In 2025, enterprises are leveraging AI capabilities to enhance data management.Freepik and Robert KramerJust like 2023, 2024 was a dynamic year for enterprise data management, and 2025 is shaping up to bring even more change. Generative AI is becoming central to how enterprises manage and use their information, and the mushrooming influence of agentic AI could be even more demanding and disruptive going forward.In this context, savvy enterprises have increased their focus on data quality, because they realize that AI is only as effective as the data it uses like how a chef depends on good ingredients to make a great dish. This makes ensuring data accuracy and reliability a top priority, because its not just about collecting massive amounts of data, but about gathering and using the right data.Over the past year, enterprises have reevaluated data management strategies to unlock AIs full potential, and a range of IT vendors have played significant roles in supporting this shift. They have introduced new tools and frameworks to help organizations tackle data quality, change management, data governance and the complex interactions between data and enterprise systems.Lets look at the critical areas where organizations are looking to create more value from their enterprise data, and review what key vendors are doing to enable them.The Need For Data Quality And Stronger Connections With Enterprise SystemsWhen it comes to data management, clean and accessible information is the backbone. Ive seen how addressing data quality and integration issues can turn messy, siloed systems into sources for actionable insights that drive better decisions. Many vendors like SAP, Databricks, Informatica and Cloudera help customers improve data quality with integrated solutions that create unified data views, improve collaboration, reduce errors and prepare data for advanced analytics.In the past year, I have noticed a significant trend: the push for stronger connections between data and enterprise systems. Hybrid data platforms are enabling real-time data flow across ERP, SCM and other systems. For industries such as manufacturing, having a single view of production schedules, inventory and supply chain logistics makes a real difference because it allows for faster, smarter decision making and a lot less guesswork.Take, for example, a manufacturing company that uses IoT sensors to monitor production equipment. By connecting these sensors to the ERP system, real-time data about machine performance can automatically update various aspects of the business, informing production schedules, maintenance requests, inventory forecasts and even financial projections. This flow of information across departments breaks down data silos and creates a current, unified view of operations.Change Management Is About People And ProcessesNot coincidentally, the effectiveness of these integrations always ties back to change management. No matter how advanced the technology, its only as good as how well people can use it and how much they can trust the data it provides. In other words, adopting new technologies isnt just about the tools its about the people and processes. I have consistently voiced how strongly I feel that change management is vital in making these transitions work. Without it, youre likely to see resistance from teams, gaps in training or misalignment between IT and business goals, all of which can slow down projects or limit their impact.The enterprises that get it right are the ones that focus on clear communication, phased rollouts and training that makes sense for their teams. The vendors that get it right provide thoughtful onboarding programs and tools to help make this so. Its not just about implementing a tool, but ensuring that everyone is ready and equipped to use it effectively.Data Governance Is A Critical Component For AIThe rapid rise of AI is also transforming how organizations approach data governance. As businesses increasingly rely on AI, the importance of ensuring data quality, security and compliance has never been greater. Automated governance tools are stepping in to fill this need, offering solutions that monitor AI systems and the data they use in real time.At the same time, enterprise data management platforms are being held to higher standards for governance. Theyre now expected to provide features that track data usage, enforce access controls and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. As AI adoption continues to accelerate, its clear that the way we govern and manage data will need to keep pace.How Top Vendors Are Approaching Data ManagementLets take a look at the most important vendors in enterprise data management, going category by category.Large Cloud Service ProvidersAWS The biggest CSP offers a good example of how cloud-based data management tools have become more accessible. Amazon SageMaker simplifies data management by bringing together data discovery, governance, collaboration and automation in one place, making it easier to access and process datasets for machine learning projects. Amazon DataZone simplifies data sharing, governance and analysis, making it easier for organizations to manage and utilize their data effectively. By lowering technical barriers, Amazons tools help companies innovate without needing large in-house AI teams to get more value from their data while maintaining control over governance and security.Microsoft I recently published an article in Forbes about Microsoft Fabric, examining how it advances Microsofts approach to data management and AI integration. Fabric consolidates multiple Microsoft data services Azure Synapse Analytics, Power BI, Azure Data Factory and Azure Machine Learning into a single ecosystem. A key component is OneLake, a unified logical data lake designed to streamline data storage and accessibility. The platforms deep integration with Azure AI services and Microsoft Copilot enhances automation and analytics capabilities, while its alignment with Microsoft Purview strengthens data governance and security.Google Googles unified view across cloud environments helps businesses reduce compliance risks and manual data management efforts while speeding up AI model deployment. Recent enhancements include updates to BigQuery to support faster, cost-effective analysis of large datasets. Dataplex simplifies data governance by automating discovery, organization and security, and Vertex AI works with Dataplex to track data from processing through AI model deployment, ensuring compliance and responsible AI use. Looker will soon be integrated with Dataplex; this should improve data visualization by bringing BI assets, data and AI resources together.Other Major Platform ProvidersOracle The database and ERP giant offers a full spectrum of services supported by Oracle-managed data centers globally. Besides its enterprise applications and IaaS offerings, it supplies customers with AI-powered databases, analytics and development tools via PaaS, plus its Oracle Data Cloud