On Sunday, 21-year-old Chungin ‘Roy’ Lee announced he’s raised $5.3 million in seed funding from Abstract Ventures and Susa Ventures for his startup, Cluely, that offers an AI tool to “cheat on everything.” The startup was born after Lee posted in a viral X thread that he was suspended by Columbia University after he and his co-founder developed a tool to cheat on job interviews for software engineers. That tool, originally called Interview Coder, is now part of their San Francisco-based startup Cluely. It offers its users the chance to ‘cheat’ on things like exams, sales calls, and job interviews thanks to a hidden in-browser window that can’t be viewed by the interviewer or test giver.  Cluely has published a manifesto comparing itself to inventions like the calculator and spellcheck which were originally derided as ‘cheating.’ Cluely also published a slickly-produced, but polarizing, launch video of Lee using a hidden AI assistant to (unsuccessfully) lie to a woman about his age, and even knowledge of art, on a date at a fancy restaurant: While some praised the video for grabbing people’s attention, others derided it as reminiscent of dystopian Sci-Fi television show Black Mirror: Lee, who is Cluely’s CEO, told TechCrunch the AI cheating tool surpassed $3 million in ARR earlier this month.  Cluely’s other co-founder is another 21-year-old former Columbia student, Neel Shanmugan, who is Cluely’s COO. Shanmugan was also embroiled in disciplinary proceedings at Columbia over the AI tool. Both co-founders have dropped out of Columbia, the university’s student newspaper reported last week. Columbia declined to comment, citing student privacy laws. Cluely began as a tool for developers to cheat on knowledge of LeetCode, a platform for coding questions that some in software engineering circles – including Cluely’s founders, of course – consider outdated and a waste of time. Lee says he was able to snag an internship with Amazon using the AI cheating tool. Amazon declined to comment on Lee’s particular case to TechCrunch, but said its job candidates must acknowledge they won’t use unauthorized tools during the interview process. Cluely isn’t the only controversial AI startup launched this month. Earlier, a famed AI researcher announced his own startup with the stated mission of replacing all human workers everywhere, causing a brouhaha of its own on X.

If you've ever lost your phone, keys, wallet, or even your dog, a Bluetooth tracker is a must. These small devices attach to almost anything -- a keychain, remote, your pet's collar, or even your child's backpack -- so you can track their location on your phone at all times.With so many options on the market, choosing the right tracker can be tricky. That's why we've tracked down (pun intended) the best trackers for you. With that said, our top pick goes to the Apple AirTag. What is the best Bluetooth tracker right now?At ZDNET, we've reviewed and compared many of the best Bluetooth tracker offerings on the market and rounded up our favorites below. Our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker overall is the Apple AirTag, thanks to its UWB-powered precision tracking, replaceable battery, and access to Apple's widely supported Find My network. Read on to learn more about other top Bluetooth trackers you can buy.Also: How to find out if an AirTag is tracking you Sort by All The best Bluetooth trackers of 2025 Show less The Apple AirTag only works with Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, but it does so seamlessly and effectively. Using its built-in U1 ultra-wideband chip (for Precision Finding) and Apple's extensive Find My network, this coin-sized tracker can find anything it's attached to, including keys, wallets, and bags.Also: Apple AirTag reviewWhen locating an item, open the Find My app on any Apple device and select the appropriate tag. The AirTag will then beep, which helps you find a missing item if it's nearby. Though slim enough to fit in pockets and bags, the AirTag lacks a built-in loop, so you can't attach it easily to keychains or other items. This is a common complaint among buyers since the lack of a loop necessitates buying a separate AirTag holder for some use cases. For example, I've bought wristbands for my kids to wear their AirTags at the park and keychain holders for my car keys.The AirTag's battery is rated to last one year and can be replaced with another CR2032 unit afterward. One sells for $29; a  is typically priced at $99. However, the four-pack is often deeply discounted as part of limited-time deals. Apple AirTag Features: Price: $29 Battery life: Over a year | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, Find My Network  Pros Precision tracking Find My network is dependable Replaceable battery Cons Designed only for Apple users (not for Android phones) Accessory required to attach to certain items Easily scratched The Apple AirTag only works with Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, but it does so seamlessly and effectively. Using its built-in U1 ultra-wideband chip (for Precision Finding) and Apple's extensive Find My network, this coin-sized tracker can find anything it's attached to, including keys, wallets, and bags.Also: Apple AirTag reviewWhen locating an item, open the Find My app on any Apple device and select the appropriate tag. The AirTag will then beep, which helps you find a missing item if it's nearby. Though slim enough to fit in pockets and bags, the AirTag lacks a built-in loop, so you can't attach it easily to keychains or other items. This is a common complaint among buyers since the lack of a loop necessitates buying a separate AirTag holder for some use cases. For example, I've bought wristbands for my kids to wear their AirTags at the park and keychain holders for my car keys.The AirTag's battery is rated to last one year and can be replaced with another CR2032 unit afterward. One sells for $29; a  is typically priced at $99. However, the four-pack is often deeply discounted as part of limited-time deals. Apple AirTag Features: Price: $29 Battery life: Over a year | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, Find My Network  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Apple AirTag had a lead in the Bluetooth tracker market for a few years, thanks to the uniqueness of the Find My network and the combination of ultra-wideband technology. But Google is finally catching up to the AirTag system by launching the Find My Device network for the Android ecosystem. The Chipolo One Point is a key player, and the best Android version of an AirTag money can buy. This tracker is a keyfob-sized device similar to a Tile that costs $26 and features a user-replaceable CR2032 battery that, like the AirTag, can last up to one year. "If you're an Android user who's been jealous of iPhone users having AirTags, this is your chance to bring that feeling to an end," ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley Hughes said after testing the Chipolo One. "I've tested the finding capability of these Chipolo finders and they are super accurate, with the ability to locate the tags when at a distance -- such as hidden in a plant pot on a street or when stuffed down the back of a couch."Chipolo One Point Features: Price: $22 (limited