Womens health and its startups building connected breast pumps, period trackers, and other apps and hardware designed for women have collectively pulled in more than $5 billion in funding in the last five years, but the market is tight, and now, two of the trailblazers in the space are coming together as consolidation beckons.Willow, the San Francisco startup that made its name with wearable breast pumps, is acquiring Elvie, which started with a smart Kegel trainer before expanding to other products for new mothers, including its own breast pumps and most recently, a bassinet.Terms of the deal have not been disclosed but we understand that its coming as Elvie enters administration. The London startup raised more than $186 million over the last 12 years with investors, including Octopus Ventures, BlackRock, and Blume Equity, among others. Its last valuation was $241 million, per data from PitchBook.The companies have been in conversation for some time, after Willow approached Elvie to buy it. But as talks progressed, Elvie also approached the end of its runway.The transaction is taking shape after many months of alternative expectations, Willow CEO Sarah OLeary said in an interview.We understand Willow is taking on the existing business, including its products and team. There are currently 170 people working across London and Bristol, although some of those are already working out their notice periods and wont be coming on to Willow.For its part, Willow has raised around $254 million in a combination of equity and debt with investors, including the likes of NEA and Meritech. Its valuation, per PitchBook, had risen to as much as $256 million in 2021 (a high watermark for venture funding in general) but had dropped in 2024 when the company raised a combination of equity and debt.OLeary, who stepped into the CEO role at the end of 2023, declined to comment on its current valuation but said that the company may be looking to raise more later this year.Elvies tip into bankruptcy speaks to some of the wider challenges in the world of womens health, which is estimated to be a $60 billion market this year but has faced a number of headwinds. The market since 2021 has continued to be challenging for later-stage startups, especially those that are not focused almost solely on AI. There are not a lot of exit opportunities for womens health businesses at the moment. Plus, as OLeary points out, the market (eyeing that $60 billion figure, no doubt) has been flooded with a plethora of cheaper products. The recent drama with 23andMe also highlights some of the big issues with managing user data, especially health data, when things go awry with the business. And that is perhaps even more the case with womens health and reproductive businesses in the current political climate.And, as ever, hardware or at least the ability to turn hardware startups into profitable businesses remains hard.Willows hope is that its acquisition of Elvie marks the start of some wider consolidation and Willows own efforts to build out a wider platform: If exit opportunities are few and far between, then make your own platform and become the consolidator.Womens health as a category really arose over the years as it became, thanks to the cloud, smartphones and innovations in big data analytics, easier-to-build apps to engage with the market, and hardware prototypes launched via crowdfunding platforms to gauge consumer interest. These products also came out of a more empowered demographic demanding tech to meeting their own needs. Now Willows challenge and opportunity will be to see if it can convert that into profit over time.We want to show that femtech products are not only great stories, but great businesses, she said.

Breakdown & ShowreelsGodzilla x Kong The New Empire: Animating Kong by Weta FXBy Vincent Frei - 28/03/2025 Bringing Kong to life in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire requires more than just groundbreaking CGIit demands artistry and precision. Weta FXs expert animators infused Kong with weight, power, and personality, ensuring that every movement tells a story. Watch as Kong roams the Hollow Earth, an apex predator in his prime!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Weta FX: Dedicated page about Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire on Weta FX website.Kevin Smith and Ludovic Chailloleau: Heres my interview of Kevin Smith (Overall VFX Supervisor) and Ludovic Chailloleau (Animation Supervisor) Weta FX.Alessandro Ongaro: Heres my interview of Production VFX Supervisor Alessandro Ongaro. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Conflux Technology has partnered with Australian aircraft manufacturer AMSL Aero to develop a thermal management system for Vertiia, a hydrogen-powered electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.Designed for zero-emissions long-range flight across distances of up to 1,000 km, Vertiia relies on efficient heat regulation to support its hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Conflux brings its expertise in additively manufactured heat exchangers to the project, aiming to meet the thermal and structural demands of next-generation flight.Hydrogen fuel cells represent a transformative technology in Australias pursuit of sustainable energy solutions. We are proud to incorporate our heat exchange technology to enhance the efficiency and performance of Vertiias hydrogen fuel cells. Together, were advancing innovation in creating world-leading sustainable air