Mindshow, the real-time CG animation company, has unveiled its virtual production platform alongside the appointment of David Baron as Chief Operating Officer. A founding executive at Hulu, Baron also held leadership roles at Fox Digital Media, Paramount, and Microsoft, bringing decades of media innovation expertise to the job.Content distribution hit a historic inflection point when streaming put libraries of content at viewers' fingertips, said Baron. Mindshow brings that same accessibility to creation. Brands can now move from concept to delivery in one production cycle, turning characters into multi-platform properties across social, streaming, previsualization, and beyond. For the business of animation, this changes everything.Mindshow merges real-time rendering with asset ingest and character animation tools accessible across the entire production pipeline, from storyboarding to final pass. Directors step into virtual studio sets through mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets, including the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest, to instantly utilize a flexible toolkit with full creative control. Key features and capabilities include:Advanced Voice Integration: Proprietary lip-sync technology converts pre-recorded audio into stylized animated facial performances and character movements.Virtual Studio Cameras: Directors capture unlimited angles with multiple cameras with industry-standard lens settings, enabling iterations for instant control and review.Seamless Motion Capture (mocap): Generates real-time character expression leveraging industry-standard mocap suits to rapidly evolving camera tracking solutions like Meta Quest.Asset Integration Pipeline: Existing character libraries are easily converted into 3D models that are rigged for performance, maximizing the value of brand assets.Every step of animation requires a specialized toolfrom assets to previsualization to rendering and review, said Sharon Bordas, CEO of Mindshow. This technical fragmentation bottlenecks creativity costing production teams time and money. Mindshow is purpose-built to integrate a growing ecosystem of virtual production capabilities as rapidly as cutting-edge content tools and technology hit the market, making studio-quality animation immediate and intuitive through a single platform.Character authenticity lives in the detailsa subtle expression, a defining gesture, a signature movement, said Carrie LeGrand, Head of Production at Mattel. From creating innovative swim mechanics for Enchantimals to dynamic racetracks for Hot Wheels, Mindshow's real-time mocap and character animation tools allow us to perfect every performance while maximizing our existing character libraries. This creative precision has been transformative for Mattel, maintaining brand integrity across global studio collaborations.Powered by Unity's real-time engine, Mindshow puts enterprise-scale virtual production tools within reach of Unity's global developer community.Unitys real-time 3D platform is designed to be scalable and flexible, giving creators the tools to push boundaries and explore new possibilities, said Steve Collins, CTO, Unity. Whether its integrating advanced tech or adapting to new workflows, our platform helps developers create captivating and innovative experiences. When partners like Mindshow deliver accessible virtual production tools through an intuitive interface, it demonstrates Unitys versatility in changing the game for animation, making studio-quality content easier to achieve.Mindshow is now available for licensing to select entertainment companies, sports organizations, and consumer brands while continuing to offer its full-service production suite through its Los Angeles-based studio. To learn more, visit the Mindshow website.Source: Mindshow Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

The fantasy authors Anansi Boys comic series has also been cancelled by the publisher, although the Prime Video series adaptation so far appears unscathed.

Two brothers. One town. Countless secrets. They tried to escape their past, but something sinister is calling them back. Dont miss the gripping new trailer for Sinners!The VFX are made by:Storm Studios (VFX Supervisor: Espen Nordahl, VFX Producer: Thomas Reppen)Rising Sun Pictures (VFX Supervisor: Guido Wolter, VFX Producer: Rachel Copp)Baraboom Studios (VFX Supervisor: Pepe Valencia)ILM (VFX Supervisor: Nick Marshall, VFX Producer: Alun Cummins)The Production VFX Supervisor is Michael Ralla.The Production VFX Producer is James Alexander.Director: Ryan CooglerRelease Date: April 18, 2025 (USA) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024The post Sinners appeared first on The Art of VFX.

Ceromine Bois Caiman (date unknown), beads and sequins on fabric, 52 x 82 inches. All images Myrlande Constant, courtesy of the artist and Fort Gansevoort, New York, shared with permissionEmbellished Vodou Flags by Myrlande Constant Spotlight The Spiritual World of HaitiJanuary 28, 2025Kate MothesWhen Myrlande Constant (previously) was a teenager, she worked alongside her mother in a commercial wedding dress factory in Port-au-Prince. There, she learned the tambour embroidery technique, which utilizes a hook to create chain stitches with beads and sequins on fabric.By foregrounding her specialized skills honed in the fashion industry, Constants approach todrapohas broken gender barriers and elevated the overlooked creative labor of Haitian female factory workers to the realm of fine art, says a statement from Fort Gansevoort, which will present the artists work next month in a solo exhibition titled The Spiritual World of Haiti.Marasah-Cai Leh-Crole-Marasah-Guinin-Marasah-bois (date unknown), beads and sequins on fabric, 74 x 55.25 inchesDrapo, or drapo Vodou, typically describes a style of embroidered flag embellished with beads or sequins, but the term can also be applied to a wide range of art forms like painting, clothing, assemblages, and sculptures. Constants pieces, which she has been renowned for since the 1990s, highlight a variety of materials, colors, textures, and all-over compositions brimming with ritual activity and symbols.Haitian Vodou, an African diasporic religion that developed between the 16th and 19th centuries, merged Western and Central African traditions with Roman Catholicism. Its divine creator, Bondye, is inaccessible to humans, so spirits known as lwas serve as intermediaries that can be invoked during ceremonies by possessing individuals, enabling communication with Bondye and transmission of advice, admonishment, or healing.Though she considers her art-making to be rooted in spirituality, Constant does not create her works for the purpose of display in Vodou temples, preferring instead to exhibit them in museums and galleries internationally, a statement says.For Constant, art-making is a statement of resistance within the context of Haitis extreme political and economic instability. The nations current unrest was spurred by protests against high fuel prices in 2018 and a demand that then-president Jovenel Mose resign. He refused to step down but was assassinated in 2021, further escalating tensions. A federation of gangs continues to clash with the government, spawning more protests, violence, and perpetuating an evolving humanitarian crisis.Detail of Au nom de 29 points cimetiere par pou voir Baron SamediMarinette Bois Chche is the earliest work that will be on view in the exhibition and depicts the martyrdom of Vodou lwa Marinette. According to folklore, Vodou lwa Marinette was burned alive for fighting against slavery and participating in a paradigm-shifting Bwa Kayiman ceremony in 1791, which spawned the 12-year Haitian Revolution.The insurrection, an uprising of enslaved