OpenAI announced in December a new integration with WhatsApp, which lets users chat with ChatGPT right from the Meta-owned messaging app. Now the company is taking this integration further, as OpenAI is adding support for images and voice messages to ChatGPT on WhatsApp.Using ChatGPT via WhatsAppThe news has been confirmed by OpenAI and is now available to users. In addition to text messages, you can now upload images to ask questions and even talk to ChatGPT using voice messages via WhatsApp. To talk to ChatGPT on WhatsApp, all you have to do is start a chat with the phone number 1-800-242-8478.With this integration, OpenAI wants to make ChatGPT accessible to more people, even if they dont have the app installed on their phone. Also in December, OpenAI launched a ChatGPT phone line for users in the US, so that people can call the chatbot when they dont have an internet connection available. The number is the same as the one used for the WhatsApp integration.OpenAI has been working on many new features for ChatGPT, the companys AI chatbot. Last month, the platform gained a new feature called Tasks, which essentially turns the app into a to-do list with reminders. The feature is currently available in beta.As for integration with WhatsApp, OpenAI notes that its not yet possible to link an OpenAI account with the messaging app. However, the company says that such integration will be available soon for Free, Plus, and Pro users.The ChatGPT app isavailable for free on the iOS App Store. The Mac version must be downloaded from theOpenAIs website. WhatsApp for iPhone is also available for free on the App Store.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Speaking of Apple Vision Pro, there are some nice pieces reflecting on the products first year.The first one that caught my attention today was a realistic and refreshing assessment by Adam Savage and company:Moments ago, Jason Snell at Six Colors shared his well-thought-out analysis as well:Ive got plenty of complaints about how Apple has handled the Vision Pro rollout. There wastoo much hype for a product like this, ithasnt produced enough immersive video content despite immersive video being the products most eye-popping feature, and in general it has failed to attract enough eager developers ready to build the next big thing.However, I have to compliment Apple on doggedly improving the product itself.Read his piece in full for a thorough take on how Apple Vision Pro has performed in year one. Theres a lot more there.My own take over the weekend was fairly simple. One year later, Apple Vision Pro has improved enough through software updates to make it more capable than on day one.Makingordinary photos come to lifeby adding depth is amazing.Extending your Macs display to the size of two 5K monitors side-by-side is impressive. More than anything, Apple Vision Pro has become thebest personal and portable immersive movie theateron the planet.But with the one-year mark comes one less excuse for Apple Vision Pro. We can no longer excuse Apple Vision Pros shortcomings by saying, Its just the first year.Also, I really want a virtual coffee shop Environment for Apple Vision Pro.Apple has already shown that it can improve the existing product with feature refinements and additions. Could the second year also be when Apple upgrades the now two generations behind M2 to an upcoming M5? Best Apple Vision Pro accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

As whispers of AI hype filled the air in 2018, it seemed almost inevitable that we would soon be facing a whole new world, full of near-human robots and cybernetic dogs. But with that came a host of questions: how would it all change our jobs, how might we protect ourselves from an AI takeover,and more broadly,how could AI be designed for good instead of evil?Facingthose questions and an uncertain future, Google affirmed its commitment to ethical tech development in a statement on its AI principles, including commitments not to use its AI in ways "likely to cause overall harm," like in weapons or surveillance tech.Fast forward seven years later, and those commitmentshave been quietly scrubbed from Google's AI principles page. The move has drawn a host of criticism at the change's ominous undertones."Having that removed is erasing the work that so many people in the ethical AI space and the activist space as well had done at Google," former head of Google's ethical AI team Margaret Mitchell told Bloomberg, which broke the story. "More problematically it means Google will probably now work on deploying technology directly that can kill people."Google isn't the first AI company to retract its commitment not to make killbots. Last summer, OpenAI likewise deleted its pledge not to use AI for "military and warfare," as reported byThe Intercept at the time.Though it hasn't announced any Terminator factories yet Google said in a statement yesterday that "companies, governments, and organizations... should work together to create AI that protects people, promotes global growth, and supports national security."Read: we can do whatever we want. Deal with it.And while the company's news is troubling, it's drawing on a long history of dubious profiteering. After all, Google was the first major tech company to recognize the value of surveillance through data."Google is to surveillance capitalism what the Ford Motor Company and General Motors were to mass-production-based managerial capitalism," wrote acclaimed tech critic Shoshana Zuboff in 2019. "In our time Google became the pioneer, discoverer, elaborator, experimenter, lead practitioner, role model, and diffusion hub of surveillance capitalism."As far back as the early 2000s, Google has been exploring the value of personal browsing data a leering asset sometimes known as "digital exhaust" which it realized contained predictive information about individual users as they traveled across the web.Soon, pressured by the Dot-com collapse and the need to generate revenue, Google leaned into that tech as it built the dominanttracking and advertising apparatus of our time. The revelation that user data could translate into cold hard cash spun off into a host of data-driven products like hyper-targeted ads, predictive algorithms, personal assistants, and smart homes, all of which propelled Google into the market giant it is today.Now, the past feels like prelude. As tech companies like Google dump untold billions into developing AI, the race is on to generate revenue forimpatient investors. It's no wonder that unscrupulous AI profit models are now on the table after all, they're the supposed new backbone of the company.More on Google:Something Bad Is Brewing Inside GoogleShare This Article

Is the momentum of AI starting to wane?Target PracticeGoogle's parent company Alphabet failed to hit sales targets, falling a 0.1 percent short of Wall Street's revenue expectations a fraction of a point that's seen the company's stock slide almost eight percent today, in its worst performance since October 2023.It's also a sign of the times: as the New York Times reports, the whiff was due to slower-than-expected growth of its cloud-computing division, which delivers its AI tools to other businesses.While a reported $96.5 billion in revenue versus the expected $96.6 billion sounds well within a margin of error, it shows that even for a company of Google's scale and stature, actually making money off AI even on the infrastructure side is still a risky business.That's despite Alphabet committing a whopping $75 billion on capital expenditures as it builds out AI infrastructure, $22 billion more than just last year, following the lead of its competitors in the AI space, including Meta.Everyone's pouring money in, but it's as unclear as ever when the industry will start generating meaningful revenue and for how many players.Catching UpInvestors are also still reeling from the emergence of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which shook Silicon Valley to its core last week. The company's ultra-lean and highly efficient AI models that can be trainedfor a tiny fraction of the price of Western competitors but still keep up caught the AI industry by surprise, wiping out over $1 trillion in market value in a single day.Is Alphabet's latest earnings result the canary in the coal mine? Should the AI industry brace for tougher days ahead as investors become increasingly skeptical of what the tech has to offer? Or are investors concerned over OpenAI's ChatGPT overtaking Google's search engine?Illustrating the drama, this week Google appears to have retroactively edited the YouTube video of a Super Bowl ad for its core AI model called Gemini, to remove an extremely obvious error the AI made about the popularity of gouda cheese."Although its still well insulated, Googles advantages in search hinge on its ubiquity and entrenched consumer behavior," Emarketer senior analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf told The Guardian.This year "could be the year those advantages meaningfully erode as antitrust enforcement and open-source AI models change the game," she added. "And Clouds disappointing results suggest that AI-powered momentum might be beginning to wane just as Googles closed model strategy is called into question by DeepSeek."Share This Article

