If you ever wondered what it would look like to see someone's stream of consciousness in real time, DeepSeek R1 might be the closest you'll get.When DeepSeek R1 landed on the internet in late January, it caught the AI industry off guard. Suddenly, there was a freely available and open-source "reasoning" AI model that could rival the equivalent $200 per month offering from OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT. Almost immediately, tech stocks plummeted. Investors wondered why they were throwing billions of dollars at OpenAI, Google and Microsoft when a scrappy team out of China was seemingly able to do just as much with significantly fewer resources. Nvidia, the company making the chips powering AI development, saw the single largest market value drop in US history, losing more than $600 billion in a day.Reasoning AI models can handle more-complex questions and do so by breaking problems down step-by-step, whereas the free version of ChatGPT tries to predict the next best word in a sentence.Essentially, DeepSeek R1 commodified reasoning-level AI models overnight imagine Toyota suddenly producing Ferrari-level engines en masse.I spoke with AI experts, and the most interesting or amusing characteristic of DeepSeek R1 is being able to see its chain of thought. If you ask DeepSeek to tell you a bedtime story about a tenacious kitten, say, you're able to see all the considerations it's making while it's processing your request. Basically, you can see DeepSeek think. And it's fascinating.DeepSeek will literally sometimes say, "hmm," which is both quirky and bewildering. OpenAI doesn't let users see ChatGPT's train of thought, so that it doesn't give away its secrets (though now it's showing small snippets). DeepSeek R1 is also open source, meaning any company can use its AI model, which is a major threat to OpenAI. An example of DeepSeek R1's train of thought. CNETHow I've been testing DeepSeekI've been using DeepSeek on desktop for the past week. For security reasons, I opted not to install the app on my phone.Experts advise against installing the app on your personal device, given DeepSeek's Chinese roots and the extensive data collection mentioned in its terms of service. (It would've been nice if word about that had gotten out before the DeepSeek app shot to the top of the App Store.)While using DeepSeek, I've been asking more-general and abstract questions, not uploading any sensitive data, or asking questions that could put me, or CNET, in a compromising position.Journalism is largely a job of synthesizing information from multiple sources and distilling it for a lay audience. In the past this required me to go to Google Scholar, skim through research papers and email professors to ultimately collect relevant quotes to include in an article. AI has changed that process significantly. Now I can ask an AI model specific research questions and it can scrub the internet and give me an answer, usually with sourcing. I continue to interview professors, of course, and I do have to go back and double-check the information the AI serves up, because AI bots can sometimeshallucinate and present something false as correct. Despite that, using AI is often still faster than if I had to tackle research papers manually.For a feature story I'm working on, I asked DeepSeek to help me find information about TikTok's moderation policies and how they've been applied both correctly and incorrectly in the past. I also asked it to help me consider some unforeseen circumstances of overly strong social media moderation policies. This type of search isn't entirely novel older versions of ChatGPT could also handle these sorts of queries. But I was impressed by DeepSeek's overall accuracy and synthesis of multiple articles. Where ChatGPT-4o felt like a really advanced version of autocomplete, DeepSeek R1 actually seems to be parsing through information and coming to conclusions.It's not that ChatGPT-4o's responses are majorly worse. But reasoning models like DeepSeek R1 are much better in terms of quality and more-extensive text output, sourcing and nuance. It really does feel like DeepSeek is "thinking" more.I see you changing your mind, DeepSeekThat's not to say DeepSeek is perfect. Given its Chinese roots, some questions are off-limits. A commonly cited example in