DJI Osmo Action 4. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETMultiple DJI Osmo Action 4 packages are on sale at Amazon. Both the Essential and Standard Combos have been discounted to $249, while the Adventure Combo has dropped to $349.DJI might not be the first name on people's lips when it comes to action cameras, but the company that's better known for its drones also has a really solid line of action cameras. And its latest device, the Osmo Action 4 camera, has some very impressive tricks up its sleeve.Also: One of the most versatile cameras I've used is not from Sony or Canon and it's on saleSo, what sets this action camera apart from the competition? Let's take a look. details View at Amazon First off, this is not just an action camera -- it's a pro-grade action camera.From a hardware point of view, the Osmo Action 4 features a 1/1.3-inch image sensor that can record 4K at up to 120 frames per second (fps). This sensor is combined with a wide-angle f/2.8 aperture lens that provides an ultra-wide field of view of up to 155°. And that's wide. Build quality and fit and finish are second to none. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETFor when the going gets rough, the Osmo Action 4 offers 360° HorizonSteady stabilization modes, including RockSteady 3.0/3.0+ for first-person video footage and HorizonBalancing/HorizonSteady modes for horizontal shots. That's pro-grade hardware right there.Also: This new AI video editor is an all-in-one production service for filmmakers - how to try itThe Osmo Action 4 also features a 10-bit D-Log M color mode. This mode allows the sensor to record over one billion colors and offers a wider dynamic range, giving you a video that is more vivid and that offers greater detail in the highlights and shadows. This mode, combined with an advanced color temperature sensor, means that the colors have a true-to-life feel regardless of whether you're shooting outdoors, indoors, or even underwater. The DJI Osmo Action 4 ready for action. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETI've added some video output from the Osmo Action 4 below. There are examples in both 1080p and 4K. To test the stabilization, I attached the camera to the truck and took it on some roads, some of which are pretty rough. The Osmo Action 4 had no problem with that terrain. I also popped the camera into the sea, just because. And again, no problem.I've also captured a few time-lapses with the camera -- not because I like clouds (well, actually, I do like clouds), but pointing a camera at a sky can be a good test of how it handles changing light. Also: I recommend this action camera to beginners and professional creators. Here's whyTimelapses with action cameras can suffer from unsightly exposure changes that cause the image to pulse, a condition known as exposure pumping. This issue can also cause the white balance to change noticeably in a video, but the Osmo Action 4 handled this test well.All the footage I've shot is what I've come to expect from a DJI camera, whether it's from an action camera or drone -- crisp, clear, vivid, and also nice and stable.The Osmo Action 4 is packed with various electronic image-stabilization (EIS) tech to ensure that your footage is smooth and on the horizon. It's worth noting the limitations of EIS -- it's not supported in slow-motion and timelapse modes, and the HorizonSteady and HorizonBalancing features are only available for video recorded at 1080p (16:9) or 2.7K (16:9) with a frame rate of 60fps or below. On the durability front, I've no concerns. I've subjected the Osmo Action 4 to a hard few days of testing, and it's not let me down or complained once. It takes impacts like a champ, and being underwater or in dirt and sand is no problem at all. Also: I'm a full-time Canon photographer, but this Nikon camera made me wonder if I'm missing outYou might think that this heavy-duty testing would be hard on the camera's tiny batteries, but you'd be wrong. Remember I said the Osmo Action 4 offered hours of battery life? Well, I wasn't kidding.  The Osmo Action 4's ultra-long life batteries are incredible.  Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETDJI says that a single battery can deliver up to 160 minutes of 1080p/24fps video recording (at room temperature, with RockSteady on, Wi-Fi off, and screen off). That's over two and a half hours of recording time. In the real world, I was blown away by how much a single battery can deliver. I shot video and timelapse, messed around with a load of camera settings, and then transferred that footage to my iPhone, and still had 16% battery left.No action camera has delivered so much for me on one battery. The two extra batteries and the multifunction case that come as part of the Adventure Combo are worth the extra $100. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNETAnd when you're ready to recharge, a 30W USB-C charger can take a battery from zero to 80% in 18 minutes. That's also impressive.What's more, the batteries are resistant to cold, offering up to 150 minutes of 1080p/24fps recording in temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). This resistance also blows the competition away.Even taking into account all these strong points, the Osmo Action 4 offers even more.The camera has 2x digital zoom for better composition, Voice Prompts that let you know what the camera is doing without looking, and Voice Control that lets you operate the device without touching the screen or using the app. The Osmo Action 4 also digitally hides the selfie stick from a variety of different shots, and you can even connect the DJI Mic to the camera via the USB-C port for better audio capture.Also: Yes, an Android tablet finally made me reconsider my iPad Pro loyaltyAs for price, the Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo bundle comes in at $399, while the Osmo Action 4 Adventure Combo, which comes with two extra Osmo Action Extreme batteries, an additional mini Osmo Action quick-release adapter mount, a battery case that acts as a power bank, and a 1.5-meter selfie stick, is $499.I'm in love with the Osmo Action 4. It's hands down the best, most versatile, most powerful action camera on the market today, offering pro-grade features at a price that definitely isn't pro-grade.  Everything included in the Action Combo bundle. DJIDJI Osmo Action 4 tech specsDimensions: 70.5×44.2×32.8mmWeight: 145gWaterproof: 18m, up to 60m with the optional waterproof case Microphones: 3Sensor 1/1.3-inch CMOSLens: FOV 155°, aperture f/2.8, focus distance 0.4m to ∞Max Photo Resolution: 3648×2736Max Video Resolution: 4K (4:3): 3840×2880@24/25/30/48/50/60fps and 4K (16:9): 3840×2160@24/25/30/48/50/60/100/120fpsISO Range: 100-12800Front Screen: 1.4-inch, 323ppi, 320×320Rear Screen: 2.25-inch, 326ppi, 360×640Front/Rear Screen Brightness: 750±50 cd/m² Storage: microSD (up to 512GB)Battery: 1770mAh, lab tested to offer up to 160 minutes of runtime (tested at room temperature - 25°C/77°F - and 1080p/24fps, with RockSteady on, Wi-Fi off, and screen off)Operating Temperature: -20° to 45° C (-4° to 113° F)This article was originally published in August of 2023 and updated in March 2025.Featured reviews

