ZDNETPresidents' Day 2025 is almost here, and it's the perfect time to shop seasonal savings on home, tech, apparel, and more. With the holiday incoming, nearly every major retaileris slashing prices to celebrate. Perhaps one of the easiest retailers you can skim deals at? Amazon -- where you can shop for savings any time (even days before a major holiday).From headphones to robot vacuums to TVs, now's your chance to snag savings near or equal to those we saw during Cyber Week 2024 on tech, including flagship Amazon devices, Apple products, laptops and more. I scoured the sales to bring you the best Presidents' Day deals already live at Amazon so that you can shop for savings now.Shop more deals at AmazonThe best Amazon Presidents' Day deals Apple Watch Ultra 2: $680 (save $119): For the first time since Cyber Week, Amazon has dropped the price of Apple's best watch, the Ultra 2 by 15%. This sold out quick during the holiday season, so don't miss out if you're eyeing the Ultra 2.Dyson Airwrap Hair Styler: $500 (save $100): Dyson's popular Airwrap styler bundle is available for $100 off for the first time since Black Friday. Plus, this deal is on the limited edition strawberry pink model.Sony Bravia X90L TV 65-inch: $998 (save $172): Sony's Bravia X90L TV is editor-in-chief Jason Hiner'spick for the best TV for the money, and right now most display sizes are on sale, starting with the 55-inch and 65-inch models for $998.Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra + Free $200 Amazon Gift Card: $1,420 (save $200): You can still snag this free $200 Amazon gift card offer when you purchase the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which expert Kerry Wan says is Samsung's best phone yet.Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024): $135 (save $25): The newest Kindle Paperwhite model is on sale for 16% off, snagging you a few dollars off. It also has 25% faster page turns than the previous iteration and a higher contrast ratio.AirPods Pro 2: $169 (save $80): The AirPods Pro 2 are our pick for the best AirPods you can buy, and can turn into a hearing aid -- and they're on sale ahead right now at the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday. Plus, the newest AirPods 4 are down to $100 (save $30) for the first time ever.Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: $229 (save $70): Expert Nina Raemont says these are the best earbuds she's ever run in, and right now they're 23% off, $20 better savings than those offered during Black Friday.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29): Perhaps one of ZDNET's favorite recurring deals of all-time, right now you can save 29% on a four pack of Apple's handy AirTag trackers, which make finding your keys, wallet, purse, and more easier. Plus, this offer matches the lowest price this bundle typically sells for throughout the year, so you can't go wrong.Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones: $248 (save $100): The Sony XM4 headphones are not the newest model to hit the market, but they're still a great purchase if you're looking for premium sound. Right now you can save 29%.Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $169 (save $80): Apple's Watch SE (2nd Gen) is finally seeing a decent discount for 2025, and is back down to $169. Right now, it's still the most affordable Apple Watch out of the whole lineup, and is a great options for kids, elderly users, or first-time watch owners.Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum + Mop: $1,100 (save $600): ZDNET's pick for the best robot vacuum is on sale for nearly half off right now, and expert Maria Diaz loves it for its great mapping capabilities and 12,000Pa suction.Best Amazon Presidents' Day tech deals Allison Murray/ZDNETAmazon Kindle Colorsoft: $230 (save $50): If you're not eyeing the Paperwhite, the new Kindle Colorsoft is also on sale for 18% off. The Colorsoft features a bright display (even in direct sunlight), customizable color settings, and a "zippy performance" while browsing titles and turning pages, per ZDNET expert Allison Murray.Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 10.9-inch Tablet: $298 (save $152): This limited time deal on Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 FE discounts it by 33% off. Expert Max Buondonno loved the "brilliant display," which made it the perfect entertainment tablet.Anker MagGo 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charger Stand: $83 (save $27): Anker's MagGo 3-in-1 stand is perfect for Apple ecosystem users looking for a dual-purpose charger. This one folds up for travel, and is loved by expert Sabrina Ortiz for its functionality.Anker MagGo 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charger Pad: $72 (save $18): If Anker's MagSafe 3-in-1 stand isn't quite your cup of tea, or you need something more portable, Anker's foldable 3-in-1 charger pad contraption should do it. It comes in four fun colors, folds up to look like a macaron, and is my favorite travel accessory for my carry-on bag.Xgimi Horizon S Max Projector Bundle: $1,610 (save $390): This Xgimi Horizon S Max projector bundle is 20% off ahead of the holiday, and last month it was ZDNET's second most popular product sold.Owlet Dream Sock: $239 (save $60): This FDA-cleared smart baby monitor can track pulse, sleep sessions, oxygen, and more in babies, and it's 20% off for a limited-time. Expert Maria Diaz says this was one of the best purchases she made as a new parent.Ring Battery Doorbell: $60 (save $40): The newest 2024 Ring battery doorbell is 40% off now, and features head-to-toe video, two-way talk, and full motion detection.Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet: $140 (save $40): Expert Maria Diaz loves Amazon's kids tablets for their affordability and great features, and the HD 10 Pro is no difference. In fact, she says its a better buy than an iPad for her kids, and it's 26% off now.Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam: $20 (save $20): Blink's Mini 2 cams feature two-way audio, motion detection, HD night view in color and more, and they're great for watching your home, kids, pets and more.Renpho Eye Massager: $52 (save $48): ZDNET's expert Allison Murray loves this Renpho eye massager to help her migraines, and rigth now it's on sale for 48% off.Best Amazon Presidents' Day Apple deals Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETAirPods Pro 2: $169 (save $80): TheAirPods Pro 2 are our pick for the best AirPods you can buy, and can turn into a hearing aid -- and they'reon sale ahead right now at the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday. Plus, the newestAirPods 4 are down to $100 (save $30) for the first time ever.Apple MacBook Air 15-inch, M3: $1,099 (save $200): Apple's MacBook series are pretty pricey, but right now you can grab the 15-inch M3 Air model for $200 off.Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4: $1,099 (save $200): The most powerful iPad on the market is on sale for 15% off right now, and expert Kerry Wan was pleasantly surprised with its performance compared to his MacBook.Apple Pencil Pro: $99 (save $30): The newest Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $30 off, but Apple products don't see discounts often, and this is the best price you can nab right now for this model, especially if you're looking to pair it with a 2024 iPad Pro.Apple Watch Series 10 GPS, 46mm: $359 (save $70): The newest base model Apple Watch is discounted by almost 20%, matching the offers available during Black Friday. This model is equipped with GPS and an always-on retina display, and is available in three colors on Amazon.AirPods Max (Lightning): $500 (save $50): Apple's popular AirPods Max are on sale for nearly 10% off if you're okay with the older lightning connector model.iPad 10th Gen: $279 (save $70): This $279 iPad deal is the model editor-in-chief Jason Hiner recommends to most people, and it's 20% off.Best Amazon Presidents' Day headphone deals Jada Jones/ZDNETSony WH-1000XM4 Headphones: $248 (save $100): TheSony XM4 headphones are not the newest model to hit the market, but they're still a great purchase if you're looking for premium sound. Right now you can save 29%.Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones: $135 (save $45): These Bluetooth bone conduction headphones are perfect for the uber active, and right now they're 25% off. Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes loves them for their durability and comfort.Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: $200 (save $50): If you prefer Android gear, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are also on sale. Swipe up this pair for 20% off and grab top features like noise cancellation, real time interpretation, and sound optimization, plus an exclusive 2-year warranty via Amazon.Beats Solo Buds: $50 (save $40): Save 38% on this already great budget pair of Beats earbuds. These feature a built-in mic and are Apple or Android compatible, so you'll be able to use them with any of your favorite devices.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $349 (save $80): Expert reviewer Prakhar Khanna prefers the QuietComfort Ultra headphones over the popular Sony XM5's for traveling, and right now they're $100 off, selling for the same price we saw during Black Friday.Beats Solo4 Headphones: $100 (save $100): The upgraded model of Beats' classic Solo headphone are 50% off now, and expert Jada Jones says the pair got some nice upgrades while still retaining all the nostalgia.Sony Ult Headphones: $148 (save $52): Headphone expert Jada Jones says these eased her Sony XM5 envy with all-day comfort and plenty of bass. Right now, they're on sale for 26% off.Sony WH-CH720N: $89 (save $61): Expert Jada Jones says these Sony headphones are almost as good as the XM5 model but will cost you under $100 right now.Best Amazon Presidents' Day TV deals Maria Diaz/ZDNETAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $30 (save $20): Amazon's newest flagship Fire TV Stick 4K model is 40% off now. Streamline your viewing experience and maximize your favorite shows and movies at home. The Max model of the Fire Stick is also on sale.Hisense 75-inch Class QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD TV: $599 (save $150): Multiple sizes of this Hisense smart TV are on sale now, which feature color enhancer, game mode, multiple voice assistance and more.Sony 85-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV: $1,098 (save $400): This Sony smart Google TV is packed with features like Google Assistant, Apple Airplay, Motionflow XR technology, 4K picture quality and more.Amazon Fire TV 50-inch Omni Series 4K Smart TV: $310 (save $170): There's plenty of budget TV picks on sale, too, like this 50-inch hands-free smart TV that's Alexa compatible and 35% off.Roku Smart TV 32-inch TV: $128 (save $42): This Roku TV is equipped with Roku Voice and a customizable home screen. Right now it's 25% off, making it a great budget buy for a dorm room, kids' room and more.Samsung The Terrace Partial Sun 75-inch Class QLED 4K TV: $4,998 (save $1,500): Samsung's popular The Terrace TV is 31% off right now, and is the perfect pick for an outdoor setting thanks to its weatherproof design.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K + Luna Controller: $75 (save $45): This bundle will save you 38% on a Fire TV Stick 4K and a Luna controller -- all the essentials you need to get started with Luna, Amazon's game streaming service (a Prime or Luna subscription required).Best Amazon Presidents' Day robot vacuum deals Beth Mauder/ZDNETiRobot Roomba j7: $300 (save $300): If you're like expert Maria Diaz and love the idea of your floors being cleaned by someone, orsomethingelse, you can't go wrong with this deal. The Roomba j7 is a robot vacuum that intelligently maps and navigates your home, avoiding obstacles like cords and pet waste. This 50% discount is available for a limited time, resulting in a $300 discount.Eufy Robot 11S Max: $150 (save $50 with coupon): If you want a straightforward robot vacuum, the Eufy BoostIQ 11S Max is a perfect option, especially at this price. It's very simple -- it vacuums in a random pattern, has to be manually self-emptied, and doesn't connect to the internet. But don't be fooled by its simplicity; this vacuum is powerful enough to pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair and can run for 100 minutes on a single charge.Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop: $550 (save $320): For a limited time, you can snag the Roborock Q7 Max+ for $360, an almost $200 discount. As a vacuum mop combo, this machine features 4,200Pa suction power and 300g mopping pressures, promising a smooth and efficient clean. With its self-empty dock, you can have hands-free vacuuming for up to seven weeks. Thanks to Roborock's PreciSense LiDAR Navigation, you can rest assured that this robot vacuum will clean where it's supposed to and when it's supposed to.Roborock S8 Max Ultra: $1,000 (save $600): One of the best two-in-one machines on the market, the Roborock S8 Max Ultra is now $1,000. It's a pretty penny, but expert Maria Diaz says the simplicity and efficiency make this robot worth the money. You could fill the clean water tank, empty the dirty water tank, and set a schedule to tackle your home without having to do anything for a couple of days.Best Amazon Presidents' Day home deals Maria Diaz/ZDNETAmazon Echo Dot: $40 (save $10): If you're eyeing an Alexa-enabled smart speaker, the Echo Dot is a prime contender. Right now, it's 20% off, but if you can hold out until July Prime Day, you'll find much better offers then.Arlo Pro 5S Camera: $120 (save $60): Home tech expert Maria Diaz liked this Arlo camera's great battery and image quality, but thought it was a tad pricey. This 33% off deal remedies that. You can also grab a 4-pack for $250, a whopping 49% off.EcoFlow River 2 Max Portable Power Station: $299 (save $100): Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes loves this power station for all his off-grid adventures, plus the River 2 Max is perfect for power outages or emergencies.Anker Solix C200 Power Station: $100 (save $70 with coupon): Need a smaller power option? The Anker Solix C200 is 41% off and is perfect for emergencies, camping, car travel, and more.Bissell Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner: $100 (save $40): Tackling messes in 2025? Portable carpet and upholesty cleaners can help, and I swear by this one from Bissell.Blink Video Doorbell: $33 (save $27): Blink's video doorbell features two-way audio, HD video, motion and chime alerts, and more, and right now it's 45% off.Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus: $150 (save $50): This outdoor cam from Ring offers 1080p HD video and is great for equipping your home with added security. Right now, it's 25% off. The Ring Spotlight Cam and Spotlight Cam Pro, which expert Maria Diaz loves for her home, are also on sale.Ring Wired Doorbell Pro: $180 (save $50): This Ring wired doorbell option is 22% off right now, and it's ZDNET's top pick for the best wired Ring doorbell. When is Presidents' Day? Presidents' Day is always celebrated on the third Monday of February. This year, it falls on Feb. 17, a few days after Valentine's Day. Show more How did we choose these deals? ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. Show more When will these deals expire? Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on a deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you atZDNET.com. Show more Does Amazon have a Presidents' Day sale? Yes, Amazon offers significantsales and discountsahead of Presidents' Day 2025. In fact, plenty of deals are already live on the platform, with more sales certainly to come (and perhaps even overlap with Valentine's Day offers). With less than a week between the two holidays, there are lots of savings to be had for consumers. Show more ZDNET Recommends

The Samsung Freestyle 2 builds on its predecessor with greater functionality, a better remote, and some (literally) game-changing features. Plus, it's discounted at 25% off right now.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - MARCH 16: EU Commissioner for European Green Deal - First Vice President and ... [+] Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans talks to media in the Berlaymont, the EU Commission headquarter on March 16, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. Today, the Commission proposed the Net-Zero Industry Act to scale up manufacturing of clean technologies in the EU and make sure the Union is well-equipped for the clean-energy transition. The proposed Regulation will create better conditions to set up net-zero projects in Europe and attract investments, with the aim that the Unions overall strategic net-zero technologies manufacturing capacity approaches or reaches at least 40% of the Unions deployment needs by 2030. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)Getty ImagesClimate tech investment trends reveal a promising trajectory of growth and evolution, even in the face of potential political headwinds and economic pressures. With funding patterns shifting, regions changing hands and emerging as leaders, and technological advancements paving the way, climate tech remains a growing focus in the global economy.2023 Challenges and 2024 ReboundThe climate tech sector continues its decade-long upwards trajectory, however, its not immune to broader economic pressures, with venture capital and private equity investments in climate tech having fallen by an astonishing 40% in 2023. While this decline is significant, it remains less severe than the 50% average drop seen across all sectors, and investment in the sector quickly rebounded in 2024: This resurgence reflects the growing recognition of climate tech as a critical sector for both environmental and economic sustainability, said Karolina Lewandowska, Co-founder of StarBeam Capital. Its not just about tackling emissions but creating scalable solutions that address pressing industrial challenges.Europe Emerges as a Key Player, but the U.S. Leads in InvestmentRegionally, Europe has positioned itself as a frontrunner in climate tech investment. Between 2016 and 2021, European climate tech investments grew 7.0x, surpassing the global average of 4.9x. The UK, Sweden, and Germany emerged as leading hubs for venture capital funding in 2023 and 2024, highlighting the regions commitment to sustainable innovation.However, in 2024, the United States overtook China as the top climate tech financing market: $6.7 billion was raised in the first half of 2024 in the U.S., compared to $5.1 billion in China. This marked a reversal from 2023 when China led with $14.5 billion versus the U.S.s $9.8 billion in the first half. U.S. resilience was supported by policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and further driven by increased cross-border investments.This landmark legislation has provided a substantial boost to clean energy initiatives, driving private-sector investment. The IRA has been a game-changer, John Tough, Managing Partner at Energize Capital explained. It has catalyzed funding for development projects, with hundreds of millions already allocated. Even if political changes lead to some adjustments, the overall impact is unlikely to be reversed.MORE FOR YOUShifting Investment PrioritiesInvestment patterns within the climate tech landscape are changing: emerging technologies like carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) are gaining momentum. These innovations are increasingly recognized as essential to addressing hard-to-decarbonize sectors.CCUS represents a transformative opportunity to tackle industrial emissions, said Lewandowska. Investors are beginning to understand its potential for both environmental and financial returns.Energy-related startups accounted for 35% of climate tech funding in the first three quarters of 2024, up from 30% in 2023, noted Tough. This focus reflects a pivot toward areas that deliver immediate, large-scale emissions reductions.Investor focus is increasingly directed towards emissions-intensive sectors and technologies with the highest emissions-reduction potential. Industrial sector start-ups in North America nearly doubled their share of investment, rising from 9% to 16% between 2022 and 2023.Globally, the competition to lead in clean energy is intensifying, Lewandowska observed. Countries recognize that leadership in this sector is both an economic and strategic advantage. Energy-related climate tech investments have surged globally, with Chinas share increasing from 2% in 2018 to 22.2% in 2023.In 2024 AI-powered climate tech solutions gained significant traction, with investment increasing to 4.73 billion in the first three quarters, representing 14.6% of all climate tech investment, up from 7.5% in 2023.Throughout 2025, mature