time deal) | Battery life: Up to one year | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: None | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Google Find My Device Pros Real-time location tracking Replaceable battery Highly reliable Cons Only works with Android Apple AirTag had a lead in the Bluetooth tracker market for a few years, thanks to the uniqueness of the Find My network and the combination of ultra-wideband technology. But Google is finally catching up to the AirTag system by launching the Find My Device network for the Android ecosystem. The Chipolo One Point is a key player, and the best Android version of an AirTag money can buy. This tracker is a keyfob-sized device similar to a Tile that costs $26 and features a user-replaceable CR2032 battery that, like the AirTag, can last up to one year. "If you're an Android user who's been jealous of iPhone users having AirTags, this is your chance to bring that feeling to an end," ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley Hughes said after testing the Chipolo One. "I've tested the finding capability of these Chipolo finders and they are super accurate, with the ability to locate the tags when at a distance -- such as hidden in a plant pot on a street or when stuffed down the back of a couch."Chipolo One Point Features: Price: $22 (limited time deal) | Battery life: Up to one year | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: None | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Google Find My Device Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The SwitchBot Wallet Tracker is a card-shaped Bluetooth tracker that works exclusively with the Apple Find My network. It's the best wallet tracker I've tested thus far, comparable in reliability to the AirTag but with the bonus of being flat so it can easily fit in more places. This wallet tracker has an up to three-year battery life, is inexpensive, at $20 at full price, and is slightly thicker than a coin. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating and a customizable loud alarm, so you can change how it sounds from the SwitchBot app on your phone.Like an AirTag, the SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card lets you know when you've left it behind to prevent loss, and you can use the Find My app on your iPhone to quickly search for it in your surroundings or see a map for its location. You can also use the Tracker Card to ring your iPhone when you can't find it, even if it's on silent mode. SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card Features: Price: $20 | Battery life: Up to three years | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Apple Find My network  Pros Slim design ideal for wallets Alarm feature Apple Find My integration Cons No ultra wideband tracking Battery isn't replaceable Not compatible with Android The SwitchBot Wallet Tracker is a card-shaped Bluetooth tracker that works exclusively with the Apple Find My network. It's the best wallet tracker I've tested thus far, comparable in reliability to the AirTag but with the bonus of being flat so it can easily fit in more places. This wallet tracker has an up to three-year battery life, is inexpensive, at $20 at full price, and is slightly thicker than a coin. It also has an IP67 waterproof rating and a customizable loud alarm, so you can change how it sounds from the SwitchBot app on your phone.Like an AirTag, the SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card lets you know when you've left it behind to prevent loss, and you can use the Find My app on your iPhone to quickly search for it in your surroundings or see a map for its location. You can also use the Tracker Card to ring your iPhone when you can't find it, even if it's on silent mode. SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card Features: Price: $20 | Battery life: Up to three years | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Apple Find My network  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Tile Pro has a greater tracking range (400 feet) than its competitors -- including its sibling, the Tile Mate. This tracker has a loud alarm that makes it easy to locate and an IP67 to protect it from dust, splashes, and rain. For reference, competing trackers like the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag have a range of 200 feet via Bluetooth, half the range of the Tile Pro.Another distinguishing feature of the Tile Pro is its design: It has an elongated shape, more like a key fob than a coin. The size makes sense since it has a larger-than-average speaker for a more discernible alarm and a replaceable CR2032 battery. It also has a hole at the top of the tile, so you can easily attach the tag to your keychain. A Tile Pro tag costs $35, which is well worth the money if you want the most extended tracking range. That said, unreliable charging remains one of Tile Pro users' biggest complaints. The Tile Pro works with the Tile app, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.Tile Pro Features: Price: $35 |  Battery life: Up to one year | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: $8.33 to $16.99 per month | Connectivity: Bluetooth Pros 400 foot range High waterproof rating Compatible with iOS and Android devices Cons No ultra wideband precision tracking Slightly larger than other tags The Tile Pro has a greater tracking range (400 feet) than its competitors -- including its sibling, the Tile Mate. This tracker has a loud alarm that makes it easy to locate and an IP67 to protect it from dust, splashes, and rain. For reference, competing trackers like the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag have a range of 200 feet via Bluetooth, half the range of the Tile Pro.Another distinguishing feature of the Tile Pro is its design: It has an elongated shape, more like a key fob than a coin. The size makes sense since it has a larger-than-average speaker for a more discernible alarm and a replaceable CR2032 battery. It also has a hole at the top of the tile, so you can easily attach the tag to your keychain. A Tile Pro tag costs $35, which is well worth the money if you want the most extended tracking range. That said, unreliable charging remains one of Tile Pro users' biggest complaints. The Tile Pro works with the Tile app, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home.Tile Pro Features: Price: $35 |  Battery life: Up to one year | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: $8.33 to $16.99 per month | Connectivity: Bluetooth Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Samsung Like the Apple AirTag and iPhone, the Samsung SmartTag2 is at its best when paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. The Galaxy SmartTag2 is a formidable Bluetooth tracker with a loudspeaker, a replaceable battery, and a rugged build that can handle a bump or two. Also: The best Samsung phones The SmartTag2 Bluetooth tracker is thinner and slicker than its predecessor, with a bigger keyring and a metal insert inside that provides greater durability. Beyond its new design, the SmartTag 2 increases its battery life to 700 days. It also has a new Power Saving Mode, a new Lost Mode, and an improved Compass View over its prior iteration. Customer reviews are mixed on battery life, but the SmartTag has a replaceable CR2032 battery.Unlike the picks above, the SmartTag2 triggers smart home automation. Press the tag to turn on lights, kickstart air conditioning, or even open the garage door. However, it's only compatible with appliances in the SmartThings ecosystem, which is more limited than the Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home Kit ecosystems.This tracker sells for $30, but we've seen it go for much less, making it a great value buy for Samsung users.Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 features: Price: $30 | Battery life: Up to two years | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS  Pros Doubles as smart home button Integrated speaker Rugged design Cons Only compatible with Galaxy phones Bulky design Like the Apple AirTag and iPhone, the Samsung SmartTag2 is at its best when paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. The Galaxy SmartTag2 is a formidable Bluetooth tracker with a loudspeaker, a replaceable battery, and a rugged build that can handle a bump or two. Also: The best Samsung phones The SmartTag2 Bluetooth tracker is thinner and slicker than its predecessor, with a bigger keyring and a metal insert inside that provides greater durability. Beyond its new design, the SmartTag 2 increases its battery life to 700 days. It also has a new Power Saving Mode, a new Lost Mode, and an improved Compass View over its prior iteration. Customer reviews are mixed on battery life, but the SmartTag has a replaceable CR2032 battery.Unlike the picks above, the SmartTag2 triggers smart home automation. Press the tag to turn on lights, kickstart air conditioning, or even open the garage door. However, it's only compatible with appliances in the SmartThings ecosystem, which is more limited than the Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home Kit ecosystems.This tracker sells for $30, but we've seen it go for much less, making it a great value buy for Samsung users.Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 features: Price: $30 | Battery life: Up to two years | Real-time tracking: Yes | Monthly cost: Free | Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS  Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the tariffs in the U.S.?The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Accessories like Bluetooth trackers, which are predominantly manufactured in these regions, are now subject to tariffs as high as 54% on Chinese imports and 46% on Vietnamese goods. As a result, consumers may see price increases of approximately 20% on these items. Manufacturers are exploring options like relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such shifts are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for accessories due to these trade policies.What is the best Bluetooth tracker? The Apple AirTag is the best Bluetooth tracker for its Precision Finding, long battery life, and access to the dependable Apple's Find My Network feature. We chose other great options to fit a variety of needs. The Tile Pro's 500-foot range is fantastic if you want a long-distance tracker. Meanwhile, the Chipolo One is perfect if you're an Android user looking for a reliable tracker. This table can help you compare the best Bluetooth trackers based on pricing and special features:Bluetooth trackersZDNET's takePriceSpecial featuresApple AirTagBest overall$29Precision Finding, one-year battery lifeChipolo One PointBest for Android users$24Google Find My Device, splashproofSwitchBot Wallet Tracker CardBest for wallets$20Compact size fits in most wallets, up to three-year batteryTile ProBest for long-distance tracking$35Always-on connectivity, 500 foot rangeSamsung Galaxy SmartTag2Best for Samsung users$30Compatible with smart home devices, scratch-resistant design*Price at time of writing. Please note that prices vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts. Show more Which Bluetooth tracker is right for you? The main factor you should consider when shopping for a Bluetooth tracker is compatibility—the AirTag and SwitchBot Wallet Tracker Card, for example, only function with Apple devices. For more versatility, we'd recommend looking into Tile's Bluetooth offerings.It also helps to know what you're tracking. Coin-shaped trackers will work for keys and smaller items. For larger belongings such as wallets and passports, consider card-shaped options.Choose this Bluetooth tracker...If you want…Apple AirTagBest overall for precise location tracking and a battery that'll last a year.Chipolo One PointThe perfect tracker for Android devices with a replaceable battery.SwitchBot Wallet Tracker CardA thin Apple-integrated tracker for your wallet.Tile ProLong-distance tracking with a range of 500 feet and a loud alarm.Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2A Samsung-compatible tracker that can double as a smart home button. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a Bluetooth tracker The best picks tick all four boxes and then some. They're also distinguished by unique selling points that make each ideal for specific uses. If you want a Bluetooth tracker on your pet's collar or need one that works with your Samsung ecosystem, look for models that support these features. When selecting the best Bluetooth trackers, we considered the following key factors. Precision: Consider how accurate and consistent the device is at finding our items, whether they were close by or far away. Battery life: What's the point in investing in a Bluetooth tracker when it can die on you during an essential time? Within the list, we considered battery life and noted each device's durability so you can confidently make your pick.  Speaker volume: Nothing is worse than knowing an object is nearby, but you can't locate it. This is where the speaker volume comes in: If a tracker's volume is too low, you won't be able to find your device. If a tracker has a loud volume, you can at least hear it beeping so you can follow the sound. Tracking range: Bluetooth devices like these trackers rely on signal strength (RSSI) to estimate the device's locations or items. We considered the range to determine how reliable these devices can be in a time of need.  Show more How we test Bluetooth trackers At ZDNET, we follow a comprehensive testing method to evaluate Bluetooth trackers and provide insights into their performance and reliability to help buyers choose the best one for their circumstances.We test Bluetooth trackers by noting the entire experience, from unboxing and setup to features and performance. This involves evaluating whether the location tracking for a Bluetooth tracker is accurate when compared to its actual location, monitoring signal strength when trying to find a tracker, and assessing how reliably it connects and reconnects to your main device, which is commonly a smartphone.During testing, we also evaluate the maximum signal range, the app experience, and the effectiveness of proximity alerts, measure the battery life, perform drop tests, and test how each Bluetooth tracker performs in areas with a lot of Bluetooth interference.  