Ahead of the TechEx North America event on June 4-5, we’ve been lucky enough to speak to Kieran Norton, Deloitte’s US Cyber AI & Automation leader, who will be one of the speakers at the conference on June 4th. Kieran’s 25+ years in the sector mean that as well as speaking authoritatively on all matters cybersecurity, his most recent roles include advising Deloitte clients on many issues around cybersecurity when using AI in business applications.The majority of organisations have in place at least the bare minimum of cybersecurity, and thankfully, in most cases, operate a decently comprehensive raft of cybersecurity measures that cover off communications, data storage, and perimeter defences.However, in the last couple of years, AI has changed the picture, both in terms of how companies can leverage the technology internally, and in how AI is used in cybersecurity – in advanced detection, and in the new ways the tech is used by bad actors.As a Considered a relatively new area, AI, smart automation, data governance and security all inhabit a niche at present. But given the growing presence of AI in the enterprise, those niches are set to become mainstream issues: problems, solutions, and advice that will need to be observed in every organisation, sooner rather than later.Governance and riskIntegrating AI into business processes isn’t solely about the technology and methods for its deployment. Internal processes will need to change to make best use of AI, and to better protect the business that’s using AI daily. Kieran draws a parallel to earlier changes made necessary by new technologies: “I would correlate [AI] with cloud adoption where it was a fairly significant shift. People understood the advantages of it and were moving in that direction, although sometimes it took them more time than others to get there.”Those changes mean casting the net wide, to encompass the update of governance frameworks, establishing secure architectures, even leveraging a new generation of specialists to ensure AI and the data associated with it are used safely and responsibly. Companies actively using AI have to detect and correct bias, test for hallucinations, impose guardrails, manage where, and by whom AI is used, and more. As Kieran puts it: “You probably weren’t doing a lot of testing for hallucination, bias, toxicity, data poisoning, model vulnerabilities, etc. That now has to be part of your process.”These are big subjects, and for the fuller picture, we advocate that readers attend the two talks at TechEx North America that Kieran’s to give. He’ll be exploring both sides of the AI coin – issues around AI deployment for the business, and the methods that companies can implement to deter and detect the new breed of AI-powered malware and attack vectors.The right use-casesKieran advocates that companies start with smaller, lower-risk AI implementations. While some of the first sightings of AI ‘in the wild’ have been chatbots, he was quick to differentiate between a chatbot that can intelligently answer questions from customers, and agents, which can take action by means of triggering interactions with the apps and services the business operates. “So there’s a delineation […] chatbots have been one of the primary starting places […] As we get into agents and agentic, that changes the picture. It also changes the complexity and risk profile.”Customer-facing agentic AI instances are indubitably higher risk, as a misstep can have  significant effects on a brand. “That’s a higher risk scenario. Particularly if the agent is executing financial transactions or making determinations based on healthcare coverage […] that’s not the first use case you want to try.”“If you plug 5, 6, 10, 50, a hundred agents together, you’re getting into a network of agency […] the interactions become quite complex and present different issues,” he said.In some ways, the issues around automation and system-to-system interfaces have been around for close on a decade. Data silos and RPA (robotic process automation) challenges are the hurdles enterprises have been trying to jump for several years. “You still have to know where your data is, know what data you have, have access to it […] The fundamentals are still true.”In the AI era, fundamental questions about infrastructure, data visibility, security, and sovereignty are arguably more relevant. Any discussions about AI tend to circle around the same issues, which throws into relief Kieran’s statements that a conversation about AI in the enterprise has to be wide-reaching and concern many of the operational and infrastructural underpinnings of the enterprise.Kieran therefore emphasises the importance of practicality, and a grounded assessment of need and ability as needing careful examination before AI can gain a foothold. “If you understand the use case […] you should have a pretty good idea of the ROI […] and therefore whether or not it’s worth the pain and suffering to go through building it.”At Deloitte, AI is being put to use where there is a clear use case with a measurable return: in the initial triage-ing of SOC tickets. Here the AI acts as a Level I incident analysis engine. “We know how many tickets get generated a day […] if we can take 60 to 80% of the time out of the triage process, then that has a significant impact.” Given the technology’s nascence, demarcating a specific area of operations where AI can be used acts as both prototype and proof of effectiveness. The AI is not customer-facing, and there are highly-qualified experts in their fields who can check and oversee the AI’s deliberations.ConclusionKieran’s message for business professionals investigating AI uses for their organisations was not to build an AI risk assessment and management programme from scratch. Instead, companies should evolve existing systems, have a clear understanding of each use-case, and avoid the trap of building for theoretical value.“You shouldn’t create another programme just for AI security on top of what you’re already doing […] you should be modernising your programme to address the nuances associated with AI workloads.” Success in AI starts with clear, realistic goals built on solid foundations.You can read more about TechEx North America here and sign up to attend. Visit the Deloitte team at booth #153 and drop in on its sessions on June 4: ‘Securing the AI Stack’ on the AI & Big Data stage from 9:20am-9:50am, and ‘Leveraging AI in Cybersecurity for business transformation’ on the Cybersecurity stage, 10:20am – 10:50am.Learn more about Deloitte’s solutions and service offerings for AI in business and cybersecurity or email the team at uscyberai@deloitte.com.(Image source: “Symposium Cisco Ecole Polytechnique 9-10 April 2018 Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity” by Ecole polytechnique / Paris / France is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.)