people against French colonial rule, is unique in history because it led to the founding of a state ruled by former captives and non-white people and free from slaveryalthough it still permitted forced labor. Constants title translates to something like Marinette of the dry wood, evoking the ceremony that typically takes place around a bonfire and calling upon a momentous period in Haitis history.The artists drapo are densely beaded and often much larger than their traditional counterparts. The most recent work on view in the exhibition, Devosyon Makaya spans ten feet wide and took around three years to create. Constant describes her process as painting with beads, transforming fabric and findings into elaborate narratives evoking time-honored Haitian customs.The Spiritual World of Haiti opens on February 27 and continues through April 26 in New York City.Au nom de 29 points cimetiere par pou voir Baron Samedi (date unknown), beads and sequins on fabric, 58 x 70 inchesMarinette Bois Chche (1994), beads and sequins on fabric, 33 x 37 inchesPar pou voir torit les saints torit les morts torit armes ou purgatoir b manman ak bo papamaternel et paternal en non digr cela mizerricorde (date unknown), beads, sequins, and tassels on fabric, 76.5 x 96 inchesDetail of Par pou voir torit les saints torit les morts torit armes ou purgatoir b manman ak bo papamaternel et paternal en non digr cela mizerricordeDetail of Ceromine Bois CaimanNext article

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsofts cloud market dominance has prompted the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to consider taking a targeted approach to fixing issues its investigation into the UK cloud services market has uncovered.The competition watchdog has published the provisioning findings from its long-running investigation into the inner workings of the UK cloud infrastructure services market, which shows that competition in the sector is not working as well as it could be. For this reason, Kip Meek, chair of the CMAs independent inquiry group, said it is advising the regulator to consider investigating the largest cloud service providers using its new digital markets powers.This is because its findings suggest end-user organisations could be paying more than they need for cloud services, and are possibly at risk of being locked into using platforms that do not meet their evolving needs.In a seven-page report, detailing the provisional findings of its investigation, the CMA said the lack of competition in the cloud market could mean UK customers are collectively paying hundreds of millions more per year than they need to for services.The report calls out AWS and Microsoft specifically for holding a significant unilateral market power that risks harming the UK cloud services market. This harms competition in cloud services in the UK because it is harder for alternative cloud providers to enter and grow in these markets and customers face a limited choice of suppliers, the report said.It went on to state that UK cloud users can be locked into their initial choice of provider due to technical and commercial barriers that prevent customers from seeking out the services of other cloud suppliers who might have better-priced or a more innovative portfolio of services.We have provisionally found that AWS and Microsoft have been generating sustained returns from their cloud services substantially above their cost of capital in cloud services for a number of years, the report said. Customers say that cloud services offer both quality and innovation to them. However, we consider that a more competitive market would have sustained better market outcomes, including more consistently competitive prices, as well as further improvements in quality and innovation.The report also called out Microsofts controversial licensing practices, which typically see it charging customers more for running its software in its competitors cloud, as impacting on the competitive position of AWS and also Google by partially foreclosing them from the market.As well as being in-scope of the CMA probe, Microsofts behaviour on this front is also the subject of a European Commission complaint, filed by Google in September 2024.[The licensing piece] exacerbates the harm we have provisionally found arising from high market concentration and barriers to entry and expansion in relation to Microsofts significant unilateral market power, the report added.To remedy the situation, the report suggests the CMA board should use powers conferred on it through the roll-out of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (DMCCA) on 1 January 2025 to mark AWS and Microsoft out as suppliers with strategic market status.This would mean the CMA could impose legally binding conduct requirements or pro-competition interventions on both firms to limit and remedy the toll their activities have allegedly had on the market.As detailed in the report, such powers are specifically designed to be effected in digital markets that share a combination of characteristics that can cause them to tip in favour of one or a few firms by allowing the CMA to take a targeted and iterative approach to tackling the behaviour of such providers.We consider that measures aimed at AWS and Microsoft would address market-wide concerns by directly benefiting the majority of UK customers and producing wider, indirect effects by altering the competitive conditions or other providers, the report stated.Read more about the CMA investigation into the UK cloud services marketMicrosofts share of the global cloud infrastructure market is growing at a time when its customer recruitment and retention techniques are coming under increased regulatory scrutiny.The UK competition watchdog has secured a four-month deadline extension for its investigation into the cloud infrastructure services market, citing the need to probe Microsofts licensing practices as a causal factor in the decision.Before any action can be taken by the CMA, a consultation on the provisional findings of its investigation needs to take place, with cloud market stakeholders now invited to share their feedback on the conclusions raised so far. The final report from the CMAs investigation is due to drop by 4 August 2025.In the meantime, AWS has responded to the CMAs provisional findings by describing its proposed intervention under the terms of the DMCCA as not warranted, and urged it to think about the long-term impact of such a move.We urge the CMA to carefully consider how regulatory intervention in other areas will stifle innovation and ultimately harm customers in the UK, a spokesperson for AWS said. We will continue to work constructively with the CMA as they work on their final report.Rima Alaily, corporate vice-president and deputy general counsel in the competition law group at Microsoft, seemed to suggest in a statement to Computer Weekly that the contents of the CMA report are mistargeted.The draft report should be focused on paving the way for the UK's AI-powered future, not fixating on legacy products launched in the last century, she said. The cloud computing market has never been so dynamic and competitive, attracting billions in investments, new entrants and rapid innovation. What could be better for UK businesses and government?Meanwhile, Chris Lindsay, vice-president of customer engineering for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Google Cloud, said the company was pleased to see the impact that restrictive licensing practices have on cloud customers feature in the CMAs provisional findings. Restrictive licensing harms UK cloud customers, threatens economic growth and stifles innovation, and we are encouraged that the CMA has recognised the harm of these practices, he said.

