Whether you're looking for a tough tablet that can handle toddlers or on-site workers, there are plenty of rugged tablets. And just because they're rugged, that doesn't mean you're stuck with a heavy, bulky device. The best rugged tablets from Samsung and other brands offer the same military standard protection against drops, shocks, and moisture while offering a thinner, sleeker profile.While working in the field, a bright screen and robust battery are just as important in a tablet as a rugged chassis. Each of thetop tablets we tested was chosen because it offered a great balance between protection, battery life, and ease of use, and we found the most durable tablet to be the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5.What is the best rugged tablet right now?My full-time job as a naval architect is rather unique and offers me the opportunity to get out into shipyards filled with sand, dirt, oil, and more elements that can destroy typical tablets like an iPad. After testing and exploring the functions, features, and performance of various rugged tablets, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 is my pick for the best rugged tablet. Read on for the other rugged tablets I'd recommend considering brands like Acer, Amazon, Dell, and more as well as how they are rated in durability.Also: Best cheap tablets of 2025 Sort by All The best rugged tablets of 2025 Show less This rugged tablet is designed with the needs of frontline and field workers in mind, featuring a replaceable battery, 5G connectivity, defense-grade security, and additional tools to help workers across industries stay connected, digitize workflows, and boost productivity and efficiency on the job.It's a successor to the Tab Active3 with upgrades across the board. The Tab Active5 is powered by a Samsung Exynos processor with options for a WiFi-only model or dual eSIM model to provide communications where and when you need. The S Pen is also IP68 compliant so you can mark up drawings, take notes, and more while out in the field with the tablet by your side.It launches with Android 14, and Samsung promises four major Android OS upgrades, ensuring that this rugged tablet will serve you faithfully for years to come. It is also priced at less than $600, so it is easy to recommend it for all of your tablet needs outside the office.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:128GB with microSD card slot |RAM:6GB |Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:8 hours |Operating system:Android 14|Connectivity:USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, microSD, NFC and LTE (optional) Pros Field-friendly 8-inch display IP68 and MIL-STD 810H durability IP68 compliant S Pen Promise of four Android OS upgrades Cons 128GB internal storage is only option This rugged tablet is designed with the needs of frontline and field workers in mind, featuring a replaceable battery, 5G connectivity, defense-grade security, and additional tools to help workers across industries stay connected, digitize workflows, and boost productivity and efficiency on the job.It's a successor to the Tab Active3 with upgrades across the board. The Tab Active5 is powered by a Samsung Exynos processor with options for a WiFi-only model or dual eSIM model to provide communications where and when you need. The S Pen is also IP68 compliant so you can mark up drawings, take notes, and more while out in the field with the tablet by your side.It launches with Android 14, and Samsung promises four major Android OS upgrades, ensuring that this rugged tablet will serve you faithfully for years to come. It is also priced at less than $600, so it is easy to recommend it for all of your tablet needs outside the office.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:128GB with microSD card slot |RAM:6GB |Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:8 hours |Operating system:Android 14|Connectivity:USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, microSD, NFC and LTE (optional) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Acer Enduro T1 is an almost perfect option if you're looking for a rugged tablet. The 8-inch screen size makes it small enough to slip into a backpack or work bag, while the battery gives you up to 9 hours of use on a full charge. And if you forgot to charge your tablet overnight, you can take advantage of the quick charge feature which gives you about 50% battery in 42 minutes.The screen is treated with an anti-reflection coating to reduce glare and improve viewing angles, and it is also made from Corning Gorilla Glass to resist cracking, warping, and chipping. The Acer Enduro T1 is tested against MIL-STD-810G standards and is resistant to drops from up to 4 feet high as well as moisture, dirt, shocks, and extreme temperatures.Along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, you can set up NFC connectivity so that the tablet can only be accessed by scanning employee or student IDs to prevent misuse or theft of data. It also features two customizable keys that you can set up to access your most important programs more quickly.Acer Enduro T1tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:64GB eMMC |RAM:4GB |Graphics:Mali-G72 MP3 integrated graphics |Resolution:1280 x 800 |Battery life:9 hours |Operating system:Android |Connectivity:USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSD, NFC Pros Compact Great battery life Quick-charging MIL-STD-810G compliant NFC reader Cons No stylus included No Wi-Fi 6 support The Acer Enduro T1 is an almost perfect option if you're looking for a rugged tablet. The 8-inch screen size makes it small enough to slip into a backpack or work bag, while the battery gives you up to 9 hours of use on a full charge. And if you forgot to charge your tablet overnight, you can take advantage of the quick charge feature which gives you about 50% battery in 42 minutes.The screen is treated with an anti-reflection coating to reduce glare and improve viewing angles, and it is also made from Corning Gorilla Glass to resist cracking, warping, and chipping. The Acer Enduro T1 is tested against MIL-STD-810G standards and is resistant to drops from up to 4 feet high as well as moisture, dirt, shocks, and extreme temperatures.Along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, you can set up NFC connectivity so that the tablet can only be accessed by scanning employee or student IDs to prevent misuse or theft of data. It also features two customizable keys that you can set up to access your most important programs more quickly.Acer Enduro T1tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:64GB eMMC |RAM:4GB |Graphics:Mali-G72 MP3 integrated graphics |Resolution:1280 x 800 |Battery life:9 hours |Operating system:Android |Connectivity:USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, microSD, NFC Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you need a tablet that can handle daily use by younger children both at home and at school, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids is a great option. This 2022 model comes with a durable bumper case to protect the tablet from knocks, shocks, and drops while also making it easier for little hands to hold onto. The case also has an integrated stand that's great for watching videos for class, attending virtual classes, and using educational apps.The screen is made of strengthened aluminosilicate glass making it harder to scratch or crack. Plus, this tablet comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee so if it breaks, you can return it and get a replacement tablet free of charge.The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids comes with 32GB of internal storage, but you can expand that up to 1TB with a microSD card, giving your child plenty of space for pictures, videos, and documents. The battery gives you up to 13 hours of use on a full charge, so your child won't have to worry about remembering their charging cable as they head to school.Integrated parental controls let you set screen time limits, block certain apps from being downloaded, and monitor your child's profile to make sure they're not misusing the tablet when they should be doing homework or be asleep.Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (12th generation)tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:32GB or 64GB|RAM:2GB |Graphics:Hexa-core processor|Resolution:1280 x 800 |Battery life:13 hours |Operating system:Amazon FireOS |Connectivity:USB-C (2.0), Wi-Fi 6, microSD, 3.5mm AUX, Bluetooth Pros Two-year worry-free guarantee Parental controls Included bumper case Up to 30% faster than previous gen Cons Low RAM may not be great for some media streaming Screen quality not as great If you need a tablet that can handle daily use by younger children both at home and at school, the Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids is a great option. This 2022 model comes with a durable bumper case to protect the tablet from knocks, shocks, and drops while also making it easier for little hands to hold onto. The case also has an integrated stand that's great for watching videos for class, attending virtual classes, and using educational apps.The screen is made of strengthened aluminosilicate glass making it harder to scratch or crack. Plus, this tablet comes with a two-year worry-free guarantee so if it breaks, you can return it and get a replacement tablet free of charge.The Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids comes with 32GB of internal storage, but you can expand that up to 1TB with a microSD card, giving your child plenty of space for pictures, videos, and documents. The battery gives you up to 13 hours of use on a full charge, so your child won't have to worry about remembering their charging cable as they head to school.Integrated parental controls let you set screen time limits, block certain apps from being downloaded, and monitor your child's profile to make sure they're not misusing the tablet when they should be doing homework or be asleep.Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro (12th generation)tech specs: Screen size:8 inches |Storage:32GB or 64GB|RAM:2GB |Graphics:Hexa-core processor|Resolution:1280 x 800 |Battery life:13 hours |Operating system:Amazon FireOS |Connectivity:USB-C (2.0), Wi-Fi 6, microSD, 3.5mm AUX, Bluetooth Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Between commutes, after-school activities, and late-night work emails, you need a tablet that is not only tough but also has a battery that can last all day. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro gives you up to 15 hours of use on a full charge, which means you won't have to worry about remembering your charging cable or where the nearest wall outlet is when you head out the door in the morning for work or school.The 10.1-inch screen provides you with plenty of visibility for virtual classes and meetings, educational videos, and productivity apps while Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity options let you access email, cloud storage, and the internet even if a hotspot isn't available.With 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and the ability to insert a microSD storage card, you'll have plenty of space for images, documents, and apps for work or school, while the military-grade security software prevents unauthorized access to your files and personal data.The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is MIL-STD-810G compliant and IP68 certified to resist moisture, dirt, extreme temperatures, drops, and shocks.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Protech specs: Screen size:10.1 inches |Storage:64GB or 128GB|RAM:4GB or 6GB|Processor:Qualcomm SM7325 |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:15 hours |Operating system:Android 12|Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm AUX, GPS, microSD, LTE (on certain models) Pros Military-grade security and durability Excellent battery life Big screen for video and apps LTE options available Cons Older version of Android Between commutes, after-school activities, and late-night work emails, you need a tablet that is not only tough but also has a battery that can last all day. The Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro gives you up to 15 hours of use on a full charge, which means you won't have to worry about remembering your charging cable or where the nearest wall outlet is when you head out the door in the morning for work or school.The 10.1-inch screen provides you with plenty of visibility for virtual classes and meetings, educational videos, and productivity apps while Wi-Fi and LTE connectivity options let you access email, cloud storage, and the internet even if a hotspot isn't available.With 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and the ability to insert a microSD storage card, you'll have plenty of space for images, documents, and apps for work or school, while the military-grade security software prevents unauthorized access to your files and personal data.The Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro is MIL-STD-810G compliant and IP68 certified to resist moisture, dirt, extreme temperatures, drops, and shocks.Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Protech specs: Screen size:10.1 inches |Storage:64GB or 128GB|RAM:4GB or 6GB|Processor:Qualcomm SM7325 |Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:15 hours |Operating system:Android 12|Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm AUX, GPS, microSD, LTE (on certain models) Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Dell built this tablet to be rugged, and it's evident in the 12-inch outdoor-readable, glove-capable touchscreen with gorilla glass and rugged design. It's rated IP65 for maximum protection against dust, dirt, and water ingress. In addition, it is drop-tested to withstand a 4-foot drop and temperature-tested from 145 degrees to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.But its bright screen is what really makes this rugged tablet stand out on our list. Its 1920 x 1200 resolution screen is viewable in direct sunlight at 1200 nits of brightness, making it the perfect tablet for use out in the field or on factory floors.Dell also includes FirstNet Ready in the Latitude 7230, meaning first responders and public safety organizations can get priority access to fast, reliable, and high-capacity LTE networks.Other great tablet features include a 5 MP RGB + IR HD webcam and an 11 MP rear camera, Wi-Fi 6 with dual-band support, and Windows 11 Pro built right in.Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablettech specs: Screen size: 12 inches |Storage:256GB SSD |RAM:16GB |Graphics:IntelIris Xe Graphics for i5-1240U|Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:N/A|Operating system:Windows 11 Pro|Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 Pros 1200 nits of brightness FirstNet Ready Drop-tested and IP65 Compatible with Windows 11 Pro Cons Expensive Relatively bulky and heavy Dell built this tablet to be rugged, and it's evident in the 12-inch outdoor-readable, glove-capable touchscreen with gorilla glass and rugged design. It's rated IP65 for maximum protection against dust, dirt, and water ingress. In addition, it is drop-tested to withstand a 4-foot drop and temperature-tested from 145 degrees to -20 degrees Fahrenheit.But its bright screen is what really makes this rugged tablet stand out on our list. Its 1920 x 1200 resolution screen is viewable in direct sunlight at 1200 nits of brightness, making it the perfect tablet for use out in the field or on factory floors.Dell also includes FirstNet Ready in the Latitude 7230, meaning first responders and public safety organizations can get priority access to fast, reliable, and high-capacity LTE networks.Other great tablet features include a 5 MP RGB + IR HD webcam and an 11 MP rear camera, Wi-Fi 6 with dual-band support, and Windows 11 Pro built right in.Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablettech specs: Screen size: 12 inches |Storage:256GB SSD |RAM:16GB |Graphics:IntelIris Xe Graphics for i5-1240U|Resolution:1920 x 1200 |Battery life:N/A|Operating system:Windows 11 Pro|Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6 Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best rugged tablet? Our top pick for the best rugged tablet is the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5. It features a compact and lightweight design that is perfect for on-the-go students and professionals. Plus, it packs an S Pen with an IP68 rating, a cellular option, the latest wireless technologies, and MIL-STD-810G compliance for dirt, moisture, temperature, and shock resistance. Best rugged tabletPriceDisplay sizeStorageSamsung Galaxy Tab Active5 $5508 inches 64GB or 128GB Acer Enduro T1 $2008 inches 64GB eMMC Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro $1658 inches Up to 1TB Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro $65010.1 inches 64GB or 128GB Dell Latitude 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet $2,40012 inches 256GB SSD Show more Which rugged tablet is right for you? Start by asking yourself which operating system you want or need. You basically have two choices: Android or Windows. Based on that answer, you've narrowed down the selection process quite a bit. From there, look at the finer details of each tablet. Can you customize the build? What kind of accessories are available? What do you need the tablet to do? Choose this rugged tablet...If you need...Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 A tough and rugged tablet that isn't too big for field work and yet provides the ability to use the S Pen to capture notes and markups outside of the office. Samsung's latest is the preferred workhorse for many and you can depend on four years of upgrades. Acer Enduro T1 A well-rounded, tough Android tablet with quick charging capabilities and a NFC reader. It has a screen made of Gorilla Glass. Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro An affordable, durable tablet specifically for children with a two-year worry-free guarantee and easy-to-use parental controls. Its screen is made of strengthened aluminosilicate glass, which makes it harder to crack. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active4 Pro A rugged tablet with great battery life, LTE compatibility, and military-grade security. It is MIL-STD-810G compliant and IP68 certified to resist moisture, dirt, extreme temperatures, drops, and shocks. Dell 7230 Rugged Extreme Tablet It's a splurge-worthy rugged tablet that's super bright and IP65-rated. It is drop-tested to withstand a four-foot drop, and temperature tested from 145 degrees to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a rugged tablet If you're interested in buying a rugged tablet, you should consider the following:Pen or no pen?: In many cases, having the ability to use a stylus to easily mark up drawings or photos, take notes, and navigate the user interface with gloves on is an important element of using the rugged tablet in the field. If you decide that a stylus is essential, then that will help you narrow down your choice of rugged tablet.Size and weight: The environment you will be working in and the type of work you plan to do with the tablet may help you decide how large the tablet can be for remaining productive. While a large display tablet may be great for viewing large drawings, it may also be cumbersome if you are using it while crawling into small spaces. Check out the size and weight of the tablets to see which works best for you.Price:Rugged tablets are generally more expensive than a standard tablet with no protection from the elements. However, the price can vary quite a bit, so pick a range that works for you as you start to eliminate those tablets that are priced higher than you are willing to pay.Specifications: The processor, RAM, and storage capabilities will help define the performance experience of your selected tablet. If you plan to use a rugged tablet with just one or two apps running, you may not be as concerned about the amount of RAM available. Many of these tablets support microSD expansion cards, too, so the amount of internal storage is then not as important as the amount of available RAM. Show more How we test rugged tablets The ZDNET team chose all of the tablets included in this list based on their performance whentested in the real world. When we test tablets, we typically follow the same routine for each one to see which performs best.Display: We measure the brightness level in different lighting conditions and assess color accuracy.We also compare the display's performance with what the manufacturer promised, test the screen's responsiveness to touch, and assess the performance of any extra features, like a manufacturer's stylus.Performance:For real-world performance metrics, our reviewers measure how quickly the tablet reacts to input, assess game performance and frame rates, test how the tablet handles having multiple apps running simultaneously, measure the time it takes to launch apps, and even assess the tablet's temperature during intensive tasks.Battery life: We test different scenarios for battery life, including measuring how long the battery lasts while streaming, web browsing, using productivity apps, and playing games.Camera and audio:For cameras, we evaluate features like resolution, aperture, low-light performance, autofocus accuracy, dynamic range, color accuracy, image quality, sharpness, and video quality. For audio, we look at the sound quality and overall listening experience, including audio clarity at different volumes, stereo separation of left and right audio channels, maximum volume level in various environments, and if there is perceived distortion.We picked these top rugged tablets by using them in shipyards, forests, and other outside environments with sand, dirt, rain, and other elements.For a deeper look into our testing process, check out our comprehensivetablet testing methodology. Show more What is a rugged tablet? A rugged tablet is a tablet that has been designed to withstand extreme conditions. Whether it's bad weather, very high or very low temperatures, or drops and shocks, the extra durable case protects the delicate internal components from damage and corrosion.Rugged tablets are best for mobile professionals who do a lot of fieldwork, like construction contractors and engineers. However, they can also apply to families with smaller children, who, let's say, are more punishing with electronics. Show more Wouldn't a case be just as effective as a rugged tablet? Yes and no. Some of the higher-end cases, like those from Otterbox, are certainly designed to protect your tablet. But there are some aspects of a rugged tablet it can't reproduce.For example, some of the tablets in this roundup are designed to withstand severe temperatures in addition to being tougher to break when dropped. They also offer moisture and dust resistance -- a must to protect your asset in an outdoor environment. Show more What does "military grade" mean? If a device is advertised as "military grade," that doesn't necessarily mean it was developed for military use but rather rigorously tested against MIL-STD 810 standards. This testing process runs devices through extreme conditions to simulate what soldiers may encounter during deployment or combat.The standards compare device performance in situations where it may be violently dropped, thrown, or even exploded. They also test how devices hold up in heavy rain, high and low temperatures, coming into contact with chemicals, and resist dust and fungus infiltration.Most commercially available "military grade" devices are tested for drops, shocks, and water resistance. Show more Which tablet is the most durable? On this list, the Acer Enduro T1, the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active Pro, and the Dell Latitude 7220 are all super durable and have features like gorilla glass. Plus, they are drop-tested and protected with impressive IP ratings.IP rating indicates whether the device resists surface particles like dust (I) and moisture (P). It is why, when looking for a rugged tablet, you'll want to pay attention to the device's IP rating. In both instances, the higher the number, the better resistance it offers. Show more Why should I buy a rugged tablet? Rugged tablets are on the high end of most price points, so it can be tempting to get a regular, consumer-grade model and plunk it in a "rugged" case. And that will work... for a time.Cases can only do so much to protect internal components like processors and storage drives from damage that can occur from bumps, shocks, and moisture. However, a tablet designed by the manufacturer to handle extreme conditions is much better equipped to handle just about anything you can throw at it.From waterproofed and reinforced cases to hot-swappable batteries, a rugged tablet can be a great investment and valuable asset for mobile professionals working in all kinds of weather. Show more When do tablets go on sale? The best time to snag a deal on a tablet is during big sales events like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. In addition, some brands have their events, such as Discover Samsung, where tablets and other devices are discounted on Samsung's website. Show more More rugged tablets we tested ZDNETs Tablet Guide Tablet Roundups Tablets Reviewed & Compared Tablets Explained ZDNET Recommends

Foldables may be the most exciting innovation inphonessince Apple's iPhone. Thanks to improvements to durability, display quality, and battery life, the best foldable phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open, are just as worthy of recommendation as standard slab handsets.Based on the dozens of devices we've tried and tested at ZDNET, it's safe to say that consumers today have more choices than ever, whether they want a foldable that expands into a tablet or a book-style foldable. Our top picks include a Samsung foldable phone, Motorla Razr foldables, and the cheapest foldable phone you can buy.What is the best foldable phone right now?ZDNET has tested and reviewed every single mass-market foldable during the past year, and the devices below represent the best of the best. Our pick for the best foldable phone overall is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a handset that personifies the company's user-first industrial design and burdenless mentality in software experience. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold has the thinnest design of any foldable in the US market, and its cameras reign supreme amongst all the competitors we've tested.Also:The best flip phones available today: They're back and better than ever Sort by All Best foldable phones in 2025 Show less View now at Amazon While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 forges ahead with better design and productivity features, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable phone going into the rest of 2025, thanks to its user-friendly form factor and market-leading camera system. Google took the traditional smartphone route when refining the outer display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, opting for a shorter and wider panel than Samsung's taller approach.Review:Google Pixel 9 Pro FoldNaturally, all the content you're used to consuming, like video streaming and social media, is portrayed in a familiar manner; nothing feels disorienting or cropped out. While the foldable doesn't match its Pixel Pro sibling spec-for-spec, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold truly shines and more than makes up for the "inferior" camera system in long exposure shots and selfies, thanks to its self-standing nature.The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also succeeds the previous model with a more capable Google Tensor G4 chipset, Google AI features like Pixel Screenshots, Reimagine, and Gemini Live, and a lighter form factor for a more comfortable user experience. All in all, Google made modifications to nearly all the right places with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, enough to make it a sleeper hit that is now at the top of our ranking list.Google Pixel 9 Fold tech specs: Processor:Google Tensor G4 |Display sizes:6.3-inch exterior and 8-inch interior|RAM/Storage:16GB with 256GB or 512GB |Battery:4,650mAh|Camera:48MP wide, 10.8MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10MP front|Price:Starting at $1,799 Pros Lighter and thinner design is very practical to use Smooth and bloatware-free software Largest display of any foldable phone Best camera system of any foldable Cons No stylus support Still an inferior camera system compared to Pixel 9 Pro Multitasking features are limited While the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 forges ahead with better design and productivity features, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable phone going into the rest of 2025, thanks to its user-friendly form factor and market-leading camera system. Google took the traditional smartphone route when refining the outer display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, opting for a shorter and wider panel than Samsung's taller approach.Review:Google Pixel 9 Pro FoldNaturally, all the content you're used to consuming, like video streaming and social media, is portrayed in a familiar manner; nothing feels disorienting or cropped out. While the foldable doesn't match its Pixel Pro sibling spec-for-spec, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold truly shines and more than makes up for the "inferior" camera system in long exposure shots and selfies, thanks to its self-standing nature.The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also succeeds the previous model with a more capable Google Tensor G4 chipset, Google AI features like Pixel Screenshots, Reimagine, and Gemini Live, and a lighter form factor for a more comfortable user experience. All in all, Google made modifications to nearly all the right places with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, enough to make it a sleeper hit that is now at the top of our ranking list.Google Pixel 9 Fold tech specs: Processor:Google Tensor G4 |Display sizes:6.3-inch exterior and 8-inch interior|RAM/Storage:16GB with 256GB or 512GB |Battery:4,650mAh|Camera:48MP wide, 10.8MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto, and 10MP front|Price:Starting at $1,799 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less With Chinese phone maker Oppo having released several foldable phones throughout the years, it was only a matter of time before its sister company, OnePlus, would unveil one of its own -- bringing about some much-needed competition in the US market.With the Open, OnePlus has not only undercut the price of Samsung's and Google's competing models but also introduced some useful features we've yet seen in the product category. For example, the OnePlus Open is one of the lightest foldables in the North American market, matching that of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It also supports 67W fast charging, a much quicker rate than the 25W to 45W standards on competing handsets.Review:OnePlus OpenPerhaps more importantly, the OnePlus introduced Open Canvas, a multitasking feature that lets you glide between several app windows for a seamless multitasking experience. This alone makes usability on the larger inner display much more intuitive than what I've seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While the camera system falls short compared to the Pixel, it's still very capable, with a triple-lens configuration helmed by a 48MP sensor that captures vivid and sharp imagery throughout various lighting conditions.The well-roundedness and aggressive pricing make this one of the top-contending foldables in 2025. All eyes are very much on Open 2, which is expected to launch later this year.OnePlus Open tech specs:Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |Display sizes:6.3-inch exterior and 7.8-inch interior|RAM/Storage:16GB with 512GB |Battery:4,805mAh|Camera:48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto, and 32MP front|Price:Starting at $1,699 Pros Slim, easy-to-manage form factor 16GB of RAM and 512GB is the "base" storage 67W wired charging is practical to use Cons No wireless charging No official IP rating for water resistance Can't buy directly from a carrier store With Chinese phone maker Oppo having released several foldable phones throughout the years, it was only a matter of time before its sister company, OnePlus, would unveil one of its own -- bringing about some much-needed competition in the US market.With the Open, OnePlus has not only undercut the price of Samsung's and Google's competing models but also introduced some useful features we've yet seen in the product category. For example, the OnePlus Open is one of the lightest foldables in the North American market, matching that of the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It also supports 67W fast charging, a much quicker rate than the 25W to 45W standards on competing handsets.Review:OnePlus OpenPerhaps more importantly, the OnePlus introduced Open Canvas, a multitasking feature that lets you glide between several app windows for a seamless multitasking experience. This alone makes usability on the larger inner display much more intuitive than what I've seen on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While the camera system falls short compared to the Pixel, it's still very capable, with a triple-lens configuration helmed by a 48MP sensor that captures vivid and sharp imagery throughout various lighting conditions.The well-roundedness and aggressive pricing make this one of the top-contending foldables in 2025. All eyes are very much on Open 2, which is expected to launch later this year.OnePlus Open tech specs:Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |Display sizes:6.3-inch exterior and 7.8-inch interior|RAM/Storage:16GB with 512GB |Battery:4,805mAh|Camera:48MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 64MP telephoto, and 32MP front|Price:Starting at $1,699 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Samsung Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold went tooth and nail for the top spot on this list, but key feature advantages put the latter ahead. Still, the Z Fold 6 remains a formidable option for foldable shoppers in 2025 thanks to its more refined and durable design, productivity-inducing software, and undervaluedafter-sales support.Review:Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6The Z Fold 6 features a capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which has proven to yield better on-device and hybrid-based AI capabilities, including Samsung's Sketch-to-Image feature, Interpreter Mode, Composer, and more. Samsung also upgraded the hinge with the latest model, making the Fold notably thinner and lighter yet still durable enough to withstand 200,000 bends -- maybe more -- throughout its lifespan.Thanks to a brighter 2,600-nit display and a crease that's a little less noticeable when open, "the Z Fold 6's 7.6-inch screen is a near-perfect canvas for watching movies, playing games, and getting work done," I mentioned in my review. It's unfortunate that Samsung didn't upgrade the cameras or charging speeds all that much with the latest generation; otherwise, it would've given the Pixel 9 Pro Fold even more of a run for its money.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |Display sizes:6.2-inch exterior and 7.6-inch interior|RAM/Storage:12GB with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB |Battery:4,400mAh|Camera:50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, and 10MP front|Price:Starting at $1,899 Pros Thinner and lighter than ever IP rated for better water and dust resistance 2,600 nits of brightness for outdoor viewing Best ecosystem of accessories Cons Expensive, starting at $1,899 Cameras are still a step below the S24 Ultra Battery size and charging speed are passable Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold went tooth and nail for the top spot on this list, but key feature advantages put the latter ahead. Still, the Z Fold 6 remains a formidable option for foldable shoppers in 2025 thanks to its more refined and durable design, productivity-inducing software, and undervaluedafter-sales support.Review:Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6The Z Fold 6 features a capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which has proven to yield better on-device and hybrid-based AI capabilities, including Samsung's Sketch-to-Image feature, Interpreter Mode, Composer, and more. Samsung also upgraded the hinge with the latest model, making the Fold notably thinner and lighter yet still durable enough to withstand 200,000 bends -- maybe more -- throughout its lifespan.Thanks to a brighter 2,600-nit display and a crease that's a little less noticeable when open, "the Z Fold 6's 7.6-inch screen is a near-perfect canvas for watching movies, playing games, and getting work done," I mentioned in my review. It's unfortunate that Samsung didn't upgrade the cameras or charging speeds all that much with the latest generation; otherwise, it would've given the Pixel 9 Pro Fold even more of a run for its money.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 tech specs: Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |Display sizes:6.2-inch exterior and 7.6-inch interior|RAM/Storage:12GB with 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB |Battery:4,400mAh|Camera:50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, and 10MP front|Price:Starting at $1,899 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Best Buy Deciding on the best flip-style foldable phone also came down to the wire, with Motorola's Razr Plus (2024) just scraping by Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6. I went hands-on with both devices last summer and was left impressed by both, but I ultimately sided with the Motorola because it lets you do more with the outer display.Review:Motorola Razr Plus (2024)Not only is the outer display on the Razr Plus an impressive 3.6-inch panel, but the software supports virtually any app you throw at it, meaning you can browse the web, play games, scroll TikTok, and do other mobile tasks without ever needing to flip open the device. Samsung's platform is more limited in this regard.The under-the-hood upgrades last year were also quite meaningful, such as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip optimized for AI workloads, the 12GB of RAM, and the larger 4,000mAh battery that can be charged wired or wirelessly. And those vibrant colorways, when paired with textured back covers, make these phones all the more memorable.Motorola Razr Plus (2024) tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3|Display sizes:4-inch exterior and 6.9-inch interior|RAM/Storage:8GB/12GB with 256GB|Battery:4,000mAh|Camera:50MP wide, 50MP telephoto, and 32MP front|Price:Starting at $999 Value 8 Performance 8 Battery life 6 Camera quality 7 Display 7 Pros 3.6-inch external display for quick interactions Performant Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor Highly customizable interface with Moto gestures Telephoto lens on a flip phone Cons Battery lasts no more than a day Hinge design is not as sturdy as Samsung's No ultrawide lens for landscape photos Motorola Razr Plus (2024) Best flip-style foldable phone 3.6 / 5 Score Deciding on the best flip-style foldable phone also came down to the wire, with Motorola's Razr Plus (2024) just scraping by Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6. I went hands-on with both devices last summer and was left impressed by both, but I ultimately sided with the Motorola because it lets you do more with the outer display.Review:Motorola Razr Plus (2024)Not only is the outer display on the Razr Plus an impressive 3.6-inch panel, but the software supports virtually any app you throw at it, meaning you can browse the web, play games, scroll TikTok, and do other mobile tasks without ever needing to flip open the device. Samsung's platform is more limited in this regard.The under-the-hood upgrades last year were also quite meaningful, such as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip optimized for AI workloads, the 12GB of RAM, and the larger 4,000mAh battery that can be charged wired or wirelessly. And those vibrant colorways, when paired with textured back covers, make these phones all the more memorable.Motorola Razr Plus (2024) tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3|Display sizes:4-inch exterior and 6.9-inch interior|RAM/Storage:8GB/12GB with 256GB|Battery:4,000mAh|Camera:50MP wide, 50MP telephoto, and 32MP front|Price:Starting at $999 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon When the market is competitive, both manufacturers and consumers are winners. Case in point: No one, including myself, expected the $699 Motorola Razr to be as good as it is.Review:Motorola Razr PlusIn some ways, the standard Razr model yields a better experience than the more expensive Plus variant, with a larger 4,200mAh battery and ultrawide lens that allows for more flexible shooting styles. ZDNET's Max Buondonno tested the Razr and also commended its variety of cover designs, citing, "The Koala Gray version I have comes with a vegan suede material, while the Beach Sand and Spritz Orange (a.k.a. the best color) have vegan leather."Under the hood is a weaker but still passable MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset, with Moto's minimalist approach to Android. There are a few gesture-based perks, like twisting your wrist to prompt the camera or doing a chopping motion to turn on the flashlight, and the front screen is just as customizable as the one on the Razr Plus.Motorola Razr (2024) tech specs: Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 7300X|Display sizes:3.6-inch exterior and 6.9-inch interior|RAM/Storage:8GB with 256GB|Battery:4,200mAh|Camera:50MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, and 32MP front|Price:Starting at $699 Pros Similar design to last year's Razr Plus 3.6-inch external display is plenty useful Relatively affordable and discounted often Cons Processor is not as performant Camera quality is just passable Software update policy is sluggish When the market is competitive, both manufacturers and consumers are winners. Case in point: No one, including myself, expected the $699 Motorola Razr to be as good as it is.Review:Motorola Razr PlusIn some ways, the standard Razr model yields a better experience than the more expensive Plus variant, with a larger 4,200mAh battery and ultrawide lens that allows for more flexible shooting styles. ZDNET's Max Buondonno tested the Razr and also commended its variety of cover designs, citing, "The Koala Gray version I have comes with a vegan suede material, while the Beach Sand and Spritz Orange (a.k.a. the best color) have vegan leather."Under the hood is a weaker but still passable MediaTek Dimensity 7300X chipset, with Moto's minimalist approach to Android. There are a few gesture-based perks, like twisting your wrist to prompt the camera or doing a chopping motion to turn on the flashlight, and the front screen is just as customizable as the one on the Razr Plus.Motorola Razr (2024) tech specs: Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 7300X|Display sizes:3.6-inch exterior and 6.9-inch interior|RAM/Storage:8GB with 256GB|Battery:4,200mAh|Camera:50MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, and 32MP front|Price:Starting at $699 Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best folding phone? The best foldable phone is the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which offers the most complete mobile experience with 16GB of RAM, up to 512GB of storage, a Tensor G4 chip, a 4,650mAh battery, and more. Just as important, the device is slated to receive seven years of operating system and security updates.Foldable phonePriceDisplayCameraGoogle Pixel 9 Pro Fold$1,7996.3-inch and 8-inch12MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto, 10MP frontSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 6$1,8996.2-inch and 7.6-inch50MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, 10MP frontOnePlus Open$1,6996.3-inch and 7.8-inch48MP wide, 64MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, 20MP frontMotorola Razr Plus (2024)$9994-inch and 6.9-inch50MP wide, 50MP telephoto, 32MP frontMotorola Razr (2024)$6993.6-inch and 6.9-inch50MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP front Show more Which foldable phone is right for you? To help you decide, see below for the key reasons to buy each of ZDNET's top foldable phone picks.Choose this foldable phoneIf you wantGoogle Pixel 9 Pro FoldThe best foldable phone right now, with an S-class camera system in a foldable form factor. Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold nails the large-screen build and excels with AI-powered camera features.Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6The most refined, industry-backed foldable that money can buy. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 also supports S Pen stylus inputs and seven years of OS updates.OnePlus OpenMarket-leading fast charging with a price to beat. It's also the lightest tablet-style foldable in the US.Motorola Razr Plus (2024)The best flipping foldable on the market, with a highly personalizable 4-inch outer display and a 4,000mAh battery.Motorola Razr (2024)A foldable for less. If you can live with its compromises, the $699 Motorola Razr is, without question, the most accessible device of its kind. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a foldable phone The process of making our phone selections includes real-world testing and researching about the phones for weeks, consulting with colleagues, industry experts, and analysts who also have hands-on experience with the smartphones, and then selecting the best from all the available choices.Ultimately, we weigh in the following aspects when curating this list:Design: Currently, foldable phones come in two designs: regular phones that unfold into tablets, and ones that flip inward to become more pocketable. The best-designed foldables are practical to use, require a moderate learning curve at most, and should have a burdenless hand feel.Software optimization: A foldable phone relies on more than just the standard software features of a traditional handset; it needs specialized tools and services built for larger (and smaller) displays.Durability: The best foldable phone can take a beating, whether that's in the form of waist-high drops or pouring rain. Every device on this list is either certified IPX8 or IP52 or has been tested to meet above-average durability standards.Value: It's difficult to ignore how expensive foldables can be, so price-to-performance is something we deeply consider when evaluating devices. We also factor in carrier store promotions, trade-in deals, and other offers. Show more How we test phones ZDNET's review team spends upwards of a year testing the ins and outs of every major phone release, evaluating the day-to-day performance, camera quality, battery life and endurance, and special features. Here's a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:Design and ergonomics:How good a phone looks and feels plays a big role in many users' buying journeys, so we consider these aspects heavily when testing.Performance:Several factors affect a phone's performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery life, and background tasks. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, with all background tasks closed, and with as stable of a mobile connection as possible.Camera quality:ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.Battery life and charging:It's also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it (wired, wireless, or both).Special features:These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.Pricing and availability:Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the US or only internationally.For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensivephone testing methodology page. Show more Will Apple make a foldable phone? It's the question everyone's been asking since the very first foldable was launched back in 2019: will Apple release a foldable iPhone? While the company has yet to unveil any plans of making one, and the rumor mill has been rather slow in that regard, it would not be surprising if there's a team within Cupertino already building one out.Also:Why foldable phones are still so expensive, according to analystsAnd, as is often the case with consumer technology, once Apple is comfortable enough to release a mass-market foldable phone, we can expect there to be a drop in prices, as manufacturers scramble to compete in value. The latest rumors point to a release as soon as in 2026. Show more Other phones we tested The best foldable phones listed above strike the perfect balance of design, functionality, and innovation. If you're still on the fence, here are some alternatives to consider. Show more ZDNETs Smartphone Guide Smartphone Roundups Smartphones Reviewed & Compared Smartphones Explained ZDNET Recommends

The Blink Outdoor 4 with a Floodlight mount is the perfect security camera for the unlit side of my yard, especially at only $87.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a better humidifier at this price point. Jack Wallen/ZDNETWhat's the deal?Amazon is currently offering the Dreo Smart 5L Humidifier for $60 for its Presidents' Day Sale.Why this deal is ZDNET recommendedThis humidifier is nearly perfect, offering a slue of easy to use functions and additional capabilities that makes it a worthwhile and smart investment.ZDNET's key takeawaysRegularly priceed at $75, the Dreo Smart 5L Humidifier is on sale on Amazon for $60..This humidifier is easy to use, includes a demineralization filter, works with Alexa, allows you to add essential oils, adds both sleep and auto modes, and packs plenty of other features to help it rise above the rest.The only downside of the Dreo Smart 5L Humidifier is that it doesn't offer a warm mist option.Along with being a writer, I've been an actor and singer for decades. Those two other skills require that I take care of my body, which includes my voice. To that end, I've depended on humidifiers for a very long time. And because I suffer from year-round allergies, which cause perpetual dry mouth and throat, raising the humidity in my office (or whatever room I'm in) is essential.Also: The 60+ best early Presidents' Day tech deals live now: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and moreI've been using an inexpensive (but very effective) humidifier I purchased from Amazon years ago. That humidifier predates the whole smart revolution, which means it's a set-it-and-forget-it device. The only thing I have to do with that humidifier is add water now and then.Recently, I was sent the Dreo Smart 5L humidifier for review. I've become rather skeptical of devices that claim to be "smart." Not every piece of hardwarehasto be smart. And, if I'm being 100% honest, a humidifier certainly doesn't need the added boost of intelligence. details View at Amazon However, I played along. I set up the Dreo 5L Smart Humidifier, installed the app, and connected the device to my network. For the most part, I've used the Dreo without the app, but that's not to say the app doesn't have a place. Actually, I found there are features in the app that I rather like (such as scheduling, cleaning reminders, and filter life). That doesn't mean you have to use the app.But, in the name of the review, I willingly dove down that rabbit hole.The specsWhat is there to say about a humidifier? Add water, turn on, and mist gently wafts from the machine. However, the Dreo does add a few nice options. Here are the specs.Dual-intake and 360 dual mist outletsIntelligent humidity control5-liter tankLow noise42-hour continuous operationModular design for easy cleaningDesalination cartridge that can remove up to seven types of mineralsVoice (with Alexa) and app controlTop fill tank for easier fillingNight lightDigital displayAroma diffuserMy experienceYou might think that humidifiers are all pretty much created equal. Trust me when I say they are not. Although they all share the same goal (to raise the humidity in a room), they do not all achieve the same level of success.For instance, many cheaper humidifiers do not sense ambient humidity. Instead, you turn them on and they just go. Even my old humidifier (which I still use) can sense the level of humidity in a room and can be programmed to stop when it reaches a certain level.Also: Hybrid work is in trouble. Here are 4 ways to make it work in the longer termWithout this feature, you run the risk of introducing mold, which you do not want. So humidity sensing is a must. The Dreo 5L does a great job of sensing humidity and stopping when it reaches that point. This feature has an added bonus: You won't be filling the water tank as often.Speaking of whichMy only beef with my old humidifier is that the tank had a screw-on cap at the bottom, which had to be removed for refills. The problem is that the cap can get very tight. And even though I have a fairly strong grip, I always have to place a towel on the cap to get it loose. Simply remove the top and fill the tank. It doesn't get any easier. Jack Wallen/ZDNETThe Dreo 5L has an easily removable top, which greatly simplifies the tank-filling process. In fact, running this humidifier is quite simple. Insert the desalination cartridge, fill the tank, insert the tank, place the lid on the tank, turn the unit on, set the desired humidity level (either from the front Auto button or the app the app being the easiest method), adjust the output vents, and enjoy the mist.Also: The best smart air purifiersAt first, I was making adjustments via the front display panel but eventually realized it was much easier to do so with the app (which can be found on the Google Play Storeand the Apple App Store. You can also easily switch the Dreo 5L from Manual, Auto, and Sleep modes. Sleep mode is the same as Auto but will turn off the display, sounds, and ambient light. The Dreo app makes it easier to adjust and monitor the humidifier. Jack Wallen/ZDNETOne very nice touch is the aroma diffuser. On the right side of the device is a pop-out drawer with a small felt pad. A few drops of your favorite essential oil and the mist will carry with it a subtle scent. I've tried it with both orange and cinnamon oils and it works beautifully. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to fill the room with a delightful scent. Jack Wallen/ZDNETThe caveatThere is only one nit I can pick with the Dreo 5L: It doesn't include a warm mist function. My old humidifier does offer the feature and I used it all the time. To get warm mist from the Dreo, I have to fill the tank with warm water, which cools down fairly quickly. So, if you require/prefer warm mist, you'll have to look elsewhere.ZDNET's buying adviceThe Dreo 5L is, by far, the best single-room humidifier I've ever used. It's an elegant solution that should serve you well when the ambient moisture has your lips cracked, your throat dry, and your skin itching.Just remember, however, to drink plenty of water (so you've got plenty of moisture within as well).ZDNET Recommends

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The latest Asus Zenbook S 16 is built with unique materials, but its brilliant OLED display steals the show.

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

ZDNETPresidents' Day 2025 is almost here, and it's the perfect time to shop seasonal savings on home, tech, apparel, and more. With the holiday incoming, nearly every major retaileris slashing prices to celebrate. Perhaps one of the easiest retailers you can skim deals at? Amazon -- where you can shop for savings any time (even days before a major holiday).From headphones to robot vacuums to TVs, now's your chance to snag savings near or equal to those we saw during Cyber Week 2024 on tech, including flagship Amazon devices, Apple products, laptops and more. I scoured the sales to bring you the best Presidents' Day deals already live at Amazon so that you can shop for savings now.Shop more deals at AmazonThe best Amazon Presidents' Day deals Apple Watch Ultra 2: $680 (save $119): For the first time since Cyber Week, Amazon has dropped the price of Apple's best watch, the Ultra 2 by 15%. This sold out quick during the holiday season, so don't miss out if you're eyeing the Ultra 2.Dyson Airwrap Hair Styler: $500 (save $100): Dyson's popular Airwrap styler bundle is available for $100 off for the first time since Black Friday. Plus, this deal is on the limited edition strawberry pink model.Sony Bravia X90L TV 65-inch: $998 (save $172): Sony's Bravia X90L TV is editor-in-chief Jason Hiner'spick for the best TV for the money, and right now most display sizes are on sale, starting with the 55-inch and 65-inch models for $998.Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra + Free $200 Amazon Gift Card: $1,420 (save $200): You can still snag this free $200 Amazon gift card offer when you purchase the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which expert Kerry Wan says is Samsung's best phone yet.Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024): $135 (save $25): The newest Kindle Paperwhite model is on sale for 16% off, snagging you a few dollars off. It also has 25% faster page turns than the previous iteration and a higher contrast ratio.AirPods Pro 2: $169 (save $80): The AirPods Pro 2 are our pick for the best AirPods you can buy, and can turn into a hearing aid -- and they're on sale ahead right now at the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday. Plus, the newest AirPods 4 are down to $100 (save $30) for the first time ever.Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: $229 (save $70): Expert Nina Raemont says these are the best earbuds she's ever run in, and right now they're 23% off, $20 better savings than those offered during Black Friday.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29): Perhaps one of ZDNET's favorite recurring deals of all-time, right now you can save 29% on a four pack of Apple's handy AirTag trackers, which make finding your keys, wallet, purse, and more easier. Plus, this offer matches the lowest price this bundle typically sells for throughout the year, so you can't go wrong.Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones: $248 (save $100): The Sony XM4 headphones are not the newest model to hit the market, but they're still a great purchase if you're looking for premium sound. Right now you can save 29%.Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $169 (save $80): Apple's Watch SE (2nd Gen) is finally seeing a decent discount for 2025, and is back down to $169. Right now, it's still the most affordable Apple Watch out of the whole lineup, and is a great options for kids, elderly users, or first-time watch owners.Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum + Mop: $1,100 (save $600): ZDNET's pick for the best robot vacuum is on sale for nearly half off right now, and expert Maria Diaz loves it for its great mapping capabilities and 12,000Pa suction.Best Amazon Presidents' Day tech deals Allison Murray/ZDNETAmazon Kindle Colorsoft: $230 (save $50): If you're not eyeing the Paperwhite, the new Kindle Colorsoft is also on sale for 18% off. The Colorsoft features a bright display (even in direct sunlight), customizable color settings, and a "zippy performance" while browsing titles and turning pages, per ZDNET expert Allison Murray.Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE 10.9-inch Tablet: $298 (save $152): This limited time deal on Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 FE discounts it by 33% off. Expert Max Buondonno loved the "brilliant display," which made it the perfect entertainment tablet.Anker MagGo 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charger Stand: $83 (save $27): Anker's MagGo 3-in-1 stand is perfect for Apple ecosystem users looking for a dual-purpose charger. This one folds up for travel, and is loved by expert Sabrina Ortiz for its functionality.Anker MagGo 3-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charger Pad: $72 (save $18): If Anker's MagSafe 3-in-1 stand isn't quite your cup of tea, or you need something more portable, Anker's foldable 3-in-1 charger pad contraption should do it. It comes in four fun colors, folds up to look like a macaron, and is my favorite travel accessory for my carry-on bag.Xgimi Horizon S Max Projector Bundle: $1,610 (save $390): This Xgimi Horizon S Max projector bundle is 20% off ahead of the holiday, and last month it was ZDNET's second most popular product sold.Owlet Dream Sock: $239 (save $60): This FDA-cleared smart baby monitor can track pulse, sleep sessions, oxygen, and more in babies, and it's 20% off for a limited-time. Expert Maria Diaz says this was one of the best purchases she made as a new parent.Ring Battery Doorbell: $60 (save $40): The newest 2024 Ring battery doorbell is 40% off now, and features head-to-toe video, two-way talk, and full motion detection.Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro Tablet: $140 (save $40): Expert Maria Diaz loves Amazon's kids tablets for their affordability and great features, and the HD 10 Pro is no difference. In fact, she says its a better buy than an iPad for her kids, and it's 26% off now.Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam: $20 (save $20): Blink's Mini 2 cams feature two-way audio, motion detection, HD night view in color and more, and they're great for watching your home, kids, pets and more.Renpho Eye Massager: $52 (save $48): ZDNET's expert Allison Murray loves this Renpho eye massager to help her migraines, and rigth now it's on sale for 48% off.Best Amazon Presidents' Day Apple deals Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETAirPods Pro 2: $169 (save $80): TheAirPods Pro 2 are our pick for the best AirPods you can buy, and can turn into a hearing aid -- and they'reon sale ahead right now at the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday. Plus, the newestAirPods 4 are down to $100 (save $30) for the first time ever.Apple MacBook Air 15-inch, M3: $1,099 (save $200): Apple's MacBook series are pretty pricey, but right now you can grab the 15-inch M3 Air model for $200 off.Apple iPad Pro 13-inch M4: $1,099 (save $200): The most powerful iPad on the market is on sale for 15% off right now, and expert Kerry Wan was pleasantly surprised with its performance compared to his MacBook.Apple Pencil Pro: $99 (save $30): The newest Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $30 off, but Apple products don't see discounts often, and this is the best price you can nab right now for this model, especially if you're looking to pair it with a 2024 iPad Pro.Apple Watch Series 10 GPS, 46mm: $359 (save $70): The newest base model Apple Watch is discounted by almost 20%, matching the offers available during Black Friday. This model is equipped with GPS and an always-on retina display, and is available in three colors on Amazon.AirPods Max (Lightning): $500 (save $50): Apple's popular AirPods Max are on sale for nearly 10% off if you're okay with the older lightning connector model.iPad 10th Gen: $279 (save $70): This $279 iPad deal is the model editor-in-chief Jason Hiner recommends to most people, and it's 20% off.Best Amazon Presidents' Day headphone deals Jada Jones/ZDNETSony WH-1000XM4 Headphones: $248 (save $100): TheSony XM4 headphones are not the newest model to hit the market, but they're still a great purchase if you're looking for premium sound. Right now you can save 29%.Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones: $135 (save $45): These Bluetooth bone conduction headphones are perfect for the uber active, and right now they're 25% off. Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes loves them for their durability and comfort.Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: $200 (save $50): If you prefer Android gear, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are also on sale. Swipe up this pair for 20% off and grab top features like noise cancellation, real time interpretation, and sound optimization, plus an exclusive 2-year warranty via Amazon.Beats Solo Buds: $50 (save $40): Save 38% on this already great budget pair of Beats earbuds. These feature a built-in mic and are Apple or Android compatible, so you'll be able to use them with any of your favorite devices.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $349 (save $80): Expert reviewer Prakhar Khanna prefers the QuietComfort Ultra headphones over the popular Sony XM5's for traveling, and right now they're $100 off, selling for the same price we saw during Black Friday.Beats Solo4 Headphones: $100 (save $100): The upgraded model of Beats' classic Solo headphone are 50% off now, and expert Jada Jones says the pair got some nice upgrades while still retaining all the nostalgia.Sony Ult Headphones: $148 (save $52): Headphone expert Jada Jones says these eased her Sony XM5 envy with all-day comfort and plenty of bass. Right now, they're on sale for 26% off.Sony WH-CH720N: $89 (save $61): Expert Jada Jones says these Sony headphones are almost as good as the XM5 model but will cost you under $100 right now.Best Amazon Presidents' Day TV deals Maria Diaz/ZDNETAmazon Fire TV Stick 4K: $30 (save $20): Amazon's newest flagship Fire TV Stick 4K model is 40% off now. Streamline your viewing experience and maximize your favorite shows and movies at home. The Max model of the Fire Stick is also on sale.Hisense 75-inch Class QD7 Series QLED 4K UHD TV: $599 (save $150): Multiple sizes of this Hisense smart TV are on sale now, which feature color enhancer, game mode, multiple voice assistance and more.Sony 85-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Google TV: $1,098 (save $400): This Sony smart Google TV is packed with features like Google Assistant, Apple Airplay, Motionflow XR technology, 4K picture quality and more.Amazon Fire TV 50-inch Omni Series 4K Smart TV: $310 (save $170): There's plenty of budget TV picks on sale, too, like this 50-inch hands-free smart TV that's Alexa compatible and 35% off.Roku Smart TV 32-inch TV: $128 (save $42): This Roku TV is equipped with Roku Voice and a customizable home screen. Right now it's 25% off, making it a great budget buy for a dorm room, kids' room and more.Samsung The Terrace Partial Sun 75-inch Class QLED 4K TV: $4,998 (save $1,500): Samsung's popular The Terrace TV is 31% off right now, and is the perfect pick for an outdoor setting thanks to its weatherproof design.Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K + Luna Controller: $75 (save $45): This bundle will save you 38% on a Fire TV Stick 4K and a Luna controller -- all the essentials you need to get started with Luna, Amazon's game streaming service (a Prime or Luna subscription required).Best Amazon Presidents' Day robot vacuum deals Beth Mauder/ZDNETiRobot Roomba j7: $300 (save $300): If you're like expert Maria Diaz and love the idea of your floors being cleaned by someone, orsomethingelse, you can't go wrong with this deal. The Roomba j7 is a robot vacuum that intelligently maps and navigates your home, avoiding obstacles like cords and pet waste. This 50% discount is available for a limited time, resulting in a $300 discount.Eufy Robot 11S Max: $150 (save $50 with coupon): If you want a straightforward robot vacuum, the Eufy BoostIQ 11S Max is a perfect option, especially at this price. It's very simple -- it vacuums in a random pattern, has to be manually self-emptied, and doesn't connect to the internet. But don't be fooled by its simplicity; this vacuum is powerful enough to pick up dirt, dust, and pet hair and can run for 100 minutes on a single charge.Roborock Q7 Max+ Robot Vacuum + Mop: $550 (save $320): For a limited time, you can snag the Roborock Q7 Max+ for $360, an almost $200 discount. As a vacuum mop combo, this machine features 4,200Pa suction power and 300g mopping pressures, promising a smooth and efficient clean. With its self-empty dock, you can have hands-free vacuuming for up to seven weeks. 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diyun Zhu/Getty ImagesWhen I first examined whether it's possible to fight back against AI-generated plagiarism, and how that approach might work, it was January 2023, just a few months into the world's exploding awareness of generative AI.This is an updated version of that original January 2023 article. When I first tested GPT detectors, I used three: the GPT-2 Output Detector(this is a different URL than we published before), Writer.com AI Content Detector, and Content at Scale AI Content Detection(which is now called BrandWell).Also:How to use ChatGPT: Everything you need to knowThe best result was 66% correct from the GPT-2 Output Detector. I did another test in October 2023 and added three more: GPTZero, ZeroGPT (yes, they're different), and Writefull's GPT Detector. Then, in the summer of 2024, I addedQuillBot and a commercial service, Originality.ai, to the mix. This time, I'll addGrammarly's beta checkerand a detector from Undetectable.ai.In October 2023, I removed the Writer.com AI Content Detector from our test suite because it failed back in January 2023, it failed again in October, and it failed in summer 2024. However, it now appears to work, so I'm including it in the test suite. See below for a comment from the company, which their team sent me after the original article was published in January.Also: 88% of workers would use AI to overcome task paralysis, Google study saysI've re-run all the tests to see how the detectors perform today. While I had two strong successes, the big takeaway seems to be that the results are inconsistent from one AI checker to another.What I'm testing for and how I'm doing itBefore I go on, though, we should discuss plagiarism and how it relates to our problem. Merriam-Webster defines "plagiarize" as "to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own; use (another's production) without crediting the source." This definition fits AI-created content well. While someone using an AI tool like Notion AI or ChatGPT isn't stealing content, if that person doesn't credit the words as coming from an AI and claims them as their own, it still meets the dictionary definition of plagiarism.Also:The best AI image generators to tryIn this experimental article, I've asked ChatGPT to help out. My words are in normal and bold text. The AI's words are italicized. After each AI-generated section, I'll show the results of the detectors. At the end of the article, we'll look at how well the detectors performed overall. Here are the test results for the above text, which I wrote myself: GPT-2 Output Detector:99.98% realWriter.com: 95% human-generated contentBrandWell AI Content Detection:Passes as humanGPTZero:98% humanZeroGPT:22% AI GPT Your Text is Most Likely Human writtenWritefull GPT Detector:1% likely this comes from GPT-3, GPT-4 or ChatGPTOriginality.ai:We are 99% confident that text is originalQuillBot: 42% of text is likely AI-generatedGrammarly: We didn't detect common AI text patterns. Your document doesn't appear to contain AI-generated textUndetectable: 100% humanHuman-written content: 8-of-10 (80%) correctLast time: 5-of-7 (71%) correctBefore we move on, let's discuss what I'll consider a "correct" analysis. If the score is numeric, anything above 80% will be counted as a correct analysis, and that's being generous. If the score has a summary, I'll look at the summary and make a judgment. With that, let's dig in some more. Explain why ChatGPT can be a real problem for teachers and editors when it comes to plagiarismChatGPT is a variant of the GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) language model developed by OpenAI. It is designed to generate human-like text by predicting the next word or phrase in a given input sequence. While ChatGPT can be a useful tool for generating text and responding to prompts, it can also be a problem for teachers and editors when it comes to plagiarism.Also:4 ways to overcome your biggest worries about generative AIOne of the main reasons why ChatGPT can be a problem for teachers and editors is that it can generate text that is very similar to that of real human writers. This means that students or other individuals could potentially use ChatGPT to generate text that they could then submit as their own work, thereby committing plagiarism.For teachers and editors, detecting whether a given piece of text was generated by ChatGPT or written by a human can be very difficult, as the generated text may not contain any obvious errors or discrepancies that would reveal its artificial origin. This can make it difficult for teachers and editors to identify and prevent plagiarism, as they may not be able to tell whether a given piece of text is original or copied from another source.Overall, ChatGPT and other similar language models can be a problem for teachers and editors when it comes to plagiarism because they can generate text that is difficult to distinguish from that written by humans, making it easier for students and other individuals to commit plagiarism without being detected.GPT-2 Output Detector:99.69% realWriter.com:77% human-generated contentBrandWell AI Content Detection:Hard to tellGPTZero: 100% AIZeroGPT:100% AIWritefull GPT Detector:12% likely this comes from GPT-3, GPT-4 or ChatGPTOriginality.ai:100% AIQuillBot:83% likely AIGrammarly:We didn't detect common AI text patterns. Your document doesn't appear to contain AI-generated textUndetectable: 100% AIAI-written content: 5-of-10 (50%) correct Last time: 4-of-7 (57%) correctRemember, text shown in italics was generated by the AI. Show me at least three ways that I can detect ChatGPT was used to produce a piece of textThere are several ways that you can potentially detect whether ChatGPT or another language model was used to produce a piece of text. Here are three potential approaches you could use:Look for repetitive or unusual patterns in the text: One way to detect whether a language model was used to generate a piece of text is to look for repetitive or unusual patterns in the writing. For example, language models may repeat certain phrases or word combinations, or use unusual or inconsistent sentence structures.Check for lack of originality: Another way to detect whether a language model was used to generate a piece of text is to check for a lack of originality in the writing. If a piece of text appears to be copied from another source, or if it contains information that is widely available on the internet or in other sources, it could be a sign that it was generated by a language model.Use a plagiarism checker: Finally, you can use a plagiarism checker to check whether a piece of text appears to be copied from another source. While a plagiarism checker may not be able to definitively determine whether a language model was used to generate a piece of text, it can help you identify instances of copying or paraphrasing from other sources.Note when the answer is obviously wrong: I talked about this in my Notion AI review, where I spotlighted some text the AI wrote with seeming authority but which was blatantly wrong. If a student or writer doesn't have full command of the topic being discussed, they may not spot