stand: $87 (save $23): ZDNET's best wireless charger is this 3-in-1 MagSafe option that's perfect for at-home or on-the-go. It folds up, doubles as a phone stand, and can charge three devices at once, including an Apple Watch. It's on sale for 20% off and is loved by several ZDNET experts.Anker MagGo 3-in-1 UFO Foldable Charging Station: $77 (save $17): If you're looking for a lightweight and portable 3-in-1 charger, this option from Anker is my favorite, and is ZDNET's pick for best travel MagSafe charger. It's the size of a cookie, folds out into two MagSafe charging pads plus an Apple Watch charger, and comes in four colors.Twelve South Butterfly SE 2-in1 MagSafe Charger: $51 (save $49): Expert Jada Jones loves this 2-in-1 MagSafe wireless charger from Twelve South for its compact design and quick charge. Plus, it's nearly half-off in the black color, while other colors are slightly discounted. Kerry Wan/ZDNET Current price: $1,249Original price: $1,420ZDNET's mobile expert says that the slimmer, lighter design, enhanced processor, and suite of Galaxy AI features make this year's Ultra flagship more powerful than ever. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale tablet deals: iPads, Fire tablets, Galaxy tablets, and more Maria Diaz/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy Tab A9+: $165 (save $55): This 64GB android tablet featurs a large screen, quad speakers, an upgraded chipset, and multi-window display. Plus, it has a slim and light design perfect for travel, and it's 25% off now.Google Pixel Tablet: $359 (save $140): Our expert says the Google Pixel tablet works well as a smart home display, and even performs better than other options on the market. It's nearly 30% off now.Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet: $95 (save $45): Amazon's 32GB budget-friendly tablet is now 32% off. It comes in three colors, and the 64GB model is on sale, too. Max Buondonno/ZDNET Current price: $300Original price: $520Although it's not Samsung's newest device, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE rocks as an entertainment tablet thanks to the brilliant display. Even better: right now, it's on sale starting at $300. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale laptop deals: MacBooks, gaming laptops, and more Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETApple MacBook Air M3: $1,200 (save $300 with coupon): Eyeing the M3 MacBook Air? This model is a step up from the older M2 but not quite as fast or fresh as the newest M4. It's still a great option if you're looking for a reliable laptop that comes with some savings. The 16GB Unified memory model is on sale for $999, too.Microsoft Surface Laptop Snapdragon X Elite 15-inch: $1,400 (save $300): Our laptop expert says this model lives rent free in his head for its sleek look, and right now it's on sale for 18% off.Microsoft Surface Laptop Snapdragon X Plus 13.8-inch: $779 (save $221): Our laptop expert says this laptop (Microsoft's first consumer laptop built for the AI era) puts a big smile on his face. Plus, it's on sale for over $200 off.Asus ROG Strix G16 16-inch Gaming Laptop: $1,700 (save $200): This Asus laptop is the perfect option for a serious gamer. It featuers a ROG Nebula Display and is plenty packed with features. Plus, it's already on sale.Lenovo ThinkPad T14s: $1,340 (save $360): ZDNET's pick forbest laptop for workis on sale for 21% off. Our laptop expert says it's an excellent choice for professionals seeking a fast laptop that can tackle intensive productivity task thanks to the recently released AMD Ryzen AI 7 Pro 360 processor, the integrated AMD Radeon 880M graphics card, and the ample 32GB of RAM. Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $529Original price: $599Apple products don't frequently see savings, especially on newer products. Editor-in-chief Jason Hiner says theMac Mini M4 introduceda "long-awaited redesign [to] one of Apple's quirkiest and most utilitarian products."Plus, theMac Mini is a great pick for those who want the latest Apple tech without the high cost. For comparison, the M4 iMac and MacBook Pro deliver a similar experience, but prices for those devices start at over $1,000. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale Apple deals: Apple Watches, MacBooks, iPads, and more Jada Jones/ZDNETApple Watch Series 10 (GPS 42mm): $329 (save $70): Save nearly 20% on the Watch Series 10, which expert Matthew Millersays is better than the Watch Ultra in certain areas. Plus, shop theGPS 46mm model on sale, too.Apple Pencil Pro: $99 (save $30): Apple's best stylus is on sale now. You can use Apple Pencil Pro with iPadOS 17.5 or later on the iPad Pro (M4), iPad Air (M2 and M3), and the iPad mini (A17 Pro).Apple Pencil (2nd Gen): $114 (save $15): You can save a few dollars on the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, which is still a great option for many of the iPads on the market.