Show more What if my Bluetooth tracker runs out of battery? Most Bluetooth trackers have batteries you can swap or recharge. If a tracker lacks a replaceable battery, its manufacturer often incentivizes trade-ins with discounts. Many batteries last between one and two years. Your manufacturer will provide this information in the owner's manual and on its website so you can plan when to replace it.  Show more How do Bluetooth trackers work? A Bluetooth tracker either attaches to a personal item (think wallet, backpack, even belt) or can simply reside inside that item. Next, you enable location tracking by connecting the tracker via the manufacturer's app. This way you can have a visual of your item's location. Bluetooth trackers have a limited range, with an average of 200 to 300 feet, and you must be within the signal range to receive accurate information. Some items, such as Wi-Fi speakers, might interfere with the signal, so use the devices in an area with less potential interference so you can receive the strongest signal.  Show more What Bluetooth tracker has the longest range? Both the Tile Pro and the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 claim a maximum range of around 400 feett, which is longer than Chipolo's tag which claims 200 feet. Show more Are there alternative Bluetooth trackers worth considering? The Bluetooth trackers above are my top five recommendations, but the following devices can also keep your belongings in check: Show more Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

AVERY ISLAND, LA - AUGUST 21: Algae covers a pond in a wildlife refuge on Avery Island, home of the ... More Tabasco hot sauce factory, on August 21, 2019 in Avery Island, Louisiana. Avery Island, a dome of salt surrounded by marshes near the southern Louisiana coast, is where the iconic Tabasco sauce has been made for the past 150 years. Like much of southern Louisiana, coastal marshland around Avery Island is disappearing at a rapid pace and the island is losing about 30 feet of surrounding protective marshland per year. As land gradually retreats from the area, the island becomes more susceptible to flooding from severe storms. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)Getty Images Climate change and water: paradox and opportunity Water is both a victim and a driver of climate change, intricately linked to our survival. Understanding this complex relationship is crucial to protecting livelihoods and infrastructure in a warming planet. Water's role in global warming Water vapor, the most abundant greenhouse gas (GHG) on earth, amplifies the greenhouse effect. GHGs like carbon trigger global warming, which warms the air and allows it to hold more water vapor. Increased evaporation from water bodies leads to higher concentrations of water vapor in the atmosphere, absorbing more heat and radiating it back to Earth’s surface, causing further warming. Water can double the warming effect of CO₂ emissions, despite being more short-lived compared to other GHGs. Adding more complexity, polluted water bodies also release methane and nitrous oxide, turning carbon sinks into emission sources. So while water itself does not have the same role in global warming as other GHG’s, it’s a key player and facilitator in the process. The paradox - scarcity and abundance Much of the planet will experience climate change in some way due to water scarcity or abundance. In some cases we will have too much water, while in other cases we will have far too little. The impacts of this seeming paradox are just beginning to play out, often with dire consequences. For instance, Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital and home to over 10 million people, is sinking. Parts of it could be entirely submerged by 2050. A mixture of climate change-related sea level rise, significant groundwater extraction and the natural consolidation of sediments in the ground all contribute to the city’s sinking. And the situation has deteriorated to the point that the government is moving the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara. A similar phenomenon will play out globally. According to the United Nations, rising sea levels could threaten the livelihoods of one in ten inhabitants on the planet, namely those residing in low lying coastal areas. Melting glaciers as well as thermal expansion of seawater, also due to global warming, are leading to disruption, damage and in some cases complete erasure of coast areas. Yet, scarcity, and in some cases the complete absence of water, is how many others will experience climate change. For example, roughly half of the world’s population currently faces severe water scarcity, which can destabilize communities and contribute to economic and social upheaval. There is a growing list of global conflicts that are in some way linked to water scarcity, with the Syrian conflict being one of the most recent. Beyond its destabilizing effects, scarcity can also damage local ecosystems and water management systems - e.g. droughts can concentrate pollutants in water, raising treatment costs and reducing water quality in the process. Innovations in water technology are critical to addressing both scarcity and abundance We have a wide range of innovations and methodologies, both human and nature-made, hard infrastructure and software, to help in addressing water challenges. There are needs across the board - the production of potable water, management of water supplies, safeguarding of water infrastructure, as well as distribution and utilization of it in important agricultural, energy and manufacturing processes, among others. Use cases for digital and data-driven tools abound. In the real estate sector, for instance, IoT can help in monitoring and managing water leaks and temperatures, minimizing waste and maintaining quality. AI can also help with energy management in wastewater treatment plants, while sensors can monitor groundwater levels and gauge infrastructure upkeep needs. To address flooding and sea-level rise Google’s Flood Hub uses machine learning to provide real-time as well as predictive flood forecasts across 1,800 sites in 80+ countries. Similarly, drones and satellite imaging can also anticipate floods, facilitating evacuations and infrastructure adjustments in the process. Hardware and infrastructure-based solutions are critical as well. For instance, cities are testing modular flood barriers that can outperform concrete walls, as well as portable water-filled barriers that serve as temporary walls during floods. There are self-elevating homes as well as sensor-equipped sea walls that adjust their height based on water levels. Similarly, there are also innovative urban planning techniques. Cities in China and the Netherlands are experimenting with “sponge cities”: urban designs with permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens that absorb stormwater and reduce runoff. Nature itself has a large range of tools in its toolkit as well. For example, restoring wetlands, forests, and river basins can enhance water retention and filtration. To that end, some coastal areas are restoring their wetlands by using mangroves and dunes as nature-made barriers. Flood mapping with LiDAR and GIS can identify high-risk areas, guiding development away from vulnerable zones while rolling easements allow wetlands to migrate inland as seas rise. From stilt homes to pump stations, dry and wet floodproofing, governments