A newAssassins Creedgame selling like hot cakes isnt exactly unprecedented, to say the least, butAssassins Creed Shadowsseems to have got off to an impressive start even by the franchises usual standards. Ubisoft recently announced that the game had crossed 2 million players in its first two days, which is looking like a major victory for multiple reasons.As per VGC,Assassins Creed Shadowsis the second-biggestAssassins Creedlaunch of all time, while Insider Gaming claims in a separate report that the action RPG is Ubisofts second-biggest launch. Both reports, citing internal sales data provided by anonymous sources, peg the game behind 2020s Assassins Creed Valhallain the respective metrics. Its worth mentioning, however, that unlike pastAssassins Creedgames, which launched in busier year-end periods,Shadowshas enjoyed its high sales in the relatively slower March period.As per Insider Gaming,Assassins Creed Shadowsstands at 2.2 million players in two days, compared to 2.55 million forValhallaon its first. The report also claimsShadowsis on track to hit 6 million players within its first month. In that same period,Odysseyreportedly had 3.4 million players (and currently stands at over 40 million), whileValhallahad over 8 million.Meanwhile, VGCs report adds thatAssassins Creed Shadowshas enjoyed Ubisofts best ever launch on the PlayStation Store, and that 27 percent of all of its activations were on PC, a significant chunk of which was on Steam. It is reportedly also Ubisofts most wishlisted game to date, and saw the best start for a Ubisoft title on Twitch with a total watch time of over 11 million hours on day 1.Assassins Creed Shadowsis available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Read our review of the game through here.

In the evolving field of artificial intelligence, vision-language models (VLMs) have become essential tools, enabling machines to interpret and generate insights from both visual and textual data. Despite advancements, challenges remain in balancing model performance with computational efficiency, especially when deploying large-scale models in resource-limited settings.Qwen has introduced the Qwen2.5-VL-32B-Instruct, a 32-billion-parameter VLM that surpasses its larger predecessor, the Qwen2.5-VL-72B, and other models like GPT-4o Mini, while being released under the Apache 2.0 license. This development reflects a commitment to open-source collaboration and addresses the need for high-performing yet computationally manageable models.Technically, the Qwen2.5-VL-32B-Instruct model offers several enhancements:Visual Understanding: The model excels in recognizing objects and analyzing texts, charts, icons, graphics, and layouts within images.Agent Capabilities: It functions as a dynamic visual agent capable of reasoning and directing tools for computer and phone interactions.Video Comprehension: The model can understand videos over an hour long and pinpoint relevant segments, demonstrating advanced temporal localization.Object Localization: It accurately identifies objects in images by generating bounding boxes or points, providing stable JSON outputs for coordinates and attributes.Structured Output Generation: The model supports structured outputs for data like invoices, forms, and tables, benefiting applications in finance and commerce.These features enhance the models applicability across various domains requiring nuanced multimodal understanding. Empirical evaluations highlight the models strengths:Vision Tasks: On the Massive Multitask Language Understanding (MMMU) benchmark, the model scored 70.0, surpassing the Qwen2-VL-72Bs 64.5. In MathVista, it achieved 74.7 compared to the previous 70.5. Notably, in OCRBenchV2, the model scored 57.2/59.1, a significant improvement over the prior 47.8/46.1. In Android Control tasks, it achieved 69.6/93.3, exceeding the previous 66.4/84.4.Text Tasks: The model demonstrated competitive performance with a score of 78.4 on MMLU, 82.2 on MATH, and an impressive 91.5 on HumanEval, outperforming models like GPT-4o Mini in certain areas.These results underscore the models balanced proficiency across diverse tasks. In conclusion, the Qwen2.5-VL-32B-Instruct represents a significant advancement in vision-language modeling, achieving a harmonious blend of performance and efficiency. Its open-source availability under the Apache 2.0 license encourages the global AI community to explore, adapt, and build upon this robust model, potentially accelerating innovation and application across various sectors.Check outthe Model Weights.All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,feel free to follow us onTwitterand dont forget to join our85k+ ML SubReddit. NikhilNikhil is an intern consultant at Marktechpost. He is pursuing an integrated dual degree in Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Nikhil is an AI/ML enthusiast who is always researching applications in fields like biomaterials and biomedical science. With a strong background in Material Science, he is exploring new advancements and creating opportunities to contribute.Nikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/This AI Paper from NVIDIA Introduces Cosmos-Reason1: A Multimodal Model for Physical Common Sense and Embodied ReasoningNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/This AI Paper from UC Berkeley Introduces TULIP: A Unified Contrastive Learning Model for High-Fidelity Vision and Language UnderstandingNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/Meta AI Researchers Introduced SWEET-RL and CollaborativeAgentBench: A Step-Wise Reinforcement Learning Framework to Train Multi-Turn Language Agents for Realistic Human-AI Collaboration TasksNikhilhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/nikhil0980/OpenAI Introduced Advanced Audio Models gpt-4o-mini-tts, gpt-4o-transcribe, and gpt-4o-mini-transcribe: Enhancing Real-Time Speech Synthesis and Transcription Capabilities for Developers