the media are queries regarding the 1989 massacre in Beijing's Tiananmen Square. You can see DeepSeek trying to begin answering before it cancels out and tells you to ask something else. I tried asking it, very broadly, to give me background information about the Uyghur minority in China over the last few years. I saw it generating paragraphs of thought before totally canceling itself out. But if I asked about issues in America or other parts of the world, DeepSeek had little problem returning results. Example of DeekSeek R1's train of thought on China's past human rights abuses. CNET An example of DeepSeek R1 cancelling out a response the Chinese government wouldn't like. CNETThe release of AI chatbots, starting with OpenAI's ChatGPT in late 2022, is changing how humans gather information online. Instead of you having to read multiple articles and synthesize information in your head, AI can do the connection-making for you. Reasoning AIs are an evolution of that. Using one feels much closer to having an expert inside your house. In the past, if I found myself stuck on a problem, I'd ask my friends or post a thread on Reddit for answers. This is obviously still an option, but it requires me having to bother others and hope they respond.DeepSeek R1 and ChatGPT o1 essentially relieve me of that social anxiety. Plus, it takes seconds to get an answer, versus whatever the other person's schedule allows for. Knowing if the output is correct, however, is another problem entirely.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide Dead By Daylight has an exciting year ahead, and the February 2025 roadmap truly kicks off with the third iteration of 2v8 mode. This LTM has been a lot of fun ever since its initial introduction, but this time it will be even better thanks to the Resident Evil theme. The release date and time countdown for when DBD x Resident Evil 2v8 mode will start is nearly over, and theres a lot for fans to know ahead of its launch including skill leaks and new skins.Dead By Daylight x Resident Evil 2v8 mode release dateThe release date for Dead By Daylight x Resident Evil 2v8 mode is February 10th. This was previously leaked by Aricarna on the DBDLeaks Discord, but it is now confirmed by BeHaviour Interactive.It is the first time the LTM receives licensed killers. BeHaviours Mathieu Cote previously discussed the issues with getting permission for licensed killers to team up in 2v8 mode, but it makes sense with Wesker and Nemesis as they are both from the same IP belonging to Capcom. Save Up to $1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25! Pre-order now and save big with trade-in and Samsung credit. Limited time only! *Includes trade-in value + $300 Samsung credit. Image credit: @DeadbyDaylight on XWhen does Dead By Daylight x Resident Evil 2v8 mode start?The release time for when Dead By Daylight x Resident Evil 2v8 mode will start is 8AM PT/11AM ET/4PM GMT on February 10th.BeHaviour has discussed making the mode permanent, but it is not happening yet. When the LTM returns, it will only be available to enjoy until February 25th. Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson VideoGamer Podcast Listen Now Dead By Daylight x Resident Evil 2v8 mode start time US8AM PT on Monday, February 10th11AM ET on Monday, February 10thDBD x Resident Evil 2v8 mode start time UK4PM GMT on Monday, February 10thCountdownBelow is a visual countdown to when the LTM will begin:Nemesis and Wesker skill leaksBelow are the leaked innate skills for Nemesis and Wesker as per Wazzup on DBDLeaks:Nemesis innate skills:Increases Zombie line of sight to 18 meters and 226 degreesContaminated Survivors are Hindered for 3 secondsDecreases Zombie spawn time by 7.5 secondsIncreases Mutation Rate from Zombie kills by 175%Wesker innate skills:Increases the maximum number of Virulent Bound charges to 3Decreases the time to perform a Bound Vault by 0.5 secondsDecreases the time to charge a Bound by 0.25 secondsDecreases Bound cooldown when not hitting a Survivor by 1 secondImage credit: DBDLeaks DiscordLeaks also suggest Legion will be part of the 2v8 mode, but this hasnt been confirmed as of writing. Just in case, below are the reportedly leaked skills for Legion, too:Legion innate skills:Increases Feral Frenzy duration to 12 secondsIncreases the maximum number