Eric Barba, Academy Award-winning VFX supervisor, returns to the podcast to discuss his latest work on Alien: Romulus, directed by Fede lvarez, for which he is nominated for an Oscar in 2025. He shares the challenges of bringing the world of Alien to life, from balancing practical effects with cutting-edge VFX to ensuring the film stays true to Ridley Scotts iconic franchise. Eric dives into the evolution of creature effects, how real-time technology is being used in production, and the meticulous process of creating photorealistic environments that blend seamlessly with on-set footage.Beyond Alien: Romulus, the conversation explores how VFX workflows are evolving, the increasing role of AI in production, and Erics thoughts on the future of the industry. He also reflects on his time at Digital Domain, leading teams on groundbreaking projects like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (David Fincher), Tron: Legacy (Joseph Kosinski), and Oblivion (Joseph Kosinski). With behind-the-scenes insights and expert knowledge, Eric offers a fascinating look into the state of visual effects today and where its heading next.Links:Eric Barba on LinkedIn >Eric Barba on IMDB >

Image: NintendoEarlier this month, the current U.S. administration implemented an additional 10% tariff on all goods imported into the country from China. While the full effect of this increase is yet to be seen, it poses a potential price hike for consoles and accessories developed in China, which, naturally, is a cause for concern to both consumers and developers.Acknowledging this, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has said that the company is looking into the potential impact that the tariffs could have on the upcoming financial year and the launch of the Switch 2. As reported by Reuters (and translated by Nintendo Everything), Furukawa explained in a press conference that the company is "predicting various geopolitical risks and establishing ways to respond".Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube796kWatch on YouTube Nintendo Switch is not only manufactured in China," Furukawa noted, "but in places such as Vietnam and Cambodia as well".With many Switch consoles already imported into the US by the time the tariffs came into effect, Furukawa suggests that there should be little financial damage this fiscal year: "While we anticipate a certain impact, the influence on this years financial results is expected to be minimal".The Nintendo president didn't comment specifically on FY2025/26 and the launch of Switch 2, though there's every chance that the impact may be greater.Nintendo expanded its manufacturing operations outside China in 2019, when proposed tariffs once again threatened to drive up prices. In a rare display of unity, Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft joined forces to pen a letter to the US government, warning of the tariffs' negative effects on the gaming industry should console sales not be exempt from the increased taxes.The letter led to a successful outcome for the companies in 2019, though, six years later, no such exemptions currently seem to be in place. We'll have to wait and see just how "minimal" of an impact the price increase has on consumer spending when there's a hot new console on the market. United as oneIf we hear any updates on the tariffs and the effect that they may have on Switch 2 sales, we'll let you know.[source jp.reuters.com, via nintendoeverything.com]See AlsoShare:01 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesMetroid Prime First 4 Figures 'Samus Phazon Suit' Sneak Peek, Pre-Orders Open SoonUpdate: Here's a teaser of the light-up collector's edition98 Games You Should Pick Up In Nintendo's 'Play On' eShop Sale (Europe)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherSwitch 2 Units Are Reportedly Selling For $40,000 On The Chinese Black MarketOr $50 trade-in at GameStopHideki Kamiya Wants Nintendo To Reboot Virtual Console For Switch 2Not a fan of Switch Online, huh?Forget Microsoft, Another Company Apparently Wanted To Buy Nintendo Back In The DayTalk about 'What If...'

The Trump Administration has begun firing hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration employees who maintain critical air traffic control infrastructure, reports CNN.The firings, which began late Friday night, come as Elon Musks SpaceX has been tapped to help create a new air traffic control system.Its not yet clear how many workers were fired, but the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union says they hit probationary workers, or new hires on a trial period. The workers were not air traffic controllers, who are in short supply due to staffing shortages that have gone on for decades.The workers received late night emails Friday telling them theyd been fired, according to David Spero, president of the PASS union. The workers include people who were hired for FAA radar, landing, and navigational aid maintenance, according to an air traffic controller who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.Spero noted the employees were fired without cause nor based on performance or conduct. The emails didnt come from a government email address; they came from an exec order Microsoft email address.Congress has demanded the FAA tackle a pattern of near-misses and modernize critical systems for years, and experts say the agency has failed to act on known issues.The news comes just weeks after a January fatal mid-air collision at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in D.C. where one controller was handling both helicopter and commercial airline traffic at the busy airport. Several other crashes have occurred since.Days after the Washington D.C. crash in January, Musk wrote on X that Trump gave his DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) team approval to make rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system.Neither Musk nor Trump has shared what those safety upgrades would be.Members of Musks SpaceX team are visiting the Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Virginia on Monday to get a firsthand look at the current system, learn what air traffic controllers like and dislike about their current tools, and envision how we can make a new, better, modern and safer system, wrote Sean Duffy, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, in a post on X.