1/5show captionRX Architects has completed two beachfront houses at Pett Level in East Sussex.The houses are arranged over three floors, with the main family spaces located on the top floor to maximise views across the beach.The site is adjacent to the Royal Military Canal to the north, a scheduled ancient monument, and the shingle beach and cliffs to the south.Each house contains three double bedrooms. Petersen Tegl linear white bricks have been used for the first and second floors, while the ground floors are clad in black bricks.Cantilevers form large external terraces on each floor, creating outdoor spaces and sheltered areas below.1/5show captionThe houses have views in all directions, with the cliffs to the west, the beach to the south, Camber and Dungeness to the east, and the Royal Military Canal to the north. Windows and terrace doors are positioned to frame key views of the surrounding landscape.Each house includes a heat pump, full solar arrays, battery storage, triple glazing, and highly insulated building fabrics, achieving an EPC A100 rating.Externally, both houses have private courtyard gardens designed to link with the surrounding landscape. Coastal plant species have been used to help integrate the gardens with the natural environment.Each plot also includes a separate cedar-clad, zinc-roofed garden studio, providing additional workspace overlooking the courtyard gardens.Project detailsArchitect:RX ArchitectsSite Location:Pett Level, East SussexGIA:260 sq m x 2 unitsContractor:Joseph Bentley DevelopmentsStructural engineer:ErigoM&E engineer: OHM EnergyPhotography:James Tarry and Richard Chivers

ICYMI: Vouchers won't work on Switch 2.In February, Nintendo revealed Game Vouchers would not extend to the Switch 2 game exclusives in an official notice on its website. Now, in an update, Nintendo has gone to the extent of reuploading its YouTube game voucher trailer with fine print specifying the same thing."Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers cannot be redeemed for games exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 and may not be combined with any other sale, discount, or promtional offer unless otherwise specified."Read the full article on nintendolife.com

French VC firm Daphni is announcing the first closing of its new fund, Daphni Blue. The firm has raised 200 million (around $215 million at current exchange rates). It expects to raise as much as 250 million ($270 million) by the end of the year.Some of Daphnis most remarkable past investments include Back Market, Swile, Hubcycle and Pasqal. Overall, the firm has invested in 70 European startups since 2015.With its latest fund, Daphni plans to invest in another 40 startups. Limited partners in Daphni Blue include Crdit Mutuel Arka, Bpifrance, the European Investment Fund, PRO BTP and Swen Capital Partners.We need to ask ourselves how we can both differentiate ourselves, and support technologies or services that are sustainable when we invest in new projects, founding partner Pierre-Eric Leibovici told me.Because at the end of the day, there are cycles, and we can see that at a given moment, either the market consolidates, or it is dominated by American players, or in the end, there wasnt enough of a breakthrough to begin with.While most VC firms mention artificial intelligence in every other sentence, Daphni wants to put an emphasis on science (at large) as the main factor for the next wave of innovation: life sciences, biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics.When you talk about quantum computing, well, quantum computing is fundamental physics combined with hardware and software, Leibovici said. He also said that large language models are mathematics breakthroughs first and foremost.As a result, Daphni is recruiting different profiles to join the team. For instance, a PhD graduate and a PhD student are on the investment team.Theres another element that is a new trend. The new generation of researchers are much more open to commercializing their fundamental and applied research, because they see all their friends around them starting companies, Leibovici said.While French universities are setting aside a portion of their budget to attract American researchers, Daphni says that it didnt choose to refocus on fundamental science because of that.Its a coincidence. We launched this long before there was this trend, Leibovici said. Of course, Daphni is open to investing in American researchers who are starting a startup in Europe.Up next, Daphni will have to deploy this newly raised capital and prove that it has found an efficient investment strategy. Raising is not an end in itself. What is an end in itself is distributing returns, and therefore exits, Leibovici said.