Detailed citations with source links for Jane Muschenetzs poetry:100% MomCDC, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/womens-health.htm, https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/pregnancy-related-deaths/index.html; Common Wealth Fund, https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2022/us-maternal-mortality-crisis-continues-worsen-international-comparison; The Worlds Women 2020 Trends and Statistics, United Nations https://www.un.org/en/desa/worlds-women-2020; Oxfam International Inequality Reports: 2020, 2021; Hard Work Is Not Enough: Women in Low-Paid Jobs, National Womens Law Center, July 2023, https://nwlc.org/resource/when-hard-work-is-not-enough-women-in-low-paid-jobs/Point BlankComprehensive Gun Violence-Related Deaths includes all incidents of firearm mortality, accidental and intentional, per 100K population for high income global economies with populations over 10 million. Source: Institute for Health Metrics Evaluation, United Nations https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/insights-blog/acting-data/gun-violence-united-states-outlier; Data Sources: CDC; M. McGough, K. Amin, N. Panchal, C. Cox, Child and Teen Firearm Mortality in the US and Peer Countries, KFF.org, July 2023; https://www.kff.org/mental-health/issue-brief/child-and-teen-firearm-mortality-in-the-u-s-and-peer-countries/

On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that he'd impose a 25% tariffon almost all goods imported from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on those brought in from China. Since the US relies on other countries for pharmaceutical products and ingredients (especially generic drugs), this could increase medication costs. This is all happening on top of drug shortages in the US, which could be made worse by these tariffs, according to the Association for Accessible Medicines.This comes almost a year after GoodRx announced it would start offering savings on 30 common heart medications for under $30, including medications for coronary artery disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and more conditions associated with heart disease, which is the leading cause of deathin the US.Which medications are included on GoodRx? Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. You can find discounts on a variety of prescription drugs by searching GoodRx, but the ones compiled on the 30 under $30 heart health section include generic versions of different statins (common for high cholesterol), medications for hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain) and more.You can also use GoodRx's general search to see if there are discounts for any medication you are prescribed.Once you find your medication and preferred coupon, you'll need to email, text or print a copy of the GoodRx coupon to present at the pharmacy for your discount."I use prescription savings cards on a daily basis for my patients," says Rebecca Katayeva, a pharmacist atApothecary Groupin New York. "We can apply it to prescriptions that aren't covered by insurance or if the patient doesn't have insurance at all."Where else can I find prescription discounts?Cost Plus Drugs, an online drug company from tech mogul Mark Cuban, is a relatively new way to find the best deals on many popular medications. To use it, search to see whether your medication is available, then follow the prescription and information requirements.Amazon, the online retail giant, also has a pharmacy and you can find discounts on medication, including insulin, through Amazon Pharmacy. In 2023, the company said it'll be automatically applying coupons for medications when applicable, which means you won't have to run down a discount.If you're a Prime member, Amazon also has RxPass, which is an additional $5/month subscription for unlimited access to certain medications with no added costs for the medications themselves.Walmart, another big retailer, also has a widely available$4 generic drug programat its pharmacy, which includes some heart, blood pressure and cholesterol medications for as low as $4 for a month's supply.What's the best deal?The best deal for you will depend on your medication, what quantity you want, your pharmacy preferences and your insurance. But with discounts available to bring down the price of vital medications, it's worth comparing a few before your prescription runs out so you can make sure you're saving the most money.

9.1/ 10 SCORE Samsung Galaxy S25 $800 at Samsung Pros Camera consistently delivers good images Impressive battery life More AI features feel practical Cons Still some stray gimmicky AI features Not many changes over the S24 Table of Contents 9.1/ 10 SCORE Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus $1,000 at Samsung Pros Lightning fast charging Nice big screen 7 years of OS and security upgrades Great performance Cons Battery life is similar to the baseline S25 Similar specs as the S25, at a higher price Better cameras on other phones at the same price Samsung's mantra when debuting the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus appears to have been, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," as this year's phones share a striking resemblance to last year's S24 and S24 Plus. But what the new phones lack in innovation, they make up for in consistency and practicality.While I found myself warming up to (most of) the manyAI upgradesseparating the S25 and S25 Plus from their predecessors, there are other time-tested attributes that remain more important to me namely, cameras and battery life. Still, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I grew to like certain AI-powered features after using the phones for a week. This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET's collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung's most popular products. For instance, there's a new tool called AI Select that looks at your phone's screen and suggests actions like summarizing or translating text, the Gallery app can find a picture you're looking for with more conversational search terms and Audio Eraser can clean up distracting background noises in your videos. Watch this: Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus Review: AI Finally Makes Itself Useful (Mostly) 07:59 Google's Gemini has been further baked into the Galaxy's interface and can be summoned with a long press of the side power button to answer questions and carry out tasks as your assistant.At a time when major phone releases are as high-stakes as ever, Samsung tries to set the $800 Galaxy S25 and $1,000 Galaxy S25 Plus apart by leaning into what's new (AI), as well as the familiar (good cameras and battery life). And I am definitely impressed.Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus: Look and feel The S25 and S25 Plus have matte glass backs that add a premium touch. James Martin/CNETSo what's the difference between the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus? Not much. Other than the Plus being, well, bigger than the baseline model.The phones both have AMOLED displays with 120Hz adaptive refresh rates, with the S25's measuring 6.2 inches and the S25 Plus clocking in at 6.7 inches. At 162 and 190 grams respectively, the S25 and S25 Plus feel light in hand, thanks to their aluminum frames. The screens are covered in Corning's Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and the matte glass backs offer an elegant touch and premium feel.I hesitantly dunked the S25 Plus into a shallow pool at Filoli Historic House & Garden near San Francisco during testing and am happy to report it survived unscathed. This shouldn't come as a surprise, since both the S25 and S25 Plus have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning they can survive being submerged for 30 minutes being under 1.5 meters of water (or about 5 feet). The camera bumps don't jut out too much on the S25 and S25 Plus, which is nice. James Martin/CNETThe phones come in navy, icy blue, mint and silver shadow, as well as the online-exclusive colors blue black, coral red and pink gold. I absolutely adore the icy blue color of the S25 I've been using, and the Plus I have in navy also looks nice and rich.The S25 and S25 Plus arrive with Android 15 and Samsung's One UI 7. And similar to the Pixel 9 series, you'll get seven years of OS and security updates, helping you get the most bang for your buck (and there's certainly a lot of buck involved here). The phones are powered by a custom-built Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, helping to bring those many, many AI features to life.The best thing about AI is that I hardly notice it Gemini and I, surprisingly, became friends. James Martin/CNETI'm not alone in feeling severe AI fatigue. As someone who tends to be AI-averse (do I really need it to write my emails, brainstorm ideas or summarize a PDF?), I tend to be wary of AI-heavy announcements like the one Samsung had at its Galaxy Unpacked eventin January.Once I got my hands on the devices, I put my skepticism aside and was surprised.After a few days, I found myself leaning on Gemini for help with everything from tweaking email settings (this was faster than Googling and reading), caring for my wood cutting board, and finding events and sending corresponding texts via a single voice command.Ultimately, it's the AI features that operate discreetly that won me over, like Circle to Search. This is a Google-powered feature that came out last year and lets you circle anything on your screen to quickly see product information and links. Now, Circle to Search can recognize a song playing in the background of a video or even a tune you hum or sing, and I had a lot of fun testing this out. When I hummed niche Taylor Swift songs like I Hate It Here and Foolish One, it nailed both. (Step aside, Shazam.) To be fair, I'm not sure how often I'll use this particular aspect of Circle to Search, but the tool as a whole remains impressive.The AI Select tool also served me well, but primarily for translating text. My Spanish vocab has (sadly) gotten rusty since high school. So when I came across an email in Spanish, I tapped the tool on the right-hand side of the screen, circled the text I wanted to translate and within a couple taps, it was quickly transformed into English (and hopefully, accurately). Here are two Portrait Studio images of me entirely created by AI. Galaxy AI/Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETNot all AI features are a home run, though. Portrait Studio, which uses AI to create stylized portraits (kind of like caricatures an artist might sketch of you at the beach or on a boardwalk), is fun to play with but feels like a novelty. It did an admittedly great job replicating details like my hijab, eye shape and smile. But I'm not sure how useful a tool like this is in the long run. Similarly, Drawing Assist, which turns your sketches into different stylized illustrations, is impressive at transforming my crappy drawings into pleasing images. I don't have any real use for this tool, as I'm not going to be framing these random images of cats and flowers.The biggest disappointment, so far, has been the Now Brief. This is designed to learn your habits like if you usually check the weather, read the news and consult your calendar each morning then surface any relevant suggestions to simplify those routines. In the week I used these phones, the only time I was even slightly impressed with this feature was when it showed a highlight of the images I'd taken that day. But otherwise, Now Brief simply lists the weather, my events that day and articles that are irrelevant 90% of the time. That's not to say it won't eventually learn more about me and get better, but it hasn't proven its value just yet.Photos and videos are even better with AI The S25 and S25 Plus have a trio of lenses on the back: wide, ultrawide and 3x telephoto. James Martin/CNETThe Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus share the same camera specs as last year's series: a 50-megapixel wide camera, 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and 10-megapixel 3x telephoto camera. They also both share a 12-megapixel front-facing camera. So you'll get the same kinds of images on both the S25 and S25 Plus.I've always admired the punchy colors in Galaxy S photos, and the S25 and S25 Plus were no exception. Here are a few of my favorite shots.This is one of the best examples of how each shade of color, from pale pinks to vibrant reds, pop. There's so much texture in this image below, from the ripples on the water to the droplets on the petals, and the background maintains just enough detail and color without robbing the spotlight. Enlarge Image Bright colors shine on the S25 and S25 Plus. Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETPortrait mode on the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus is perhaps the most impressive I've seen, as it does the best job of knowing what to keep in sharp focus and what to blur. Even in this picture below of my (dying) tulips, each leaf and petal remains clearly in the foreground and isn't lost to background blur. Enlarge Image These wilting flowers may not look very pristine, but at least the overall shot does. Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETPortrait mode isn't perfect, of course, as some of the many branches in this shot do get the undesired blur effect. But it's such a minor detail that hopefully all you'll notice is how well the flowers on the table pop. Enlarge Image I love how commanding the subject is in Portrait shots. Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETThe improvements over previous Galaxy S devices come in the form of yes, AI.Generative Editdebuted on the S24 series, but is now processed on device, allowing you to quickly and easily remove photobombers or objects cluttering your image. I tried this out with both people and objects and was blown away each time. Generative Edit did a seamless job filling in backgrounds (sometimes even generating new graffiti patterns, as seen below when I removed a railing). Enlarge Image There's a rail on the right... Abrar Al-Heeti/CNET Enlarge Image And now there's not! Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETOne downside, though an upside for transparency, is that there's a label on images that have benefitted from Generative Edit disclosing that this is "AI-generated content." I understand the importance of this, especially as AI gets better at fooling people, but object removal features are nothing new to photography. Enlarge Image Before and after. Notice the AI disclaimer at the bottom of the image to the right. Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETSamsung introduced a Virtual Aperture tool that mimics a standalone camera's f-stops, using the separate Expert RAW app. If you're a pro photographer, I can see this being a cool feature to have. But as someone who likes things plain and simple, I'm going to stick with the camera's built-in Portrait mode so that factors like background blur and lighting are sorted out for me.Another AI-related boost comes in the form of nighttime videos. I was impressed with how rich the dark sky looks in videos I recorded and with how smooth the motion appears as I panned the camera. Daytime videos also looked solid.Photos at night were splendid, with rich contrast and saturation. Enlarge Image The S25 beautifully handled the combination of vibrant greens, dark shadows and bright holiday lights (which are still up for some reason). Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETNight mode also did a great job of brightening up this image to almost make it look as if it were taken in the daytime, and not at 7 p.m. Enlarge Image This night time shot almost looks as if it were taken in the daytime. Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETSelfies maintain the smoothing effect I so love on Galaxy S phones, while maintaining vibrancy and crispness in the foreground and background. Enlarge Image And let's flip that camera around real quick for a selfie. Abrar Al-Heeti/CNETBattery life and performance Remarkably, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus have a great battery life, which is important since both feature power-hungry AI features. Celso Bulgatti/CNETBattery capacity is one of the few factors separating the phones, with the S25 sporting a 4,000-mAh battery and the Plus packing a 4,900-mAh battery.Both phones lasted about a day and a half with regular use. In CNET's 45-minute endurance test, which involves a combination of streaming, scrolling through social media, joining a video call and playing games, the S25's battery dropped from full to 93% (the same as last year's S24), while the battery on the S25 Plus dropped to 94%.In a longer, 3-hour streaming test over Wi-Fi, in which I watched a YouTube video in full-screen mode at full brightness, the S25 dropped from 100% to 85%, while the S25 Plus dropped to 86%.YouTube streaming battery test Phone After 1 hourAfter 2 hoursAfter 3 hoursGalaxy S25 96%90%85%Galaxy S25 Plus 96%91%86%Galaxy S24 FE 96%90%83%Galaxy S24 97%91%86%Galaxy S24 Plus 97%91%87% Higher percentages are better.The S25 supports 25-watt charging, while the S25 Plus supports 45-watt charging. In a 30-minute test using a 30-watt charger, the S25 went from 0% to 47%, and reached 100% in 80 minutes. In the same test using a 45-watt charger, the S25 Plus went from 0% to 63% in 30 minutes, and reached a full charge in 70 minutes. For comparison, in last year's test, the S24 went from 0% to 51% in 30 minutes, and the S24 Plus went from 0% to 50%.The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus also support 15-watt wireless charging, which is the same as what you'll get with Qi2. You can use Samsung's own case with the Qi2 magnetic profile or a compatible third-party case to tap into those wireless capabilities.Benchmark tests for the CPU in Geekbench 6 place the S25 and S25 Plus well above the entire Galaxy S24 lineup. In a graphics test using 3D Mark's Wild Life Extreme, the S25 and S25 Plus exceeded the performance of the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S24 and S24 Ultra.Check out the graphs below for more specifics.Geekbench v.6.0 Samsung Galaxy S25 2,999 9,604Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus 3,224 10,143Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 2,057 6,571Samsung Galaxy S24 1,955 6,255Apple iPhone 16 Pro 3,507 8,750 Single-core Multicore Note: Longer bars indicate better performance 3DMark Wild Life Extreme Samsung Galaxy S25 6,496Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus 6,875Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 4,415Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 4,808Samsung Galaxy S24 4,752Apple iPhone 16 Pro 4,672 Note: Longer bars indicate better performance 3DMark Wild Life Extreme -- Average frame rate Samsung Galaxy S25 38.90Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus 41.17Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 26.4 Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus 28.79Samsung Galaxy S24 28.46Apple iPhone 16 Pro 28 Note: Longer bars indicate better performance Final thoughts: Which phone to buy, the S25 or S25 Plus? The Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus have lots of AI but aren't entirely defined by it. James Martin/CNETPerhaps the highest praise I can give to a phone in 2025 is that there was just enough AI to not make me go crazy. The S25 and S25 Plus have their fair share of AI-powered features, but for the most part, there are only several that I can see myself willingly using. Others like Portrait Studio and Drawing Assist may be fun for keynote demos, but don't seem to serve a real purpose beyond that. (But it wouldn't be a Galaxy phone without a flashy feature no one uses, right??)Thankfully, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus continue to deliver on what, to me, makes the Galaxy S series notable: good cameras, solid battery life and a seamless interface.Because there are so many similarities between the S25 and S25 Plus, and the higher battery capacity on the Plus didn't result in any startling differences (although superfast charging is great), I'd personally save some money and just go with the baseline S25. If you want a bigger phone, it might be worth going a full step up with the S25 Ultra, so you could take advantage of added perks like that 50-megapixel ultrawide lens, but that costs $500 more than the regular S25. Still, the S25 and S25 Plus share many similarities with the Ultra, including Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB RAM and AI features, so you'll be getting a relatively good value from that baseline model.If you have a Galaxy S22 or older, switching to the S25 or S25 Plus could be a significant upgrade. If you have an S23, you can benefit from improved battery life and dip your toes into Samsung's newer AI waters. But if you're rocking an S24, there's no reason to pay for relatively modest upgrades.Ultimately, the S25 and S25 are much of the same as what we've seen before. But that isn't such a bad thing, when "the same" largely still does the trick.Samsung Galaxy S25 specs vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 Plus Samsung Galaxy S25Samsung Galaxy S25 PlusSamsung Galaxy S24Samsung Galaxy S24 PlusDisplay size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,120x1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,120x1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh ratePixel density 416 ppi509 ppi416 ppi509 ppiDimensions (inches) 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in.6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in.5.79 x 2.78 x 0.3 in.6.24 x 3 x 0.3 in.Dimensions (millimeters) 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm147 x 71 x 7.6 mm158 x 76 x 7.6 mmWeight (grams, ounces) 162 g (5.71 oz.)190 g (6.70 oz.)168g (5.93 oz.)197g (6.95 oz.)Mobile software Android 15Android 15Android 14Android 14Camera 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto)50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto)50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto)50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto)Front-facing camera 12-megapixel 12-megapixel 12-megapixel 12-megapixel Video capture 8K8K8K8KProcessor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3RAM + storage 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB8GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GBExpandable storage NoneNoneNoneNoneBattery 4,000 mAh4,900 mAh4,000 mAh4,900 mAhFingerprint sensor Under displayUnder displayUnder displayUnder displayConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneSpecial features 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 72,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; ultrawideband2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 6E2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 6EUS price starts at $800 (128GB)$1,000 (256GB)$800 (128GB)$1,000 (256GB) How we test phonesEvery phone tested by CNET's reviews teamwas actually used in the real world. We test a phone's features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it's bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor's performance to the extremes using standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates.All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions from bright sunlight to dark indoor scenes. We try out special features like night mode and portrait mode and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also check out the battery life by using it daily as well as running a series of battery drain tests.We take into account additional features like support for 5G, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus support, fast charging speeds and foldable displays, among others that can be useful. We balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value. While these tests may not always be reflected in CNET's initial review, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.