of Feral Slashes to 8Increases the number of Feral Slashes required before downing a Survivor during Feral Frenzy to 8Increases the Feral Frenzy Terror Radius bonus to 20 metersNew map and herbsIn addition to Wesker and Nemesis as the first ever licensed killers for 2v8 mode, there will be a new map with the Racoon City Police Station. However, this isnt where the Resident Evil theme ends as there is also the addition of green and yellow herbs as gimmicks.Below are what green and yellow herbs do for both killers and survivors:Green herb (4 spawns in total):Survivor Effect: Heals a health stateKiller Effect: Grants the killer who used it 10% haste for 20 secondsYellow herb (2 spawns in total):Survivor Effect: Removes a cage stateKiller Effect: Grants both killers 10% haste for 20 secondsImage credit: DBDLeaks DiscordNew DBD Resident Evil skinsLastly, in addition to 2v8 mode, there will be the following new Resident Evil skins for Dead By Daylight on February 10th:Wesker Resident Evil 4 RemakeNemesis Classic Resident Evil 3Leon Resident Evil 6Ada Wong Resident Evil 4 RemakeJill Valentine BSAA OutfitRebecca Chambers S.T.A.R.S 1997Image credit: @Dvveet on XBeHaviour Interactive has also confirmed that there will be a 25% off sale for DBD x RE. There will also be daily login rewards for the duration of Resident Evil 2v8, and, although they havent been confirmed yet, these rewards most likely include thousands of Bloodpoints.For more Dead By Daylight content, check out ourranking of the top 10 DLC expansions to buyalong with a ranking of thebest killer perksandbest survivor perks.Dead by DaylightPlatform(s):Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Survival Horror7VideoGamerRelated TopicsDead by Daylight Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

VFX Breakdown "A World Divided" By tobkum on February 9, 2025 Behind the Scenes "A World Divided" is a six episode historical drama series based on true events seamlessly integrating never before seen archival footage with engrossing fictional drama (IMDB). Our VFX breakdown for "Die Spaltung der Welt/A World Divided" is ready! All things 3D were made in Blender :)

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Pitch ResistantSorry to all five Resistance fans that are still out there, but it turns out Insomniac did pitch a fourth game, only Sony rejected itBetter luck next time!Image credit: Insomniac News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Feb. 9, 2025 Not sure how many Resistance fans are still kicking around these days, but I'm sorry to say that a fourth game was pitched, but Sony rejected it.Resistance has always been a bit of an odd series to me in that, 10 year old me saw that it was made by the folks that made Ratchet and Clank and thought "oh, no thank you!" I've kind of been operating on that logic ever since, despite Insomniac going on to make two more of them, and since the spin-off for the PS Vita (that Insomniac didn't make) came out in 2012, the series has been pretty much dead in the water. As it turns out, though, Insomniac did pitch Resistance 4, though obviously that never materialised, because Sony rejected it. This actually comes from Insomniac's founder and now former CEO Ted Price himself, in case you had any doubts, who spoke of the series on a recent appearance on Kinda Funny's Gamescast.Watch on YouTube"It was a wonderful concept. It was the result of a lot of Insomniac Games team members being passionate about extending the story further," Price shared. "I do believe that Resistance set up a cool alternate history base where anything can happen with the Chimera and where they go and what their origins are. We spent a lot of time working on backstory and brainstorming on where we could take this in the future." In terms of why the game didn't get picked up by Sony, Price said that it was down to the "timing and market opportunity," which is as normal a reason as any, even if it might be disappointing to some.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Right now, Insomniac will be knee-deep in its Wolverine game, which currently has no release window, and apart from a cinematic trailer (and a big leak), we've not seen all that much from it. Whatever the developer shows off next, though, you can probably place a bet on it not being Resistance 4.

