As conventional AI benchmarking techniques prove inadequate, AI builders are turning to more creative ways to assess the capabilities of generative AI models. For one group of developers, thats Minecraft, the Microsoft-owned sandbox-building game.The website Minecraft Benchmark (or MC-Bench) was developed collaboratively to pit AI models against each other in head-to-head challenges to respond to prompts with Minecraft creations. Users can vote on which model did a better job, and only after voting can they see which AI made each Minecraft build.Image Credits:Minecraft Benchmark (opens in a new window)For Adi Singh, the 12th grader who started MC-Bench, the value of Minecraft isnt so much the game itself, but the familiarity that people have with it after all, it is the best-selling video game of all time. Even for people who havent played the game, its still possible to evaluate which blocky representation of a pineapple is better realized.Minecraft allows people to see the progress [of AI development] much more easily, Singh told TechCrunch. People are used to Minecraft, used to the look and the vibe.MC-Bench currently lists eight people as volunteer contributors. Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and Alibaba have subsidized the projects use of their products to run benchmark prompts, per MC-Benchs website, but the companies are not otherwise affiliated. Currently we are just doing simple builds to reflect on how far weve come from the GPT-3 era, but [we] could see ourselves scaling to these longer-form plans and goal-oriented tasks, Singh said. Games might just be a medium to test agentic reasoning that is safer than in real life and more controllable for testing purposes, making it more ideal in my eyes.Other games like Pokmon Red,Street Fighter, and Pictionary have been used as experimental benchmarks for AI, in part because the art of benchmarking AI is notoriously tricky.Researchers often test AI models on standardized evaluations, but many of these tests give AI a home-field advantage. Because of the way theyre trained, models are naturally gifted at certain, narrow kinds of problem-solving, particularly problem-solving that requires rote memorization or basic extrapolation.Put simply, its hard to glean what it means that OpenAIs GPT-4 can score in the 88th percentile on the LSAT, but cannot discern how many Rs are in the word strawberry. Anthropics Claude 3.7 Sonnet achieved 62.3% accuracy on a standardized software engineering benchmark, but it is worse at playing Pokmon than most five-year-olds. MC-Bench is technically a programming benchmark, since the models are asked to write code to create the prompted build, like Frosty the Snowman or a charming tropical beach hut on a pristine sandy shore.But its easier for most MC-Bench users to evaluate whether a snowman looks better than to dig into code, which gives the project wider appeal and thus the potential to collect more data about which models consistently score better.Whether those scores amount to much in the way of AI usefulness is up for debate, of course. Singh asserts that theyre a strong signal, though.The current leaderboard reflects quite closely to my own experience of using these models, which is unlike a lot of pure text benchmarks, Singh said. Maybe [MC-Bench] could be useful to companies to know if theyre heading in the right direction.

In BriefPosted:1:07 PM PDT March 20, 2025Image Credits:Kim Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty ImagesNorth Korea launches new unit with a focus on AI hacking, per reportThe North Korean government is reportedly establishing a new hacking group within the intelligence agency Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB).Daily NK, a news outlet that focuses on North Korea, reported last week that the new hacking unit, called Research Center 227, will focus on research to develop offensive hacking technologies and programs, citing a source inside the regime.The source said, per the report, Research Center 227 will research Western cybersecurity systems and computer networks, strengthening the regimes capabilities to steal digital assets, develop AI-based techniques for information theft, and will work to respond to information from North Korean overseas hacking units.In recent years, North Korean hackers have been known to target crypto exchanges and companies around the world, leading to spectacular thefts like the recent 1.4 billion-worth hack of Bybit.The U.S. National Security Agency and the FBI have previously accused the North Korean RGB unit of hacking and espionage activities.Topics

The FMX 2025program isnow online. Lists of participating speakers and companies have also been published. The event runs May 6-9 in Stuttgart, May 10 June 10 on-demand.Production supervisor Kevin Baillie and Metaphysic VFX supervisor Jo Plaete will host an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how artist-empowering AI transformed Robert Zemeckis film Here. This session explores how AI-enabled de-aging technology preserved the performances of Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, and Kelly Reilly, seamlessly spanning decades.Baillie and Plaete will break down the real-time face-swapping system that allowed actors and directors to see de-aged performances instantly on set, as well as the AI-driven post-production techniques that allowed Zemeckis to leap over the uncanny valley. They will also discuss AIs broader impact on digital environments, body reconstruction, and enhancing prosthetics for aged characters. This session is part of the VFX for Features track. A devastating deluge hits the world in the Oscar-winning animated feature, Flow. Since the animals don't talk, non-verbal communication plays a decisive role: body language and the animals' natural sounds. In his FMX presentation, animation supervisor Thibaut Delahaye will explain how he approached his part of the feat, focusing on animating quadrupeds. The session is part of the Feature Animation track.Sound designer Gurwal Loc Dallas will elaborate on how sound can convey emotions to help immerse viewers in a film without dialogue. The session is part of the Sound Design track, curated by Nami Strack.Florian Gellinger, co-founder and executive producer, RISE | Visual Effects Studios, looks at the history of our vocabulary and compares it to other industries. How are these industries perceived in the public compared to what we do? How are the companies in our industry marketing themselves? This session is part of the Managing Change track, curated by Imke Fehrmann. Platige Image Producer Marina Borokhova and Lead Previs Artist Dominik Wawrzyniak will take an in-depth look at the pre-production process of the "Crossfire" episode of Prime Videos Secret Level animated anthology series. They will cover everythingfrom storyboarding to motion