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29): If you prefer Apple's native Bluetooth tracker,AirTagsare great for tracking keys, luggage, wallets, and more, and they're on sale for 29% off.Apple AirPods 4: $117 (save $13): It's not too often you see deals on Apple earbuds, but you can still save a few bucks on Apple's new AirPods 4 range, which "features significant improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort,"our reviewer says. This pair hasn't sold for more than $30 off, and this offer is about half those savings.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $199 (save $50): These AirPods can be used as hearing aids and are still the newest pro AirPod model on the market. Kayla Solino/ZDNET Current price: $199Original price: $250I love the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for its basic features and fair price, and it's $50 off again. This is not the best price I've seen for this model, but a decent amount of savings. The Watch SE (2nd Gen) is the model I own, and it's been the perfect smartwatch companion to my mostly low-key tech lifestyle. It's proven great for tracking my workouts, steps, and more health metrics, and it has been a great introduction to sleep tracking. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale kitchen and household deals: Security, small appliances, and more Maria Diaz/ZDNETRing Stick Up Cam Pro: $90 (save $90): Our smart home expert uses this camera in their yard, and they love the accurate person detection and rechargeable battery pack. Right now it's on sale for half-off.Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Cam: $87 (save $43): Our expert loves this smart floodlight camera on the side of her yard, especially at 33% off.Dreo Smart Wall Heater: $120 (save $10 with coupon ): This Dreo Smart heater doesn't go on sale very often, but right now you can save a few dollars. Our expert likes how this 1500W heater pumps out warmth and has just the right amount of features to set it above the competition.Eufy Edge Security 3-Piece System: $350 (save $120): This home system comes with two Eufy Cam 3s and one Homebase 3. Our expert says this system is a near-perfect blend of innovation and pragmatism.Eufy E340 Video Doorbell: $150 (save $30): This battery powered doorbell has no hidden or extra monthly fees, is $30 off, and is loved by our smart home expert for its dual-camera design.Levoit Sprout Smart Air Purifier: $200 (save $80): This smart air purifier is on sale for 29% off, and expert Maria Diaz says it revealed a troublesome metric she had no idea about (and how to fix it).SwitchBot 4-in-1 Air Purifier with Table: $208 (save $50): This large-capacity air purifier has a washable prefilter, a color-changing night light, a wireless charger, and acts a table. Plus, it's $50 off right now, and our expert loves that this purifier serves several purposes in her home.Morento Smart Air Purifier: $100 (save $60): This smart air purifier is 38% off now, and our expert likes its compact and efficient design, and its seamless smart home integration with Alexa.Dreo 5L Smart Humidifier: $60 (save $15): This single-room humidifier is compatible with Alexa, allows you to add essential oils, and has just one downside. Plus, it's 20% off. Our expert says the Dreo 5L does a great job of sensing humidity and stopping when it reaches your desired limit. Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $900Original price: $1,100The Anker Solix EverFrost 2 is a battery-powered cooler that can reliably store perishables for over three days without ice. Expert Maria Diaz loves it for outdoor activities like camping, and it's the perfect cooler for upcoming spring and summer season.This new electric offering from Anker is also on sale in the 40L cooler, selling for $700. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals: Roborock, Dreame, Eufy, and more Maria Diaz/ZDNETRoborock S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop: $1,500 (save $400): Our robot vacuum expert says the S8 MaxV Ultra has all the suction power and smart features needed to keep your house clean.Yeedi M12 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop: $550 (save $350 with coupon): Our pick for the best robot vacuum for differing floor types is on sale for a whopping $350 off thanks to an extra on-page coupon. This 2-in1 vacuum and mop has a self-emptying and self-washing system, 11,000Pa of suction power, and a specialized roller system to prevent hair tangles when vacuuming.Ecovacs Deebot T30S Robot Vacuum and Mop: $850 (save $350): This robot vac features 11,000 Pa of suction power, retractable mop pads to tackle corners and edges, a v-shaped brush to prevent tangles, a self-emptying handheld vacuum, and self-washing and self-emptying features. It's one of expert Maria Diaz's favorites, too.Roborock Q5 Pro+ Robot Vacuum and Mop: $360 (save $340 with coupon): Our pick for the best budget Roborock vacuum is on sale. Our expert says the Q5 Pro+ is a great pick if you want Roborock quality without a high-end price tag.Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop: $1,000 (save $800): Our pick for the best robot vacuum and mop combination, the Dreame X40 Ultra, is now discounted by $400 off its original price. Our expert loves this model for its excellent mapping and strong, 12,000Pa of suction.Dreame L40 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop: $800 (save $700): The Dreame L40 Ultra is on sale for its lowest price in over a month, and our expert says it's one of the smartest robot vacuums and mops they've seen. Beth Mauder/ZDNET Current price: $900Original price: $1,600The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is on sale for 38% off plus an extra $100 off thanks to an on-page coupon. Our robot vacuum expert says the S8 Pro Ultra was built for convenience and exceptional cleaning. This machine is self-cleaning, self-emptying, and self-drying, so all you have to worry about is tossing out the dirty water and refilling the clean water every few cleanings.Read the review:Roborock S8 Pro Ultra: This 2-in-1 vacuum can do just about everything Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale health and wellness deals: Fitness, sleep, personal tech, and more Matthew Miller/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: $417 (save $233): This smartwatch from Samsung hit its lowest price yet, and it comeshighly recommendedby ZDNET expert reviewer Matthew Miller, who says he loves this watch for its functional design and valuable features.Whoop 4.0 Bundle + 1-year Subscription: $249 (save $49): Expert Sabrina Ortiz says the Whoop features a ChatGPT-like fitness coach, and right now, this bundle offer is $50 off. You'll get a 12 month subscription, the Whoop 4.0 band, and an additional silicone SportFlex band.Renpho Eye Massager: $56 (save $44): Thiseye massagerheats and massages your eyes, making it a great gift for those who often get headaches or work in front of a screen hours a day.Eufy by Anker P3 Smart Scale: $55 (save $45): If you're on a wellness journey, a smart scale can help you level up, and right now this one from Anker is on sale for 45% off. Nina Raemont/ZDNET Current price: Starting at $249Original price: Starting at $300The Oura Ring Gen 3 is not the newest model on the market, but expert Nina Raemont says it's still a great pick if you don't mind a slightly more uncomfortable fit, amongst other things. Right now you can save up to $100 off depending on the size, finish, and style you select. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale kids tech deals: Fire Kids tablets, tech toys, and more Maria Diaz/ZDNETFitbit Ace LTE Kids: $180 (save $50): The Fitbit Ace LTE features a rich, kid-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, and the monthly fee is inexpensive. Our kids' tech expertloves it for it's quality features, and right now, it's on sale.Toniebox Audio Starter Set Bundle: $155 (save $16): Expert Maria Diaz's kids love their Toniebox, but Diaz knows they're not a cheap toy. Right now, you can get a starter bundle with several different character choices for under $200.Amazon Fire 7 Tablet: $45 (save $15): Amazon's Fire 7 tablet may be from 2022, but it comes in three fun colors, features a 7-inch display, 10-hour battery life, and 16 GB of storage. In fact, ZDNET still thinks the Fire 7 is one of the bestsmall tabletson the market, especially for this sale price.Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet and Backpack Bundle: $105 (save $60): While we're not seeing explosive savings on tons of kids tech, the Fire HD 8 Tablet is available in a bundle pack with a backpack, 6 months of Amazon Kids+ content, and a kids-proof case with a built-in stand. Considering the tablet itself retails for $140, this is a pretty sweet bundle offer. The tablet alone is also on sale for $105. Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $150Original price: $200Our kids' tech expert says to skip out on the iPad because this Amazon Fire tablet redefines what a kids' tablet can do -- and it's 25% off. Show more View now at Amazon Amazon Spring Sale FAQs Adam Breeden/ZDNETWhen is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?My early estimations placed the spring sale returning on Wednesday, March 26 and ending March, 31. Amazon confirmed its second annual Big Spring Sale event on March 18, and publicly unveiled that the sale will begin on Tuesday, March 25 and end on Monday, March 31.Do I have to be a Prime member to shop Amazon's Spring Sale?No, you don't have to be a Prime member to shop this sale event. All customers can shop the Amazon Big Spring Sale, although, like last year, Prime members will presumably have special access to select exclusive deals. If you're not a Prime member yet, you canjoinbefore the Big Spring Sale kickoff