and policymakers are exploring a range of ways to build more flood resilient structures. Last but not least, to address scarcity issues, numerous technologies and approaches including atmospheric water generation, membrane filtration and reverse osmosis, advanced oxidation processes and fog and dew harvesting with advanced materials, among others, have come to the fore. This mixture of deep-tech hardware, big data and software, urban design, social policy and regulatory solutions are just a sampling of where and how groups are innovating around water. Low investment in water to date And while the suite of solutions is significant, investment into the sector is minimal. For starters, public sector investment dominates. The vast majority of funding for water comes from the government and less than 2% comes from private investors. According to the Climate Policy Initiative’s 2023 report, less than 15% of public climate finance was directed to agriculture, forestry, other land use, water, and wastewater combined. Water has an even smaller representation in climate tech venture capital. In 2023, water tech accounted for less than 3% of the $48 billion raised for climate tech globally. While the population of funds and accelerators specializing in water is small relative to those focusing on other verticals within climate technology, there are notable examples: investors like PureTerra Ventures, Water Equity, Aqualateral, Cimbria Capital, Burnt Island Ventures and The Future of Water Fund, to name several. There are also corporate investors like Xylem Innovation Labs, and specialized accelerators like Imagine H2O. These entities can provide unique insight into how investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers alike can navigate the barriers in this critical sector. A range of policy, infrastructure and business models challenges, often playing out at the local level, have held back investment. For example, water infrastructure in many geographies needs updating. The bill for these repairs and replacements is enormous, needing trillions globally by 2030. This aging infrastructure could limit or obscure the use cases of some emerging water technologies. Beyond physical infrastructure risk, the legal environment surrounding water can vary highly across geographies. For example, regulations and operations of water utilities companies themselves, can differ between cities, states and regions. Without knowing how to navigate local policymaking and procurement processes, new technologies could struggle to find piloting opportunities and longterm footholds in the market. Moreover, utilities companies could have low risk tolerance given how essential clean and efficient water systems are. In other words, a lack of sanitary and dependable water systems can jeopardize lives which may deter utilities from partnering with water technology startups, no matter how innovative and cost-effective their solution may be. Lower risk tolerance can lead to slow or no solution adoption, which can create risk in investors’ eyes.These challenges can lead to long sales cycles and procurement barriers, regulatory risks and in some cases even the undervaluation of water as a resource. Charting a Resilient Water Future The global water crisis requires a holistic, ecosystem-wide strategy. While increased capital investment is crucial, it must be coupled with infrastructure modernization, forward-thinking policy frameworks, and specialized talent capable of navigating the complex regulatory landscape. Overcoming these systemic hurdles – aging infrastructure, regulatory fragmentation, and risk aversion – is paramount to unlocking greater investment and fostering technological innovation in the water sector. Building resilience goes beyond technology alone, requiring integrated safeguards against rising sea levels, alongside proactive adaptation measures for floods and droughts, and robust mitigation strategies encompassing carbon sequestration and emissions reduction within water systems. Success hinges on deep, localized expertise. Understanding regional industry nuances and navigating unpredictable sales cycles are as critical as technological advancement. By embracing this comprehensive approach, we can forge a resilient water future that safeguards communities, economies, and ecosystems alike.

What just happened? Industry watchers have been closely monitoring signs of rising prices in consumer technology. Thanks to research by YouTuber Cameron Dougherty, we now have clear evidence of price increases in popular PC accessories. Dougherty has done the legwork by analyzing a broad range of Logitech products, reporting price hikes of up to 25 percent on some of the company's most sought-after keyboards and mice, among other items. In his video, Dougherty raises questions about the impact of ongoing tariffs and the future affordability of tech gear in the United States. Flagship products such as the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse and the K400 Plus Wireless Touch Keyboard were among those affected. The latter increased in price from $27.99 to $34.99 – a modest $7 jump that nonetheless represents a significant 25 percent rise. Dougherty's findings also note that while some products have become more expensive, others have remained stable or even dropped in price. For instance, the G Pro X Superlight mouse dropped from $159.99 to $149.99. To verify these claims, Tom's Hardware conducted its own investigation and corroborated several of Dougherty's observations. For example, the MX Keys S keyboard is now listed at $130 on Logitech's official website, reflecting an 18 percent increase. The MX Master 3S mouse has climbed 20 percent, from $100 to $120. The K400 Plus Wireless Touch keyboard's price hike, though smaller in absolute terms, stands out for its percentage jump. Notably, these increases have not been accompanied by any public announcement from Logitech. Some items have appeared on sale at major retailers like Amazon, but the discounted prices are still higher than historical norms, suggesting a new baseline has been established. The reasons behind these changes are complex but appear to be closely tied to the turbulent tariff environment. The Trump administration's tariffs on imported goods, especially those from China, have sent ripples through the tech industry. // Related Stories Many manufacturers, including Logitech, rely heavily on Chinese production, leaving them particularly vulnerable to these policy shifts. Earlier this month, Logitech withdrew its financial forecast for the upcoming fiscal year, explicitly citing ongoing uncertainty around tariffs as a driving factor. While some tariffs have been temporarily paused, those on Chinese imports remain steep, forcing companies to navigate a landscape of unpredictable costs and supply chain disruptions. Logitech is not alone in adjusting its pricing. Other brands, such as accessory maker Anker which is based in China, have also raised prices on products like chargers, with reported increases of around 18 percent. Industry experts caution that these adjustments may not be the last, as manufacturers continue to adapt to evolving trade policies and the potential for further escalation in the U.S.-China trade dispute.