helps turn large datasets into insights for businesses. The latest Oracle Database 23ai includes a number of data management enhancements, including AI Vector Search, which finds results based on meaning rather than exact keywords.IBM The company is enhancing its data management capabilities by improving its data fabric and the watsonx.data platform. Integrating DataStaxs NoSQL and vector search features allows for better handling of both structured and unstructured data across hybrid cloud environments. The result is faster data processing, improved AI model retrieval and more efficient AI-driven workloads, which means quicker access to insights, better scalability for AI applications and stronger data security and compliance. This aligns with IBMs larger data and AI strategy to create an integrated environment that simplifies data management while realizing the potential of AI technologies.SAP With its Business Data Cloud, launched in Q1 2025, SAP is making waves in enterprise data management and positioning itself as a strong competitor to established offerings from Oracle and Salesforce, with a focus on integrating structured and unstructured data from SAP applications and external sources. Through a strategic partnership with Databricks, BDC enhances data accessibility and governance for SAPs cloud-based ERP offerings. It also improves Joule, SAPs AI assistant, simplifies data integration, reduces storage costs, provides AI-driven analytics and helps customers consolidate data from multiple sources, cutting down the time spent on data preparation.Salesforce Data Cloud is a comprehensive platform that brings together different types of data such as customer interactions, transactions and external signals in one place. An important part of this platform is Agentforce, introduced in August 2024, which leverages AI to help create detailed customer profiles so sales, service and marketing teams can deliver more personalized and timely experiences. Data Clouds capabilities extend beyond traditional data management, incorporating unstructured data processing, including audio and video content, to provide deeper customer insights and enable more contextually aware AI agents.ServiceNow The companys Now Platform uses a unified architecture and single data model to simplify application development and integration. The introduction of RaptorDB, an in-house database, addresses scalability challenges often encountered in unified systems. ServiceNow strategically aims to eliminate swivel-chair operations by serving as the unified front-end for processes across multiple enterprise systems, aligning with the companys goal of streamlining workflows across organizations. The companys planned acquisition of Moveworks should enhance its AI capabilities, making it easier for employees to find and use data across different systems.Adobe The company offers an integrated suite of tools to improve how businesses create and distribute content. In support of this, its Customer Data Platform consolidates customer information from various sources, allowing for more targeted marketing and customer service. This data management approach aims to improve efficiency and collaboration while maintaining strong data governance and compliance. The company continues to incorporate more AI capabilities, improve interoperability among its products and enhance reporting features to support enterprise marketing functions.Data SpecialistsCloudera The Cloudera Data Platform combines data storage, processing and analysis tools in one place, helping organizations manage data across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments and remote devices. CDP works with major cloud providers as well as on-site systems and is based on open source technologies. The company is particularly focused on enabling businesses to leverage their proprietary data to build contextualized AI models, while maintaining strict governance and compliance standards. Cloudera Data Engineering handles large-scale data processing for analytics and AI applications, using a cloud-native service with Apache Spark and Airflow for orchestration, monitoring and troubleshooting.Informatica The companys Intelligent Data Management Cloud platform leverages AI and machine learning to help organizations integrate, govern and extract value from their data assets across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. Informatica has recently enhanced its offerings by introducing user-friendly low-code/no-code options, which can reduce the technical barriers for data management and analysis, allowing a broader range of employees to work with data directly. Additionally, the company has implemented DataOps principles to create more agile data pipelines, which can result in faster data delivery and increased responsiveness to changing business needs.Databricks The Databricks platform combines data warehouses and data lakes, enabling organizations to handle all data types and workloads in a single system. This unified approach enables data engineering, machine learning and business analytics from one platform. Through its partnership with SAP (discussed above), Databricks extends its capabilities to provide seamless data processing and AI-driven insights for SAPs Business Data Cloud customers. If you want to know how well Databricks is doing, in December 2024 the company raised $10 billion in Series J funding from a set of top VCs, pushing its valuation to $62 billion.Snowflake The Snowflake Data Cloud focuses on data management and analytics, offering a single platform where businesses can store, process and analyze all their data. The solution is known for its scalability, allowing businesses to use only what they need when they need it, which helps control costs. Designed with security and regulatory compliance in mind, its well-suited for handling sensitive information. Its Native Application Framework allows developers to build, deploy and distribute applications directly within the Data Cloud, enabling data access and computation without requiring customers to move or duplicate their data.Teradata The company has expanded its VantageCloud platform to improve analytics for hybrid and multi-cloud environments. This platform simplifies data preparation, model deployment and monitoring, enabling faster AI development. Teradatas partnership with Nvidia introduces an on-premises AI solution that integrates with familiar cloud-based AI tools such as AWS SageMaker and Google Vertex AI. Its open data ecosystem approach decreases data integration time, enabling faster insights from diverse sources. Teradatas focus on responsible AI and ethical data management helps companies reduce compliance-related incidents, mitigating financial and reputational risks.Looking Ahead: Generative AI Becomes Part Of Everyday OperationsAs we move deeper into 2025, several trends are likely to reshape the enterprise data landscape. AI governance will take center stage as enterprises focus on frameworks to ensure AI