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. The Trump administration has shut down more than 100 climate studies The Trump administration has terminated National Science Foundation grants for more than 100 research projects related to climate change, according to an MIT Technology Review analysis of a database that tracks such cuts. The move will cut off what’s likely to amount to tens of millions of dollars for studies that were previously approved and, in most cases, already in the works. Many believe the administration’s broader motivation is to undermine the power of the university system and prevent research findings that cut against its politics. Read the full story. —James Temple This architect wants to build cities out of lava Arnhildur Pálmadóttir is an architect with an extraordinary mission: to harness molten lava and build cities out of it.Pálmadóttir believes the lava that flows from a single eruption could yield enough building material to lay the foundations of an entire city. She has been researching this possibility for more than five years as part of a project she calls Lavaforming. Together with her son and colleague Arnar Skarphéðinsson, she has identified three potential techniques that could change how future homes are designed and built from repurposed lava. Read the full story.—Elissaveta M. Brandon This story is from the most recent edition of our print magazine, which is all about how technology is changing creativity. Subscribe now to read it and to receive future print copies once they land. The must-reads I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 America is failing to win the tech race against ChinaIn fields as diverse as drones and energy. (WSJ $)+ Humanoid robots is an area of particular interest. (Bloomberg $)+ China has accused the US of violating the pair’s trade truce. (FT $) 2 Who is really in charge of DOGE?According to a fired staffer, it wasn’t Elon Musk. (Wired $)+ DOGE’s tech takeover threatens the safety and stability of our critical data. (MIT Technology Review) 3 Brazilians will soon be able to sell their digital dataIt’s the first time citizens will be able to monetize their digital footprint. (Rest of World) 4 The Trump administration’s anti-vaccine stance is stoking fear among scientistsIt’s slashing funding for mRNA trials, and experts are afraid to speak out. (The Atlantic $)+ This annual shot might protect against HIV infections. (MIT Technology Review) 5 Tech companies want us to spend longer talking to chatbotsThose conversations can easily veer into dangerous territory. (WP $)+ How we use AI in the future is up to us. (New Yorker $)+ This benchmark used Reddit’s AITA to test how much AI models suck up to us. (MIT Technology Review) 6 Tiktok’s mental health videos are rife with misinformationA lot of the advice is useless at best, and harmful at worst. (The Guardian) 7 Lawyers are hooked on ChatGPTEven though it’s inherently unreliable. (The Verge)+ Yet another lawyer has been found referencing nonexistent citations. (The Guardian)+ How AI is introducing errors into courtrooms. (MIT Technology Review) 8 How chefs are using generative AI They’re starting to experiment with using it to create innovative new dishes. (NYT $)+ Watch this robot cook shrimp and clean autonomously. (MIT Technology Review) 9 The influencer suing her rival has dropped her lawsuitThe legal fight over ownership of a basic aesthetic has come to an end. (NBC News) 10 Roblox’s new game has sparked a digital fruit underground marketAnd players are already spending millions of dollars every week. (Bloomberg $) Quote of the day “We can’t substitute complex thinking with machines. AI can’t replace our curiosity, creativity or emotional intelligence.” —Mateusz Demski, a journalist in Poland, tells the Guardian about how his radio station employer laid him off, only to later launch shows fronted by AI-generated presenters. One more thing ​​Adventures in the genetic time machineAn ancient-DNA revolution is turning the high-speed equipment used to study the DNA of living things on to specimens from the past.The technology is being used to create genetic maps of saber-toothed cats, cave bears, and thousands of ancient humans, including Vikings, Polynesian navigators, and numerous Neanderthals. The total number of ancient humans studied is more than 10,000 and rising fast.The old genes have already revealed remarkable stories of human migrations around the globe.But researchers are hoping ancient DNA will be more than a telescope on the past—they hope it will have concrete practical use in the present. Read the full story.  —Antonio Regalado We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.) + The ancient Persians managed to keep cool using an innovative breeze-catching technique that could still be useful today.+ Knowledge is power—here’s a helpful list of hoaxes to be aware of.+ How said it: Homer Simpson or Pete Hegseth?+ I had no idea London has so many cat statues.

We may earn a commission from links on this page.There is a moment during every big move where it hits you: Moving is really freaking expensive. The expenses—from packing supplies and the truck itself to the costs related to cleaning, painting, and utility deposits—will pile up. And I'm not even including the costs of furniture that better fits your new space. Budget—and cushion your budgetI spoke to a number of moving experts—especially people who work at moving companies and have been in the business for years—and most of them emphasized budget before your move—and overestimating what you think you'll spend. Both Shannon Beller, CEO and co-founder of Wall-Russ, and Rob Rimeris, owner of EverSafe Moving Co., say you should add 10 to 15% to your final budget as a cushion. Rimeris says that "isn't just practical," but "gives people back a sense of agency when plans shift." A few often-overlooked expenses that came up included these: tips for your movers (as well as insurance) fuel for the truck or car if you are moving some or all of your possessions, cleaning fees for the place you move into or out of, repairs for your old home, unforeseen extra charges from the movers, and furniture assembly. But wait, there's more: "It may not seem critical at first, but planning for food and takeaway expenses is also important," says Shanaiqua D'sa, content marketing lead at Attic Self Storage. "You're unlikely to cook on moving day or even in the days immediately following, especially if your kitchen isn't fully set up yet or you're simply too tired." Kids and pets, too, "slow down the moving process," she says, so you might want to arrange for someone to look after them. Only move what's necessaryYou're already overwhelmed by how much you have to do and I totally get that, but this is a perfect opportunity to declutter your stuff. In fact, decluttering was cited as a top money-saving tip by many pros: "The biggest mistake we see people make time and time again is underestimating how much stuff they have," says Charles Chica, co-owner of CT Best Moving."Get rid of anything you do not need because the less stuff you have, the cheaper the move will be," adds Marshall Aikman, owner of Amazing Moves Moving & Storage. Sell what you can and buy what you need (used)Consider selling some of what you're getting rid of, as long as you start with enough lead time before your moving day. D'sa points out that you can generate money for the move by offloading old stuff to buyers. If you have enough time between decluttering and moving, list furniture and clothes on sites like Poshmark and Mercari. If you don't have much time, keep it local and stick with Facebook Marketplace, where buyers can come pick up furniture and other objects directly from you and hand over cash. The last time I moved, I listed furniture on Facebook Marketplace and promised myself that if it didn't sell before I left my old place, I had to take it as a loss and donate it, but as Evan Hock, co-founder of MakeMyMove points out, you can also list it in Buy Nothing groups as a free pickup. Whatever it takes to get it out of your space!If you really have enough lead time, organize a rummage sale. It's not as easy to coordinate if you live in a larger city, although I've certainly seen it done, but I grew up in a rural place where this was the norm. As long as you're doing it on private property, most jurisdictions don't require a permit for a short-term yard sale, but please check. Put up a few signs, post some ads on Craigslist, and haul all your for-sale wares to your garage or front lawn. Be prepared to take lowball offers and haggle a little, but you'll be surprised by how much actually sells. You can (and should) list it all on the aforementioned apps and digital marketplaces, too, then donate whatever is left over before the move. If you're moving to a bigger home, online resale and yard sales are also how I recommend filling it—at least at first. Moving is a massive expense, and it might not be feasible to buy or finance big furniture sets from retail stores at first. On the other hand, occupying a near-empty house is a bummer. Buy used essentials to save money and get your home in order. You can re-list it and sell it if and when you're more settled in and financially prepared for better furniture—or you may even fall in love with your eclectic decor collection and keep it. Go “stooping”There is another, even less-expensive option if you need furniture fast. If you live in a big city, you’re familiar with the classic practice of picking up free furniture from the sides of the street. If you live in New York and spend time on Instagram, you’re also probably familiar with the account that makes doing that even easier.