transport, says Michael Fuller, CEO & Founder of Conflux Technology.AMSL Aeros Vertiia aims to be the worlds most efficient long-range, zero emissions, electrical VTOL aircraft. Photo via Conflux Technology.Tailored cooling solutions for hydrogen-powered flightAccording to Conflux, initial efforts focused on producing three concept heat exchangers capable of handling continuous thermal loads while reducing both weight and aerodynamic drag.Each concept was developed with compact packaging in mind, accommodating the space limitations of aircraft design without compromising performance. Work has now progressed to a second phase, which involves building and testing a complete proof-of-concept assembly within Vertiias propulsion system.During take-off, landing, and hover operations, hydrogen VTOL aircraft face sharp increases in heat output. To manage those transient thermal spikes, the cooling system must deliver consistent performance while remaining lightweight and compact.According to the company, 3D printing enables highly tailored geometries that can conform to tight spaces, an approach well-suited to hydrogen aviation. As a result, Conflux is using its patented thin-walled structures that support both thermal efficiency and low drag across variable flight conditions.AMSL Aero is committed to Victoria for future development of Vertiia and Conflux is one of Victorias industrial champions, making the Avalon Air Show the ideal place for us to unveil this partnership, said AMSL Aero chairman Chris Smallhorn.The partnership builds on Confluxs previous work in aerospace, where the company has been applying AM to a range of thermal management applications.Simon Coburn, Hydrogen Systems Engineer at AMSL Aero, highlighted the significance of Confluxs manufacturing certification under AS9100D and its rapid delivery capabilities, stating that both factors are important for enabling Vertiias advancement as a long-range hydrogen-powered VTOL.Close-up of Conflux heat exchanger with micro-structures for efficient heat transfer. Photo via Conflux Technology.Novel heat exchangers for aerospace applicationsMany entities are preferring 3D printing to produce heat exchangers in aerospace, offering greater design flexibility, reduced weight, and improved thermal performance within compact spaces.Solid-state metal 3D printing specialist Fabrisonic partnered with NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to produce single-piece 3D printed heat exchangers using its ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) technology.The project aimed to improve the reliability of spacecraft components by eliminating joints and small parts prone to failure under extreme conditions. Technologist Scott Roberts led the design effort to replace traditional multi-part heat exchangers with a lighter, more efficient version. Printed entirely in one piece, the new heat exchangers offered a 30% performance boost and weight reduction.Elsewhere, researchers at RMIT University developed 3D printed catalytic heat exchangers to tackle overheating in hypersonic flight, where aircraft exceed speeds of Mach 5. Manufactured using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technology and coated with zeolites, these miniature chemical reactors use jet fuel as a coolant to trigger endothermic reactions, effectively absorbing heat during operation.Lab tests showed high efficiency under simulated high-temperature conditions. Led by Dr Selvakannan Periasamy, the team sees potential for wider use in other high-heat industrial processes. Future work will focus on optimizing material combinations using advanced imaging techniques to broaden the technologys applications beyond aviation.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows AMSL Aeros Vertiia aims to be the worlds most efficient long-range, zero emissions, electrical VTOL aircraft. Photo via Conflux Technology.

David Childs, the lauded SOM architect perhaps best known for realizing One World Trade Center, died on March 26 in Pelham, New York, surrounded by family. News of his passing was confirmed by his wife, Annie, and later reported by The New York Times. Childs was 83 years old. SOM shared a remembrance for Childs, saying that he was instrumental in some of SOMs most impactful projects, among these a masterplan for the National Mall, the expansion of Dulles International Airport, and both One World Trade Center and 7 World Trade Center in New York City.Davids contribution to the firm was extensive and profound, SOM continued, and we will always be grateful to David for his leadership, his impact, and his friendship. We will miss him dearly and extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to his family.One World Trade Center, the Freedom Tower, at dusk (James Ewing)Childs was born in 1941 in Princeton, New Jersey, and spent his childhood in Mount Kisco, New York. His father was a classics professor at Princeton University and his mother was executive director of the Childrens Books Council, a nonprofit trade association of childrens books publishers. Childs earned his masters of architecture at Yale University in 1967; he moved to Washington, D.C. shortly after to help transform Pennsylvania Avenue into a ceremonial boulevard, as part of a presidential commission. It was in Washington, D.C. where Childs, then in his early thirties, met politician Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Nathaniel A. Owings, founding partner of SOM. In 1971, after getting acquainted, Owings personally invited