Copyright claims against AI companies just got a potential boost.A U.S. federal judge last week handed down a summary judgment in a case brought by tech conglomerate Thomson Reuters against legal tech firm Ross Intelligence. The judge found that Ross use of Reuters content to train its AI legal research platform infringed on Reuters intellectual property.The outcome could have implications for the more than 39 copyright-related AI lawsuits currently working their way through U.S. courthouses. That said, its not necessarily a slam dunk for plaintiffs who allege that AI companies violated their IP rights.Ross was accused of using headnotes summaries of legal decisions from Westlaw, Reuters legal research service, to train its AI. Ross marketed its AI as a tool to analyze documents and perform query-based searches across court filings.Ross argued that its use of copyrighted headnotes was legally defensible because it was transformative, meaning it repurposed the headnotes to serve a markedly different function or market. In his summary judgment, Stephanos Bibas, the judge presiding over the case, didnt find that argument particularly convincing.Ross, Bibas said in his opinion, was repackaging Westlaw headnotes in a way that directly replicated Westlaws legal research service. The startups platform didnt add new meaning, purpose, or commentary, Bibas determined undermining Ross claim of transformative use.In his decision, Bibas also cited Ross commercial motivations as a reason the startups defense missed the mark. Ross sought to profit from a product that competed directly with Westlaw,and without significant recontextualization of the IP-protected Westlaw material.Shubha Ghosh, a Syracuse University professor who studies IP law, called it a strong victory for Thomson Reuters.The trial will proceed, [but] Thomson Reuters was awarded a summary judgment, a victory at this stage of the litigation, Ghosh said. The judge also affirmed that Ross wasnt entitled to summary judgment on its defenses, such as fair use and merger.As a consequence, the case continues to trial with a strong victory for Thomson Reuters.Narrow in applicationAlready, at least one set of plaintiffs in another AI copyright case have asked a court to consider Bibas decision. But its not yet clear whether the precedent will sway other judges.Bibas opinionmade a point of distinguishing between generative AI and the AI thatRosswas using, which didnt generate content but merely spit back judicial opinions that were already written.Generative AI, which is at the center of copyright lawsuits against companies such as OpenAI and Midjourney, is frequently trained on massive amounts of content from public sources around the web. When fed lots of examples, generative AI can generate speech, text, images, videos, music, and more.Most companies developing generative AI argue that fair use doctrines shield their practice of scraping data and using it for training without compensating or even crediting the datas owners. They argue that theyre entitled to use any publicly available content for training and that their models are in effect outputting transformative works.But not every copyright holder agrees.Some point to the phenomenon known as regurgitation, where generative AI creates content closely resembling the work it was trained on.Randy McCarthy, a U.S. patent attorney at the law firm Hall Estill, said Bibas focus on the impacts upon the market for the original work could be key to rights holders cases against generative AI developers. But he also cautioned that Bibas opinion is relatively narrow and that it may be overturned on appeal.One thing is clear, at least in this case: merely using copyrighted material as training data [for] an AI cannot be said to be fair use per se, McCarthy told TechCrunch. [But its] one battle in a larger war, and well need to see more developments before we can extract from this the law pertaining to the use of copyrighted materials as AI training data.Another attorney TechCrunch spoke with, Mark Lezama, a litigation partner at Knobbe Martens focusing on patent disputes, thinks Bibas opinion could have wider implications. Hes of the view that the judges reasoning could extend to generative AI in its various forms.The court rejected a fair-use defense as a matter of law in part because Ross used [Thomson Reuters] headnotes to develop a competing legal research system, he said. Although the court hinted this might be different from a situation involving generative AI, its easy to see a news site arguing that copying its articles for training a generative AI is no different because the generative AI uses the copyrighted articles to compete with the news site for user attention.In other words, publishers and copyright owners duking it out with AI companies have slight reason to be optimistic after the decision emphasis on slight.

Curious about The Gorge? Let director Scott Derrickson spark your interest with a quick, spoiler-free rundown of his new film!The VFX are made by:Framestore (VFX Supervisors: Pete Dionne, Joao Sita)DNEG (VFX Supervisors: Anelia Asparuhova, Sebastian Von Overheidt)Image Engine (VFX Supervisor: Christian Irles)Outpost VFXThe Production VFX Supervisor is Erik Nordby.The Production VFX Producer is Rich Yeomans.Director: Scott DerricksonRelease Date: February 14, 2025 (Apple TV+) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024The post The Gorge appeared first on The Art of VFX.

The early decades of the 20th century were the golden years for suburban development in the Boston area. With personal automobiles better-connecting the city to lesser developed areas like Milton, Newton and Brookline, middle-upper class residents were able to relocate to the suburbs and build stately homes, typically in one of three architectural styles: Colonial Revival (most common), Tudor Revival, or Arts and Crafts (least common). This large house is located on Randolph Road in the Woodland/Heath area of Southern Brookline, and dates to 1928. The residence was constructed for Dr. Walter C. Miner, an orthopedic dentist, and his wife, Ethel and designed by the firm of Strickland, Blodgett & Law. The large house sits on a double-lot, and is notable for its symmetry, slate tile roof, and rough-faced stucco walls.

close Windows bug leaves computer Wi-Fi vulnerable to hackers Kurt "The Cyberguy" Knutsson explains how to keep your Windows computer safe and discusses the security risks of online retail giant Temu. With remote work becoming the norm, a reliable home network is more crucial than ever. Whether you're video conferencing, streaming or managing critical work tasks, a robust and secure home network is no longer a luxury but a necessity.A well-configured network ensures your devices stay connected and that your online experience runs smoothly. Heres how to set up a high-performance home network, understand the equipment you'll need and secure your connection. A man working on his laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)1) Install your router and configure important settingsStart byplacing your router in a central location within your home. The closer your device is to the router, the stronger and more reliable your Wi-Fi signal will be. For a wired network, connect a switch or Ethernet hub to an available power outlet using a high-quality Ethernet cable.Once your router is installed, its time to configure the security settings. Find your routers online setup page on the instructions, which are usually provided with the device or printed on the router itself.Key settings to change include renaming your network and updating the network security key.Check our list of the top routers for best security here. Home router (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)2) Decide if you want a wired or wireless setupWhen setting up your home network, youll need to choose between a wired or wireless configuration. Wired networks offer enhanced security and faster speeds, but wireless networks offer the convenience of connecting multiple devices without needing additional hardware.Wired devices:Use anRJ-45 network cable to link your device to the router or switch. Most modern routers supportGigabit Ethernet (1,000 Mbps). For performance, its best to useCat5e,Cat6 orCat6acables between your devices and router.Cat5e supports gigabit speeds but can struggle over long distances.Cat6 andCat6a cables offer superior performance with speeds up to10 Gbps. While Cat6 is adequate for most homes, Cat6a is ideal for longer distances or for homes with10 Gbps devices. Cat6a cables are typically used in high-demand environments, like data centers or large offices.Switches are essential for connecting multiple wired devices within your home network. They allow devices to communicate over a single Ethernet segment and can be cascaded to extend your network. There are two types of switches:Unmanaged switches: Affordable and straightforward, these typically offer basic features and come infive- or eight-port configurations.Managed switches: Higher-priced but offer advanced features such asvirtual LANs, traffic segmentation and even the ability to block traffic from specific devices.Some switches also providePower over Ethernet, which can power devices likeaccess points orsecurity cameras without needing a separate power outlet. This is particularly useful for devices in hard-to-reach areas.Wireless devices:To connect wireless devices, youll need a Wi-Fi-capable router orwireless access point. Wi-Fi comes in different generations, such asWi-Fi 5 andWi-Fi 6. Make sure your devices and router are compatible with the latest Wi-Fi version. If needed, a USB adapter can help update your devices for compatibility.Wireless networks operate on two primary bands:2.4 GHz: Offers longer range but with lower bandwidth. Its ideal for devices likesmart home gadgets that don't require high-speed data.5 GHz: Provides higher bandwidth and faster speeds but has a shorter range. Its perfect for devices likelaptopsandstreaming devices that need fast, uninterrupted connectivity.3) Extend your network rangeBoth wired and wireless networks can experience connectivity issues if there are physical barriers or long distances between devices and the router. Toexpand the range of your network, consider these options:Ethernet cables: Ethernet cables can extend up to100 meters. Adding aswitch allows multiple devices to connect at different locations in your home. You can also usepower-line adapters, which send your network signal through your home's electrical wiring, enabling network access in rooms far from the router.Wireless repeaters:These devices extend the Wi-Fi signal by amplifying and retransmitting it.Mesh systems: Amesh network uses multiple nodes (router-like devices) that communicate with each other to create a seamless Wi-Fi network. Theyre easy to set up and provide consistent coverage. Check out ourtop mesh networking winners here. Ethernet cable (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)4) Secure your home networkSecuring your home network is critical to maintaining your privacy. Here are some best practices to follow.Change default passwords: Make sure to change the default passwords on all devices that control or access your network.Activate the firewall:This helps block unauthorized traffic and protects against potential threats.Minimize open ports: Routers use virtual ports for specific services, such as web traffic on port 80 or secure browsing on port 443. Opening only the necessary ports helps reduce vulnerabilities.Disable remote access: Turn off remote access to your router and cable modem unless absolutely necessary.Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption: Always secure your wireless network with a strong password and WPA encryption to prevent unauthorized access.5) Start with the right internet plan for a stronger home networkNo matter how advanced your home network setup is, your internet speed and reliability depend on your provider and plan. If youre experiencing lag, buffering or connectivity issues, it might be time to upgrade or switch to a better internet service.Choose the right speed for your needs: Households with multiple users streaming, gaming or working remotely should aim forat least 100-500 Mbps for smooth performance.Check for fiber or 5G home internet: If available in your area, these options provide faster and more stable connections than traditional cable or DSL.Compare plans for the best deal: Internet providers often have better pricing or faster speeds based on your location; switching could improve your connection and save money.. Illustration of checking your security features (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurts key takeawaysSetting up an optimal home network might seem complex, but with the right approach, it becomes a straightforward process that dramatically improves your digital experience. By understanding your network's components, prioritizing security and investing in quality equipment, you'll create a reliable digital infrastructure that supports your work and lifestyle. Remember, a well-configured network is an investment in your productivity, entertainment and peace of mind.What other home technology topics would you like tips and tricks on? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Over the past 20 to 30 years, the intelligence community has generated a stream of cyber security leaders private cyber security companies are littered with former operatives of the American and British intelligence services.But in Israels case, the intelligence-to-cyber pipeline has produced arguably the highest density of cyber security startups and organisations in the world. The likes of Check Point, CyberArk, Imperva, Palo Alto Networks and Radware can all claim links back to the Israel Defence Forces (IDFs) technology units.Among these units, which likely date back to before Israels founding in 1948, are the highly secretive cyber weapons and tech development shop Unit 81, and the more widely known signals intelligence Unit 8200.Israels astonishing concentration of cyber security talent is largely attributable to both Unit 81 and Unit 8200, whose existence has only been fairly recently acknowledged. Mossad may get international attention, but it is Unit 8200 that gets the data to support it and Unit 81 that builds the tech.Acting as incubators for cyber security and hacking talent, these units benefit from Israels compulsory military service laws and intensive screening processes, which divert individuals with potential from frontline armed service, although they also scout after-school computer clubs for likely-looking candidates.That the IDF is the wellspring of Israels cyber talent is these days no secret, but Armis CEO, Yevgeny Dibrov who is allowed to say little more about the time he served in Unit 81 beyond the fact that he was there says theres more to the growth of Israels cyber community than just the hothouse conditions at the IDF.He compares the environment to that of a startup. When youre a startup, when youre building something, you dont have much budget, but with what you have you still need to do outstanding things that differentiate a lot, that achieve a lot, and that puts you in a great place.We dont have the same budget as the CIA or the NSA, maybe point one of a percent, but we have no choice. There is no other way, he explains. We have a lot of enemies and we want to win.At first. Dibrovs pipeline into the IT industry does not seem all that different from most other peoples stemming from an initial schoolboy interest in computers, maths and physics but he became hooked when he was tapped for Unit 81 as a fresh-faced teen.In the years I spent there I became fascinated by different capabilities, fascinated by this world, fascinated also by working hard for my country, he says. Twice during my service I was part of the team that won the Israel Defence Prize, which is for outstanding achievements in the technology space.The slogan of our unit was Make the Impossible Possible, says Dibrov. Its written over the door when you enter. You see it every day, and so you kind of live towards it. Its not just a clich. Twice during my service [at Unit 81] I was part of the team that won the Israel Defence Prize, which is for outstanding achievements in the technology space Yevgeny Dibrov, ArmisBut the intelligence forces serve not only as a hub for creative talent, but a hub for team-building. Indeed, of Armiss first cohort of employees, about 50% served alongside Dibrov himself at Unit 81, and the others worked alongside his co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) Nadir Izrael at Unit 8200.People get to know each other, and during my time at Unit 81, we were always talking to alumni that actually started companies and did great things, says Dibrov. I remember my team leader in the army was [Wiz CEO] Assaf Rappaport, so we were always meeting some of the alumni from our unit and learning what they had done.It makes you excited, he says, it makes you think, okay, when, when Im out, here is what I want to do. I already knew that I wanted to start a company.Alongside heading off to study at Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology between 2010 and 2013, at the end of his service, Dibrov helped set up Adallom, with which Rappaport was also involved. Adallom was a cloud access security brokerage (CASB) specialising in visibility, governance and protection across business applications such as Box, Google Apps, Microsoft Office 365 and Salesforce.The firms Office 365 work clearly stood out, because in September 2015, Microsoft bought the company for over $300m. Just a couple of months later, Dibrov and Izrael started Armis, with the first employees coming on board in February 2016.Asked to explain like Im five, Dibrov describes Armis as a cyber exposure management platform that essentially provides its customers with a Google Map of their IT environment, with every single asset accounted for, whether its something run-of-the-mill like a laptop or smartphone, to operational technology (OT) like industrial controllers, even medical equipment.On top of this basic map, Armis provides additional layers covering security risk discovery, monitoring and management, and ultimately, remediation.We want to not just allow you to see your risk, but reduce it, whether through patching devices or mitigating threats with different rules in your technology environment, he says.Armis was earlier than many to the OT/internet of things (IoT) side of security, mapping it as a factor early on in its history, before the topic really started to hit mainstream security conversations about six or seven years ago. What was the spark that led Dibrov to make this bet?We really started from talking to a lot of customers, talking to a lot of CIOs, and we were hearing about the explosion of connected devices, he explains. We looked at the variety of different environments and we saw there was a gap.On the one hand, you have laptops and servers that are covered by your antivirus or next-gen antivirus, and then you have everything else. And then everything else changes in different industries. If you look at an airport, they have a big gap around a lot of operational technology stuff. They have different distribution centres, logistics centres and more. They have datacentres. They have buildings with building management systems.At about the same time, incidents such as NotPetya and WannaCry were exposing the precarious security of such environments particularly in healthcare settings and this helped push people towards a more holistic view of cyber security. Security teams have no idea what cameras they have, and theyre 90% Chinese, potentially exploited with backdoors, and often in the most critical environments Yevgeny Dibrov, ArmisIt was a huge push across the board, says Dibrov. Everyone suddenly understood that they needed to have visibility into what they have in these environments because imagine if Im an attacker, why would I attack a laptop if the laptop has 50 agents on it? I attack the most vulnerable thing, and thats usually devices that dont run any agents or antivirus, devices that are mostly not updated or cannot be patched, and a bunch of old XP machines in those areas.These devices are often the most important in the organisation. Look at a hospital. How can you compare the importance of a laptop versus an MRI scanner?Customers took to this like ducks to water, and today Armis works with over 35% of the Fortune 100.From day-to-day there is no such thing as a typical customer, says Dibrov, but they tend to be larger, distributed organisations with highly complex environments and a lot of devices. Armis claims currently to have approximately 5.3 billion connected devices in harness.Whats the weirdest thing he ever found? We have things like cars that connect to the company network, to wireless air fryers we see those a lot. And the amount of types of cameras you would never believe, says Dibrov. Security teams have no idea what cameras they have, and theyre 90% Chinese, potentially exploited with backdoors, and often in the most critical environments.Like many of its peers, Armis has also been branching out into threat research and frequently publishes its own thought leadership on diverse topics recent ones include breaking down CISAs most exploited vulnerabilities and the emergence of DeepSeek.We have so much data now, and our customers can benefit from that, says Dibrov. We also acquired a company in the space, some super-talented guys who merge a lot of their own data with data we generated to provide early warning, which has been very significant.Keeping in touch with Armiss buyers is a source of pride for Dibrov, who makes a point of frequently checking in with his user advisory board and speaking to six or seven individual customers every day, whether those are long-term existing ones, new ones, or those moving through their procurement or onboarding processes.What do they need? What do they think like? What do we need to do different? says Dibrov. This is something that is ongoing for us always listening, always developing, always running fast, and always providing real solutions to real problems.Dibrov declares himself particularly paranoid when it comes to the competition, and likes to try to think about 18 months ahead in terms of innovation. This is something that is always on my mind because thats the biggest differentiator, he says. You need to have first of all the best product, and then to execute from there. Thats what keeps me up at night.Armis recently closed a large Series D funding round, raising $200m to take it to a total valuation of over $4bn. And having made two acquisitions in the past 12 months Silk Security in April 2024 and CTCI in February 2025 Dibrov is open to more, as well as exploring the possibility of an initial public offering (IPO).Beyond these goals, Dibrov is, of course, keeping a close eye on the developing threat landscape. His views on where things are going tally with those of many other observers.We keep seeing a lot of state actors, from Russia, China, North Korea, Iran. We keep seeing them, and we keep seeing a lot of targeting of EMEA and US critical infrastructure and manufacturing, he says. We see them sometimes also leveraging AI [artificial intelligence]. My guess is well see that more and more, and defenders really need to be prepared.Read more in the Security Interviews seriesThreat intel expert and author Martin Lee, EMEA technical lead for security research at Cisco Talos, joins Computer Weekly to mark the 35th anniversary of the first ever ransomware attack.Okta regional chief security officer for EMEA sits down with Dan Raywood to talk about how Okta is pivoting to a secure-by-design champion.We speak to Googles Nelly Porter about the companys approach to keeping data as safe as possible on Google Cloud.

Laurent - stock.adobe.comNewsAI-driven personalisation appealing to UK shoppers, says research Retailers should be using artificial intelligence to increase brand loyalty through personalisation, according to researchByClare McDonald,Business Editor Published: 17 Feb 2025 15:51 Almost a third of shoppers in the UK have said that personalisation assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) increases their loyalty to brands, according to research from Bazaarvoice.The content generation platforms Shopper experience index report found that 31% of shoppers in the UK believe AI-driven loyalty rewards increase their brand loyalty, and 28% claimed tailored rewards makes them shop more often.More than 40% of shoppers in the UK also reported that personalised discounts or offers are more likely to encourage them to share a product or brand on their social media.Zarina Stanford, CMO of Bazaarvoice, said: In an era where consumers are inundated with choices, personalisation and contextualisation can prove to be a differentiator for brand loyalty and customer engagement.Why? It creates seamless and relevant experiences. Personalised and contextual right time, right place, right form offers and rewards go beyond generic discounts; they shape consumer decisions by delivering meaningful value tailored to individual preferences.Retail isnt the only place where AI is having a huge impact, with a large number of companies and individualsalready using technologies such as generative AI (GenAI) in their daily lives.Personalisation has played a large role in retail over the past 10 years as consumers become increasingly demanding, so AI becoming entangled in the generation of personalised rewards is a natural step that has developed along the way.Shopping habits have been changing as younger consumers grow to gain spending power, leading a large number of consumers between the ages of 18 and 34 to increasingly turn to social media for inspiration about what to buy and from where.But consumers have also been turning away from shopping online in recent years as physical discount stores offer more lucrative deals, forcing online retailers to try harder to entice shoppers back to the web through the use of loyalty schemes and personalised deals.Content from other shoppers, such as reviews, are also becoming increasingly important for UK consumers when online shopping, with more than half of shoppers saying they find reviews useful, and 45% saying an item needs to have between 11 and 50 reviews before they will even consider buying it.Almost 70% of shoppers said they also find content generated by other shoppers useful when making decisions about what to buy, with 12% saying it definitely impacts their shopping behaviour, and 43% saying it can have an effect most of the time.Some 16% of shoppers report they are likely to make a purchase based on user-generated content such as reviews, ratings, photos and videos.Stanford said that retailers need to be utilising personalisation, combined with good timing, to encourage consumers to make more purchases, something AI can help with, adding: AI-infused tools like product recommendations and targeted offers and social proofing present a massive opportunity to amplify these personalised, relevant, contextual experiences. They save time and deliver tailored information to shoppers that brands might not otherwise have the resources or ability to provide.But personalisation isnt the only aspect of retail AI is helping with this years Retail Federation Big Show saw retailers showcase AI use cases such as creating digital twins of stores to keep track of inventory, or helping retail associates use generative AI to more easily access and interpret store or product data.Regardless of how they are using it, retailers using AI to help boost purchases and productivity is an inevitability as AI dominates the next wave of tech adoption.Read more about retail technologyLed by a technology enthusiast, AutoTrader is on a digital journey that began when it decided to take a different route in 2007.Zebra Technologies CEO Bill Burns discusses the companys growth strategy and how it is enhancing frontline worker capabilities through machine vision, artificial intelligence and robotics.In The Current Issue:Digging into the CMAs provisional take on AWS and Microsofts hold on UK cloud marketInterview: Digital tech fuels AutoTraders drive into the futureDownload Current Issue

ZDNETPresidents' Day 2025 is here and it's the perfect time to shop seasonal savings on home, tech, apparel, and more. With the holiday's arrival, nearly every major retaileris slashing prices. Perhaps one of the easiest retailers you can skim deals at? Amazon -- where you can shop for savings any time.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. The following are my favoritePresidents' Daydeals, which I sourced with help from ZDNET's team of experts so that you can shop (and save).Shop more deals at AmazonOur favorite Amazon Presidents' Day deals Apple Watch Ultra 2: $735 (save $64): For the first time since Cyber Week 2024, Amazon has dropped the price of Apple's best watch, the Ultra 2 by 8%. This sold out quickly during the holiday season, so don't miss out if you're eyeing the Apple Watch 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 $302): 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 Kids: $140 (save $40): Inspire a lifetime of reading with the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite for Kids. It includes a six-month subscription to Amazon Kids+, providing access to thousands of kid-friendly books.AirPods Pro 2: $199 (save $50): 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 for 20% off.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): $199 (save $50): Apple's Watch SE (2nd Gen) is finally seeing a decent discount for 2025, and is back down to $199. Right now, it's still the most affordable Apple Watch out of the whole lineup, and is a great option 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.Cosori Air Fryer: $90 (save $30): This compact air fryer not only air fries to the perfect crisp, but it also dehydrates, reheats, broils, defrosts, and more.Best Amazon Presidents' Day tech deals Kayla Solino/ZDNETSamsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 10.9-inch Tablet: $296 (save $153): 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: $87 (save $23): 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. The white version is on sale for $72.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 8 Tablet: $65 (save $35): "Designed for portable entertainment", Amazon's Fire HD 8 boasts an eight-inch high-definition screen and up to a 1TB SSD for storing all of your favorite ebooks, games, and podcasts.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 different. In fact, she says its a better buy than an iPad for her kids, and it's 26% off now.Renpho Eye Massager: $60 (save $40): ZDNET's expert Allison Murray loves this Renpho eye massager to help her migraines, and right now it's on sale for 48% off.Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro: $700 (save $645): A great laptop for work or school with a 3K AMOLED touchscreen display, Intel Core 5 Ultra CPU, and 512GB SSD.Asus ZenScreen: $149 (save $50): A 15.6-inch portable screen that connects to your laptop, smartphone, or tablet via USB-C for more screen space whenever you need it.Google Pixel 9 Pro unlocked: $899 (save $200): Google's latest iteration of their flagship smartphone features a 24-hour battery life, 256GB of storage, and 6.3-inch display.Best Amazon Presidents' Day Apple deals Jason Hiner/ZDNETAirPods Pro 2: $199 (save $50): 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 of the holiday for 20% off.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.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 Prakhar Khanna/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%.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.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.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: $93 (save $57): Expert Jada Jones says these Sony headphones are almost as good as the XM5 model but will cost you under $100 right now.Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen): $55 (save $85 at Amazon): These budget buds are worth a mention thanks to their handy Alexa compatibility and their 71% off price.Best Amazon Presidents' Day TV deals Adam Breeden/ZDNETHisense 75-inch Class QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD TV: $550 (save $200): Multiple sizes of this Hisense smart TV are on sale now, which feature color enhancer, game mode, multiple voice assistance 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: $5,000 (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.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: $140 (save $110): 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 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.Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum: $330 (save $104.50): This smart robot vacuum cleans in a precision matrix grid, taking multiple passes over dirt and debris for whole-home, deep cleaning coverage.Best Amazon Presidents' Day home deals Maria Diaz/ZDNETArlo 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.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.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.Phillips Hue Lightstrip: $72 (save $18 at Amazon): This 16-foot lightstrip lets you add ambiance anywhere in your home thanks to thousands of personalized colors you can customize in the app. 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 discountsforPresidents' 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