February 5, 20255 min readA Second Type of Bird Flu is Circulating in U.S. DucksWhat to KnowNearly 119,000 birds have been culled at a farm in California after a bird flu called H5N9 was detected among the poultryBy Emily Cooke & LiveScience A highly pathogenic new strain of H5N9 has been detected in ducks at a farm in California. junce/Getty ImagesA strain of bird flu never seen before in the United States has been detected among poultry at a California farm.The virus, called highly pathogenic H5N9, is a type of avian influenza, otherwise known as "bird flu." This is not the same type of bird flu that's already been spreading on dairy cow and poultry farms in the U.S., causing at least several dozen infections in humans. That virus is called H5N1.So what is H5N9? How does it differ from H5N1, and should we be equally concerned about it?On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.What is H5N9?H5N9 is a highly pathogenic avian flu (or bird flu) virus that bears some structural similarities to H5N1."Low pathogenic" H5N9 viruses have previously been detected in birds in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world, dating back to the 1960s. However, these infections are usually associated with less-severe symptoms than "highly pathogenic" strains are. This is the first time highly pathogenic H5N9 has been seen in the U.S., and these deadlier strains are also fairly uncommon worldwide.How did H5N9 emerge?New subtypes and strains of influenza can emerge if viruses pick up random genetic mutations as they multiply, as well as if multiple viruses swap genetic information with one another. This latter process is known as genetic reassortment, and it usually happens when an organism is infected with at least two different viruses at the same time.Some experts suspect that H5N9 may have emerged among the ducks in California due to genetic reassortment occurring between circulating H5N1 viruses and other flu viruses containing the N9 protein. ("H5" and "N9" are two proteins found on the surface of the virus that give the bird flu subtype its name.)H5N1 was also detected in the birds at the farm, so this could be plausible, according to a Jan. 24 report from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), which monitors disease outbreaks in animals worldwide.Such reassortment can lead to "unpredictable new viruses," Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, wrote on X.She added that ducks may be great host animals for genetic reassortment to take place because, unlike chickens, they don't get very sick from many avian flu viruses. Therefore, while an infected chicken would quickly die, ducks can survive and continue to spread the disease to new hosts.What's happening at the farm where H5N9 was detected?In the Jan. 24 report, the WOAH announced that H5N9 had been identified at a duck farm in Merced County, California. The current outbreak, which the report says was confirmed on Jan. 13, is being closely monitored by officials."The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in conjunction with State Animal Health and Wildlife Officials, are conducting comprehensive epidemiological investigations and enhanced surveillance in response to the HPAI [highly pathogenic avian influenza] related events," the WOAH wrote in the report.To prevent further spread of the infection, all of the nearly 119,000 birds at the farm have now been culled. These bird flu viruses are known as "highly pathogenic" because they are extremely deadly to certain poultry like chickens and culling an exposed flock is typically considered the best way of preventing additional flocks from getting sick.Why is bird flu concerning?Scientists have recently expressed increasing concern that a strain of bird flu could mutate into a form that easily spreads among humans, sparking a pandemic. This happened during historic pandemics, such as the "Spanish flu" in 1918 and the "Asian flu" in 1957.Humans can become infected with avian influenza if the virus gets into their eyes, nose or mouth, or if it is inhaled in the form of droplets in the air. However, not all bird flu viruses are equipped to efficiently infect people and then spread between them. When given more chances to spread to new animals, the viruses have a higher chance of picking up that ability and harming humans.Notably, over the past couple of years, H5N1 has spread to new countries, including the U.S. It's been widely infecting wild birds and poultry and has also jumped into various mammals, including cattle and domestic cats. Since its discovery, H5N1 has infected more than 900 people globally, and in the past year, at least 67 people in the U.S. have been infected. In December 2024, a woman in Louisiana became the first person in the U.S. to die as a result of an H5N1 infection.How does H5N9 differ from H5N1?Avian influenza viruses come in different subtypes, which are named according to subtle variations in the structure of two key proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). So H5N9 and H5N1 have the same hemagglutinin protein, but a different neuraminidase protein.A virus's specific combination of H and N proteins determines a range of important traits, such as how good it is at spreading from one animal to another, how deadly it is, and whether it is resistant to antiviral treatment.Besides the difference in their neuraminidase proteins, H5N9 differs from H5N1 in several other ways.For example, H5N1 infections are more common among humans and are believed to be the deadliest of all the highly pathogenic avian influenza strains in humans and chickens.Does H5N9 pose a risk to humans?As of yet, little is known about whether H5N9 could spread to humans and potentially cause a pandemic.On its website, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently states that the public health risk from H5 bird flu is "low" but that the agency is "watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures." The CDC's primary focus on that webpage is H5N1, but the agency is monitoring H5 viruses broadly, using its flu surveillance systems to watch for any cases in humans.As of Jan. 18, there has been no evidence of H5 bird flu spreading from one human to another in the U.S."The combination H5N9 is not new and other versions, like H5N5 also exist," Florian Krammer, a professor of vaccinology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, told CBS News. "Just because this was now detected, doesn't mean trouble necessarily," he emphasized.Copyright 2025 LiveScience, a Future company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

From world-class designers and architects to entrepreneurs, the impact of Black creatives within the wide world of interiors cannot be overstated. They take inspiration from unique cultural identities and lived experiences, and the breadth of their perspectives breathes life into the spaces we call home. Everything from Aurora Jamess line of African artisanproduced home accessories to AD100 designer Leyden Lewiss Caribbean-influenced design practice propel the design world forward in new and exciting ways.Here, AD tapped seven Black creatives and business owners we admire to learn more about how they approach their lifes workand how their own histories and heritages inform them. Along with sharing treasures and home decor that reflect the beauty of their personal spaces, our guest editors spotlight other Black designers theyre following and continue to shop from.Shop by guest editor:Justina BlakeneyAD100 designer and entrepreneur Justina Blakeney is known for curating spaces that exude warmth and comfort. Her own home reflects her heritage and passions, from handmade art and textiles to the plants that bring life into every corner. Blakeneys lifestyle brand and creative studio Jungalow and product lines on Ruggable, Bloomingdales, and elsewhere feature bold patterns and colors on home essentials like area rugs and shower curtains.Photo: Frank Francis, Styling: Danielle ArmstrongMy rootsfrom being a California native to my African American heritage and Eastern European Jewish heritageall deeply influence my design approach and personal style, Blakeney says. My travels, especially to Morocco, Mexico, and the seven years I spent living in Italy, also influence my work.I believe in storytelling through art and design, using spaces to preserve, share, and shape new cultural traditions and create homes filled with warmth, beauty, and meaning.Jungalow Hypnotic House CoatBrass Moroccan MirrorsAlban Bar StoolIm currently following Carmen Nash of Loft and Thought. Her work is incredibly sculptural and organic, and Im constantly inspired by her impeccable taste and eye for design. She has a unique ability to create and curate pieces that are interesting, inspiring, and surprising. Carmens approach is refreshing and manages to feel simultaneously vintage and future facingI love seeing how she brings her artistic vision to life.Loft and Thought Palma LampLoft and Thought Soloma LampLoft and Thought Nette LampDesign is a powerful tool for shaping culture and telling stories, with a unique ability to elevate and honor the richness of cultural heritage. To foster a more inclusive and representative narrative, its essential to ensure that Black voices, traditions, innovations, and perspectives are not just seen but truly celebrated in the design world. This means creating opportunities for Black designers, artists, and makers to flourish, amplifying our stories through intentional design, and embracing the full spectrum of our cultural expressionsfrom traditional craftsmanship to modern innovation.Ruggable Justina Blakeney Eartha Terracotta Tufted RugLolly Lolly Ceramics Cascading Serving BowlThe Warley Fall Watering Can by HawsByron and Dexter PeartGoodee cofounders and twin brothers Byron and Dexter Pearts journey to creating their ethical, sustainable home goods brand started in their upbringing. The duo channel elements from their childhood home in their brand today, from the scent of carved wood drawers that embodied their parents homeland to the jazz and reggae music their father played that opened them up to the world.