In October 2024, the European Commission (EC) published its Digital fairness fitness check report as part of a continued effort to evaluate the effectiveness of European Union (EU) legislation with consumer protection laws.Specifically, it evaluated the efficacy of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, the Consumer Rights Directive, and the Unfair Contract Terms Directive.The report revealed these existing laws have only partially achieved the objectives of providing a high level of consumer protection, with harmful commercial practices online costing EU consumers at least 7.9bn per year, and further drew attention to the power and information imbalances between businesses and consumers online. Now, its findings are being used to shape the latest development in tech policy in Europe, the Digital Fairness Act (DFA).Following the report, president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen wrote to Michael McGrath, the EUs commissioner for consumer protection, to urge his successor to develop a Digital Fairness Act.The mission letter outlined five core problematic practices in consumer-facing apps and online platforms today; including dark patterns, addictive design, personalised targeting features, problematic commercial practices of social media influencers, and features that make it excessively difficult to cancel digital subscriptions.Recent legislation such as the UKs Online Safety Act and the EUs Digital Services Act (DSA) have aimed to address some of the illegal and harmful online practices that persist online, but a Digital Fairness Act could potentially tackle some of the more pervasive technological tools that have been adopted by tech companies and digital platforms to persuade and engage consumers.For example, a study conducted by the EC in 2022 found that 97% of the most popular websites and apps used by EU consumers use at least one dark pattern, which are manipulative interface designs and functionalities which undermine informed consent and mislead users.Similarly, the European Consumer Organisations (BEUC) consumer survey in September 2023 revealed that the majority of consumers feel personal data analysis and monetisation is unfair (60%), and less than half (43%) do not feel fully in control of the decisions they make or the content they are shown online.With the DFA currently in its proposal phase, civil society organisations and campaigners are putting forward their suggestions to the European Commission. Many civil society organisations across Europe are hopeful that the act will tackle some of the most exploitative techniques that have been fundamental to the tech industrys growth, and which they believe are responsible for many of the harms that digital users face today.European Digital Rights (EDRi) is the largest European network of organisations defending rights and freedoms online, and are working on a position paper with their members on the DFA. They hope that the act will address exploitative practices often employed by Big Tech and ad tech intermediaries, which they say exploit users vulnerabilities, undermine their autonomy, and disproportionately impact marginalised communities.One area of focus they have for the DFA is to ensure it adopts a rights-centred approach that recognises digital users not just as consumers, but as people with broader individual and collective rights.A core assumption underpinning this approach is that vulnerability is inherent to the digital realm as we know it today, driven by an imbalance of power and significant information asymmetries, says Itxaso Dominguez, a policy adviser at EDRi.To address these challenges, EDRi are advocating for embedding principles of fairness by design and fairness by default into the act. They hope this will ensure that fairness and respect for fundamental rights are integral to the development and operation of digital platforms and services, rather than optional considerations.Superrr Lab, an organisation advocating for just digital futures, recently published a position paper titled Digital fairness shaping consumer protection in a just and future-proof way.They too echo the desire for fairness by design and by default to be enshrined in the act: The DFA will be most effective in truly enhancing digital rights if it addresses the root-causes of power imbalances in the digital realm. Consumers are humans with rights beyond markets and consumer protection law, and an effective DFA, should be shaped accordingly to ensure true digital fairness in the sense of no discriminatory practices and opportunities for participation.The addictive nature of social media platforms is another digital design feature that the act could address, and an area where there is increasing public scrutiny, particularly in relation to its effects on children and young peoples mental wellbeing. Challenging this feature through policy could potentially address one of the main tenets of the industrys extractive business model.Commissioner for justice Michael McGrath has said it plainly: They want to keep people online constantly, including our children, and this is how to get money from advertising, Rosie Morgan-Stuart, campaign and policy consultant for People Vs Big Tech, said. Meanwhile, the evidence of harm is mounting. Binding rules are clearly needed, given the severity of the risks and Big Techs repeated refusal to prioritise safety over profit.Better enforcement is another core ambition for the DFA. The Digital fairness fitness check report drew attention to the pervasive non-compliance popular among tech companies and social media platforms, and the need for real accountability. Earlier in 2024, the European Commission opened proceedings against Meta, Alphabet and Apple over their failure to effectively comply with their obligations under the existing Digital Markets Act (DMA).To make a real difference, the Digital Fairness Act needs to set out clear rules that are easy to understand, to apply and if necessary to enforce. Unfortunately, current EU law does not provide sufficient legal certainty in relation to unfair commercial practices online and therefore does not adequately protect consumers, says Urs Buscke, senior legal officer at BEUC.EDRi echo the need for more robust enforcement mechanisms and the prohibition of manipulative practices outright, rather than relying on voluntary compliance mechanisms, which have historically failed.Aside from voluntary compliance mechanisms, gaps in enforcement have also persisted due to the fact that the existing directives covered by the fitness check do not contain any reporting obligations.Some believe the DFA could potentially break up the monopolies within the tech industry seen across some of the Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), which the DSA defines as platforms or search engines that have more than 45 million users per month in the EU. Instead, they advocate for a digital ecosystem that allows independent,third-party content curation and moderation services.Unbundling the social networks could address many of the harms connected to addictive design and predatory data surveillance by providing consumers with a marketplace of options for recommender systems and other content curation tools, says Katarzyna Szymielewicz, co-founder of freedom and privacy NGO Panoptykon Foundation. This would also address the problematic nature of relying on VLOPs themselves as the arbiters of quality and credibility in ranking algorithms.On 16 January 2025, 18 former European presidents and prime ministers wrote to Von der Leyen urging the EC to pursue a structural breaking up of Googles servicesto restore competition and end Googles monopoly.Forced breakups are do-able and have a long and distinguished record through modern history from John D. Rockefellers Standard Oil in 1911, to Germanys gigantic IG Farben conglomerate after the Second World War, to AT&T in 1982, says Claire Godfrey, executive director ofBalanced Economy Project.Theyve just fallen out of favour. The US has proposed a break up of Google to fix the search monopoly, and the EU is in a position to support the US and break the tech giants monopoly over digital advertising. It needs the political will and courage more than anything.Despite the challenges, many of those Computer Weekly spoke with said the DFA could potentially result in transformative changes to the modern digital ecosystem. The Digital Fairness Act offers a rare opportunity to set a global precedent, ensuring that fairness, transparency and accountability are embedded into the foundations of the digital ecosystem, says Dominguez.But this will only happen if policymakers strive to be bold. As Kim Van Spaarentak, GroenLinks MEP, urges: We dont have to accept the status quo. We can still fix our online environments if we dare to be ambitious enough. Alternatives are perfectly possible.If ethical design becomes the standard, the online space can be a fantastic place for knowledge-sharing, community forming and creativity. But whether the EU dares to go far enough is the big question for the next few years.Read more about digital practices onlineInvasive tracking endemic on sensitive support websites: Websites set up by police, charities and universities to help people get support for sensitive issues like addiction and sexual harassment are deploying tracking technologies that harvest information without proper consent.Barings Law enleagues 15,000 claimants against Google and Microsoft: Barings Law has signed up 15,000 claimants in a data breach suit against Microsoft and Google. The firm says the tech giants use personal data without proper consent to train AI models.Open Rights Group accuses LiveRamp of unlawful data processing: Privacy campaigners at Open Rights Group have submitted formal complaints to UK and French data regulators about allegedly unlawful data processing by online advertising firm LiveRamp.