@StoopingNYC has 479,000 followers who dutifully snap pics of discarded furniture throughout the five boroughs and DM it to the account owners, along with location details. The owners, in turn, post the photos and relevant information on the account’s story as well as on the grid, encouraging New Yorkers to have at it.“Stooping is the act of hunting down discarded street freebies that has the added benefit of being both an activity you can do outdoors and one that ultimately enriches the space where you’re most likely spending all of your time: your apartment or house!” the couple behind @StoopingNYC tells me.If, instead, you don’t live in a big city where stooping is regularly practiced, snag some stuff on the cheap by mapping out the weekend’s best local yard sales or head to all the online marketplaces where you’re actively ditching your old stuff to make room for the new (to you) stuff your new place will need. (Craigslist also has a “free” section where people frequently give away items.)One word of caution in either case: Make sure you clean the products well and proceed with caution when picking out anything made with fabric, like couches or armchairs. You know what’s not inexpensive? Exterminators.Save on packing suppliesYour budget will include packing supplies like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape, but you should also remember that what you have available can work well to help you pack. You have to move your blankets, towels, clothing, socks, and scarves already, so wrap them around valuables to save some money and space. Per Rimeris, "T-shirts cushion dishes better than bubble wrap ever did." Think about nesting, too. Chica says, "Suitcases, laundry baskets, and grocery totes are all great for packing general items." Again, you're already taking them with you. Make them help you and save some money on boxes. Many pros also suggested diversifying how you look for boxes. Buying new boxes can be pricy and wasteful, since you're not going to keep them when you're done with all this. Instead, ask local shops if you can have some of their boxes. Grocery and liquor stores, for instance, always have a bunch. Just make sure they're strong and clean. One thing you can't finagle a workaround on: tape. Chica cautions against buying cheap tape, as "you'll regret it when a box or bag breaks open mid-move." Rimeris agrees: "Heavy-duty tape, a marker you can actually read, and clean, strong boxes are worth every penny." That said, he assures me you don't need "pre-made kits or expensive wardrobe boxes," so feel free to ignore expensive moving-supply marketing tactics. Decide whether to hire movers or ask your buddiesMovers are great, especially if you have particularly valuable items, a lot of furniture, or a big journey ahead of you. There are other ways to transport your items, however.Consider enlisting some pals for the big move. Promise pizza and beer or straight-up cash if your friends will help you haul your stuff. They care about you and probably charge less than real movers—but you should also keep in mind that you might also get what you pay for, here.“Honestly, if you can afford movers, get movers,” said Shannon Palus, a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has moved more than a dozen times in her life and managed her most recent move for less than $60. “It is really, really nice to have people move your things. I think if you are going the U-Haul-and-friends route, hire someone from a service like Task Rabbit to help with the heavier stuff. I think any money you can spend on moving, you should. They say that you’re supposed to spend money on experiences to be happy, right? Spending your day doing something other than lifting boxes is the ultimate good experience.”There are ways to compromise here, though. You can hire movers for the big, expensive stuff and hoof it with your friends for the small, cheap stuff. Palus pointed out, too, that her most recent move cost less than $60 because she used ride-sharing apps to hail cars and only had small items to move. “Be communicative about it, allow [the driver] to decline, and tip really well,” she said. “I also don’t move everything via Lyft; I do some trips on the subway.If you decide to go for movers, get a written estimate from a few different places. These should outline services, fees, and timing, says Beller. You can even request an itemized estimate upfront to avoid surprise fees. Just be sure you're being honest when you share your half of the details. Don't hide that you live in a walk-up, for instance, or own heavy antique furniture. You're only setting yourself up for surprise fees that way. Schedule smartlyYou don't always get to pick when we move, especially if you're moving from rental to rental. That said, if you can, try to schedule your move for off-peak times. Kris Kay, director of operations at UNITS Moving and Portable Storage, says you can usually get lower rates by moving mid-week or mid-month. The summer is the most expensive month for moving because it's the most common time, too, so if you have any wiggle room there, aim for spring or fall. Protect your security depositThere are a few benefits to packing and moving a little on your own before movers show up. Not only do you save money by doing some of your own labor, but you have a chance to scope out your place as you disassemble furniture and box up your stuff. If you're a renter, you'll want to try and get your security deposit back, which means cleaning the inside and outside of appliances, wiping down bathroom fixtures and floors, and, of course, fixing any damage. If the damage is minor, try to do it on your own: Patch small holes from picture frames and wall mounts, remove scuffs from walls and floors, and tighten any loose screws. As Chica says, "A minor fix can end up pitting a pretty decent dent in your security deposit."When you're moving, take care not to cause damage, too. Chica says you should never drag furniture. That's only asking for trouble. When everything is removed from the space, document the condition of the unit with photographs.

ZDNET's key takeaways Prices for the Dell 14 Plus currently start at $1,130During a time of economic turmoil, this laptop is a lifeline, providing next-gen performance at an affordable priceHowever, don't expect too much from its display, as it's no OLED or 4K panel. more buying choices Back in early 2025, Dell made a bold move. The company announced that it was going to rebrand its entire portfolio. Classic names like "XPS" and "Inspiron" were thrown out to be replaced with more generic-sounding titles. These include "Dell," "Dell Pro," and "Dell Premium." I've been anxious to try out this generation to see if it introduces a new era for Dell or if it's more of the same. I recently had that opportunity with the Dell 14 Plus.Also: Best Dell laptops of 2025This is the company's latest midrange laptop and one of the successors to the Inspiron series. It even looks like an Inspiron, sporting the familiar combination of gray, rubber keys on an all-silver body. Although the design isn't revolutionary, I still had a wonderful time with the Dell 14 Plus. It's this mixture of tried-and-true tech with next-gen advancements. To repeat what I said in my old Inspiron 14 Plus review, "the device has many of the hallmark features I enjoy in a laptop." details View at Dell If it ain't broke, don't fix itThe comfortable keyboard from the Inspiron 14 has returned. Its chiclet-shaped keys remain gentle yet responsive to the touch. They sit inside a chassis primarily made out of aluminum, giving Dell's machine a nice, sturdy feel. Like before, the edges on the bottom half are rounded for comfort.Also: This Lenovo laptop bombarded me with AI features - here's why that's a good thingI also like to think that Dell read my past review because I recommended that the brand continue using the same anti-fingerprint manufacturing technique for future products. Sure enough, the Dell 14 Plus did not have a single fingerprint smudge on it in all my time handling it.Solid performanceInside my review was an Intel Core Ultra 256V processor, an integrated Intel Arc graphics card, and 16GB of memory. Below is a table highlighting the Dell 14 Plus' performance results across multiple benchmark tests. I also included other laptops with similar hardware for comparison.PC Mark 10Cinebench 2024Geekbench 6Dell 14 Plus7,27155410,812Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition6,5623947,743HP EliteBook Ultra G1i7,32849610,993Looking at the numbers, you'll notice that Dell's computer did quite well in the three tests. It outperformed the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition in every metric and is very close to outdoing the HP EliteBook. Also: The best 15-inch laptops of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedThis tells me the 14 Plus renders high-resolution images quickly and tackles demanding workloads with relative ease. It's not a high-end model, but the configuration can deliver a similar experience. Cesar Cadenas/ZDNETThis experience was reflected by my other performance test, in which I ran 50 different tabs on Google Chrome. My selection included several YouTube live streams (some in 4K resolution), ten ZDNET articles, five Amazon product listings, and a series of randomly chosen GIFs.Unsurprisingly, the Dell 14 Plus did great. It handled all of the open windows with just a touch of slowdown; nothing too debilitating. The one major downside of the heavy workload was overheating -- the keyboard became a little warm after several minutes.Let's talk about that displaySo, the laptop delivers a top-notch performance in addition to having a solid design. You may be wondering, "Are there any issues with the Dell 14 Plus?" Yes, I wasn't a big fan of the display. It isn't bad per se; the screen just didn't blow me away. Perhaps I've been spoiled by other laptops that excel in these areas.Also: This 16-inch Dell Inspiron is one of the most versatile laptops I've testedMy review unit had a 14-inch 2.5K (2,540 x 1,600) display that delivered impressive image detail. The display's anti-glare coating helps maintain clarity under bright conditions. However, compared to the Lenovo Yoga 9i mentioned earlier, the Dell 14 Plus has a noticeably dull screen. And it's not without support. Dolby Vision is present, allowing the display to support a wide range of colors, but it's still not great. Cesar Cadenas/ZDNETAlso inside the chassis are a pair of 2.5W speakers supported by Waves MaxxAudio Pro and Dolby Atmos Cores. Together, they enable immersive sound output. However, the drivers are located at the bottom of the laptop, pointing down. I've never been a fan of this placement as it muffles the sound.Also: 'End of 10' offers hope and help to Windows 10 users who can't upgradeFortunately, the aforementioned audio software pairing allows the Dell 14 Plus to circumvent this limitation somewhat. Music and dialogue sound fine coming out of the speakers. That said, I can't help but wonder how better the sound output would be if the drivers were on top. Cesar Cadenas/ZDNETIn terms of battery life, the Dell 14 Plus ran for about 11 hours and 40 minutes under Best Power Efficiency before draining completely. For the sake of comparison, the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition can hit a solid 12 hours with the right optimization. I end up liking Dell's machine more because it offers a comparable experience at a lower price.ZDNET's buying advicePrices for the Dell 14 Plus start at $1,129. My review unit's configuration is slightly more expensive at $1,180. The most powerful option comes with an Intel Core Ultra 9 288V chipset and 32GB of RAM. It is currently on sale at a discounted $1,280. All three come with a 1 TB SSD.Dell's latest machine stands tall as a great affordable option that performs very well amongst a sea of expensive computers. It was such a good experience that I am overlooking the few issues I had with it. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a next-gen laptop that won't make your wallet cringe at the price tag. For me, it is definitely a highlight of 2025.That said, if you are looking for something else, I recommend the Lenovo Yoga 9i Aura Edition. It has a significantly better display and robust AI features, although it is more expensive.  What are the tariffs in the US? The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Laptops and PCs are also hit hard by the new US tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs. These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term. Show more Featured reviews

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Zaha Hadid Architects has begun construction on Asaan, the Misk Heritage Museum in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia. The Asaan museum will be created using locally made clay mud-bricks, drawing inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture. This will be ZHA's first adobe-constructed project worldwide.One of the most significant historical landmarks in the Kingdom, Diriyah is regarded as the birthplace of the Saudi Arabian nation. The At-Turaif district of Diriyah was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010 because of the more than 600 years of Najdi history and architecture that have been conserved within its mud-brick buildings.Asaan, which translates to "inheritance passed down through generations," will be an organization devoted to commemorating and conserving this rich legacy while also encouraging innovation and information exchange.Through immersive experiences, workshops, events, and interactive exhibitions, the museum aims to strengthen connections to the country's cultural history. It is supported by the Misk Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering learning and leadership in young people. Historical archeological artifacts will be restored and preserved with the help of on-site conservation labs.Drawing inspiration from traditional Najdi architecture, the Asaan Museum will be built using clay mud-bricks made locally. The low-embodied-carbon adobe walls are thick enough to offer excellent insulation in Diriyah's scorching desert climate, and they also have a high thermal mass to keep the interior comfortable while using less energy for cooling.The museum's three main programs—educational, artistic, and administrative—are anchored by three shaded courtyards that are a defining characteristic of the local Najdi architecture. These courtyards offer visitors comfortable outdoor areas that protect them from the weather. Public plazas, rooftop promenades, and a variety of outdoor covered manicured gardens are all made possible by shading mechanisms.The Asaan, Misk Heritage Museum is part of the Diriyah Gate concept, which prioritizes water conservation, energy efficiency, wellness, and climate resilience while preserving and promoting Diriyah's rich cultural legacy. The city is also entirely walkable."Asaan’s role extends beyond preserving and displaying artifacts; it seeks to inspire meaningful engagement through immersive experiences that connect past, present, and future generations, strengthening pride in Saudi identity and sharing our cultural legacy with the world," said Khaled Al-Saqer, CEO of Asaan, Misk Heritage Museum. "Driven by our belief in community participation as a pillar of heritage preservation, Asaan will offer a wide range of interactive programs curated by leading experts." "These initiatives aim to foster cultural passion, inspire creativity, and empower all members of society to engage with and celebrate our heritage," Al-Saqer added."Asaan is a valuable addition to Diriyah’s portfolio of cultural projects and demonstrates our commitment to presenting the richness of Saudi heritage in a contemporary way that strengthens its global presence," said Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company.Recently, Zaha Hadid Architects opened a new science and technology museum with layered form and glazed façade in Shenzhen, China. In addition, the firm unveiled plans for a new high-rise informed by Tbilisi's rolling hills. Further, the firm unveiled design for a new masterplan, featuring a pair of fluid towers in eastern Naples, Italy. Project factsClient: Diriyah CompanyArchitect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)ZHA Design: Patrik SchumacherZHA