The Washington, DC, area interior designers, landscape pros, and architects on the AD PRO Directory are clearly making the nations capital a more stylish place. Indoors, these firms bring bold color palettes, masterful mixes of vintage and modern pieces, and one-of-a-kind custom furnishings to homes inside the Beltway and beyond. Outdoors, theyre creating landscapes that will thrive for years to come, and coexist in harmony with the areas natural surroundings.With Neoclassical government buildings, modernist cultural institutions, and Gothic Revival cathedrals, the capital city is filled with beautiful designand these talents are adding to the citys sophisticated reputation with their creative residences. Whether youre renovating a home in Bethesda or decorating a town house in Georgetown, these 25 AD-approved Washington, DC, area interior designers, landscape specialists, and architects are sure to fit the bill.Interior DesignersStorie CollectiveFunctional and elegant, this spacious family kitchen by Storie Collective features a large island and gorgeous stone aplenty. The studio tapped fellow AD PRO Directory member Unique Kitchens and Baths for the bespoke cabinetry.Stacy Zarin GoldbergIf a timeless look is what youre after, Storie Collectivethe Georgetown-based studio led by Sara Swabbmight just be a fit. With an approach that balances new and custom pieces with family heirlooms, Storie Collectives interiors are informed, layered, and personal, with a charming mix of textures and natural materials to boot. Some of their recent projects include a Dutch Colonial in Chevy Chase and a 1936 Colonial Revival in Bethesda. Its clear to see why those clients went with Swabb: Though her choices respect the integrity of the original home, theyre also fresh and appealing for the way we live now.Sanabria and CoThe bedroom nook in this Logan Circle town house designed by Sanabria and Co is a master class in coziness, with a supple boucl bed and an enveloping, botanical wall covering.Angela Newton Roy PhotographyCoastal grandma meets Swedish professor? Dutch library meets English kitchen? Unexpected pairings like these somehow totally work in the very compelling portfolio of Sanabria and Co. The firm, led by Melissa Sanabria, embraces diverse inspirations, bringing out their best and brightest details for a look thats fresh. Their strength is in turnkey historic home renovations and whole-home furnishing projects, and, in each, they infuse a distinct and personal sense of luxury. With projects ranging from Federal-style row houses to midcentury-infused Catskills cabins, this Capitol Hill studio is one not to miss.Ann Gottlieb DesignAnn Gottlieb Design outfitted the primary bathroom of a home in Great Falls, Virginia, with an oversized shower, a custom white oak vanity with a counter surface continuing into the shower, and deep blue zellige tiles on all walls and ceiling.Photo by Angela Newton Roy Photography. Styling by Kristi Hunter.In 2020, designer Ann Gottlieb brought her years of experience working for top firms such as Gensler to her own eponymous studio based in Fairfax, Virginia. Gottlliebs background in high-end hospitality allows the designer and her team to work fast and smart to create comfortable and luxurious residential interiors that often incorporate unique spaces, such as spas or even a champagne-tasting room. The firms style leans modern and eclectic and draws on global inspiration, but each project is always driven by the clients personal taste and the home itself. Ann Gottlieb Design works on whole-home renovations and decorating projects in the DC area and beyond.Interiors by DesignThis two-story great room in a Brookville, Maryland, home by Interiors by Design radiates opulence, showcasing custom niches adorned with an array of accessories that beautifully highlight the soaring fireplace wall.Kate WichlinskiSilver Spring, Marylandbased Interiors by Design doesnt shy away from luxurious details in its spaces, from striking ceiling treatments to jewel-toned accents. Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas leads a small but mighty team of five at the boutique design firm, which works on residential, commercial, and multifamily development projects globally. Interiors by Design layers elements that speak to the clients lifestyle and aesthetic with an eye-catching mix of textures and finishes, resulting in spaces that feel polished yet personal. The team works closely with each client to uncover their vision for their home and bring it to life, managing each aspect of the project along the way.Bungalow 10 InteriorsFor a new construction home in Arlington, Virginia, Bungalow 10 Interiors fulfilled their client's brief by mixing modern and traditional elements and keeping the space clean and open.Angela Newton Roy Photography Styling: Kristi HunterLed by designer Kristin Harrison, Bungalow 10 Interiors crafts beautiful homes that are meant to be lived in and enjoyed. The Great Falls, Virginiabased firm specializes in full-home renovations and new builds, bringing a cohesive sense of style to a clients entire home. Harrison and her team put an emphasis on sustainability and functionality, blending new and vintage pieces to create spaces that feel curated and imbued with a sense of history and character. Bungalow 10 Interiors works with clients across the country and offers virtual design services for clients with smaller projects or tight timelines.DuVl DesignDuVl Design mixed dark academia and grand millennial styles in a bedroom in an Atlanta home, covering the walls in a moody Moooi wallcovering by Arte.Rustic White PhotographyFairfax, Virginiabased DuVl Design puts as much thought into its design process as it does into its elegant interiors. The firms three-phase, seven-step process provides clarity and transparency to even the most complex projects. DuVl and his team work in an array of styles, collaborating with clients to devise spaces that showcase their unique aesthetics, from a sophisticated Alexandria home mixing traditional and modern to a lively and eclectic Alice in Wonderlandinspired Virginia sunroom. The firm works on projects across the East Coast, including Washington, DC, New York, Atlanta, and Palm Beach.Sroka Design Inc.Drawing inspiration from the Saarinen House at Cranbrook, Sroka Design Inc. gut-renovated this apartment in a historic building in the Kalorama neighborhood. A collected, cool atmosphere welcomes visitors into the room, which functions for the couple as well as large cocktail parties.Erik KvalsvikWhen Washingtons elite need their homes refreshed or reinvented, they turn to designer Skip Sroka. For over 35 years, Sroka Design Inc. has brought its well-trained eye to residential interiors across the East Coast. Srokas designs draw from his deep knowledge of design, art, and history, blending traditional and modern styles into classic yet creative spaces enhanced with custom furnishings and architectural details. From country retreats to waterfront town houses, the firm crafts gracious homes that are made for comfortable living and elegant entertaining.Bonnie Ammon InteriorsThis apricot-hued dining room by Bonnie Amon Interiors combines old treasuressuch as the table, which is a family heirloom, and a vintage chandelierwith new ones. The space features a custom rug by Stark, wallpaper by Mary McDonald for Schumacher, and Woodbridge Furniture chairs.Geoffrey HodgdonBonnie Ammon entered the interior design profession after a cool 15 years in the financial sectora background that helps contextualize her value-driven approach. Spending a decade at interior design firms