A new laptop is an investment, and making it last is essential to maximizing its value. To care for your new laptop, you'll want to minimize the amount of bumps and vibrations it's exposed to and keep it closed when not in use to protect the keys and screen, which can be fragile.Maximizing your laptop's battery life is also part of its longevity, as it's best to keep it between 30% and 80% to optimize battery life. Besides these obvious factors, you'll want to keep the software and drivers up to date, and get a backpack and sleeve for safe, efficient transport.How long does the battery typically last?Battery life depends on various factors, such as what tasks you're doing and whether your computer is in a battery-saving mode or high-performance mode. HP laptops, particularly the OmniBook and EliteBook lines of devices are known for having better-than-average batteries.Also: HP shows off three next-gen laptops and revamps its desktops at CES 2025When looking at a laptop's battery, consider its watt-hour number (written as Wh), which measures how much power a battery uses over one hour. The higher the number, the longer the battery should theoretically last; however, how fast the computer burns through that power is another story.For example, the HP Envy x360 features a 68Wh battery, but the 16-inch OLED display will demand lots of power from the battery. Conversely, the same size battery in the OmniBook X 14 will drain at a trickle in comparison thanks to the AI on board the Snapdragon X Elite processor.Which HP laptop is most durable?HP's lineup of laptops may not be known as the most heavy-duty on the market, but the company has been making computers for decades and certainly knows a thing or two about durability. As such, consumers can be confident that any HP laptop is going to come with industry-standard components and be able to handle the wear and tear of everyday use.Of the laptops on this list, the EliteBook x360 1040 and the OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 are among the most durable thanks to their slightly more premium builds.Can you game on a HP laptop?You can game on any HP laptop, but you'll get the best performance from a computer designed for gaming, like the HP Omen 16. The reason for this has a lot to do with graphics processing and whether or not the device is designed to mitigate heat well.Also:This Lenovo 2-in-1 is one of the most versatile business laptops I've testedMost HP laptops are fine for casual or entry-level gaming, but once you start running graphically-intense games, you're going to run into performance issues, and the laptop will not be able to compensate for the heat generated by the hardware.HP's Omen line of gaming options are renown for their accessibility and high performance, and they come with dedicated graphics cards, high refresh rate displays, and a robust cooling system. However, if you truly want thebest gaming laptop, there are a host of other options out there, especially for demanding games.How do you access the BIOS on a HP laptop?Restart your computer, and when the HP startup screen appears, you'll want to press either F1, F2, or Enter, depending on your model. It will often specify on the screen but note that this screen may only appear for a second or two before Windows starts up.

When you're investing in a new TV, the top three factors you should consider are picture quality, screen size, and color contrast. Depending on your space, you may choose a 50-inch, a 55-inch, a 65-inch, or a 75-inch(or perhaps an even larger) TV to view your favorite shows, movies, and games. If you're looking for a 50-inch TV to fit your apartment or bedroom, these TVs offer a beautiful picture for a decent price point compared to larger sizes. And with holiday sales at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, you can save even more on brands like Samsung, LG, and more.Also:The best Roku TVs of 2025As a gamer who loves a good Netflix show, I care about the quality of my TV. Based on our staff's hands-on testing and research, I rounded up the best 50-inch TVs that I would personally purchase and use in my own home. What is the best 50-inch TV right now? My pick for the best 50-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D for its updated Neo QLED panel, Dolby Atmos support and object tracking sound, dedicated gaming hub with access to cloud gaming services, and base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be pushed to 144Hz for PC and console gaming. Keep reading below to find out more about the Samsung QN90D as well as our other expert-testedpicks for the best 50-inch TV. Also:Need something smaller? The best 40-inch TVs you can buy Sort by All The best 50-inch TVs of 2025 Show less The Samsung QN90D is one of the newest additions to the brand's lineup, offering plenty of reasons to upgrade. Along with 4K resolution, you'll get a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for PC or console gaming and UHD streaming. It also offers virtual 3D surround sound with support for Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite technology for a more immersive experience.You can set up a virtual assistant via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, or Hey Google for hands-free controls over your new TV. And console gamers can take advantage of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your game. It also supports Samsung's Multi View feature, which lets you watch up to 2 additional video sources simultaneously with your game, movie, or show; which is great for fantasy sports leagues, game walkthroughs, and catching up with the news while streaming music or following along with a workout.Samsung QN90D tech specs: Panel type: Neo QLED |HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical Pros Up to 144Hz refresh rate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound Lots of connectivity options Cons A bit pricey No Nvidia G-Sync support No Dolby Vision support The Samsung QN90D is one of the newest additions to the brand's lineup, offering plenty of reasons to upgrade. Along with 4K resolution, you'll get a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be boosted to 144Hz for PC or console gaming and UHD streaming. It also offers virtual 3D surround sound with support for Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound Lite technology for a more immersive experience.You can set up a virtual assistant via Alexa, Samsung's Bixby, or Hey Google for hands-free controls over your new TV. And console gamers can take advantage of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology to help prevent screen tearing and stuttering that can ruin your game. It also supports Samsung's Multi View feature, which lets you watch up to 2 additional video sources simultaneously with your game, movie, or show; which is great for fantasy sports leagues, game walkthroughs, and catching up with the news while streaming music or following along with a workout.Samsung QN90D tech specs: Panel type: Neo QLED |HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED is the retailer's latest flagship TV, offering an improved display over the QLED model and a host of other quality-of-life upgrades. It supports both Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound and has a refresh rate of up to 144Hz for smoother action during fast-paced scenes in movies, shows, and video games.Review: Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LEDThe Fire TV platform gives you access to the entire Prime Video library as well as to thousands of other apps and Alexa Skills to turn your new TV into the ultimate entertainment hub. ZDNET editor Chris Bayer got to test out the Fire TV Mini LED for himself and was impressed with how well the picture quality stacked up compared to more premium models from brands like Samsung and Sony. He was also impressed with the enhanced audio thanks to the integrated subwoofer and 2.1CH speakers.Amazon Fire Omni Mini LED tech specs: Panel type: Mini LED |HDR: Dolby Vision IQ |Audio: DolbyAtmos |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, USB, RF, Optical Pros Up to 144Hz refresh rate Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support Improved display Cons No G-Sync support for VRR No Apple HomeKit support The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED is the retailer's latest flagship TV, offering an improved display over the QLED model and a host of other quality-of-life upgrades. It supports both Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound and has a refresh rate of up to 144Hz for smoother action during fast-paced scenes in movies, shows, and video games.Review: Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LEDThe Fire TV platform gives you access to the entire Prime Video library as well as to thousands of other apps and Alexa Skills to turn your new TV into the ultimate entertainment hub. ZDNET editor Chris Bayer got to test out the Fire TV Mini LED for himself and was impressed with how well the picture quality stacked up compared to more premium models from brands like Samsung and Sony. He was also impressed with the enhanced audio thanks to the integrated subwoofer and 2.1CH speakers.Amazon Fire Omni Mini LED tech specs: Panel type: Mini LED |HDR: Dolby Vision IQ |Audio: DolbyAtmos |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, USB, RF, Optical Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Sony is no longer the only name in the game when it comes to small-screen OLED TVs. The LG C4 is the latest OLED from the brand, and it offers some pretty compelling reasons to upgrade. Not only will you get signature OLED picture quality, you'll also get some pretty impressive audio with a virtual 9.1.2CH upmix and Dolby Atmos support for creating virtual 3D surround sound. You can also set up custom audio equipment via Bluetooth or HDMI ARC input. And with support for Alexa, Hey Google, and Apple HomeKit, you'll get hands-free voice controls over your TV and downloaded apps.Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and LG's official store site highlight how the smaller screen makes it a great option for bedrooms or even as a high-quality monitor for use with a gaming PC. LG C4 tech specs: Panel type: OLED |HDR: Dolby Vision |Audio: Dolby Atmos |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, 3.5mm AUX Pros Excellent picture quality and sound 9.1.2CH virtual upmix HDMI ARC support Apple HomeKit support Cons No optical input for audio Not Wi-Fi 6E compatible Expensive Sony is no longer the only name in the game when it comes to small-screen OLED TVs. The LG C4 is the latest OLED from the brand, and it offers some pretty compelling reasons to upgrade. Not only will you get signature OLED picture quality, you'll also get some pretty impressive audio with a virtual 9.1.2CH upmix and Dolby Atmos support for creating virtual 3D surround sound. You can also set up custom audio equipment via Bluetooth or HDMI ARC input. And with support for Alexa, Hey Google, and Apple HomeKit, you'll get hands-free voice controls over your TV and downloaded apps.Verified customer reviews from both Amazon and LG's official store site highlight how the smaller screen makes it a great option for bedrooms or even as a high-quality monitor for use with a gaming PC. LG C4 tech specs: Panel type: OLED |HDR: Dolby Vision |Audio: Dolby Atmos |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, 3.5mm AUX Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you've been on the fence about buying a Hisense TV, the U8N should give you plenty of reasons to finally pick one up. Along with an updated Mini LED panel for better color accuracy and contrast, you'll get both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound. Movie buffs and console gamers alike will love the 144Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth motion during fast-paced scenes and gameplay and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.Review: Hisense U8NI got to test the Hisense U8N myself, and I put it through its paces with a marathon of movies and gaming on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. The Mini LED panel looked great out of the box, but with a little tweaking to suit my space, I was surprised at just how much sharper and brighter the images were compared to its predecessor, the U8K, which I also reviewed. And the 144Hz refresh rate was a nice step up for gaming, but even for just catching up on live news or bingeing terrible reality TV to feel better about my life choices.Hisense U8N tech specs: Panel type:Mini LED |HDR:Dolby Vision IQ |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Refresh rate:144Hz |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google |Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical Pros AMD FreeSync VRR support 144Hz refresh rate Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support Cons Expensive at larger screen sizes No G-Sync VRR support If you've been on the fence about buying a Hisense TV, the U8N should give you plenty of reasons to finally pick one up. Along with an updated Mini LED panel for better color accuracy and contrast, you'll get both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for enhanced detailing and virtual surround sound. Movie buffs and console gamers alike will love the 144Hz refresh rate for buttery smooth motion during fast-paced scenes and gameplay and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR support to prevent screen tearing and stuttering.Review: Hisense U8NI got to test the Hisense U8N myself, and I put it through its paces with a marathon of movies and gaming on both the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. The Mini LED panel looked great out of the box, but with a little tweaking to suit my space, I was surprised at just how much sharper and brighter the images were compared to its predecessor, the U8K, which I also reviewed. And the 144Hz refresh rate was a nice step up for gaming, but even for just catching up on live news