• 15 Presidents Day Furniture Sales for an Affordable Refresh (2025)
    www.architecturaldigest.com
    Presidents Day furniture sales are in full swing ahead of the long weekend and weve found some especially intriguing deals if youre planning an interiors overhaul, from couches and dressers to dining tables and coffee tables. If you're zeroing in on the spaces where you like to relax and sprawl out, Wayfairs hosting a dedicated living room sale. For couches, specifically, head over to Interior Defines 40% sitewide sale. And if you're fleshing out your outdoor deck or pool area, rest assured that there are several discounted patio sets at places like Outer and Neighbor.And because the discounts dont stop at furniture, we slipped in a few deals on mattresses, sheet sets, and some home decor too to flesh out all the other spaces in your home, from the guest room to the linen closet.Best Presidents Day Furniture SalesWayfair: Up to 50% off living room saleCastlery: Up to $450 off room sets and sleeper sofasWest Elm: Up to 60% off clearance, 40% off living room furnitureArticle: Up to 40% off all furnitureNeighbor: 15% off outdoor furniture sitewideNectar: Up to 50% off mattressesBrowse Categories:FurnitureWayfairWayfair is hosting a living room sale with 50% off select items such as sofas and sectionals, accent chairs, coffee tables, and recliners. Well save you the 45-page scroll through furniture deals and point out our two favoritesa pair of swivel accent chairs that look far more expensive than their retail price, and this pine console table that will lend some instant classiness to your foyer. For more of our favorite picks from the sale, read up on the best Wayfair Presidents Day deals.Wade Logan Hendina Armchair (Set of 2)Millwood Pines Brittanni 63 Console TableCastleryOne of our favorite suppliers of midcentury-inspired pieces, Castlery stocks just about anything youd need for your housemodular couches, table sets, chic bar stools, as well as full room sets, so you can decorate without using too much brain power. The sites currently offering a promo up to $450 off indoor and outdoor furniture while stock lasts, depending on how much you spend, so youll certainly want to take advantage of the markdowns on this high-quality selection.Castlery Harper TV StandCastlery Adams LoveseatWest ElmWest Elm makes subtle but design-forward pieces for any home with contemporary leanings. Through February 18, the retailers hosting an up to 60% off clearance sale, with 40% off most items (including their outdoor furniture!) so you can achieve a full backyard upgrade before summer even rolls around.West Elm Kaufman SofaWest Elm Portside Outdoor Textilene Chaise LoungeArticleFor clean and classic Scandi-inspired furniture for every space, from the living room to the dining room, shop Articles Presidents Day sale. You can currently score major dealsup to 40% offa selection of the brands stylish furniture and decor through February 18. We have our eye on a few of the living room sets, like the Dependable Duo (because who can resist some alliteration?).Article Kayra King Storage BedArticle Dependable Duo BundleLulu and GeorgiaThe more you spend, the more you save Lulu and Georgias Presidents Day Sale, starting at 15% off orders $500+ and heading up to 20% for bigger purchases. One thing really worth browsing? Their new arrivals, from twee table lamps to a handsome tweed dining chair.Lulu and Georgia Luis Table LampLulu and Georgia Enfield Dining ChairLovesacBean bag chairs are still going strong way past the 70s, and if youre on the same wavelength, head over to the Lovesacs 30% off sale thats going on through the long weekend. Youll find plenty of rounded, relaxing seating (which one one contributor called outrageously comfortable).The BigOne Bundle: Squattoman & Room for Two FootsacMoviesacAlbany ParkThrough February 25, the sofa gods at Albany Park are offering 40% off sitewide their extensive collections of sectionals, sofas, and loveseats. You can finally bite the bullet on the couch upgrade youve been hoping for without having to save up forever.Albany Park Kova SofaAlbany Park Albany SofaDesign Within ReachDesign Within Reach is also hosting a living room sale event this week, offering an additional 20% off existing markdowns at the furniture powerhouse. Take this Scandi-style Edel dining table for example, which pair well with a set of hand-polished Moller Model 78 dining chairs. Also catching our eye: Bauhaus lamps for a home office refresh, bohemian-inspired credenzas, and sofas that feel slightly less splurgy after the price cut.Design Within Reach Edel TableDumais Made Funnel Table LampSabaiSustainability-focused furniture brand Sabai is offering 15% off across the site (from sectionals to side tables) and 25% off their co-branded slipcover collection. They also offer entire living room sets in case you spent the beginning of 2025 moving into a new place.Sabai x Minna Evergreen OttomanSabai Semi Side TablePottery BarnPottery Barn is having a season sale up to 60% off that includes a long laundry list of their bestsellers. Some examples below: a beautifully handwoven jute area rug with subtle detail and a classic platform bed made from mango wood. Also in the line-up are a robust collection of soft goods, including robes of every texture, duvet covers, sheet sets, and Turkish cotton towels.Pottery Barn Nayomi Handloomed Jute RugPottery Barn Reed Platform BedOutdoor FurnitureNeighborIf youre on the hunt for trending outdoor furniture at a great discount, look no further than Neighbor. From February 13 to March 3, the retailer is offering 15% off their wide collection of patio furniture, outdoor couches, and dining sets, featuring performance fabrics and rust-resistant metals. With loveseats, fire pits, and even outdoor rugs in the mix, this sale gives tired Adirondack chairs a run for their money.Neighbor Bluff SofaNeighbor Coupe Fire TableOuterFor a total patio furniture overhaul, Outer is another great name to know. For a limited time, the brand is offering 15% off their seating and dining collections for Presidents Day, so you can finally get to work on making the backyard look presentable.Outer Black Wicker Outdoor L 5-Seat SectionalOuterStone Outdoor Dining TableBeddingNectarWere so taken with the under-$1,000 Nectar memory foam mattress that we crowned it one of the best mattress-in-a-box options out there. Now you can score this dreamy mattressalong with a handful of other Nectar products (think sheet sets and bed frames)for up to 50% and rest easy knowing you got it for a massive discount. (On the hunt for other mattress deals? Make sure to check out our Presidents Day mattress sales roundup as well, where you can find sweet savings on other brands like Casper, Saatva, and more.)Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
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  • Apple Comes Crawling Back to X Like a Dog
    gizmodo.com
    By Matthew Gault Published February 13, 2025 | Comments (35) | LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 12: Chief Executive of Apple, Tim Cook gives a thumb's up during a tour the Apple Headquarters on December 12, 2024 in London, England. The King will engage with Apple employees, learning about their work and contributions to both the tech industry and wider community, before having the opportunity to speak with them about their personal achievements. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images In 2023, Apple pulled its advertising on X after Elon Musk replied to an anti-Semitic comment on the platform. In 2025, Apple has started buying ads on the platform again despite Musk seeming to do a Nazi-salute during a speech at the Trump inauguration and endorsing far-right candidates in Germany. MacRumors first noticed that Apples ads had returned to X on Wednesday. Since then theyve been popping up across peoples timelines. After Musk took control of Twitter and turned it into X, he got really loose with moderation rules. If youve been on the platform lately you know that its full of a lot of Nazi content. Kanye West recently went on a long pro-Nazi tirade on the platform before buying ad space at the Super Bowl and selling Swastika shirts. In 2023, other Big Tech companies like Apple stopped advertising on X because their content would often end up being featured next to Holocaust denial, racism, and bizarre pro-Nazi content. If you threw a rock at Twitter back then youd hit a racist or anti-Semitic tweet featured next to an ad for a Mac. With Apple returning to the platform it joins other illustrious advertisers such as Amazon and Nixon Groyper, a now-suspended bluecheck account that bought ad space on X to push Holocaust denial. Imagine being born a gentile in this generation, on this continent located an ocean away from Europe, and viscerally hating this ONE foreign dictator from 80 years ago for no reason other than my teacher showed me Schindlers list or the museum tour guide told us he turned jews into soapand STILL believing that at the age of 30 or 40 lmao, Nixon Groypers ad said above a picture of a smiling Hitler. Its time to start re-evaluating your perspective of history. Apple, Amazon, and other returning advertisers now have a chance to be featured next to pro-Nazi content on Elon Musks X. Sure, X suspended Nixon Groyper, but the well of anti-Semitic, racist 4-chan-style content on the site is bottomless. Big Tech is getting more comfortable with Musk since hes developed a strong relationship with President Donald Trump. He also sued many of them (but not Apple) saying that their massive boycott of his Nazi-filled platform was unfair. During a conversation with The New York Times in 2023, Musk gave a simple and clear message to advertisers who had fled: Go fuck yourself. He called the boycott blackmail. Two years later, some of those advertisers have come crawling back.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Matt Novak Published February 13, 2025 By Matthew Gault Published February 13, 2025 By James Whitbrook Published February 13, 2025 By Matt Novak Published February 13, 2025 By Matthew Gault Published February 12, 2025 By Matt Novak Published February 12, 2025
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  • UK drops safety from its AI body, now called AI Security Institute, inks MOU with Anthropic
    techcrunch.com
    The U.K. government wants to make a hard pivot into boosting its economy and industry with AI, and as part of that, its pivoting an institution that it founded a little over a year ago for a very different purpose. Today the Department of Science, Industry and Technology announced that it would be renaming the AI Safety Institute to the AI Security Institute. With that, it will shift from primarily exploring areas like existential risk and bias in large language models, to a focus on cybersecurity, specifically strengthening protections against the risksAIposes to nationalsecurityand crime.Alongside this, the government also announced a new partnership with Anthropic. No firm services were announced but the MOU indicates the two will explore using Anthropics AI assistant Claude in public services; and Anthropic will aim to contribute to work in scientific research and economic modeling. And at the AI Security Institute, it will provide tools to evaluate AI capabilities in the context of identifying security risks.AI has the potential to transform how governments serve their citizens, Anthropic co-founder and CEO Dario Amodei said in a statement. We look forward to exploring how Anthropics AI assistant Claude could help UK government agencies enhance public services, with the goal of discovering new ways to make vital information and services more efficient and accessible to UK residents.Anthropic is the only company being announced today coinciding with a week of AI activities in Munich and Paris but its not the only one that is working with the government. A series of new tools that were unveiled in January were all powered by OpenAI. (At the time, Peter Kyle, the secretary of state for Technology, said that the government planned to work with various foundational AI companies, and that is what the Anthropic deal is proving out.)The governments switch-up of the AI Safety Institute launched just over a year ago with a lot of fanfare to AI Security shouldnt come as too much of a surprise.When the newly installed Labour government announced its AI-heavy Plan for Change in January, it was notable that the words safety, harm, existential, and threat did not appear at all in the document.That was not an oversight. The governments plan is to kickstart investment in a more modernized economy, using technology and specifically AI to do that. It wants to work more closely with Big Tech, and it also wants to build its own homegrown big techs. The main messages its been promoting have been development, AI, and more development. Civil servants will have their own AI assistant called Humphrey, and theyre being encouraged to share data and use AI in other areas to speed up how they work. Consumers will be getting digital wallets for their government documents, and chatbots.So have AI safety issues been resolved? Not exactly, but the message seems to be that they cant be considered at the expense of progress.The government claimed that despite the name change, the song will remain the same. The changes Im announcing today represent the logical next step in how we approach responsible AI development helping us to unleash AI and grow the economy as part of our Plan for Change, Kyle said in a statement. The work of the AI Security Institute wont change, but this renewed focuswill ensure our citizens and those of our allies are protected from those who would look to use AI against our institutions, democratic values, and way of life.The Institutes focus from the start has been on security and weve built a team of scientists focused on evaluating serious risks to the public, added Ian Hogarth, who remains the chair of the institute. Our new criminal misuse team and deepening partnership with the national security community mark the next stage of tackling those risks.Further afield, priorities definitely appear to have changed around the importance of AI Safety. The biggest risk the AI Safety Institute in the U.S. is contemplating right now, is that its going to be dismantled. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance telegraphed as much just earlier this week during his speech in Paris.TechCrunch has an AI-focused newsletter!Sign up hereto get it in your inbox every Wednesday.
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  • Hilt-Rayner Houses // 1844
    buildingsofnewengland.com
    This is your reminder to get lost and explore your city or town. Tucked off Boylston Street sits Boylston Place, a short, dead-end way that is passed by thousands every day, many not knowing about the little enclave of surviving 19th century buildings there. At the end of the street, the Hilt-Rayner Double House remains in great condition and a reminder as to the residential character of the area in the first half of the 19th century. The houses were built by Henry Hilt, a housewright who owned one unit after completion. The other unit was owned by Thomas L. Rayner, who appears to have rented the unit out. The late example of the Greek Revival style in the rowhouse form is well preserved through nearly 200 years of use. Beginning in the 1920s, the two homes were acquired by the Tavern Club, aprivate social clubestablished in 1884 in the house next door. It remains owned by the Tavern Club today.
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  • The best rugged tablets of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
    www.zdnet.com
    Whether you're looking for a tough tablet that can handle toddlers or on-site workers, there are plenty of rugged tablets. And just because they're rugged, that doesn't mean you're stuck with a heavy, bulky device. The best rugged tablets from Samsung and other brands offer the same military standard protection against drops, shocks, and moisture while offering a thinner, sleeker profile.While working in the field, a bright screen and robust battery are just as important in a tablet as a rugged chassis. Each of thetop tablets we tested was chosen because it offered a great balance between protection, battery life, and ease of use, and we found the most durable tablet to be the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5.What is the best rugged tablet right now?My full-time job as a naval architect is rather unique and offers me the opportunity to get out into shipyards filled with sand, dirt, oil, and more elements that can destroy typical tablets like an iPad. After testing and exploring the functions, features, and performance of various rugged tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 is my pick for the best rugged tablet. Read on for the other rugged tablets I'd recommend considering brands like Acer, Amazon, Dell, and more as well as how they are rated in durability.Also: Best cheap tablets of 2025 Sort by All The best rugged tablets of 2025 Show less This rugged tablet is designed with the needs of frontline and field workers in mind, featuring a replaceable battery, 5G connectivity, defense-grade security, and additional tools to help workers across industries stay connected, digitize workflows, and boost productivity and efficiency on the job.It's a successor to the Tab Active3 with upgrades across the board. The Tab Active5 is powered by a Samsung Exynos processor with options for a WiFi-only model or dual eSIM model to provide communications where and when you need. The S Pen is also IP68 compliant so you can mark up drawings, take notes, and more while out in the field with the tablet by your side.It launches with Android 14, and Samsung promises four major Android OS upgrades, ensuring that this rugged tablet will serve you faithfully for years to come. It is also priced at less than $600, so it is easy to recommend it for all of your tablet needs outside the office.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:128GB with microSD card slot |RAM:6GB |Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:8 hours |Operating system:Android 14|Connectivity:USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, microSD, NFC and LTE (optional) Pros Field-friendly 8-inch display IP68 and MIL-STD 810H durability IP68 compliant S Pen Promise of four Android OS upgrades Cons 128GB internal storage is only option This rugged tablet is designed with the needs of frontline and field workers in mind, featuring a replaceable battery, 5G connectivity, defense-grade security, and additional tools to help workers across industries stay connected, digitize workflows, and boost productivity and efficiency on the job.It's a successor to the Tab Active3 with upgrades across the board. The Tab Active5 is powered by a Samsung Exynos processor with options for a WiFi-only model or dual eSIM model to provide communications where and when you need. The S Pen is also IP68 compliant so you can mark up drawings, take notes, and more while out in the field with the tablet by your side.It launches with Android 14, and Samsung promises four major Android OS upgrades, ensuring that this rugged tablet will serve you faithfully for years to come. It is also priced at less than $600, so it is easy to recommend it for all of your tablet needs outside the office.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:128GB with microSD card slot |RAM:6GB |Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:8 hours |Operating system:Android 14|Connectivity:USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, microSD, NFC and LTE (optional) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Acer Enduro T1 is an almost perfect option if you're looking for a rugged tablet. The 8-inch screen size makes it small enough to slip into a backpack or work bag, while the battery gives you up to 9 hours of use on a full charge. And if you forgot to charge your tablet overnight, you can take advantage of the quick charge feature which gives you about 50% battery in 42 minutes.The screen is treated with an anti-reflection coating to reduce glare and improve viewing angles, and it is also made from Corning Gorilla Glass to resist cracking, warping, and chipping. The Acer Enduro T1 is tested against MIL-STD-810G standards and is resistant to drops from up to 4 feet high as well as moisture, dirt, shocks, and extreme temperatures.Along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, you can set up NFC connectivity so that the tablet can only be accessed by scanning employee or student IDs to prevent misuse or theft of data. It also features two customizable keys that you can set up to access your most important programs more quickly.Acer Enduro T1tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:64GB eMMC |RAM:4GB |Graphics:Mali-G72 MP3 integrated graphics |Resolution:1280 x 800 |Battery life:9 hours |Operating system:Android |Connectivity:USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSD, NFC Pros Compact Great battery life Quick-charging MIL-STD-810G compliant NFC reader Cons No stylus included No Wi-Fi 6 support The Acer Enduro T1 is an almost perfect option if you're looking for a rugged tablet. The 8-inch screen size makes it small enough to slip into a backpack or work bag, while the battery gives you up to 9 hours of use on a full charge. And if you forgot to charge your tablet overnight, you can take advantage of the quick charge feature which gives you about 50% battery in 42 minutes.The screen is treated with an anti-reflection coating to reduce glare and improve viewing angles, and it is also made from Corning Gorilla Glass to resist cracking, warping, and chipping. The Acer Enduro T1 is tested against MIL-STD-810G standards and is resistant to drops from up to 4 feet high as well as moisture, dirt, shocks, and extreme temperatures.Along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, you can set up NFC connectivity so that the tablet can only be accessed by scanning employee or student IDs to prevent misuse or theft of data. It also features two customizable keys that you can set up to access your most important programs more quickly.Acer Enduro T1tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:64GB eMMC |RAM:4GB |Graphics:Mali-G72 MP3 integrated graphics |Resolution:1280 x 800 |Battery life:9 hours |Operating system:Android |Connectivity:USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSD, NFC Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you need a tablet that can handle daily use by younger children both at home and at school, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids is a great option. This 2022 model comes with a durable bumper case to protect the tablet from knocks, shocks, and drops while also making it easier for little hands to hold onto. The case also has an integrated stand that's great for watching videos for class, attending virtual classes, and using educational apps.The screen is made of strengthened aluminosilicate glass making it harder to scratch or crack. Plus, this tablet comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee so if it breaks, you can return it and get a replacement tablet free of charge.The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids comes with 32GB of internal storage, but you can expand that up to 1TB with a microSD card, giving your child plenty of space for pictures, videos, and documents. The battery gives you up to 13 hours of use on a full charge, so your child won't have to worry about remembering their charging cable as they head to school.Integrated parental controls let you set screen time limits, block certain apps from being downloaded, and monitor your child's profile to make sure they're not misusing the tablet when they should be doing homework or be asleep.Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (12th generation)tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:32GB or 64GB|RAM:2GB |Graphics:Hexa-core processor|Resolution:1280 x 800 |Battery life:13 hours |Operating system:Amazon FireOS |Connectivity:USB-C (2.0), Wi-Fi 6, microSD, 3.5mm AUX, Bluetooth Pros Two-year worry-free guarantee Parental controls Included bumper case Up to 30% faster than previous gen Cons Low RAM may not be great for some media streaming Screen quality not as great If you need a tablet that can handle daily use by younger children both at home and at school, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids is a great option. This 2022 model comes with a durable bumper case to protect the tablet from knocks, shocks, and drops while also making it easier for little hands to hold onto. The case also has an integrated stand that's great for watching videos for class, attending virtual classes, and using educational apps.The screen is made of strengthened aluminosilicate glass making it harder to scratch or crack. Plus, this tablet comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee so if it breaks, you can return it and get a replacement tablet free of charge.The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids comes with 32GB of internal storage, but you can expand that up to 1TB with a microSD card, giving your child plenty of space for pictures, videos, and documents. The battery gives you up to 13 hours of use on a full charge, so your child won't have to worry about remembering their charging cable as they head to school.Integrated parental controls let you set screen time limits, block certain apps from being downloaded, and monitor your child's profile to make sure they're not misusing the tablet when they should be doing homework or be asleep.Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (12th generation)tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:32GB or 64GB|RAM:2GB |Graphics:Hexa-core processor|Resolution:1280 x 800 |Battery life:13 hours |Operating system:Amazon FireOS |Connectivity:USB-C (2.0), Wi-Fi 6, microSD, 3.5mm AUX, Bluetooth Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Between commutes, after-school activities, and late-night work emails, you need a tablet that is not only tough but also has a battery that can last all day. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro gives you up to 15 hours of use on a full charge, which means you won't have to worry about remembering your charging cable or where the nearest wall outlet is when you head out the door in the morning for work or school.The 10.1-inch screen provides you with plenty of visibility for virtual classes and meetings, educational videos, and productivity apps while Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity options let you access email, cloud storage, and the internet even if a hotspot isn't available.With 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and the ability to insert a microSD storage card, you'll have plenty of space for images, documents, and apps for work or school, while the military-grade security software prevents unauthorized access to your files and personal data.The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is MIL-STD-810G compliant and IP68 certified to resist moisture, dirt, extreme temperatures, drops, and shocks.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Protech specs: Screen size:10.1 inches |Storage:64GB or 128GB|RAM:4GB or 6GB|Processor:Qualcomm SM7325 |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:15 hours |Operating system:Android 12|Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm AUX, GPS, microSD, LTE (on certain models) Pros Military-grade security and durability Excellent battery life Big screen for video and apps LTE options available Cons Older version of Android Between commutes, after-school activities, and late-night work emails, you need a tablet that is not only tough but also has a battery that can last all day. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro gives you up to 15 hours of use on a full charge, which means you won't have to worry about remembering your charging cable or where the nearest wall outlet is when you head out the door in the morning for work or school.The 10.1-inch screen provides you with plenty of visibility for virtual classes and meetings, educational videos, and productivity apps while Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity options let you access email, cloud storage, and the internet even if a hotspot isn't available.With 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and the ability to insert a microSD storage card, you'll have plenty of space for images, documents, and apps for work or school, while the military-grade security software prevents unauthorized access to your files and personal data.The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is MIL-STD-810G compliant and IP68 certified to resist moisture, dirt, extreme temperatures, drops, and shocks.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Protech specs: Screen size:10.1 inches |Storage:64GB or 128GB|RAM:4GB or 6GB|Processor:Qualcomm SM7325 |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:15 hours |Operating system:Android 12|Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm AUX, GPS, microSD, LTE (on certain models) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Dell built this tablet to be rugged, and it's evident in the 12-inch outdoor-readable, glove-capable touchscreen with gorilla glass and rugged design. It's rated IP65 for maximum protection against dust, dirt, and water ingress. In addition, it is drop-tested to withstand a 4-foot drop and temperature-tested from 145 degrees to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.But its bright screen is what really makes this rugged tablet stand out on our list. Its 1920 x 1200 resolution screen is viewable in direct sunlight at 1200 nits of brightness, making it the perfect tablet for use out in the field or on factory floors.Dell also includes FirstNet Ready in the Latitude 7230, meaning first responders and public safety organizations can get priority access to fast, reliable, and high-capacity LTE networks.Other great tablet features include a 5 MP RGB + IR HD webcam and an 11 MP rear camera, Wi-Fi 6 with dual-band support, and Windows 11 Pro built right in.Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablettech specs: Screen size: 12 inches |Storage:256GB SSD |RAM:16GB |Graphics:IntelIris Xe Graphics for i5-1240U|Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:N/A|Operating system:Windows 11 Pro|Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 Pros 1200 nits of brightness FirstNet Ready Drop-tested and IP65 Compatible with Windows 11 Pro Cons Expensive Relatively bulky and heavy Dell built this tablet to be rugged, and it's evident in the 12-inch outdoor-readable, glove-capable touchscreen with gorilla glass and rugged design. It's rated IP65 for maximum protection against dust, dirt, and water ingress. In addition, it is drop-tested to withstand a 4-foot drop and temperature-tested from 145 degrees to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.But its bright screen is what really makes this rugged tablet stand out on our list. Its 1920 x 1200 resolution screen is viewable in direct sunlight at 1200 nits of brightness, making it the perfect tablet for use out in the field or on factory floors.Dell also includes FirstNet Ready in the Latitude 7230, meaning first responders and public safety organizations can get priority access to fast, reliable, and high-capacity LTE networks.Other great tablet features include a 5 MP RGB + IR HD webcam and an 11 MP rear camera, Wi-Fi 6 with dual-band support, and Windows 11 Pro built right in.Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablettech specs: Screen size: 12 inches |Storage:256GB SSD |RAM:16GB |Graphics:IntelIris Xe Graphics for i5-1240U|Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:N/A|Operating system:Windows 11 Pro|Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best rugged tablet? Our top pick for the best rugged tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5. It features a compact and lightweight design that is perfect for on-the-go students and professionals. Plus, it packs an S Pen with an IP68 rating, a cellular option, the latest wireless technologies, and MIL-STD-810G compliance for dirt, moisture, temperature, and shock resistance. Best rugged tabletPriceDisplay sizeStorageSamsung Galaxy Tab Active5 $5508 inches 64GB or 128GB Acer Enduro T1 $2008 inches 64GB eMMC Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro $1658 inches Up to 1TB Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro $65010.1 inches 64GB or 128GB Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet $2,40012 inches 256GB SSD Show more Which rugged tablet is right for you? Start by asking yourself which operating system you want or need. You basically have two choices: Android or Windows. Based on that answer, you've narrowed down the selection process quite a bit. From there, look at the finer details of each tablet. Can you customize the build? What kind of accessories are available? What do you need the tablet to do? Choose this rugged tablet...If you need...Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 A tough and rugged tablet that isn't too big for field work and yet provides the ability to use the S Pen to capture notes and markups outside of the office. Samsung's latest is the preferred workhorse for many and you can depend on four years of upgrades. Acer Enduro T1 A well-rounded, tough Android tablet with quick charging capabilities and a NFC reader. It has a screen made of Gorilla Glass. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro An affordable, durable tablet specifically for children with a two-year worry-free guarantee and easy-to-use parental controls. Its screen is made of strengthened aluminosilicate glass, which makes it harder to crack. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro A rugged tablet with great battery life, LTE compatibility, and military-grade security. It is MIL-STD-810G compliant and IP68 certified to resist moisture, dirt, extreme temperatures, drops, and shocks. Dell 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet It's a splurge-worthy rugged tablet that's super bright and IP65-rated. It is drop-tested to withstand a four-foot drop, and temperature tested from 145 degrees to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a rugged tablet If you're interested in buying a rugged tablet, you should consider the following:Pen or no pen?: In many cases, having the ability to use a stylus to easily mark up drawings or photos, take notes, and navigate the user interface with gloves on is an important element of using the rugged tablet in the field. If you decide that a stylus is essential, then that will help you narrow down your choice of rugged tablet.Size and weight: The environment you will be working in and the type of work you plan to do with the tablet may help you decide how large the tablet can be for remaining productive. While a large display tablet may be great for viewing large drawings, it may also be cumbersome if you are using it while crawling into small spaces. Check out the size and weight of the tablets to see which works best for you.Price:Rugged tablets are generally more expensive than a standard tablet with no protection from the elements. However, the price can vary quite a bit, so pick a range that works for you as you start to eliminate those tablets that are priced higher than you are willing to pay.Specifications: The processor, RAM, and storage capabilities will help define the performance experience of your selected tablet. If you plan to use a rugged tablet with just one or two apps running, you may not be as concerned about the amount of RAM available. Many of these tablets support microSD expansion cards, too, so the amount of internal storage is then not as important as the amount of available RAM. Show more How we test rugged tablets The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance whentested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.Performance:For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks.Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.Camera and audio:For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.We picked these top rugged tablets by using them in shipyards, forests, and other outside environments with sand, dirt, rain, and other elements.For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensivetablet testing methodology. Show more What is a rugged tablet? A rugged tablet is a tablet that has been designed to withstand extreme conditions. Whether it's bad weather, very high or very low temperatures, or drops and shocks, the extra durable case protects the delicate internal components from damage and corrosion.Rugged tablets are best for mobile professionals who do a lot of fieldwork, like construction contractors and engineers. However, they can also apply to families with smaller children, who, let's say, are more punishing with electronics. Show more Wouldn't a case be just as effective as a rugged tablet? Yes and no. Some of the higher-end cases, like those from Otterbox, are certainly designed to protect your tablet. But there are some aspects of a rugged tablet it can't reproduce.For example, some of the tablets in this roundup are designed to withstand severe temperatures in addition to being tougher to break when dropped. They also offer moisture and dust resistance -- a must to protect your asset in an outdoor environment. Show more What does "military grade" mean? If a device is advertised as "military grade," that doesn't necessarily mean it was developed for military use but rather rigorously tested against MIL-STD 810 standards. This testing process runs devices through extreme conditions to simulate what soldiers may encounter during deployment or combat.The standards compare device performance in situations where it may be violently dropped, thrown, or even exploded. They also test how devices hold up in heavy rain, high and low temperatures, coming into contact with chemicals, and resist dust and fungus infiltration.Most commercially available "military grade" devices are tested for drops, shocks, and water resistance. Show more Which tablet is the most durable? On this list, the Acer Enduro T1, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro, and the Dell Latitude 7220 are all super durable and have features like gorilla glass. Plus, they are drop-tested and protected with impressive IP ratings.IP rating indicates whether the device resists surface particles like dust (I) and moisture (P). It is why, when looking for a rugged tablet, you'll want to pay attention to the device's IP rating. In both instances, the higher the number, the better resistance it offers. Show more Why should I buy a rugged tablet? Rugged tablets are on the high end of most price points, so it can be tempting to get a regular, consumer-grade model and plunk it in a "rugged" case. And that will work... for a time.Cases can only do so much to protect internal components like processors and storage drives from damage that can occur from bumps, shocks, and moisture. However, a tablet designed by the manufacturer to handle extreme conditions is much better equipped to handle just about anything you can throw at it.From waterproofed and reinforced cases to hot-swappable batteries, a rugged tablet can be a great investment and valuable asset for mobile professionals working in all kinds of weather. Show more When do tablets go on sale? The best time to snag a deal on a tablet is during big sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. In addition, some brands have their events, such as Discover Samsung, where tablets and other devices are discounted on Samsung's website. Show more More rugged tablets we tested ZDNETs Tablet Guide Tablet Roundups Tablets Reviewed & Compared Tablets Explained ZDNET Recommends
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  • These Birds-Of-Paradise Are Glowing, Heres Why It Matters
    www.forbes.com
    Greater bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea apoda) male, native to southwest New Guinea and Aru Islands, ... [+] Indonesia. (Photo by: Philippe Clment/Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesMany marine and land organisims use bioluminescence to attract mates, including anglerfish, lanternfish, and flashlightfish. Some fireflies can synchronize their light emissions through a phenomenon called simultaneous bioluminescence.But some animals use biofluorescence to to attract a mate, communicate, signal danger or just glow. Biofluorescence occurs when an animals skin or fur absorbs ultraviolet light and re-emits it as visible light. It is common in invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and even birds.Platypusses glow blue-green, some flying squirrels glow pink, puffins beaks glow pink and white under UV light and a scorpians biofluorescence helps them detect predators and find mates. In the ocean world, some jellyfish use glowing tentacles to confuse predators, krill light up to communicate or hide from predators and the single-celled organism - dinoflagellates - light up which makes the ocean glow at night.Biofluorescence seen on an emperor bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi) in the American Museum of ... [+] Natural History's collection showing its plumageRene Martin MORE FOR YOUBirds-of-ParadiseThere are 45 species in 17 genera in the family Paradsaeidae - also known as birds-of-paradise. These birds live across eastern Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea.Weve known for a while how widespread biofluorescence is in nature, but few scientists have looked at this phenomenon in birds," said Rene Martin, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who conducted this work when she was a postdoctoral researcher at the American Museum of Natural History.Finding this beautiful green-yellow glow in birds-of-paradise suggests that theres even more going on in their elaborate hierarchy and courtship displays than meets the eye, she added.The research from the American Museum of Natural History and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln was published on February 12 in the Royal Society for Open Science and shows for the first time the widespread occurrence of biofluorescence in birds-of-paradise.The study was based on Museum specimens collected since the 1800s. It found biofluorescence in 37 of the 45 known birds-of-paradise species and posits that the glow is important among males for hierarchy and mating displays.Biofluorescence seen on an emperor bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi) in the American Museum of ... [+] Natural History's collection showing the top of the bird.Rene Martin It seems fitting that these flashy birds are likely signaling to each other in additional, flashy ways," added Martin.In a prepared statement, Museum curator and ichthyologist (a fish scientist), John Sparks said that even though there are more than 10,000 described avian species with a significant number of studies documenting the birds bright plumage, elaborate mating displays, and excellent vision, there have been very few studies that have looked into the presence of biofluorescence.Glowing with purposeMartin and Emily Carr, a Ph.D. student in the Museums Richard Gilder Graduate School who published the new study focused on biofluorescence in birds-of-paradise and found that the birds also fluoresce when exposed to UV light, not just blue light.The team reported that this phenomenon is prominent in males, focused on their bright plumage and skin in areas highlighted during mating displays the inner mouth and bill, feet, and feathers on the head, neck, and belly.In females, biofluorescence was usually restricted to plumage on the chest and belly.According to the press statement, other studies based on closely related species showed the pigments in the birds eyes align with the fluorescence peaks the researchers in this study measured. Martin and Carr now believe that birds-of-paradise can see these biofluorescent patterns, which they say can enhance contrast against dark plumage and possibly plays an important role in courtship and hierarchy.Funding for this work was provided by the American Museum of Natural Historys Department of Ichthyology, the Richard Gilder Graduate School, and the Gerstner Scholarship.
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  • Google Warns Play Store UsersDo Not Install These Apps
    www.forbes.com
    Play Store has suddenly changedNurPhoto via Getty ImagesAndroid has an app problem, that much is clear. But its changing. Last year, Google made clear that low-quality apps would be purged from its store. And that means removing many of the apps most likely to come with more than expected adware, scam subs, data harvesting, even dangerous malware. But now theres a new warning available to all that should tell you which apps to install and which to delete.As reported by Android Authority, Play Store now has an app quality warning. If an app has a potential issue with its overall quality, a yellow alert box on its Play Store page will inform you. Warnings include frequent uninstalls, less frequent engagement, and a low user count. We knew this was coming, but its great to see it go live. It goes without saying, but you should consider deleting apps with quality warnings unless you need them. Certainly dont install lots of low-quality, trivial apps on your phone.The quality warnings show as a yellow box under an apps header and cover engagement, uninstalls, and how an app compares to its peers. Its an attempt to avoid rudimentary judgements based on numbers of downloads and star reviews, both of which are open to manipulation.Play Store app quality warningsAndroid AuthorityMORE FOR YOUIts not cut and dry. As Android Authority says, seeing one of these warnings doesnt mean an app is dangerous or should be avoided. It just adds context to the app so the user is more informed about what to expect. But to an extent it will do exactly that. Users will get a feel for how the warnings relate to their experience, and critically it will encourage (force?) developers to up their game when it comes to design and build.Google has long pushed its four pillars of app quality, which are intended to set a bar for developers to meet to allow their apps onto Play Store. But in reality, there have been too many apps that turn up in the store with much lower quality than expected. And while an apps technical quality and privacy/security (two of the four values) are critical, so are its value-add and the actual experience in using it.Its clear that 2025 is a big year for Google and Android. While AI takes many of the headlines, the reality is that Android 15 the latest OS has security and privacy at its center, as Android plays catch-up with iPhone to narrow the gap. And even AI has been co-opted into this mission, with live threat detection and scam protection kicking off a new wave of AI-fueled safety and security features. This is the latest brick in the wall around Play Store, and its very welcome.
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  • 3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (February 14-16)
    www.digitaltrends.com
    The Weinstein CompanyTable of ContentsTable of ContentsSing Street (2016)Someone Great (2019)The Half of It (2020)With Valentines around the corner, its the perfect time to get ready to watch romantic hits on Netflix like Hit Man and Love Actually. These are guaranteed crowd-pleasers that will definitely set the mood for date night or even entertain a group for Galentines.For anyone looking to watch films that are hidden gems, well, Netflix has a wide selection, with movies spanning a variety of genres. The following three movies are among these underrated films worth checking out, including a musical pick, an emotional breakup flick, and a unique coming-of-age story.Recommended VideosWe also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max,andthe best movies on Disney+.RelatedThe Weinstein CompanyIn 1980s Dublin, Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) is sick of his troubled home life and experiences being bullied at his strict Catholic school. The one positive is his crush on the cool girl, Raphina (Lucy Boynton). To impress her and escape his day-to-day struggles, Connor forms a band with a group of similarly misfit friends. The titular band draws inspiration from the eras biggest acts Duran Duran, The Cure, and The Jam to create a nostalgic and eclectic sound that permeates most of the film.Perhaps overshadowed by director John Carneys previous hits (Once, Begin Again), Sing Street remains criminally underrated, never gaining the same mainstream traction despite arguably delivering the filmmakers most charming and heartfelt story. Its overly saccharine elements and naive optimism are soon forgotten thanks to the way its uplifting narrative pairs flawlessly with its irresistibly catchy soundtrack. Its not exactly among the greatest musical movies of the new generation, but its undoubtedly an enchanting one that delivers humor and heart.Sing Street is streaming on Netflix.NetflixNot exactly in the mood for Netflixs cheesy romance movies? Perhaps an unforgettable breakup film, Someone Great, is the pick for a night alone at home or with friends for Galentines. The 2019 film sees Jenny suffer the cost of an opportunity when, as a music journalist, she lands her dream job at Rolling Stone in San Francisco. Soon after, her long-term boyfriend Nate (LaKeith Stanfield) ends their nine-year relationship, unable to make long-distance work. Jenny is devastated but is eventually consoled by her best friends, Erin (DeWanda Wise) and Blair (Brittany Snow), who have one wild night full of spontaneous dancing, emotional confessions, random adventures, and lots and lots of tequila.Someone Great features stellar performances and emotional storytelling but is too often dismissed as just another breakup movie. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, the film showcases how painful a breakup can be, but it also has a fantastic focus on the power of friendship, particularly among women. Its a bittersweet ode to new beginnings and a promise that no matter how deep the heartache is, it wont last forever.Someone Great is streaming on Netflix.NetflixDirector Alice Wus The Half of It takes place in the small town of Squahamish, where the brilliant and introverted Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) makes extra money writing essays for her classmates. When the stereotypical jock Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) asks her to help him woo Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire) by ghostwriting love letters, Ellie reluctantly agrees only to realize she has feelings for Aster herself. What starts as a simple transaction turns into an unexpected friendship between Ellie and Paul, which is obviously complicated by her unexpected emotions.The Half of It remains underrated despite a positive reception, possibly because it defies the typical teen rom-com formula. Its neither a straightforward love triangle nor a conventional LGBTQ+ romance, defying typical coming-of-age movie plots by forging its own path. It may occasionally suffer from awkward pacing, but even that goes with the films overall message of embracing the messy process of self-discovery. Dont expect a grand romantic ending, as The Half of It instead strives to encourage self-acceptance, even if the way towards it is challenging.The Half of It is streaming on Netflix.Editors Recommendations
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  • Captain America: Brave New World: How many post-credits scenes are there?
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Table of ContentsTable of ContentsCaptain Americas post-credits scene, explainedWhat does it all mean?It usually goes without saying that a Marvel movie will feature an extra scene or two as the credits roll. Many fans expect a lot from Captain America: Brave New World, since the film is expected to set up the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Sam Wilson and his allies fight to stop a conspiracy that threatens to launch World War III, the movie introduces the element Adamantium, an essential part of Wolverines origin story in Marvel Comics. On top of that, the film has revisited both the Celestial Tiamut, making it the source of the Adamantium, and the Avengers getting back together with Sam as their new leader.All these building blocks have laid the foundation for things like the next two Avengers movies and even the X-Mens debut in the MCU. With the next two Avengers movies just around the corner,Brave New World has built up Sam to lead Earths Mightiest Heroes in the fight to maintain peace as the new Captain America. All in all, there is a lot to look forward to after the events of Brave New World, and what the film reveals during the credits hints at a dark future for Sam and the Avengers.Recommended VideosMarvel Studios / Marvel StudiosCaptain America: Brave New World features one scene after all the credits have rolled. This scene is relatively simple: Sam visits the villain Samuel Sterns, aka the Leader, at his prison cell in the Raft. The latter ended up there after turning himself into the authorities to reveal his plans for revenge against Ross and expose the Presidents crimes against him.RelatedThough Sam gloats at his adversary over his supposed victory, Sterns counters by arguing that while Sam fights to protect the world, they are both a part of it and that there is more than one world. Sterns then questions what Sam and his fellow heroes will do when they have to face the others. The film cuts to black before revealing a title card saying, Captain America will return.Marvel Studios / Marvel StudiosWhile this may seem like a vague warning, considering Brave New Worlds place in the MCUs Multiverse Saga, the others Sterns is referring to are likely the universes outside the Sacred Timeline. This implication says a lot about whats in store for the MCU after Brave New World. Previous Marvel films, such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, have shown universes colliding with each other. All these cosmic encounters have been building up to another Multiversal War first teased in the Disney+ series, Loki. Given Sterns superhuman intellect and foresight, he seems to have predicted more multiversal conflicts soon.Sterns warning implies Sam and the Avengers will be forced to fight warriors from other universes, possibly even some heroes, to defend their own from destruction. Whether Sam and the Avengers end up fighting Kang the Conqueror, Doctor Doom, other versions of the Avengers, or even the X-Men, Sams will and morals will surely be tested as he and his allies end up having to make hard decisions while clashing with other worlds. He may even be forced to seek the Leaders help to stop the threat that is coming.In the end, Captain America: Brave New World says much about the MCUs future while showing very little. The franchises future may still be hazy to audiences after the film. However, Sterns made it clear that while Sam won the battle, he hadnt won the war. Whatever it will be, it is clear that Sam will continue to fight when he returns to the big screen.Editors Recommendations
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  • Meta Platforms Raises Dividend by 5% as It Increases Overall Capital Spending
    www.wsj.com
    The Facebook and Instagram parent outlined a plan to return more money to shareholders, increasing its quarterly dividend by 5%, to 52.5 cents.
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