Project Directors: Viviana Muscettola, Maurizio Meossi (Associate Director), Bidisha Sinha (Associate Director / Interior Design)ZHA Project Associates: Cristina Capanna (Senior Architect / Project Manager); Architecture: Nannette Jackowski, Marco Amoroso; Interor Design: Roberta Sartori, Marco Pavoni, Marie-Perrine Placais; BIM: Mark Winnington.ZHA Project Team: Alessandra Laiso, Andy Lin, Angela Augelli Curci, Angus Tung, Aysu Aysoy, Caleb Baldwin, Chhavi Mehta, Chiara Baiocco, Didem Sahin, Elizabeta Diakantonis, Gaurav Janendra, Gizem Muhtaroğlu, Henry Louth, Ines Fontoura, Juliana Hernandez Cardona, Karan Puranik, Karmung Sze, Karoly Markos, Karthikeyan Arunachalam, Keerti Manney, Lam Nguyen, Lars Elseth, Leeanne Li, Li Jin, Liam Rogers, Louai Jaber, Luciana Maia Teodozio, Michael Rogers, Muaz Masri, Muriel Boselli, Nailu Chen, Nannette Jackowski, Neli Vasileva, Nivedita Ramachandran, Noa Guy, Nurul Ahmad Fauzi, Peter Safranka, Rabiyya Huseynova, Roberta Sartori, Ruggero Bruno Chialastri, Shantanu Bhatt, Sonia Renehan, Teodor Andonov, Tommaso Casucci, Tracy Shum, Valeria Perco, Yihoon Kim, Zachariah Hong.Local Architect: WMA / InhabitStructural Engineers: InhabitQuantity Surveyor: AECOMGeneral Contractor: El SeifCost Consultants: AECOMEnvironmental Consultant: InhabitFaçade Engineering: InhabitM&E Engineering: InhabitMEP: InhabitFire Engineer: Egis / InhabitLandscape Consultant: DS LandscapeLighting Design: InhabitAcoustic Consultant: InhabitTheatre Consultant: Theatre ProjectsProject Management: AECOMRestaurant Kitchen Consultant: TriconWater Features Specialist: Fountain ProjectConservation Areas Specialist: Samuel Anderson ArchitectsAccessibility: CAESignage / Wayfinding: SpaceAgencyExhibition Designer: Opera Amsterdam; Sustainability: Egis; Security: Inhabit; AV / IT: Inhabit; Waste Management: Egis; Civil Engineer: Egis; People Movement: Systematica.All images © Specto-Digital. > via Zaha Hadid Architects

In the classic board game Betrayal at House on the Hill, a group of players explore a haunted house gathering useful items and leveling up their stats until the Haunt becomes active and one of the players switches sides and starts killing everyone else or performing some twisted ritual. Now Hasbro and Avalon Hill are adding fresh horror to the mix with the It: Chapter Two-themed expansion Betrayal at the Neibolt House: The Evil of Pennywise launching on Aug. 1. Priced at $24.99, the add-on casts three to six players as residents of Derry, wandering new locations to gather items inspired by the film before triggering one of five haunts. The group might have to fight Pennywise together — facing down some very creepy new minis — while the traitor could wind up controlling the Losers Club’s nemesis Henry Bowers. The game will be available to play and buy at the Avalon Hill booth at Gen Con later this summer. Avalon Hill will also be demoing Sanibel, the new game from Wingspan and The Fox Experiment designer Elizabeth Hargrave, which will launch in early 2026. Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Sanibel is well known for seashells that people will sometimes gather at sunrise with flashlights to have the first pick of what washed up on the shore. In the new game, players will move along a board representing the beach to pick up sets of shells and shark teeth, sometimes racing ahead to beat the competition and sometimes backtracking to snag what a wave has just deposited. The tiles are placed on a player mat representing a bag, and you’ll need to pay close attention to how each one is scored at the end of the game. During a press conference announcing the game, Hargrave says she used the crowdsourced biodiversity tracker iNaturalist to make sure the most popular shells of Sanibel were represented in the game while the shark teeth are a nod to her dad’s personal collection.

Credit: Sea to Summit / Bote / Kelty / Mashable Photo Composite Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Learn more about how we select deals. Best REI Anniversary Sale deals Best camping deal REI Base Camp 4 Tent $331.79 (save $142.21) Best water sports deal Bote Wulf Aero inflatable paddle board $475.09 (save $83.91) Memorial Day is just a few days away, which means it's time to think about every amazing outdoor adventure you have planned for summer of 2025. If last year's gear got put away wet and dirty, it's time to consider some upgrades. Instead of doing this the Thursday night before leaving for a weekend adventure on Friday, spend Memorial Day weekend sorting through your gear and deciding what needs a refresh.Coincidentally, the REI Anniversary Sale is on now through May 26 and has thousands of deals that take up to 30% off outdoor gear. Snag a new paddle board, replace the cooler, finally keep in touch with a Garmin inReach, or get a cozier sleeping bag.Plus, if you happen to be an REI member and you see something that's not on sale, use code ANNIV2025 to take 20% off. A lifetime membership to the REI Co-op costs just $30 which means joining to apply to 20% coupon could mean the membership has already paid for itself. Mashable Trend Report: Coming Soon! Decode what’s viral, what’s next, and what it all means. Sign up for Mashable’s weekly Trend Report newsletter. By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up! You May Also Like In terms of what's on sale during the REI Anniversary Sale expect to see 30% off tons of REI Co-op brand gear, 20% off REI bicycles, and up to 25% off tons of camping gear from Nemo, Kelty, Therm-a-Rest and more. Below are some of our favorite deals or you can spend hours browsing the entire sale selection.Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: REI REI Base Camp 4 Tent $331.79 at REI $474 Save $142.21 Why we like itThe outdoors is a wonderful place to spend sunny weekends but it's no time to skip out on sleeping. You'll want to head out with a cozy sleeping set-up which relies on a functional tent, and that's where the REI Base Camp 4 Tent comes into play. It's part of the brand's Anniversary Sale which means you'll be saving 30% on the tent, scoring it for $331.79 instead of the normal price of $474. Related Stories In terms of function, the Base Camp 4 Tent is ready to sleep you and three friends with its durable materials that are also water repellent. The wide two door means no sleeper is trapped inside and everyone will have easy access for that inevitable 1 a.m. latrine trip. Of course, the pockets and hang loops make camp organization much easier. More camping dealsSea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag (3 pack) — $52.39 $69.95 (save $17.56)GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Base Camper Cookset — $67.39 $89.95 (save $22.56)Kelty Low Loveseat — $97.39 $129.95 (save $32.56)Helinox Chair Zero — $104.89 $139.95 (save $35.06)Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket (two person) — $149.19 $199 (save $49.81)Sea to Summit Traveller 45F Down Sleeping Bag — $149.19 $199 (save $49.81)Coleman Cascade 222 2-Burner Camp Stove — $164.99 $220 (save $55.01)NEMO Dagger OSMO 2P Tent — $374.89 $499.95 (save $125.06)Best water sports deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bote Bote Wulf Aero inflatable paddle board $475.09 at REI $559 Save $83.91 Why we like itYou've tried out the paddle boards from the local rental shop and decided it's a great way to get out on the water, but have you tried your own? Bote makes some impressively designed paddle boards and the Bote Wulf Aero is on sale during the REI Anniversary Sale for $475.09, down from the usual price of $559. At 10 feet 4 inches in length, the Bote Wulf means you can spend the day out on the water instead of on the crowded shoreline and the included travel bag means everything is so much easier to carry to the lake. You'll also get a three-piece adjustable SUP paddle, a hand pump, a coiled leash, and a removeable Aero center fin, and an Aero repair kit.More outdoor gear sales at REINRS Ninja PFD — $119.89 $149.95(save $30.06)Garmin inReach Mini 2 — $299.99 $400 (save $100.01)Cannondale Topstone 3 Bike — $1,119.93 $1,400 (save $280.07)Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c Bike — $1,169.09 $1,299 (save $129.91) Topics Outdoors Lauren Allain Contributor Lauren Allain is a freelance journalist covering deals at Mashable. She graduated from Western Washington University with a B.A. in journalism and holds an M.B.A from Webster Leiden. You can find more of her work online from publications including Reader’s Digest, U.S. News & World Report, Seattle Refined, and more. When she’s not writing, Lauren prefers to be outside hiking, bouldering, swimming, or searching for the perfect location for all three.