or bingeing terrible reality TV to feel better about my life choices.Hisense U8N tech specs: Panel type:Mini LED |HDR:Dolby Vision IQ |Audio:Dolby Atmos |Refresh rate:144Hz |Voice controls:Alexa, Hey Google |Connectivity:Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF, Optical Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Samsung Q60D is a great 50-inch TV option for anyone who has cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming. The updated QLED panel is Pantone Validated for color accuracy, which means you'll get impressive picture quality without spending a fortune on a high-end OLED model. It also has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for smoother motion during fast-paced action scenes in movies, shows, and video games. With support for both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology, you'll get virtual 3D surround sound for a more immersive experience without the need for extra speakers or sound bars. Verified reviews from Amazon and Samsung's official store both praise the picture quality and the 4 HDMI inputs for connecting multiple playback devices, game consoles, or speakers.Samsung QN60D tech specs: Panel type: QLED |HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF Pros Great picture and sound Object tracking sound Up to 144Hz refresh rate Dolby Atmos Cons No Dolby Vision support No HomeKit support The Samsung Q60D is a great 50-inch TV option for anyone who has cut the cord and moved exclusively to streaming. The updated QLED panel is Pantone Validated for color accuracy, which means you'll get impressive picture quality without spending a fortune on a high-end OLED model. It also has a base refresh rate of 120Hz that can be bumped up to 144Hz for smoother motion during fast-paced action scenes in movies, shows, and video games. With support for both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's object-tracking sound technology, you'll get virtual 3D surround sound for a more immersive experience without the need for extra speakers or sound bars. Verified reviews from Amazon and Samsung's official store both praise the picture quality and the 4 HDMI inputs for connecting multiple playback devices, game consoles, or speakers.Samsung QN60D tech specs: Panel type: QLED |HDR: Neo Quantum HDR+ |Audio: Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound Lite |Refresh rate: Up to 144Hz |Voice controls: Alexa, Bixby, Hey Google |Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4x HDMI, 2x USB, RF Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best 50-inch TV? My choice for the best 50-inch TV is the Samsung QN90D. It's been built with an AI-assisted processor for better upscaling of non-4K content and enhanced detailing. Its base refresh rate is 120Hz, which can be bumped up to 144Hz for gaming or smoother motion during fast-paced movies and shows. With Dolby Atmos and object-tracking sound, you'll get virtual surround sound and a more immersive experience without setting up a complicated home audio system.Best 50-inch TVBest priceHDRAudioSamsung QN90D $1,000 Neo Quantum HDR+ Dolby Atmos, Object Tracking Sound+ Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED$700Dolby Vision IQDolby AtmosLG C4 $1,000Dolby Vision Dolby Atmos, a9 AI Sound Pro Hisense U8N$800Dolby Vision IQDolby AtmosSamsung Q60D $700HDR10+ Object Tracking Sound Lite *Lowest price at time of writing. Please note that retail price may vary depending on retailer and available deals, sales, and discounts. Show more Which is the right 50-inch TV for you? Once you've nailed down a budget, consider where you want your 50-inch TV to be and how you'll use it. If you want to upgrade the main TV in your living room or home theater, you'll want to spring for a model that offers plenty of connectivity for playback devices and great picture and sound quality for family movie nights or watch parties with friends. If you're looking for a secondary screen for your bedroom or gaming space, you'll want something a bit more budget-friendly since it may not be used as often. Buy this best 50-inch TV...If you need...Samsung QN90D A well-rounded 50-inch TV. The QN90D offers Dolby Atmos and object tracking sound along with up to a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and immersive audio. Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LEDA budget 50-inch TV. The Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini LED retails under $1000, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers. LG C4 A 50-inch OLED TV. The LG C4 measures 48 inches but still offers you signature OLED picture quality and enhanced audio for a decent price. Hisense U8NA 50-inch TV for gaming. The Hisense U8N has a dedicated game mode that supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR technology. Samsung Q60D A 50-inch TV for streaming. The Q60D has a Pantone-validated screen for color accuracy to give you more lifelike images and enhanced picture quality. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a 50-inch TV: When shopping for a new 50-inch TV, whether as your main screen or a second option in your bedroom or kids' playroom, there are a few basic criteria to keep in mind:Price:No two shoppers will have the same budget for a new or upgraded TV. I've included 50-inch TVs at various price points to fit a wide range of budgets.Picture and sound quality:Having a smaller TV doesn't mean you have to sacrifice great picture and sound. Each television featured on this list has been confirmed to support HDR codecs like Dolby Vision or HDR10+ and enhanced audio like Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, or DTS:X.Connectivity:A TV isn't just for watching movies and shows anymore. People expect their TVs to be able to access and download apps, browse the web, play music, share photos, and even make or receive video calls. Each 50-inch TV on this list has been confirmed to have a suite of preloaded apps, multiple HDMI and USB ports for playback devices and game consoles, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, and built-in voice controls. Show more How did we choose these best 50-inch TVs? While researching and testing the 50-inch TVs featured in this list, I and other ZDNET writers kept these criteria in mind:Brand integrity: Each TV that is featured on this list was chosen from a reputable brand with verified customer service options for returns, exchanges, and troubleshooting. They are also ensured to have a manufacturer warranty to cover faulty TVs or units damaged during shipping.Smart features: As smart home networks become more and more mainstream, customers have come to expect certain smart features to come standard in their new TVs. Each model on this list was ensured to support virtual assistants as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and popular streaming apps.Reasons to upgrade: While many brands release updated TVs on an almost-yearly basis, they may not always give you enough new features to make it worth spending money on a