"More details will be shared soon".Lara Croft returns next week in Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered and it looks like a physical release could be on the way.Nintendo Everything recently asked Aspyr's Brand Manager Matthew Ray about the chances of a physical version and it seems there'll be an update "soon".Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Apple has released a new app called Invites that is designed to make it easy to create custom invitations for events using an iPhone or on the web. Invites is Apples version of Partiful, a popular invitation app that was crowned Google Plays Best App of 2024.Invites lets you create and share invitations, RSVP to events, contribute to Shared Albums, and curate event soundtracks.To create an invitation, you need an iCloud+ subscription, which costs 99 cents per month. However, anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether they have an Apple Account or Apple device.In this post, well walk you through the process of creating an event, adding a shared album or playlist, and sending out your invitation to guests.How to create an event inviteImage Credits:AppleYou can create an event in Apple Invites using the app on your iPhone or on the web at iCloud.com. Whichever route you choose, the process is essentially the same.If youre on the app, you need to tap the plus sign in the upper-right corner to create an event. If youre on the web, you need to select New Event in the upper-right corner.From here, tap the Add Background option, then choose Photos to select an image from your library. Or, tap the Camera option to take a new photo for the background. Apple also offers a selection of backgrounds for you to choose from.Alternatively, you can use Apples Image Playground to produce original images for the background. To use the Image Playground integration in Invites, you will need an iPhone that is compatible with Apple Intelligence, which means you need an iPhone 15 Pro and up.Once you have added a background image, tap Event Title to enter the name of your event and then choose a font style.Then, tap Date and Time to choose the day and time the event starts and ends. You can also choose to set it as an all-day event. After you set a date, the weather forecast for that date will be added to the invitation.Next, tap Location to search for a location or tap a suggested location. You have the option to enter a name for a location, such as Emilys House. When you set a location, Invites will automatically add Apple Maps information to the invitation.Finally, you can enter a description for the event, using Apple Intelligences Writing Tools to help you write out the description, if youd like.Again, your device will need to be compatible with Apple Intelligence in order to use the feature.Once you have created your event, you can tap the Preview option to see what it looks before sending it to your guests.Image Credits:AppleWhile the above steps cover the basics of creating an invite for an event, Apple offers two other features that can take your invitations to the next level.You can create a Shared Album where attendees can contribute photos and videos from within an invite. The idea behind the feature is to give attendees a way to save their memories and relive the event at a later time.To do so, you need to tap the Create Album option. The name of the Shared Album will be the name of the event, but you can change it if youd like.You can also create an event soundtrack by selecting the Add Playlist option. Attendees can then choose to add songs to the playlist before or during the event. Its worth noting that you need an Apple Music subscription to create a shared playlist. As with Shared Albums, your playlist will have the name of your event, but you can edit it.How to invite guests to your eventImage Credits:AppleThere are two ways to invite guests to your event. You can either share the invite as a public link or send it to specific people from your contact list.You need to select Invite Guests to start sending out invitations. If you select the Messages or Mail apps, you can send a public link directly through those apps. If you select Share Link, you can send the invite to guests through any app in your iOS share sheet. If you tap Copy Link, you can paste the link for your invitation anywhere.To invite a contact, tap the Choose a Guest option, search for a name, or choose someone from your list of contacts, and then share the link with them.After you have created an event and invited guests, you can share a note that everyone on the guest list can see. For instance, you can let guests know if you have changed the location for the event, or you can send them a reminder to bring umbrellas if the forecast is calling for rain.To do so, select your event and then tap Send a Note. Once you have written out your note, tap the Send Note button.