technologies ethical and responsible use. This is about meeting compliance standards and building trust and transparency in AI systems operations. Privacy-enhancing technologies will also gain momentum as enterprises adapt to evolving data privacy regulations.Edge computing will continue to grow with the expansion of IoT devices and 5G networks, pushing data processing closer to the source. This shift will require new real-time strategies to manage and analyze data while addressing security and latency challenges.Data mesh architecture is another area to watch. Its decentralized approach offers flexibility and scalability, making it appealing for organizations struggling with siloed data. However, adopting this model requires significant cultural and operational changes to empower teams to manage their data effectively.Finally, quantum computing could begin to impact data processing and analysis in specific areas such as cryptography and complex simulations. Forward-thinking organizations have started exploring its potential to prepare for future opportunities. Together, these trends will shape how enterprises approach data management, AI integration and decision making; all of them will require adaptability and proactive planning for organizations to achieve success in an increasingly complex landscape.Navigating The Data-Driven FutureLooking back over the past year, its clear that effective data management remains central to business operations, but much of the real progress came from getting the basics right like data quality, change management, governance and integration. The tools are out there, but they work only if teams are ready to use them.As we move forward, I suggest keeping an eye on the emerging trends described above. These developments bring new ways to handle data but also come with challenges. For example, edge computing may improve real-time processing, but it also adds complexity in managing distributed data. AI governance is another area to prioritize, not just for compliance but to make sure teams can trust the systems theyre working with.I recommend focusing on building strong foundations. Start with clean, reliable data and align your processes and teams before diving into new technologies. The tools and innovations will keep evolving, but the organizations that get the basics right data consistency, organizational alignment and thoughtful change management will be better prepared to adapt and make smarter decisions in an increasingly complex landscape.

Elon Musk aims to use DOGE to cut through government bureaucracy with Silicon Valley efficiency.AFP via Getty ImagesFew figures in modern history have been as polarizing as Elon Musk. A relentless innovator who has transformed the automotive, space, AI and energy industries, he is now leading the most radical government transformation in decades. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency a new initiative aimed at slashing bureaucracy, privatizing inefficiencies and reshaping the U.S. government Musk is once again disrupting the establishment, and the backlash has been explosive.Tesla dealerships have been attacked. Protests have erupted. Threats against Musk have escalated to the point where he has had to increase his personal security detail. Critics argue that he is recklessly dismantling government agencies, consolidating power and forcing the federal workforce into chaos.Regardless of where critics or supporters stand, one key nuance must not be lost the purpose of government isnt to turn a profit, but to serve the public. As DOGE programs are implemented and debated, its essential to balance long-term structural changes with the governments responsibility to provide critical services safely and reliably, whether its cybersecurity, public safety or air traffic control. Efficiency gains must be carefully balanced with maintaining public trust and ensuring essential services continue to operate safely and reliably.Truth be told, few initiatives carry as much potential to disrupt both the public and private sectors as DOGE. Already, it is sending ripple effects through the high-tech and cybersecurity industries restructuring procurement processes, accelerating automation and redefining how tech firms engage with Washington. It may also determine where the next wave of talent and innovation will emerge.Is DOGE a much-needed modernization effort, or a high-risk experiment with far-reaching, potentially dangerous consequences?DOGE A Government Revolution Or A High-Stakes Gamble?DOGE was launched with one simple but radical mission run the government like a business. The idea is not without precedent. Just as Musks SpaceX revolutionized space travel by delivering results faster and more cost-effectively than traditional government programs like NASA, DOGE aims to apply the same private-sector principles efficiency, innovation and accountability to the broader workings of government. Its a bold attempt to show that privatizing certain governmental functions can drive better outcomes, reduce waste and accelerate progress.Yet unlike private enterprise, government must balance efficiency with its core responsibilities: serving the public and ensuring public safety. Most would agree that for decades, inefficiency, redundancy and waste have unfortunately defined Washingtons bureaucratic machine. Musks mandate, granted by President Trump, is to apply Silicon Valley principles automation, data-driven decision-making and relentless efficiency to a government that has resisted change for generations.The changes under DOGE are as sweeping as they are controversial:Eliminating redundant agencies with the U.S. Agency for International Development reduced drastically, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency being refocused.Privatizing key government functions shifting responsibilities to the private sector.Cutting federal payrolls with AI-driven automation replacing entire departments.Reforming procurement and contracting favoring performance-based partnerships over legacy vendors.The result? Washington is being restructured in real time, and for many entrenched interests, its an existential threat. The federal system is built on slow, bureaucratic processes, while the tech industry thrives on speed, iteration and rapid course correction. DOGE is attempting to bring that private-sector mindset to government but not without raising concerns.Questions have surfaced around potential conflicts of interest, particularly in agencies that regulate Musks own companies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation and Federal Communications Commission. Additionally, DOGEs sweeping changes are facing mounting legal challenges, with some cases potentially reaching the Supreme Court.Is DOGE Good Or Bad For High-Tech?DOGE is more than just a bureaucratic shake-up its a direct catalyst for significant changes across the high-tech and cybersecurity sectors, but one has to be careful. As federal agencies are streamlined, budgets