It's never a bad time to get into the Legend of Zelda. Nintendo's legendary action-adventure franchise has seen over 25 mainline games and a handful of great spinoffs, and if you own a Nintendo Switch and subscribe to their online service, you have access to just about every single Zelda title to date. But the green-clad Hero of Time transcends just video games, so we've put together a gift guide for that special Zelda fan in your life. From the video games and controllers, books to apparel, and even an amazing LEGO Deku Tree set, there's quite literally something for both new and old Legend of Zelda fans alike. Legend of Zelda Video GamesThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild$54.86 at AmazonThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom$59.65 at AmazonThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of WisdomSee itThe Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening $54.86 at AmazonThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDSee itHyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition$51.90 at AmazonHyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity$50.47 at AmazonCadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecrodancerSee itWith the Nintendo Switch 2 just around the corner and both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom receiving performance upgrades, you can still pick up two of the best games the system still has to offer. And if you're waiting a bit to pick up the Switch 2, there are still plenty of other Legend of Zelda games to keep you occupied. Skyward Sword HD and the Link's Awakening remake are the best ways to revisit these older titles, while Echoes of Wisdom finally allows players to take control of Zelda. The first two Hyrule Warriors titles are incredibly fun action games, so be sure to check them out before Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment releases on Nintendo Switch 2.Legend of Zelda Controllers and AccessoriesLegend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Joy-Con$115.65 at AmazonTears of the Kingdom Pro Controller. $105.99 at AmazonTears of the Kingdom Nintendo Switch Dock Cover$16.99 at AmazonBoTW Nintendo Switch Carrying Case$19.79 at AmazonPowerA Decayed Master Sword Joy-Con Grip$14.99 at AmazonNow what if you already have all these Legend of Zelda games, what are you supposed to play them with to show your support of the franchise? Luckily there are tons of great Zelda-themed controllers and accessories to deck your system out with. From official Zelda Joy-Con (I have Skyward Sword HD set, they look incredible!) and pro controllers to third-party Nintendo Switch dock covers, you'll be sprucing up your game room setup in no time.For more things like this without the Zelda theme, you can check out our guide to the best Switch accessories.Legend of Zelda EncyclopediasThe Legend of Zelda: Hyrule HistoriaThe Legend of Zelda EncyclopediaThe Legend of Zelda: Art & ArtifactsThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion$29.93 at AmazonLegend of Zelda MangaThe Legend of Zelda - Legendary Edition Box SetThe Legend of Zelda Complete Box SetThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Complete Box SetThe Legend of Zelda: A Link to The PastThere are an impressive amount of Legend of Zelda manga and encyclopedias that look great a shelf or coffee table. We put together a breakdown of all the Zelda books you should know about, like the wide breadth of manga covering the games from the Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and even both Oracles of Ages and Oracle of Seasons. The encyclopedias are great collectibles for any Zelda fan, as they offer closer looks at the lore and history of Hyrule, complete with old concept art and sketches. Legend of Zelda Puzzles, Cards, and Board GamesHyrule Map 1,000-Piece Puzzle$17.99 at AmazonTears of the Kingdom 1,000-Piece Puzzle$17.99 at AmazonMONOPOLY: The Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition$109.99 at AmazonLegend of Zelda UNO Set$7.99 at AmazonOfficial Legend of Zelda Playing CardsThere are tons of great jigsaw puzzles for adults, and the Legend of Zelda-themed puzzles are among our favorite. The 1.000-piece Hyrule map puzzle would look right at home framed over a fireplace once complete. You can also find a handful of classic board games with a Legend of Zelda skin, such as the Monopoly Legend of Zelda Collector's Edition or Legend of Zelda Uno. Also, be sure to have a look at the official Zelda playing cards (these are Japanese imports only!). LEGO Great Deku Tree SetLEGO Great Deku Tree SetSet #77092, includes 2,500 pieces. This 2-in-1 set lets you build the Great Deku Tree in the style of Ocarina of Time or Breath of the Wild with the same pieces.$299.99 at LEGO StoreOther Nintendo properties, like Super Mario and Animal Crossing, are no strangers to getting the LEGO treatment, and the massive Great Deku Tree set is one of the best LEGO has to offer. The over 2,500-piece set has a 2-in-1 modular function, allowing you to build either the Breath of the Wild or Ocarina of Time Great Deku Trees. It comes with four minifigures: Princess Zelda and three different versions of Link - Breath of the Wild's Link and both young and adult Link from Ocarina of Time. It also comes with detailed Master Sword and Hylian Shield pieces and a buildable Hestu figure. Legend of Zelda Amiibo and Action FiguresTears of the Kingdom Link Amiibo$33.70 at AmazonTears of the Kingdom Zelda Amiibo$24.95 at AmazonTears of the Kingdom Ganondorf Amiibo$26.00 at AmazonOcarina of Time Link Amiibo$19.99 at AmazonTears of the Kingdom Zelda Figma Action Figure$99.00 at IGN StoreTears of the Kingdom Ganondorf Figma Action Figure$104.99 at IGN StoreThere are dozens upon dozens of available Nintendo Amiibo figures, and the Legend of Zelda characters make up a healthy chunk of them. You can scan these figures on your Nintendo Switch system to unlock different features in various Nintendo Games. Check out our breakdown of every Legend of Zelda Amiibo. You can also grab a couple of Legend of Zelda action figures from the IGN store, like super detailed Zelda and Ganondorf Figma action figures from Tears of the Kingdom. Legend of Zelda ApparelLegend of Zelda Hiragana Spread Crewneck$49.99 at IGN StoreOcarina of Time T-Shirt$27.50 at IGN StoreTears of the Kingdom Glowing Rune Hoodie$59.99 at IGN StoreLegend of Zelda Regal Stained Glass Artwork$49.99 at IGN StoreNES Legend of Zelda T-Shirt$27.50 at IGN StoreMajora's Mask T-Shirt$27.50 at IGN StoreAlso available on the IGN store are tons a great Legend of Zelda apparel items. T-shirts, hoodies, and