Tech Scary AI-powered swarm robots team up to build cars faster than ever Why we're seeing the rise of AI-powered humanoid robot swarms Published March 25, 2025 6:00am EDT close 'CyberGuy': Scary AI-powered swarm robots team up to build cars faster than ever UBTech and Zeekr unite with AI robot swarms to make car manufacturing faster and smarter. Tech expert Kurt Knutsson explains how the process works. The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift driven by the integration of AI-powered humanoid robots into production lines. UBTech Robotics, in collaboration with Zeekr, has pioneered a groundbreaking initiative where swarm robots work together to build cars faster and more efficiently than ever before. But is this technological advancement a leap toward innovation or a step closer to human replacement?Stay protected & informed! Get security alerts & expert tech tips sign up for Kurts The CyberGuy Report now. UBTech's Walker S1 robots operating in Zeekr's 5G-enabled smart factory (UBTech Robotics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The rise of swarm intelligence in manufacturingSwarm Intelligence, inspired by collective behaviors in nature, is now being applied to robotics, enabling multiple humanoid robots to collaborate seamlessly on complex tasks. UBTech's Walker S1 robots are at the forefront of this revolution, operating in Zeekr's 5G-enabled smart factory. These robots are not just individual agents but part of a networked system that communicates and works in unison. UBTech's Walker S1 robots operating in Zeekr's 5G-enabled smart factory (UBTech Robotics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How it worksBrainNet framework: UBTechs proprietary BrainNet software links cloud-based and on-device intelligence to form a "super brain" for high-level decision-making and a "sub-brain" for localized control.Multimodal reasoning model: This AI engine allows robots to analyze, schedule and coordinate tasks autonomously, adapting to dynamic industrial environments.Collaborative capabilities: From sorting and handling heavy loads to precision assembly, these robots excel in tasks requiring dexterity and real-time decision-making. UBTech's Walker S1 robots operating in Zeekr's 5G-enabled smart factory (UBTech Robotics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Applications in automotive productionThese AI-powered robots are revolutionizing car manufacturing in several key areas. Let's take a closer look at how they're changing the game.Collaborative sortingUsing advanced vision-based perception and hybrid decision-making systems, Walker S1 robots optimize sorting tasks by dynamically tracking targets and sharing intelligence across the swarm.Handling heavy loadsRobots face challenges like uneven load distribution and complex trajectories. UBTech's joint planning system ensures stability and efficiency by enabling robots to adjust posture and force dynamically.Precision assemblyIn delicate tasks like handling deformable materials, Walker S1 robots utilize tactile sensing and adaptive control to ensure precision without damaging components. These capabilities have already been deployed in Zeekrs factory for tasks ranging from quality inspection to vehicle assembly, showcasing unparalleled efficiency and accuracy. UBTech's Walker S1 robots operating in Zeekr's 5G-enabled smart factory (UBTech Robotics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Swarm intelligence: A game-changerSwarm Intelligence is not just limited to automotive manufacturing. Its applications span logistics, healthcare, agriculture and more. By decentralizing decision-making and optimizing resource allocation, swarm systems promise increased scalability and adaptability across industries. UBTech's Walker S1 robots operating in Zeekr's 5G-enabled smart factory (UBTech Robotics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The human factor: Innovation or replacement?While the integration of humanoid robots offers numerous benefits, such as addressing labor shortages and enhancing production efficiency, it also raises concerns about job displacement. The question remains: How do we balance technological advancement with societal impact?Experts argue that these innovations could complement human workers rather than replace them entirely. Robots can take over repetitive or hazardous tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and strategic roles. However, careful planning is essential to ensure a constructive transition. UBTech's Walker S1 robots operating in Zeekr's 5G-enabled smart factory (UBTech Robotics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurt's key takeawaysThe automotive industry is really changing, with AI-powered robots taking center stage. UBTech and Zeekr are showing us how these robots can work together to make manufacturing faster and smarter. But as we get excited about these advancements, we also need to think about how they'll affect people's jobs. Let's hope we can find a way to make robots and humans work together seamlessly, rather than one replacing the other.As AI-powered robots increasingly take on complex tasks in car manufacturing, do you think the benefits of efficiency and precision outweigh the potential risks of job displacement, or are we trading human ingenuity for machine speed? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Alert:Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

CW+ Premium Content/Computer WeeklyThank you for joining!Access your Pro+ Content below.25 March 2025NHS England scrapped and what that means for health service digitisationIn this weeks Computer Weekly, we examine the impact of scrapping NHS England on the health services long road to digital modernisation. We look at real-life examples of how digital twins are helping to improve manufacturing and urban infrastructure. And we analyse the options for datacentre expansion, from cloud to colocation and on-premise. Read the issue now.Access this CW+ Content for Free!Already a member? Login hereFeaturesin this issueCan a future digital NHS survive another change?byLis EvenstadComputer Weekly looks at the prime ministers decision to abolish NHS England and the potential impact on the progress of digitising the NHSDigital twins drive efficiency across machines and infrastructurebyMartin SchwirnDigital twins of machines, facilities and infrastructures will create a portfolio of virtual representations that, in time, will connect to allow city planners and engineers to plan and monitor urban environments from the smallest features to its entiretyView Computer Weekly ArchivesNext IssueMore CW+ ContentView All