before founding her own, Ammon has the experience to deliver results that her luxury clients love. She also respects collaboration, putting a high value on listening and prioritizing homeowners unique needs throughout an engagement. Shes not afraid to embrace diverse styles, either, with industrial-inspired, traditional, and French country interiors all in her portfolio.Unique Kitchens and BathsA striking marble backsplash and hood take center stage in a Clarksville, Maryland, kitchen designed by Unique Kitchens and Baths and outfitted with French gray cabinetry and walnut drawer fronts.Stacy Zarin GoldbergFounder Tanya Smith-Shiflett and her team at Unique Kitchens and Baths focus on a homes most functional spaces. The Halethorpe, Marylandbased firm fashions bespoke kitchens and bathrooms using luxurious materials and custom cabinetry crafted in the United States. With a portfolio boasting everything from industrial to farmhouse-style kitchens, Unique Kitchens and Baths can translate any aesthetic into a workhorse space that will become the heart of the home. The firm has three showrooms in the DC area and will be opening branches in New York and Nashville. The team also collaborates with top talents on custom cabinetry lines.Regan Billingsley InteriorsRegan Billingsley Interiors transformed a traditional formal living room into a fashionable space for the homeowner to relax, recharge, and entertain girlfriends, accenting the space with fashion-forward fabrics and a Jenna Krypell wall sculpture.Photography by Annie Schlechter. Styling by Limonata CreativeDesigner Regan Billingsley crafts residences for every stage of life, from homes for growing families to retirement retreats. Billingsley founded her eponymous residential and commercial design firm in 2013, and since then, it has grown to encompass offices in Washington, DC, and Naples, Florida, offering a full menu of services from concept design to art consultation. The firm is known for setting a timeless foundation, then layering in color, pattern, worldly accents, and energetic art. Billingsley takes an individualized approach to each project, creating experiential and evocative rooms.Byron RisdonFor Byron Risdons own home in the Brookland neighborhood, the designer put his personal aesthetic on display, incorporating vintage furniture and modern art. My goal was to create a comfortable, tailored space that is both striking and inviting, says Risdon. Its a mix of new and vintage items I have acquired over the years from auction hunting, sourcing for projects, and traveling.After years of working as a designer in New York, Byron Risdon founded his eponymous firm in Washington, DC, in 2016. Risdons spaces feel expertly curated and feature a timeless yet functional mix of pieces from a variety of periods layered with statement art and plenty of personal touches. The designer takes a collaborative and individual approach with clients and focuses on creating spaces that evoke a feeling as soon as you step inside. The firm offers a full range of services for residential and commercial clients, from furniture and fixture selections for new builds and renovations to interior architecture and design consulting.Darlene MolnarIn the dining room of this historic Capitol Hill residence, designer Darlene Molnar paired hammered-iron Louis XVstyle dining chairs with a walnut table and distressed area rug. A brass-clad bar cabinet brings a quirky yet sophisticated sculptural element to the room, and the marble fireplace, ornate crown moldings, and pine floors are among the preserved details in the 1890 town house.Styling bt Limonata Creative & Photo by Stacy Zarin GoldbergRather than infuse her own style on a project, designer Darlene Molnar helps bring out and translate each clients signature style into highly personal interiors that beautifully blend a mix of influences. The designer cut her teeth at a top architectural firm in Washington, DC, before launching her own eponymous firm in 2010. Molnar and her team take on a select number of projects at a time, allowing the designer to give her clients individualized attention and lead them through the process from beginning to end. The firm works with clients in the DC area and nationwide and offers services ranging from project management to custom furniture design.Zoe Feldman DesignZoe Feldman created a bold, nature-inspired space to elevate a DC condo. The purple hues accentuate the rooms Beaux Arts architecture, pairing seamlessly with the pink House of Hackney wallpaper. The moody dining room contrasts the light, neutral kitchen, adding further dimension to the space.Its hard not to smile when entering a room designed by Zoe Feldman. The designer, who studied at the Parsons School of Design and trained under Alexa Hampton, is known for her creative mix of classic and modern style accented with bits of playfulness. The firm, which was founded in 2004, finds inspiration in art, film, architecture, and fashion and blends these influences together to create its signature brand of modernized classicism. Zoe Feldman Design also keeps the environment top of mind and is committed to making their projectsand companygreener by incorporating vintage pieces whenever possible, repurposing or reimagining existing elements, and supporting charities and reforestation efforts.Lorna Gross Interior DesignDesigner Lorna Gross drew inspiration from the bespoke train cars of the Orient Express for the interiors of an 1870 row house in Georgetown. In the parlor, Gross added touches of glamor, including metallic wallpaper, Art Decoinspired furnishings, and a pair of dazzling chandeliers.Based in North Bethesda, Maryland, designer Lorna Gross boasts a roster of repeat residential and commercial clients throughout North America and Great Britain, thanks to her attention to detail and customized approach to each interior. The designer and her team at Lorna Gross Interior Design specialize in finding the perfect statement pieces and one-of-a-kind accents to make her clients homes truly unique. The firm offers concierge-like service and can handle all the detailsfrom space planning to selecting beddinggiving their busy clients peace of mind and stylish, turn-key homes.APPLY NOWGrow your business with the AD PRO DirectoryArrowSolis Betancourt & SherrillSolis Betancourt & Sherrill accented the dining room of a Telluride, Colorado, home with a sculptural artist-made bronze table and slumped glass chandelier.Marcos GalvanySolis Betancourt & Sherrill has been delighting clients with their understated, elegant interiors for over 33 years. Lead by principals Jose Solis Betancourt and Paul Sherrill, the firm is known for its ability to bring a comfortable and tranquil feel to projects in a variety of styles, such as a Provence-inspired retreat in Watermill, an art-filled home in El Paso, and a glamorous residence on Embassy Row. Solis Betancourt & Sherrill works on residential projects across the country and internationally, and the firms timeless work has been celebrated in the monograph Essential Elegance.Paul Corrie InteriorsIn the kitchen of a Bethesda home, designer Paul Corrie selected a soft beige palette, including Farrow & Balls Drop Cloth, which coats the custom Cabriole Studio Cabinetry. An Urban Electric pendant light hangs above the island and the Thomas Hayes Studio stools.Designer Paul Corrie takes inspiration for his interiors from DCs classic homes, adding his own modern twist to create spaces that feel fresh yet familiar. Antiques and vintage pieces mingle with bold art, contemporary accents, and rich color palettes in the boutique design firms livable