new screen. Each model we chose features updated panels, brighter pictures, AI-assisted processors, and even integrated security chips for enhanced online privacy. Show more What is a good price for a 50-inch TV? Spending hard-earned cash on a TV can mean spending hundreds or even thousands. There's good and bad news on these 50-inch picks.The good news is that these days there are so many options to choose from. The bad news is that we can't tell you the best amount to spend on a TV because everyone's needs and budgets vary. Generally, our picks on this list range from $290 to $1,200. Show more How high should a TV stand be for a 50-inch TV? Ideally, your TV stand should elevate your television at least two feet above the floor. Additionally, you will likely want a stand that is 3-5 inches wider than your TV. Most TVs have feet instead of a central stand now, so unless you plan to mount your TV on the wall, a wide stand is necessary. Show more More 50-inch TVs to consider ZDNETs TV Guide TVs Roundups TV Models Reviewed and Compared TVs Explained ZDNET Recommends

Data Privacy Day is a global reminder to safeguard personal information and build a future grounded ... [+] in trust and accountability.gettyData is currency today, and the value of personal information has never been higher. From connected devices to AI-powered tools, the convenience of our digital lives comes at a price: the erosion of privacy.Data Privacy Day, observed annually on January 28, serves as a global reminder of the importance of protecting our personal and proprietary information. But beyond this one day, it calls for a year-round commitment to building a culture of accountability and trust in how we handle and protect data.Why Data Privacy Day Is ImportantData Privacy Day raises awareness about the ways personal information is collected, shared, and used. It has grown into a critical platform for encouraging meaningful discussions among governments, businesses, and individuals about safeguarding privacy rights.With high-profile breaches and escalating cyber threats, Data Privacy Day reminds us to reflect on the strides made in data protection and recognize the challenges ahead, especially in the context of generative AI, cloud computing, and increasingly complex digital ecosystems.To put it in context, in a recent survey of 1,300 tech and data executives around the world, data privacy was cited as the top ranking cause of data infrastructure complexity.MORE FOR YOUCurrent and Trending Issues in Data PrivacySophisticated Cyber ThreatsCybercriminals have become more adept at targeting personal and corporate data. Ransomware, phishing, and AI-driven attacks now dominate the threat landscape.Adrianus Warmenhoven of NordVPN underscores this challenge: Unlike physical assets, personal data can be copied, stolen, damaged, or sold without leaving visible traces, posing serious financial and reputational risks.Generative AI and Data ExposureGenerative AI tools are transforming industries but introducing new privacy risks. As Viswesh Ananthakrishnan of Aurascape warns, Increased adoption of generative AI is exposing sensitive data to third-party AI apps, creating data privacy risks for businesses and their customers.Organizations must enforce rules and monitor interactions with such tools to prevent inadvertent data leaks.Data Brokers and Hidden RisksData brokers continue to exploit gaps in privacy regulation, amassing vast amounts of personal information often without user consent. Daniel Barber, CEO of DataGrail, highlights a startling finding: In a recent audit, we found that only 25% of websites stop tracking technologies when users reject all cookies or choose to opt-out of tracking.This underscores the need for greater transparency and enforcement of privacy rights.Legal and Ethical ChallengesRegulations like GDPR, CCPA, and the EU AI Act have pushed companies to prioritize compliance. However, as Nimrod Partush of CYE notes, Were seeing a pattern reminiscent of the early days of social media: users enthusiastically adopting LLMs and sharing data with little concern for privacy, captivated by the immense value these tools offer.Partush added, This behavior creates a paradoxcompanies are under pressure to safeguard privacy, while users are often willing to trade it for the convenience and power AI delivers.The Ethical and Legal LandscapeThe legal framework for data privacy is growing stronger, but businesses must go beyond compliance. Privacy-by-design approachesembedding privacy into product development and organizational processesare critical. As Lamont Orange, CISO at Cyera, advises, The organizations that treat data privacy as an ongoing commitment will not only stay ahead of new regulations but also build lasting trust with customers.Gagan Gulati, general manager for data services at NetApp, emphasized, "Data Privacy Day reminds us that protecting data goes beyond complianceit's about adopting a mindset of ensuring that your customer's data stays private and you maintain their confidence. With ransomware threats continuing to rise, building cyber resilience is no longer optional; it's essential for defending sensitive data and safeguarding trust."Pathways to a Privacy-Focused Future Empowering IndividualsEducating individuals about best practices in data protection is crucial. Tools like password managers, VPNs, and encrypted messaging apps empower users to take control of their digital footprints. Gary Orenstein of Bitwarden recommends a focus on proactive measures. Integrating privacy-centric tools like VPNs, email alias providers, and secure browsers can reduce exposure to breaches and limit the misuse of personally identifiable information (PII). Building a Culture of AccountabilityBusinesses must foster a culture of accountability. Zero-trust architecture, privacy-enhancing technologies, and regular training can reduce vulnerabilities. Gal Naor, CEO of StorONE, emphasizes, The commitment to safeguarding data reflects the belief that privacy should never be treated as an afterthought but as a fundamental right, backed by technology that delivers uncompromising protection and performance. The Role of AI in PrivacyAI presents both challenges and solutions for privacy. While AI-powered tools can enhance security and identify risks, they also require robust governance. Stephen Manley of Druva points out, Transparency is at the core of data privacy and AI governance, adding, For the next decade, AI will be central to your privacy strategy. The time to start is now.Charting the Future of Data PrivacyData Privacy Day is more than a reminderits a movement toward a privacy-focused future.As the digital landscape grows more complex, a shared commitment from individuals, businesses, and governments is essential. By embracing transparency, innovation, and accountability, we can navigate the challenges ahead and create a safer, more secure digital world for all. Lets make data privacy a cornerstone of the digital eranot just for today, but for the years to come.

