Second Place in the Macro category: Imogen Manins, Patterned Safe Haven, Rye Pier, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia. All images the photographers, courtesy of the Underwater Photography Guide, shared with permissionIn the 2024 Ocean Art Contest, Circling Sharks and Squadrons of Rays Steal the ShowJanuary 23, 2025NaturePhotographyKate MothesMobula rays are often referred to as devil rays, but unlike their relatives, stingrays, they lack a stinger, making them a bit less nefarious than their name implies. When rays gather together into a group, its known as a squadron, and for photographers Brittany Ilardi and Eduardo Acevedo, the phenomenon inspired award-winning photos in the 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest presented by Underwater Photography Guide.Now in its 13th year, the competition saw record-breaking participation with entries submitted from more than 90 countries. From macro views like Imogen Manins capture of a fish camouflaged in coral to stunning black-and-white scenes like Eduardo Labats best-in-show sighting of circling white-tip sharks, the winning images showcase the beauty, diversity, and vulnerability of underwater ecosystems.Honorable Mention in the Black-and-White category: Brittany Ilardi, Fevered, La Ventana Bay, La Ventana, Baja California Sur, MexicoAdditional commended images include portraits of nudibranchs in the Philippines, a swimming octopus in Spain, and diving seabirds in Scotlands northern isles. A category devoted to underwater conservation encourages us to think more carefully about what happens to single-use plastics when were finished with them or how discarded fishing equipment and ghost nets can harm wildlife. Other creative categories include digital, blackwater, behavior, and underwater fashion.The talent and vision displayed by our participants have set new benchmarks for underwater photography, says contest organizer Nirupam Nigam, who is also president of Bluewater Photo and editor-in-chief of the Underwater Photography Guide. These images do more than win awards; they captivate hearts and minds, reaching millions globally and reminding us of our shared responsibility to protect the oceans beauty.Dive into the online winners gallery, and keep an eye on the competitions website for announcements about the open call for the 2025 edition.Fifth Place in the Portrait category: Ilaria Mariaguilia Rizzuto, Mr. Bo, Anilao, PhilippinesBest in Show winner and First Place in Black-and-White category: Eduardo Labat, Dancing White Tips, Roca Partida, Revillagigedo, MexicoThird Place in the Nudibranchs category: David Pleuvret, Hydatina, La jete, St-Pierre, La RunionSecond Place in the Cold Water category: Kat Zhou, Plunge, Shetland, ScotlandHonorable Mention in the Black-and-White category: Xaime Beiro, Below the Octopus, Louro (Galicia), SpainHonorable Mention in the Wide Angle category: Eduardo Acevedo, The Mobula Ball, Magdalena Bay, Baja California, MexicoFirst Place in the Portrait category: Stefano Cerbai, Exceptional Shipping, AustraliaHonorable Mention in the Underwater Conservation category: Olivier Clement, Ocean Litter, Indonesia, Raja AmpatHonorable Mention in the Nudibranchs category: Giancarlo Mazarese, Underwater Flowers, Philippines, Anilao, Koala ReefFirst Place in the Macro category: Adam Martin, Juvenile Batfish, Tulamben, Bali, IndonesiaNext article

There is nothing more terrifying than the thought of losing track of a child, and it can be even more difficult when your child is too young for a smartphone. Thankfully, expert-tested and parent-reviewed GPS trackers can ensure you know where your child is at all times, no matter how frequently they wander off.I would balance the need for safety with respecting [my child's] privacy and autonomy, using the tracker as a tool for peace of mind rather than for constant surveillance." Dr. Kaitlyn Siu, CEO of Tech Your Kids Code "As a mother, ensuring the safety and well-being of my child is of utmost importance,"Dr. Kaitlyn Siu,a child neurologist and founder and CEO ofTeach Your Kids Code, told ZDNET. "However, I would balance the need for safety with respecting [my child's] privacy and autonomy, using the tracker as a tool for peace of mind rather than for constant surveillance."What is the best GPS tracker for kids right now?ZDNET spoke to parents and professionals like Dr. Siu to determine the best GPS trackers and devices to stay aware of your child's location. Our pick for the best GPS tracker for kids overall is the Apple AirTag since it's reasonably priced and uses Apple's comprehensive Find My network for accurate tracking. Read on for other top GPS trackers for kids, including devices from Apple, Garmin, and more. Sort by All The best GPS trackers and devices for kids in 2025 Show less Apple's AirTags are about the size of a quarter, and there are countless accessories you can use to attach the small tracker to a jacket or backpack (or even slip it into your child's pocket). There's no monthly fee, and the CR2032 battery lasts around a year and is easily replaceable.As far as performance goes, the AirTag does a solid job. The one caveat is that an AirTag requires