Childs to start SOMs Washington, D.C. office, where the late architect spent his fledgling career.In 1976, Childs debuted a masterplan for the Washington Mall and Constitution Gardens. Later, he designed the headquarters building for National Geographic; the U.S. News and World Report building; the Four Seasons, Regent, and Park Hyatt hotels, and more, including the expansion of Dulles Airports main terminal.Washington Mall masterplan (Courtesy SOM)Childs stayed in Washington, D.C. until 1984, when he became a senior design partner at SOMs New York City office. There, he completed Worldwide Plaza, the New York Mercantile Exchange, the JFK International Arrivals Building, Bear Stearns (now J. P. Morgan) Headquarters, the Riverside South masterplan, and Time Warner Headquarters at Columbus Circle (now Deutsche Bank Center). He also helped renovate and preserve Lever House.After 9/11, Childs partnered with Larry Silverstein to help rebuild Lower Manhattan. His clashes with Daniel Libeskind often made headline news. Childs was sued in 2004 by Thomas Shine, who claimed Childs had copied his graduate student work at Yale for SOMs One World Trade Center design. Childs denied the accusation, and the suit was settled in 2006. Childs went on to oversee projects all over the world. His work on the Moynihan Train Hall marked a full circle, as Senator Daniel Moynihan, the halls namesake, was a mentor.JFK International Airport, Terminal 4 (Jeff Goldberg/ESTO)In New York and overseas, Childs held important titles. He was chairman of the National Planning Commission, on the American Academy in Rome board of trustees, Municipal Art Society of New York board of directors, MoMAs Architecture & Design Committee, The Architectural League of New York board of directors, and the New York City Partnership Economic Development & Housing Committees.Today, Childs is remembered for his self-effacing charm: I know a lot of what Ive designed is not A work, he once said, but my role was different. I wanted to raise the level of everyday development as much as I could.

ZDNET's key takeaways The Kindle Colorsoft is available now for $279.It has a bright display (even in direct sunlight), customizable color settings, and zippy performance while browsing titles and turning pages.It could be a bit larger to get the full effect of the color display. more buying choices The newAmazon Kindle Colorsoftis discounted for $55 right now, making it cost $225 during the Big Spring Sale event. This 20% offer is the most discounted we've seen the device since its debut last fall.To avid readers, the Kindle has been a mainstay since its inception in 2007. Each new Kindle model gives readers more advanced features and faster performance. But now, with the new Kindle Colorsoft, readers get a vivid color display to enjoy their books in a new way. The Kindle Colorsoft is the latest iteration in the Kindle lineup. It features the same 300 ppi display that's standard for e-readers, except it also has a 150 ppi display for color images, along with 120 nits of brightness to really make your pages pop. Depending on your color preferences, you can customize the color settings to standard or vivid. Amazon dubs the device as "color without compromise", and as someone who's tested many e-readers this year alone, I was impressed by the Kindle Colorsoft as a welcome addition to the color e-reader world. details View at Amazon Fresh out of the box, the Colorsoft proudly displays its color capabilities, since even when turned off, the display dims to one of Kindle's built-in backgrounds. Alternatively, you can choose to display your book's cover in standby mode so you can see the art how it was meant to be seen. After turning on the device and setting it up (super easy to do, especially if you've owned a Kindle before), the first thing I really noticed was the performance: it's fast. Compared to my base model Kindle (2022 version) it zips through the Kindle library when choosing a book, and pages in your book turn fast without any annoying lag effects. Also: This E Ink tablet revived my inspiration, and it's on sale for $50 offLike the Kindle Paperwhite, the Colorsoft is super bright and can be read in direct sunlight without drowning out the color on the screen. To test how the Colorsoft's 120-nit brightness held up in direct sunlight to competitors, I placed it outside on its highest brightness next to two other color e-readers at their highest brightness: a Kobo Libra Colour and a Boox Note Air C 3. The Colorsoft's color display and brightness outperformed the Kobo Libra Colour in direct sunlight, and it had less lag when moving between titles. The Kindle Colorsoft next to the Kobo Libra Colour in direct sunlight. Allison Murray/ZDNETCompared to the Colorsoft, the Boox Note Air C 3 had the same high brightness and was as speedy as the Kindle when moving through pages, especially when reading a color magazine. However, upon seeing the Boox and the Kindle side by side, you can definitely notice the pixelization on the Boox's color display, as opposed to the smooth color that the Kindle provides. The Kindle Colorsoft next to the Boox Note Air 3 C. Allison Murray/ZDNETThe Colorsoft's color features don't stop there: you can also highlight passages in your books in different colors and organize them into categories (i.e., quotes in yellow, facts in blue, characters to remember in purple, etc.). While I'm not a fan of reading comics, Keeley Boehmer, Principal Product Manager for Kindle, told me that the Colorsoft