EXO Building in Dublin | Jamie HackettThe EXO Building, designed by Shay Cleary Architects, is Irelands tallest commercial office structure and a striking addition to Dublins skyline. Rising to 17 stories, the building is more than just a commercial landmark; it is an ambitious structural and urban intervention that responds to the complexities of its location. Situated within the Dublin Docklands and adjacent to the 3Arena, the site operates as a threshold between the historic city fabric and the industrial port. The EXO Building had to navigate the demands of high-density commercial development while engaging with an evolving public realm.EXO Building Technical InformationArchitects1-20: Shay Cleary ArchitectsLocation: North Wall Quay, Dublin, IrelandArea: 20,784m2 | 223,700 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2018 2022Photographs: Jamie HackettOur aspiration was to provide a commercial building with a world-class working environment for potentially 2,000 people, while also addressing significant urban design opportunities, forming a city edge and city marker relating to Point Square, the Port, and the City. Shay Cleary ArchitectsEXO Building Photographs Jamie Hackett Jamie Hackett Jamie Hackett Jamie Hackett Jamie Hackett Jamie Hackett Jamie Hackett Jamie Hackett Jamie Hackett Jamie HackettThe EXO Building Structural InnovationThe design emerged from an invited competition in 2014, with the architects tasked to create a prominent commercial office space within the North Docks Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). Beyond simply fulfilling programmatic requirements, the project aimed to define a dynamic urban presence, reinforcing Point Square as a key public space while addressing the sites infrastructural and historical significance.At the heart of the EXO Buildings architectural expression is its external exoskeleton, an innovative structural strategy that defines its aesthetic and shapes its functional logic. The exposed mega-trusses flank the building, creating an elevated structural beam, allowing large, uninterrupted floor plates free of interior columns. By positioning the primary structure externally, the design maximizes workspace flexibility while reinforcing the industrial character of the Docklands.A defining feature of the EXO is its elevated massing, which lifts the building seven meters above ground level, allowing for permeability beneath the structure. This move transforms the building into an active participant in the urban landscape, acting as a permeable filter rather than a spatial barrier. This design strategy enhances movement within Point Square and contributes to the broader dialogue of public-private interfaces in commercial developments.Integrating three elliptical mega-columns as the primary points of structural support further refines the buildings engineering ambition. These elements carry the truss structure, reducing ground-level obstructions while providing a visually striking architectural identity. The linear configuration of the 20-meter-wide plan ensures that each office floor enjoys panoramic views of the city and port, reinforcing a sense of openness and engagement with Dublins urban fabric.Materiality and Architectural ExpressionThe EXO Buildings materiality and formal articulation derive from a constructivist approach, drawing direct inspiration from the Docklands industrial heritage. The exposed blue trusses reference the iconic gantries and cranes that have long defined Dublins maritime character, establishing a meaningful dialogue between past and present. This approach imbues the project with contextual specificity, ensuring that it is deeply embedded in its surroundings rather than an imported architectural statement.The glazed facade, composed of a unitized panel system with projecting mullions, introduces a rhythmic depth that interacts dynamically with light and perspective. The glass surface becomes a silvered plane from oblique angles, allowing the blue trusses to stand out as the defining visual feature. This interplay between transparency and structure elevates the EXO beyond conventional commercial buildings, transforming it into an urban marker that shifts perception based on vantage points.Material considerations extend beyond visual impact, incorporating elements that enhance the buildings sustainability and user experience. The 1,000m landscaped roof garden provides a communal amenity for occupants, offering a retreat within the dense urban fabric. Additionally, the project was the first in Europe to achieve LEED V3 Platinum certification before practical completion, underscoring its commitment to environmental performance and workplace well-being.Urban Integration and Public Realm DynamicsOne of the most compelling aspects of the EXO Building is its engagement with the public realm. Rather than occupying its site as an isolated object, the building contributes to the evolving fabric of Point Square, reinforcing the area as a multifunctional civic space.By elevating the massing, the EXO preserves pedestrian permeability, ensuring that movement flows uninterrupted beneath the structure. This approach is particularly significant given the squares role as a gathering space for up to 13,000 people during events at the 3Arena. The building functions as a workplace and an urban canopy, providing shelter, a meeting point, and a dynamic threshold between the city and the concert venue.Furthermore, the project was conceived with future adaptability in mind. The potential extension of the Luas light rail system through Point Square was considered in the planning, allowing for seamless integration should the transit network expand. This forward-thinking urban strategy ensures that the EXO remains responsive to Dublins evolving infrastructural landscape.Including a triple-height free-standing glass volume at the northern end of the site further enhances Point Squares urban character. Designed for future retail or hospitality use, this element complements the main building by fostering additional street-level activity. These architectural decisions solidify the EXO Buildings role as an active agent in shaping the public realm.EXO Building PlansSite Relations | Shay Cleary ArchitectsFloor Plans | Shay Cleary