A computer specialist has filed a complaint to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) after being told they had failed the vetting process just before starting work as a technology specialist at MI6s London headquarters.The IT specialist, who Computer Weekly is identifying as RP to protect their identity, claims the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) failed to follow procedural fairness and due process when carrying out Developed Vetting (DV) for a full-time role at MI6s London headquarters.In a complaint to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal, RP claimed the vetting service was disorganised and delayed the vetting interview for three months only moving forward because RP repeatedly intervened to politely ask for the process to be speeded up.MI6 ultimately denied RP security clearance six months after their initial application for the job. However, the complaint alleges that vetting officers failed to take the basic step of following up on interviews arranged with people who had agreed to act as referees for RP, including a former police colleague.RP, who is a member of the LGBT+ community, has also complained to the tribunal about multiple attempts to hack their email and social media accounts, made within days of disclosing details of the accounts to the vetting service.UK Security Vetting (UKSV), which provides security vetting services for the intelligence services and other government bodies, has previously been criticised by the National Audit Office for its poor performance.The National Audit Office (NAO) found that UKSV had processed only 7% of Developed Vetting applications within the required time frame, and relied on outdated unreliable computer systems, which lacked capacity, were too slow and required extensive manual workaround, according to a 2023 report.A government spokesperson told Computer Weekly it had addressed the issues raised by the NAO report and had made significant improvements to vetting procedures, with 97% of vetting applications being completed in line with agreed timelines.RP, an experienced software engineer and team leader, who has worked in private and public sector roles previously, passed Developed Vetting for a senior role in MI6 in 2009 and was surprised not to have passed vetting in 2024.People applying for roles in M6, GCHQ and MI5 are required to pass Developed Vetting (DV), the most thorough level of security vetting. It is designed for individuals who have long-term, frequent and uncontrolled access to top secret information.Developed Vetting involves checking an applicants criminal record, credit reference data and finances, as well as checks against MI5 files and a three-hour interview with the candidate and their friends and relations. Its aim is to build as complete a picture of their life as possible, including their family background, relationships, finances, political views, hobbies, foreign travel and internet use.Candidates are expected to disclose anything that might make them vulnerable to blackmail, which might include sexuality, financial problems and addictions. Those who are found to have withheld information are likely to lose their Developed Vetting status.In a complaint to the IPT, RP argued that the SIS and UKSV failed to follow government guidance, which requires an assessor to take into account all relevant information obtained during the vetting process before making its decision.A salient point of this appeal is that none of the character referees that SISs vetter asked me to set up meetings with reported being contacted to provide a reference. These included senior civil servants and former colleagues in the police service, according to the complaint.RP said in the complaint that they have no way of knowing what, if any, information led to SISs decision not to grant security clearance, but it was clear the vetters had not followed government guidance.It seems clear at a minimum that failing to balance any such adverse information (of which I cannot be aware) by even bothering to speak with the referees they asked for is a clear breach of the guidance, RP wrote in the four-page complaint.The complaint also stated that SISs Developed Vetting process failed to follow government guidance that states when security clearance is refused, individuals must be informed and provided with reasons where possible.However, in a letter to RP from FCO Services in October 2024, a government recruitment agent told RP: I regret that we are unable for national security reasons to provide feedback on decisions not to grant DV. The letter also contained no information on how to conduct an internal or external appeal.According to the complaint, it appears the vetting officer may have used national security as an excuse for failing to complete the Developed Vetting process, or may have made a biased or irrational decision without investigating all of the pertinent facts.RP has also raised questions about the refusal letter, which arrived on an FCO Services letterhead when the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had been renamed The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) following its merger with the Department for International Development in 2020.The lack of accuracy and care in evidence by these mistakes was reflected in the more general lack of accuracy and care taken by this department in carrying out its vetting function lawfully and in accordance with the guidance. If they cant even get their own name correct, how can they be trusted to get important details right about candidates for DV clearance? the complaint stated.RP applied for an IT position with SIS, based at its London headquarters in Vauxhall Cross, in April 2024. By late June, RP had completed interviews and been offered a role. It took a further three months for SISs vetters to arrange a Developed Vetting interview, but only after RP had to regularly lean on the parties to get the process moving.During an interview on 4 October 2024, RP mentioned that they used an alias to communicate with an elderly relative on Facebook Messenger during lockdown. Some weeks later, RP reported that the social media profiles they disclosed during the vetting interview were subject to repeated attempts by third parties to gain access.RP was able to trace some of the IP addresses used in the attacks to the Russian Federation, some to Vietnam, while most of them came from the US. The only successful attack gained access to the email RP had set up as an alias to communicate with the elderly relative.The IT specialist stated in the complaint that the social media accounts