to receivemember benefitslike free shipping, entertainment, exclusive savings, and more.How much is an Amazon Prime membership?Amazon Prime costs $15 per month, or you can purchase an annual membership for $139, saving several dollars.College students and those aged 18-24can get a discount and pay nearly $8 per month or $69 per year. In addition, those with qualified government assistance (which may include select seniors) canreceive a Prime membershipfor just $7 per month after their free trial.How can I maximize the Spring Sale to save?As a commerce and advice editor, I can recommend a few things to help you maximize Amazon's sales. If you want to shop the sale, you'll want to access a Prime account, even if the Big Spring Sale is not a Prime-exclusive event. In addition to free two-day shipping, membership is easy to set up and gives you access to exclusive offers on the site. Plus, you canuse a free trialto shop for the best savings without spending a dime on a membership.If you end up starting a free trial (or already have Prime), ensure your payment options (like one-click settings and your default delivery address) are correct. This way, you can check out quickly if you need to during the sale. Other ways to prepare for spring savings include researching and planning potential purchases, listing want and need items, and setting a budget before sales.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends. Show more Amazon Spring Sale 2025

When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Spring Sale will be returning this year on Tuesday, March 25 and ending March, 31. Amazon confirmed its second annual Big Spring Sale event on March 18.Are laptops really cheaper during Amazon sales?Absolutely. Retailers and manufacturers have plenty of reasons to discount their laptops: new models coming out, overstock in a particular configuration, etc. Now, many of these discounted events align with Amazon's sales, allowing retailers to clear inventory as part of the deals events.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- laptops we actually have tested and would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.

From Strategy To Success: How Process Drives B2B GrowthForresterB2B organizations often find themselves at a crossroads between strategy formulation and strategy execution. The harsh reality is that many fail to transform their well-crafted strategies into tangible results, a disconnect stemming from a fundamental oversight: the underestimation of process as a critical lever for execution. Process is not merely a conduit for efficiency; its the backbone of converting strategy into results. Without a robust process in place to develop and execute strategy, reaching your goals becomes a herculean task. This necessity becomes even more pronounced when executing acustomer-obsessed growth strategyin which the focus intensifies on delivering value at every customer touchpoint.Why do so many organizations falter in executing their strategies? The answer often lies in the gap between those who devise strategies and those tasked with implementing them. Many B2B companies possess a growth strategy, or at the very least, target revenue goals. Yet instead of focusing on aligning their strategy with how they operate, they quickly turn to buying new technology or reorganizing resources, thinking that it will solve their problems.Process matters immensely.It has a direct impact on the customers experiences, whether the process is internally focused or is a customer-facing activity. Processes accelerate an organizations time to market, allow organizations to adapt to market changes, lead to predictable outcomes, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and increase profitability. In essence, process is the engine that drives growth, not just by optimizing performance but by enabling companies to be agile and responsive in a dynamic market environment.Follow these steps to adopt process optimization as the required tool used to execute your strategy:Articulate the business challenge.Clearly define what you are trying to solve for; assess the impact, importance, and urgency of the challenge; and sell the business case that justifies the resources necessary to deliver the value.Connect root causes to potential solutions.Understand why the challenge exists and how it can be addressed. This often involves linking multiple processes planning, preparation, and production to craft a comprehensive solution.Take action.Move beyond planning and preparation to actual execution. Ensure that you have theprocesses sequencedto minimize rework and costs, allocate resources effectively, and measure baseline performance to gauge the impact of your efforts.Allow the change to be progressive.Processes are critical to driving a culture of alignment and collaboration. Conducting periodic retrospectives, creating an iterative feedback loop with stakeholders, and