A major state-sponsored cyber incident that targeted the United States Department of the Treasury in the weeks prior to Christmas 2024 appears to have begun as the result of a compromise at a third-party tech support supplier, serving as a warning on the precarious security and vulnerable nature of technology supply chains for IT firms and their customers alike.The cyber attack was allegedly the work of an undisclosed China-backed advanced persistent threat (APT) actor and, according to The Washington Post, it targeted among other things the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a department of the Treasury that administers and enforces foreign sanctions against individuals, organisations and countries.Due to its involvement in sanctions and enforcement actions against malicious cyber actors it has played a key role in multinational operations against financially motivated ransomware gangs OFAC presents a very obvious target for threat actors.In a letter to senators Sherrod Brown and Tim Scott, who sit on the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs a copy of which has been reviewed by Computer Weekly Treasury assistant secretary for management, Aditi Hardikar, confirmed the department was notified by a third-party software services provider that it had been compromised on 8 December 2024.The organisation in question, BeyondTrust, said the APT gained access to a key that it was using to secure a cloud-based remote tech support service.With access to the stolen key, the threat actor was able override the services security, remotely access certain Treasury DO user workstations, and access certain unclassified documents maintained by those users, wrote Hardikar.Treasury has been working with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Intelligence Community, and third-party forensic investigators to fully characterise the incident and determine its overall impact.Based on available indicators, the incident has been attributed to a China state-sponsored APT actor. The compromised BeyondTrust service has been taken offline and at this time there is no evidence indicating the threat actor has continued access to Treasury information, wrote Hardikar.The Chinese authorities have denied the Americans allegations, with a spokesperson for Beijings embassy in Washington DC describing them as irrational and part of a smear campaign.The tech firm at the centre of the incident, BeyondTrust, is a US-based supplier with roots dating back to the mid-1980s. It specialises in privileged identity management and privileged access management (PIM/PAM), privileged remoter access and vulnerability management services. It claims more than 20,000 customers in 100 countries, including the likes of tech firms such as Axians and ServiceNow.It is also particularly well-used in the public sector, with multiple customers in local government, healthcare and utilities, including a number of NHS bodies in the UK.In a statement posted to its website, BeyondTrust said it identified an incident impacting a limited number of Remote Support SaaS customers that arose through the compromise of an application programming interface (API) key. It revoked the key immediately on concluding a root cause analysis into a remote support SaaS technical issue on 5 December 2024, and began notifying affected users, including the Treasury.It has since identified two specific vulnerabilities within the Remote Support and Privileged Remote Access product lines one of critical severity and one of medium severity. These have been assigned designations CVE-2024-12356 and CVE-2024-12686 respectively. Both have been patched for both cloud-hosted and on-prem versions as of 18 December 2024.According to BeyondTrust, the issues are both command injection vulnerabilities that, successfully exploited, enable an unauthenticated remote attacker to execute operating system commands in the context of the site user.A BeyondTrust spokesperson told Computer Weekly: BeyondTrust previously identified and took measures to address a security incident in early December 2024 that involved the Remote Support product. BeyondTrust notified the limited number of customers who were involved, and it has been working to support those customers since then. No other BeyondTrust products were involved. Law enforcement was notified and BeyondTrust has been supporting the investigative efforts.With this incident, BeyondTrust unfortunately becomes the latest in a long-line of cyber security specialists to find themselves making headlines after the compromise of products and solutions designed to keep end-users safe.Avishai Avivi, CISO at SafeBreach, a supplier of breach and attack simulation tools, explained how the breach likely unfolded.BeyondTrust, unironically, provides a secure method for IT support personnel to provide remote support to end users, he said. This method involves establishing a trusted connection between the support person and the end-user.This trusted connection punches through traditional perimeter security controls and gives the support person full access and control over the end-user workstation. Once inside, the support person can send documents back over that secure channel or masquerade as the end-user and send the same documents directly.The security controls protecting the USTreasurynetwork have no way of knowing something nefarious is happening, as the trusted connection is, well, trusted.Was there something that the USTreasurycould have done to prevent this? The sad answer appears to be yes. Again, referring to the technical information BeyondTrust provided, the system administrators at the USTreasury, or the vendor likely to provide support services, failed to configure trusted locations from which the support agents could connect. We refer to this as IP whitelisting [allowlisting].This failure is a critical risk with any such service [and] the same issue led to notable breaches in 2023 and 2024. This oversight is why we urge all service vendors, especially trusted ICT vendors, to follow the CISA Secure-by-Default guidance.Read more about supply chain securitySoftware supply chain security has reached an awkward stage for enterprise IT, as platform and security pros grapple with adding upstream tools to existing workflows.Security trends report from open source firm shows the approaches IT leaders take to secure their software supply chain.Supply chain risks have become more complicated and continue to affect a variety of organisations, but Synopsys Tim Mackey believes AI could help create more secure software.