technologies like solar, wind power, and electric vehicles are expected to continue their exponential deployment. Technologies such as sustainable aviation fuel, low-carbon cement, long-duration energy storage, and zero-carbon shipping are also predicted to show exponential growth to scale in 2025.More funds are expected to be launched in 2025 to provide capital for industrial technologies such as grid strengthening, and nature-based solutions.Investor Diversification and Market MaturityA notable trend in climate tech investment is the diversification of investor profiles. Traditional venture capitalists are now joined by growth equity, private equity, and infrastructure-focused firms.This diversification is a sign of a maturing market, said Tough. Were seeing substantial capital infusions from players who specialize in scaling and deploying proven technologies.The industry is shifting from innovation-driven funding to deployment-focused strategies. This evolution reflects the growing readiness of climate tech solutions to be implemented on a large scale.Technological innovation is vital, but were now at a stage where deployment is the primary focus, Lewandowska explained. This shift is attracting infrastructure backers who bring both expertise and capital.Navigating Political and Economic UncertaintyAs discussions around a potential Trump presidency gain traction, the climate tech sector is preparing for a possible shift in federal policies. Lewandowska anticipates challenges but remains optimistic about the sectors ability to adapt.A Trump presidency will likely scale back federal incentives and prioritize fossil fuel production, she acknowledged. However, bipartisan support for technologies like nuclear energy, geothermal power, and carbon capture could ensure continued investment in these areas.To navigate potential federal policy changes, startups are focusing on building self-sustaining revenue models and diversifying funding sources. International markets and partnerships with corporations aiming to meet ESG goals are also key strategies.Startups must prioritize products with clear cost advantages and resilience to policy shifts, Lewandowska advised. Engaging with global investors and focusing on markets with robust climate policies will be crucial.Reasons for OptimismDespite uncertainties, strong reasons for optimism remain. The global energy transition has reached a critical inflection point, driven by market forces rather than individual government actions.Renewables like solar and wind have become cost-competitive and scalable, Lewandowska noted. This momentum is no longer reliant on political incentives alone.Corporate commitments to sustainability are further bolstering climate tech investments. Long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and integration of decarbonization into business strategies reflect the private sectors increasing focus on clean energy.Corporations see sustainability as a competitive advantage, Tough added. This trend ensures consistent private-sector investment, even amid shifting political landscapes.State-level policies in the U.S., such as those in California and New York, act as counterbalances to federal policy changes. Globally, initiatives like the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement provide a stable framework for investment and innovation.International commitments and market demand for renewables are outpacing fossil fuels, Lewandowska said. This creates a resilient ecosystem for climate tech.Market Dynamics and Technological ProgressMarket forces continue to drive the clean energy transition, with renewable technologies becoming increasingly cost-effective.Technological advancements like green hydrogen and advanced battery storage are transforming the energy landscape, Lewandowska explained. These innovations are viable even without significant federal incentives.Tough emphasized the role of capital costs in shaping industry dynamics. Lower interest rates make existing technologies more competitive, he said. Proven solutions like solar and batteries will continue to advance, independent of political cycles.A Bright FutureThe numbers speak for themselves. Global investments in clean energy are nearing $2 trillion annually, nearly double the spending on new fossil fuel projects, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).This capital flow underscores an irreversible shift towards sustainable energy solutions, Lewandowska highlighted. The transition to net-zero is firmly anchored in economic necessity and environmental urgency.As the climate tech sector evolves, its resilience and adaptability position it for continued growth. The alignment of market forces, technological innovation, and societal demands ensures a promising future for the industry.Innovation, collaboration, and commitment are driving us toward a sustainable energy future, Lewandowska concluded. The momentum is unstoppable, regardless of short-term challenges.

It looks like Apple will unveil the first update to the iPhone SE since 2022 in less than a week, which means we can now be much surer than before of exactly when it will go on sale. And the source of the information we have is impeccable: it comes from a post on X from Apple.Is this the tease for the iPhone SE 4?AppleApple just posted on X in a cryptic comment from CEO Tim Cook. Get ready to meet the newest member of the family. Wednesday, February 19, the post read.Previously, Bloombergs Mark Gurman had claimed that the iPhone SE 4th generation would be announced this week, though he later changed his mind and said the unveiling would be next week.By the way, I suspect this was always Apples plan: I dont think this indicates a delay or change of heart on Apples part.Youll notice theres no confirmation by name that this is the iPhone SE 4th generationperhaps because it may have an entirely different name.MORE FOR YOUAll we see is an Apple logo with a liquid metal look to it. Its true that it could be an iPad or a MacBook thats being teased, but Im 100% confident that its the new iPhone.Which means the schedule that leads up to the release of the iPhone now, I believe, looks like this.Wednesday, Feb. 19: iPhone SE UnveilingTheres no event, as far as we know and for sure if there were, invites would have gone out by the time Tim Cook posted. So, theres no certain time as to when the phone will be unveiled, though 10 a.m. Pacific, 1 p.m. Eastern, 6 p.m. U.K. is always most likely.Well see what the iPhone looks like, what its called and how much it will cost.Itll happen through a post on Apples Newsroom site, almost certainly.Friday, Feb. 21: iPhone SE Pre-SalesI predict pre-sales will open for the iPhone SE early on the Friday.Tuesday, Feb. 26 Or Wednesday, Feb. 27: Reviews AppearReviews of the iPhone SE will begin to appear, whenever the embargo lifts.Friday, Feb. 28: iPhone SE Release DateThis will be the big day, I predict.If anything changes, Ill be updating this post.