targeted were associated with multiple identities and that there was no obvious indication they were associated with the contractor.The only place that I noted these multiple identities as belonging to me was in my DV interview and associated DV form, the contractor wrote. In intelligence circles, this kind of situation is what theyd call a barium meal. That is, the source of the attacks can be inferred from the fact that only one entity FCDOs vetting department was aware that the separate accounts targeted belonged to the same person.It is of concern that multiple social media profiles in different names were simultaneously attacked when the only place these different profiles were mentioned together was during my DV interview. It is of concern that multiple social media profiles in different names were simultaneously attacked when the only place these different profiles were mentioned together was during my Developed Vetting interview RPThe contractor has asked the IPT to investigate whether any attempt was made by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office or any proxy acting on its behalf to access their social media accounts.The complaint also raised questions over the security of personal information gathered about them during DV, and whether there was adequate security in place to protect it from misuse by third parties.The effect of my being denied DV clearance without due process is that I am now left with a DV refusal on my record. I was told during my vetting interview that if I didnt pass clearance, there was no right of appeal, and that FCDO would not change its decision, RP wrote.I sold my home of 23 years in anticipation of taking up the role I had been offered with SIS. There are therefore real financial losses associated with FCDOs actions should IPT find them at fault.Judges set a precedent for overturning the results of Developed Vetting decisions in 2021 when ajudicial review found that Eric Kind, a specialist in criminal justice and UK surveillance law, was wrongly denied Developed Vetting security clearance.Kind had been offered a job as the first head of investigations at surveillance watchdog IPCO, until an objection from MI5, which claimed he was insufficiently deferential to the sanctity of confidentiality, led to his security clearance being withdrawn.Judges found, however, that there was no national security reason why the vetting officer should not have spelled out the concerns raised by MI5 to Kind so he could have provided a focused written response.The elephant in the roomis that in this case IPCOs preferred candidate for a senior position was being refused DV security clearance largely because one of the three agencies which IPCO oversees had strong reservations about him, they wrote in a 20-page ruling.RP previously experienced delays and mistakes in Developed Vetting after being offered a job as a lead developer with GCHQ, the signals intelligence agency, in January 2021.The IT specialist sent multiple emails to GCHQ and the governments national security vetting helpdesk after GCHQ incorrectly entered RPs email into the eVetting system.That meant RP couldnt complete the vetting form and that details of RPs vetting process may have been sent to an email address belonging to someone else.When GCHQ emailed RP four months later to say that Developed Vetting had been delayed by three months, RP informed GCHQ they had already taken another role.RP continued to receive emails and phone calls from GCHQ asking how vetting was going, despite the IT specialist calling and emailing several times to confirm they no longer wanted the job.In the complaint to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal following their experience at SIS, RP asked the tribunal, at a minimum, to set aside the decision to deny them DV clearance so that it does not remain on their record.If the IPT finds in my favour, I would like to be compensated for the loss of employment opportunity that the FCDOs failing to follow due process has caused, the complaint adds.A government spokesperson told Computer Weekly: We accepted all of the recommendations made by the NAO in 2023 and have made significant improvements to our vetting procedures. In February 2025, over 97% of all vetting clearances were completed in line with agreed timelines.The government said it does not comment on security matters but maintained that robust processes are in place to defend against potential cyber incidents.It has a long-standing policy not to comment on matters relating to intelligence and individuals security vetting. Government policy is that all staff undergo necessary vetting procedures in accordance with UKSV and Cabinet Office guidance.According to government practice, referees are a standard part of the Developed Vetting process, and are contacted as part of an applicants clearance process.RP is offered a junior role at MI6 but declinesMarch 2009: RP is conditionally offered a job at the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), MI6, subject to completion of security clearance.July 2009: RP is given a starting date for joining SIS after passing Developed Vetting, but decides not to take up the job.January 2017: UK Security Vetting (UKSV) is formed following a merger of the vetting services run by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence.April 2020: The Cabinet Office takes responsibility for UKSV from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) after a sustained period of poor performance.March 2022: The Investigatory Powers Tribunal finds that the Home Office unfairly refused a leading expert in surveillance a senior role in the Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office, after an intervention from MI5 led to his security clearance being unfairly refused. It finds the decision not to appoint Eric Kind as the organisations first head of investigations was effectively prejudiced by one of the bodies IPCO was designed to oversee.RP offered a job at GCHQ but declines following vetting delaysDecember 2021: RP is offered a role as a lead software engineer with the signals intelligence agency, GCHQ, subject to passing security vetting.8 January 2022: RP mails the national security vetting helpdesk asking the service to correct their correspondence email address, which had been mistyped in a letter giving information about arrangements for Developed Vetting (DV) for the GCHQ role.10 January 2022: The national security vetting helpdesk mails RP saying it is unable to change RPs contact details in its software and to contact GCHQ.10 January 2022: GCHQs recruitment office confirms that it has corrected RPs