breaking down your strategy into manageable, agile pieces all helps to maintain alignment and enable progression toward business-objective achievement. Understand, however, that perfection is often the enemy of progress.Finally, dont forget to celebrate wins, both big and small, along the way! Providing an avenue for team members to acknowledge their successes fosters a culture of recognition and motivates teams to strive for continuous improvement. Its a vital component of maintaining momentum and reinforcing the value of the processes that have been put in place.The significance of process in strategy execution cannot be overstated. Its the linchpin that connects strategic planning with tangible outcomes. By investing in and meticulously designing interconnected processes, organizations can not only anticipate but also adapt to market changes, ultimately driving sustainable growth. The journey from strategy to execution may be complex, but with a robust process as your guide, achieving your B2B goals is not just possible its probable.Join Forrester at B2B Summit North America from March 31 April 3 in Phoenix Arizona, or online to delve into these topics. Reserve your spot to join the conversation.This post was written by VP, Research Director Cristina De Martini and it originally appeared here.

Mani Vembu presents at ZohoDay 2025.Melody BrueI recently attended ZohoDay 2025 in Austin, where Zoho laid out the story of its evolution from an SMB-focused company to a major enterprise platform contender. During the event, Zoho reaffirmed the companys core values and recent financial success, announcing $1.5 billion in revenue in 2024 with continued growth in users, customer acquisition and customer retention. Zohos financial growth has also enabled it to invest significantly in AI technologies.Ive followed Zoho for many years the company is a client and it has been consistent in its focus on taking care of customers and driving innovation to serve them. Zoho has always touted its privately held, publicly responsible ethos as the driving force in its ability to do this. In this piece, Ill examine the companys current strategic focus, how recent leadership changes are positioning it for its next phase of growth and how all of this was communicated at the ZohoDay event.The Right People In The Right PlacesAt Moor Insights & Strategy, one of our core beliefs is that a companys leadership will tell you much about its ability to succeed. Zoho was built from the ground up by CEO Sridhar Vembu, a former Qualcomm engineer who cofounded the company in 1996 as AdventNet. In January of this year, Vembu announced he was stepping down as CEO to become Zohos chief scientist. In his new role, Vembu will focus fully on R&D initiatives, as well as his personal mission of rural development, which fits neatly into the companys transnational localism strategy (more on that later).As Sridhar Vembu shifts his focus to R&D and AI research, Mani Vembu is taking over as the new CEO of the Zoho division. This puts Mani in charge of the companys overall platform and more than 55 applications, as well as the popular self-serve Zoho.com platform. Mani, who is Sridhars son, joined Zoho in 1996 as a software developer. Over the years, he transitioned through various roles, including product management. He was instrumental in launching Zohos cloud division in 2005, starting with one of the first online word processors in the market. For many years, Mani has been deeply involved in Zohos growth, from developing individual applications to overseeing the creation of 50 apps.There are other executives in place to fill other parts of Sridhars former role. Cofounder Shailesh Kumar Davey has been named CEO of Zoho Corporation, the broader organization encompassing all of its products and services. (This feels to me akin to a chairman role.) Tony Thomas, another cofounder, will lead Zohos U.S. operations. Rajesh Ganesan will head ManageEngine, Zohos IT management software division. This new executive org chart seems more like a series of startups stitched together, or perhaps portfolio companies under the careful guidance of a private equity firm.This is not accidental or ambiguous its part of the ethos of the company. When I interviewed Mani, he told me that business-unit autonomy is par for the course. We are a very decentralized organization where everyone is empowered to make their own decisions. So, for example, if Im focusing on a market vertical, then Im empowered to make the decision. So, there is no day-to-day monitoring. We are not metric-driven in that sense, he said.Zohos Transition To A Platform ModelAs the new CEO, Mani outlined Zohos transition to a platform model, creating domain-specific app platforms that balance comprehensive functionality with targeted features. These platforms cover customer experience, collaboration, employee experience, finance, IoT and IT service