ArchitectsElevation | Shay Cleary ArchitectsAxonometric | Shay Cleary ArchitectsAxonometric | Shay Cleary ArchitectsEXO Building Image GalleryAbout Shay Cleary ArchitectsShay Cleary Architects is a Dublin-based architectural practice known for its innovative and contextually responsive designs. Established by Shay Cleary, the firm specializes in contemporary architecture that balances structural ingenuity, urban integration, and environmental sustainability. Their portfolio includes high-profile commercial, residential, and cultural projects, with a focus on creating buildings that engage meaningfully with their surroundings. Notably, they designed the EXO Building, Irelands tallest commercial office structure, showcasing their expertise in advanced structural solutions and urban placemaking.Credits and Additional NotesDesign Architect: Shay Cleary ArchitectsExecutive Architect: Michael Collins & Associates (MCA Architects)Client: Grant Thornton on behalf of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA)Owner: European Property Investors Special Opportunities IV (EPISO 4) Fund via Tristan Capital PartnersProject Management: Virtus Project ManagementBuilding Height: 73 metersSite Size: 4,603 mBuilding Levels: 17Quantity Surveyor: LinesightStructural Engineer: OConnor Sutton Cronin (OCSC)Mechanical & Electrical Engineer: OConnor Sutton Cronin (OCSC)Landscape Architect: Cameo & PartnersPlanning Consultant: Brady Shipman MartinMain Contractor: Bennett Construction LtdFaade Consultant: Murphy Faade GroupFire Safety Consultant: Michael Slattery AssociatesFaade Contractor: Tvitec IrelandSteel Fabricator: CimolaiMechanical Supplier: Jones EngineeringSustainability Certifications: LEED V3 Platinum (first in Europe to achieve this prior to practical completion)

ZDNET's key takeaways The $799 Samsung Galaxy S25 is for users who want a flagship experience in a smaller form factor. This year's hardware upgrades are fairly limited, but a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy does improve the battery and camera quality. The camera still suffers from shutter lag, making it less ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. more buying choices The Samsung Galaxy S25 might not be as flashy as the Ultra, but it's still the best compact phone you can buy right now. It refines an already great formula with a slimmer, lighter design, better battery life, and smarter AI features. But with minimal hardware upgrades over its predecessor, is it still worth $799?Also: I tried to replace my laptop with the Galaxy S25 Ultra - and I'd do it all over againIt helps that Samsung is counting on an upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor this year, which not only brings speed improvements but also better image clarity and more efficient battery life -- arguably the three most important aspects for consumers. I've spent the past week testing the device, and while the spec sheet may not excite you, the real-world experience tells a different story. details View at Samsung The Galaxy S25 is slimmer and lighter than last year's Galaxy S24. In fact, it's one of the most comfortable phones I've held and used. Unlike the larger Galaxy S25 Ultra, the flat sides don't feel unwieldy, and the curved edges keep it handy. I'd go as far as to say it offers a better in-hand feel than the Google Pixel 9 and iPhone 16.Also: Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. iPhone 16: I compared the base models that most people should buyOn the front, there's a 6.2-inch AMOLED display with an FHD+ resolution, which, on paper, is less sharp than the QHD+ screens found on the Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra. But in practice, it's still sharp and vibrant for its size. From scrolling through Reels on Instagram to browsing on Chrome to watching movies on Netflix, the Galaxy S25 display delivers a satisfying content consumption experience. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETI just wish the anti-reflective coating of Gorilla Armor 2 from the Galaxy S25 Ultra had trickled down to this model, as it makes the screen more usable in bright environments. It's a quality-of-life upgrade that would have made the compact phone experience truly one of a kind. That said, the screen is still fairly legible in direct sunlight, as shown in the image above.At Galaxy Unpacked, I had the impression that Samsung was over-relying on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to deliver a substantial upgrade over the Galaxy S24 this year. Maybe I dismissed it too quickly because, in my time reviewing the Galaxy S25, I've noticed battery life improvements that I've never seen from the smallest Samsung model.Also: I used the Galaxy S25 Ultra as my daily driver for two weeks - and I'm worried for SamsungFrom my tests, the Galaxy S25 lasted me at least an hour and a half longer than its predecessor under similar usage. It's a one-day phone for moderate users -- those who browse, use social media, and message frequently. While navigation and camera use will drain the battery faster, most people will be satisfied with the battery life here.While I like the fact that Samsung has managed to deliver better battery life in a slimmer and lighter design, I'd have preferred a charging rate faster than 25W this year. At least keep it on par with the Galaxy S25 Plus and Ultra's 45W! Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETLike the charging, Samsung hasn't updated the cameras on the Galaxy S25 this year. It features the same optics as the Galaxy S24, which are the same as the Galaxy S23 from the year before. Instead, Samsung continues to lean on the latest processor to enhance its camera hardware, which keeps the devices market-relevant, but nothing more.For a refresher, the camera system includes a 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization, a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide-angle sensor.Also: These useful One UI 7 features are coming to the Galaxy S25 series - and older models tooThe phone offers good dynamic range and consistent colors across its sensors. I've found my image samples to be slightly more detailed than those from last year's model. Samsung has also worked on delivering more accurate human skin tones, along with better low-light results in terms of clarity and lesser noise in challenging environments. 1x, 3x and 5x photos on the Galaxy S25. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETCompared to the iPhone 16 and Pixel 9, I prefer the Galaxy S25 camera for its versatility. A dedicated 3x telephoto camera is essential for me. However, if your camera usage involves capturing toddlers or pets, the iPhone may serve you better, as these cameras still struggle with fast-moving subjects. Unless you use the Expert RAW app to adjust the shutter speed for all photos, this isn't the best camera system for capturing little humans and furry friends.Some of the biggest camera upgrades come in video mode. You can now shoot log videos with Galaxy Log, enabling cinematographers to apply LUTs to color-grade their 10-bit footage.Also:Every Samsung Galaxy S25 model compared: How to decide which phone to buyThe Galaxy S25 also introduces a new post-editing feature called Audio Eraser, which uses AI to recognize and remove unwanted noises such as wind, water, or public chatter. A similar feature is available on Apple and Google phones, so I'm happy to report that Samsung has finally caught up -- and it works well. Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETThe Samsung Galaxy S25 runs Android 15-based One UI 7, which will soon roll out to the older Galaxy S24 series, bringing most, if not all, of the features I'm about to mention to last year's phones.Starting with AI Select, my most-used AI feature over the past few days. It works like Circle to Search, allowing you to highlight on-screen content and suggest on-device actions based on the information.Also: This $300 Samsung phone looks as good as the Galaxy S25 - at a fraction of the priceFor example, if you receive an event invite via text or email with time, date, and location details, you can tap on AI Select from the Edge Panel, highlight the invite details, and the phone will suggest an "Add to Calendar" option. Tap on it, and the time, date, and location are automatically filled in within your Calendar app.There's also a new Galaxy AI feature called Now Brief, an app-widget hybrid that consolidates important data in one place. In theory, it can show weather updates, suggest taking the day easy if Galaxy Health detects poor sleep, recommend Spotify playlists from your favorite artists, display news and calendar events, and suggest YouTube Shorts. Now Brief Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETHowever, in my experience, it has mostly been a glorified weather app. It couldn't detect my Google Fit data synced with Galaxy Health and didn't show me any news. The suggested Spotify playlists weren't based on my preferences either. Samsung claims the service will improve over time, so I'll update this review if I notice changes.One UI 7 introduces the Now Bar, a new way to display active app notifications on the lock screen. If you have a timer, music player, or navigation running, they appear as stacked cards on the lock screen that you can swipe and interact with.It reminds me of Dynamic Island and Live Activities on iPhones and, in a similar fashion, supports a limited number of apps at launch. I expect it to gain support for more apps as developers integrate it into their products. For now, it feels like a nice feature in its early stages.Also: A privacy screen protector seemed perfect - then I put it on my Galaxy S25 UltraOther Galaxy AI party tricks include Portrait Studio for creating 3D cartoons and sketches from portraits, Sketch to Image, and Generative AI for adding objects to photos. These features are more refined and consistent, but tasks like Generative AI and background expansion in the Gallery app can still take more than 10 seconds to process.The Galaxy S25 also includes Gemini AI upgrades. The new, transformed version of Google Assistant can be triggered by a long press of the side button. It allows you to ask for information, plan things, and send WhatsApp messages to contacts. It's better at handling multiple commands in a single line, and I'm looking forward to broader third-party app support.ZDNET's buying adviceWhile it may seem like an underwhelming upgrade on paper, I've enjoyed using the Samsung Galaxy S25. My only gripe is its inability to capture moving subjects well without adjusting the shutter speed in Expert RAW. If you can overlook that, this is a solid phone for $799 -- and an even better deal if you can snag it with a trade-in offer or promotion.Compared to Google and Apple, the Galaxy S25 offers a better display, the best in-hand feel in its segment, a more versatile camera setup, and good battery life. It's better than the similarly priced Pixel 9 and iPhone 16 -- and my top pick for anyone looking for a compact flagship right now.Featured reviews

The NUU N30 won't wow you with specs, but it proves to be a dependable daily driver.