email address in its records.10 January 2022: RP emails the national security vetting helpdesk asking for copies of emails RP missed because GCHQ had used an incorrect email address.10 January 2022: The helpdesk replies that it is unable to do so as the incorrect email address is still on the system. The missing emails contained links to a secure eVetting account that RP needed to access to complete the vetting process.10 January 2022: After trying unsuccessfully to make contact, RP again emails the GCHQ recruitment office asking for the email address in their eVetting account to be updated to the correct email address. It still has not been updated, despite previous assurances.11 January 2022: GCHQs recruitment team apologises and says it will correct the email on the eVetting form and will send out a new letter by post.4 April 2022: GCHQ emails RP stating that a decision on their Developed Vetting has been delayed until July 2022.5 April 2022: RP mails GCHQ declining the job, as four months after making a conditional offer, GCHQ has yet to start the vetting process. RP states they had to take another role.RP said they received further emails and phone calls from GCHQ asking how vetting was going, despite calling and emailing several times to confirm they no longer wanted the job.UK Security Vetting faces criticism18 January 2023: The NAO reports that UKSVs record in delivering timely clearances continues to be poor and longer-term efforts to transform security vetting have made little progress. It finds that UKSV has failed to meet its targets for Developed Vetting since May 2021, achieving its target of processing Developed Vetting applications within 95 days in only 7% of cases and failing to meet targets for follow-up checks on DV clearances. The NAO report finds that UKSV is still using an IT system that it first said it wanted to abandon in 2018 because it lacked capacity, was too slow, and needed too many manual workarounds to keep it up and running.12 May 2023: The Cabinet Office has failed to get a grip on the delivery of national security vetting since it took over responsibility for security vetting in 2020, according to Parliaments Public Accounts Committee. It finds that UKSV has failed to meet its main performance targets since 2021; nearly a third of Developed Vetting clearances in 2022 to 2023 took more than 180 days to process, almost double the 95-day target; and staff levels were 23% below estimated requirements.RP makes application for senior IT role in MI61 April 2024: RP applies for a role in the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), MI6.19 June 2024: RP is offered a senior Grade 6 role in the Secret Intelligence Service and accepts the job subject to passing the Developed Vetting (DV) process. RP is told that it can take up to 12 weeks for a member of the vetting team to be in touch and is advised not to make commitments that may pre-suppose a job offer.June to October 2024: RP is concerned about the lack of progress on carrying out DV checks and politely leans on people to get the process moving.4 October 2024: SIS vetters interview RP following a series of delays. RP is surprised to be asked about their identity as a member of the LGBT+ community and whether that would compromise their susceptibility to blackmail, but answers the question professionally. RP discloses to vetting officers a private email address in a different name used by RP for accessing Facebook Messenger.18 October 2024: RP completes house sale and prepares to move to new role at SIS in London.Cyber attack23 October 2024: RPs Facebook Messenger Account is accessed from a computer with an unknown IP address. RP later uses the Whois domain name tool which identifies the IP address as a US address with links to the Russian Federation.25 October 2024 late morning: RP receives a notification from LinkedIn that a person located in Hanoi, Vietnam, has attempted to reset their LinkedIn password. Two days later, LinkedIn temporarily blocks RPs account after detecting potential unauthorised access. RP is later asked to verify their identity with government ID. The incident alerts RP that their email address has been compromised.25 October 2024: RP discovers that their email account disclosed during the vetting interview has been compromised and that someone has managed to change the password despite RP using a random unguessable password.25 October 2024 late afternoon: RP calls the SIS recruitment team to report that they have been a victim of a cyber security attack which has compromised the private email address disclosed by RP during vetting with SIS.26 October 2024: RP reports the cyber security incident by email to thevetting team.RP explains that they had set up the email address to communicate with an elderly family member during lockdown on Facebook and Facebook Messenger, and also to authenticate their personal YouTube channel. RP did not protect the account with two-factor authentication, thinking it unimportant, but acknowledges in the email that it should have been protected.RP discloses that their Facebook Messenger has also been compromised by an IP address which appears to be linked to the Russian Federation. RP encloses screenshots.RP denied Developed Vetting clearance29 October 2024: RP is surprised after FCO Services writes to RP declining Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. The letter states: I regret that we are unable for national security reasons to provide feedback on decisions to grant DV.November 2024: RP writes to the chief of MI6, Richard Moore, asking why MI6 has denied them security clearance without speaking to any of the senior civil servants, police colleagues or senior business leaders provided as character references. No reply is forthcoming.3 November 2024: RP writes to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, asking for details of the internal appeals process for Developed Vetting applications.5 November 2024: RP emails the civil servants trade union, FDA, asking for legal advice. RP points out that the union receives a stipend from MI6 to provide services to MI6 staff who are not legally permitted to join a trade union. RP offers to pay any legal costs.5 November 2024: FDA writes back declining support. The union states that as RP did not take up a post in SIS, given that employment was conditional on passing vetting, and is not a member of FDA, it cannot represent them.6 November 2024: FDA assures RP that had RP been a member it would have supported RP, who is a member of the LGBT+ community, irrespective of their sexual orientation. The FDA says that while SIS has had an unpalatable history of questionable employment practices, those ended decades ago and it recently reaffirmed its inclusivity when the trans flag was flown over its building in 2021.4 Jan 2025: RP submits complaint to the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT).9 Jan 2025: RP writes to foreign secretary David Lammy, asking him to look into an apparent lack of due process in the vetting process. No reply is received.15 Jan 2025: IPT acknowledged receipt of complaint from RP.Do you have information about this story?Do you have information about this story or experience of vetting? Contact Bill Goodwin in confidence on 07931 494048 (Signal/WhatsApp) or on [emailprotected]