crew necks all with sweet Legend of Zelda designs are available in various sizes. The designs vary from retro pixel art to stylized images of classic scenes from throughout the series' entire history. I'm a big fan fan of the Wind Waker stained glass crew neck, myself. Legend of Zelda Replica Weapons, Drinkware, Vinyl RecordsReplica Master Sword$200.00 at IGN StoreReplica Hylian Shieldiam8bit Vinyl Records$42.99 at IGN StoreA Link to the Past Mug$19.50 at AmazonOfficial Tears of the Kingdom Metal Water Bottle$25.99 at AmazonLegend of Zelda Metal Coasters$11.99 at AmazonMaster Sword Hanayama Brain Teaser$14.59 at AmazonEverything listed here is just scratching the surface of the awesome collectibles and items you can get with a Legend of Zelda theme tacked onto it. On the IGN store, you can pick up a replica Master Sword and Hylian Shield, great for future cosplays or game room displays. I highly recommend the 2LP vinyl record set from iam8bit which include a collection of the some of the series' best tracks. On Amazon, you can find an array of Zelda memorobilia like mugs, thermoses, and coasters. You can even buy a working ceramic ocarina!Myles Obenza is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Bluesky @mylesobenza.bsky.social.

Lots of time to think...Both times Rockstar Games has dropped a new Grand Theft Auto VI trailer so far, the internet has been set ablaze. First, the heat comes from the excitement of people who have been waiting for this game for over a decade. Eventually, though, that excitement turns to wonder--and then the theorizing begins.Trailer 2 for GTA VI--which was released with no warning on May 6--is no exception. All corners of the internet have been combing the three-minute trailer for clues, references, or anything else that may provide some sort of window into what the next GTA adventure is going to include.We've completed some of our favorite theories here, from those who think the game might be bigger than Leonida can contain, to a few ideas about how Jason and Lucia's relationship is going to end up--spoiler warning for those theories, they don't think things are going to end well.Note that this is all speculation based on the trailer--like how the trailer seems to tip off some of the many side activities Jason and Lucia can get up to--and we won't know what's actually going to happen until Grand Theft Auto VI launches on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on May 26, 2026. Liberty City is in GTA VILiberty City is a key landmark for the GTA franchise--multiple core GTA games have taken place there, and co-protagonist Lucia is said to have moved to Leonida from Liberty City.There are multiple references to Liberty City in the trailer--from headwear to license plates--and that's got some GTA theorists thinking we may be headed back there at some point in the GTA VI story, even if only for a little while--even if it's a situation like GTA V's missions in North Yankton. Finally listen to GTA radio outside of a carAmong the many screenshots released alongside Trailer 2 in early May, we see Lucia relaxing in a pool with AirPod-like earbud headphones in her ears.While AirPods would certainly not be out of place in a video game set in the modern day, there's speculation that earbuds may be something either Jason or Lucia can wear whenever they want--which means they can listen to GTA VI's versions of the famous GTA radio stations whenever they want as well. Trailer 2 shows when Jason's gameplay beginsThere's a scene at the start of Trailer 2 where we see Jason enter his home, with the camera hugging his right shoulder. Seasoned gamers will recognize a setup like this, so many believe this scene is transitioning to where the player takes control of Jason--maybe even for the first time. Potential character-select screenIn a similar vein, a shot of Jason and Lucia embracing out front of a Vice City nightclub--found on the official GTA VI website--uses a sweeping camera shot to capture the moment, first in front of Jason, then moving to Lucia. Theorists suggest this could end up being the "character-select" screen, where players will choose which of the two they want to control. Jason is an undercover copJason and Lucia's relationship, based on the first two trailers, seems like a grounded, down-to-earth, realistic depiction of what a modern relationship looks like. So, of course, some in the community think it's all fake, because Jason is actually an undercover cop and will eventually bust her.Trailer 2 throws fuel onto this speculative fire with one character directly calling Jason a "fed," while a security guard at the prison Lucia's being held in asks Jason if he'd been there before, to which Jason responds, "I might have been." Whether Jason is a cop or not, fans still think… Jason and Lucia's relationship will end in betrayal…that Jason and Lucia are star-crossed lovers, who are headed for a bitter end thanks to a betrayal of some kind. The community is split on exactly who will do the betraying, and there are solid arguments for both. Watch, the betrayal we all expect will never come, and the two will live happily ever after on a beach somewhere. Heists are backA cheeky reference to action flick Fast Five--where a car is dragging what looks to be a safe through the streets--might actually be hinting at the return of Heists, which were a big part of GTA V's story and GTA Online's experience. Switch 2 might not be able to handle itThe tech wizards at Digital Foundry have a theory of their own, and fans of portable consoles are not going to be pleased. Despite its more powerful contents, DF seems to think that Nintendo Switch 2--another highly anticipated gaming item which launches June 5--might not be able to handle GTA VI, even at the same 30fps framerate as the trailer. One game, two islandsEarlier we mentioned that some think all of the references of Liberty City are signaling a return there in some capacity. However, based on a keen viewer's screenshot, Leonida itself may be larger than it seems, as a postcard for the fictional state shows two separate islands rather than one large landmass. Is that Michael's boat?Finally, at one point in the trailer, we see a nice boat sitting on a rig in a storage yard. A few smart GTA theorists went back and checked, and the boat bears a striking resemblance to the boat owned by Michael De Santa, one of three protagonists from GTA V. Whether or not there's a connection between GTA VI and its predecessors, in any capacity, remains to be seen, though this would continue the tradition of GTA games making cheeky references to their predecessors.