capture, editing and previs. This session is part of the Animated Seriestrack.How does it feel to have a body? How do we want it to feel? Raman Djafari's presentation will provide insight into his process and thoughts as a director of animated music videos and short films, as well as his practice as an illustrator. This session is part of the News track, curated by Shelley Page.Source: FMX 2025 Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Fasad is a new rug collection from Kasthall and its first to use recycled wool, which is woven into tight linear bands. AN chatted with Dirk Gschwind, managing director of DC Design, the studio from David Chipperfield Architects that partnered with Kasthall on the product. The rugs use recycled wool. (Magnus Mrding)AN: What was the design inspiration for Fasad?Dirk Gschwind (DG): The inspiration for Fasad came from the desire to transfer the design aspects of our first rug series with Kasthall, a tufted rug series called Tegel, to a woven rug series. This sounds simpler than it is as the processes for creating tufted or woven rugs are very different. With a tufted rug, you can achieve a design intention relatively directly, like a picture, through the sum of individual points (in this case threads). With woven rugs, however, you have to think much more about their construction, structure, and the materialwhich creates different challenges in itself. The results could be unpredictable at times, so this was a learning experience.In the end I think we managed to reflect the three-dimensionality of the tufted Tegel rugs (the layering through threads of different lengths), the haptic and surface structure, the color range into the Fasad woven rug to create something elegant and strong. Layering was key to creating a balanced woven structure, which we achieved in the end by using a boucl yarn. We reached this approach after many experiments with different material compositions and thread tensions of both boucl and plain yarns. It took a few attempts to produce the desired colors, the designers also experimented with not dying the wool. (Magnus Mrding)AN: What is exciting about the incorporation of recycled wool? How did that change the design?DG: By using recycled wool, it was possible to add a whole new layer to this project both technically and aesthetically. There was little prior experience with recycled wool, posing a challenge in terms of the stability of the yarn which now had to be guaranteed with much shorter fibers. To produce the desired colors also took a few attempts as the recycled fibers reacted very differently to the dyes. In the end, this experimentation prompted us to use the yarn also undyed. In addition, there was an impact on the surface structure, with the shorter recycled fibers creating a much woollier appearance. It was exciting to us to see how responding to the technical challenges opened up new design and aesthetic possibilities. The rug comes in two patterns Uno and Duo. (Magnus Mrding)AN: Can you describe how Fasad looks up close?DG: When you look at Fasad up close, you dive deeper into its materiality. You can see the warm, slightly woolly surface of the recycled yarn very clearly, but also the liveliness of the boucl yarn with the individual shimmering areas of the mixed-in linen. The close-up view reveals a variety of textures and surfaces which are quietly inviting in their tactility.AN: How do you envision Fasad being used in interiors projects?DG: We think that Fasad should generate a wide range of possible uses. The color scheme and the two patterns (Uno and Duo) give the family a strong identity without being a distraction or statement. They serve as a stage, a foundation for other things. The materiality and structure have a simplicity that feels both familiar and modern, and which should adapt well to many different environments.

Published March 20, 2025 10:00am EDT | Updated March 20, 2025 3:44pm EDT close Americans to see taxes go up if Trump tax cuts arent extended: GOPAC chair "America Reports" panelists Meghan Hays and David Avella discuss Democrats' ongoing criticism of DOGE cuts. Scammers try to impersonate everything and everyone. They email you pretending to be your boss and ask for money, call you claiming your Microsoft account has been hacked or send phishing links for fake package deliveries.However, the most common type of impersonation scam occurs when bad actors pose as government agencies, especially the IRS.The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is aware of this and has issued a new warning for 2025 about text messages impersonating the Internal Revenue Service. I will discuss everything you need to know to avoid this new tax scam and protect your personal information.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW A person working on their taxes (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The new IRS scam alertTo understand the new IRS scam, lets first examine what its based on. The IRS has been sending out COVID-19 stimulus payments worth up to $1,400 to around 1 million tax filers who missed them. Initially, these payments were self-claimed, but now the IRS is automatically issuing them to ensure eligible taxpayers get what theyre owed.This provision, known as theRecovery Rebate Credit, allows people to claim missed stimulus payments from 2021. If you were eligible but didnt receive the funds, you can still claim them by filing a tax return by April 15, 2025. Payments will be deposited directly using the banking information listed on the taxpayer's 2023 return or sent as a paper check.However, TIGTA is warning that scammers are targeting taxpayers with fraudulent text messages, as reported byTaxAct. These fake texts claim that recipients will receive an Economic Impact Payment from the IRS and often ask for sensitive personal information, like bank account details or your Social Security number. Scammers use this information to steal your identity or financial data.The IRS has made it clear that eligible taxpayers who didnt claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return will receive their payments automatically; no action is required. A woman working on her taxes (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Spotting phishing scams is more important than everMost phones and PCs today have enough protections to keep bad actors at bay, so in almost every case, the only way anyone can access your device and data is if you give it to them. Hackers often sendphishing links thatimpersonate a government agency, someone you know or a trusted brand, tricking you into clicking. Once you do, malware is installed on your device to quietly collect useful data and send it to the hackers. Thats why the most important part of staying safe online is knowing how to distinguish between legitimate and scam messages emails or calls. For example, you can easily tell if a communication is from the IRS or a scam by focusing on the following key factors.Type of communication: The IRS will never contact you via text for things like economic impact payments or financial information requests; they will send a letter or notice through mail or fax.Suspicious links: Government websites always end in ".gov," while scam texts may contain links ending in ".com" or ".net."Demands or threats: Be cautious of messages that create urgency or threats and look for any oddities or misspellings in the link as well.