another Apple device to be nearby and connected to the internet to share its location with Apple's Find My network. For example, if your child doesn't have an Apple device with cellular capabilities, tracking a young child on the school bus requires someone -- most likely another student or the bus driver -- to have an iPhone or cellular Apple Watch. If there aren't any Apple devices on the bus, the location can't update.Review:Apple AirTagZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani tested out placing AirTags on his children's backpacks and found that he could still track them during a school day. "One backpack was located about 30 minutes prior, and the other had just had its location reported 2 minutes before I'd checked," he wrote. "Presumably, a teacher walked by their backpack with an iPhone in their pocket, or one of the students' iPads picked up the tag's Bluetooth signal and reported it back Apple, which in turn lets me view the location in somewhat real-time."96% of customers who purchased an AirTag at Best Buy said they would recommend it to a friend, and the device's overall review rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.Apple AirTagspecs: Price:$29 or four for $85 |Battery life:One year |Real-time tracking:No |Monthly cost:None |Connectivity:Bluetooth, Apple's Find My Network Pros Inexpensive Battery lasts for one year Cons Only works with Apple products Problems with Apple's Find My network Apple's AirTags are about the size of a quarter, and there are countless accessories you can use to attach the small tracker to a jacket or backpack (or even slip it into your child's pocket). There's no monthly fee, and the CR2032 battery lasts around a year and is easily replaceable.As far as performance goes, the AirTag does a solid job. The one caveat is that an AirTag requires another Apple device to be nearby and connected to the internet to share its location with Apple's Find My network. For example, if your child doesn't have an Apple device with cellular capabilities, tracking a young child on the school bus requires someone -- most likely another student or the bus driver -- to have an iPhone or cellular Apple Watch. If there aren't any Apple devices on the bus, the location can't update.Review:Apple AirTagZDNET contributor Jason Cipriani tested out placing AirTags on his children's backpacks and found that he could still track them during a school day. "One backpack was located about 30 minutes prior, and the other had just had its location reported 2 minutes before I'd checked," he wrote. "Presumably, a teacher walked by their backpack with an iPhone in their pocket, or one of the students' iPads picked up the tag's Bluetooth signal and reported it back Apple, which in turn lets me view the location in somewhat real-time."96% of customers who purchased an AirTag at Best Buy said they would recommend it to a friend, and the device's overall review rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars.Apple AirTagspecs: Price:$29 or four for $85 |Battery life:One year |Real-time tracking:No |Monthly cost:None |Connectivity:Bluetooth, Apple's Find My Network Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Garmin Garmin's latest kids' smartwatch, the Bounce, offers real-time location tracking, communication features, health and sleep tracking, games, and more. Regarding GPS, parents can use Bounce's location tracking to view their child's current whereabouts in the Garmin app and be notified when their child leaves pre-approved areas.Also:The best Garmin watchesLTE connectivity (which you can purchase from Garmin for $10/month) allows your child to text and voice message up to 20 parent-approved contacts.You can also view various health metrics like sleep, steps, and active minutes to keep an eye on your growing child. Garmin also includes activity-related games within the watch so kids can unlock rewards for meeting goals or responsibilities, like completing a chore.Parents on Reddit who have bought the watch for their kids say it's greatwith notifications and location updates, especially for school-bound kids.Garmin Bouncespecs: Price:$150|Battery life:Two days|Real-time tracking:Yes|Monthly cost:$10/month|Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, LTE Pros Color touchscreen display Low monthly cost Loaded with features and tracking Cons Battery life isn't great LTE Signal strength goes in and out Garmin's latest kids' smartwatch, the Bounce, offers real-time location tracking, communication features, health and sleep tracking, games, and more. Regarding GPS, parents can use Bounce's location tracking to view their child's current whereabouts in the Garmin app and be notified when their child leaves pre-approved areas.Also:The best Garmin watchesLTE connectivity (which you can purchase from Garmin for $10/month) allows your child to text and voice message up to 20 parent-approved contacts.You can also view various health metrics like sleep, steps, and active minutes to keep an eye on your growing child. Garmin also includes activity-related games within the watch so kids can unlock rewards for meeting goals or responsibilities, like completing a