management. The platform model is not new for Zoho. The company started as a platform and later transitioned to being an app vendor. As the company is strengthening its position in the enterprise market, refocusing on a platform model means empowering the partners and customers to do more with what we offer as a technology, according to Mani.It also means refining its messaging and processes to address enterprise needs across various industries and regions. Zoho is strategically scaling up its enterprise presence, focusing on organic growth and word-of-mouth referrals while gradually expanding its marketing efforts. We want to get more visibility by going for more events enterprise events engaging with a lot of CEOs, Mani said. So those things, as part of GTM, we want to do, but making sure that we go with the word-of-mouth reference. That is actually fundamental to how we want to grow.Growth From Products And From RegionsRegardless of Zohos marketing strategy, the company is going to have substantial product-led growth. With more than 50 apps on the platform, many users are likely to discover and adopt products on their own. Zoho has long excelled at self-service onboarding, allowing users to sign up and explore products autonomously. This bodes well for growth at the individual and SMB levels but is likely not a strong enterprise customer acquisition strategy.To reach enterprise customers, Zoho is taking a regional approach, identifying opportunities in specific industries and verticals within different regions of the world. For example, in India where Zoho was founded, the companys focus is on banking, financial services and automotive dealer management systems. In other regions, its targeting real estate and construction. In each region, we identify the pockets of opportunities, Mani told me.Zohos Vertical And Cultural StrategyZoho recognizes the importance of understanding local cultures and business practices. It employs people in various regions with deep knowledge of local markets, helping the company tailor its approach to each areas needs and opportunities. This is where Sridhar Vembus passion for transnational localism comes into play. Zoho has taken a multipronged approach to corporate responsibility that allows it to give back to the community while also benefitting from the community in the form of dedicated employees, who have access to education, training and affordable housing in the areas where the company has invested.This is a business strategy that I would describe as being both socially responsible and self-serving because it simultaneously empowers underserved communities with global opportunities while fostering cost-effective expansion. Ultimately, this approach should benefit customers through a more diverse and locally attuned service model and Zohos results suggest the approach is working well.Zoho focuses on reaching underserved verticals and micro-verticals by creating industry-specific apps, integrating vertical-specific apps, co-creating solutions with large customers and empowering partners to build vertical solutions for smaller niches. For example, the upcoming launch of Vertical Studio, a developer platform to create customized, industry-specific software solutions, aims to allow partners to build scalable, multi-tenant apps for specific industries, fostering a mutually beneficial strategy for Zoho, partners and customers. This region- and industry-specific focus should give Zoho a clear view of the customers it serves as well as new business opportunities.Zia And Beyond: Zohos AI PushAs to be expected from an application platform, Zoho has been actively adding AI functionality across its portfolio. Much like its larger competitors Microsoft and Google, the companys AI strategy is to embed AI deeply within the context of its products rather than have AI function as standalone intelligence. At ZohoDay, the company discussed its efforts to build its own large language models and AI algorithms rather than rely solely on third-party providers. This should give it more control and customization capabilities for its AI offerings. Company leaders also emphasized its approach of developing smaller, more targeted AI models rather than relying on large monolithic models. This approach should optimize for specific use cases and reduce compute and data requirements.While Zoho continues to invest in developing its own AI capabilities, including proprietary LLMs, the company has adopted a pragmatic approach of integrating third-party AI technologies to provide immediate value to its customers while building its long-term AI strategy. Zoho employs a combination of in-house AI models developed through its Zia platform, and it integrates external AI technologies from companies including OpenAI and Nvidia. Zohos overall focus seems to be on delivering practical, contextual AI capabilities deeply integrated into the Zoho platform and tailored