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Illustration of items used to prepare taxes (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)10 ways to stay safe from scammers impersonating government agencies1. Install strong antivirus software: As scammers increasingly impersonate government agencies like the IRS through phishing links and fake messages, installing strong antivirus software is crucial to protect yourself from these threats. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Antivirus software can detect and block suspicious links, warn you about potentially harmful websites and prevent malware from being installed on your device.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2. Always verify the authenticity of unsolicited communications:If you receive an unexpected email, text or phone call claiming to be from a government agency, it's essential to confirm its authenticity. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to trick you into taking immediate action. To verify, always use official contact details from government websites. Avoid clicking any links in the message and reach out to the agency directly to confirm whether the communication is legitimate.3. Reach out directly if you're unsure:When youre unsure about the legitimacy of a message or request, contact the government agency directly using verified contact details. Never respond to the message or click on any links within it. By calling or visiting the agencys official website, you can ensure youre communicating with authorized representatives and avoid scammers impersonating government officials.4. Use strong, unique passwords to protect your accounts:One of the best ways to protect your sensitive information from scammers is by using strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like "password123" or "qwerty." Instead, create complex passwords that include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.Also, consider using a password manager to keep track of your credentials and ensure youre using different passwords for each account. Get more details about mybest expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE5. Monitor your tax account: Regularly check your IRS account atwww.irs.gov to confirm the status of your tax return, verify that no unauthorized tax filings have occurred and update personal and contact information as needed.6. Report suspicious tax-related activities immediately: If you suspect a scam or fraudulent activity, its crucial to report it to the relevant authorities right away. Whether youve received a suspicious message or believe your information has been compromised, reporting it helps prevent further harm. The IRS and other agencies have dedicated channels for reporting fraud, so take action as soon as you can to protect yourself and others from these schemes.7. Invest in personal data removal services: Use a personal data removal service to remove your personal information from data broker and people-finder sites, which scammers often use to find phone numbers and email addresses. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.8. Use direct deposit for refunds: This is the safest way to receive your tax refund, reducing the risk of mail theft, forgery or fraudulent check cashing.9. Be wary of spoofed websites: Type the address of your actual tax prep site rather than clicking on a link from an email or advertisement. Investigate the domain before entering any confidential information.10. Use an identity theft protection service:An identity theft protection service provides personal and financial monitoring and will try to help you if your identity is ever compromised. Identity theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account.They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.Kurts key takeawayTax season is here, and with it comes an increase in scams impersonating the IRS and targeting taxpayers. The good news is these scams are often easy to spot. If you receive a text message from the IRS asking you to provide personal information, its a red flag; its not from them. Be especially cautious of any links included in the message. A legitimate URL will always end in ".gov." However, scammers may try to trick you by altering the link slightly, so look closely for any misspellings or strange characters. If in doubt, always verify through official channels.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think AI is making it easier for scammers to impersonate legitimate organizations like the IRS? 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.Alert:Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.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.

When is Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025?The e-commerce giant's latest sales event will run from Tuesday, March 25, to Monday, March 31. However, several deals will go live before and after that time frame.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?While there are no guarantees that the prices you see are the lowest ever, Amazon -- and the various retailers and sellers it works with -- tends to keep promotions as competitive as possible. That's why you can expect discounts that match all-time-lows -- or at least somewhere near them.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?While it's always helpful when products are discounted significantly (we usually cover ones that are at least 20% off), ZDNET experts also prioritize promotions on products we've personally tested and can vouch for. Since the products you purchase are considerable investments, we ensure that our recommendations are grounded by thorough research, testing, and value.We also source reviews from actual customers, whether through Best Buy and Amazon testimonials (with hands-on images) or online forums like Reddit.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.What are the best early Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through early Amazon Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best early deals so far:You can also find the best early Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best early anti-Amazon Spring Sale deals

Here's why the battle over who leads in AI could make or break your organization.