chore.Parents on Reddit who have bought the watch for their kids say it's greatwith notifications and location updates, especially for school-bound kids.Garmin Bouncespecs: Price:$150|Battery life:Two days|Real-time tracking:Yes|Monthly cost:$10/month|Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi, LTE Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at T-mobile For kids who are too young for a smartphone but mature enough to care for a gadget, we recommend products like T-Mobile's SyncUp Kids Watch 2 and the Verizon GizmoWatch (more on that below). The SyncUp wrist-worn gadget costs $174, but if you add a line to your T-Mobile account, you can get the watch for free. In general, the SyncUp watch has similar functionality to that of a regular smartwatch. It includes a camera, and your child can use the device to send and receive messages. With the task manager, a parent can add chores or other tasks for their child to focus on after school, along with real-time location tracking.The interface is playful and easy for a child to use and includes a "School Mode" that disables extra features during class time to limit distraction.One T-Mobile reviewer who gave the device five stars said, "The only people allowed to contact the watch are set by you, the parent. It's a good way to access your kids when they are away, but it also lets them feel like they are growing up some."SyncUp Kids Watch 2specs: Price:$174 |Battery life:8 hours of talk time |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:No|Connectivity:4G LTE Pros Camera and task manager included Easy and fun for kids to use Free with service plan Cons Battery life could be better For kids who are too young for a smartphone but mature enough to care for a gadget, we recommend products like T-Mobile's SyncUp Kids Watch 2 and the Verizon GizmoWatch (more on that below). The SyncUp wrist-worn gadget costs $174, but if you add a line to your T-Mobile account, you can get the watch for free. In general, the SyncUp watch has similar functionality to that of a regular smartwatch. It includes a camera, and your child can use the device to send and receive messages. With the task manager, a parent can add chores or other tasks for their child to focus on after school, along with real-time location tracking.The interface is playful and easy for a child to use and includes a "School Mode" that disables extra features during class time to limit distraction.One T-Mobile reviewer who gave the device five stars said, "The only people allowed to contact the watch are set by you, the parent. It's a good way to access your kids when they are away, but it also lets them feel like they are growing up some."SyncUp Kids Watch 2specs: Price:$174 |Battery life:8 hours of talk time |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:No|Connectivity:4G LTE Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Verizon The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 has many of the same features as T-Mobile's SyncUp Kids watch. You can send and receive messages and calls, and it has a built-in camera. You can add up to 10 trusted contacts for your child to communicate with while wearing the watch.You'll also get real-time tracking and geofence support to receive alerts when your child leaves or arrives at a specific location. Similarly to the SyncUp Kids watch, you can create tasks for your child and set up school mode to prevent them from using the watch at school or during other activities."We bought the Verizon GizmoWatch about two years ago for our kiddos, then aged 6 and 8," said Kendra Paulson, who is a freelance writer. "We live on a military base, and while it is pretty safe here, we wanted to have a way to communicate with our girls while they were out riding bikes and playing in the neighborhood. I can glance at the Gizmo map and see where my kids are, and we can text and call back and forth, so it's like having a starter phone that straps to their wrist."Both GizmoWatch models have a one-time $35 activation fee from Verizon. Another downside is that Verizon customers say the battery life is shorter than advertised.Verizon Gizmo Watch3 tech specs: Price:$150, plus a $35 activation fee |Battery life:Up to 3.5 days (standby) or 1.5 days constant use |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:No|Connectivity:GPS, Cellular (4G) Pros School mode Real-time tracking Video calling Cons LTE connectivity costs extra Battery life isn't as advertised The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 has many of the same features as T-Mobile's SyncUp Kids watch. You can send and receive messages and calls, and it has a built-in camera. You can add up to 10 trusted contacts for your child to communicate with while wearing the watch.You'll also get real-time tracking and geofence support to receive alerts when your child leaves or arrives at a specific location. Similarly to the SyncUp Kids watch, you can create tasks for your child and set up school mode to prevent them from using the watch at school or during other activities."We bought the Verizon GizmoWatch about two years ago for our kiddos, then aged 6 and 8," said Kendra Paulson, who is a freelance writer. "We live on a military base, and while it is pretty safe here, we wanted to have a way to communicate with our girls while they were out riding bikes and playing in the neighborhood. I can glance at the Gizmo map and see where my kids are, and we can text and call back and forth, so it's like having a starter phone that straps to their wrist."Both GizmoWatch models have a one-time $35 activation fee from Verizon. Another downside is that Verizon customers say the battery life is shorter than advertised.Verizon Gizmo Watch3 tech specs: Price:$150, plus a $35 activation fee |Battery life:Up to 3.5 days (standby) or 1.5 days constant use |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:No|Connectivity:GPS, Cellular (4G) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Xplora XGO3 watch uses GPS, active Wi-Fi, and GSM triangulation to provide real-time location tracking. It also offers geofencing, so you can set up safety zones around key locations like home and school. If your child wanders out of these pre-marked areas, you will be notified.The watch doesn't have any games, but games are available via the GoPlay app. For every 1,000 steps that your child takes, they will earn one Xcoin, which can be saved up and redeemed for real prizes in the GoPlay store (though to use this experience, you'll need to access a smartphone or tablet). Verified customers say it's an intelligent way to gamify health and fitness for little ones.Review:Xplora XGO3ZDNET writer Maria Diaz tested the watch on her daughter and said it gave her peace of mind. "From my testing, the GPS tracking in the XGO3 is reliable, especially because I can set up specific safety zones within the Xplora app, like for home and school, and be notified when my child leaves those areas," she wrote in her review. "The app also shows historical tracking data, which is handy when you need to recall past activities."You'll also need a SIM card to use the watch's cellular functions. The SIM card is included with the watch and works with most mobile carriers except Verizon. Keep in mind that the watch requires a minimum one-year $9.99 subscription.Xplora XGO3specs: Price:$100 |Battery life:72 hours (on standby) |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:$9.99/month |Connectivity:Cellular (SIM card), Wi-Fi, GPS Pros Camera SOS button Five different color options Cons SIM card sold separately The Xplora XGO3 watch uses GPS, active Wi-Fi, and GSM triangulation to provide real-time location tracking. It also offers geofencing, so you can set up safety zones around key locations like home and school. If your child wanders out of these pre-marked areas, you will be notified.The watch doesn't have any games, but games are available via the GoPlay app. For every 1,000 steps that your child takes, they will earn one Xcoin, which can be saved up and redeemed for real prizes in the GoPlay store (though to use this experience, you'll need to access a smartphone or tablet). Verified customers say it's an intelligent way to gamify health and fitness for little ones.Review:Xplora XGO3ZDNET writer Maria Diaz tested the watch on her daughter and said it gave her peace of mind. "From my testing, the GPS tracking in the XGO3 is reliable, especially because I can set up specific safety zones within the Xplora app, like for home and school, and be notified when my child leaves those areas," she wrote in her review. "The app also shows historical tracking data, which is handy when you need to recall past activities."You'll also need a SIM card to use the watch's cellular functions. The SIM card is included with the watch and works with most mobile carriers except Verizon. Keep in mind that the watch requires a minimum one-year $9.99 subscription.Xplora XGO3specs: Price:$100 |Battery life:72 hours (on standby) |Real-time tracking:Yes |Monthly cost:$9.99/month |Connectivity:Cellular (SIM card), Wi-Fi, GPS Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best GPS tracker for kids? Our recommendation for the best GPS tracker for kids is Apple AirTag. However, any of the options on this list would make good GPS trackers and devices for kids. It just depends on what you want, and which features are a priority to you. GPS tracker devicePriceBatteryReal-time tracking?Apple AirTag $29 One year No Garmin Bounce $150 Two days Yes SyncUp Kids Watch 2$174 One week Yes Verizon GizmoWatch $170 Up to three days (standby) or 1.5 days of constant use Yes Xplora XGO3 $100 72 hours (on standby) Yes Show more Which GPS tracker is right for you? Choose this GPS tracker...If you want...Apple AirTag The best overall tracker for most people. There's no monthly fee, and the battery lasts around a year. Garmin Bounce A smartwatch loaded with features and real-time tracking. Parents can use location tracking on the Bounce to view their child's current whereabouts in the Garmin app, SyncUp Kids Watch 2A wearable watch for kids under T-Mobile. The wrist-worn gadget costs $174, but you can get it for free if you add a line to your account. Verizon GizmoWatch A wearable watch for kids under Verizon. You can create tasks for your child and set up school mode to keep them from using the watch at school. Xplora XGO 3 A GPS watch that encourages kids to play outside. With geofencing, you can set up safety zones around critical locations, like home and school. Show more Factors to consider when choosing the best GPS tracker for kids If you're buying a GPS tracker for your kids, you should consider the following:Privacy:Keeping your child's information and data is of the utmost importance with any tech device, so we looked at trackers and devices with privacy features like encryption, parental controls, and two-way communication so you can contact your child.Real-time tracking:We included trackers and devices that have real-time GPS tracking, which uses satellite signals to determine the precise location of the device, so you know exactly where your child is at any given moment.Battery life:A tracking device serves little purpose if it's out of battery, so we looked at devices with long battery lives so you don't have to recharge constantly.Price:These tracking devices can range dramatically in price, but we tried to keep all products under at least $200. Show more How we test smartwatches When we test smartwatches, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best whentested in the real world.Daily wear: We wear the smartwatch as our primary watch, with communications, applications, and other elements being tested as if it were our only smartwatch.Application selection and performance: One aspect that makes smartwatches different than standard watches is the support for applications. We load up the watch with apps and then test the performance and functionality of those applications. For example, Apple particularly excels in the area of third-party application support.Workouts: Smartwatch makers have embraced health and fitness so we take smartwatches out for running with GPS, rowing on the Hydrow, biking on trails, and walking with the family. GPS and heart rate data is tracked and then we evaluate the accuracy against proven GPS sports watches.Sleep and activity tracking:Sleep tracking has improved with smartwatches over time and we evaluate and compare them to smart rings and other watches. Nighttime is also a good time to charge your smartwatch, so you may choose not to use your watch to track sleep so your watch can serve faithfully all day and into the night.For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensivesmartwatch testing methodology. Show more FAQs on GPS trackers for kids How do GPS trackers work? GPS trackers work like this: The device uses a satellite network to determine its location. A GPS tracker converts these satellite signals into data such as velocity, time, and position so that you can see exactly where the device (and, in turn, your child) is. Show more Does Fitbit have a GPS tracker for kids? No, Fitbit makes GPS-enabled activity trackers for kids, but not location trackers with real-time location tracking. Show more What about privacy concerns? Privacy concerns and ethics are the main concerns about GPS tracking devices in general, especially when it comes to tracking children. ZDNET asked parents how they felt."As my daughters grow older and eventually head off into the world on their own, it will cross my mind wanting to know where they're at and whether they're safe," said parent and Ling App co-founderKanyarat Nuchangpuek."On the other hand, it bothers me that I could be crossing a line peeking into their private lives. It's similar to finding out that your mother read your diary. It's an invasion of privacy and may also deter my children from experiencing life in their own way. Having to wonder, "Is mommy watching?" shouldn't be a natural thought."Regardless of your choice, it's a good idea to protect your data, especially when it involves your child's location.For example, when signing up for an account, use a unique and complicated password -- preferably stored in a password manager -- to add a layer of protection to your account.If you're unsure about a product or service, always be sure to read through the company's privacy policy. Show more Do you have to pay a monthly fee for a GPS tracker? Unfortunately, many GPS trackers and devices for kids require an additional subscription payment. This is especially true if the device requires an app with advanced features or a wearable that provides LTE connectivity.Be sure to factor this extra cost into your final decision. Show more Other GPS trackers to considerMeet the experts ZDNET sourced external industry experts for this article. Here is more information about them:Dr. Kaitlyn Siu: A child neurologist, mother, and founder and CEO ofTeach Your Kids Code.Kendra Paulson: A parent and freelance writer.Kanyarat Nuchangpuek: A parent with a Masters in Information Systems, andLing Appco-founder, a language-learning app. Show more Wearables Wearables Roundups Robot Vacuums Reviewed & Compared ZDNET Recommends

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A general view outside of UnitedHealth Group's United Healthcare corporate headquarters in ... [+] Minnetonka, Minnesota on December 4, 2024, the day United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on the street in New York City before he was to attend the company's annual investors meeting. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)Getty ImagesUnitedHealth Group Thursday announced veteran internal executive Tim Noel will become chief executive of the companys health insurance business, UnitedHealthcare.Tim joined UnitedHealth Group in 2007, and most recently served as chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, UnitedHealth Group announced in a brief statement Thursday afternoon. He brings unparalleled experience to this role with a proven track record and strong commitment to improving how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners.Aside from last weeks 2024 fourth quarter and annual earnings, its the first major public announcement since the December 4 shooting death of UnitedHealthcare chief executive Brian Thompson. His death unleashed a barrage of scrutiny on health insurer denials of medical care and certain other business practices from social media trolls and industry critics including some in Congress who say theyd like to see reform.Thompson was among several executives who ran UnitedHealth Group businesses with the title of CEO. UnitedHealth includes the health insurance company UnitedHealthcare that included Thompson as well as the Optum medical care services business and its many subsidiaries including OptumRx, one of the nations largest pharmacy benefit managers.The selection of Noel comes at a critical time for UnitedHealthcare. The company, like other health insurers last year, grappled with rising medical costs in its health plans. Thus, UnitedHealths earnings report last week showed the company is spending more on medical care as the companys annual medical care ratio, or MCR, which is the percentage of premium revenue that goes toward medical costs, rose dramatically. The full year medical care ratio was 85.5% compared to 83.2% in 2023, the company said last week.Health insurance company profits began to soar not long after the coronavirus hit the U.S. in 2020 because people werent seeking care amid lockdowns, office closures and doctor appointment windows that were limited. When people dont go to the doctor, a claim isnt filed with the health plan so the insurance company makes more money.UnitedHealths net income for 2024 was the lowest annual income in five years. The company reported net income of $22.3 billion last year, had net income of $20.6 billion in 2022 after making $17.3 billion in 2021 and $15.4 billion in 2020. Before the pandemic UnitedHealth made $13.8 billion in 2019.At UnitedHealthcare, full-year revenue grew 6% to $298.2 billion as the company grew its customers served in its domestic commercial benefits grew by 2.4 million in 2024. UnitedHealthcare provides health benefits to more than 50 million people.

Another delay could be hitting S24 ownersFuture Publishing via Getty ImagesRepublished on January 23 with a new report suggesting an all-at-once upgrade for Galaxy S24 owners, as Android 15 is released.Owners of Samsung flagships should be rightly excited about the imminent(ish) arrival of Android 15 on their phones, bringing a raft of security and privacy enhancements. But theres some last minute disappointment that looks like being confirmed this week. And for those who have dropped $1500 on an S24 Ultra in the last few months, this will not play well.Samsung has just confirmed that One UI 7 for the Galaxy S series will be released in the first quarter, and will be applied sequentially to existing Galaxy devices. All except the new S25 of course, which will launch with One UI 7 AKA Android 15 right out of the box. Perhaps this ensures a period of OS exclusivity to encourage more users to churn.Picking up on the latest leaks, Android Headlines suggests owners of Samsungs previous-gen flagship phones might receive it between late February and early March, while SammyFans suggests that a second January OS update for S24s signals that Samsung is still polishing the major firmware, which isnt ready yet for deployment on a public scale. Leaker Tarun Vats, posting on X, has foretold this kind of wait for some time, that current pre-S25 devices are likely to be updated at the end of February or some time in March. Galaxy S24 owners have hoped to see an update much sooner after this weeks S25 launch. That it seems is not to be. It could mean an update some four months after Googles Pixel.Putting tantalizing software updates to one side, this matters because Android 15 is a security and privacy upgrade more than anything else, and does a good job of narrowing the gap to iPhone when it comes to safeguarding users, their devices and their data. And while Google has done a sterling job with this latest OS, Samsung has gone even further, blocking the sideloading of risky apps for all but the most stubborn users and gong some way toward an iPhone-like phone lockdown.MORE FOR YOUGoogles advances include live threat detection to flag malware early if it detects risky on-device app behavior, the expansion of Play Protect to stop users from being tricked into installing unofficial versions of their apps, and network defense to block insecure connections. Samsung