to the specific needs of enterprise customers.The company recently expanded its Zia AI platform with new tools, including Zia Agent, Agent Studio and Agent Marketplace. It also announced enhancements to Ask Zia, a contextual AI assistant embedded across Zoho applications, including Zoho Analytics, where Zia aims to improve overall business intelligence without requiring extensive technical expertise. At ZohoDay, the company stressed the importance of having robust privacy and permission controls in AI systems to ensure secure and compliant data usage. This is particularly crucial for enterprise clients, which demand robust privacy and compliance standards.Scaling A Unique Approach: Zohos Path To Enterprise SuccessLooking ahead, Zohos success in the enterprise market will hinge on its ability to effectively balance its core values with the demands of larger, more complex organizations. While fostering innovation and autonomy, Zoho must also prioritize robust governance and strategic alignment alongside the companys decentralized structure to ensure cohesive execution across such a diverse portfolio. The challenge lies in scaling Zohos unique, organic growth model to penetrate deeper into enterprise accounts while maintaining the personalized touch that has been its hallmark. As Zoho seeks to expand its presence in the enterprise market, I look forward to seeing how it tackles these challenges while maintaining its unique identity in the tech landscape.Moor Insights & Strategy provides or has provided paid services to technology companies, like all tech industry research and analyst firms. These services include research, analysis, advising, consulting, benchmarking, acquisition matchmaking and video and speaking sponsorships. Of the companies mentioned in this article, Moor Insights & Strategy currently has (or has had) a paid business relationship with Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Qualcomm and Zoho.Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades

Apple Music is officially down for some users and the fruit giant has just confirmed the issues are real.People have reported having troubles with Apple Music where the service was not fully available to stream as needed.Recommended VideosApple, on its System Status website, has said that the issues began today at 2.26pm ET, 11.26am PT and refers to the problem simply as outages.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe company says that some user are affected and that they might be experiencing intermittent issues with Apple Music.Since this is a problem that appears to be affecting the streaming service, if you have offline music it should still be accessible on your device. If that is not the case, then your issue may be localized on your device rather than just being the result of this outage.While this happened, and was officially announced around the 2pm mark, according to Downdetector, there was a rise in the number of users affected after that time, closer to 7pm.This appears to not be a problem for everyone, so if you are struggling and cant find much else to confirm your issues, know that youre not alone.Since this is on the radar for Apple expect the issue to be fixed sooner rather than later.Editors Recommendations

Lego has just announced that it will be teaming up with The Pokmon Company to bring block based Pokemon to life soon.While Pikachu fans may have lightening coming from their ears with excitement, there is going to be a wait before they can start building their own plastic Poke-pals.Recommended VideosThis is a new multi-year partnership, but it wont start to see the first Lego Pokmon on shelves until 2026.Please enable Javascript to view this contentSo far all weve been shown is a short teaser video of some yellow blocks in a shape similar to Pikachus, which was moving about and firing off lightening. So while that one Pokmon is all but confirmed for release wed expect plenty more to follow based on that multi-year partnering announcement.It sounds like there could be a few extra surprises in store for fans too. Gaku Susai, Chief Product and Experience Officer at The Pokmon Company International said: Working with the best-in-class team at the Lego Group and seeing their dedication and passion for the project has culminated in an innovative and groundbreaking collaboration that will surprise and delight fans. We cannot wait to see both Lego fans and the Pokmon communitys reactions in 2026.Until now the only Pokmon building sets have come from the Mattel Mega line. While these are available now its not clear if this new partnership means exclusive rights will move to Lego.Lego also teased, last January, that it would release a buildable version of the original Nintendo Game Boy where Pokmon first appeared but no more details have been released since.Heres our guide on everything that was announced at Pokmon Presents 2025.Editors Recommendations