In 2025, enterprises are leveraging AI capabilities to enhance data management.Freepik and Robert KramerJust like 2023, 2024 was a dynamic year for enterprise data management, and 2025 is shaping up to bring even more change. Generative AI is becoming central to how enterprises manage and use their information, and the mushrooming influence of agentic AI could be even more demanding and disruptive going forward.In this context, savvy enterprises have increased their focus on data quality, because they realize that AI is only as effective as the data it uses like how a chef depends on good ingredients to make a great dish. This makes ensuring data accuracy and reliability a top priority, because its not just about collecting massive amounts of data, but about gathering and using the right data.Over the past year, enterprises have reevaluated data management strategies to unlock AIs full potential, and a range of IT vendors have played significant roles in supporting this shift. They have introduced new tools and frameworks to help organizations tackle data quality, change management, data governance and the complex interactions between data and enterprise systems.Lets look at the critical areas where organizations are looking to create more value from their enterprise data, and review what key vendors are doing to enable them.The Need For Data Quality And Stronger Connections With Enterprise SystemsWhen it comes to data management, clean and accessible information is the backbone. Ive seen how addressing data quality and integration issues can turn messy, siloed systems into sources for actionable insights that drive better decisions. Many vendors like SAP, Databricks, Informatica and Cloudera help customers improve data quality with integrated solutions that create unified data views, improve collaboration, reduce errors and prepare data for advanced analytics.In the past year, I have noticed a significant trend: the push for stronger connections between data and enterprise systems. Hybrid data platforms are enabling real-time data flow across ERP, SCM and other systems. For industries such as manufacturing, having a single view of production schedules, inventory and supply chain logistics makes a real difference because it allows for faster, smarter decision making and a lot less guesswork.Take, for example, a manufacturing company that uses IoT sensors to monitor production equipment. By connecting these sensors to the ERP system, real-time data about machine performance can automatically update various aspects of the business, informing production schedules, maintenance requests, inventory forecasts and even financial projections. This flow of information across departments breaks down data silos and creates a current, unified view of operations.Change Management Is About People And ProcessesNot coincidentally, the effectiveness of these integrations always ties back to change management. No matter how advanced the technology, its only as good as how well people can use it and how much they can trust the data it provides. In other words, adopting new technologies isnt just about the tools its about the people and processes. I have consistently voiced how strongly I feel that change management is vital in making these transitions work. Without it, youre likely to see resistance from teams, gaps in training or misalignment between IT and business goals, all of which can slow down projects or limit their impact.The enterprises that get it right are the ones that focus on clear communication, phased rollouts and training that makes sense for their teams. The vendors that get it right provide thoughtful onboarding programs and tools to help make this so. Its not just about implementing a tool, but ensuring that everyone is ready and equipped to use it effectively.Data Governance Is A Critical Component For AIThe rapid rise of AI is also transforming how organizations approach data governance. As businesses increasingly rely on AI, the importance of ensuring data quality, security and compliance has never been greater. Automated governance tools are stepping in to fill this need, offering solutions that monitor AI systems and the data they use in real time.At the same time, enterprise data management platforms are being held to higher standards for governance. Theyre now expected to provide features that track data usage, enforce access controls and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. As AI adoption continues to accelerate, its clear that the way we govern and manage data will need to keep pace.How Top Vendors Are Approaching Data ManagementLets take a look at the most important vendors in enterprise data management, going category by category.Large Cloud Service ProvidersAWS The biggest CSP offers a good example of how cloud-based data management tools have become more accessible. Amazon SageMaker simplifies data management by bringing together data discovery, governance, collaboration and automation in one place, making it easier to access and process datasets for machine learning projects. Amazon DataZone simplifies data sharing, governance and analysis, making it easier for organizations to manage and utilize their data effectively. By lowering technical barriers, Amazons tools help companies innovate without needing large in-house AI teams to get more value from their data while maintaining control over governance and security.Microsoft I recently published an article in Forbes about Microsoft Fabric, examining how it advances Microsofts approach to data management and AI integration. Fabric consolidates multiple Microsoft data services Azure Synapse Analytics, Power BI, Azure Data Factory and Azure Machine Learning into a single ecosystem. A key component is OneLake, a unified logical data lake designed to streamline data storage and accessibility. The platforms deep integration with Azure AI services and Microsoft Copilot enhances automation and analytics capabilities, while its alignment with Microsoft Purview strengthens data governance and security.Google Googles unified view across cloud environments helps businesses reduce compliance risks and manual data management efforts while speeding up AI model deployment. Recent enhancements include updates to BigQuery to support faster, cost-effective analysis of large datasets. Dataplex simplifies data governance by automating discovery, organization and security, and Vertex AI works with Dataplex to track data from processing through AI model deployment, ensuring compliance and responsible AI use. Looker will soon be integrated with Dataplex; this should improve data visualization by bringing BI assets, data and AI resources together.Other Major Platform ProvidersOracle The database and ERP giant offers a full spectrum of services supported by Oracle-managed data centers globally. Besides its enterprise applications and IaaS offerings, it supplies customers with AI-powered databases, analytics and development tools via PaaS, plus its Oracle Data Cloud helps turn large datasets into insights for businesses. The latest Oracle Database 23ai includes a number of data management enhancements, including AI Vector Search, which finds results based on meaning rather than exact keywords.IBM The company is enhancing its data management capabilities by improving its data fabric and the watsonx.data platform. Integrating DataStaxs NoSQL and vector search features allows for better handling of both structured and unstructured data across hybrid cloud environments. The result is faster data processing, improved AI model retrieval and more efficient AI-driven workloads, which means quicker access to insights, better scalability for AI applications and stronger data security and compliance. This aligns with IBMs larger data and AI strategy to create an integrated environment that simplifies data management while realizing the potential of AI technologies.SAP With its Business Data Cloud, launched in Q1 2025, SAP is making waves in enterprise data management and positioning itself as a strong competitor to established offerings from Oracle and Salesforce, with a focus on integrating structured and unstructured data from SAP applications and external sources. Through a strategic partnership with