will also allow 2G to be blocked across its devices for the first time.It is unclear whats included with this second January Galaxy S24 update. Samsung released its own fixes and the Android-wide ones from Google early in the month. Even so, it is as always imperative for users to update as soon as they can. Thats the other difference between S25 and S24 (and older) devices. The new phone is likely to bring seamless updates to a Samsung flagship for the first time. It seems other devices will miss out.Samsungs deployment of Android 15 is the nearest we've had yet to an iPhone-matching Android device, albeit theres still a gap in some key areas. If security and privacy is important, then the device itself and Samsungs expanded Knox architecture which better mirrors Apples walled device garden makes for a compelling upgrade.We may know more on the release date for these security and privacy upgrades as regards S24s and older devices. Samsung as ever hasnt confirmed any of this newly leaked information. But there is maybe some better news courtesy of a forum moderator, at least as regards the efficiency of the release when it comes.As picked up by SammyFans, Samsung [has] confirmed through [a] community moderator that the One UI 7 will be released for all Galaxy S24 users at once. The company is set to launch the official version with the Galaxy S25 series today and theres a massive hype for the One UI 7 While the release date remains unknown, Samsung moderators confirmation is a positive news for Galaxy fans. General users of the Galaxy S24 series wont have to wait once the incremental build drops for the Beta participants.There may need to be some clarification on this though. The question asked in the forum was how will we get the original update if we have the beta? To which the answer that came from the moderator was [the] official version will be rolled out to public users once the update is available (Both the Beta participants & public users).The official information is still a release before the end of the first quarter, which aligns with the leaked end of February into March. Which means watching from afar as new Galaxy S25s tout new capabilities and features.Meanwhile, Samsung is targeting iPhone users with 25 reasons to switch to a Samsung mobile device, including its security upgrades. If youre an iPhone user who may be due for an upgrade, heres a list of 25 reasons to make the switch to Samsung this time around. Those 25 reasons include new AI offerings, but also privacy protection and the Knox ecosystem. The gap may be narrowing, but I dont think were yet at a place where security and privacy offerings really push that switch.Mobile devices have become such an important part of our work and social lives, Samsung says, that theres understandably some reluctance to change brands due to the perception that transitioning all those apps, subscriptions, contacts, files and photos might cause havoc. Switching your phone brand of choice isnt as difficult as you might think or as time-consuming as it used to be.

What just happened? Canon has announced a 410-megapixel CMOS image sensor, setting a new record for the most number of pixels on a 35mm full-frame sensor. Before getting too excited, you should know that the sensor is destined for applications like surveillance, industrial imaging, and medicine that demand extreme resolution rather can consumer-grade cameras. The 410-megapixel (24,592 x 16,704 pixels) sensor boasts a resolution that is 198 times greater than Full HD, and 12 times higher than 8K. With it, users should be able to crop any part of an image without a significant drop in quality.Canon said the new sensor utilizes a back-illuminated stacked formation in which the signal processing element and pixel segment are interlayered. The imaging specialist also had to redesign the circuitry pattern, which enabled a super fast readout speed of 3,280 megapixels per second.Super-high pixel count sensors already exist in medium- or larger formats, but fitting this level of resolution into a 35mm sensor is unprecedented and will help contribute to the miniaturization of shooting equipment, Canon said.Full-color and monochrome versions of the sensor will be available. The latter will additionally feature a four-pixel binning function that effectively treats four pixels as one a trick we've seen smartphone image sensors use to boost performance, especially in low light situations. Canon said that when this feature is in use, the sensor can capture 100-megapixel video at 24 frames per second. Otherwise, video is limited to eight frames per second.Canon has been pushing the bounds of what's possible with imaging tech for a while now. Late last year, the company showed off a 250-megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor intended for industrial inspection applications. On the consumer side, we got a new EOS R series camera aimed at entry-level photographers wanting to step up from a smartphone. // Related StoriesCanon will showcase its new sensor at the SPIE Photonics West conference for optics and photonics. The show starts on January 28 and runs through the 30th in San Francisco.