Amazon'sBig Spring Salekicked off this morning, and the seasonal savings event runs from Tuesday, March 25 through Monday, March 31, and is open to all customers -- not just Prime members.I've been covering Amazon's Spring Sale deals since the event was announced on March 18, including lowest-price-ever offers on top tech like the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple M4 Mac Mini, and plenty of additional tech fromApple, Roborock, Anker, and more. We've rounded up our favorite Amazon Spring Sale offers that you can shop now, and we'll be updating this list every 30 minutes so you can shop the best of these seasonal savings. (Our sister site, CNET,has extensive coverage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, too.)Shop Amazon Spring Sale dealsZDNET's top-selling Amazon Spring Sale 2025 dealsOur team has collected the top-selling products among ZDNET readers ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale over the last few days. (A note: Your privacy is protected -- we only have access to aggregate data from our user base, and there is no way for us to identify individual people's purchases).Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds: $120 (save $30): Ourexpert says these sleep earbuds help you doze off, and they're finally on sale again for 20% off.Jakemy 180-Piece Smart Cordless Screwdriver Kit: $49 (save $21): Ourexpert says this is the perfect accessory for tinkerers (or to just have on hand) and it's over $20 off now.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 theperfect substitutes for AirTags, (plus, he says they're even better and cheaper).Apple 2024 Mac Mini Desktop Computer with M4 Chip: $529 (save $70): The 2024Mac Miniis 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, while the Mac Mini is on sale for 12% off.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $170 (save $80): Apple'sAirPods Pro 2consistently rank among the most premium earbuds on the market thanks to their H2 chip and pioneering features. Right now, you can get them for $170 -- the best price we've seen them sell for.Our favorite Amazon Spring Sale deals Adam Breeden/ZDNETApple Watch Series 10 (GPS 42mm): $299 (save $100): The Watch Series 10 is finally back down to its best price yet, and expert Matthew Miller says the Series 10 is better than the Watch Ultra in certain areas. Plus, shop the GPS 46mm model on sale, too.KeySmart SmartCard: Our expert loves this Bluetooth card for its thin profile and rechargeable design, and ZDNET has the only exclusive offer available now. Now through April 9, you can use the code25ZDNET2025at checkout to snag $10 off (or 25%) off a singular KeySmart SmartCard, or code23ZDNET2025at checkout to get $20 off (or 23%) off a three pack of SmartCards.Apple iPad Mini A17 Pro: $399 (save $100): Our expert says this is the best iPad you can get for under $400, it supports Apple Intelligence, and it's 20% off.Shark FlexStyle Hair Styler: $220 (save $80): The FlexStyle is most known for being a Dyson Airwrap competitor, and right now it's on sale for 27% off.DJI Osmo Action 5 Camera Adventure Combo Bundle: $369 (save $80): Our expert says if you're into filming vacations or outdoor activities, the DJI Action 5 Pro is one of the best cameras on the market. Plus, several bundle options are on sale now.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 Sabrina Ortiz/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.Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA Batteries (24 Count): $40 (save $27): Sales are a great time to grab essentials, and this ultimate lithium AA batteries are 40% off.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 oursmart home expert lovesfor its great connectivity, easy set-up and more.Anker Nano Power Bank USB-C: $24 (save $6): This tiny power bank is perfect for the on-the-go. Expert Sabrina Ortizloves this battery boosterfor its compact form and foldable adapter. Thelightning modelis on sale, too.Amazon Echo Pop Speaker: $30 (save $10): Amazon's smallest Alexa-enabled speaker is on sale for 25% off. The larger Echo Dot is also on sale for $40.Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini 15A: $15 (save $5): Smart plugs are an inexpensive way to upgrade your home, and our expert loves them for lights, speakers, and even seasonal decor.Amazon Fire TV Stick HD: $20 (save $15): Nearly every model of the Fire TV stick is on sale now, including this HD model that's 43% off, the 4K Max Stick, and the base 4K Stick.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.ESR Aura MagSafe Wallet and Stand: $21 (save $4): 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. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Current price: $30 or $70Original price: $40 or $90Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says Apple AirTags are bulky and not ideal for wallets. His perfect solution is this SmartCard from KeySmart, which is thin and lightweight enough to fit in your wallet or luggage.Lucky for you, ZDNET has an exclusive pormo code that will nab you up to $20 off, and you can't find this offer anywhere else. Now through April 9, you can use the code 25ZDNET2025 at checkout to snag $10 off (or 25%) off a singular KeySmart SmartCard, or code 23ZDNET2025 at checkout to get $20 off (or 23%) off a three pack of SmartCards. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale TV deals: Sony, LG, soundbars, speakers, and more Nina Raemont/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.Sony Ult Field 1 Portable Speaker: $98 (save $32): Portable speakers are perfect for the beach, outdoors, and more, and our expert loves this one from Sony for its crystal clear sound.Beats Pill Portable Speaker: $100 (save $50): Our expert says this Beats speaker delivers "gloriously smooth sound," and right now it's $50 off -- the same price offered during Black Friday.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: $900 (save $400): 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.Amazon Fire TV Cube: $110 (save $30): The newest model of the Fire TV Cube features AI-powered Fire TV Search, hands-free streaming with Alexa, and is on sale for 21% 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: $398 (save $52): ZDNET's pick for best budget TV with premium features, the TCL Q65, is on sale for over $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 Nina Raemont/ZDNETApple AirPods 4: $100 (save $30): It's not too often you see deals on Apple earbuds, but Apple's new AirPods 4 range is back down to their lowest price. These buds "feature significant improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort,"our reviewer says.Beats Solo 4 Headphones: $130 (save $70): Our expert says these refreshed Beats Solo headphones carry all the nostalgia while sounding great. Right now they're over $50 off.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $170 (save $80): 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 get them for $170 -- the best price we're seeing right now.Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones: $328 (save $72): Our expert calls the XM5 headphones "basically perfect," and they're on sale for a decent $72 off.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 Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL 256GB Unlocked: $949 (save $251): Our smartphone expert loves the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but says the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the better deal, especially while it's on sale.Motorola G Stylus 5G 2024: $241 (save $159): A standout amongst the budget crowd, this Motorola comes with 256GB storage and a built-in stylus for precision inputs. The textured backing is the cherry on top.Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2024: $179 (save $120): Motorola's sub-$200 handset is ideal for those who want greater battery life and a big display.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.Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra 512GB Unlocked: $1,195 (save $225): ZDNET'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. Kerry Wan/ZDNET Current price: $849Original price: $1,099ZDNET's mobile expert says Google's Pixel 9 Pro is a brilliant piece of technology, but the software isn't what makes this entry in the series stand out. Right now, it's on sale for 23% off. 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: $1,380 (save $320): Our laptop expert says this model lives rent free in his head for its sleek look, and right now it's on sale for 19% 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.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," and this is one of the lowest prices we've seen since its release.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): $299 (save $100): Save nearly 25% 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 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: $100 (save $30): The lowest price yet is back on Apple's new AirPods 4 range, which "feature significant improvements to sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort,"our reviewer says.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $170 (save $80): These AirPods can be used as hearing aids and are still the newest pro AirPod model on the market. Kayla Solino/ZDNET Current price: $169Original price: $250I love the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) for its basic features and fair price, and it's $80 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 gaming deals: PC, Nintendo, and more David Gewirtz/ZDNETLogitech G Pro wireless gaming mouse: $69 (save $60): An excellent wireless gaming mouse with an ergonomic design, 25,600 DPI sensor, and compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Chrome.Sony InZone H9: $198 (save $102): The official wireless headset for the PS5 with 360-degree spatial sound, noise-canceling tech, and support for PC use.HyperX Alloy Origins 60: $53 (save $47): A compact, ten-keyless gaming keyboard with HyperX linear red switches, RGB backlighting, and Ngenuity software support.Samsung T7 Shield 2TB portable SSD: $150 (save $135): Expand your game storage with this rugged 2TB portable SSD, with IP65 moisture and dust resistance, and protection against shocks and drops.Gigabyte Aorus 16X: $1,500 (save $450): A high-end gaming laptop with a 165Hz refresh rate, RTX 4070 GPU, and Intel Core i7-14650HZ processor. Asus/ZDNET Current price: $1,179Original price: $1,500This is an excellent mid-range gaming laptop with a 17.3-inch display, 144Hz refresh rate, RTX 4060 graphics card, and AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor. Plus, it's 21% off now. 