provides panel-by-panel reading for comics, making it easy to see the elements the author intended for each panel. In addition, a pinch-and-zoom feature allows you to really see the color images in detail. Another impressive feature of the Colorsoft is that it's water resistant (rated IPX8), so you can read it by the beach, pool, or in the bath. Plus, it has wireless charging, a feature previously only available in the Kindle Paperwhite. I have virtually no complaints with this Kindle except perhaps its small size. The size itself is easy and comfortable to hold, but reading color books or magazines, a bigger size like that of the Boox Note Air C 3's 10.3-inch display makes a greater impact, and you can really see and appreciate the color images better when seeing the entire page. ZDNET's buying advice In the world of color e-readers, the Kindle Colorsoft is a top competitor thanks to its customizable color display, fast performance in downloading books and page-turning, and wireless charging. The color display isn't pixelated like some other color e-readers, and its highlight feature enables new ways to read books. If you're someone who reads a lot of books or comics with color, the Colorsoft is definitely worth it. However, if you read primarily in black and white, you can save $120 and opt for the new Kindle Paperwhite, which has just as fast performance. When will this deal expire? While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, deals are on a limited-time basis, making them subject to expire anytime. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we feel in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don't worry -- we're always sourcing new savings opportunities atZDNET.com. Show more Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.Amazon Spring Sale 2025

Amazon's Big Spring Saleis in full throttle, and so are the deals. Sure, MacBooks, Espresso machines, smartwatches, and more are on sale, but so are everyday tech items. These include the Apple AirTag, which has helped countless people track down lost luggage or keys, or the Blink Mini 2, which can help you keep an eye out for your pets or family when you're not around.Powerbanks from Anker, Rocketbooks, Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and more are available for under $25. Read on to see the best budget deals the Amazon Spring Sale has to offer.See at AmazonBest Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals under $25Anker Nano Power Bank: $22 (save $8): This small but mighty Anker portable power bank makes a great companion for on-the-go travel.Apple AirTag: $24 (save $5): The Apple AirTag is a reliable tracking device that connects to iOS or MacOS products and tracks valuable personal items like keys, wallets, or luggage.Blink Mini 2: $20 (save $20): The Blink branded cameras are a ZDNET favorite, especially the Blink Mini 2. At about 50% off its original price, this is a great deal to jump on.Tile by Life360 Slim: $21 (save $9): This slimTile by Life360 fits into your wallet, passport, luggage, or other valuable item and actively tracks its location for peace of mind.Soundcore P20i True Wireless Earbuds: $20 (save $20): These budget earbuds have great sound quality, Bluetooth, a microphone, and a half-off sale price.Rocketbook Reusable Notebook: $13 (save $22): This smart notebook is a great way to digitize your notes. We have it featured in ourbest smart pens listfor its convenience, sustainability, and good price.Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker: $20 (save $20): This Anker Soundcore speaker is perfect for beach days, showers, or jamming sessions.Anker Zolo Magnetic Power Bank: $25 (save $15): Magnetic power banks offer a convenient way to charge your phone on the go, as long as it's a MagSafe device.Anker USB-C Hub: $25 (save $10): This USB-C hub is a great option if you travel for work or just have too many things to plug into your computer.Roku Express: $18 (save $11): If you're looking for a reliable streaming hub, Roku is a great option, and this price is unbeatable.Amazon Fire TV Stick: $20 (save $15): The Amazon Fire Stick is another great option for streaming your favorite platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and more. Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET Current price: $22Original price: $30As our phones age, so do their batteries; having a portable charger is one of the easier solutions to that problem. Editor Sabrina Ortiztried out this power bank, which became one of her everyday essentials. It is a smaller bank, so it may be better for smaller, on-the-go moments. However, it is perfect for daily use. Show more View now at Amazon Maria Diaz | ZDNET Current price: $24Original price: $29The Apple Airtag has become a staple in the Apple family tree. Since its release, it has helped people track lost or stolen items like luggage, keys, or wallets. If you're unlucky with checked luggage or prone to losing your keys, check out some AirTags. Show more View now at Amazon Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $20Original price: $40An indoor camera is great for monitoring pets, small children, or general household security. The Blink Mini is a great option and a ZDNET favorite. With an indoor camera, you may feel more peace of mind leaving your pets home alone. The footage can be accessed through any device, and it's half off. Show more View now at Amazon Tile/ZDNET Current price: $21Original price: $30This Tile tracker works by sliding it into your