and sophisticated interiors, which have earned it multi-repeat clients. Paul Corrie Interiors works with residential and commercial clients and tackles projects throughout the United States and abroad.Lisa & LeroyFor a condo in Capitol Hill, Lisa & Leroy found inspiration in the hues of vintage glass. The team decked out the living room in captivating jewel tones and installed built-ins to make the most of the small space.Stacy Zarin GoldbergLed by owner and creative director Lisa Shaffer, Lisa & Leroys interiors are a feast for the eyes. The bold and imaginative spaces are filled with unexpected color palettes, whimsical patterns, and rich textures. The full-service studio prides itself on its detail-oriented approach and ability to execute design and construction projects thanks to its team of designers, construction experts, and carpenters. Lisa & Leroy brings its spirited style to projects in the DC area and around the world.Drysdale Design AssociatesIn a bedroom of a Bethesda penthouse, Drysdale Design Associates added a grid of maple millwork to bring warmth and a luxe feel to the small space.Boasting 35 years of experience, Drysdale Design Associates specializes in renovations and projects involving architectural detail. Led by founder Mary Douglas Drysdale, the firms projects have a timeless quality and feature beautifully curated art collections, elegant color palettes, and bespoke furnishings. Drysdale is skilled at interior planning, and shes able to bring out the best in every space, whether by installing millwork to transform a petite bedroom or adding a black door to bring contrast to a modern apartment.ArchitectsNicholas Potts StudioIn this 1920 row house, Nicholas Potts relocated the kitchen to a former sunporch, transforming the main floor with clear sight lines, ample natural light, and space for todays lifestyles. The finishes in the kitchen, including custom near-black cabinets and a soft monochromatic palette, create a crisp reinterpretation of the houses existing architecture.Jennifer HughesAfter earning his stripes at top firms such as SHoP Architects and Bjarke Ingels Group, Nicholas G Potts brought his extensive design knowledge to his own DC firm. Pottss command of design and architectural history is evident in his residential designs, which feel inventive and exciting yet also appropriate to the period of the home. From a modern pied--terre in the famed Watergate Complex to a 1920s row house brought back to its previous glory, the firm has worked with homes of many different eras, adding exquisite materials and details that nod to the residences original character.Purple Cherry ArchitectsDurston SaylorArchitect Cathy Purple Cherry brings over 30 years of experience to the homes she takes on for clientsand it shows. Her practice, which operates out of Annapolis, Middleburg, Charlottesville, and New York, is comfortable working across a wide range of scales and styles. And busy homeowners will be relieved to know that her office can be a one-stop-shop, too, as it offers both architectural and interior design services. Across all of their projects is a sensitivity to the emotional connection clients have with their spaces and an utmost respect for form.Third Street ArchitectureThe row house home of Third Street Architectures founder Sarah Stouffer is an exemplar of her firms studied approach to historic renovation. Quiet, elevated, and full of character, the space is formulated for a modern resident while retaining the structures original charm.Christy KosnicThe DC- and Minneapolis-based firm Third Street Architecture is well-versed in updating historic homes for contemporary livingincluding local row houses, which make up a sizable chunk of the offices portfolio. Founder and principal Sarah Snouffers background in design-build offers Third Street an edge when it comes to construction, both for project oversight and a structures finer details. Through their client-centered approach, they devise spaces that are highly livable with period touches.Landis Architects | BuildersDuring the complete renovation of a Chevy Chase, Maryland, Rambler-style home, Landis Architects | Builders designed and built a completely new house, leaving only a few foundation walls standing. The modern kitchens cabinets, made by Henrybuilt, are crafted with immaculate care and precision, and the fluted paneling on the kitchen island brings timeless sophistication to the space.Matt Dandy, Matthew Dandy PhotographyLandis Architects | Builders is a one-stop for renovations, historic home restorations, and new builds in the DC area. Founded over 34 years ago, the design-build firm boasts a multidisciplinary team of architects, designers, and builders and offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes everything from consulting to construction. From stately penthouses to cozy family homes, Landis Architects | Builders brings its expertise to a wide range of project types and sizes, including whole-home and single-room renovations and new additions. The firms commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail shows in its diverse residential portfolio.AV Architects + BuildersFor a new custom home in Great Falls, Virginia, AV Architects + Builders devised a plan consisting of four different pavilions surrounding outdoor living spaces and a pool. Maxwell MacKenzieGreat Falls, Virginiabased AV Architects + Builders specializes in custom and semi-custom homes and renovations in Northern Virginia and Maryland. The firm, which is led by husband-and-wife team Francisca and Antonio Alonso, designs with its philosophy of Vacation Style Living in mind, devising Mediterranean-inspired everyday retreats that allow for indoor-outdoor living and promote a sense of well-being. AV Architects + Builders adapts its signature Mid-Atlantic Modern style to each project site, making sure the home feels connected to its natural surroundings.Bohl ArchitectsBohl Architects fashioned a modern home with a cantilevered glass room along the water in Annapolis, Maryland.David BurroughsWith nearly 50 years of experience and a portfolio that boasts homes from Maryland to La La Land, Bohl Architects has proven time and again that it can do it all. Based in Annapolis, Maryland, the firm is driven by the principles of sustainability, historic preservation, and biophilic designallowing its projects to enhance the lives of its occupants, the community, and the earth. While the firm appreciates and protects the past, it also looks to the future, experimenting with the latest technologies, such as virtual reality.Outdoor DesignOehme, van Sweden Landscape ArchitectureFor this landscape, Oehme, van Sweden submerged portions of the pools Roxbury granite coping to help give it more of a pond-like feela look thats also supported by placing vegetation up against the waters edge. Architect John B. Murray designed the pool house.Durston Saylor / Architect: John B. MurrayI like it wild. So said Wolfgang Oehme, the late cofounder of the long-beloved landscape firm Oehme, van Sweden. The studio, which has been in operation for over 40 years, made its name in free-form, year-round gardens filled with rich, textural plantings and, often, water features. Having designed for landmarks including the Federal Reserve Building, Hudson River Park, and even celebrities private homesOprah is a clientOehme, van Sweden is legendary for a reason.Are you looking for an interior decorator or designer to hire for your next project? Wherever you are in the US, visit the AD PRO Directory to browse our list of AD-approved designers and find your match for a design consultation