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.Arlo Video Doorbell 2K: $60 (save $70): Our expert says this Arlo doorbell is the perfect Ring replacement, and right now it's 54% off.Bissell Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner: $100 (save $40): This Bissell spot cleaner has successfully cleaned both wine spills and pet accident stains off of my carpet, and it's great to have on hand for car detailing, too. Right now it's 29% off. Shark's take on the portable cleaner is on sale for $120, too.Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum: $600 (save $150): Dyson's popular cordless vacuum is 20% off again, and it's our expert's personal vacuum cleaner for her own home.Dreo Smart Wall Heater: $117 (save $13): 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.Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Cam: $87 (save $43): Our expert says this battery-powered outdoor camera is their go-to recommendation for darker spaces, and right now it's 33% off.Blink Video Doorbell: $33 (save $27): This budget video doorbell from Blink is now nearly 50% off, and it makes a great cheap option for college apartments, garage doors, and more.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).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.Also: The best Amazon Spring Sale tool and home improvement deals (via CNET) 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. 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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. Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $789Original price: $1,400This is thelatest flagship Roombarobot vacuum and mop combination, and it's available at the lowest price we've ever seen. Show more View now at Amazon Spring Sale health and wellness deals: Fitness, sleep, personal tech, and more Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy Watch Ultra: $414 (save $236): 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.Fitbit Charge 6: $120 (save $40): Our experts deem this one of the best fitness trackers you can buy, and right now it's on sale for 25% off.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 $14 with coupon): 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

This hidden problem is getting worse.gettyNobody was texting war plans, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured just hours after the nightmare of a journalist joining a group chat with Trump officials was suddenly revealed. The White House confirmed the breach, as news outlets digested the post-bombing emoji selection of those keeping Americans safe and secure.U.S. national-security leaders included me in a group chat about upcoming military strikes in Yemen. I didnt think it could be real. Then the bombs started falling. The Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg reported that the secretary of defense had texted me the war plan at 11:44 a.m. The plan included precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing. This is going to require some explaining.There is plenty to unpick in this story from a security perspective. But the choice of messaging app should not be a surprise. Americas cyber defense agency warns highly targeted individuals, such as those in this group chat, to always use end-to-end encrypted messaging, such as Signal or similar apps, which they did.But end-to-end encryption is only secure as each of the ends. If you add the wrong person into a group, all that security fails. Group chats are inherently more risky especially when its more than just a handful of people. And its not always by accident. Russias GRU recently exploited group invite links to secretly join Signal chats.But the biggest takeaway is not the mistake to add the wrong person into a chat that happens, albeit with less fanfare. What this highlights is the hidden threat to the security of almost every organization, public and private, large and small. Phone users revert to secure messaging for its simplicity, usability and immediacy. Because such platforms seem more private and secure than corporate alternatives. And because enterprise platforms such as email and Teams seem clunky in comparison.Copying and pasting text, attaching media and files, scanning documents, its all there. These shadow networks outside the gaze of corporate IT overlords have become a honeypot for sensitive data and proprietary information. There are no corporate backups or archives, no oversight or monitoring. These are safe spaces.And governments and politicians use these platforms for all those same reasons. WhatsApp groups for most and Signal groups for more security savvy players. We have seen a steady stream of leaks from such groups for years, its nothing new.The problem of these shadow networks isnt going away, notwithstanding the inevitable assurances that will now come. We will bounce back to here soon enough. So, a couple of pointers to staying safer. Avoid group links for sensitive topics. Limit adding members to admins only. And if its really sensitive, apply disappearing messages, albeit if the wrong people see the messages before they go, youll still make headlines.To end on a neat twist while texting journalists is a surefire way to breach security, the Signal chat itself was protected from outside interference by its encryption. And that security has never been more under threat from the lawmakers who rely on it than now. An irony that should not get lost in amongst the headlines over the coming days.