tightened and private-sector partnerships prioritized, the ripple effects are already being felt.1. Cybersecurity Risk And OpportunityOne of the most immediate implications of DOGE is the refocusing of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. While critics are concerned that staffing cuts and reorganization may weaken federal cybersecurity defenses, the reality is more nuanced.As traditional government cybersecurity functions are slimmed down, private-sector cybersecurity firms particularly those specializing in threat detection, managed security services and AI-driven defenses are being positioned to step in and fill the gap. Companies like Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike and Fortinet stand to benefit as the government shifts away from in-house solutions toward outsourced, performance-based contracts.However, there are valid concerns:Will AI-driven automation of federal security protocols introduce vulnerabilities before theyre fully secured?Will fewer compliance checkpoints increase the risk of data breaches, particularly when sensitive government data is involved?Can national security truly be entrusted to private, for-profit companies whose primary objective is profitability rather than public service?What about the hiring practices, security clearances and long-term accountability of these private firms?These are not easy questions, and they warrant serious consideration as the government shifts more responsibilities to the private sector. Yet, they also present an opportunity a chance for cybersecurity companies to step up, offering not only advanced solutions but also demonstrating robust hiring standards, transparent practices and a commitment to safeguarding public trust. Those who can meet these heightened expectations will play a critical role in shaping this next era of cybersecurity.2. A Boon For Tech TalentCritics argue that the job losses are unfair, but the reality is that every major administration has made similar trade-offs though never before at this scale within the federal workforce. Under President Obama, tens of thousands of private-sector jobs in coal and manufacturing disappeared, often with little warning, and in some cases, with public officials openly celebrating the shift.By comparison, DOGEs impact is being felt directly in Washington, making the disruption far more visible. For the high-tech industry, however, DOGE represents both a massive opportunity and a seismic shift in how the government operates.With mass layoffs now hitting the federal workforce, thousands of highly skilled professionals AI engineers, cybersecurity experts and data scientists are moving into the private sector. For tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Austin and others, this could become a significant hiring windfall, and were already starting to see anecdotal evidence of that shift.However, for the government, this means losing some of its most experienced and valuable technical talent to the private sector assets that may be difficult to replace quickly. Its a risk DOGE should anticipate and actively manage, rather than leaving it to chance, specially when it comes to critical services and national security.Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, highlights the rapid shift in the federal talent landscape: "In three weeks, weve never seen a drop this large 92,000 to 44,000 job postings gone. When companies dont have a contract, they take the postings down. Even companies that need workers are freezing hiring. Cash out the door is a problem when uncertainty looms."His organization is actively helping recently displaced federal workers and contractors in Northern Virginias Fairfax County by reskilling them, advocating on their behalf and connecting them to new opportunities. While this shift presents a clear opportunity for high-tech firms to tap into experienced talent, the broader economic uncertainty triggered by government cuts could create instability across the tech sector.3. AI Automation And Cloud Providers Positioned To WinDOGEs emphasis on cutting federal payrolls through automation could potentially mean that entire departments will be replaced with AI-powered systems. This opens the door for cloud service providers and AI companies to capture significant market share as federal agencies modernize their digital infrastructure.AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are well positioned to lead the charge, especially in areas like cloud migration, machine learning integration and cybersecurity compliance. Smaller firms focused on niche AI solutions such as automation of procurement processes or data classification are also entering the conversation.While this move creates efficiencies, it introduces risks in areas like algorithmic bias, data privacy and resilience to cyberattacks. Tech firms will be under pressure to prove not only the effectiveness of their solutions but also their security integrity.4. Procurement Shake-Up Who Wins, Who LosesLegacy government vendors accustomed to multi-year, politically driven contracts may find themselves at a disadvantage. Under DOGE, procurement is shifting toward performance-driven models, meaning tech companies must deliver clear ROI, measurable efficiency gains and scalable results or risk losing out.Startups and mid-sized tech firms, particularly those nimble enough to quickly adapt to evolving contract requirements, could seize opportunities that were previously out of reach.For cybersecurity, AI and cloud-focused companies, the message is clear adapt, innovate and prepare to deliver not just solutions, but measurable value. Those who can meet the demands of a leaner, faster-moving government will thrive. Those who rely on the old procurement playbook may quickly find themselves edged out of the market.5 . Regulatory Changes A Wild West?DOGE is poised to likely cause a rewrite of the rules on government regulation in AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing. This could unleash a wave of innovation or create serious risks.Looser AI regulations could accelerate breakthroughs but also heighten privacy concerns and algorithmic bias.More reliance on cloud-based federal systems could increase efficiency but also expose sensitive data to cyber threats.Fewer regulatory barriers could mean faster product rollouts but less oversight on critical infrastructure.The governments primary role is not to turn a profit it exists to serve the public, ensure stability and safeguard critical services. However, that doesnt mean it should be wasteful or inefficient. DOGEs reforms must walk a fine line: driving efficiency without compromising public safety or essential operations.Additionally, given Musks wide-ranging business interests, its important that he carefully maintain clear boundaries between DOGEs restructuring efforts and the regulatory agencies overseeing his companies. Whether its the EPA, the DOT, the FCC or the Securities and Exchange Commission, perceived or real conflicts of interest could undermine both the legitimacy of DOGE and public confidence in its outcomes.Finally, while many of these reforms are being implemented quickly, Musk must be mindful of the legal challenges mounting in the background. If any significant rulings emerge especially from the Supreme Court that require undoing DOGE-driven changes, the resulting crisis would overshadow efficiency gains. Such an outcome, however unlikely it may seem today, would not be a win for efficient governance, business or the public.The success of DOGE depends not just on speed and disruption, but on executing long-term reforms in a way that is sustainable, legally sound and respectful of the governments broader responsibility to its citizens.The Tech Industrys DOGE MomentWhether seen as disruptive or necessary, DOGEs ripple effects on the high-tech and cybersecurity sectors are undeniable. By shifting procurement priorities, privatizing key functions and driving talent into the private sector, DOGE is forcing tech firms to rethink how they engage with government clients and where new growth opportunities may emerge.For cybersecurity companies, deregulation and accelerated adoption cycles could unlock short-term gains, but they also bring heightened responsibility. Those able to innovate quickly, adapt to evolving compliance landscapes and deliver measurable efficiency will thrive. But the stakes are higher when sensitive data and critical infrastructure are involved where mistakes have far greater consequences than in traditional tech environments.Ultimately, DOGE is an inflection point. It is bringing the speed, scalability and cost discipline of Silicon Valley to Washington. And like any major transformation in the tech world, it comes with disruption forcing companies to adapt, streamline and innovate to stay competitive. Will it succeed? That remains the question and for now, the entire industry is holding its breath.For the tech sector, this moment presents both opportunity and risk. Companies able to navigate this shifting landscape whether by hiring highly skilled federal talent, leveraging AI and automation or offering scalable cybersecurity solutions stand to benefit. Those clinging to outdated procurement models and legacy contracts may find themselves left behind.DOGE On A Collision Course?In assessing DOGEs progress, its important to acknowledge its high-profile missteps. Incidents such as the alleged wall of receipts containing errors, along with abrupt program cuts and layoffs later reversed reminiscent of Musks actions at Twitter have raised concerns. In some cases, the damage may already have been done: key personnel moved on, or mission-critical operations may have been temporarily disrupted. Adding to the uncertainty, several courts have ruled portions of DOGEs actions illegal or unconstitutional rulings now under active appeal by the Trump adminstration.These are real risks. But they underscore the broader tension at play.DOGE is more than a policy shift its a collision between the tech industrys move fast and break things mentality and the deeply rooted realities of how government has long operated. The ultimate test is whether this grand experiment to apply private-sector principles to public governance can deliver lasting results much like how SpaceX and others took the lead from NASA in revolutionizing space exploration without compromising the governments core mission of serving and protecting the public.

The bleeding edge: Imagine listening to music or a podcast without headphones while not disturbing others or having a private conversation in a crowded place with the assurance that only the intended listener can hear your voice. Scientists have developed a new technology called "audio enclaves" that could make this a reality by creating localized pockets of sound isolated from their surroundings. Directing sound to a specific location is difficult because of how sound waves behave. As vibrations move through the air, they spread out, especially at lower frequencies. This effect, known as diffraction, makes it hard to keep audio contained in one area, particularly with bass-heavy tones. Isolating sound frequencies is even more challenging.Specialized equipment, like parametric array loudspeakers, can direct sound vibrations to a specific point in a focused beam. However, those in the beam's path can still hear the transmission. Limiting the sound to only the targeted location is still impossible using current technology.To achieve total sound isolation, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory used ultrasound and nonlinear acoustics to "bend" soundwaves to produce audible vibrations that occur only at a specific location.At 20kHz and above, ultrasound is inaudible to humans. Most people are familiar with its use in medical imaging. However, it behaves identically to audible sound waves. Therefore, it is susceptible to the same principles and wave manipulation as audible sound. The researchers leveraged these properties to create a breakthrough, dubbed "audio enclaves," that uses ultrasound as a carrier for lower frequencies. Since ultrasound travels "silently," it can transport the audible sounds to a location without anybody hearing it except those at the target location.Audible enclaves are created at the intersection of two ultrasound beams.The researchers used two ultrasound beams at slightly different frequencies to do this. When the beams intersect, a phenomenon known as difference frequency generation occurs, creating an audible sound."When two ultrasonic beams of slightly different frequencies, such as 40 kHz and 39.5 kHz, overlap, they create a new sound wave at the difference between their frequencies in this case, 0.5 kHz, or 500 Hz, which is well within the human hearing range," the study's authors wrote. "Sound can be heard only where the beams cross. Outside of that intersection, the ultrasound waves remain silent." // Related StoriesAnother key innovation of the research is the self-bending of the ultrasound beams. Using acoustic metasurfaces, the researchers can control the path of ultrasonic vibrations, effectively curving the beams around obstacles and allowing them to intersect at a specific point."Crucially, we designed ultrasonic beams that can bend on their own. Normally, sound waves travel in straight lines unless something blocks or reflects them. However, by using acoustic metasurfaces specialized materials that manipulate sound waves we can shape ultrasound beams to bend as they travel. Similar to how an optical lens bends light, acoustic metasurfaces change the shape of the path of sound waves. By precisely controlling the phase of the ultrasound waves, we create curved sound paths that can navigate around obstacles and meet at a specific target location."The researchers say that audio enclaves have a vast array of applications. The most obvious is eliminating the need for headphones in many situations. For instance, museums could offer personalized audio guides that follow individual users. Car passengers could listen to music without interfering with the driver's navigation instructions. It could also provide corporate and military environments with an alternative means of secure communication.The authors admit that despite its potential, the technology is still very new, with many challenges to overcome before it is commercially viable. Nonlinear distortion can impact sound quality, and generating the high-intensity ultrasound fields required for audio enclaves can be energy-intensive. The researchers are working on these areas to make the technology more efficient and practical for real-world use.Image credit: Jiaxin Zhong et al

This beta update enables more games and improved gameplay, app performance, compatibility, and system experiences. What's New:Known IssuesThis beta generic driver is compatible with most devices with Snapdragon X Series.For Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge, requires BIOS version released after 7/05/2024.Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x devices are not compatible.Some devices may fail to install, be unstable, or have additional issues. Please rollback the driver to the default OEM provided version if so.Some games that require AVX/AVX2 instructions are not supported on Windows Release builds.Additionally, certain kernel driver anti-cheat solutions are currently not compatible. We are committed to enabling the Windows on Snapdragon game ecosystem and are working with our partners to ensure we resolve these issues.There's a known issue while playing Red Dead Redemption 2 at default in-game quality preset in certain devices. Please use low quality preset to ensure proper functionality.Known issue while changing display modes on Baldur's Gate 3 while external monitor is connected. The issue is recoverable by re-launching the game.ChangelogChromium WebGL conformance fixesPerformance optimizations in AI hub models and other modelsImplementation for cl_khr_d3d11_sharingQPSI security fixesGame Stability ImprovementsKingdom Come: Deliverance IIHelldiversTM 2PalworldJagged Alliance 3World War ZLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthTMBodycamCities: Skylines IIForge of EmpiresCore KeeperSatisfactoryTiny GladeGenshin ImpactGame Performance ImprovementsLeft 4 Dead 2Assassin's Creed ValhallaHorizon Zero DawnTM Complete EditionThe SimsTM 4Borderlands 3App Stability & Performance ImprovementsFix corruption in WPS Office during zoomFix Adobe Scene Edit Detection corruptionAdobe Photoshop performance improvementsFix Adobe Lightroom crashes in 16GB devicesFix Cube rendering in Blender AppFix crash seen in Football Manager 2022 game during recording screenFix AV1E MVHV failuresFix black screen during Video playback in VLC player

Apple fans who have been waiting for a huge discount from MacBook deals shouldnt miss this chance to buy the 13.6-inch model of the Apple MacBook Air M2 with a 512GB SSD for $749 instead of its original price of $1,099. You have until March 23 to take advantage of $350 in savings, but with the immense popularity of this line of laptops, its possible that the stocks that are up for sale are already gone by tomorrow. Dont hesitate proceed with your purchase immediately!At almost three years old, the 13.6-inch model of the Apple MacBook Air M2 remains on our list of the best MacBooks as the best budget MacBook. The laptop balances size and performance in a way no other laptop can, as we described it in our review, with its incredibly thin and lightweight design making it worthy of its Air moniker. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is simply gorgeous with its vivid colors and sharp details, which makes it perfect for working on projects and catching up on streaming shows.The latest Apple MacBook Air M4 is offering amazing speeds, but for most people, the Apple MacBook Air M2 will already be enough for their daily tasks with its eight-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 8GB of RAM. The efficiency of the M2 chip allows the laptop to go completely fanless, making it completely silent while youre using it, and its built to maximize the capabilities of Apple Intelligence.RelatedApples MacBooks dont usually show up with significant savings in laptop deals, so theres going to be a lot of attention on this offer from Best Buy on the Apple MacBook Air M2. The 13.6-inch model with a 512GB SSD is available for only $749, following a $350 discount on its sticker price of $1,099. You need to act fast though, as the bargain may disappear sooner than you think. We highly recommend adding the Apple MacBook Air M2 to your cart and finishing the checkout process as soon as you can to make sure that you get yours at a much lower price than usual.Editors Recommendations

You should be ready to spend a lot of cash if you want a powerful gaming laptop, but you should be on the lookout for gaming laptop deals that you can take advantage of. You may want to consider this offer from Dell for the Alienware m16 R2 with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card from its original price of $1,900, its down to $1,600 following a $300 discount. Its still not what youd call affordable, but the savings are a nice bonus with this purchase. You have to hurry though, as the device may be back to its regular price as soon as tomorrow.We described the Alienware m16 R2 as a fresh start for the brands gaming laptops, as it fixes some of its predecessors design problems with a thinner chassis and lighter weight. Its still a pretty large gaming laptop with a 16-inch screen, but thats a good thing for gamers who want to take in all the details of the video games that theyre playing. With QHD+ resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate, its going to be easy to get lost in the worlds that youre exploring through the Alienware m16 R2.The Alienware m16 R2 is more than enough to run the best PC games at their highest settings with its Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, alongside the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor and 32GB of RAM. Youll also be prepared for upcoming PC games with this gaming laptop no upgrades needed for the next few years. The device also comes with a 1TB SSD with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, for enough storage space for several AAA titles.RelatedIf you want a gaming laptop that can handle everything you throw at it, you cant go wrong with the Alienware m16 R2. You can get the machine at $300 off from Dell, which slashes its price to $1,600 from its sticker price of $1,900. Were not sure how much time is remaining before you miss out on the savings though, so if youre already interested in the Alienware m16 R2 gaming laptop, you might as well proceed with the purchase right now so that you can buy it for a lower price than usual.Editors Recommendations

Suzanne Collins offers more prehistory of her dystopian Hunger Games trilogy, with a tale set decades before Katniss Everdeens heroic journey.

Siri's got problems Apple reportedly planning executive shake-up to address Siri delays Apple is looking to right the ship after a major Siri delay. Ryan Whitwam Mar 20, 2025 3:19 pm | 6 Credit: Apple Credit: Apple Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreApple was slower than most Big Tech firms to jump on the generative AI hype train, but it finally got there with the release of Apple Intelligence. The first components of Apple's AI rolled out last year, but it's going to take a bit longer for one of the most hotly anticipated features. After announcing that the improved Siri was delayed until 2026, Apple has reportedly begun an uncharacteristic reorganization of its executive ranks.The new report from Bloomberg claims that Apple hopes to get its AI-backed Siri efforts back on track after months of delays. The updated assistant is supposed to leverage on-device data to improve personal context to make interactions more natural and work across apps. CEO Tim Cook has apparently become dissatisfied with John Giannandrea, the company's AI head. Apple leadership discussed the lagging Siri AI features at length during a recent summit, and the result is that Giannandrea will no longer be overseeing Siri development.In the coming days, Apple is expected to tell employees that Vision Pro creator Mike Rockwell will be stepping in to take over development of the next-gen Siri. This will remove Apple's troubled virtual assistant completely from Giannandrea's oversight, leaving him to work on AI research and testing initiatives. Apple's Vision Products Group, which is responsible for developing the company's VR headsets, will be managed by Rockwell deputy Paul Meade going forward.The Vision Pro was not exactly a smash hit for Apple, but no one expected a $3,500 VR headset to have the same impact as the iPhone. However, the Vision Pro did what it was supposed to do, and there is apparently a feeling inside the company that Rockwell knows how to leverage his technical expertise to get products out the door. The effort to release the Vision Pro involved years of work with a large team of engineers and designers, and several of the key advances required for its completion involved artificial intelligence.Apple's work on Siri will remain under the ultimate purview of Craig Federighi, the senior vice president of software engineering. He's responsible for all development work on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. He was also deeply involved with the launch of Apple Intelligence alongside Giannandrea.While one of his primary projects is being reassigned, Giannandrea will reportedly remain at the company for now. However, Apple may simply want him around for the optics. The abrupt departure of a senior AI figure during the troubled rollout of Apple Intelligence, which is now enabled by default, could further affect confidence in the company's AI efforts.For good or ill, generative AI features are key to the strategy at most large technology firms. Apple aggressively advertised Apple Intelligence during the iPhone 16 launch. It also cited the AI-enhanced Siri as a selling point, making the recent delay all the more awkward. Even if this shakeup gets Siri back on track, the late-to-arrive feature will be under intense scrutiny when it does finally show up.Ryan WhitwamSenior Technology ReporterRyan WhitwamSenior Technology Reporter Ryan Whitwam is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering the ways Google, AI, and mobile technology continue to change the world. Over his 20-year career, he's written for Android Police, ExtremeTech, Wirecutter, NY Times, and more. He has reviewed more phones than most people will ever own. You can follow him on Bluesky, where you will see photos of his dozens of mechanical keyboards. 6 Comments

way to go, Robbie! Racer with paraplegia successfully test drives Corvette with hand controls Bosch's new electronic braking system is enabling Wickens' return to the top level. Jonathan M. Gitlin Mar 20, 2025 3:01 pm | 10 Robert Wickens tests the DXDT Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car at Sebring, Florida. Credit: Amanda Jeannette/DXDT Racing Robert Wickens tests the DXDT Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car at Sebring, Florida. Credit: Amanda Jeannette/DXDT Racing Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreRobert Wickens was one of motorsport's rising stars when his life was permanently altered in a crash that paralyzed him from the chest down in 2018. Ever since, Wickens has said that his goal is to return to compete in the sport at the top level, and that looks set to happen early next month in Long Beach, California, following a successful test of his hand control-equipped Corvette GT3.R race car earlier this week.The day-and-a-half test at Sebring in Florida wasn't Wickens' first time in a race car since his crash. In 2021 he tested a less-powerful front-wheel drive Hyundai Veloster N TCR car and competed in the Michelin Pilot Challenge series for Bryan Herta Autosport, winning the championship in 2023 with his teammate Harry Gottsacker in the newer Elantra N TCR car.And last year, we bumped into him in Portlandahead of his test in the Formula E Gen3 Evo car.But the Pilot Challenge series is merely the understudy to IMSA's WeatherTech championship, and in April Wickens will make his WeatherTech debut sharing a Corvette Z06 GT3.R race car for the DXDT team, together with longtime Corvette racer Tommy Milner. Wickens said he still has some work to do, like learning how to use his right hand to accelerate, not just his left. Credit: Amanda Jeannette/DXDT Racing Wickens' setup in the car is quite different from the one that we saw Alexander Zanardi use in IMSA in 2019. Zanardi, who had both legs amputated after a horrific crash in 2001, used a hand throttle on the steering wheel, and then a lever on the center console to brake. But as Wickens told me back in Portland last year, "if you want to be as competitive as you can be, you have to have the brake on the steering wheel in some capacity."It's also quite different to the adaptations made for last year's Formula E test. "The Formula E car was pretty much a temporary hand control solution where we actually just repurposed the regen paddles at the bottom of the steering wheel, so one side was for throttle and the other side was for brake. And it worked, but it wasn't effective," Wickens told me yesterday.Able-bodied co-driver Milner will use the Corvette GT3.R's regular pedals when he drives, with the hand controls engaged when Wickens is in the car. The new hand controls are mounted to the steering wheel column, where otherwise you'd find a spacer between the column and multifunction steering wheel. There are paddles on both sides that operate the throttle, and a ring that engages the brakes.The road-going Corvette C8 uses brake-by-wire, and Bosch has developed an electronic brake system for motorsport applications, which is now fitted to DXDT's Corvette. Wickens actually used the Bosch EBS in the last two Pilot Challenge races of last year, but unlike the Corvette, the Elantra did not have a full brake-by-wire system. Robert Wickens explains how his hand controls work. "When I embarked on this journey of racing with hand controls, I was always envisioning just that hydraulic sensation with my hands, on applying the brake. And, yeah, everyone involved, they made it happen," Wickens said. Adding that sensation has involved using tiny springs and dampers, and Wickens likened the process of fine-tuning that to working on a suspension setup for a race car, altering spring rates and damper settings until it felt right."You know, the fact that I was just straight away comfortable; frankly, internally, I was concerned that [it] might take me a little bit to get up to speed, but thankfully that wasn't the case so far. There's obviously still a lot of work to be done, but so far, I think the signs are positive," he said."I think the biggest takeaway I have so far is that it feels like the Bosch EBS and the hand control system that was developed by Pratt Miller it was like it belonged in this car," he said. "There hasn't been a single hiccup. It feels like... when they designed the Z06 GT3, it was always in the plan, almost? It's just looks like it belongs in the car. It feels like it belongs in the car."And that translates into lap time. "Immediately I felt way more actually comfortable with the braking feeling and braking sensation than I even had in my past, racing in TCR with the Bosch EBS. So it was a massive step forward. So hats off to all the men and women at Bosch, and also Pratt Miller and DXDT really for collaborating to make this all possible," Wickens said.A particularly cool aspect of this program is that the technology isn't just tied to the Corvette GT3.R. "I think what we're learning here today can transfer into any race car and then hopefully down the road what we're developing with the electronic braking system from Bosch, you knowopportunities are endless that maybe this can evolve into road safety and into everyday road vehicles and accessibility," he said. Robert Wickens. Credit: Amanda Jeannette/DXDT Racing In the meantime, "Hopefully we can challenge for race wins and podiums here this year," he said, although up against stiff competition in IMSA, that will require mastering not only the nuances of his new hand controls but also those of the Corvette. From there, a full-time seat in the series is his next goal."Taking the green flag in Long Beach is going to be an enormous step forward in my career and my journey back to the highest levels. Because, you know, basically, you could say we did it. We're racing against the best cars, the best drivers in the whole sports car industry. But yeah, you know, I want to win championships for myself, for General Motors, for DXDT. So, yeah, there's still some work to be done, but... probably the biggest box that we can check off so far in my return," he said.The Long Beach Grand Prix takes place on April 12.Jonathan M. GitlinAutomotive EditorJonathan M. GitlinAutomotive Editor Jonathan is the Automotive Editor at Ars Technica. He has a BSc and PhD in Pharmacology. In 2014 he decided to indulge his lifelong passion for the car by leaving the National Human Genome Research Institute and launching Ars Technica's automotive coverage. He lives in Washington, DC. 10 Comments

A black-and-white snub-nosed monkey and her infantMinden Pictures/AlamySnub-nosed monkey mums are picky when choosing a babysitter, permitting experienced females to care for their infants more often than young and inexperienced ones.Many primates rely on the help of others when raising their offspring. This cooperative breeding strategy can provide the mother with some respite while also allowing younger and less experienced individuals to hone their parenting skills.Now, an accidental discovery by Chun-Yan Cui at the Southwest Forestry University in China and her