Table of Contents Table of Contents AI is already mainstream in filmmaking Generate with AI, fight for the Oscars? How far is too far for the Oscars? In 2024, Hollywood was roiled by protests led by the SAG-AFTRA union, fighting for fair rights over their physical and voice identities in the age of AI. A deal was inked late last year to ensure that artists are fairly compensated, but the underlying current was obvious.  AI in films is here to stay.  Recommended Videos If there was any lingering doubt about the future of AI in Hollywood, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has just confirmed it. The body behind the prestigious Oscars honors says it is okay with the usage of generative AI in films.  Related “With regard to Generative Artificial Intelligence and other digital tools used in the making of the film, the tools neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination,” the body said. In a nutshell, the final product is what matters. Now, focus on the word “generative AI,” and not the colloquial term AI. Hollywood has been using AI tools for a while now. Filmmakers are using tools such as Axle AI for tasks like face recognition, scene detection, and transcription.  Richard Harbaugh / The Academy Magisto relies on Emotion Sense technology for video editing. Then we have AI software such as Strada AI, which assists with file organization and remote editing. DJI’s AI-powered autofocus system has also been used for tighter focus locking in projects such as Alex Garland’s Civil War.  Twelve Labs offers a powerful tool for scene identification, while Luma AI helps with scene rendering in 3D space. These are just software tools that deploy AI for technical tasks. More importantly, these tools are not necessarily generating the fundamental content that defines a film, such as visual scenery and voices.  Generative AI is a subset of AI tools that creates content. Think of a chatbot like Gemini or ChatGPT writing a whole script for you. Google’s Imagen or Midjourney making images from a text prompt. Or next-gen tools such as OpenAI’s Sora or Google’s Veo creating photorealistic or cinematic clips. That’s where the problems begin. AI-generated videos mean a human artist, or two, lose their job. The same applies to voice generation and dubbing, both of which can now be experienced and generated in an eerily human likeness. Etienne Laurent / The Academy There is already plenty of precedent for that. Marvel got some sweet backlash for using AI visuals in the opening credits of its Secret Invasion TV show. The Runaway AI engine was deployed in the blockbuster that was Everything Everywhere All at Once. But just how far can the input of generative AI go before it is flagged or disqualified from the Oscars race? Well, there is no hard rule on it, and the language used by the Academy is also pretty vague. “The Academy and each branch will judge the achievement, taking into account the degree to which a human was at the heart of the creative authorship when choosing which movie to award,” says the institution.  In a nutshell, it’s up to the human voters to decide the artistic merit of a film. That would also mean personal biases about the role of generative AI content in a film will also seep into their voting process.  ABC But hey, multiple Academy Award winner James Cameron now serves on the board of directors of artificial intelligence (AI) firm, StabilityAI. One of the biggest names in the generative AI race, the company is also at the center of blockbuster copyright lawsuits against Getty and human artists.  But the AI juggernaut in the entertainment industry is not stopping. The use of generative AI tools has also increased in the games industry after the landmark union protests last year, and the likes of Microsoft are even making tools to put AI assets into games. Would you want to play an AI-created game? That’s up for debate. Should the Academy keep the art of film-making pristine from a tool that is notorious for unfair and unethical usage of human content for training? That fate has been sealed, it seems.  Editors’ Recommendations

Jeremy Jordan and Lizzy McAlpine star in the first Broadway production of Adam Guettel and Tina Landau’s stirring, beautifully scored 1996 show about a man who gets trapped underground and becomes a national sensation.