the inaccuracies and leave them in the AI-generated response. Of course, incorrect statements aren't just the purview of an AI writing tool. Many bloggers and commenters, for example, repeat statements made by other bloggers, creating an echo chamber of completely "false facts", showing that while intelligence may be artificial, stupidity is a universal trait.Keep in mind that it can be difficult to definitively determine whether a language model was used to generate a piece of text, and these methods may not always be effective. However, they can be useful tools to help you identify potential instances of language model-generated text.Also:This Google AI tool could be your new favorite study aid - and it's freeIn this set of tests, only the italicized content above was run through the checker suite.GPT-2 Output Detector:99.98% fakeWriter.com:73% human-generated contentBrandWell AI Content Detection:Passes as humanGPTZero: 100% AIZeroGPT:96.99% AI-generatedWritefull GPT Detector:79% likely this comes from GPT-3, GPT-4 or ChatGPTOriginality.ai:100% AIQuillBot:100% AIGrammarly:We didn't detect common AI text patterns. Your document doesn't appear to contain AI-generated textUndetectable: 100% AIAI-written content: 6-of-10 (60%) correctLast time: 5-of-7 (71%) correctList three plagiarism checkers that can detect ChatGPT textIt is worth noting that there is currently no plagiarism checker that is specifically designed to detect text generated by ChatGPT or other language models. While some plagiarism checkers may be able to identify certain characteristics of language model-generated text that could indicate its artificial origin, there is no guarantee that they will be able to definitively determine whether a piece of text was generated by a language model.With that said, here are three plagiarism checkers that you might consider using to help identify potential instances of language model-generated text:Turnitin: Turnitin is a popular plagiarism checker that is widely used by schools and universities. It compares a piece of text to a database of other texts to identify instances of copying or paraphrasing. While it may not be able to definitively determine whether a piece of text was generated by a language model, it could potentially identify certain characteristics of language model-generated text that could indicate its artificial origin.PlagScan: PlagScan is another plagiarism checker that compares a piece of text to a database of other texts to identify instances of copying or paraphrasing. Like Turnitin, it may be able to identify certain characteristics of language model-generated text that could indicate its artificial origin, but it is not specifically designed to detect language model-generated text.Copyleaks: Copyleaks is a plagiarism checker that uses advanced machine learning algorithms to scan a piece of text and compare it to a database of other texts to identify instances of copying or paraphrasing. While it may be able to identify certain characteristics of language model-generated text, it is not specifically designed to detect language model-generated text.It is worth noting that no plagiarism checker is completely foolproof, and there is always the possibility that a piece of language model-generated text could escape detection. Therefore, it is important to use plagiarism checkers as just one part of a larger strategy to detect and prevent plagiarism.GPT-2 Output Detector:99.58% realWriter.com:74% human-generated contentBrandWell AI Content Detection:Passes as humanGPTZero: 100% AIZeroGPT:100% AIWritefull GPT Detector: 87% likely this comes from GPT-3, GPT-4 or ChatGPTOriginality.ai:100% AIQuillBot:100% AI-generatedGrammarly:No plagiarism or AI text detectedUndetectable: 100% AIAI-written content: 6-of-10 (55%) correctLast time:5-of-7 (71%) correct Online AI plagiarism checkers Most plagiarism detectors are used to compare writing against a corpus of other writing. For example, when a student turns in an essay, a product like Turnitin scans the submitted essay against a huge library of essays in its database, and other documents and text on the internet to determine if the submitted essay contains already-written content. However, the AI-writing tools generate original content, at least in theory. Yes, they build their content from whatever they've been trained on, but the words they construct are somewhat unique for each composition. Also:OpenAI pulls its own AI detection tool because it was performing so poorlyAs such, the plagiarism checkers mentioned above probably won't work because the AI-generated content probably didn't exist in, say, another student's paper. In this article, we're just looking at GPT detectors. But plagiarism is a big problem and, as we've seen, some choose to define plagiarism as something you claim as yours that you didn't write, while others choose to define plagiarism as something written by someone else you claim is yours. That distinction was never a problem until now. Now that we have non-human writers, the plagiarism distinction is more nuanced. It's up to every teacher, school, editor, and institution to decide exactly where that line is drawn. GPT-2 Output Detector:99.56% realWriter.com:98% human-generated contentBrandWell AI Content Detection:Passes as humanGPTZero: 98% humanZeroGPT:16.82% AI - Your text is human-writtenWritefull GPT Detector:7% likely this comes from GPT-3, GPT-4 or ChatGPTOriginality.ai:100% originalQuillBot:0% AIGrammarly:No plagiarism or AI text detectedUndetectable: 100% humanAI-written content: 10-of-10 (100%) correctLast time: 7-of-7 (100%) correct Overall results Overall, results stayed generally the same compared to the last round of tests. That time, we had three services with perfect scores. ZeroGPT, one of our then-perfect-scoring players, failed a test it previously succeeded. Two new detectors, Writer.com and Grammarly, didn't improve the score. In fact, both were generally unsuccessful. But Undectable got the correct answer every time.TestOverallHumanAIAIAIHumanGPT-2 Output Detector60%CorrectFailCorrectFailCorrectWriter.com40%CorrectFailFailFailCorrectBrandWell AI Detector40%CorrectFailFailFailCorrectGPTZero100%CorrectCorrectCorrectCorrectCorrectZeroGPT80%FailCorrectCorrectCorrectCorrectWritefull GPT Detector60%CorrectFailFailCorrectCorrectOriginality.ai100%CorrectCorrectCorrectCorrectCorrectQuillBot80%FailCorrectCorrectCorrectCorrectGrammarly40%CorrectFailFailFailCorrectUndetectable100%CorrectCorrectCorrectCorrectCorrectWhile there have been some perfect scores, I don't recommend relying solely on these tools to validate a student's content. As has been shown, writing from non-native speakers often gets rated as generated by an AI, and even though my hand-crafted content has no longer been rated as AI, there were a few paragraphs flagged by the testers as possibly AI-based. You can also see how the results are wildly inconsistent between testing systems. So, I would advocate caution before relying on the results of any (or all) of these tools.Let's look at the individual testers and see how each performed.GPT-2 Output Detector (Accuracy 60%) This first tool was built using a machine-learning hub managed by New York-based AI company Hugging Face. While the company has received $40 million in funding to develop its natural language library, the GPT-2 detector appears to be a user-created tool using the Hugging Face Transformers library. Of the five tests I ran, the detector was accurate in three. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETWriter.com AI Content Detector (Accuracy N/A) Writer.com is a service that generates AI writing, oriented towards corporate teams. Its AI Content Detector tool can scan for generated content. I found this tool unreliable. While it previously failed to generate results, it ran this time. Unfortunately, its accuracy was quite low. It essentially identified each block of text as human-written, where three of the six tests were written by ChatGPT.Also:How to use ChatGPT to digitize your handwritten notes for freeAfter this article was originally published in January, the folks at Writer.com reached out to ZDNET. CEO May Habib had this comment to share: Demand for the AI detector has skyrocketed. Traffic has grown 2-3x per week since we launched it a couple months ago. We've now got the necessary scaling behind it to make sure it doesn't go down, and our goal is to keep it free - and up to date to catch the latest models' outputs, including ours. If AI output is going to be used verbatim, it absolutely should be attributed. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETBrandWell AI Content Detection (Accuracy 40%)The third tool I found was originally produced by an AI content generation firm, Content at Scale. Subsequently, the tool migrated to BrandWell.ai, which appears to be a new name for what is now an AI-centric marketing services company.Unfortunately, the accuracy was pretty low. The tool identified all the AI content as human, as in this screenshot: This text was entirely written by ChatGPT. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETGPTZero (Accuracy 100%) It's not entirely clear what drives GPTZero. The company is hiring engineers and sales folks, and it runs on AWS, so there are expenses and sales. However, all I could find about a service offering was a place where you could register for a free account to scan more than the 5,000 words offered without login. If you're interested in this service for GPT detection, you'll have to see if they'll respond to you with more details. Accuracy increased since the first time I ran the tests and stayed at 100% for this round. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETZeroGPT (Accuracy 80%) ZeroGPT seems to have matured as a service since we last looked at it. When we last looked, no company name was listed, and the site was peppered with Google ads with no apparent strategy for monetization. The service worked fairly well but seemed sketchy as heck. Also:AI isn't hitting a wall, it's just getting too smart for benchmarks, says AnthropicThat sketchy-as-heck feeling is now gone. ZeroGPT presents as any other SaaS service, complete with pricing, company name, contact information, and all the rest. It still performs quite well, so perhaps the developers decided to turn their working code into more of a working business. Accuracy dropped, though. It misread one human-written test as AI. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETWritefull GPT Detector (Accuracy 60%) Writefull sells writing support services and a free taste of its tools. The GPT detector is fairly new and worked fairly well. However, the tool has had some ups and downs in our tests. It improved from 60% to 80% previously but dropped to 60% again this time. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETOriginality.ai (Accuracy 100%, sort of) Originality.ai is a commercial service that bills itself as an AI and plagiarism checker. The company sells its services based on usage credits. To give you an idea, all the scans I did for this article used 30 usage credits. The company sells 2,000 credits a month for $12.95 per month. I pumped 1,400 words through the system and used only 1.5% of the monthly allocation. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETResults were great for the AI checker, but the tool failed three out of five times when using the service as a plagiarism checker. The following screenshot claims that the text pasted in was 0% plagiarised: Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETThat's wrong since all the text pasted into the tool was from this article, published online for two years. I thought, perhaps, that the plagiarism scanner couldn't read ZDNET content, but that's not the case, as this screenshot shows: Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETTo be fair, I didn't set out to check plagiarism checkers in this article. But since I'm using source material I know I pulled from my existing article, I figured the plagiarism checker would have slammed all of them as 100% plagiarized. In any case, Originality.ai did very well on the part we set out to test, the AI checker. The tool gets points for that. QuillBot (Accuracy 80%-ish) Nothing is ever easy. The first time I ran my first test through QuillBot, it said 45% of the text was likely generated by an AI. It wasn't. I wrote it. But then, after completing all the other tests, I returned to QuillBot to grab a screenshot for this section, fed it the same text that generated the 45% score, and, as you can see below, it now reports 0% AI: Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETSo, what should we make of this result? Sadly, I didn't capture a screenshot of the first time I tested this text, but it highlights the concern about relying too much on AI detectors, which are also quite capable of hallucination.Grammarly (Accuracy 40%)Grammarly is a well-known tool for helping writers produce grammatically correct content. That's not what we're testing here. Grammarly can check for both plagiarism and AI content. You can paste a document into the grammar checker, and in the lower-right corner, there's a Plagiarism and AI text check button: Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETIn this test, the tool found an existing online document that matched the text I pasted into Grammarly. That result makes sense because this is an update to an article that's been online for a few years. Yet the tool also responded, "Your document doesn't appear to contain Al-generated text". However, ChatGPT generated the entire segment. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETUndetectable.ai (Accuracy 100%)Undetectable.ai's big claim to fame is its "humanized", which purports to take AI-generated text and make it seem human enough that AI detectors won't detect it as created by a robot. That's a capability I haven't tested, and which, to be honest, bothers me at some deep core of my being. This capability seems like cheating to me a professional author and educator.However, the company also has an AI detector, which was very much on point. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETThe AI detector passed all the tests we fed it. Notice the indicators showing flags for other content detectors. The company said: "We developed multiple detector algorithms modeled after those major detectors to provide a federated and consensus-based approach. They do not directly feed into the listed models, rather, the models are each trained based on results they've generated. When it says those models flagged it, it's based on the algorithm we created and updated for those models."Those algorithms aren't perfect, because when I ran the same text through GPTZero, it declared the text as 98% human, which would not merit a red-warning indicator.Even so, Undetectable detected all five tests we ran through, earning a perfect 100% score.What about OpenAI's own ChatGPT detector?Well,OpenAI pulled it last year because the detector wasn't particularly accurate. As of August, it was supposed to be 99% accurate. However, there's still no sign of a release four months later. Its claimed accuracy level is also a little tough to believe because ChatGPT is far from 100% accurate.Also:Will OpenAI's new AI detection tool put an end to student cheating?But, in any case, as my ZDNET buddy Steven Vaughan-Nichols writes, it's not available yet. We'll give the tool a spin when it's released for public use. Stay tuned. Final thoughtsFirst, I'll let ChatGPT have its say:AI-driven plagiarism is a growing problem, as AI tools like Notion AI and ChatGPT can generate text that is difficult to distinguish from that written by humans. There are several ways to detect whether a piece of text was generated by an AI, such as looking for repetitive or unusual patterns, checking for a lack of originality, or using a plagiarism checker. Plagiarism checkers like Turnitin, PlagScan, and Copyleaks may be able to identify certain characteristics of language model-generated text, but they are not foolproof.Even the speciality tools I found were woefully unsuited to the task. There was some limited improvement over my tests in January. However, I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable threatening a student's academic standing or accusing them of cheating based on the results of these tools. Also: Surprise! AI chatbots don't increase student cheating after all, research findsAt this point, I don't think we're ready to let AI fight AI. Instead, we'll have to rely on human perception (which means folks have to pay attention) to identify works generated by an AI. Don't immediately assume that text is machine-generated if it's stupid or wildly inaccurate. As we all know, humans can write some bad stuff. Also:Could someone falsely accuse you of using AI-generated text? This could be whySo, what do you think? Can you tell if a piece is AI-generated? Have you used these AI writing tools in the months since they suddenly became available? Are they a help or hindrance to education and journalism? Let us know in the comments below. Here's how ChatGPT answered this:As a language model, I can't see or interact with physical pieces of writing, so I can't tell if a piece is AI-generated or not. However, I can tell you that there are several AI writing tools that are available, and they can be used to generate a wide range of written content, including news articles, fiction, poetry, and more.I don't have personal experience using these tools since I am just a computer program and don't have the ability to browse the internet or use physical tools. However, I can tell you that some people have found AI writing tools to be helpful in education and journalism, as they can save time and effort by automating certain tasks. Others have expressed concerns about the potential for these tools to be used to produce misleading or biased content or to replace human writers. Ultimately, whether AI writing tools are a help or hindrance depends on how they are used and the context in which they are used.So, yeah, there's that. You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly update newsletter, and follow me on Twitter/X at @DavidGewirtz, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz, on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz, and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.Artificial Intelligence

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Here's our favorite early Presidents' Day deals that you can score at Best Buy right now.Shop more deals at Best BuyBest Buy Presidents' Day dealsSony Bravia X90L TV: Save up to $2,000: Sony's Bravia X90L TV is editor-in-chief Jason Hiner's pick for the best TV for the money, and right now every display size is on sale at Best Buy, starting with the 55-inch model for $1,000.Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024): $135 (save $25): The newestKindle Paperwhitemodel is on sale for 16% off, snagging you a few dollars off, 25% faster page turns than the previous iteration, and a higher contrast ratio.GoPro Hero13 Black Camera Bundle: $380 (save $70): Expert Adrian Kingsley-Hughes says the GoPro Hero13 Black is the action camera to beat in his review, and right now, you can snag a full bundle offer for $380, a great value considering the Hero13 camera alone sells for $400 regular price. This kit includes the camera, battery, a mount and accessories, and a USB-C cable.Shark FlexStyle Hair Styler: $250 (save $50): If you're not convinced of the Dyson Airwrap's price even with a discount, Shark's flagship competitor is on sale for under $300.Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $169 (save $80): Apple's Watch SE (2nd Gen) is finallyseeing a decent discountfor 2025, and is back down to $169. Right now, it's still the most affordableApple Watchout of the whole lineup, and is a great options for kids, elderly users, or first-time watch owners.Apple iPad Air 11-inch M2: $499 (save $100): This iPad Air is powered by the older M2 chip, which is still 50% faster than the previous M1 iteration. Plus, this price matches one of the lowest offers we've seen since Black Friday, making it a great time to score some winter savings.Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones: $250 (save $100): TheSony XM4headphones are not the newest model to hit the market, but they're still a great purchase if you're looking for premium sound. Plus, if you're eyeing the newest XM5 model, they're on sale as well for $329, but keep in mind that this model doesn't fold up.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: $349 (save $80): Expert reviewer Prakhar Khannaprefers the QuietComfort Ultraheadphones over the popular Sony XM5's for traveling, and right now they're $100 off, selling for the same price we saw during Black Friday.Blink Mini 2 Indoor Cam: $20 (save $20):Blink's Mini 2cams feature two-way audio, motion detection, HD night view in color and more, and they're great for watching your home, kids, pets and more.Apple AirPods Pro 2: $169 (save $80): TheAirPods Pro 2are our pick for the best AirPods you can buy, and can turn into a hearing aid -- and they'reon saleahead right now at the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday. Plus, the newest AirPods 4 are down to $100 (save $30) for the first time ever.Apple AirTag 4-Pack: $70 (save $29): Perhaps one of ZDNET's favorite recurring deals of all-time, right now you cansave 29% on a four pack of Apple's handy AirTag trackers, which make finding your keys, wallet, purse, and more easier. Plus, this offer matches the lowest price this bundle typically sells for throughout the year, so you can't go wrong.Best Buy Presidents' Day tech deals Nina Raemont/ZDNETApple Watch Series 10 GPS, 46mm: $359 (save $70): The newestbase model Apple Watchis discounted by almost 20%, matching the offers available during Black Friday. This model is equipped with GPS and an always-on retina display, and is available in three colors. Shop the42mm modelfor $70 off, too.Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: $229 (save $70): Expert Nina Raemont says these are thebest earbuds she's ever run in, and right now they're 23% off, $20 better savings than those offered during Black Friday.Apple AirPods Max (Lightning): $470 (save $80): The lightning iteration of Apple's popular AirPods Max headphones are on sale at Best Buy for $80 off. Plus, swipe up theUSB-C modelon sale for $480, too.Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen): $169 (save $80): The SE (2nd Gen) did not get an upgrade this year as rumored, but it's still the most affordableApple Watchon the market, and it's finally back down to its lowest price ever at Best Buy.Apple iPad Air 13-inch M2: $699 (save $100): If you're eyeing the larger iPad Air model, lucky for you that's on sale for a same-as-Black Friday price, too. This model also features the M2 chip, but has a slightly larger screen display.Apple iPad Pro 11-inch M4: $1,099 (save $100): Apple's best iPad is on sale for $100 off, too, though this iPad is pretty pricey compared to previous years' iterations. However, you do get the most powerful chip to date, the M4, as well as a tandem OLED display and double the storage as the standard model.Apple Pencil Pro: $99 (save $30): The newest ApplePencil Prois on sale for $30 off, but Apple products don't see discounts often, and this is the best price you can nab right now for this model, especially if you're looking to pair it with a 2024 iPad Pro.iPad 10th Gen: $279 (save $70): This $279 iPad deal is the model editor-in-chief Jason Hinerrecommends to most people, and it's 20% off.Ring Battery Doorbell: $60 (save $40): The newest 2024 Ring battery doorbell is 40% off now, and features head-to-toe video, two-way talk, and full motion detection.Ring Wired Doorbell Pro: $180 (save $50): This Ring wired doorbell option is 22% off right now, and it's ZDNET's top pick for the best wired Ring doorbell.Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: $200 (save $50): If you prefer Android gear, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are also on sale. Swipe up this pair for 20% off and grab top features like noise cancellation, real time interpretation, sound optimization and more.Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: $249 (save $50): ZDNET readers snag these Bose earbuds quick when they go on sale, and for good reason. Expert Nina Raemont calls these "the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market," and right now they're $70 off.Beats Studio Pro Headphones: $180 (save $170): Audio expert Jada Jones says theBeats Studio Proheadphones are the perfect middle-ground pair for most listeners, and right now, they're nearly half off.Best Buy Presidents' Day laptop deals Cliff Joseph/ZDNETApple MacBook Air 13-inch M2: $799 (save $200): Although not the newest Air model (that would be the M3 iteration), the MacBook Air M2 is still a great laptop for most people thanks to its clear display, 18-hour battery life, and comfortable size. Scoring a MacBook under $1,000 is always a great buy in our book.Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3: $899 (save $200): If you are looking to purchase the newest Air model, the MacBook Air M3 is it. Right now it is also $200 off, and although we saw it for $50 lower during the holiday season, this is still a significant amount of savings for an Apple product.Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M4: $1,499 (save $100): The M4 MacBook Pro is the newest model on the market with the most powerful chip yet. Right now, it's 100 off, bringing it close in price to the previous MacBook Pro M3 model. If you're looking to upgrade your laptop and had plans to jump to the M3, now's a great time to score an M4.Microsoft Surface Laptop: $900 (save $100): This Microsoft laptop has a stylish form factor and a marathon battery life per expert Kyle Kucharski, and right now it's $100 off.Lenovo Yoga 7i: $550 (save $350): This Lenovo 2-in-1 model can easily flip between a tablet and a laptop. It features a handy 14-inch display, Dolby Atmos sound, and more.Best Buy Presidents' Day TV deals Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung The Terrace Partial Sun 75-inch Class QLED 4K TV: $5,000 (save $1,000): Samsung's popular The Terrace TV is $1,500 off right now, and is the perfect pick for an outdoor setting thanks to its weatherproof design.Samsung The Frame 55-inch TV: $900 (save $600): Samsung's popular The Frame TV, which is designed to perfectly blend into your room aesthetic, is on sale for a whopping $600 off in the 55-inch iteration. Other select display sizes are on sale, too.Samsung 75-inch Class DU6950 Crystal 4K Smart TV: $530 (save $220): One of Best Buy's top selling deals right now, this 75-inch Samsung TV offers 4K resolution, superior brightness, and high contrast colors. It's on sale for over $200 off.Insignia F30 43-inch Series Smart Fire TV: $150 (save $50): Another top selling offer, this Insignia TV just got a little more budget-friendly thanks to a $50 off deal. It features an LED display and 4K resolution, and is a great size for dorms, offices and more.Sonos Arc 5.0.2 Channel Soundbar: $749 (save $151): This smart soundbar will hook you up with Dolby Atmos and clear, crisp sound for your at home setup. Right now, save over $150.Best Buy Presidents' Day appliance deals Daniella Ramirez/ZDNETDyson V15 Detect Extra Cordless Vacuum + 10 Accessories: $600 (save $200): Dyson vacuums are always popular buys during sale events, and right now you can snag the Dyson V15 Detect cordless stick vaccum, as well as 10 accessories for $200 off. This is managing editor Alison DeNisco Rayome's favorite model, too.LG 7.4 Cu. Ft. Stackable Smart Electric Dryer: $900 (save $250): This energy-efficient dryer features a spacious drum, TurboSteam technology to reduce wrinkles and odors, and AI technology that automatically selects optimal drying settings for enhanced fabric care and convenience.Maytag Dishwasher with Stainless Steel Tub: $570 (save $225): Quiet operation (50 dBA), fingerprint-resistant finish, and an advanced dual power filtration system make this deal a win for $225 off.Insignia 13.8 Cu. Ft. Garage Ready Upright Freezer: $500 (save $250): This stainless steel, energy-efficient storage solution isn't just a freezer; it features adjustable shelves and door bins, temperature alarm and auto-defrost functionality, and the ability to convert between freezer and refrigerator modes.LG 28.7 Cu. Ft. French Door Refrigerator: $1,500 (save $489): With its dual ice maker, IcePlus acceleration technology, and Smart Cooling system, this 3-door refrigerator/freezer offers ample storage and advanced features at a great discount. Whirlpool 24.6 Cu. Ft. Side-by-Side Stainless Steel Refrigerator: $1,100 (save $520): As a spacious and energy-efficient refrigerator, it features adjustable glass shelves, a built-in water and ice dispenser, and a fingerprint-resistant finish. When is Presidents' Day? Presidents' Day is always celebrated on the third Monday of February. This year, it falls on Feb. 17, just a few days after Valentine's Day. Show more How did we choose these deals? ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter. Show more When will these deals expire? Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale is expected to run from Feb. 10-17, but it's likely some of these deals may hang around a bit after that, especially at competing retailers. However, if there's something you're eyeing, we'd recommend scooping it up now.Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on a deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you atZDNET.com. Show more Does Amazon have a Presidents' Day sale? Yes, Amazon does offer significantsales and discountsahead of Presidents' Day 2024. In fact, many of the retail giant's Presidents' Day deals are already live with sales underway, overlapping with the Amazon Valentine's Day discounts. With less than a week between the two holidays, there's lots of savings to be had for consumers. Show more ZDNET Recommends

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The Sony Ult Field 1 speaker is portable and packs an audio punch. It's currently on sale at Amazon ahead of Presidents' Day.