ZDNET's key takeaways The Hisense Canvas TV is a lifestyle set that delivers practical image quality and a trendy aesthetic. The matte-treated display, fairly punchy colors, and free collection of artwork are easy to appreciate. The QLED panel falls short in contrast and HDR brightness, and it's on the bulkier side. more buying choices For years, the Samsung Frame TV has been one of the most popular lifestyle TVs on the market. Converting a TV into a framed piece of artwork when left idle was, and still is, a contentious idea that many either love or hate. But if there's one thing that any consumer can agree on, it's that competition is a beautiful thing. Enter: the Hisense Canvas TV.Also: I tested the LG G5 OLED beside the industry's best TVs - and it made the G4 look outdatedLike Samsung, Hisense's Canvas TV is a QLED set that's treated with matte, anti-reflection layering and wooden borders to make it look as close to a piece of art decor as possible. You're limited to 55 and 65-inch sizes compared to Samsung's 32 to 85-inch range, but that shouldn't be a problem for most houses. In fact, after testing a model for the past month, I'm convinced that I wouldn't want anything bigger. details View at Amazon That's partly because, unlike the Frame TV and its One Connect Box, a separate transmitter case that you can connect gaming consoles, speakers, and other peripherals, the Canvas TV has all of its I/O ports and processing components built into the body, resulting in a bulkier build.Also:5 Chromecast features you're not using enough on your TV (including a smart home buff)The whole system still looks like a piece of artwork when mounted onto a wall -- Hisense's UltraSlim wall mount comes included in the box and does a great job keeping the TV flush -- but when it comes to installing everything and plugging things in and out, Samsung's approach is much more accessible. That's why I wouldn't want a larger Canvas TV size, even if they offered one. The Canvas TV comes with interchangeable frames, but the default comes in a walnut brown finish. Kerry Wan/ZDNETIn some ways, the lack of a One Connect Box means the Canvas TV looks more minimal, with the one power cord dangling out from underneath. (A TV cord hider is your best friend here, by the way.) You don't have to forcibly tuck all your cables and connectors behind the TV back box or in-wall conduit, which is often a pain point for folks who are renting or living in confined spaces.Also: Your TV's USB port has hidden superpowers: 5 benefits you're not taking advantage ofTurning on the Canvas TV instantly revealed its biggest benefits and drawbacks to me. I'll start with the bad news since it's really par for the course with midrange lifestyle QLED TVs. My Hisense model had some noticeable inconsistencies with visual uniformity, whether it was the imperfect blacks (because, again, this isn't an OLED TV) or various blotches of darker pixels.You notice it right away when the TV turns on, and it's on the Hisense boot logo screen. The viewing angles are also not the best, with colors quickly fading away if you're not directly facing the center of the TV. Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe effects of the uniformity mostly go away as you start viewing more vibrant content like sports, movies, and gallery pieces, as the TV gets just bright enough, even during the daytime. It helps that Hisense's Hi-Matte coating disperses incoming ambient light like windows and lamps, though not completely to the point where you won't see any rings of white on the screen. The advantage of having a matte display is mostly felt when you're in Art Mode, with the illusion of staring at an actual art piece going into full effect. More on that later.Also:The default TV setting you should turn off ASAP - and why it makes such a big differenceWhen you put pricing into perspective, while the Canvas TV won't deliver the same level of pop and contrast as Samsung's Frame TV, I found the picture quality to be plausible, especially when I was catching up on a March Madness game between Alabama State and Saint Francis. While I expected the Canvas TV to almost blend the Pearled Ivory color of the Alabama State jerseys with the wood floor and basketball, everything was depicted with excellent color separation and accuracy. The included remote control has shortcuts to popular streaming services, and feels more premium than competing accessories. Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe Canvas TV experience is underpinned by Google TV software, which I've heard more people praise than criticize. From having tested various operating systems over the past month, including Samsung's TizenOS and LG's WebOS, I can confidently say that Google TV is the best choice for most users. It strikes the ideal balance of app availability, home screen layout, and user-tailored content.Save for some Hisense bloatware, most of which are connectivity features that leverage your phone and the companion app, you're looking at a fairly user-friendly interface, something the Samsung Frame TV lacks. Kerry Wan/ZDNETI'll also give a point to Hisense for not charging a subscription to access its catalog of Art Mode content, which there's a good collection of (120 preloaded images, to be exact). While I never considered myself an art connoisseur, seeing the various pieces of artistry displayed on the Canvas TV and in my living room was like discovering a new hobby. I just had to stand still, observe the details, and walk around like my TV was another piece of artwork hung at the MoMA.Also: How we test TVs at ZDNET in 2025I also appreciate the abundance of settings that come with Art Mode, including timers for motion detection (which puts the TV into sleep mode when it doesn't detect any movement in the room for a given time), gallery rotations, defaulting to display painting information, and applying digital mat boards of varying sizes.ZDNET's buying adviceAt almost half the price of the Samsung Frame TV, the Hisense Canvas TV (currently $400 off) is a fantastic alternative that does several things better. I'd recommend the model to users who want a similar TV-artwork hybrid experience but don't mind the bulkier design (which you'll quickly get used to), lack of smaller and larger sizes, and slightlyinferior picture quality.Running on Google TV instead of a more bloated TizenOS operating system is a big advantage for TV purists, and getting access to high-quality artwork at no extra charge is a win for everyone. Of course, you can always upload your own media to the TV.Featured reviews

Andriy Onufriyenko/Getty ImagesSeventy-five percent of retailers say AI agents will be essential for a competitive edge by 2026, according to the sixth edition of the Connected Shoppersreport bySalesforce, based on a survey of 8,350 shoppers and 1,700 industry decision-makers.Also: AI agents aren't just assistants: How they're changing the future of work todayHere is the executive summary of the report:Stores' evolving roles enhancing the shoppers' journey: While digital channels multiply and social commerce gains momentum, physical stores expand their role as experience hubs and fulfillment centers that bridge digital and physical shopping journeys. Shoppers estimate 41% of their purchase volume will come from physical stores in 2026, down from 45% in 2024.Unified commerce brings opportunities and challenges: Companies are working to connect online and offline experiences to understand shoppers and serve them seamlessly across channels. Retailers are upgrading systems and empowering store associates to improve efficiency and provide more value to shoppers. Eighty-eight percent of retailers say unified commerce will be very important or critical to their business objectives over the next two years.AI agents poised to redefine retail:AI agents greatly expand AI's impact by independently responding to customer inquiries, managing inventory, and more. Seventy-five percent of retailers say AI agents will be essential for a competitive edge by 2026. Retailers view leveraging AI as their number one opportunity.Rewards programs put a check on declining shopper loyalty: Brand loyalty can be fleeting, especially among younger shoppers. Companies are responding by reimagining customer service and refining their rewards programs. Eighty-four percent of loyalty program members say programs make them more likely to repurchase.The survey identified the top five retail industry challenges: industry competition, inflation and high costs, rising customer acquisition costs, changing consumer behavior, and cost of returns.Also:Will synthetic data derail generative AI's momentum or be the breakthrough we need?The top five retail opportunities: leverage AI, implement unified commerce, increase e-commerce sales, improve customer service, and increase store associate productivity.Enhancing the shopper journeyThe survey found that physical store purchase volume decreases as shopping spreads across digital channels. The growth of digital commerce isn't creating a single winner. Instead, online marketplaces, retailer websites, brand websites, and delivery apps are all gaining a modest share as consumer journeys take unique paths.Also:As AI agents multiply, IT becomes the new HR departmentThe top 5 reasons to shop in a physical store: to touch and feel merchandise, to get merchandise immediately, to avoid shipping fees, to take advantage of in-store discounts, and to enjoy the shopping experience.Retailers are also meeting shoppers at the edge. The journey continues through purchasing, where 25% of shoppers buy through social media and 16% via messaging apps. Even post-purchase service is evolving, with messaging apps and social media becoming key channels for customer support. In-store complements digital commerce, with almost one in four shoppers having sought product customization or repairs in-store, while others have explored unique experiences, popup stores, and virtual try-on features, such as magic mirrors. Retailers are transforming stores to deliver elevated retail experiences: 59% now offer in-store services like customization and repairs, while 46% provide dedicated spaces for events and community gatherings.Unified commerce brings changeThe survey found that retailers see AI as their number one opportunity, yet implementing these data-enabled solutions is also their top operational challenge. High operational costs and disconnected systems slow progress on AI and other critical business opportunities. Meanwhile, store associates feel the burden of disconnected technology -- only 17% have access to a unified view of customer data as they navigate disconnected systems in their daily work.The role of store associates is driving AI adoption. Store associates' roles are transforming as dramatically as the stores they work in. Traditional checkout duties occupy just 28% of associates' time, while responsibilities, such as store operations, customer service, and fulfillment activities, fill the remainder of their time.As duties expand, associates face mounting technological complexity. New associates must master an average of 16 systems they'll use daily, up from 12 in 2023, and they spend 26 hours on technology training in their first month alone.Also:Want to win in the age of AI? You can either build it or build your business with itTo overcome disconnected systems, retailers are actively pursuing unified commerce platforms. While almost nine in 10 retailers have unified commerce initiatives underway, only 15% have fully realized their value. Retailers see unified commerce as transformative for their operations. Beyond immediate gains in productivity and efficiency, unified commerce creates a foundation for future innovation. With consolidated data and systems, retailers can take advantage of AI capabilities.AI agents will redefine retailThe survey found that AI has taken retail by storm, transforming everything from customer experience to supply chain management. As many as 84% of retailers use AI already, and only 2% have no plans for the technology. More innovation is underway as AI becomes increasingly agentic, taking action autonomously without human involvement.The survey shows that 85% of retailers agree AI advancements are transforming retail. Most retailers intend to increase their AI investments, with 74% simultaneously boosting their data management investment, reflecting how accessible, integrated data underpins successful AI implementation.Also:How AI agents help hackers steal your confidential data - and what to do about itThe top five benefits of AI