DeepSeekAFP via Getty ImagesChinese AI company DeepSeek made waves in the technology industry with its claims of achieving performance comparable to leading AI models while dramatically reducing training infrastructure requirements.While the news led to a historic sell-off of technology stocks, the implications are far from negative, even for core technology providers like Nvidia. If DeepSeeks claims are true and that hasnt yet been validated the revelations remove the almost insurmountable cost barriers to AI training, opening the door to much broader adoption and competition in the market.The DeepSeek AnnouncementDeepSeek unveiled its DeepSeek-R1 model, which it claims rivals leading AI systems like OpenAIs GPT-4 and Metas Llama. The importance of the news is not on its model and how that may be used, but rather the techniques it employed to build an LLM that is competitive with other leading large language models.According to DeepSeek, its model was trained on just 2,048 Nvidia H800 GPUs, costing approximately $5.58 million a fraction of the infrastructure and cost typically associated with such efforts.By employing advanced techniques such as FP8 precision, modular architecture, and proprietary communication optimizations like DualPipe, DeepSeek has purportedly streamlined AI training to a level previously thought unattainable.MORE FOR YOUDemocratizing AI TrainingOne of the challenges of current AI training techniques is that the resources are prohibitive, requiring investment that's only feasible for the largest hyperscalers. This has led to a cloud-first market dominated by a handful of players.DeepSeeks approach, however, promises to disrupt that model by making AI training accessible to most enterprises. While this might negatively impact companies like OpenAI, it has the potential to broaden the market for nearly everyone else.Despite reducing reliance on high-end GPUs, DeepSeeks approach does not eliminate the need for robust supporting infrastructure. Key infrastructure requirements for AI training, like high-performance storage, low-latency networking, and strong data management frameworks, remain critical:Storage: High-throughput storage systems are essential to manage the large datasets used in AI training.Networking: Advanced networking solutions minimize bottlenecks during model training and ensure efficient communication across nodes.Data Governance: Compliance, security, and checkpointing challenges remain pressing concerns for enterprises adopting AI.DeepSeeks approach enables smaller enterprises to participate in AI development by significantly reducing the hardware and costs required for training. It's a moment that mirrors historic IT transformations, like the transition from mainframes to mini-computers and, ultimately, PCs, where decentralization unlocked new opportunities at every point.If DeepSeeks claims hold, rack-level training clusters may now be possible. This is a tremendous opportunity for storage providers, server OEMs, and networking companies to deliver higher-value products to the enterprise market and take share from the traditional cloud-first AI players.Storage companies like NetApp and Pure Storage and leading server manufacturers like Dell Technologies, HPE, and Lenovo all stand to benefit as the demand for scalable and cost-effective AI infrastructure grows. This is good news for enterprise customers and the market overall.The Impact on NvidiaNvidia's stock price sharply dropped following DeepSeeks announcement, reflecting market fears about potential disruptions to its dominance in the AI GPU market. While DeepSeeks use of mid-tier GPUs like the H800 highlights an alternative path, Nvidia remains well-positioned due to its entrenched ecosystem, which includes its CUDA platform and investments in AI systems like DGX and Mellanox networking solutions.Nvidia built a hedge against its GPU dominance with its robust data center business that extends beyond its GPU offerings. While it doesnt break out specific revenue numbers for networking, software, and services, it doesnt offer hints.In its most recent earnings, the company reported that networking revenue increased 20% year over year, with significant growth in platforms like Spectrum-X, up 3x year over year.Software revenue is annualizing at $1.5 billion, about 4% of its total revenue, and Nvidia expects that to exceed $2 billion by year-end, driven by offerings like NVIDIA AI Enterprise, Omniverse, and AI microservices. Software and services contribute higher-margin revenues, enhancing overall profitability, and shouldnt be impacted by DeepSeeks announcement.Overall, reducing the requirements for AI training has an impact on Nvidias approach to the market, but its one for which the company is prepared:Broader Market Adoption: The democratization of training may expand the overall GPU market, even if individual customers purchase fewer high-end units. Increased demand for mid-tier GPUs like the H800 could offset reduced reliance on flagship models.Resilience Through Ecosystem Control: Nvidias software lock-in, including CUDA, and its investments in system-level solutions like DGX and Mellanox position the company to adapt to changing market dynamics.Strategic Adjustments: Nvidia's ability to manage product flow and pricing and its control over the GPU supply chain ensures its continued relevance despite emerging competition.What About Broadcom and Marvell?The stock market reacted negatively to the news, pummeling the share price of custom silicon companies like Broadcom and Marvell. DeepSeeks approach, however, may prove to be a net positive for these companies.Marvell and Broadcom each see significant revenue in delivering custom silicon to public cloud providers. DeepSeeks announcement, focused on AI training, should have minimal impact on this business. The need for accelerators for inference, where much of this work is focused, remains unchanged. Likewise, the custom silicon revenue of both is heavily influenced by non-AI projects like custom Arm-based processors for the CSPs.The demand for low-latency, high-throughput networking solutions remains essential in DeepSeeks framework. Broadcoms dominance in Ethernet and InfiniBand and Marvell's strength in energy-efficient and high-bandwidth interconnects position both companies to benefit from the need for advanced interconnects in decentralized AI training environments.For both Broadcom and Marvell, DeepSeeks innovation represents less of a disruption and more of a realignment of market dynamics:Increased Demand for Networking: DeepSeek's modular, distributed AI training will likely drive demand for efficient networking solutions, benefiting both companies.Expansion Beyond Hyperscalers: Broadening AI training beyond major cloud providers introduces new customers requiring scaled-down yet high-performance infrastructure. This aligns with both Broadcoms and Marvells strategies.Limited Downside: Unlike GPU vendors, whose margins might compress with reduced high-end hardware demand, Broadcom and Marvells products remain critical to AI workflows, positioning them as net beneficiaries of a more decentralized AI market.Analysts TakeIf reproducable, DeepSeek's claims will drive a shift in the AI training landscape by lowering costs and democratizing access to advanced model training. While this disrupts traditional reliance on hyperscalers, it introduces opportunities for infrastructure providers and enterprises to innovate.While DeepSeeks methods may directly threaten companies like OpenAI and force companies like Nvidia to evolve, the overall net impact on the IT industry is positive. Enterprise server, storage, and networking providers will all benefit, as will companies like IBM, which is driving the enterprise-safe AI agenda.For Nvidia, the news reinforces the need to adapt to evolving market dynamics by leveraging its ecosystem and diversifying its product offerings. Though margins on flagship GPUs may be pressured, the overall expansion of the AI market and its successful diversification into system-level and software-driven differentiation will likely sustain its long-term growth.Ultimately, the broader implications of DeepSeeks announcement highlight the ongoing evolution of AI infrastructure, emphasizing efficiency, accessibility, and decentralization. Stakeholders across the ecosystem should prepare for an increasingly dynamic and competitive market. The next phase of AI infrastructure will emphasize efficiency, accessibility, and innovation, reshaping how businesses approach artificial intelligence.Disclosure: Steve McDowell is an industry analyst, and NAND Research is an industry analyst firm, that engages in, or has engaged in, research, analysis and advisory services with many technology companies; the author has provided paid services to every company named in this article except for DeepSeek and OpenAI in the past and may again in the future. Oracle provided technical fact-checking for this article. Mr. McDowell does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned.