Methods like Chain-of-Thought (CoT) prompting have enhanced reasoning by breaking complex problems into sequential sub-steps. More recent advances, such as o1-like thinking modes, introduce capabilities, including trial-and-error, backtracking, correction, and iteration, to improve model performance on difficult problems. However, these improvements come with substantial computational costs. The increased token generation creates significant memory overhead due to the Transformer architectures limitations, where attention mechanism complexity grows quadratically with context length, while KV Cache storage increases linearly. For instance, when Qwen32Bs context length reaches 10,000 tokens, the KV Cache consumes memory comparable to the entire model.Current approaches to accelerate LLM inference fall into three main categories: Quantizing Model, Generating Fewer Tokens, and Reducing KV Cache. The quantizing model involves both parameter and KV Cache quantization techniques. Within the Reducing KV Cache category, pruning-based selection in discrete space and merging-based compression in continuous space emerge as key strategies. Pruning-based strategies implement specific eviction policies to retain only important tokens during inference. Merging-based strategies introduce anchor tokens that compress historically important information. The difference between these two methods is that Pruning-based methods are training-free but require applying eviction policies for every generated token, and Merging-based methods require model training.Researchers from Zhejiang University, Ant Group, and Zhejiang University Ant Group Joint Laboratory of Knowledge Graph have proposed LightThinker to enable LLMs to compress intermediate thoughts during reasoning dynamically. Inspired by human cognition, LightThinker compresses verbose reasoning steps into compact representations and discards original reasoning chains, significantly reducing the number of tokens stored in the context window. The researchers also introduce the Dependency (Dep) metric to quantify compression effectiveness by measuring reliance on historical tokens during generation. Moreover, the LightThinker reduces peak memory usage and inference time while maintaining competitive accuracy, offering a promising direction for enhancing LLM efficiency in complex reasoning tasks.The LightThinker approach is evaluated using the Qwen2.5-7B and Llama3.1-8B models. The researchers conducted full parameter instruction tuning using the Bespoke-Stratos-17k dataset, with the resulting model designated as Vanilla. Five comparison baselines were implemented: two training-free acceleration methods (H2O and SepLLM), one training-based method (AnLLM), and CoT prompting applied to both instruction and R1-Distill models. Evaluation occurred across four datasets (GSM8K, MMLU, GPQA, and BBH), measuring effectiveness and efficiency (via inference time, peak token count, and dependency metrics). The implementation features two compression approaches: token-level compression (converting every 6 tokens into 2) and thought-level compression (using \n\n as a delimiter to segment thoughts).Evaluation results across the four metrics for both models on all datasets reveal several significant findings. Distill-R1 consistently underperforms compared to CoT across all datasets, with the performance gap attributed to repetition issues caused by Greedy Decoding. H2O effectively preserves model performance while reducing memory usage, validating its greedy eviction policy for long-text generation. However, H2O substantially increases inference time (51% for Qwen and 72% for Llama) due to its token-wise eviction policy creating overhead for each generated token. Moreover, LightThinker matches H2Os performance with similar compression rates while reducing inference time with a 52% reduction for Qwen and 41% for Llama.In this paper, researchers introduced LightThinker, a novel approach to enhancing LLM efficiency in complex reasoning tasks through the dynamic compression of intermediate thoughts during generation. By training models to learn optimal timing and methods for compressing verbose reasoning steps into compact representations, LightThinker significantly reduces memory overhead and computational costs while maintaining competitive accuracy. However, several limitations remain: the compatibility with parameter-efficient fine-tuning methods like LoRA or QLoRA is unexplored, the potential benefits of larger training datasets are unknown, and performance degradation is notable on Llama series models when training on small datasets with next-token prediction.Check outthe Paper.All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,feel free to follow us onTwitterand dont forget to join our80k+ ML SubReddit. Sajjad AnsariSajjad Ansari is a final year undergraduate from IIT Kharagpur. As a Tech enthusiast, he delves into the practical applications of AI with a focus on understanding the impact of AI technologies and their real-world implications. He aims to articulate complex AI concepts in a clear and accessible manner.Sajjad Ansarihttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sajjadansari/Meet AI Co-Scientist: A Multi-Agent System Powered by Gemini 2.0 for Accelerating Scientific DiscoverySajjad Ansarihttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sajjadansari/Open-Reasoner-Zero: An Open-source Implementation of Large-Scale Reasoning-Oriented Reinforcement Learning TrainingSajjad Ansarihttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sajjadansari/Optimizing Training Data Allocation Between Supervised and Preference Finetuning in Large Language ModelsSajjad Ansarihttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/sajjadansari/TokenSkip: Optimizing Chain-of-Thought Reasoning in LLMs Through Controllable Token Compression Recommended Open-Source AI Platform: IntellAgent is a An Open-Source Multi-Agent Framework to Evaluate Complex Conversational AI System' (Promoted)

The BBC and Mammoth Productions next Agatha Christie adaptation is here, following on from 2023s Murder Is Easy, 2022s Why Didnt They Ask Evans?, and the five miniseries previously adapted by Sarah Phelps (The Pale Horse, The ABC Murders, Ordeal By Innocence, The Witness for the Prosecution and And Then There Were None).This time, Christies 1944 novel Towards Zero has been brought to television, adapted by Bel Ami and NW screenwriter Rachel Bennete. Its the story of a love triangle, a beautiful coastal mansion, public scandal, family intrigue, and of course, murder. Meet the three-part series characters below and find out more about the actors playing them.Clarke Peters as Mr Frederick TrevesThe lawyer appointed to serve Lady Tressilian and her family in all matters legal, Mr Treves is relied upon as a voice of authority and wisdom at Gulls Point. He and his young ward Sylvia are invited to the house to act as the voice of reason between the familys sparring members.Treves is played by Clarke Peters, who recently appeared in US sci-fi series The Man Who Fell to Earth and in Channel 4 crime drama Truelove, as well as playing parts in His Dark Materials, Treme and Person of Interest, but who will always be connected with the role of Det. Lester Freamon in HBOs The Wire.Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Nevile StrangeNevile Strange is a wealthy famous tennis player whose marriage has recently become the stuff of newspaper gossip columnists. As the nephew of Lady Tressilian, he grew up at the family pile of Gulls Point.Strange is played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen, who followed up early roles in UK period dramas Lark Rise to Candleford and Mr Selfridge with a move to US dramas Dracula, Emerald City, The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor. In 2020, he played the titular character in feature film The Invisible Man and recently appeared opposite Jenna Coleman in Prime Videos Wilderness. Ella Lily Hyland as Audrey StrangeAudrey Strange is Neviles childhood sweetheart-turned-wife. Orphaned as a child, she too grew up at Gulls Point and is independently wealthy. Shes played by Ella Lily Hyland, who impressed in Prime Video tennis coach abuse drama Fifteen Love, and again in Netflixs darkly comedic spy thriller Black Doves. Shes currently in Disney+ historical boxing crime drama A Thousand Blows.Anjelica Huston as Lady TressilianCamilla, Lady Tresillian is a wealthy widow and the matriarch of her family, which she commands out of her bedroom in Gulls Point. Shes played by movie star Anjelica Huston, whos acted in countless memorable feature films from Prizzis Honour, The Grifters, The Addams Family and The Witches to name just a few.Mimi Keene as Kay ElliottKay Elliott is characterised in the national press as a vamp and a gold digger. Shes played by Mimi Keene, who started out as rebel teenager Cindy Williams in BBC soap EastEnders before playing the central role of Ruby in Netflixs teen comedy-drama Sex Education, opposite Asa Butterfield, Ncuti Gatwa, Aimee-Lou Wood, Emma Mackey and more.Anjana Vasan as Mary AldinMary Aldin is employed as Lady Tressilians companion, and lives an isolated life with her at Gulls Point. Unbeknownst to her ladyship, Mary is engaged in a written correspondence with banished family member Thomas Royde (see below). Mary is played by screen and stage actor Anjana Vasan, who plays guitarist-scientist Amina in Channel 4s excellent comedy series We Are Lady Parts, and was seen recently opposite Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley in comedy feature film Wicked Little Letters, as well as having had roles in Killing Eve, Temple and Black Mirror season six episode Demon 79.