wallet, purse, luggage, or any valuable item to track its whereabouts. If you don't want to use an AirTag, this tracker is a perfect alternative and works with iOS and Android. Show more View now at Amazon More Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals under $25 Maria Diaz/ZDNETTP-Link Tapo 1080P Indoor Security Camera: $15 (save $8): TP-Link offers a great solution to monitoring your children, pets, or home security when you are away, as this video camera offers 1080p camera quality.Kasa Indoor Pan/Tilt Smart Security Camera: $20 (save $10): Another great option for indoor security, this Kasa camera can upload footage to your preferred cloud storage service and works with Alexa and Google Home.Maybesta Lavalier Lapel Microphone: $14 (save $7 with coupon): This is a great deal for starting out if you need a basic microphone for on-the-go content.Samsung Sonic The Hedgehog 256GB microSDXC: $24 (save $13): This extra storage card is suitable for gaming systems, drones, computers, cameras, and more. It also has cute Sonic branding, making it a solid deal.Eaglewireless Universal Sim Card Tray Opener: $5 (save $1): This tool is essential for any tech enthusiast, and ZDNET contributor Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has it on hislist of gadgetshe carries everywhere.Anker 2-Pack USB C Adapter: $10 (save $5): These handy Anker adapters, which work on Mac and Windows, are very versatile and help eliminate the headache of outdated cords.Apple 20W USB-C Power Adapter: $15 (save $4): This classic iPhone accessory will charge your device quickly and is pretty durable.Kasa Smart Light Bulbs: $15 (save $10): Smart lightbulbs are a great way to liven up your living space as you can toggle through endless lighting possibilities. Plus, they connect to your Alexa or Google Home device.Rocketbook Reusable Notebook: $13 (save $22): This smart notebook is a great way to digitize your notes. We have it featured in our best smart pens list for its convenience, sustainability, and good price.Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker: $20 (save $20): This Anker Soundcore speaker is perfect for beach days, showers, or jamming sessions. One Amazon reviewer said they were "extremely surprised with how good this little speaker is."Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug: $16 (save $3): If you need a cheap and go-to pair of earbuds, the classic Apple wired headphones have a good microphone and solid sound quality.Acer USB Hub 4 Ports: $10 (save $10): This hub is great for computers that need a few extra ports, such as Macs (using an adapter) or any other device with a USB port.Anker Zolo Power Bank: $24 (save $10): A power bank is a great essential to have for emergency situations, especially Anker branded ones.Nelko Label Maker Machine with Tape: $20 (save $20): This label maker connects to your smartphone and prints personal or professional labels for all kinds of use.Sensyne 62" Phone Tripod and Selfie Stick: $15 (save $15): A tripod is essential for getting the best creative shots, whether you're making video or photo content.UGreen Finder Tag: $14 (save $6): UGreen tags work to help locate items, similar to AirTags or Tiles, but this one is only compatible with iOS devices.Tessan Universal Travel Adapter: $20 (save $5): If you frequently travel abroad, having a universal charging block can make a difference in any situation. This one works in the UK, the European Union, and Australia.Anker 2-Pack USB C Cable: $8 (save $2): Simply said, everyone needs a good charger, and Anker is always a great option. Plus, it has a protective braided cord and 6 feet of length.FAQs Show more When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Spring Sale occurs from Tuesday, March 25, to Monday, March 31, 2025.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?Amazon sales are a great opportunity to shop for decent savings, especially on flagship Amazon products. However, Walmart, Best Buy, and other retailers also have great offerings. We'll cover the best Amazon Spring Sale deals now through March 31, including top offers from other major retailers.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET's experts scour the internet on deals we would want to buy ourselves, have a good brand reputation, or products we review on our site. We search for deals 20% off or more and deals we rarely see across the board.We also use reviews from real people- Reddit, Amazon reviews, and our colleagues to understand what deals are the best to recommend so we can provide the best money-saving information.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.Amazon Spring Sale 2025

Trade war between EU and USA,concept photogettyEuropean governments and industry leaders reacted with varying degrees of horror to President Trumps threat to erect 25% auto tariff barriers.But its not just tariffs which Trump wants to reform. He seeks to overturn what he considers to be a long-term conspiracy to block overall American exports by unfair and hidden means too.One London commentator says Trumps basic aim is to force Europeans to clear the decks for free trade.European leaders have plenty of reasons to worry about the outcome of negotiations with the U.S., but its not the 25% tariff, starting April 3, they should be most worried about. After all the unfair current regime, where Europe charges American a 10% tariff on its sedan and SUV imports while the U.S. only insists on 2.5%, would be easy to equalize. Its Trumps overall policy to fix, once and for all, what he considers to be a long-term trade rip-off by Europe of the U.S. that should cause them sleepless nights.That might well drag on and become a serious barrier to trade for months. Meanwhile European automakers like BMW and its Rolls Royce and Mini subsidiaries, Mercedes, and Volkswagen with its Porsche, Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini brands could bleeding serious money from the bottom line as U.S. sales stall.Among the cries of outrage from Europeans were these, according to Reuters.EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen Bad for business, worse for consumersFrench President Emmanuel Macron Trump asked Europe to spend more on defense so its not coherent to impose tariffs on us.German Economy Minister Robert Habeck What counts now is to have a firm response to these tariffs from the EU. It needs to be clear that we will not take this lying downGerman Car Industry Association The announced additional U.S. tariffs of 25% on all cars and light commercial vehicles that are not made in the U.S. are a fatal signal for free and rules-based trade. The German auto industry is calling for immediate negotiations between the U.S. and the EU on a bilateral agreementUSA and European Union trade war concept, port crane lift two cargo containers.gettyThese reactions seem to misunderstand Trumps basic position.Former U.S. ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland expects the Trump Administration to seek huge overall changes to long-term unfair trading including non-tariff barriers. Trump has described the EUs trade policy as "an atrocity. Trump also claimed the annual U.S. trade deficit with the EU was more than $300 billion.Sondland said in a recent interview with the BBCs NewsNight program the EU imposes hidden barriers on American products. For cars, that can mean different safety standards. For food, there also are standards the EU doesnt like. Hormone-fed beef is one area of contention.If we sell you a vegetable or a car or a product if its safe to use in the U.S. it should deemed to be safe to use in the EU, Sondland said.The U.S. is tired of talking about impediments to its foreign trade and wants action now, he said.Gordon Sondland, formerly the U.S ambassador to the European Union. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty ... More Images)Getty ImagesSondland, who didnt claim to speak for the Trump administration, was ambassador to the EU during Trumps first term.There is some good news for Europe because its aggressive reaction to the Trump demands suggests it misunderstands Trumps position. According to Daily Telegraph of London columnist Sherelle Jacobs, Trump isnt interested in seeking an unfair advantage for America, he simply wants to force countries using unfair trading methods to commit to free trade.Trump-sceptics love to deride the president for his branding of tariff imposition day as Liberation Day. But while the means are undoubtedly protectionist, the ends are essentially libertarian. Put simply, Trump is trying to beat countries with a stick until they agree to dismantle red tape that is holding back global demand for U.S. goods and services, Jacobs said.

Close up on screen of website sign in buttongettyA sophisticated phishing operation known as Morphing Meerkat is putting internet users at serious risk. Discovered by cybersecurity researchers at Infoblox, this phishing-as-a-service platform has been quietly active since at least 2020.At first glance, Morphing Meerkat might appear to be just another spam campaign. But beneath the surface, it leverages cutting-edge tactics that make it far more dangerous and difficult to detectespecially for non-technical individuals.What sets this campaign apart is its use of DNS-over-HTTPS. This technology allows it to bypass traditional DNS filters and monitoring tools, making it harder for security software to identify the threat. The phishing toolkit also performs live lookups of Mail Exchange records, which tell it what email provider the victim uses. With that information, the platform dynamically generates a login page that looks exactly like what the victim expectswhether it is Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, or over 110 other commonly used services.How The Attack WorksAnd Why It Is So EffectiveMorphing Meerkat is a phishing kit designed for scalability, stealth, and ease of useeven for cybercriminals with little technical skill. The actual attack typically begins with a highly convincing email. These messages are crafted to look legitimate and are translated into multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese. They often appear to come from widely recognized brands and carry urgent subject lines like Action Required: Account Deactivation, designed to trigger a quick, emotional reaction.When a user clicks on the link inside the email, they are taken through a maze of redirectsoften via ad networks, compromised WordPress sites, or free hosting platforms. This redirect chain helps the attackers obscure their tracks and bypass browser security warnings.Eventually, the user lands on a fake login page. At this point, the phishing kit quietly queries the victims email domain using DNS-over-HTTPS to identify which email provider they use. Once identified, the kit dynamically loads a counterfeit login page tailored to that provider, often with the victims email address already filled in. The design is nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.If the user enters their password, the credentials are transmitted to the attackerssometimes even forwarded in real time using tools like Telegram bots. In some cases, the user is prompted to re-enter their password with an error message such as Invalid Password! Please enter email correct password, which helps confirm that the stolen information is accurate.To complete the deception and avoid raising alarms, the user is then redirected to the legitimate login page of their email provider. From their perspective, it simply appears that the login failed the first time, and they continue on as usualunaware that their credentials have already been compromised.8 Smart Ways Users Can Avoid Getting PhishedDespite the increasing complexity of phishing attacks, there are practical and effective steps that consumers can take to protect their digital lives:1. Do Not RushPause Before You ClickBe suspicious of emails that pressure you to act quickly.If you are unsure, visit the website directly instead of clicking a link in an email.2. Use Multi-Factor AuthenticationAlways enable MFA on your email, social media, and banking accounts. Even if your password is stolen, MFA can stop attackers from logging in.3. Install A Password ManagerPassword managers prevent you from entering your login credentials on fake websites. They will only autofill your credentials on legitimate domains.4. Keep Software And Devices UpdatedRegular updates patch security vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browser, and antivirus software.5. Use A Trusted DNS Provider With FilteringServices like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 for Families), OpenDNS, or NextDNS provide DNS-level protection and may block known phishing sites.6. Block DoH On Your Router (If Possible)Some advanced home routers allow you to block encrypted DNS traffic (DoH), which prevents attackers from hiding their phishing domains from your network.7. Check URLs CarefullyPhishing sites often use lookalike URLs. Make sure you are visiting the correct domain (e.g., https://accounts.google.com for Gmail).8. Use Anti-Phishing Browser ExtensionsExtensions like uBlock Origin or DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials can block suspicious scripts and trackers often used in phishing campaigns.

If youre wondering why social media is filled with Studio Ghibli-style memes all of a sudden, there are several answers to that question.The most obvious one is that OpenAI dropped an update to ChatGPT on Tuesday that allows users to generate better images using the 4o version of the model. OpenAI has long proffered image generation tools, but this one felt like a significant evolution: users say it is far better than other AI image-generators at accurately following text prompts, and that it makes much higher fidelity images.But thats not the only reason for the deluge of memes in the style of the Japanese animation house.Alongside the ChatGPT update, OpenAI also relaxed several of its rules on the types of images users can generate with its AI toolsa change CEO Sam Altman said represents a new high-water mark for us in allowing creative freedom. Among those changes: allowing users to generate images of adult public figures for the first time, and reducing the likelihood that ChatGPT would reject users prompts, even if they risked being offensive.People are going to create some really amazing stuff and some stuff that may offend people, Altman said in a post on X. What we'd like to aim for is that the tool doesn't create offensive stuff unless you want it to, in which case within reason it does.Users quickly began making the most of the policy change sharing Ghiblified images of 9/11, Adolf Hitler, and the murder of George Floyd. The official White House account on X even shared a Studio Ghibli-style image of an ICE officer detaining an alleged illegal immigrant.In one sense, the pivot has been a long time coming. OpenAI began its decade-long life as a research lab that kept its tools under strict lock and key; when it did release early chatbots and image generation models, they had strict content filters that aimed to prevent misuse. But for years it has been widening the accessibility of its tools in an approach it calls iterative deployment. The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 was the most popular example of this strategy, which the company believes is necessary to help society adapt to the changes AI is bringing.Still, in another sense, the change to OpenAIs model behavior policies has a more recent proximate cause: the 2024 election of President Donald Trump, and the cultural shift that has accompanied the new administration.Trump and his allies have been highly critical of what they see as the censorship of free speech online by large tech companies. Many conservatives have drawn parallels between the longstanding practice of content moderation on social media and the more recent strategy, by AI companies including OpenAI, to limit the kinds of content that generative AI models are allowed to create. ChatGPT has woke programmed into its bones, Elon Musk posted on X in December.Like most big companies, OpenAI is trying hard to build ties with the Trump White House. The company scored an early win when, on the second day of his presidency, Trump stood beside Altman and announced a large investment into the datacenters that OpenAI believes will be necessary to train the next generation of AI systems. But OpenAI is still in a delicate position. Musk, Trumps billionaire