Whether you're connecting your TV or setting up a gaming console, there is no shortage of HDMI cables to buy. Cords and cables are a dime a dozen, but not all of them provide the support and performance you need. Also: Check out these best gaming consoles for your new HDMI cableWe scoured the market to find the best HDMI cables for your home and work devices, ensuring that the price matches performance. Before you hook up your next electronic device, consider these best HDMI cables to do the job.What is the best HDMI cable right now?If a cable is well made and conforms to the specifications, then that's a good cable, and there's no point in overspending. As such, my top pick goes to AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI cable. It conforms to the relevant HDMI standards, is available in a variety of lengths, performs great, and is well-priced. Read on to discover other great HDMI cables you can buy. Sort by All The best HDMI cables of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon The AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable offers dual HDMI and ethernet connections to support both 3D and 4K video, making it our pick for the best HDMI cable overall. This male-to-male cable measures six feet long and comes with a lifetime warranty for greater peace of mind. It is compatible with a series of devices like laptops, personal computers, and gaming consoles, as well as any projectors you may have in your home or office. It can handle bandwidths up to 18Gbps and is meant for indoor use. AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable tech specs:Cable Type:HDMI, Ethernet |Length:3 ft, 6ft, 10 ft, 15 ft, 25 ft |Type:Male to Male Pros Affordable Fantastic picture Fast shipping Cons Some connectivity issues Users complain about durability The AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable offers dual HDMI and ethernet connections to support both 3D and 4K video, making it our pick for the best HDMI cable overall. This male-to-male cable measures six feet long and comes with a lifetime warranty for greater peace of mind. It is compatible with a series of devices like laptops, personal computers, and gaming consoles, as well as any projectors you may have in your home or office. It can handle bandwidths up to 18Gbps and is meant for indoor use. AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable tech specs:Cable Type:HDMI, Ethernet |Length:3 ft, 6ft, 10 ft, 15 ft, 25 ft |Type:Male to Male Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Belkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed is our pick for the best gaming HDMI cable because it works with various devices. Compatible devices include favorites like PlayStation and Xbox, as well as your laptop and television for your favorite games and movies at lightning speed. There are 48 Gbps compared to the 18 Gbps normally associated with an HDMI cable, offering faster speeds without interruption.Belkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed tech specs:Cable Type:HDMI |Length:0.7 ft. 3.3 ft, 6.6 ft |Type:Male to Male Pros 8K resolution HDMI 2.1 Super-fast speeds Cons On the pricier side Not certified The Belkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed is our pick for the best gaming HDMI cable because it works with various devices. Compatible devices include favorites like PlayStation and Xbox, as well as your laptop and television for your favorite games and movies at lightning speed. There are 48 Gbps compared to the 18 Gbps normally associated with an HDMI cable, offering faster speeds without interruption.Belkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed tech specs:Cable Type:HDMI |Length:0.7 ft. 3.3 ft, 6.6 ft |Type:Male to Male Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The BlueRigger Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable is a micro HDMI cable that comes in various lengths. Choose anywhere from 3 to 15 feet, depending on how you plan to use the cable. It works with several different devices, like projectors, computer monitors, laptops, TVs, tablets, and even your camcorder. It supports 4K with 18 Gbps high speed for an ultra-HD picture that comes with a lifetime warranty.BlueRigger Micro tech specs:Cable Type:Micro HDMI, HDMI |Length:3 ft, 6 ft, 10 ft, 15 ft |Type:Male to Male Pros Excellent compatibility Durable Lifetime warranty Cons Thicker cable No 8K The BlueRigger Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable is a micro HDMI cable that comes in various lengths. Choose anywhere from 3 to 15 feet, depending on how you plan to use the cable. It works with several different devices, like projectors, computer monitors, laptops, TVs, tablets, and even your camcorder. It supports 4K with 18 Gbps high speed for an ultra-HD picture that comes with a lifetime warranty.BlueRigger Micro tech specs:Cable Type:Micro HDMI, HDMI |Length:3 ft, 6 ft, 10 ft, 15 ft |Type:Male to Male Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you are looking for an extra-long cable, we love the Cable Matters HDMI 2.1 cable. As the best HDMI cable for length, you can buy a cord almost 10 feet long, far exceeding the length of most HDMI cables. This cable supports up to 8K displays with 48 Gbps bandwidth for incredible performance. A lifetime warranty is also included.Cable Matters HDMI 2.1 tech specs:Cable Type:HDMI |Length:3.3 ft, 6.6 ft, 9.8 ft |Support:8K Pros Certified HDMI 2.1 compatibility Color-coded cords Cons Limited length Mediocre durability If you are looking for an extra-long cable, we love the Cable Matters HDMI 2.1 cable. As the best HDMI cable for length, you can buy a cord almost 10 feet long, far exceeding the length of most HDMI cables. This cable supports up to 8K displays with 48 Gbps bandwidth for incredible performance. A lifetime warranty is also included.Cable Matters HDMI 2.1 tech specs:Cable Type:HDMI |Length:3.3 ft, 6.6 ft, 9.8 ft |Support:8K Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed is also a long HDMI 2.1 cord, ranging up to 10 feet with a male-to-male connection. However, where it really shines is in its speed, offering ultra-high speed at 48 Gbps for faster performance. It is a bit limited in its connections, but it will still work with both your TV and Xbox.Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed tech specs:Cable Type:HDMI |Length:1.5 ft, 3 ft, 5ft, 6.5 ft, 10 ft |Type:Male to Male Pros Ultra-fast Wide compatibility Braided jacket Cons Lacks lifetime warranty Stiff design The Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed is also a long HDMI 2.1 cord, ranging up to 10 feet with a male-to-male connection. However, where it really shines is in its speed, offering ultra-high speed at 48 Gbps for faster performance. It is a bit limited in its connections, but it will still work with both your TV and Xbox.Zeskit Maya Ultra High Speed tech specs:Cable Type:HDMI |Length:1.5 ft, 3 ft, 5ft, 6.5 ft, 10 ft |Type:Male to Male Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best HDMI cable? The AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable is one of the most versatile and high-performing HDMI cables, making it our pick for the best HDMI cable overall. To see how it stacks up, here is an overview of the best HDMI cables you can buy today.Best HDMI CablePriceLengthAmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable$6.613 ft, 6ft, 10 ft, 15 ft, 25 ftBelkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High Speed$14.990.7 ft. 3.3 ft, 6.6 ftBlueRigger Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable$6.993 ft, 6 ft, 10 ft, 15 ftCable Matters HDMI 2.1$9.993.3 ft, 6.6 ft, 9.8 ftZeskit Maya Ultra High Speed$12.991.5 ft, 3 ft, 5ft, 6.5 ft, 10 ft Show more Which is the right HDMI cable for you? We can help you find the best HDMI cable for your needs with these suggestions.Choose this best HDMI cable...If you want...AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI CableA budget-friendly HDMI cable. This is everything you need -- it conforms to the HDMI standards, works flawlessly, you can get it next day, and the price is excellent.Belkin HDMI 2.1 Ultra High SpeedThe top high-end option. This is for people who want a cable with a premium feel.BlueRigger Micro HDMI to HDMI CableAn HDMI cable for your portable device. Perfect for connecting a camera, tablet or laptop through the Micro HDMI Port to an HDTV or projector.Cable Matters HDMI 2.1An extra-long HDMI cable. Need a 25 foot HDMI cable? No problem!Zeskit Maya Ultra High SpeedAn 8K cable. This one is Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable Certified, and supports 8K60, 4K120 and up to 10K resolution, as well as Dynamic HDR. Show more How did we choose these HDMI cables? When searching for these best HDMI cables, we used several factors to shape our decision, including these. Refresh rate: Look for a higher refresh rate if you plan on regular gaming.Resolution: HDMI cables can range from 4K support to 1080p compatibility, so be sure to check the right resolution for your intended use.Price: Cost is always an important consideration, so we keep budget in mind when searching for the best HDMI cables.User reviews: It's great being able to tap into the experiences of others. This is a great way to judge long-term reliability and durability. Show more FAQs on HDMI cables What is an HDMI cable and how do they work? HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cables are a type of audio-video cable used to connect devices such as TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. They have a small connector on each end -- with 19 pins on one side and a corresponding 19 pins on the other side. These pins align and connect to transmit the audio and video signals from the source device to the display device. HDMI cables also support additional features such as 3D and 4K resolution, and some even support the latest technology like eARC, HDMI 2.1, and HDR. HDMI cables are a widely used and convenient way to connect devices, Show more Do I need an HDMI 2.1 cable? HDMI 2.1 is typically not necessary for general use, but it's often necessary for specific PlayStation and Xbox gaming. An HDMI 2.0 cable is more than sufficient for video streaming and gaming, thanks to 4K 60 Hz support. Show more Should I buy a more expensive HDMI cable? An HDMI cable is a pretty straightforward tool, and they're available from many different manufacturers. That said, we recommend buying one from a reputable retailer like Amazon, Walmart, or Best Buy. Show more How much do the best HDMI cables cost? The best HDMI cables range in cost from less than $8 up to $25, making an affordable addition to your home entertainment or gaming center. Show more Alternative HDMI cables worth considering Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Finding the right tech for your kids is more important than ever. You want devices that can entertain but also educate. And let's face it: you want something that will last. The best kids' tablets strike that perfect balance, offering fun while supporting learning. They're also tough enough to handle everything your kids throw at it. After hands-on testing and parent recommendations, we've rounded out the top tablets to keep your kids safely engaged.Also: The best tablets you can buyWhat is the best kids' tablet right now?The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune to get a decent tablet for your child. You can find a device that offers plenty of educational content, entertainment options, and parental controls like limiting screen time so kids aren't glued to their tech devices. ZDNET's tested pick for the best kids' tablet overall is Apple's iPad, which both parents and parenting experts recommend.Also:The best smartwatches for kids Sort by All Best tablets for kids in 2025 Show less Apple's tried-and-true tablet, the base model iPad, is great for kids. With the 9th generation, you get all of the same features as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but in a lightweight form factor with a 10.2-inch display with True Tone.Although there's a newer iPad model, the 9th generation has pretty much all of the same features and costs less than the 2022 model at $330. (I don't recommend spending $449 for the newer model for your child to use and abuse unless you plan to share it with them.)Early education experts agree that the 9th-gen iPad is kid-friendly and the best option for most people.Troy Portillo, director of operations ofStudypool, an online learning platform for students, said that if you have younger kids in need of a tablet, you can't go wrong with Apple's iPad. According to Troy, "your kid doesn't need the more expensive iPad Air or even the iPad Pro.""You can still get all the great security features that come standard with Apple products and customer support. You can also easily monitor your kid's activity online, limit screen time, and use parental controls for specific apps," Troy said.Parents can control their kids' iPad experience through Apple's Family Sharing feature. This feature lets them limit screen time for specific apps, notifies them if a child is trying to buy an app, and sends reminders for events like family game night.And as a recent Best Buy customer said in their review, "The iPad is so easy to use. The kids love it. There are lots of learning apps and games to play. It's great for in-car entertainment as well."Apple iPad (9th generation) tech specs: Display: 10.2-inch with True Tone|Processor: A13 Bionic chip|Storage: 64GB or 256GB|Biometrics: Touch ID |Colors: Silver and space grey |Cameras: 8MP f/2.4 back, 12MP Ultra Wide f/2.4 front|Weight: 1.08 pounds |Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x .29 inches |Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector |Battery life:Up to 10 hours Pros Solid performance Long battery life Ample app support Apple's Family Sharing Cons Expensive Apple's tried-and-true tablet, the base model iPad, is great for kids. With the 9th generation, you get all of the same features as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but in a lightweight form factor with a 10.2-inch display with True Tone.Although there's a newer iPad model, the 9th generation has pretty much all of the same features and costs less than the 2022 model at $330. (I don't recommend spending $449 for the newer model for your child to use and abuse unless you plan to share it with them.)Early education experts agree that the 9th-gen iPad is kid-friendly and the best option for most people.Troy Portillo, director of operations ofStudypool, an online learning platform for students, said that if you have younger kids in need of a tablet, you can't go wrong with Apple's iPad. According to Troy, "your kid doesn't need the more expensive iPad Air or even the iPad Pro.""You can still get all the great security features that come standard with Apple products and customer support. You can also easily monitor your kid's activity online, limit screen time, and use parental controls for specific apps," Troy said.Parents can control their kids' iPad experience through Apple's Family Sharing feature. This feature lets them limit screen time for specific apps, notifies them if a child is trying to buy an app, and sends reminders for events like family game night.And as a recent Best Buy customer said in their review, "The iPad is so easy to use. The kids love it. There are lots of learning apps and games to play. It's great for in-car entertainment as well."Apple iPad (9th generation) tech specs: Display: 10.2-inch with True Tone|Processor: A13 Bionic chip|Storage: 64GB or 256GB|Biometrics: Touch ID |Colors: Silver and space grey |Cameras: 8MP f/2.4 back, 12MP Ultra Wide f/2.4 front|Weight: 1.08 pounds |Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x .29 inches |Connections: USB-C, Smart Connector |Battery life:Up to 10 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less For kids aged 6-12, parents love Amazon's new Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet. New to this generation is 25% faster speeds, higher quality 5-megapixel cameras, and 13 hours of battery life instead of 12.Thanks to the 10.1-inch display, you'll get a larger screen without adding much to the overall cost. The resolution is better than that of previous generations, with a 1080p Full HD brighter display. It comes with a protective case, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and a year subscription to Amazon Kids+.It comes with a slim, kid-proof case and preset age filters for kids ages 6-12. Even with all these improvements, this model is still $10 less than the previous generation at $190.ZDNET writer Maria Diaz went hands-on with the new Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet and was "pleasantly surprised" with its smooth performance."The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro has proven itself decidedly faster than both generations of the Fire HD 8 Kids tablets we have, and since the older ones were passed down to a four-year-old and a two-year-old, that hasn't been a problem. However, the seven-year-old and new owner of the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro definitely notices the difference," she wrote.In a Best Buy review, one customer noted, "Once you have learned how to use Amazon Kids to download apps, it works great. My five-year-old loves it. It's pretty durable considering this has a slimmer case than the old version."Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet tech specs: Display: 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display|Processor: Octa-core 2.0 GHz|Storage: 32 (expandable by up to 1 TB) |Memory:3GB |Colors:Happy Day, Mint, and Nebula|Cameras: 5 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 1080p HD video recording |Weight: 23.21 oz|Dimensions: 7.5 x 10.1 x 0.7 inches (with kid-friendly case) |Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C 2.0|Battery life:13 hours Pros Better and brighter display Long battery life Great price point Cons Amazon's Appstore is slightly limited For kids aged 6-12, parents love Amazon's new Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet. New to this generation is 25% faster speeds, higher quality 5-megapixel cameras, and 13 hours of battery life instead of 12.Thanks to the 10.1-inch display, you'll get a larger screen without adding much to the overall cost. The resolution is better than that of previous generations, with a 1080p Full HD brighter display. It comes with a protective case, a two-year worry-free guarantee, and a year subscription to Amazon Kids+.It comes with a slim, kid-proof case and preset age filters for kids ages 6-12. Even with all these improvements, this model is still $10 less than the previous generation at $190.ZDNET writer Maria Diaz went hands-on with the new Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet and was "pleasantly surprised" with its smooth performance."The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro has proven itself decidedly faster than both generations of the Fire HD 8 Kids tablets we have, and since the older ones were passed down to a four-year-old and a two-year-old, that hasn't been a problem. However, the seven-year-old and new owner of the Fire HD 10 Kids Pro definitely notices the difference," she wrote.In a Best Buy review, one customer noted, "Once you have learned how to use Amazon Kids to download apps, it works great. My five-year-old loves it. It's pretty durable considering this has a slimmer case than the old version."Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet tech specs: Display: 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display|Processor: Octa-core 2.0 GHz|Storage: 32 (expandable by up to 1 TB) |Memory:3GB |Colors:Happy Day, Mint, and Nebula|Cameras: 5 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 1080p HD video recording |Weight: 23.21 oz|Dimensions: 7.5 x 10.1 x 0.7 inches (with kid-friendly case) |Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C 2.0|Battery life:13 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you'd rather your kid have an Android tablet with full Google support, look no further than the Galaxy Tab A8."This tablet is packed with features that make it the perfect choice for parents looking to keep their children entertained and informed," parenting expert and creator ofParental QuestionsMo Mulla told ZDNET.Mulla also speaks highly of Samsung Kids, which parents can access from any Samsung tablet, as it lets parents give their kids access to specific contacts and apps, provides learning challenges for kids to avoid mindless scrolling, and even includes interaction with Samsung-specific animated characters."Its kid-friendly content has been explicitly created with kids in mind and includes educational apps and games to help entertain them and keep them active during playtime," he said.While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 won't blow you away with overall performance, it can run your favorite apps, handle light gaming, and stream movies and shows. In addition, its expandable storage capacity ensures there is never a shortage of space on the device for downloads or extra materials when needed.One Best Buy customer noted in their review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 how expensive other tablets can be, especially when considering buying one for kids: "If you don't want to spend $300+ on an iPad for your kiddo, this is definitely the route to go."Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 tech specs: Display: 10.5 inches |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Processor: Octa Core Unisoc T618|Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, microSD up to 1TB|Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front camera |Weight: 1.12lbs|Dimensions: 9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 inches |Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 2.0 |Battery life:7,040mAh (About 6 hours) Pros Samsung Kids experience Expandable storage Great tablet for simple entertainment Cons Sluggish performance Battery life isn't as great as other options If you'd rather your kid have an Android tablet with full Google support, look no further than the Galaxy Tab A8."This tablet is packed with features that make it the perfect choice for parents looking to keep their children entertained and informed," parenting expert and creator ofParental QuestionsMo Mulla told ZDNET.Mulla also speaks highly of Samsung Kids, which parents can access from any Samsung tablet, as it lets parents give their kids access to specific contacts and apps, provides learning challenges for kids to avoid mindless scrolling, and even includes interaction with Samsung-specific animated characters."Its kid-friendly content has been explicitly created with kids in mind and includes educational apps and games to help entertain them and keep them active during playtime," he said.While the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 won't blow you away with overall performance, it can run your favorite apps, handle light gaming, and stream movies and shows. In addition, its expandable storage capacity ensures there is never a shortage of space on the device for downloads or extra materials when needed.One Best Buy customer noted in their review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 how expensive other tablets can be, especially when considering buying one for kids: "If you don't want to spend $300+ on an iPad for your kiddo, this is definitely the route to go."Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 tech specs: Display: 10.5 inches |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Processor: Octa Core Unisoc T618|Storage: 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, microSD up to 1TB|Cameras: 8MP rear, 5MP front camera |Weight: 1.12lbs|Dimensions: 9.72 x 6.37 x 0.27 inches |Connections: 3.5mm headphone jack, USB 2.0 |Battery life:7,040mAh (About 6 hours) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less While similar to the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is made with little kids in mind. It comes with a colorful kid-proof case built to withstand the drops and bumps common to 3- to 7-year-olds, and it includes an adjustable stand so your kids can go hands-free.It also comes with a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and an Amazon FreeTime Unlimited subscription, which grants access to thousands of kid-friendly, ad-free books, movies, games, and other educational content."The Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is a well-built, entry-level tablet that comes with a sturdy kid-proof cover and features useful parental controls," says Diaz, whoboughtthe tablet for her kids."Its 13-hour battery life means that you'll need to charge it less often than other competitors, and the combination of a durable case and screen ensures the integrity of the Fire tablet for years to come," she says. Though should the tablet succumb to an untimely death during playtime, Amazon offers a two-year worry-free guarantee in.One Amazon customer said they were impressed with the device's durability, and said, "one of the first things that caught my attention is the impressive build quality of the tablet. Designed with kids in mind, the sturdy construction and reinforced edges provide a sense of durability that assures me the device can withstand the inevitable bumps and drops that come with the territory of young users."Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tech specs: Display:8-inch display |Processor:Hexa-core 2.0 Ghz|Storage:32GB or 64GB (expandable by up to 1 TB) |Memory:2GB |Colors:Blue, purple, Disney Mickey Mouse, or Disney princess| Cameras:2 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 720p HD video recording|Weight:18.3 ounces|Dimensions:8.7 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches|Connections:3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port |Battery life:13 hours Pros Affordable Kids edition has many perks Easy to use Cons Performance will be an issue Amazon's Appstore is hit or miss While similar to the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is made with little kids in mind. It comes with a colorful kid-proof case built to withstand the drops and bumps common to 3- to 7-year-olds, and it includes an adjustable stand so your kids can go hands-free.It also comes with a free one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+ and an Amazon FreeTime Unlimited subscription, which grants access to thousands of kid-friendly, ad-free books, movies, games, and other educational content."The Fire HD 8 Kids tablet is a well-built, entry-level tablet that comes with a sturdy kid-proof cover and features useful parental controls," says Diaz, whoboughtthe tablet for her kids."Its 13-hour battery life means that you'll need to charge it less often than other competitors, and the combination of a durable case and screen ensures the integrity of the Fire tablet for years to come," she says. Though should the tablet succumb to an untimely death during playtime, Amazon offers a two-year worry-free guarantee in.One Amazon customer said they were impressed with the device's durability, and said, "one of the first things that caught my attention is the impressive build quality of the tablet. Designed with kids in mind, the sturdy construction and reinforced edges provide a sense of durability that assures me the device can withstand the inevitable bumps and drops that come with the territory of young users."Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids tech specs: Display:8-inch display |Processor:Hexa-core 2.0 Ghz|Storage:32GB or 64GB (expandable by up to 1 TB) |Memory:2GB |Colors:Blue, purple, Disney Mickey Mouse, or Disney princess| Cameras:2 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 720p HD video recording|Weight:18.3 ounces|Dimensions:8.7 x 7.1 x 1.1 inches|Connections:3.5mm headphone jack, USB-C port |Battery life:13 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Best Buy Lenovo's Tab P11 Plus is an attractive tablet that isn't overly expensive. The 11-inch 2K display looks fantastic, and the battery life will keep your child entertained for hours. The battery life is perhaps the best part of this tablet; Lenovo touts up to 15 hours of video streaming (and ZDNET tests can back that claim up).A Best Buy customer also mentioned in their review that the Lenovo Tablet P11 Plus had surpassed their expectations regarding battery life compared to other tablets.One downside to the Tab P11 Plus is that it lacks a headphone jack, so if you want to keep your child's cartoons or games quiet, you'll have to invest in some kid-friendly Bluetooth headphones.Review:Lenovo Tab P11 PlusModerately priced at $270, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is easily recommended and competent. In ZDNET's review, June Wan said, "It's hard to argue against how much value you're getting with this tablet."Plus, you'll get Android 11 and other kid-friendly features already built into the tablet."For parents, the tablet can dial into Android'sKids Space. When turned on, the Tab P11 Plus switches to a child-friendly interface filled with teacher-approved games, educational videos, and digital content to keep any kid engaged," Wan wrote. "Through the Family Link app, you can monitor, set screen-time limits, and even lock the tablet from your phone."Lenovo Tab P11 Plus tech specs: Display: 11-inch display|Processor: MediaTek Helio G90T|Storage: 64GB or 128GB |Memory: 4GB or 6GB |Colors: Slate grey|Cameras: 8MP front and 13MP rear |Weight: 1.1lbs|Dimensions: 10.2 by 6.4 by 0.3 inches |Connections: USB-C, microSD |Battery life: Up to 15 hours Pros Long battery life Full Android Great display Cons Keyboard not included Performance Cameras Lenovo's Tab P11 Plus is an attractive tablet that isn't overly expensive. The 11-inch 2K display looks fantastic, and the battery life will keep your child entertained for hours. The battery life is perhaps the best part of this tablet; Lenovo touts up to 15 hours of video streaming (and ZDNET tests can back that claim up).A Best Buy customer also mentioned in their review that the Lenovo Tablet P11 Plus had surpassed their expectations regarding battery life compared to other tablets.One downside to the Tab P11 Plus is that it lacks a headphone jack, so if you want to keep your child's cartoons or games quiet, you'll have to invest in some kid-friendly Bluetooth headphones.Review:Lenovo Tab P11 PlusModerately priced at $270, the Lenovo Tab P11 Plus is easily recommended and competent. In ZDNET's review, June Wan said, "It's hard to argue against how much value you're getting with this tablet."Plus, you'll get Android 11 and other kid-friendly features already built into the tablet."For parents, the tablet can dial into Android'sKids Space. When turned on, the Tab P11 Plus switches to a child-friendly interface filled with teacher-approved games, educational videos, and digital content to keep any kid engaged," Wan wrote. "Through the Family Link app, you can monitor, set screen-time limits, and even lock the tablet from your phone."Lenovo Tab P11 Plus tech specs: Display: 11-inch display|Processor: MediaTek Helio G90T|Storage: 64GB or 128GB |Memory: 4GB or 6GB |Colors: Slate grey|Cameras: 8MP front and 13MP rear |Weight: 1.1lbs|Dimensions: 10.2 by 6.4 by 0.3 inches |Connections: USB-C, microSD |Battery life: Up to 15 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon A Kindle Kids e-reader is a great option for a tablet that stimulates your child's brain, and makes it easy to carry all their favorite books at once. The Kindle Kids e-reader is designed for kids ages 3-12 and comes with an Amazon Kids+ subscription for kid-friendly books and audiobooks.You can even keep track of their reading progress with Amazon's Parent Dashboard, adjust book age filters, add books to your kid's library, and set a bedtime for each child's profile. Plus, Kindle Kids comes built-in with Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise to help young readers build their reading skills and tackle more challenging books.And since kids are unpredictable, this reading tablet comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee. If it breaks, Amazon will replace it for free.One Amazon customer shared their child's experience using the Amazon Kindle Kids: "I got this for my 11-year-old son for Christmas. He loves reading, and he's read 11 books in one month! I didn't realize this would be smaller than the standard Kindle, but it is a good size for kids. It has a good selection of books for his age as well."Amazon Kindle Kids tech specs: Display:300 ppi high-resolution, glare-free display |Storage: 16GB |Weight: 9.03 ounces |Dimensions:6.3 x 4.5 x 0.53 inches|Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |Battery life:Up to 6 weeks Pros Parent Dashboard to keep track of reading progress Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise features Strictly for reading--no apps or games Cons Profile switching can be difficult Complaints of Parent Dashboard interface A Kindle Kids e-reader is a great option for a tablet that stimulates your child's brain, and makes it easy to carry all their favorite books at once. The Kindle Kids e-reader is designed for kids ages 3-12 and comes with an Amazon Kids+ subscription for kid-friendly books and audiobooks.You can even keep track of their reading progress with Amazon's Parent Dashboard, adjust book age filters, add books to your kid's library, and set a bedtime for each child's profile. Plus, Kindle Kids comes built-in with Vocabulary Builder and Word Wise to help young readers build their reading skills and tackle more challenging books.And since kids are unpredictable, this reading tablet comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee. If it breaks, Amazon will replace it for free.One Amazon customer shared their child's experience using the Amazon Kindle Kids: "I got this for my 11-year-old son for Christmas. He loves reading, and he's read 11 books in one month! I didn't realize this would be smaller than the standard Kindle, but it is a good size for kids. It has a good selection of books for his age as well."Amazon Kindle Kids tech specs: Display:300 ppi high-resolution, glare-free display |Storage: 16GB |Weight: 9.03 ounces |Dimensions:6.3 x 4.5 x 0.53 inches|Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |Battery life:Up to 6 weeks Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best tablet for kids? Apple's base iPad is the best kids' tablet that money can buy. It offers the complete package of performance, battery life, app availability, and widespread accessory support. It's a great option for kids who need a reliable device for schoolwork, gaming, or streaming content. However, if you prefer Android OS or a better price point, there are plenty of solid alternatives on the market.Best kids' tabletPriceWhere to buyProcessorStorageColorsCamerasBattery lifeProtectivecaseOperating systemApple iPad 9th generation$350Apple, Best Buy, WalmartA13 Bionic chip64GB or 256GBSilver, space grey8MP f/2.4 back, 12MP Ultra Wide f/2.4 frontUp to 10 hoursAvailableiPadOSAmazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet$190AmazonOcta-core 2.0 GHz32GB (expandable up to 1TB)Happy Day, Mint, Nebula5 MP front and rear-facing cameras with 1080p HD video recording13 hoursIncludedFire OSSamsung Galaxy Tab A8$200Amazon, Best Buy, WalmartOcta Core Unisoc T61832GB, 64GB, 128GB, microSD up to 1TBN/A8MP rear, 5MP front cameraAbout 6 hoursN/AAndroidAmazon Fire HD 8 Kids tablet$150Amazon, Best BuyHexa-core 2.0 GHz32GB or 64GBBlue, Disney Mickey Mouse, Disney Princess, Purple2 MP front and rear-facing camerasUp to 13 hoursIncludedFire OSLenovo Tab P11 Plus$270Amazon, Best Buy, LenovoMediaTek Helio G90T64GB or 128GSlate grey8MP front and 13MP rearUp to 15 hoursAvailable for purchase separatelyAndroid 11Amazon Kindle Kids$320Amazon, Best BuyN/A16GBOcean Explorer, Space Whale, Unicorn ValleyN/AUp to 6 weeksIncludedN/A Show more Which is the right tablet for your kid? Picking the right kids' tablet comes down to a couple of questions you must ask yourself. First and foremost, you need to have a set budget in mind. Once you decide how much you will spend, you can begin narrowing down your options. Then, determine if you want a tablet made by a specific company.Choose this kids' tablet.If you want...Apple iPad 9th generationThe best all-around tablet your kid can grow up with. It offers excellent performance, battery life, app availability, and widespread accessory support.Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids ProA large display for ages 6-12. It has a built-in stand, advanced parental controls, and access to over 20,000 apps, games, videos, and books.Samsung Galaxy Tab A8An Android tablet with access to Samsung Kids. It offers a kid-friendly interface, parental controls, and the ability to set time limits and monitor usage.Amazon Fire HD 8 KidsA tablet built for kids ages 3-7. It has a durable and kid-proof case and has up to 13 hours of battery life.Lenovo Tab P11 PlusA tablet with a long battery life. It offers a premium design, a vivid display, and up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge. It also comes with a fingerprint scanner for added security.Amazon Kindle KidsA tablet that's built for reading. It comes with hundreds of kid-friendly books and audiobooks to choose from, as well as a helpful Parent Dashboard. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a kids' tablet Before you invest in a kids' tablet, you'll want to consider the following:Durability: Having a tablet that can last is especially important when kids will be using the device. If a tablet isn't durable to bumps and drops (like the iPad), be sure to invest in a kid-proof case.Ease of use: A tablet for kids needs to be simple. Consider factors such as large screens, built-in apps, and operating systems that are easy for kids to learn.Parental controls: Your kids' safety and privacy are #1 when it comes to tablets. Look at what kind of parental controls each tablet offers, including features like screen-time monitoring and app restrictions.Cost: Kids tablets run the gamut in price, so decide on your budget, as well as what you need and what features are most important to you in a tablet.Tim Dikun, dad and Teaching.com COO and vice president of product, also recommended you "look for granular parental controls, including if specific apps can be blocked and/or unlocked around certain times. For example, Amazon's FreeTime app allows parents total control over how children use the tablet by setting learning goals, limiting time spent on gaming apps, or locking gaming apps until learning goals are met." Show more How we test tablets The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance whentested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.Performance:For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks.Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.Camera and audio:For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensivetablet testing methodology. Show more FAQs on kids' tablets What should parents know about tablets and screen time? Rebecca Mannis, PhD., learning specialist at Ivy Prep Learning Center, referred to The American Academy of Pediatrics' new guidelines, which recommends no consistent screen exposure before 18 months of age, one hour tops of screen exposure for ages 2 through 5, and limiting screen use to two hours after age 5."In considering preschools and primary schools, it is helpful to know their policies -- both to see how their philosophies match your family values, and so you can reinforce their rules at home," she said.Mannis added that while kids often learn to read these days through a tablet, thanks to reading apps, it's essential to switch up how your child reads."Researchers have found that the brain processes content that we read online in a different way - and one that is not as skilled," she said. "So, as great as online reading is, give your kids lots of opportunities to hold books in their hands to maximize their literacy skills growth. Or 'cross train' their reading between devices and traditional print books to see if you as a parent notice a difference." Show more Can my kids use YouTube on Amazon's Fire tablets? Not officially. Amazon customizes the base version of Android and turns it into Fire OS, forgoing any Google certification in order to make Google's apps available on the tablets.You won't find the official YouTube app available in the Appstore, but you can use Amazon's Silk browser to access the YouTube website to gain access to the video platform. Show more How many GB is enough for a kids' tablet? Depending on the tablet, you want to ensure you have sufficient storage for downloading or pre-installing kid-friendly content for those long road trips.Assuming your child will obsess over taking pictures and videos -- which can easily take up 5-6 GB -- we would recommend a tablet with at least 32 GB of storage. Show more What brand of tablet is best for kids? Although there's plenty to choose from our list above, the Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is the most promising. As the 11th generation of the Amazon Fire 10 Kids tablet, its proven to be one of the best evolving kids tablets out there.It is faster, higher quality, and has a long battery life. If you can get past Amazon's slightly limited app store, this tablet is sure to keep your child entertained on an airplane or long car ride. Show more Are children's tablets the same as regular tablets? If you're worried about your child's online safety, nowadays, you can put parental controls on almost any tablet, so there's no free range to downloadable content.When it comes to everything else, i.e., price, case, warranty, and subscription, it's best to consider a kids' tablet in case something happens.Overall, a kids' tablet will provide a safe and engaging environment tailored to your child's needs while a regular tablet will always cater to a wider audience. Show more What is the average age to get a child a tablet? Honestly, this depends on your parenting philosophy. For starters, your child will need fine motor skills to handle the tablet and the ability to navigate the device independently. Another factor is exposure to technology. Maybe you would prefer to have your child less dependent on technology for entertainment. Several surveys show no definitive answer as parents are divided on the topic. Regardless, it is best for you as a parent to weigh the pros and cons of introducing your child to technology. Show more Other tablets for kids worth consideringThere are plenty of tablets on the market that can be kid-friendly. Be sure to look for features like parental controls, long battery life, and ease of use. Here are a few other options to consider.Meet the experts ZDNET sourced external industry experts for this article. Here is more information about them:Troy Portillo: The director of operations ofStudypool, an online learning platform for students that offers tutoring services, homework help, book guides, and more.Mo Mulla:A father and a lawyer with a degree from UCL London who writes his parenting tips from a dad's perspective in his spare time atParental Questions, a family-run blog.Tim Dikun: A father and the COO and Vice President of Product at Teaching.com, an online education website that equips students and teachers with the tools to succeed.Rebecca Mannis, PhD.: Founder and learning specialist atIvy Prep Learning Center. She has 35 years of experience teaching children and holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology with a specialization in Neuroscience and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Masters degree in Reading, Language and Learning Disabilities from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Show more ZDNETs Tablet Guide Tablet Roundups Tablets Reviewed & Compared Tablets Explained ZDNET Recommends

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ESA and NASA's Solar Orbiter mission captured the sun kicking out flares in 2024. The blue circles ... [+] indicate flares.ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/EUI & STIX, Klaus Nielsen (DTU Space/Maple Pools)Our closest star has been delivering quite a show in recent months. The sun is spitting out fantastic flares, hurling solar material at Earth and triggering spectacular auroras. A video from the European Space Agency shows how the suns activity has ramped up over the last few years as it careened toward solar maximum. The video incorporates audio interpretations of flares, immersing viewers in the suns journey through both sound and visuals.ESAs Solar Orbiter missionoperated in collaboration with NASAcontributed the pictures. Solar Orbiter is a spacecraft launched in 2020 on a mission to take close-up images of the sun, snap the suns polar regions and study the solar wind. The video kicks off with observations from early 2022 and runs through mid-2024.The suns outer atmosphere, called the corona, appears in yellow. The blue circles represent solar flares captured by the orbiters Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays instrument. Stronger flares are shown as larger circles. The clinking sound accompanying each flare is a sonification, a way of representing data through audio. The soundtrack changes depending on the flare and Solar Orbiters distance from the sun.MORE FOR YOUThe sun seems to grow and shrink throughout the video. This is a product of Solar Orbiters path through space. It makes a close approach every six months. We can see this in the video from the spacecraft's perspective, with the sun moving closer and farther over the course of each year, ESA said in a statement on Jan. 3. In the sonification, this is represented by the low background humming that loudens as the sun gets closer and becomes quieter as it moves further away.The video shows just how intense the suns activity has gotten. Our star goes through a solar cycle. Roughly every 11 years, at the height of the solar cycle, the suns magnetic poles flipon Earth, thatd be like the North and South poles swapping places every decadeand the sun transitions from being calm to an active and stormy state, NASA said in an explainer. The sun reached its solar maximum period as of October 2024 and could continue in this state for 2025.NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick shared this view of the moon and an aurora from the ISS on August ... [+] 11.NASA/Matthew DominickSolar maximum is a great opportunity for aurora fans to catch sight of light shows on Earth. Astronauts up on the International Space Station have been documenting the aurora festivities from orbit. NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick shared a stunning timelapse of red and green aurora lights as seen from the ISS in mid-2024.Increased aurora activity is one benefit of the sun feeling so peppy, but there can be potential disruptions as well. Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy, NASAs boilerplate message for solar flares reads. Flares and solar eruptions can impact radio communications, electric power grids, navigation signals and pose risks to spacecraft and astronauts.Overall, this is a fun time for space fans. Immerse yourself in aurora photos and enjoy ESAs fun timelapse video showing how we got here. ESA calls it solar fireworks. Thats an apt description of our stars current outgoing mood. Eventually, the sun will calm down again, but itll be a solar party for a while.

In a nutshell: Developer NTDev is well-known for testing the limits of Microsoft's operating systems, and their latest achievement is no exception. They successfully managed to run Windows 11 on an astonishingly small 184MB of system memory a feat so extreme that even Windows XP would have struggled under such constraints. NTDev shared their achievement on X, describing it as "absolutely insane, and possibly a record." This feat was made possible by Tiny11, the developer's custom-modified version of Windows 11 designed to minimize storage requirements. Tiny11 removes pre-installed bloatware such as the Camera app, OneDrive, and other unnecessary components, creating streamlined installations ideal for underpowered hardware.The primary goal of Tiny11 is to conserve storage space, which it accomplishes impressively reducing the typical Windows 11 installation size from over 20GB to just 8GB. By stripping away nonessential apps and processes, Tiny11 also significantly lowers RAM usage, enabling it to run on remarkably low memory configurations.Recent Tiny11 builds reportedly allow Windows updates to be installed, though such functionality is, unsurprisingly, not officially supported by Microsoft. Removing certain components can also cause issues; for instance, eliminating the Edge browser may break widgets that depend on its scripts.The usability of Windows 11 under such extreme resource constraints is another question entirely. With only 184MB of RAM, running a modern OS and apps is nearly impossible. A screenshot shared by NTDev shows system memory maxed out at 183MB with just Notepad open.It's worth noting that this feat relied on memory paging, likely helping the OS overcome some physical RAM limitations. However, NTDev emphasized that extensive optimization was still necessary to make the system bootable.Such "operating system torture" is nothing new for NTDev, who is well-known for pushing Windows to its absolute limits with various mods and experiments. Earlier this year, they achieved another extreme milestone: discovering the absolute minimum install size for Windows 11, shrinking it to under 100MB. Unsurprisingly, the resulting OS was so stripped down that it was barely functional.In another record-setting experiment just a month later, NTDev managed to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 in a mere 104 seconds, once again using a custom, highly optimized version of the operating system.

Digital Clay: Cuneiform languages represent the earliest known writing systems in human history. The Sumerians used this method by making indentations in clay tablets, a practice later adopted by other civilizations, including the Akkadians and Persians. Millennia later, cuneiform could once again prove significant this time, as inspiration for innovations in the field of data storage. A team of researchers at Flinders University has adopted a cuneiform-inspired concept to develop a cutting-edge method for storing bits and bytes on a futuristic, polymer-based material. This new material offers high storage density and can be erased and recycled multiple times, making it a promising alternative to traditional hard disk drives, NAND flash-based solid-state drives, and other modern storage technologies.Developed at the Flinders University Chalker Lab, the polymer stores data as nanoscopic "dents," essentially applying the principles of cuneiform writing to digital data storage. The polymer is crafted from two low-cost materials, sulfur and dicyclopentadiene, and the data is written using an atomic force microscope and read with a scanning probe tool.Although designed for digital data storage, the system employs a three-state encoding method that allows each indentation to represent one of three values. The precise control offered by the atomic force microscope and scanning tool enables fine-tuning of these values. A non-existent indent corresponds to a digital zero, an indent with a depth of 0.3 to 1.0 nanometers represents a one, and a depth of 1.5 to 2.5 nanometers encodes a two.The recently published study highlights "exquisite" control over indentation depth, ranging from one to 30 nanometers, while the proposed ternary encoding boosts data density up to four times compared to binary systems. Notably, the writing process operates at room temperature, requiring minimal energy. The polymer remains stable under normal conditions but can be erased by heating it to 140 degrees Celsius for just 10 seconds.According to the study's senior author, Professor Justin Chalker, this nanoscopic cuneiform system underscores the versatility of polymers in meeting diverse industrial needs. "The age of big data and artificial intelligence is increasingly driving demand for data storage solutions," Chalker noted. New solutions are required to support the ever-growing needs of the information era. // Related StoriesThe researchers pointed out that storing digital data as surface indentations was previously explored by major IT corporations such as IBM, LG Electronics, and Intel. However, these earlier approaches were ultimately abandoned due to their complexity, high costs, or energy inefficiency. In contrast, the newly developed polymer demonstrates significant improvements over these prior attempts.Currently, numerous companies and research teams are striving to discover or develop the next big breakthrough in data storage. Efforts range from compacting data into optical media, ceramics, and diamonds to exploring DNA storage. Even the traditional hard disk drive technology continues to evolve, aiming to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence and big data-driven industries.

My relationship with games has changed many times over my lifetime, but one constant has always been how I approached them from a completionist standpoint. From my younger years all the way through to young adulthood, I have been in a position where I only got a couple of new games a year. Because gaming was my passion, I would squeeze every ounce of content out of a game to make it last. That started out as things like finding every secret or completing every challenge, to the modern tradition of Trophy and Achievement hunting for an official 100% completion.Reflecting on my last few years of gaming especially in 2024 I have realized that this habit is diluting my enjoyment with gaming rather than strengthening it. I dont intend on playing fewer games in 2025; instead I want to break my habit of feeling so obligated to complete games and let my time with them end naturally.Recommended VideosI never intended to be a completionist. It was something I sort of fell into out of necessity when my gaming options were so limited and I was desperate for more ways to get any kind of mileage out of the games I had. That took a bit of creativity prior to getting an Xbox 360, but after I was introduced to Achievements (and later Trophies on PlayStation) I suddenly had clear objectives to chase. At the time, I was happy to get some kind of recognition and feedback for doing everything the game asked of me in some kind of record. Like with many people out there, it even became a bit of an obsession to get that 100% or Platinum Trophy, despite knowing it is meaningless in the grand scheme of things.RelatedI mostly regret the effort I put into that pursuit and it isnt just because I can afford new games whenever I want. Its because I am tarnishing the memories of otherwise powerful experiences I wish were left more pristine.Square EnixA perfect example of this from 2024 is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. I am not unique in how important his franchise has been in my life nor how much I was anticipating this chapter in the remake series. However, like many others, I was also concerned about how it would handle its open world. To some extent, those reservations were justified. As polished and well-crafted as the main plot is as well as most of the main side quests its filled with open-world busywork. Climbing towers, completing combat challenges, and scanning locations arent offensive on their own, but neither are they additive to my enjoyment. Each one adds a spoonful of water to the broth. By the time Id done them all, I had completely watered down my perception of the adventure.I dont want to be hyperbolic and say that side quests and optional challenges ruined gaming for me. They didnt. What I will say is that, at best, they dont leave any impact on me and just fill time. Thats not what I play games for.This isnt a strict rule, as few things ever are. The perfect counterpoint came out last year: Digital Trends game of the year, Astro Bot. The path to 100% completion wasnt bogged down in repetitive grinding or monotonous filler. Every extra challenge either added a fresh experience just as delightful as the main game or sparked a sense of joy from what I discovered. A large part of that is due to the game being so razor-focused, even when you aim to do and see it all. The real difference is in the intangible; my enjoyment with Astro Bot only grew the more I did.Not all games will fall on either end of this spectrum. I have to learn to be satisfied putting a game down only sampling its side content just as much as doing everything or nothing. Even dropping a game before finishing the story is OK. Games serve each of us in different ways, but are never meant to feel like a chore.I realize how fortunate I am to be in a position where I am free to put a game down at any moment and pick up another. That luxury has afforded me the chance to reflect and realize that I put more value on preserving my natural experience with a game than filling time. Even if I could only get two or three games this year, I would still resolve to practice some self-restraint and let my experience with them end naturally. That could mean doing everything in an Astro Botor dropping it after the first level.A digital Trophy doesnt mean anything to me after that flash of dopamine fades just as quickly as the notification on my screen. On the other hand, I will always regret how my memories of Rebirth are so heavily weighed down with grinding Chadley activities while mindlessly listening to a podcast over the emotional punches and resonating themes that I want to carry with me. Those are the moments I want to better protect in 2025.Editors Recommendations

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Getting out ahead of the madness of CES 2025, LG has hit the ground running today by announcing two new lifestyle projectors the first an odd, but stylish-looking HD projector thats also a standing lamp and a Bluetooth speaker in one, and the other a new 4K ultra short throw (UST) number that the company says is its smallest ever.LG is calling its 3-in-1 PF600U projector a lifestyle companion for everyday spaces that the company hopes will transport living spaces with its multifunctionality, an LG press release says.Recommended VideosOne of the biggest pain points that customers face with projectors, especially standard-throw models that need space and are often situated somewhere in the middle of your living room, is that that they can be unsightly and get in the way when not in use. The LG PF600U looks to ease that pain by marrying a projector with the design of a stylish floor-standing lamp that can be easily moved around. It also has the added functionality of a Bluetooth speaker for playing music when youre not watching movies.The LG PF600U is a smart-looking lamp thats also a projector thats also a Bluetooth speaker. LGInspired by a floor lamp, the stand-pole design ensures intuitive usability and effortless integration into any space, the release says, and LG has also seen fit to outfit the PF600U with some decent projector specs, including Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) resolution and 300 ANSI lumens of brightness from its LED light source. The projector runs on LGs webOS, from which you can run all your streaming apps and services, or connect your own streaming device through the projectors single HDMI port.Please enable Javascript to view this contentIts pretty light and compact, too, at just over 16 pounds, and features a 110-degree tilting head for adjusting the picture, as well as automatic screen adjustment to help you set it up easily as you move it into the best position.RelatedAs an LED lamp, the PF600U offers nine colors and five brightness levels, and its stereo speakers with passive radiators are said to offer rich and immersive sound.The LG CineBeam S is the companys smallest UST projector yet. LGLG also announced its newest lifestyle UST projector, the CineBeam S (model PU615U). The super-small (4.3 inches by 6.3 inches by 6.3 inches, and 5.5 pounds), rectangular tower-shaped projector is the smallest LG has ever made, the company says. And while its 500 ANSI lumens of brightness may seem low compared to many USTs on the market, its likely more than sufficient for its 40- inch to 100-inch image size, which it can throw from mere inches from your screen or wall.The CineBeam S boasts 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) resolution from its RGB laser light source, as well as an impressive 154% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space. Like the PF600U, the CineBeam S runs LGs webOS, but goes a bit further with the auto screen adjustment specs by adding wall color adjustment and screen scaling/shifting to adapt to all kinds of room and wall configurations. And while it doesnt do double duty as a Bluetooth speaker, the CineBeam S has built-in stereo speakers and also supports Dolby Atmos sound for immersive movie viewing.With the PF600Us 3-in-1 versatility and the CineBeam Ss compact, ultra-short throw design, LG is setting a new standard for lifestyle projectors that cater to diverse spaces and user demands, said YS Lee, vice president and head of the IT Business Unit, LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. LG is dedicated to delivering versatile projectors that adapt to different moods and lifestyles while seamlessly integrating into various environments, elevating the everyday experiences of modern users.There were no details on pricing or availability for either the PF600U or the ConeBeam S in the press release, but keep an eye on our CES 2025 coverage in the hopes that LG spills the beans during the show.Editors Recommendations

On January 7, tech giants and promising startups alike will converge on Las Vegas for CES 2025, the most powerful tech event in the world. The Digital Trends editorial team will be there on the show floor, talking with experts, trying products for the first time, and breaking down what this years innovations mean for you.