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Jack Farthing as Thomas RoydeThomas is a cousin to Nevile and a mysterious member of the Gulls Point family, from which he is banished for reasons unknown at the beginning of the story. Hes playing by Jack Farthing, familiar to Poldark viewers as the treacherous George Warleggan, and the star of Rain Dogs, Chloe, The Serial Killers Wife and much more, including two previous Agatha Christie roles in The ABC Murders and Poirot.Matthew Rhys as Inspector LeachInspector Leach is an invented character for this TV adaptation, and an amalgamation of several book characters who solve this murder mystery. When we meet him, hes in a bad way, depressed and heavily drinking. Hes played by Matthew Rhys, whose career really took off in the US with a long-standing role in Brothers & Sisters, and the co-lead in 1980s-set spy drama The Americans. Since then hes starred as the titular character in the Perry Mason reboot, and recently played satirist George Carlin in Ivan Reitmans 2024 film Saturday Night.Adam Hugill as MacA mysterious valet who offers his services to Nevile Strange during the turbulence surrounding his court case, Mac is a question mark with a knack for violence and the whiff of ambition surrounding him. Hes played by Adam Hugill, seen recently in acclaimed BBC drama Sherwood, and on stage at the National Theatre playing footballer Harry Maguire in Dear England, as well as playing Constable Carrot Ironfoundersson in Terry Pratchett-inspired TV series The Watch.ALSO APPEARING The Lost Boys and Mary & Georges Khalil Gharbia as playboy Louis Morel The Borderline, Motherland and Mandys Jackie Clune as housekeeper Mrs Barrett Casualtys Olive, aka Grace Doherty, plays Mr Treves troubled schoolgirl ward Sylvia The Crown, Downton Abbey and Poldarks Michael Culkin as the court judgeTowards Zero airs on Sunday nights at 9pm on BBC One.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) which has been known to fund the development of sci-fi-sounding ideas like flying aircraft carriers or massive streetlights on the Moon is now seeking public input on its plans to construct massive "bio-mechanical space structures."As spotted by Gizmodo, the agency filed a Request for Information this week for the eyebrow-raising concept. And while we're still not 100 percent sure exactly what they're going after, it sounds rad as hell.According to a description of the request, DARPA is looking into the "feasibility" of creating "useful space structures" over 1,600 feet in length that could "disrupt the current state-of-the-art and position biology as a complimentary component of the in-space assembly infrastructure."Possibilities, according to the document,include "tethers for a space elevator, grid-nets for orbital debris remediation, kilometer-scale interferometers for radio science, new self-assembled wings of a commercial space station for hosting additional payloads, or on-demand production of patch materials to adhere and repair micrometeorite damage."What DARPA wants to specifically look into are new methods and "technical insights" to create these "large, self-assembled, mechanically stable biological growths in space."There are plenty of advantages to having larger structures be constructed in space. For one, it's a whole lot cheaper than launching large components and other building materials from the Earth's surface. And beyond welding pieces of metal together, DARPA is peering much further into the future by wanting to harness biological engineering to exploit its "rapid growth properties" which could one day be done with minimal human intervention.The agency used a tent as an analogy."Given the structural material of the tent poles, biological growth mechanisms are envisioned to be the 'cover' of the tent," the document reads.In short, it's hard not to see DARPA's vision as a terrifying blob of space gloop or "filler" encompassing the necessary "electronics or structural materials." Is the agency trying to leapfrog a near future filled with conventionally built space stations by jumping straight to a hard sci-fi paradigm where space structures are grown through biological means, not built?It's certainly a pretty out-there concept, as we haven't even reached such a stage on Earth, where we've only started exploring concepts like using mycelium as living building materials.And how long scientists have to work on the idea remains unclear at best. Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency is set to plow through the Department of Defense, which could bring about mass layoffs amid other budget cuts.How lifesaving research into HIV/AIDS vaccines and Ebola, which recently landed on DOGE's chopping block, stack up to the importance of DARPA's grand visions of growing structures in space remains to be seen.In the meantime, DARPA is planning to hold a "sponsored workshop" in April to discuss relevant "future research."Share This Article

Mobile World Congress runs March 3-6, 2025.

Find the fastest home internet speeds and cheapest plans in Amarillo with CNET's top picks for the best ISP in this Texas town.

Buy games and support key services for children with the NSPCC's Game Safe Steam Sale"Proceeds help us to support children through services such as Childline."Image credit: NSPCC News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on March 2, 2025 Valve has partnered with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to offer over 50 discounted games with 10 percent of proceeds going to the children's charity.The sale - running from now until 7th March, 2025 - includes games like Railbound, Summer House, and Before Your Eyes, with 10 percent going to support key services like Childline, counselling and therapy, parental advice, and delivering safeguarding training to organisations that work with children.NSPCC Game Safe Sale.Watch on YouTubeWhilst the NSPCC acknowledges the risks that come with online gaming, the NSPCC also hears from many young people on the benefits of playing games, both online and offline, with one 14-year-old saying: "Sometimes I get overwhelmed with everything going on around me."My new support worker knows I love board games, and he showed me I can play Cluedo online! Its part of my strategy now when I need a distraction, it feels really good to have plans to help me cope.""The NSPCC is excited to announce the launch of the Game Safe Steam sale. The proceeds will help us to support children and young people through services, such as Childline," said Lewie Procter, head of gaming partnerships at the NSPCC."We are thrilled that popular games, such as Cluedo, Hypnospace Outlaw and Yes, Your Grace, are on sale, giving gaming fans a chance to make a difference."We want to thank Steam for partnering with us and to the developers and publishers for supporting this brilliant initiative. We are proud to work with them and look forward to continuing to raise awareness of online safety on gaming platforms."For more Steamy goodness, check out our Wishlisted hub.

Did the Haliey "Hawk Tuah Girl" Welch saga teach us nothing? Did Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson not tell us that meme coins are 'icky'? The idea of celebrating Donald Trump's return to the Oval Office with a meme coin might've sounded like a patriotic way to usher in this new era of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence advancements, and with 500 people reportedly becoming millionaires overnight, it looked like some were destined to become pretty rich.Not least of them was Trump himself, with the returning POTUS making billions off the back of the meme coin. As we've already warned, meme coins can be volatile and have been compared to 'gambling' by some, which was shown by the launch of Melania Trump's own $MELANIA coin wiping a ton of value off her husband's.Interest in $TRUMP continues to slump (NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty)AdvertThe Commander in Chief and his wife have come under fire recently, with the current worth of Melania's coin being branded as 'disgusting' just over a month after it was first launched. To put it into context, those who invested $10,000 in Melania's coin during its inauguration peak of $13.73 find the total would now be worth just $652.44.Things arent looking much better for $TRUMP, as it's managed to wipe 80% off its value since its January 17 launch. As reported by The Telegraph, $TRUMP has spectacularly dropped from its January 19 peak of $73.43.Having plummeted from $15 billion to $2.7 billion on February 27, it currently sits at a measly $11.27 at the time of writing and has lost over $12 billion. The site also claims that the value of the coins owned by Trump himself has been slashed by a jaw-dropping $50 billion.It's bad news across the board for crypto, with the dramatic drop of interest in $TRUMP and $MELANIA being part of a wider fallout. After Bitcoin similarly hit an all-time high of $108,786 on January 20's inauguration day, it's slumped down to just $79,844. This goes against the projections of some, who predicted Bitcoin could soar past $200,000 per coin in 2025.AdvertThings aren't looking great for Trump vowing to be the world's first 'crypto president' or the appointment of venture capitalist David Sacks as the White House's very own 'Crypto Tsar'.It's not looking good for the Trump family meme coins (CoinGecko)These crypto concerns come as California freshman Democrat Rep. Sam Liccardo puts the President's meme coin monopoly in his crosshairs. Speaking to ABC News, Liccardo explained how he wants to enact legislation that would stop White House officials and their families from capitalizing on meme coins.The Modern Emoluments and Malfeasance Enforcement (MEME) Act would prevent everyone from the President to members of Congress (as well as their families) from "sponsoring or endorsing a security, future, commodity or digital asset."AdvertLiccardo added: "Lets make corruption criminal again. Our public offices belong to the public, not the officeholders, nor should they leverage their political authority for financial gain."The Trumps issuance of meme coins financially exploits the public for personal gain, and raises the specter of insider trading and foreign influence over the Executive Branch."If things continue the way they are, Liccardo might not have much to worry about, as the interest in the Trump dynasty meme coins looks like it's continuing to dwindle.

Video conferencing software has become extremely popular thanks to remote and hybrid work. You no longer need in-person visits with clients or colleagues to stay informed. Now, you can use your PC or mobile device to hop into a quick meeting, which can be far more productive and convenient -- especially if participants are in different time zones.Also:Google Meet now automatically centers you - and it's kind of freakyVideo conferencing software comes in many forms and flavors: small bolt-ons to productivity suites, standalone solutions, online-only services, as well as desktop and mobile apps. It can be difficult to find the right solution, but the main factors you should consider are how often you will need to use it, how many seats -- or licenses -- you will need to support, and whether you need collaboration tools.What is the best video conferencing software right now?The best video conferencing software solution right now is Zoom. The service became a household name during the pandemic and is now one of the most popular video conferencing solutions worldwide. Zoom boasts a user-friendly platform, breakrooms, virtual backgrounds, collaborative tools, and more for a reasonable price.ZDNET's team has used video conferencing tools for as long as they have been around. We have extensively researched and tested available services on major operating systems. We also examined customer feedback we compiled our guide for the best options.Read on for the rest of our top choices for the best video conferencing software of 2025. Sort by All The best video conferencing software of 2025 Show less View now at Zoom Zoom gained a huge following in 2020 and is still one of the top performers in the video conferencing software space.Zoom provides almost everything you want in an end-to-end encrypted HD video conference platform. You can join from a dedicated desktop suite, mobile app, or web browser. Breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, collaborative whiteboards, screen sharing, video recording, messaging, and even an artificial intelligence companion are all available to enhance productivity.Amid Zoom's explosion in popularity during the pandemic, it also came under fire for security issues, but the service now regularly performs security updates and has also implemented role-based controls.Zoom still offers a free version, but it comes with a caveat -- free users are limited to 40-minute meetings.I've been using Zoom consistently through the years, having become acquainted with the software throughout the pandemic. I can see why so many customers are pleased with it, considering how user-friendly Zoom is, not to mention the wide range of tools and features on offer.Outside of free connections and use, Zoom offers a range of individual and paid plans and many bolt-ons and additional services. An individual plan allows you to host up to 100 participants, starting at $13.33 per month per user. Zoom's Business plan, priced at $18.32 per month per seat for 10 users minimum, can support up to 300 -- with more capacity on offer if you add the Large Meeting bolt-on.Zoom features:High capacity meetings| Collaborative tools| Interactive whiteboards| Messaging | AI| Paid plans available| Free version | Bolt-ons available Pros User-friendly Capable of large seat numbers Collaborative tools Intuitive interface Cons 40-minute free meeting limits 10 user minimum business plan Zoom gained a huge following in 2020 and is still one of the top performers in the video conferencing software space.Zoom provides almost everything you want in an end-to-end encrypted HD video conference platform. You can join from a dedicated desktop suite, mobile app, or web browser. Breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, collaborative whiteboards, screen sharing, video recording, messaging, and even an artificial intelligence companion are all available to enhance productivity.Amid Zoom's explosion in popularity during the pandemic, it also came under fire for security issues, but the service now regularly performs security updates and has also implemented role-based controls.Zoom still offers a free version, but it comes with a caveat -- free users are limited to 40-minute meetings.I've been using Zoom consistently through the years, having become acquainted with the software throughout the pandemic. I can see why so many customers are pleased with it, considering how user-friendly Zoom is, not to mention the wide range of tools and features on offer.Outside of free connections and use, Zoom offers a range of individual and paid plans and many bolt-ons and additional services. An individual plan allows you to host up to 100 participants, starting at $13.33 per month per user. Zoom's Business plan, priced at $18.32 per month per seat for 10 users minimum, can support up to 300 -- with more capacity on offer if you add the Large Meeting bolt-on.Zoom features:High capacity meetings| Collaborative tools| Interactive whiteboards| Messaging | AI| Paid plans available| Free version | Bolt-ons available Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Microsoft Microsoft Teams, tech giant Microsoft's video conferencing software, is another popular option for businesses -- large or small -- around the globe. Many customers are happy with the service, but some said they have experienced occasional technical issues and unexpected crashes.Recently, Microsoft added its AI CoPilot assistant functionality to the platform, which I would consider more of a Microsoft 365 productivity suite feature than a dedicated, standalone product.But what does it offer beyond AI? Standard subscriptions offer meetings with up to 300 participants, guest access, breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, AI notetaking, recordings, live captions, and cloud storage.Free accounts cap meetings at 100 participants. In addition, last month, Microsoft announcedplans to shut down its video call app Skype and focus on its free Teams plan.Microsoft 365 Personal, the service's individual plan, starts at $10 per month. Companies will want to explore Microsoft's business plans, starting at $4 per user per month.Microsoft Teams features: Up to 300 participants |Messaging| Breakout rooms | Virtual backgrounds | AI-generated meeting notes| CoPilot| Free or paid plans Pros Secure Popular Collaborative tools AI-generated meeting notes Cons Some technical complaints Can be a memory hog Microsoft Teams, tech giant Microsoft's video conferencing software, is another popular option for businesses -- large or small -- around the globe. Many customers are happy with the service, but some said they have experienced occasional technical issues and unexpected crashes.Recently, Microsoft added its AI CoPilot assistant functionality to the platform, which I would consider more of a Microsoft 365 productivity suite feature than a dedicated, standalone product.But what does it offer beyond AI? Standard subscriptions offer meetings with up to 300 participants, guest access, breakout rooms, virtual backgrounds, AI notetaking, recordings, live captions, and cloud storage.Free accounts cap meetings at 100 participants. In addition, last month, Microsoft announcedplans to shut down its video call app Skype and focus on its free Teams plan.Microsoft 365 Personal, the service's individual plan, starts at $10 per month. Companies will want to explore Microsoft's business plans, starting at $4 per user per month.Microsoft Teams features: Up to 300 participants |Messaging| Breakout rooms | Virtual backgrounds | AI-generated meeting notes| CoPilot| Free or paid plans Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you need a video conferencing solution for short, casual meetings and you like Google's ecosystem, you should explore Google Meet.Google Meet prizes simplicity above all else -- receive an invitation, open the link in your browser, check your mic and camera, and away you go. If you're already using Google Workspace tools, adopting Meet makes sense.It's important to note this web-based option is the most compatible with the Google Chrome browser. Google account holders can invite up to 100 participants and hold one-hour meetings for free.Customer reviews indicate that Google Meet is a great option for ad-hoc and smaller meetings, and as a frequent user, I agree. However, some would like to see more advanced features on offer.You can use Google Meet for free, and Workspace plans start at $7 per seat per month. If you need to host meetings with up to 150 participants, you will need to consider signing up for the Business Standard plan, priced at $14 per seat per month.Google Meet features: 150+ participants (100 free)| Video recording| AI | Transcription | Live streaming| Google Workspace integration| Breakout rooms| Free or paid options Pros Easy to use Reliable Google Workspace integration Cons Breakout rooms require subscription A lack of advanced features If you need a video conferencing solution for short, casual meetings and you like Google's ecosystem, you should explore Google Meet.Google Meet prizes simplicity above all else -- receive an invitation, open the link in your browser, check your mic and camera, and away you go. If you're already using Google Workspace tools, adopting Meet makes sense.It's important to note this web-based option is the most compatible with the Google Chrome browser. Google account holders can invite up to 100 participants and hold one-hour meetings for free.Customer reviews indicate that Google Meet is a great option for ad-hoc and smaller meetings, and as a frequent user, I agree. However, some would like to see more advanced features on offer.You can use Google Meet for free, and Workspace plans start at $7 per seat per month. If you need to host meetings with up to 150 participants, you will need to consider signing up for the Business Standard plan, priced at $14 per seat per month.Google Meet features: 150+ participants (100 free)| Video recording| AI | Transcription | Live streaming| Google Workspace integration| Breakout rooms| Free or paid options Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Cisco Years ago, I admit, I would have to stifle a groan whenever a client scheduled a meeting using Cisco WebEx software. It was buggy, clunky, and downright unpleasant to use. But times have changed and so has Cisco's approach to web conferencing, which now makes it a solid recommendation for large businesses.Cisco WebEx has an excellent video conferencing option suitable for enterprise use. There is a plethora of advanced features available, including messaging, AI assistance, local and cloud recording, collaboration tools, calendar integration, interactive whiteboards, and live polling.You can also use WebEx for free, with up to 100 attendees in 40-minute meetings. Pricing for businesses begins