backer and advisor, has a famous dislike of Altman. The pair cofounded OpenAI together back in 2015, but after a failed attempt to become CEO, Musk quit in a huff. He is now suing Altman and OpenAI, claiming that they reneged on OpenAIs founding mission to develop AI as a non-profit. With Musk operating from the White House and also leading a rival AI company, xAI, it is especially vital for OpenAIs business prospects to cultivate positive ties where possible with the Trump administration.Earlier in March, OpenAI submitted a document laying out recommendations for the new administrations tech policy. It was a shift in tone from earlier missives by the company. OpenAIs freedom-focused policy proposals, taken together, can strengthen Americas lead on AI and in so doing, unlock economic growth, lock in American competitiveness, and protect our national security, the document said. It called on the Trump administration to exempt OpenAI, and the rest of the private sector, from 781 state-level laws proposing to regulate AI, which it said risks bogging down innovation. In return, OpenAI said, industry could provide the U.S. government with learnings and access from AI companies, and would ensure the U.S. retained its leadership position ahead of China in the AI race.Alongside the release of this weeks new ChatGPT update, OpenAI doubled down on what it said were policies intended to give users more freedom, within bounds, to create whatever they want with its AI tools. Were shifting from blanket refusals in sensitive areas to a more precise approach focused on preventing real-world harm, Joanne Jang, OpenAIs head of model behavior, said in a blog post. The goal is to embrace humility: recognizing how much we don't know, and positioning ourselves to adapt as we learn.Jang gave several examples of things that were previously disallowed, but to which OpenAI was now opening its doors. Tools could now be used to generate images of public figures, Jang wrote, although OpenAI would create an opt-out list allowing people to decide for themselves whether they wanted ChatGPT to be able to generate images of them. Children, she wrote, would be subjected to stronger protections and tighter guardrails.Offensive content, Jang wroteusing quotation markswould also receive a rethink under OpenAIs new policies. Uses that might be seen as offensive by some, but which didnt cause real-world harm, would be increasingly permitted. Without clear guidelines, the model previously refused requests like make this persons eyes look more Asian or make this person heavier, unintentionally implying these attributes were inherently offensive, Jang wrote, suggesting that such prompts would be allowed in future.OpenAIs tools previously flat-out rejected attempts by users to generate hate symbols like swastikas. In the blog post, Jang said the company recognized, however, that these symbols could also sometimes appear in genuinely educational or cultural contexts. The company would move to a strategy of applying technical methods, she wrote, to better identify and refuse harmful misuse without completely banning them.AI lab employees, she wrote, should not be the arbiters of what people should and shouldnt be allowed to create.

In brief: WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new option that allows users to set it as their default calling and messaging app on iOS devices. The update follows Apple's announcement last year with iOS 18.2, which introduced the ability to change the default SMS and phone apps. The feature is available in the latest WhatsApp update (version 25.8.74), allowing users to set the app as their primary hub for calls and messages on iPhone.The new default app setting recently appeared for some beta testers, but it will roll out to more devices in the coming days and weeks. Users who have access to the feature can find it under Settings > Apps > Default Apps on their iPhone, where they can select WhatsApp as their default for Messaging and Calling.Once you've made the switch, your iPhone will automatically launch WhatsApp whenever you tap a phone number in a webpage or email. More notably, tapping a number in the Contacts app will initiate a WhatsApp call instead of a regular one. The same applies to messaging hitting the 'Message' button will open WhatsApp instead of iMessage.Customizing default messaging and phone apps on the iPhone isn't entirely new. Apple first introduced this flexibility with the iOS 18.2 update late last year, allowing users to replace not just messaging and calling apps but also other built-in services like email, web browsing, and password management. This change meant users were no longer restricted to Apple's own apps for these functions.However, WhatsApp embracing this new openness is a significant development. The app is a primary communication tool for millions worldwide, especially in regions outside the US. // Related StoriesThere are also practical advantages. WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption offers stronger security compared to traditional SMS. Users benefit from features like multimedia sharing, voice notes, and international calling without extra fees.For those who rely on WhatsApp for both personal and professional communication, setting it as the default app streamlines interactions, eliminating the need to constantly switch between different chat platforms. All conversations are consolidated into one interface, making messaging more seamless and efficient.Image credit: Dimitri Karastelev