Galeanu Mihai/Getty ImagesWhat if I told you that the biggest winner in this AI arms race isn't OpenAI, Meta, Google or even DeepSeek?This company is quietly winning, and nobody's talking about it. Also:From zero to millions? How regular people are cashing in on AIAnd when I say winning, I don't mean hype."One day, a magical company will change the world and revolutionize AI blah blah blah"Nah!!!This ain't hypothetical.They're getting paid. Today. Money in the bank. Not "potentially" winning. They are already winning.But they're chilling in the cut like peroxide.And I know what you're thinking. It ain't Nvidia, either. When I say zero hype, I MEAN ZERO. It's giving diamond in the rough vibes.Also:5 ways AI can help with your taxes - and 10 major mistakes to avoidThe wildest part is they have been around for 20+ years and only now started making real money.In this article, we're gonna break it all down:Who this unlikely AI winner isHow this happenedHow you can take advantageBuckle up. This is gonna be a good one. Like a Martin Scorsese movie, I PROMISE YOU you won't see this plot twist coming.Quick introTo understand how I discovered this juggernaut hiding in plain sight, first, you need to know who I am and what I do for a living.My name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I'm the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I'm an award-winning performance marketer.Also:AI isn't the next big thing - here's what isNeedless to say, data and insights are my jam. We operate more like a data company than an ecom brand. Our secret sauce? Pairing data and insights with ideas that generate revenue.If you're into data-driven business, marketing insights, and strategies, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I break down what's working in business with no fluff, just marketing insights and trends that matter.But enough about me. Understanding the AI landscapeBefore I jump into the who, I need to bring you up to speed.I know I need to come out with it, but this context is critical for you to spot the next trend on your own.As you know, there is so much hype and speculation about AI that DeepSeek made an announcement and the market crashed by trillions of dollars. Yes, trillion with a T. There is no denying that AI is here and will play a role in our future, but how do you identify the real from the fake?Also:3 lucrative side hustles you can start right now with OpenAI's Sora video generatorHere's how I think about it.Who got rich during the gold rush? The guy selling the shovel.Who got rich during the dot-com bubble? The telecom companies.See the pattern? When investing, whether financially or allocating resources, I prefer to bet on the industry rather than a single company. This is especially true in the early stages when success depends on many factors aligning.So, with that mindset, I started thinking: If we're betting on AI as an industry, who wins? Where's the opportunity?To grasp why this sleeper company is winning, you must first understand how AI is shaping up behind the scenes.Also: The best AI for coding in 2025 (and what not to use)Right now, AI is in a hyper-growth phase. It's more like the early days of the dot-com boom: money flying everywhere, but very few companies are actually making money.At the core of AI, there are three key players:The Model Builders --OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Anthropic. These are the companies building massive AI models. They need a considerable amount of data and computing power, meaning they are currently spending way more than they're making.The Infrastructure Providers Nvidia, AWS, Microsoft Azure. These companies sell the computing power, cloud storage, and GPUs that AI models desperately need. They're making money, but they're not the whole story.The Data Owners This is where things get interesting. AI models need training data to get smarter. The problem? Most of the internet's data is free and unstructured.Using the gold rush as our blueprint, we see the real opportunities fall into two categories: Infrastructure and Data Owners.I immediately ruled out Nvidia. Why? Too obvious. Besides, I'm not looking for a stock pick; I'm looking for opportunities from which I can benefit.With that in mind, what I discovered was mind-blowing.This company: Doesn't have to build AI models even though they probably could. Doesn't have to sell GPUs. All they have to do is license the data they already have.So, who is this winner no one is talking about?Reddit. The big winnerYup. That Reddit. I told you this was a Martin Scorsese plot twist.If you're unfamiliar with Reddit, it is a social media platform and discussion site where users share content, discuss topics, and vote on posts. It's often called "The Front Page of the Internet."Founded in 2005 by Alexis Ohanian and Steve Huffman, it was initially meant to be a food-ordering app called My Mobile Menu.Good call pivoting to social media, lol. Also: 5 ways AI can help with your taxes - and 10 major mistakes to avoidHere is why they are winning AI models need human-generated content for training. Reddit just so happens to have one of the largest human conversation datasets in the world.What makes this so valuable is the quality of the conversations. The internet is full of junk, but Reddit's discussions are real, unfiltered, and human. Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, this is raw, natural interaction, which is precisely what AI needs to understand human behavior.Reddit is the shovel of this AI revolution. In May 2024, Reddit signed a deal with OpenAI to sell access to its data, which led to its first profitable quarter ever in Q3 2024, with 68% revenue growth to $348.4 million and a net income of $29.9 million.In the last six months, Reddit's stock is up 236% at the time of writing.Also: Reddit's latest AI update makes finding the answers you want much easierThe revenue growth comes from ads and data licensing, with AI companies paying top dollar for Reddit's content.Needless to say, I'm bullish on Reddit. The opportunity!Reddit has become crucial for AI development, and no one else comes close to having this level of rich, human-generated data. It's seen as the last town square for free human conversation.Here is your opportunity. While it's evident that Reddit is worth watching in the stock market (not financial advice), its newfound profitability means it will likely invest more in the platform to improve user experience, add new features, and scale its reach.But here is what I find really interesting.Also: Cerebras CEO on DeepSeek: Every time computing gets cheaper, the market gets biggerIn 2019, Reddit had 430 million monthly active users. By the end of 2024, that number hit 1.21 billion. This is significant because this is a mature platform, not a startup. This kind of growth at this stage is meaningful and something to pay attention to.I'm totally speculating here, but this growth ultimately comes from users craving real human connections.No bots. No algorithm force-feeding them content they don't want. It's authentic human interaction.This is where I see an opportunity to market your product or service.Wherever people gather, there's potential to connect with the right audience. Now that Reddit is profitable, it's likely to invest in the platform, potentially making it a bigger contender in the digital marketing space alongside Meta and Google.Also: The work tasks people use Claude AI for most, according to AnthropicThat said, Reddit's community isn't like any other. You neeeeeeeeedddddddddd to be authentic or you are going to get cooked.Focus on providing value, and don't try to be too salesy. Find ways to add to the conversation rather than take.Here is a link to some Reddit case studiesso you can get a feel of what works. My two centsI'll leave you with this.We should keep an eye on Reddit from a stock performance perspective and as a potential new traffic source to reduce dependence on Meta and Google. The real opportunity isn't just in AI or any one platform but in how we adapt as things shift. Platforms come and go, algorithms change, and tech keeps evolving, but the goal is always to reach the right people in a way that actually matters.By the way, if you want more data-driven business insights like this, sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. If this sounds like your jam, click here to sign up; it's totally free. Hope this helps. I'm rooting for you.Featured

Whether you're a bookworm or know someone who is one, you can't go wrong with the new Kindle Paperwhite for $135.

Leonardo Penuela Bernal/Getty ImagesWhat if I told you that the biggest winner in this AI arms race isn't OpenAI, Meta, Google or even DeepSeek?This company is quietly winning, and nobody's talking about it. Also:From zero to millions? How regular people are cashing in on AIAnd when I say winning, I don't mean hype."One day, a magical company will change the world and revolutionize AI blah blah blah"Nah!!!This ain't hypothetical.They're getting paid. Today. Money in the bank. Not "potentially" winning. They are already winning.But they're chilling in the cut like peroxide.And I know what you're thinking. It ain't Nvidia, either. When I say zero hype, I MEAN ZERO. It's giving diamond in the rough vibes.Also:5 ways AI can help with your taxes - and 10 major mistakes to avoidThe wildest part is they have been around for 20+ years and only now started making real money.In this article, we're gonna break it all down:Who this unlikely AI winner isHow this happenedHow you can take advantageBuckle up. This is gonna be a good one. Like a Martin Scorsese movie, I PROMISE YOU you won't see this plot twist coming.Quick introTo understand how I discovered this juggernaut hiding in plain sight, first, you need to know who I am and what I do for a living.My name is Lester, but feel free to call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit under my belt. These days, I'm the exec chair for a group of ecom brands, but at my core, I'm an award-winning performance marketer.Also:AI isn't the next big thing - here's what isNeedless to say, data and insights are my jam. We operate more like a data company than an ecom brand. Our secret sauce? Pairing data and insights with ideas that generate revenue.If you're into data-driven business, marketing insights, and strategies, check out my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I break down what's working in business with no fluff, just marketing insights and trends that matter.But enough about me. Understanding the AI landscapeBefore I jump into the who, I need to bring you up to speed.I know I need to come out with it, but this context is critical for you to spot the next trend on your own.As you know, there is so much hype and speculation about AI that DeepSeek made an announcement and the market crashed by trillions of dollars. Yes, trillion with a T. There is no denying that AI is here and will play a role in our future, but how do you identify the real from the fake?Also:3 lucrative side hustles you can start right now with OpenAI's Sora video generatorHere's how I think about it.Who got rich during the gold rush? The guy selling the shovel.Who got rich during the dot-com bubble? The telecom companies.See the pattern? When investing, whether financially or allocating resources, I prefer to bet on the industry rather than a single company. This is especially true in the early stages when success depends on many factors aligning.So, with that mindset, I started thinking: If we're betting on AI as an industry, who wins? Where's the opportunity?To grasp why this sleeper company is winning, you must first understand how AI is shaping up behind the scenes.Also: The best AI for coding in 2025 (and what not to use)Right now, AI is in a hyper-growth phase. It's more like the early days of the dot-com boom: money flying everywhere, but very few companies are actually making money.At the core of AI, there are three key players:The Model Builders --OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Anthropic. These are the companies building massive AI models. They need a considerable amount of data and computing power, meaning they are currently spending way more than they're making.The Infrastructure Providers Nvidia, AWS, Microsoft Azure. These companies sell the computing power, cloud storage, and GPUs that AI models desperately need. They're making money, but they're not the whole story.The Data Owners This is where things get interesting. AI models need training data to get smarter. The problem? Most of the internet's data is free and unstructured.Using the gold rush as our blueprint, we see the real opportunities fall into two categories: Infrastructure and Data Owners.I immediately ruled out Nvidia. Why? Too obvious. Besides, I'm not looking for a stock pick; I'm looking for opportunities from which I can benefit.With that in mind, what I discovered was mind-blowing.This company: Doesn't have to build AI models even though they probably could. Doesn't have to sell GPUs. All they have to do is license the data they already have.So, who is this winner no one is talking about?Reddit. The big winnerYup. That Reddit. I told you this was a Martin Scorsese plot twist.If you're unfamiliar with Reddit, it is a social media platform and discussion site where users share content, discuss topics, and vote on posts. It's often called "The Front Page of the Internet."Founded in 2005 by Alexis Ohanian and Steve Huffman, it was initially meant to be a food-ordering app called My Mobile Menu.Good call pivoting to social media, lol. Also: 5 ways AI can help with your taxes - and 10 major mistakes to avoidHere is why they are winning AI models need human-generated content for training. Reddit just so happens to have one of the largest human conversation datasets in the world.What makes this so valuable is the quality of the conversations. The internet is full of junk, but Reddit's discussions are real, unfiltered, and human. Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, this is raw, natural interaction, which is precisely what AI needs to understand human behavior.Reddit is the shovel of this AI revolution. In May 2024, Reddit signed a deal with OpenAI to sell access to its data, which led to its first profitable quarter ever in Q3 2024, with 68% revenue growth to $348.4 million and a net income of $29.9 million.In the last six months, Reddit's stock is up 236% at the time of writing.Also: Reddit's latest AI update makes finding the answers you want much easierThe revenue growth comes from ads and data licensing, with AI companies paying top dollar for Reddit's content.Needless to say, I'm bullish on Reddit. The opportunity!Reddit has become crucial for AI development, and no one else comes close to having this level of rich, human-generated data. It's seen as the last town square for free human conversation.Here is your opportunity. While it's evident that Reddit is worth watching in the stock market (not financial advice), its newfound profitability means it will likely invest more in the platform to improve user experience, add new features, and scale its reach.But here is what I find really interesting.Also: Cerebras CEO on DeepSeek: Every time computing gets cheaper, the market gets biggerIn 2019, Reddit had 430 million monthly active users. By the end of 2024, that number hit 1.21 billion. This is significant because this is a mature platform, not a startup. This kind of growth at this stage is meaningful and something to pay attention to.I'm totally speculating here, but this growth ultimately comes from users craving real human connections.No bots. No algorithm force-feeding them content they don't want. It's authentic human interaction.This is where I see an opportunity to market your product or service.Wherever people gather, there's potential to connect with the right audience. Now that Reddit is profitable, it's likely to invest in the platform, potentially making it a bigger contender in the digital marketing space alongside Meta and Google.Also: The work tasks people use Claude AI for most, according to AnthropicThat said, Reddit's community isn't like any other. You neeeeeeeeedddddddddd to be authentic or you are going to get cooked.Focus on providing value, and don't try to be too salesy. Find ways to add to the conversation rather than take.Here is a link to some Reddit case studiesso you can get a feel of what works. My two centsI'll leave you with this.We should keep an eye on Reddit from a stock performance perspective and as a potential new traffic source to reduce dependence on Meta and Google. The real opportunity isn't just in AI or any one platform but in how we adapt as things shift. Platforms come and go, algorithms change, and tech keeps evolving, but the goal is always to reach the right people in a way that actually matters.By the way, if you want more data-driven business insights like this, sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. If this sounds like your jam, click here to sign up; it's totally free. Hope this helps. I'm rooting for you.Featured

The base M3 MacBook Air is a huge leap forward for the seires thanks to inclusion of AI-powered features. On Best Buy, multiple configurations have received discounts.