Databricks, BDC enhances data accessibility and governance for SAPs cloud-based ERP offerings. It also improves Joule, SAPs AI assistant, simplifies data integration, reduces storage costs, provides AI-driven analytics and helps customers consolidate data from multiple sources, cutting down the time spent on data preparation.Salesforce Data Cloud is a comprehensive platform that brings together different types of data such as customer interactions, transactions and external signals in one place. An important part of this platform is Agentforce, introduced in August 2024, which leverages AI to help create detailed customer profiles so sales, service and marketing teams can deliver more personalized and timely experiences. Data Clouds capabilities extend beyond traditional data management, incorporating unstructured data processing, including audio and video content, to provide deeper customer insights and enable more contextually aware AI agents.ServiceNow The companys Now Platform uses a unified architecture and single data model to simplify application development and integration. The introduction of RaptorDB, an in-house database, addresses scalability challenges often encountered in unified systems. ServiceNow strategically aims to eliminate swivel-chair operations by serving as the unified front-end for processes across multiple enterprise systems, aligning with the companys goal of streamlining workflows across organizations. The companys planned acquisition of Moveworks should enhance its AI capabilities, making it easier for employees to find and use data across different systems.Adobe The company offers an integrated suite of tools to improve how businesses create and distribute content. In support of this, its Customer Data Platform consolidates customer information from various sources, allowing for more targeted marketing and customer service. This data management approach aims to improve efficiency and collaboration while maintaining strong data governance and compliance. The company continues to incorporate more AI capabilities, improve interoperability among its products and enhance reporting features to support enterprise marketing functions.Data SpecialistsCloudera The Cloudera Data Platform combines data storage, processing and analysis tools in one place, helping organizations manage data across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments and remote devices. CDP works with major cloud providers as well as on-site systems and is based on open source technologies. The company is particularly focused on enabling businesses to leverage their proprietary data to build contextualized AI models, while maintaining strict governance and compliance standards. Cloudera Data Engineering handles large-scale data processing for analytics and AI applications, using a cloud-native service with Apache Spark and Airflow for orchestration, monitoring and troubleshooting.Informatica The companys Intelligent Data Management Cloud platform leverages AI and machine learning to help organizations integrate, govern and extract value from their data assets across multi-cloud and hybrid environments. Informatica has recently enhanced its offerings by introducing user-friendly low-code/no-code options, which can reduce the technical barriers for data management and analysis, allowing a broader range of employees to work with data directly. Additionally, the company has implemented DataOps principles to create more agile data pipelines, which can result in faster data delivery and increased responsiveness to changing business needs.Databricks The Databricks platform combines data warehouses and data lakes, enabling organizations to handle all data types and workloads in a single system. This unified approach enables data engineering, machine learning and business analytics from one platform. Through its partnership with SAP (discussed above), Databricks extends its capabilities to provide seamless data processing and AI-driven insights for SAPs Business Data Cloud customers. If you want to know how well Databricks is doing, in December 2024 the company raised $10 billion in Series J funding from a set of top VCs, pushing its valuation to $62 billion.Snowflake The Snowflake Data Cloud focuses on data management and analytics, offering a single platform where businesses can store, process and analyze all their data. The solution is known for its scalability, allowing businesses to use only what they need when they need it, which helps control costs. Designed with security and regulatory compliance in mind, its well-suited for handling sensitive information. Its Native Application Framework allows developers to build, deploy and distribute applications directly within the Data Cloud, enabling data access and computation without requiring customers to move or duplicate their data.Teradata The company has expanded its VantageCloud platform to improve analytics for hybrid and multi-cloud environments. This platform simplifies data preparation, model deployment and monitoring, enabling faster AI development. Teradatas partnership with Nvidia introduces an on-premises AI solution that integrates with familiar cloud-based AI tools such as AWS SageMaker and Google Vertex AI. Its open data ecosystem approach decreases data integration time, enabling faster insights from diverse sources. Teradatas focus on responsible AI and ethical data management helps companies reduce compliance-related incidents, mitigating financial and reputational risks.Looking Ahead: Generative AI Becomes Part Of Everyday OperationsAs we move deeper into 2025, several trends are likely to reshape the enterprise data landscape. AI governance will take center stage as enterprises focus on frameworks to ensure AI technologies ethical and responsible use. This is about meeting compliance standards and building trust and transparency in AI systems operations. Privacy-enhancing technologies will also gain momentum as enterprises adapt to evolving data privacy regulations.Edge computing will continue to grow with the expansion of IoT devices and 5G networks, pushing data processing closer to the source. This shift will require new real-time strategies to manage and analyze data while addressing security and latency challenges.Data mesh architecture is another area to watch. Its decentralized approach offers flexibility and scalability, making it appealing for organizations struggling with siloed data. However, adopting this model requires significant cultural and operational changes to empower teams to manage their data effectively.Finally, quantum computing could begin to impact data processing and analysis in specific areas such as cryptography and complex simulations. Forward-thinking organizations have started exploring its potential to prepare for future opportunities. Together, these trends will shape how enterprises approach data management, AI integration and decision making; all of them will require adaptability and proactive planning for organizations to achieve success in an increasingly complex landscape.Navigating The Data-Driven FutureLooking back over the past year, its clear that effective data management remains central to business operations, but much of the real progress came from getting the basics right like data quality, change management, governance and integration. The tools are out there, but they work only if teams are ready to use them.As we move forward, I suggest keeping an eye on the emerging trends described above. These developments bring new ways to handle data but also come with challenges. For example, edge computing may improve real-time processing, but it also adds complexity in managing distributed data. AI governance is another area to prioritize, not just for compliance but to make sure teams can trust the systems theyre working with.I recommend focusing on building strong foundations. Start with clean, reliable data and align your processes and teams before diving into new technologies. The tools and innovations will keep evolving, but the organizations that get the basics right data consistency, organizational alignment and thoughtful change management will be better prepared to adapt and make smarter decisions in an increasingly complex landscape.