Signalgate continues White House plagued by Signal controversy as Pentagon in “full-blown meltdown” Trump insists defense secretary who shared secrets on Signal “doing a great job.” Ashley Belanger – Apr 21, 2025 3:08 pm | 66 Military veterans and family members of active-duty troops gather in the Loop to call for the resignation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Credit: Scott Olson / Staff | Getty Images News Military veterans and family members of active-duty troops gather in the Loop to call for the resignation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 27, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Credit: Scott Olson / Staff | Getty Images News Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more It's possible that the White House may be looking to replace Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after critics warned that a pair of controversial Signal chats risked compromising US national security. In March, it was revealed that Hegseth accidentally texted secret bombing plans in a Signal chat that included a reporter, raising alarms about his handling of sensitive military information. And then this weekend, The New York Times revealed that he similarly shared the attack plans, just minutes after learning of them, in a personal Signal chat that included his wife and brother. That second revelation sparked a "full-blown meltdown" at the Pentagon, The Guardian reported, apparently prompting the Trump administration to begin "the process of looking for a new secretary of defense," a US official granted anonymity told NPR Monday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed NPR's report was "fake news," writing on X that NPR's source "clearly has no idea what they are talking about." On Monday, Trump defended Hegseth's Signal use, insisting that the defense secretary is "doing a great job," NBC News reported. Critics have urged Trump to take Hegseth's unauthorized Signal use seriously, warning that sharing confidential military information puts US operations and personnel at risk. On Sunday, former chief Pentagon spokesperson, John Ullyot, warned in a Politico op-ed that Hegseth's sloppy Signal use had caused "a near collapse inside the Pentagon’s top ranks." Perhaps hoping to appeal to Trump's ego, Ullyot warned that Hegseth's scandal has been a "major distraction" and declared that Trump—who "has a strong record of holding his top officials to account"—"deserves better." "Given that, it’s hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer," Ullyot forecasted. According to NPR—which has been the target of Trump threats to rescind funding—four of Hegseth's senior advisors abruptly quit after The Times report was published. "They have all released public statements suggesting infighting within the department of defense," NPR reported. But Trump and Hegseth are presenting a united front against the public backlash. Trump confirmed that he considers any discussion of Hegseth's chats a "waste of time," The New York Times reported. And on Sunday, Hegseth told reporters gathered for a White House Easter event that he and Trump are "on the same page all the way." Hegseth labeled The Times' latest report as a "hit piece." Citing four people familiar with his family Signal chat, NYT report noted that Hegseth updated both Signal groups about the attack plans at about the same time, and these "were among the first big military strikes of Mr. Hegseth’s tenure." The implication is that if the media hadn't outed the Signal use, perhaps Hegseth may have continued risking leaks of confidential military information. And although he and Trump hope the backlash will die down soon, his inclusion of his wife and brother on the second chat likely raises additional flags and "is sure to raise further questions about his adherence to security protocols," the NYT suggested. Sean Parnell, the chief Pentagon spokesperson, joined the White House in pushing back against reports, claiming the NYT's sources are "disgruntled" former employees and insisting on X that "there was no classified information in any Signal chat." According to The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, who was accidentally copied on the initial Signal chat that sparked the backlash, Hegseth shared "precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing" two hours before the attack. Ashley Belanger Senior Policy Reporter Ashley Belanger Senior Policy Reporter Ashley is a senior policy reporter for Ars Technica, dedicated to tracking social impacts of emerging policies and new technologies. She is a Chicago-based journalist with 20 years of experience. 66 Comments

Several economists have said the odds of the US entering a recession in 2025 have increased. Spencer Platt/Getty Images 2025-04-22T01:20:15Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Economists are increasingly warning that a US recession could be near. Tariffs on China and a universal 10% tariff have raised concerns about economic impacts. Economic experts predict potential stagflation and a significant slowdown in the US. If you feel like the US economy has been in a will-they-won't-they phase with a potential recession for far too long, you're not wrong.While the dreaded R-word has been looming over the economy for years, one top economist said this week that the risk of a recession has climbed to 90%. The last time the US was in a recession was in 2020, during the pandemic.A recession, or a significant downturn in economic activity that lasts more than a few months, is typically defined as two consecutive quarters of negative Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. Negative GDP means the total value of goods and services produced is declining — in other words, the economy is shrinking.Common recession indicators include a decline in GDP, a decline in real income, and a rise in unemployment.President Donald Trump said China faces tariffs of up to 245%, and his administration has also imposed a widely applied 10% tariff. The announcements have fueled new concerns about the possibility of a recession, with economists warning about the potential impacts.A first-quarter survey by Bankrate found that top economists believed a recession was becoming more likely. The survey found the odds of a recession occurring in the next 12 months was 36%, up from 26% in the last quarter of 2024 — and that was before Trump ramped up his trade war in April.Here's what leading economists have said lately about the likelihood of a recession.Torsten Sløk, Apollo Global ManagementTorsten Sløk is the top economist at Apollo Global Management, an asset-management firm based in New York. Sløk said in a note to Apollo clients over the weekend that there was now a 90% chance of the US entering into a "Voluntary Trade Reset Recession.""Tariffs have been implemented in a way that has not been effective," Sløk said. "Small businesses that have for decades relied on a stable US system will have to adjust immediately and do not have the working capital to pay tariffs. Expect ships to sit offshore, orders to be canceled, and well-run generational retailers to file for bankruptcy."Sløk gave several reasons why a downturn for small businesses could have a large impact on the economy, including that they account for most American jobs and more capital expenditures, or investments in the economy, than large-cap firms."The bottom line: if the current level of tariffs continues, a sharp slowdown in the US economy is coming," he said. Adam Posen, Peterson Institute for International EconomicsAdam Posen, economist and president of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington D.C.