In a nutshell: Artificial intelligence, and not just the generative kind, has never been more prevalent than it is today. But many people's views of the technology range from skepticism to outright hostility. However, a recent survey shows that 3 in 5 US participants believe AI has improved their lives. It also revealed the states that rely most and least on AI. The Listening App, which specializes in using AI to turn text into speech, surveyed Americans in various large cities across the country to learn more about their usage of AI.Questions covered the frequencies of respondents' AI use, which tools they used, the purposes they have for these tools, and more. The answers were then used to create a reliance score from 0 to 100, with 100 representing populations most reliant on AI tools.Some of the main takeaways include 60% of participants using AI tools or apps at least once a week. One in two have used AI to support their work, and nearly two thirds say their use of AI tools has increased in the past year.Probably the two biggest findings are that 1 in 6 people said they have become dependent on AI in some way, while 3 in 5 said it has improved the quality of their daily life.With a reliance score of 99.4, Oregon is the state with the highest reliance score, followed by Florida (98.6) and Arizona (94.6). The state least reliant on AI was Missouri (70.8), followed by Mississippi (73.5), and Rhode Island (75.1).While the survey covers all types of AI, it was ChatGPT that proved the most widely used tool, with 77.9% saying they had used it. Google Translate was second with 44.8%, followed by Gemini (33.2%), Canva (28.5%), Grammarly (25.3%), and Copilot (22.2%). // Related StoriesAs for their purposes, most people (62.7%) use AI for writing and editing. Online searching was a close second at 61.4%, followed by summarizing text (42.7%), brainstorming (39%), and generative art (32%).There are some important caveats to remember here: the survey was carried out by an AI company, and it doesn't reveal how many people took part in the study. Still, the technology's role in society, for better and for worse, cannot be overstated.

In a nutshell: A recent blog post by software engineer Paul Butler has shed light on a novel technique for concealing data within Unicode characters, specifically emojis. The post explains the concept and its potential for misuse and provides a tool to experiment with this method. The concept revolves around Unicode's system of representing text as a sequence of codepoints, with each codepoint being a number assigned meaning by the Unicode Consortium. While most users are familiar with the one-to-one mapping between codepoints and visible characters in Latin-based scripts, the situation becomes more intricate with other writing systems where multiple codepoints may represent a single on-screen character.The key to this data-encoding method lies in Unicode's "variation selectors." These 256 special codepoints labeled VS-1 through VS-256 have no visible representation but can modify the presentation of the preceding character. Most Unicode characters don't have associated variations, but the Unicode standard mandates that these selectors be preserved during text transformations, even if their meaning is unknown to the processing software.This preservation characteristic opens the door to a clever encoding scheme. Since 256 variations can represent a single byte of data, it becomes possible to "hide" one byte within any Unicode codepoint. Taking this concept further, by concatenating multiple variation selectors, one can represent any arbitrary byte string, effectively encoding unlimited data within a single character.While this discovery presents fascinating possibilities, it raises serious concerns about misuse. Hackers could exploit this method to bypass human content filters. Since the encoded data becomes invisible once rendered, moderators wouldn't detect its presence, allowing malicious actors to slip harmful or prohibited content past moderation systems. // Related StoriesThe technique also has the potential to watermark information. Encoding data in variation selectors allows the originator to mark identical messages for different recipients. If leaked, the sender could trace the text back to a specific recipient, raising serious privacy and whistleblower protection concerns.Butler also explored the impact of this encoding method on language models (LLMs). Initial findings suggest that while tokenizers generally preserve variation selectors as tokens, most models seem reluctant to decode them internally. However, when paired with a code interpreter, some advanced models have demonstrated the capability to solve these hidden data puzzles.Butler also created an encoder/decoder that allows users to hide arbitrary data within Unicode characters, particularly emojis. Users can input text, which the tool encodes into any Unicode character, including emojis. The resulting character appears normal to the eye but contains hidden data that anyone can extract with Butler's tool. He posted the encoder online if you'd like to experiment with it.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsYou wont have to write your own lettersThere are no carsNo more keyboards in desktop PCsRed, red everywhereAdvertising gets classierAll you need is an earpiece (or two)Holographic gamingTechnology as a fashion statementIs AI love real yet?Twelve years have passed since Spike Jonzes hit film, Her, arrived in theaters. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Scarlett Johansson, Her is a sci-fi romantic drama set in a near-future Los Angeles. The movie follows the story of introverted writer Theodore Twombly (Phoenix), a man who leads a lonely life and writes letters for other people for a living. Everything changes when, on a whim, he decides to buy an advanced AI operating system referred to as OS1, later known as Samantha (Johansson).Her is a moving story that weaves elements of love, connection, and what it means to be human with some quite bold predictions about what the future of technology could possibly look like. Upon watching Her in 2013, wegathered a list of things that may or may not one day become true based on the movie. Shockingly, several are now commonplace.Recommended VideosRead on to learn what Spike Jonzes AI-centric flick got right, and what is still far off. Spike Jonze / Warner Bros. PicturesThe lead character inHer makes a living by writing letters for other people. Hes essentially a ghostwriter, and sometimes, his work means that he knows more about the relationship between two people than they themselves are aware of.Based on Theodores occupation, we assumed back in 2013 that one day, none of us would have to write our own letters anymore wed hire people to do it for us. We were right, to an extent, as instead of paying for ghostwriting services, most people now lean into AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, or even the latest fad DeepSeek.Of course, many people still do hire ghostwriters for services such as LinkedIn posts, cover letters, or even wedding speeches. There are certain things that truly benefit from a human touch, and although AI is super advanced in 2025, it still cant replace a good writer. (Considering my own job, I hope that it never will.)Be that as it may, for those things that dont require heartfelt emotion or really good writing, chatbots are now commonplace. We can use ChatGPT, Jasper AI, and more to do the creative writing for us, be it an email or a blog post. In fact, such services are now public enemy number one for teachers around the globe, as students lean into AI as opposed to writing their own essays.Verdict:TrueSpike Jonze / Warner Bros. PicturesOne interesting thing aboutHeris the very limited presence of cars and a focus on public transport. Well, as we all know, thats one claim that most certainly did not come true.With that said, cars and public transport have seen their fair share of improvements over the last decade. Electric cars are now a lot more common, and theres a bigger focus on eco-friendly solutions than back in 2013. Many urban areas have excellent public transit, walkability, and car-free zones to encourage going car-less.Moreover, not having a car is becoming more normalized, with apps like Uber reducing vehicle dependency. However, the roads are still full of cars and were all doomed to spend hours in traffic every single month.Verdict:FalseJacob Roach / Digital TrendsAs I sit here writing this article on my delightfully pink mechanical keyboard (the Razer Blackwidow V3, in case you were wondering, which is one of the best Razer keyboards around), I am happy to report that this is another one thatHer, and we, got wrong.In the world ofHer, people interact with their devices through voice. Desktop computers still exist, as do smartphones, but you dont need touch inputs or a keyboard and mouse just speaking is enough to operate the system. And, while voice controls are very much a thing in 2025, we are yet to ditch the good old keyboard and mouse entirely. Seeing the latest advancements, Im not sure when itll happen lets check back in another decade.With that said, there have been a great many improvements in terms of voice controls since the film came out in 2013. Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and ChatGPT enable hands-free interaction both with our smartphones and with our computers.In addition, certain systems rely on voice commands more than anything else; think Apples Vision Pro headset. And, with the help of voice assistants, you can now control your PC through voice to do things like write your emails or schedule meetings.Weve made some progress, but a fully voice-controlled tech world is still far off.Verdict:Partially trueWarner Bros. PicturesIn our review of the movie, we noted that the color palette inHer was largely red. Many directors lean into color to express additional layers of depth in their works, and although I am no film critic, I believe the use of color in Her was meaningful, and the cinematography in each scene was very well thought out.That aside, the color red didnt suddenly bleed all over the world of technology. Sure, weve seen smartphones and other pieces of tech in red-ish hues since 2013, but its hardly the most trendy color. Silver, black, and white still dominate.Verdict:FalseSpike Jonze / Warner Bros. PicturesThis is a tough one. In the sleek, more polished version of Los Angeles that we see in Spike JonzesHer, advertising is really understated and unintrusive. Its also pretty strange, surreal, and otherworldly (which makes one wonder just how effective itd be). A lot of it remains open to interpretation and its far from pushy in the way that were used to these days.Although marketing technology evolved by leaps and bounds in the past decade, minimalism isnt the name of the game for every brand out there. Luxury brands often pivot towards more minimalist, artistic, or sophisticated ways to advertise, but outside of that, were still bombarded with commercials at every turn.If anything, Id say this one became less true as time went on. Were now back to annoying pop-ups (which were a hallmark of the early 00s and late 90s but calmed down a little bit around the time this movie came out), and things arent any better when we step outside. Every city is littered with billboards. Moreover, the rise of AI voice assistants means that we also get spam calls from bots that almost sound like people (but not quite), adding even more annoyance to an already tiring aspect of our lives.Verdict:FalseAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsIn a world where keyboards arent used and all you need is your voice, its no wonder that a single earpiece is all it takes for Theodore and others to control their electronics. Similar earpieces have been around for quite some time youll often see them used as a companion to a smartphone, favored by people who need to be hands-free but newer and better solutions have also largely taken their place.Two things stand out here. First, the nature of the earpiece. Although we can control our devices or take calls with just an earpiece, youre more likely to see a pair of AirPods or Galaxy Buds as opposed to something that only goes in one ear (which cant be fun when you want to listen to music).These earpieces can be used for a lot of things that the main character in Her wouldve used them for, including making calls, scheduling meetings, putting things in your calendar, or searching the web. Other devices, such as the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, are also used for similar purposes.The second, and perhaps even more major thing, is the fact that Theodore Twombleys life is not ruled by screens. His earpiece makes most of what he needs to interact with technology. Meanwhile, were more glued to our screens than ever before, be it smartphones or computers so that one didnt quite pan out.Verdict:Partially trueAlan Truly / Digital TrendsIn Her, Theodore is seen playing a video game while sitting alone in the dark. He doesnt use a screen, though. The game is a holographic projection that takes place in front of him, and its huge. He interacts with it through voice and motion controls. Sounds familiar? So it should, because this type of tech is pretty much here.The last decade was pretty transformational for gaming, to the point where the reality in Her is no longer such a reach. Devices such as the Apple Vision Pro and the Meta Quest 3 go a long way toward making holographic gaming possible, but its not quite the same thing that Theodore deals with in the movie. You still need to wear a bulky headset, and youll still hold joysticks in your hands in order to tell the game where youre pointing.Of course, its a much more immersive experience than using a keyboard and mouse, but there are downsides, such as a lack of comfort and a limited game library. In another decade, the vision weve seen inHer very well might be a reality.Theodores interactions with in-game characters are a lot more natural than the usual player-to-NPC dialogue were all used to now, but that might soon change. Nvidias ACE is bringing generative AI to gaming, which may one day result in much more lifelike interactions, dialogue, and a wider range of personalities in NPCs.Verdict:Partially trueAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsNow heres one I can fully get behind. Over the last 12 years, weve seen tech go from bulky to fashionable, which falls more in line with what we see in Her.Weve got wearables galore, from smart glasses to smartwatches and smart rings. Smartphones, while even bigger than in 2013, are also sleek and elegant most of the time.Current wearable trends arent loud; instead, our devices are meant to blend in with any outfit and situation. Classic-style smartwatches are on the rise for those who prefer that style, but they still pack all the latest features, including the voice controls that play such a big role in Her.Its not just about the design language of these devices; its more about the fact that they support the way the characters live in an unintrusive way. In the movie, everything is seamless and works together perfectly so as not to distract from living your actual life. Now, in 2025, I can safely say that were finally getting to a point where our reality is somewhat similar to the reality in Her at least in that regard.Our wearables are all connected, and if you pick tech from one ecosystem, youll benefit from automatic syncing across devices. iPhones, Apple Watches, and MacBooks all work together in the background; meanwhile, people who prefer Android and Windows can use Phone Link to benefit from something similar, but not quite on the same level.All the tech giants are constantly pushing for more AI, but a lot of it is meant to be unobtrusive. Assistants such as Copilot or Siri can now do more than ever before, from reading our texts to reminding us to call our family members, but theyre meant to ease our lives instead of invading our privacy. Its a thin line to navigate, though, but weve made a lot of progress in the last decade.With all that said, truly invisible AI is still in its infancy.Verdict:TrueWarner Bros. PicturesSpike Jonzes Her tells a poignant story of a lonely man who falls in love with his AI companion. Sure, the way Samantha is integrated into Theodores reality is different than what we have access to today, but the bottom line remains the same: A human being develops feelings for something thats meant to be artificial.But is Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson, a sentient being or just a computer-powered voice?Existential questions of a similar nature are now becoming more and more pressing as we advance deeper into the world of artificial intelligence. Samantha, much like many large language models (LLMs), has the ability to learn and evolve. Today, AI is trained on enormous datasets and has access to the entirety of human knowledge. Sometimes, it even hallucinates and believes that its human.But its decidedlynot human, and thats where it all comes crashing down for us and for the characters in this excellent movie from twelve years ago.Just a few years ago, the line between humans and AI was very pronounced. These days, the lines are starting to blur. AI companions exist, both on PC and on smartphones, which can give people the illusion of having a partner. Even ChatGPT can talk to you as if youre its friend, cheer you up, offer advice, and help you with your anxiety. However, unlike Samantha, these companions arent self-aware or capable of developing emotions.As a result, AI love is starting to become real, but its a one-sided phenomenon.As we move further into the age of AI, Her remains an eerily relevant reflection of our technological evolution. While we gravitate toward chatbots that always readily come to our rescue, in the end, were still interacting with lines of code powered by enormous data centers a fact that is becoming scarily easy to forget.

If youre a fan of WhatsApp, we have some good news for you. The free messaging and video calling app now includes chat themes, which should make your experience a little more customized.To make the change, go to the Chats menu in Settings. From there, select Choose a new wallpaper, then select one of the preset options under two subcategories: Light or Dark.Recommended VideosPerhaps more importantly, if you dislike the presets, you can choose an image from your photo library. You can also adjust the brightness of the background and the color of your outgoing messages.Please enable Javascript to view this contentPreviously, chat themes were available in beta versions of WhatsApp.When you change a chat theme, the look will be changed across all your chats. However, you can adjust the theme on a chat-by-chat basis. The steps differ whether youre on an iPhone or Android device.On iPhone, you can create a custom wallpaper for each chat by choosing Contact or Group Info and then Wallpaper. You can do this on Android by choosing the three dots in the upper right of the display and then selecting the Chat theme.Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital TrendsChat themes are a great idea; surprisingly, WhatsApp hasnt offered these until now. Still, its important to note that any change you make will only be shown on your side of a chat. Other folks will continue to see their theme.If youre not one of the billions of people not already using WhatsApp, you can download the app from the App Store or Google Play now. It will look perfect on your new Galaxy S25 Ultra or iPhone 16.Editors Recommendations

Meta Platforms is rolling out a new partnership program to appease European Union antitrust regulators that will let rival classified advertisement companies list ads on Facebook Marketplace in the EU.

MAHA A sicker America: Senate confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary In Senate hearings, Kennedy continued to express anti-vaccine views. Beth Mole Feb 13, 2025 11:31 am | 3 WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (R), U.S. President Donald Trumps nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services speaks with U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) after testifying in his Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Kennedy is testifying for a second day following a tense three-hour hearing before the Senate Finance Committee where he clashed with Democrats over his stance on vaccines and abortion rights. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Credit: Getty | Kevin Dietsch WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 30: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (R), U.S. President Donald Trumps nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services speaks with U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) after testifying in his Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Kennedy is testifying for a second day following a tense three-hour hearing before the Senate Finance Committee where he clashed with Democrats over his stance on vaccines and abortion rights. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Credit: Getty | Kevin Dietsch Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreThe US Senate on Thursday confirmed the long-time anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.The vote was largely along party lines, with a tally of 52 to 48. Sen. Mitch McConnell (RKy.), a polio survivor and steadfast supporter of vaccines, voted against the confirmation, the only Republican to do so.Before the vote, Minority Leader Charles Schumer (DN.Y.) claimed that if there had been a secret ballot today, most Republicans would have voted against Kennedy. "But sadly, and unfortunately for America, Republicans are being strong-armed by Donald Trump and will end up holding their nose and voting to confirm Mr. Kennedy... What a travesty," Schumer said.Senator Mike Crapo (RIdaho) shot back, supporting Kennedy's nomination and chastising his colleagues for their continued "attacks" on Kennedy. "He has made it very clear that he will support safe vaccinations and just wants to see that the research on them is done and done well," Crapo said, seemingly not acknowledging the vast wealth of high-quality research that has already been done on vaccine safety and efficacy.As the top health official for the Trump administration, Kennedy says he will focus on improving nutrition and reducing chronic diseases, in part by cracking down on food additives, processed foods, and the influence of food and drug makers on federal agencies. Prior to his confirmation, he campaigned on the slogan "Make America Healthy Again," aka MAHA, which he has moved to trademark.Anti-vaccine advocacyWhile his stated goals have drawn support and praise from some lawmakers and health advocates, his confirmation has been highly controversial because he is one of the most prominent and influential anti-vaccine advocates in the country. He has worked for decades to erode trust in safe, life-saving vaccinations as the head of the anti-vaccine organization he founded, Children's Health Defense, and spread misinformation and conspiracy theories. Upon seeking the confirmation, he transferred his trademark application to an LLC managed by Del Bigtree, another prominent anti-vaccine advocate who has spread conspiracy theories.In Senate committee hearings last month, Kennedy tried to claim that he was a proponent of vaccines, yet he refused to say that vaccines do not cause autism (a fact supported by extensive, high-quality research conducted over decades). He did not deny previously saying that the health workers who run our country's vaccine program should be in jail or comparing them to Nazis and pedophiles. In 2021, Kennedy petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to revoke the authorization of all COVID-19 vaccines and block all future approvals, an act he defended in the hearing despite evidence that the vaccines saved the lives of more than 3 million people in the US.In the hearings, Kennedy also did not deny spreading dangerous conspiracy theories and other harmful misinformation. For instance, he did not deny saying that Lyme disease is a military bioweapon (it is not) or that AIDS is a different disease in Africa than it is in the US (it is not).Senators also noted that he has been recorded as falsely suggesting that COVID-19 is "ethnically targeted" to "attack Caucasians and Black people" while sparing "Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese." In an exchange with Senator Angela Alsobrooks (DMd.), Kennedy wrongly claimed that Black children should get a different schedule of vaccines than white children, a claim not supported by science. "That is so dangerous," Alsobrooks responded.A sicker AmericaDemocratic senators strongly pushed back against Kennedy's confirmation Wednesday, spending long hours arguing against his confirmation. On the floor of the Senate Wednesday morning, Senator Ronald Wyden (DOre.) kicked things off, saying that a vote to confirm Kennedy for the top health position "is a vote for a sicker America."Prior to an impassioned speech Wednesday, Senator Patty Murray (DWash.) reiterated her opposition in a Bluesky post Tuesday evening, writing: "I've met with many cabinet nominees across many admins, and my meeting with RFK Jr. was by far the most troubling. He rattled off debunked conspiracy theories & lied to my facedenying his own statements he'd made on record. We cannot confirm an anti-vaxxer as Secretary of Health."One Republican senator who seemed to be considering voting against Kennedy amid the hearings last month was Senator Bill Cassidy (RLa.), a former physician himself. In one hearing, Cassidy said he was "struggling" with the idea of confirming Kennedy, taking issue with his anti-vaccine advocacy and the unlikelihood of him reversing his stance."[A]s someone who had discussed immunizations with thousands of people... I have approached it using the preponderance of evidence to reassure, and you have approached it using selective evidence to cast doubt," Cassidy said. He later wondered aloud: "Does a 71-year-old man who has spent decades criticizing vaccines and is financially invested in finding faults with vaccines, can he change his attitudes and approach now that he'll have the most important position influencing vaccine policy in the United States?... Will you overturn a new leaf?"Declining vaccinationsBut Cassidy's reluctance appeared short-lived. A few days later, he posted on social media that he "had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning... With the serious commitments Ive received from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on the issues we agree on like healthy foods and a pro-American agenda, I will vote yes."Kennedy's confirmation comes at a precarious time for America's vaccination program and its ability to stamp out vaccine-preventable diseases. In the past five years, the vaccination rate among US kindergartners has fallen from 95 percentthe target coverage rate to prevent infectious diseases from spreading onward in a communityto the range of 92 percent. Exemptions from school vaccination requirements have never been higher. At least 14 states now have exemption rates at or above 5 percent, meaning that even if every non-exempt child is vaccinated, the state would not be able to hit the 95 percent target.The result is more frequent and farther-reaching outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles. The disease, one of the most infectious in the world, was declared eliminated from the US in 2000, meaning it was not continuously transmitted for 12 months. Health researchers have noted that the US is at risk of losing its measles elimination status, a feared setback for public health that already almost occurred in 2019.Beth MoleSenior Health ReporterBeth MoleSenior Health Reporter Beth is Ars Technicas Senior Health Reporter. Beth has a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended the Science Communication program at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She specializes in covering infectious diseases, public health, and microbes. 3 Comments