Elon Musk aims to use DOGE to cut through government bureaucracy with Silicon Valley efficiency.AFP via Getty ImagesFew figures in modern history have been as polarizing as Elon Musk. A relentless innovator who has transformed the automotive, space, AI and energy industries, he is now leading the most radical government transformation in decades. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency a new initiative aimed at slashing bureaucracy, privatizing inefficiencies and reshaping the U.S. government Musk is once again disrupting the establishment, and the backlash has been explosive.Tesla dealerships have been attacked. Protests have erupted. Threats against Musk have escalated to the point where he has had to increase his personal security detail. Critics argue that he is recklessly dismantling government agencies, consolidating power and forcing the federal workforce into chaos.Regardless of where critics or supporters stand, one key nuance must not be lost the purpose of government isnt to turn a profit, but to serve the public. As DOGE programs are implemented and debated, its essential to balance long-term structural changes with the governments responsibility to provide critical services safely and reliably, whether its cybersecurity, public safety or air traffic control. Efficiency gains must be carefully balanced with maintaining public trust and ensuring essential services continue to operate safely and reliably.Truth be told, few initiatives carry as much potential to disrupt both the public and private sectors as DOGE. Already, it is sending ripple effects through the high-tech and cybersecurity industries restructuring procurement processes, accelerating automation and redefining how tech firms engage with Washington. It may also determine where the next wave of talent and innovation will emerge.Is DOGE a much-needed modernization effort, or a high-risk experiment with far-reaching, potentially dangerous consequences?DOGE A Government Revolution Or A High-Stakes Gamble?DOGE was launched with one simple but radical mission run the government like a business. The idea is not without precedent. Just as Musks SpaceX revolutionized space travel by delivering results faster and more cost-effectively than traditional government programs like NASA, DOGE aims to apply the same private-sector principles efficiency, innovation and accountability to the broader workings of government. Its a bold attempt to show that privatizing certain governmental functions can drive better outcomes, reduce waste and accelerate progress.Yet unlike private enterprise, government must balance efficiency with its core responsibilities: serving the public and ensuring public safety. Most would agree that for decades, inefficiency, redundancy and waste have unfortunately defined Washingtons bureaucratic machine. Musks mandate, granted by President Trump, is to apply Silicon Valley principles automation, data-driven decision-making and relentless efficiency to a government that has resisted change for generations.The changes under DOGE are as sweeping as they are controversial:Eliminating redundant agencies with the U.S. Agency for International Development reduced drastically, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency being refocused.Privatizing key government functions shifting responsibilities to the private sector.Cutting federal payrolls with AI-driven automation replacing entire departments.Reforming procurement and contracting favoring performance-based partnerships over legacy vendors.The result? Washington is being restructured in real time, and for many entrenched interests, its an existential threat. The federal system is built on slow, bureaucratic processes, while the tech industry thrives on speed, iteration and rapid course correction. DOGE is attempting to bring that private-sector mindset to government but not without raising concerns.Questions have surfaced around potential conflicts of interest, particularly in agencies that regulate Musks own companies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Transportation and Federal Communications Commission. Additionally, DOGEs sweeping changes are facing mounting legal challenges, with some cases potentially reaching the Supreme Court.Is DOGE Good Or Bad For High-Tech?DOGE is more than just a bureaucratic shake-up its a direct catalyst for significant changes across the high-tech and cybersecurity sectors, but one has to be careful. As federal agencies are streamlined, budgets tightened and private-sector partnerships prioritized, the ripple effects are already being felt.1. Cybersecurity Risk And OpportunityOne of the most immediate implications of DOGE is the refocusing of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. While critics are concerned that staffing cuts and reorganization may weaken federal cybersecurity defenses, the reality is more nuanced.As traditional government cybersecurity functions are slimmed down, private-sector cybersecurity firms particularly those specializing in threat detection, managed security services and AI-driven defenses are being positioned to step in and fill the gap. Companies like Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike and Fortinet stand to benefit as the government shifts away from in-house solutions toward outsourced, performance-based contracts.However, there are valid concerns:Will AI-driven automation of federal security protocols introduce vulnerabilities before theyre fully secured?Will fewer compliance checkpoints increase the risk of data breaches, particularly when sensitive government data is involved?Can national security truly be entrusted to private, for-profit companies whose primary objective is profitability rather than public service?What about the hiring practices, security clearances and long-term accountability of these private firms?These are not easy questions, and they warrant serious consideration as the government shifts more responsibilities to the private sector. Yet, they also present an opportunity a chance for cybersecurity companies to step up, offering not only advanced solutions but also demonstrating robust hiring standards, transparent practices and a commitment to safeguarding public trust. Those who can meet these heightened expectations will play a critical role in shaping this next era of cybersecurity.2. A Boon For Tech TalentCritics argue that