-based think tank, said last week that rising inflation was inevitable and there was a high chance of a recession as a result.Posen said there was a 65% chance of the US economy sliding into a recession and that it could enter dreaded stagflation territory, in which inflation is persistent and growth is slow.He also said the government seems unprepared to respond to the inflation he anticipates, and that the Fed has been "too loose" with monetary policy."If we get inflation, the Fed will be behind the curve," he said.Bill Dudley, former president of the New York Federal Reserve BankBill Dudley, economist and former president of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, said earlier this month that stagflation could be the "best-case scenario" for the US economy.In an op-ed for Bloomberg, Dudley said the White House's tariff policy could lead to 5% inflation in the next six months."If companies pass along the cost of higher imports to consumers, inflation will be more persistent and the Fed less friendly. If they can't, profit margins will shrink and earnings will underwhelm," he wrote.""All told, stagflation is the optimistic scenario. More likely, the US will end up in a full-blown recession accompanied by higher inflation," he continued.Bruce Kasman, J.P. MorganJ.P. Morgan said in a note last week that the bank believes the likelihood of the US entering a recession in 2025 was 60%."Even with the latest step-back from the draconian Liberation Day measures, what remains is still enough to push the US and China — and thus likely the global economy — into a recession this year," Bruce Kasman, chief global economist at J.P. Morgan, said.The note said the high tariff on China alongside the universal 10% tariff increased the average US tariff rate to 30% and that it amounted to $1 trillion, or 3% of GDP, "making it the largest tax increase on US households and businesses since World War II.""What remains is still enough to push the US and China — and thus likely the global economy — into a recession this year," Kasman said, adding, "Another important concern is that sustained restrictive trade policies and reduced immigration flow may impose lasting supply costs, which will lower US growth over the long run."But the US could still avoid a recession, some sayStrategists at Wells Fargo said earlier this month there were some key signs that the US could avoid a recession in 2025.While the bank lowered its GDP growth expectations, it said some economic pullback could be a correction from a strong 2024."Key economic supports remain intact, in our view, and can limit the slowdown," the strategists wrote. "We see fertile ground for a moderate second-half growth recovery."Four positive signs included steady income growth, an increase in household wealth, long-term interest rates being down, and that financial markets remain liquid.John Stoltzfus, the chief investment strategist at Oppenheimer, a New York-based investment bank, lowered his S&P 500 performance expectations but said he thinks the US will still avoid a downturn."When the tariffs were introduced, it all looked a lot harsher than we had expected," Stoltzfus recently told Business Insider's James Faris.But Stoltzfus said he does not think the US is heading toward a recession, and pointed out that recession warnings in recent years have been wrong.Stoltzfus, who is generally more bullish on stocks and the economy, said he thinks financial markets are wrong about Trump's trade policy."We don't think it's an end of globalization," he said. "We think the endpoint of this is just re-globalization with benefits for both developed and emerging markets outside of the US, to pick up some of the business that has been dedicated to China for so many years." Recommended video

If you watched Sinners this past weekend and haven’t been able to get the visuals and the music out of your mind, you might want to check out the official soundtrack and playlist on Spotify. Not only is the whole soundtrack with performances by newcomer Miles Caton, who plays Preacher Boy, a featured option but there’s also the score from director Ryan Coogler’s frequent collaborator Ludwig Göransson, and a curation of blues music the duo cite as touchstones for the film. If you mess around with some of the songs, however, you’ll uncover that the tracks which list “Sinners Movie” lead to a clickable profile for the film under artists. Once there if you scroll down to the bio area it will read, “There are legends of people born with the gift of making music so true it can pierce the veil between life and death, conjuring spirits from the past and the future. In ancient Ireland, they were called Filí. In Choctaw land they called them Firekeepers. And in West Africa they’re called Griots. This gift can bring healing to their communities, but it also attracts evil.” Which is how the film opens, introducing its thematic through line about how music represents the call the vampires flock to. Keen-eyed fans will notice the main image on top of that is the wood carving art from the film depicting Preacher Boy—and then if you click that, it will open up a scrollable carousel of clippings. The first few are more wooden carvings but past those you’ll find newspaper Easter eggs we’ve collected below, along with the carving imagery. As a fan of interactive movie menus having a trail to more in-universe fun (think the viral campaign from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy), this was really fun to dig into. The newspaper clippings give us background on how Smoke and Stack’s hustle to steal the booze from the rival Italian and Irish mobs gave way to fighting among them while the twins got off scot-free—that is, until the vampire’s came a-calling. There’s also a paper story that is dated even earlier where an Irish ship was found to be the scene of a bloody crime, which is how we can figure Remmick (the film’s main vampire) arrived in America. We hope there’s more like this coming up for the film’s release and maybe even some Halloween experiential haunt action. © Warner Bros. © Warner Bros. © Warner Bros. © Warner Bros. © Warner Bros. © Warner Bros. © Warner Bros. © Warner Bros. And here’s the link to the playlist on Spotify, which as an added bonus features a new song from frequent songstress Hailee Steinfeld too: Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Skywatchers could receive a bit of cosmic positivity if they look up shortly before dawn on April 25. At around 5:30 AM EST, Venus, Saturn, and the moon will briefly align during a rare triple conjunction to resemble a smiley face when viewed from Earth. The trio will offer its grin for about an hour near the eastern horizon before the sun begins to rise. “Anyone wanting to try for a glimpse of the conjunction should find a clear eastern horizon from which to observe,” NASA Solar System Ambassador Brenda Culbertson told local Kansas TV station KSNT. According to Culbertson, Venus will be the higher of the two “eyes” while Saturn will be the lower, and the thin, crescent moon grin will appear slightly lower and farther north. The smile will be visible to the naked eye, although a backyard telescope or pair of binoculars should allow you to get a better look at the moon’s details. Mercury may also appear below the triple conjunction depending on your location, although for many it will remain out of sight below the horizon. Unlike other regional sky events such as a total eclipse, the upcoming triple conjunction should also be visible to just about anyone in the world.The smiling face is scheduled to appear only a few days after the peaks of the Lyrid meteor shower. Although ongoing, the shower will reach its peak between 10:30 PM and 5:00 AM local time from April 21-22. Night owl observers could see as many as 15 meteors per hour under sufficiently dark skies. The post Rare ‘smiley face’ will light up the night sky on April 25 appeared first on Popular Science.