Apple is prepping the release of a thoughtful new feature that will bring some peace of mind to smartwatch users. The upcoming watchOS 11.4 update will give users an option to activate the alarm sound even when the Apple Watch is put on silent mode. The change was first spotted in the update notes for watchOS 11.4 RC (Release Candidate) built, which means the stable update is right around the corner. An option to allow Sleep Wake Up alarm to break through Silent Mode, says the release document.Recommended VideosIn its current shape, the Silent Mode only provides vibration-based haptic feedback for all kinds of alerts, including alarm rings. After all, the whole idea behind it is to keep audible distractions at bay.Please enable Javascript to view this contentwatchOS 11.4 Notes:This update includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including: Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners can be added to the Home app as well as used in scenes, automations, or simply say "Siri, clean the living room." An option to allow Aaron (@aaronp613) March 24, 2025There are, however, scenarios when a sound cue could come in handy. For example, if youre charging your watch near your bed while silent mode is enabled, you would ideally want it to play the wake-up alarm.An alarm should beep. Period.A healthy few people arent comfortable with sleeping with a watch on their wrist, because its an uncomfortable experience to begin with. Moreover, a strong alarm vibration on the wrist isnt always the most pleasant way to wake up each morning.I fall into the latter category. From time to time, however, I keep my Apple Watch close to my headrest so that I can hear the alarm beep the next morning. So far, that has meant keeping the watch in general mode, but watchOS 11.4 will finally allow some much-needed flexibility.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsApple is adding a new Break Through Silent Mode feature, that allows users to enable audio cues for wake-up alerts. It will be listed as a dedicated toggle and can be enabled or disabled on a per-alarm basis. In case you arent familiar with enabling silent mode on the Apple Watch, its a pretty straightforward process. Just press the side button on the smartwatch to open the Control Center, and tap on the bell icon. You can also enable it from within the Watch app installed on your iPhone by going to the Sounds & Haptics section. In silent mode, only the audio cues are disabled, but vibration alerts are still active. If you seek to disable both, you can toggle the Do Not Disturb focus mode. To activate it, open the Control Center on your Apple Watch, and tap on the crescent moon icon to silence haptic and audio alerts of all kinds. Editors Recommendations

If you find that ChatGPTs Advanced Voice Mode is a little too keen to jump in when youre engaged in a conversation, then youll be pleased to know that the latest update should bring an end to such unwanted interruptions.OpenAI post-training researcher Manuka Stratta said in a video posted on Monday that the update gives Advanced Voice Mode a better personality, adding that the AI-powered tool will now interrupt you much less [and] because it interrupts you less, youll be able to have more time to gather your thoughts and not feel like you have to fill in all the gaps and silences all the time.Recommended VideosStratta added that the update also gives ChatGPTs voice mode a more engaging and natural tone, making it more direct and concise. OpenAI released Advanced Voice Mode for select ChatGPT Plus subscribers in May last year before expanding access to all Plus users in September. Then, last November, OpenAI rolled out Advanced Voice Mode to all Pro and free users, giving everyone the opportunity to interact with ChatGPT using voice input through the mobile app.To use Advanced Voice Mode, simply open the app and tap on the sound-wave icon that appears on the screen beside the microphone icon. Youll then see a circle appear on the screen, indicating that ChatGPT is listening. Youre now ready to engage in a conversation with someone that sounds very much like a real person but, dont forget, is actually generative AI doing its thing. Also, to ensure that your privacy is properly protected, avoid sharing highly personal information during your chats.Free users use an Advanced Voice Mode powered by the GPT-4o mini AI model, with usage limited to a length of time that can change daily. Those on the $20-a-month Plus tier can have much longer conversations, and use the more advanced GPT-4o model, which should produce better results in terms of elements like understanding, response quality, and reasoning. Subscribers to the $200-a-month Pro tier, meanwhile, can chat to their hearts content, though you might want to keep an eye on just how much time you spend chatting with your AI-powered buddy.Editors Recommendations

European users would have the option to pay a fee or agree to personalized ads, according to the companys pitch to regulators.