the job losses are unfair, but the reality is that every major administration has made similar trade-offs though never before at this scale within the federal workforce. Under President Obama, tens of thousands of private-sector jobs in coal and manufacturing disappeared, often with little warning, and in some cases, with public officials openly celebrating the shift.By comparison, DOGEs impact is being felt directly in Washington, making the disruption far more visible. For the high-tech industry, however, DOGE represents both a massive opportunity and a seismic shift in how the government operates.With mass layoffs now hitting the federal workforce, thousands of highly skilled professionals AI engineers, cybersecurity experts and data scientists are moving into the private sector. For tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Austin and others, this could become a significant hiring windfall, and were already starting to see anecdotal evidence of that shift.However, for the government, this means losing some of its most experienced and valuable technical talent to the private sector assets that may be difficult to replace quickly. Its a risk DOGE should anticipate and actively manage, rather than leaving it to chance, specially when it comes to critical services and national security.Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, highlights the rapid shift in the federal talent landscape: "In three weeks, weve never seen a drop this large 92,000 to 44,000 job postings gone. When companies dont have a contract, they take the postings down. Even companies that need workers are freezing hiring. Cash out the door is a problem when uncertainty looms."His organization is actively helping recently displaced federal workers and contractors in Northern Virginias Fairfax County by reskilling them, advocating on their behalf and connecting them to new opportunities. While this shift presents a clear opportunity for high-tech firms to tap into experienced talent, the broader economic uncertainty triggered by government cuts could create instability across the tech sector.3. AI Automation And Cloud Providers Positioned To WinDOGEs emphasis on cutting federal payrolls through automation could potentially mean that entire departments will be replaced with AI-powered systems. This opens the door for cloud service providers and AI companies to capture significant market share as federal agencies modernize their digital infrastructure.AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud are well positioned to lead the charge, especially in areas like cloud migration, machine learning integration and cybersecurity compliance. Smaller firms focused on niche AI solutions such as automation of procurement processes or data classification are also entering the conversation.While this move creates efficiencies, it introduces risks in areas like algorithmic bias, data privacy and resilience to cyberattacks. Tech firms will be under pressure to prove not only the effectiveness of their solutions but also their security integrity.4. Procurement Shake-Up Who Wins, Who LosesLegacy government vendors accustomed to multi-year, politically driven contracts may find themselves at a disadvantage. Under DOGE, procurement is shifting toward performance-driven models, meaning tech companies must deliver clear ROI, measurable efficiency gains and scalable results or risk losing out.Startups and mid-sized tech firms, particularly those nimble enough to quickly adapt to evolving contract requirements, could seize opportunities that were previously out of reach.For cybersecurity, AI and cloud-focused companies, the message is clear adapt, innovate and prepare to deliver not just solutions, but measurable value. Those who can meet the demands of a leaner, faster-moving government will thrive. Those who rely on the old procurement playbook may quickly find themselves edged out of the market.5 . Regulatory Changes A Wild West?DOGE is poised to likely cause a rewrite of the rules on government regulation in AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing. This could unleash a wave of innovation or create serious risks.Looser AI regulations could accelerate breakthroughs but also heighten privacy concerns and algorithmic bias.More reliance on cloud-based federal systems could increase efficiency but also expose sensitive data to cyber threats.Fewer regulatory barriers could mean faster product rollouts but less oversight on critical infrastructure.The governments primary role is not to turn a profit it exists to serve the public, ensure stability and safeguard critical services. However, that doesnt mean it should be wasteful or inefficient. DOGEs reforms must walk a fine line: driving efficiency without compromising public safety or essential operations.Additionally, given Musks wide-ranging business interests, its important that he carefully maintain clear boundaries between DOGEs restructuring efforts and the regulatory agencies overseeing his companies. Whether its the EPA, the DOT, the FCC or the Securities and Exchange Commission, perceived or real conflicts of interest could undermine both the legitimacy of DOGE and public confidence in its outcomes.Finally, while many of these reforms are being implemented quickly, Musk must be mindful of the legal challenges mounting in the background. If any significant rulings emerge especially from the Supreme Court that require undoing DOGE-driven changes, the resulting crisis would overshadow efficiency gains. Such an outcome, however unlikely it may seem today, would not be a win for efficient governance, business or the public.The success of DOGE depends not just on speed and disruption, but on executing long-term reforms in a way that is sustainable, legally sound and respectful of the governments broader responsibility to its citizens.The Tech Industrys DOGE MomentWhether seen as disruptive or necessary, DOGEs ripple effects on the high-tech and cybersecurity sectors are undeniable. By shifting procurement priorities, privatizing key functions and driving talent into the private sector, DOGE is forcing tech firms to rethink how they engage with government clients and where new growth opportunities may emerge.For cybersecurity companies, deregulation and accelerated adoption cycles could unlock short-term gains, but they also bring heightened responsibility. Those able to innovate