in retail: increased employee productivity, improved shopper experiences, increased revenues, improved supplier relationships, and improved employee experiences. AI yields clear business results: 89% of retailers expect returns on their investments, with similar shares reporting increased online sales volumes and reduced operational costs.Trust is key to adopting AI agents in retail. The report found that retail shoppers ranked these factors highest when establishing trust with AI agents:Data privacy and security protectionsAbility to easily turn agents off/onRequire approval before any purchaseTransparency over how data is usedAvailable human customer service backupThe survey found that AI-assisted shopping is in its early stages, but many shoppers use the technology for product discovery, purchasing, and customer service. Gen Z shoppers are ten times more likely than baby boomers to use AI frequently to discover new products.We are entering the age of autonomous retail. AI agents build on earlier AI foundations and represent the technology's latest innovation. Retailers are taking notice: 43% say they are already piloting autonomous AI, with use cases spanning the business. Customer service in retail is on a fast path to autonomous service delivery powered by AI agents.Also:Autonomous businesses will be powered by AI agentsThe value of AI agents is the ability to deliver value at the speed of need. The survey found that 74% of shoppers abandon a brand after three or fewer bad experiences. Shoppers say the worst retail experience is poor customer service, putting pressure on retailers to enhance support with implications for their bottom lines. Retailers are either autonomous businesses or declining businesses. The survey found that 81% of retailers trust AI to act autonomously with sufficient guardrails. Digital natives are embracing agentic AI -- Gen Z shoppers are 2.7 times as likely as baby boomers to want product recommendations from AI agents (63% vs 23%).Retailers are doing more than buying new software when building a foundation for AI agents. As many as 86% of retailers with AI say it will restructure their operations. The future of the retail industry is autonomous -- a hybrid workforce of humans and AI agents delivering customer value and better experiences. Welcome to the autonomous enterprise, where self-driving retailers can focus on the business currencies that matter most: trust, speed, intelligence, personalization, and scale. To learn more about the Connected Shopper report, you can visit here.Artificial Intelligence

Each organizations journey to VBC will be unique, but certain principles for success are universal.

Successfully leveraging SoftPOS requires a balance between innovation and mitigating potential hurdles.

What just happened? Samsung Electronics has announced that its co-CEO, Han Jong-Hee, has passed away. Han died from cardiac arrest this week, aged 63. His passing leaves Jun Young-hyun, who was appointed co-CEO last week, solely in charge of the company. According to local reports, Han suffered a heart attack on March 22, not long after attending his daughter's wedding at a banquet hall. He was taken to Samsung Medical Center in Seoul but died on Tuesday.Born in 1962, Han graduated from Inha University with a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering. He joined Samsung in 1988, spending much of his career in the company's TV divisions.Han rose to the head of Samsung's Visual Display Business in 2017 before being made CEO of the newly formed DX division the result of a merger between the Consumer Electronics (CE) and IT & Mobile (IM) business units in 2021. Han became CEO and Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics in 2022.Samsung credited Han with helping the company become a global leader in the TV market and for contributing to the company's growth as an executive during a challenging business environment. It added that Han was central in rolling out Samsung's LED TVs.Jun Young-hyun was appointed co-CEO of the company last week at its annual shareholders meeting. It was hosted by Han, who had apologized for the poor performance of Samsung stock, which he blamed on the company's failure to respond to the artificial intelligence semiconductor market. He also warned that 2025 would be a difficult year due to the uncertainties around the economic policies of major economies, according to Reuters. // Related StoriesSamsung said in a stock exchange filing that Jun, who was promoted to head of Samsung's semiconductor division in 2024, would be the sole CEO of the company after Han's death.Samsung has been falling behind several competitors in recent times. It has seen its market share and profits dwindle in the TV, smartphones, and DRAM markets, while its semiconductor business is falling further behind TSMC.Samsung is scheduled to hold a launch event for new home appliances on Wednesday, which Han had been expected to attend. The company could announce succession plans during the show.Masthead: Budiey

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Table of ContentsTable of ContentsWhen will macOS 16 launch?What will macOS 16 be called?What the rumors say about macOS 16Which Macs will be compatible with macOS 16?Were expecting the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) announcement any time now, and its likely to be scheduled sometime in June. Excitement is already building for this years installment thanks to rumors of a major design overhaul for the Mac operating system. This is everything weve heard so far about macOS 16.AppleIn recent years, Apple has developed a neat little schedule for WWDC, announcements, and product releases. If the company sticks to the same patterns this year, we should expect to see a reveal for macOS 16 at WWDC in the first or second week of June. The keynote will introduce all of the biggest new features, updates, and products, making it the most exciting part of the conference for most of us.Recommended VideosFrom there, Apple will likely announce a fall release date keeping things purposefully vague so they have some room to maneuver. As usual, the first public release will most likely happen around the time Apple launches its next iPhone and iOS version. Judging by past trends, this is likely to happen sometime in September. While Apple may announce all planned features for macOS 16 at WWDC, that doesnt mean they will all come with the initial release. Apple Intelligence features, for example, will probably be part of a slow rollout just as they have been for macOS Sequoia.If you cant wait until September to try out macOS 16, there will be beta versions released between now and then. A developer beta is usually launched during WWDC alongside the initial announcement, and a public beta should come a month or so after.Its a lot easier to join in on the beta fun now than it used to be just head to the Apple Beta Software Program website and use your usual Apple ID to sign up. The only thing to keep in mind is potential bugs and problems its normal and expected for a few things to go wrong during beta testing, so its best practice to install the new software on a secondary device rather than the Mac you use every day.AppleApple has always treated macOS a little differently from its other operating systems, bestowing each iteration with a special name rather than referring to it by its number like we are now.The current OS version is named Sequoia, after the giant tree native to California. Before Sequoia was Sonoma, named for the wine region in Sonoma County, California. And before that, we had Monterey, named after Monterey Bay in California. As you can see, theres a clear trend with macOS names but that doesnt make it easy to guess the next one.The only rumors weve heard so far are based on trademarked names that have been registered by a company some people believe to be connected to Apple. Examples include California, Grizzly, Miramar, and Redwood.MacRumorsApple has been working on its next round of OS versions for a while now but it wasnt until recently that we got our first big rumor. Revealed by the notorious Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, we now expect macOS 16 to bring some of the biggest design changes weve seen in years.This big revamp will occur across all of the newest operating systems, not just macOS16. The details are pretty light for now but its expected that icons, apps, menus, windows, and system buttons will all see a refresh.Rumors also suggest that the new design will be loosely based on visionOS, the operating system for the Apple Vision Pro. If this is true, it means our app icons could go circular and as silly as it might seem, that would be huge!Translucency is also a big thing in visionOS, with see-through menus and windows aiming to create more cohesive interactions. For the Vision Pro, translucency means being able to see more of the world around you, but for macOS 16, it would probably just mean seeing more of your wallpaper. It will be interesting to see if and how that could be implemented.With design overhauls coming to all of the operating systems at the same time, people are expecting to see more visual consistency between the three. iOS and iPadOS usually look pretty similar anyway, but it looks like macOS might adjust to match the others more than it does now.As for features, the main topic of conversation is Apple Intelligence and Siri. The road toward AI-powered Apple software has been a bit of a bumpy ride so far, with an extremely slow rollout, EU regulatory problems, and now even legal trouble surrounding Apples advertisements for yet-unreleased Siri features. The latest rumors suggest that the Siri updates weve been promised could be delayed until 2026 or even 2027 so its unsure whether Apple will mention them at WWDC this year.The legal suit against Apple right now claims that Apple engaged in false advertising by pushing Siri Apple Intelligence features for the iPhone 16 and then delaying them. As a result of the ads, consumers may have upgraded mainly for these new features and then never received them. If we really do need to wait until 2026 or 2027 for the features to finally come, Apple could fall into the exact same legal trap if it promises the new and improved Siri will come with the iPhone 17 and the new operating systems.Whenever a new macOS comes out, a few older Mac models fall off the compatibility list. Sequoia works with all M-series Macs and the very last generation of Intel-powered Macs which suggests macOS 16 might be limited to Apple Silicon Macs only.This isnt a guarantee, but it is likely that the oldest generation compatible with Sequoia will be dropped for macOS 16. Were now five-ish years into the Apple Silicon era and it has made a huge difference to what Macs can do so it doesnt seem too unreasonable to drop support for Intel Macs right about now.However, Apple could decide that it needs to drag the transition out a little longer and keep supporting Intel Macs for a few more years. It could go either way.Editors Recommendations

Back in 2014, Elizabeth Olsen made her MCU debut as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in a post-credits scene for Captain America: The Winter Soldierahead of her leading role in Avengers: Age of Ultron in 2015. The actress has been a part of every Avengers movie since, but shes sitting out of the next two films, Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, it was noted that filming will begin soon in London for the next two Avengers movies. Olsen had recently been in London herself working on a different movie, and she told THR that shes returned to America to film a pilot.Recommended VideosIm back [in the States], said Olsen. I just finished [Panic Carefully]. Im moving on to filming a pilot for FX [called Seven Sisters].Please enable Javascript to view this contentOlsens character hasnt appeared on-screen since 2022s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, when Wanda appeared to sacrifice her life to redeem herself after taking a villainous turn in the story. Wandas body was never found, but she was missing and presumed dead as of last years Disney+ series Agatha All Along. During the THR interview, Olsen explained why shes branched out beyond Marvel since her apparent departure from the franchise.I didnt realize this until about six years ago, but because Marvel and its influence takes up so much physical time and space in the world, its really important for me to make choices outside of Marvel that reflect my own taste, said Olsen. Your taste does create the artist that you are, and that wasnt something I was thinking about when I first started working. So the opportunity to return to films like [The Assessment] is a reflection of the people I want to work with and my own personal taste.Olsens former Avengers co-star, Chris Evans has also shot down reports about his return for the next two films. Similarly, Scarlett Johanssont recently reiterated that she has no plans to reprise her role as Black Widow after the characters death in Avengers: Endgame. Thus far, Robert Downey Jr. is the only original cast member slated to return for Doomsday and Secret Wars, and hell be playing Doctor Doom instead of Iron Man.Editors Recommendations