What just happened? Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science have introduced a breakthrough technology that could transform the way wearable devices are powered. Called "Power-Over-Skin," this innovation allows electricity to travel through the human body, potentially eliminating the need for traditional batteries in a wide range of wearable tech. The technology addresses a longstanding challenge in the wearable device industry. From continuous glucose monitors for diabetes management to pacemakers and fitness trackers, these devices rely on batteries that require regular charging and maintenance.Andy Kong, a leading member of the research team, explains that Power-Over-Skin aims to remove this obstacle by enabling devices to operate seamlessly and discreetly an essential factor for effective health monitoring.Still in its early stages, the technology employs a single battery-powered transmitter worn on the body to deliver power to various receivers. During testing, the researchers successfully powered small objects, including LED lights, a Bluetooth joystick embedded in a ring, and a light-up earring. They found that the power received by these devices was directly proportional to their distance from the transmitter, with closer devices receiving more power.Kong compares the process to how a radio uses air as a medium to transmit signals between a broadcasting station and a car stereo, with the key difference being that Power-Over-Skin uses body tissue as the transmitting medium. The researchers focused on maximizing power transmission efficiency through the body, discovering that square waves delivered significantly more power than the sine waves used in earlier experiments.The technology operates through capacitive coupling at 40 MHz RF energy, enabling safe and efficient power transfer through the skin. This approach allows continuous power delivery directly from a source on the body to multiple wearable devices. // Related StoriesWhile the current demonstrations focus on low-power electronics, the researchers envision future applications powering more energy-intensive devices like smart glasses and advanced wearables. To achieve this, the team is working to increase the power output by a factor of 10, with the ultimate goal of powering devices such as earbuds.

A great gaming laptop has a lot on its shoulders to contend with, especially when you look at how demanding some of the most demanding online games of 2025 are slated to be. Fortunately, brands like Asus know a thing or two about developing hardware that covers your gaming needs, both in the present day and in the future. And, as luck would have it, one of the brands top gaming PCs is on sale today:Right now, when you purchase the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 Gaming Laptop at Best Buy, youll only pay $1,100. The full MSRP on this model is $1,600.When it comes to power and performance, this Asus G16 configuration doesnt disappoint in any way. Running a 10-core Intel Core i7 CPU, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage, you can expect fast, reliable multitasking from the G16. Its a solid choice for a Windows 11 workplace laptop and a great pick for graphic designers and video editors, too. But were betting most folks are going to grab this bad boy for gaming, which is precisely what its engineered to handle most effectively!RelatedWith its 1920 x 1080p resolution and 165Hz native refresh rate, the Asus G16 is also 100% DCI-P3 certified and delivers up to 3m response times. Rich colors, excellent contrast levels, and top-notch motion handling can be yours, along with ROG Intelligent Cooling, a customizable RGB keyboard, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity, should you be interested in one of the best monitor deals we found this week.Its hard to say how long this discount is going to stick around, so today might be the last day to save big on this incredible gaming laptop. Take $500 off the Asus ROG Zephyrus G16 Gaming Laptop when you purchase at Best Buy. We also suggest taking a look at our roundups of the best Asus laptop deals, Best Buy deals, and best laptop deals.Editors Recommendations

Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese are getting the band back together.Per Deadline, DiCaprio and Scorsese are eyeing a reunion for the film adaptation of The Devil in the White City. 20th Century Studios has boarded the project, with DiCaprio in talks to star and Scorsese in talks to direct. The movie is based on Erik Larsons bestselling non-fiction book The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America.Recommended VideosThere is no script attached to the project. DiCaprio and Scorsese would produce alongside Stacey Sher, Rick Yorn, and Jennifer Davisson.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe Devil in the White City explores the Worlds Columbian Exposition in 1893 Chicago. The two central characters are Daniel Burnham, a Worlds Fair architect, and H.H. Holmes, a con man considered the first serial killer in the U.S.DiCaprio first purchased rights to Larsons book in 2010. Since then, the project has been in development hell, with several setbacks and delays. DiCaprio was eyeing the role of Holmes with Scorsese attached to direct.Apple TV+In 2019, Hulu began developing the book as a TV series, with Keanu Reeves attached as the star and Todd Field on board to direct the first two episodes. DiCaprio and Scorsese were producers. However, Hulu moved on from the project in 2023.DiCaprio and Scorseses partnership dates back. DiCaprio has appeared in six Scorsese films, including Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon. DiCaprio also starred in Scorseses 2015 short film The Audition.DiCaprio can next be seen in Paul Thomas Andersons untitled film, which is rumored to be The Battle of Baktan Cross, in theaters on August 8, 2025.Editors Recommendations

Bruce David Klein directs a warm documentary tribute to the flamboyantly fabulous actress and singer.