quickly, adapt to evolving compliance landscapes and deliver measurable efficiency will thrive. But the stakes are higher when sensitive data and critical infrastructure are involved where mistakes have far greater consequences than in traditional tech environments.Ultimately, DOGE is an inflection point. It is bringing the speed, scalability and cost discipline of Silicon Valley to Washington. And like any major transformation in the tech world, it comes with disruption forcing companies to adapt, streamline and innovate to stay competitive. Will it succeed? That remains the question and for now, the entire industry is holding its breath.For the tech sector, this moment presents both opportunity and risk. Companies able to navigate this shifting landscape whether by hiring highly skilled federal talent, leveraging AI and automation or offering scalable cybersecurity solutions stand to benefit. Those clinging to outdated procurement models and legacy contracts may find themselves left behind.DOGE On A Collision Course?In assessing DOGEs progress, its important to acknowledge its high-profile missteps. Incidents such as the alleged wall of receipts containing errors, along with abrupt program cuts and layoffs later reversed reminiscent of Musks actions at Twitter have raised concerns. In some cases, the damage may already have been done: key personnel moved on, or mission-critical operations may have been temporarily disrupted. Adding to the uncertainty, several courts have ruled portions of DOGEs actions illegal or unconstitutional rulings now under active appeal by the Trump adminstration.These are real risks. But they underscore the broader tension at play.DOGE is more than a policy shift its a collision between the tech industrys move fast and break things mentality and the deeply rooted realities of how government has long operated. The ultimate test is whether this grand experiment to apply private-sector principles to public governance can deliver lasting results much like how SpaceX and others took the lead from NASA in revolutionizing space exploration without compromising the governments core mission of serving and protecting the public.

The bleeding edge: Imagine listening to music or a podcast without headphones while not disturbing others or having a private conversation in a crowded place with the assurance that only the intended listener can hear your voice. Scientists have developed a new technology called "audio enclaves" that could make this a reality by creating localized pockets of sound isolated from their surroundings. Directing sound to a specific location is difficult because of how sound waves behave. As vibrations move through the air, they spread out, especially at lower frequencies. This effect, known as diffraction, makes it hard to keep audio contained in one area, particularly with bass-heavy tones. Isolating sound frequencies is even more challenging.Specialized equipment, like parametric array loudspeakers, can direct sound vibrations to a specific point in a focused beam. However, those in the beam's path can still hear the transmission. Limiting the sound to only the targeted location is still impossible using current technology.To achieve total sound isolation, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory used ultrasound and nonlinear acoustics to "bend" soundwaves to produce audible vibrations that occur only at a specific location.At 20kHz and above, ultrasound is inaudible to humans. Most people are familiar with its use in medical imaging. However, it behaves identically to audible sound waves. Therefore, it is susceptible to the same principles and wave manipulation as audible sound. The researchers leveraged these properties to create a breakthrough, dubbed "audio enclaves," that uses ultrasound as a carrier for lower frequencies. Since ultrasound travels "silently," it can transport the audible sounds to a location without anybody hearing it except those at the target location.Audible enclaves are created at the intersection of two ultrasound beams.The researchers used two ultrasound beams at slightly different frequencies to do this. When the beams intersect, a phenomenon known as difference frequency generation occurs, creating an audible sound."When two ultrasonic beams of slightly different frequencies, such as 40 kHz and 39.5 kHz, overlap, they create a new sound wave at the difference between their frequencies in this case, 0.5 kHz, or 500 Hz, which is well within the human hearing range," the study's authors wrote. "Sound can be heard only where the beams cross. Outside of that intersection, the ultrasound waves remain silent." // Related StoriesAnother key innovation of the research is the self-bending of the ultrasound beams. Using acoustic metasurfaces, the researchers can control the path of ultrasonic vibrations, effectively curving the beams around obstacles and allowing them to intersect at a specific point."Crucially, we designed ultrasonic beams that can bend on their own. Normally, sound waves travel in straight lines unless something blocks or reflects them. However, by using acoustic metasurfaces specialized materials that manipulate sound waves we can shape ultrasound beams to bend as they travel. Similar to how an optical lens bends light, acoustic metasurfaces change the shape of the path of sound waves. By precisely controlling the phase of the ultrasound waves, we create curved sound paths that can navigate around obstacles and meet at a specific target location."The researchers say that audio enclaves have a vast array of applications. The most obvious is eliminating the need for headphones in many situations. For instance, museums could offer personalized audio guides that follow individual users. Car passengers could listen to music without interfering with the driver's navigation instructions. It could also provide corporate and military environments with an alternative means of secure communication.The authors admit that despite its potential, the technology is still very new, with many challenges to overcome before it is commercially viable. Nonlinear distortion can impact sound quality, and generating the high-intensity ultrasound fields required for audio enclaves can be energy-intensive. The researchers are working on these areas to make the technology more efficient and practical for real-world use.Image credit: Jiaxin Zhong et al