at $12 per seat per month, or $144 per user annually. Custom enterprise plans are also available.Cisco WebEx features:100 - 1000+ attendees| Local and cloud recording | Collaboration tools | Screen sharing and annotation| Noise cancelation | AI| Virtual backgrounds| Free and paid plans Pros Enterprise-grade features Strong security Noise cancelation Cons High price Years ago, I admit, I would have to stifle a groan whenever a client scheduled a meeting using Cisco WebEx software. It was buggy, clunky, and downright unpleasant to use. But times have changed and so has Cisco's approach to web conferencing, which now makes it a solid recommendation for large businesses.Cisco WebEx has an excellent video conferencing option suitable for enterprise use. There is a plethora of advanced features available, including messaging, AI assistance, local and cloud recording, collaboration tools, calendar integration, interactive whiteboards, and live polling.You can also use WebEx for free, with up to 100 attendees in 40-minute meetings. Pricing for businesses begins at $12 per seat per month, or $144 per user annually. Custom enterprise plans are also available.Cisco WebEx features:100 - 1000+ attendees| Local and cloud recording | Collaboration tools | Screen sharing and annotation| Noise cancelation | AI| Virtual backgrounds| Free and paid plans Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at GoTo If you're on the hunt for a video conferencing software solution with intuitive notetaking and presentation tools, consider GoTo Meeting.This option works well on browsers, mobile phones, or through your desktop PC, positioning itself as a solution for remote and hybrid workers. You can easily share your screen and take notes, as well as discuss and annotate presentations. Transcriptions and cloud storage are also available.A helpful Commuter Mode also reduces bandwidth if you need to attend a meeting on the road.While many users report that GoTo Meeting is a solid option for basic meetings and calls, others have complained of poor customer support.Free accounts are limited to meetings with 100 participants. Professional plans start at $12 per user per month.GoTo Meeting features:100 - 250+ participants| Collaborative tools | Calendar integration| Screen sharing| Note taking| Free and paid plans Pros Reliable User-friendly Presentation, collaboration tools Cons Poor customer service reports If you're on the hunt for a video conferencing software solution with intuitive notetaking and presentation tools, consider GoTo Meeting.This option works well on browsers, mobile phones, or through your desktop PC, positioning itself as a solution for remote and hybrid workers. You can easily share your screen and take notes, as well as discuss and annotate presentations. Transcriptions and cloud storage are also available.A helpful Commuter Mode also reduces bandwidth if you need to attend a meeting on the road.While many users report that GoTo Meeting is a solid option for basic meetings and calls, others have complained of poor customer support.Free accounts are limited to meetings with 100 participants. Professional plans start at $12 per user per month.GoTo Meeting features:100 - 250+ participants| Collaborative tools | Calendar integration| Screen sharing| Note taking| Free and paid plans Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best video conferencing software? To help you decide on the video conferencing software solution that suits your needs the most, consider the following factors:Best video conferencing softwarePriceSeatsNoteworthy featuresZoomFree or $13.33+/month100 - 300+AI, HD calls, whiteboards, screen sharing, breakout roomsMicrosoft TeamsFree or $4+/month100 - 300+HD calls, interactive tools, AI note taking, breakout roomsGoogle MeetFree or $7+/month100 - 150+Minimalistic user interface, video and audio calls, noise cancelation, breakout rooms, AICisco WebExFree or $12+/month100 - 1000+AI, noise cancelation, enterprise security, local and cloud recordingGoTo MeetingFree or $12+/month100 - 250+Presentation tools, note taking, Commuter mode, multi-platform compatibility Show more Which is the right video conferencing software for you? Choose this video conferencing software..If you want..ZoomThe best video conferencing software overall. Zoom has exploded in popularity in recent years and provides a solid, intuitive platform for productive meetings of any size.Microsoft TeamsVideo conferencing software for use with Microsoft Office apps. Teams does have its flaws, but it remains a popular option for organizations worldwide that use Office apps.Google MeetA free or minimalist solution for occasional use. Google Meet provides a generous 60-minute time limit for free meetings and scalable options for businesses in the Google ecosystem.Cisco WebExAn enterprise-grade video conferencing suite. Cisco WebEx offers an excellent array of tools for large-scale meetings and webinars, and robust security to boot.GoTo MeetingA meeting platform for hybrid and remote workers to collaborate. GoTo Meeting provides impressive note taking and presentation apps, enhancing meeting productivity. Show more How did we choose the best video conferencing software of 2025? When we were evaluating the best video conferencing software of 2025, we focused on the following factors:Functions: We want to see a variety of functions and features in our video conferencing solution recommendations. Encryption, collaboration tools, screen sharing, chat, recording, breakout rooms, and transcription are all features we consider valuable to users.Platforms: We have included video conferencing software suitable for a range of platforms. This includes the Windows and macOS operating systems, mobile devices, and access through browsers.Scalability: You may need to scale up as your business expands, and this could mean your video conferencing software needs to handle more, too. We included services with growth plan options, including seat -- or license -- numbers.Security: Just as Zoom found during the pandemic with its spate of meeting intrusions that prompted rapid updates and improvements, video conferencing solution providers must maintain an adequate security posture, push updates, and patch vulnerabilities to keep their customers safe.Cost: We have endeavored to include solutions suitable for a range of budgets. Whether you need a free option for casual use, a video conferencing solution for small businesses, or something scalable, you'll find the right software on our list. Show more Video conferencing software FAQs What is the most used video conferencing platform? Zoom, followed by Microsoft Teams, are the most popular video conferencing platforms. Zoom surged in popularity during the pandemic and both solutions provide an excellent suite of communication and collaboration tools for modern businesses. Show more What tools do I need to use video conferencing software? First and foremost, you need a stable and reliable internet connection, whether you choose broadband or cellular. You will also need a PC and a monitor, but you can also connect on a smartphone or tablet. A microphone and camera are also necessary if you plan to participate. These may be built-in depending on your device.Many video conferencing software providers allow you to join meetings through their dedicated software, and you'll need to download the app. Alternatively, you may be able to participate through a browser session. Show more Is Zoom free to use? Yes, but it is limited. Zoom's basic plan restricts you to 40-minute meetings, basic video capacity, and a maximum of 10 documents shared. It's still enough for most, but if your meeting goes over the time limit, you'll have to restart it. Show more Is Slack an online meeting platform? Slack is an excellent platform, but its primary function is written communication and documentation. Slack has a feature called "Huddles" which allows team members to hop on quick audio or video calls through the app. Huddles is convenient but lacks the advanced features of dedicated video conferencing services. Show more Are there alternative video conferencing software solutions worth considering? If the solutions above aren't quite what you're looking for, some excellent alternatives are available. Check them out below. Show more Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

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Daredevil Born AgainDisneyIt was easy to think this day would never come, but Charlie Coxs Daredevil is set to return to screens with Daredevil: Born Again. The original Netflix series ended in 2018, and the show first aired in April of 2015, a decade ago.Now, early reviews say that the show has not missed a step and with pretty much its entire cast returning, thats great to hear, even if the showrunners, directors and writers may not all be the same. But, some key data here you may want to know.Daredevil: Born Again Release Date Tuesday, March 4, 2025Daredevil: Born Again Release Time 6 PM PT, 9 PM ET on TuesdayWhere to watch This link, on Disney PlusDaredevil: Born Again Episode Schedule:Episode 1-2: March 4, 2025Episode 3: March 11, 2025Episode 4: March 18, 2025Episode 5-6: March 25, 2025Episode 7: April 1, 2025Episode 8: April 8, 2025Episode 9: April 15, 2025.So, thats a double episode premiere, and I do not actually know why there are two episodes on March 25, as thats not even a finale or even a midseason break. Going to look into that more. Runtime on the episodes are anywhere between 39-60 minutes or so, similar to the original. Though going back, its hard to believe there was a time when a show like this could get 13 episode seasons, three years in a row, as that simply doesnt happen anymore.Daredevil: Born AgainMarvelWe already know that Daredevil: Born Again is getting a second season that is eight episodes long. That is supposed to be the end of it, but were also getting a spin-off Punisher streaming special movie, and there are strong hints that other Netflix-era MCU characters might return for their own series. Jessica Jones has been hinted at the most by far. Luke Cage and Iron Fist are unclear right now. There is also the hope for a street level era of Spider-Man, but reportedly Sony owns the rights to Spider-Man appearing in long-form, live-action TV. Maybe thats for whole shows, not cameos, but Im not sure. It doesnt seem likely.I would argue there has been almost too much marketing for Daredevil: Born Again at this point, showing too many fight clips and too many interviews strongly hinting at major plot points. Ive had to go out of my way to avoid them at this point, but all indications are is that this series is going to be what fans have been hoping for after the last seven years of missing these characters.Follow me , and .Pick up my sci-fi novels the and