With the rapid introduction of computing that leverages AI, the gaming experience is set to take a step forward in 2025. In January, at CES, GIGABYTE provided a glimpse at that future when it introduced its B800 series motherboards.

Built to work with Intel B860 and AMD B850 chipsets, the mainstream B800 series models are redefining gaming performance. The motherboards continue GIGABYTE’s track record of innovation and the heritage of its Intel Z890 and X870(E) series motherboards, bringing the AI technology, friendly design, and ultra-durable components present in those models to new levels.

How GIGABYTE’s suite of AI solutions unleashes DDR5 performance

With its suite of AI-powered solutions, named D5 Bionic Corsa, GIGABYTE has emerged as a leader in innovation that leans on AI to get the most out of DDR5 memory. The solutions combine AORUS AI SNATCH software and AI-driven PCB design to approach 8600+ MT/s on AMD B850 motherboards, and 9466+ MT/s on Intel B860 motherboards with the HyperTune BIOS feature.

A closer look at the underlying technology:

• Better DDR5 performance, in one click: With the AORUS AI SNATCH function, the B800 series delivers truly advanced overclocking technology through the AI OC model for data collection and processing, allowing users to boost DDR5 performance like a pro with just one click. Not only do performance and efficiency get a boost, but the feature also optimizes the balance between performance and stability to avoid trial and error.

• Printed circuit board (PCB) design driven by AI: The B800 series utilizes three key, AI-driven optimizations to enhance DDR5 performance. First, AI-Trace Optimization uses AI signal simulation to fine-tune the trace path from CPU to memory, optimizing signal quality. Next, AI-Layer Optimization allows every PCB layer to be customized for specific tasks, like power delivery and signal transmission. The motherboards use low-loss PCB, a technology usually reserved for high-end AI server hardware, to minimize energy loss. Here, GIGABYTE deploys it to push the limits of memory performance. Finally, with AI-backed vertical interconnect access (VIA) optimization, users get customized VIA diameters for high-speed, low-speed, and power delivery traces through AI simulation. The technology creates a 28 percent reduction in signal reflection loss.

• Fine-tuned performance: With HyperTune BIOS, GIGABYTE uses optimal MRC parameter combinations to access every bit of Intel B860 performance, using AI optimization and fine-tuning to reach new heights for multitasking and gaming.

Features across the GIGABYTE AMD B850 and Intel B860 motherboards

The GIGABYTE AMD B850 and Intel B860 each come with premium thermal solutions that enhance gaming performance even further. The VRM thermal anchor design increases heatsink performance surface area up to four times, and it combines with heat pipes and high-thermal conductivity pads to achieve thermal efficiency.

Meanwhile, the M.2 Thermal Guard Ext. on AORUS PRO and ELITE models enlarges the heat dissipation surface by four times the original, as well. That prevents throttling and bottlenecks from high-speed M.2 solid state drives (SSDs).

And, for gamers who like to build their ideal system, the AMD B850 and Intel B860 are DIY-friendly, equipped with:

• PCIe EZ-Latch Plus, allowing users to install or detach graphics cards in one click.
• M.2 EZ-Latch Plus and Click, enabling screwless installation for M.2 SSDs and M.2 heatsink.
• Wi-Fi EZ Plug, enabling easy plug-in for a Wi-Fi antenna.
• EZ-Debug Zone, equipping users with centralized debug LEDs and buttons for effective troubleshooting.

The exclusive X3D Turbo Mode on the GIGABYTE AMD B850 model

Available already on its high-end X870(E) models, GIGABYTE has brought X3D Turbo Mode to a more mainstream audience by equipping B850 motherboards with the tech. The mode allows users to adjust core count with a single click to boost gaming performance on AMD Ryzen 9000 X3D processors. It also helps non-X3D Ryzen 9000 processors reach a similar performance level as their X3D counterparts.

Choosing the right GIGABYTE motherboard for you

GIGABYTE’s motherboards now come in several different models, allowing users to find the right specs for their needs. The AORUS series emphasizes stylish product design for performance seekers, available in PRO or ELITE, while the GIGABYTE series, including the GAMING and EAGLE models, provides great value in a mainstream motherboard. Designed for both AI beginners and experts, the B850 AI TOP is compatible with GIGABYTE’s AI Top Utility for local AI training and fine-tuning.

Aesthetically, the GIGABYTE AMD B850 and Intel B860 ICE models offer a true all-white look, with the PCB, memory DIMM slots, PCIe slots, connectors, and a debug port all coming in pure white. Still, in the AMD B850 and Intel B860, it’s performance that shines brightest, providing the latest innovations for a top gaming experience.

That’s according to “Seizing Uncertainty,” a new study by HSBC and Professor David Tuckett, Academic Advisor and Director of the Centre for the Study of Decision-Making Uncertainty at UCL.  By building upon a framework of Conviction Narrative Theory, HSBC and Professor Tuckett have developed a study that looks to deepen our understanding of the decision making process. The aim is to establish a means by which we can make better decisions in the face of uncertainty.

Drawing on the experiences of more than 17,000 people around the world, the study proposes a model that breaks down the anatomy of a good decision-making process. It argues that in addition to a strong methodology for decision-making, we must also establish an appropriate mindset. Consciousness of our mental state and understanding how it might influence our ability to make big decisions becomes a vital step in the process.

As Professor Tuckett noted in an interview, “The whole point about uncertainty is we don’t know if the decision we’re making is going to be mistaken or not. So if you are too worried about failure, you very likely will pass up opportunities.” It becomes crucial then to approach our decisions with optimism about the outcome, a willingness to fail, and an openness to change.

When applied to a strong methodology for decision-making, this optimised mindset can allow us to produce well-founded confidence around the decisions we make. This confidence, in turn, can be cumulative; the more we can hone good decision-making habits to make effective decisions, the more effective our decisions are likely to be in the future.

As Professor Tuckett puts it, “Essentially the trick that is played is to say, how do people get over uncertainty? Well, they become certain in an appropriate way, right? But it’s not the same way as in standard decision theory, where you become certain by doing the calculations and getting the probability.”

Good decision-making is learned, not born. While we cannot predict or control the outcomes of the decisions we make, we can try to control how we make those decisions.

Click here to explore other angles with HSBC.

Today’s workplace stretches four generations. The oldest members of Generation Z are reaching their mid-20s, while the youngest baby boomers are turning 60. That leaves employers to account for a range of backgrounds and ways of working.

It’s become vital that companies use technology to enable more seamless collaboration and productivity. But it’s not just massive companies deploying tech to improve workflow. With their ability to stay agile and deploy new tools quicker, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have emerged as leaders in using technology to unite the generations. They’re creating new ways of working and interacting with customers, while empowering their workforce to be just as productive at home, on site, or in the office.

“SMBs are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in bridging generational divides through technology,” says Eric Yu, who leads the SMB segment and Commercial Product Center within Lenovo Intelligent Devices. “Their ability to quickly adopt innovations like AI PCs allows them to create inclusive environments where employees from Gen Z to baby boomers can collaborate seamlessly.”

AI that breeds collaboration

It’s easy for employees to feel like they lack connection to their peers in a remote or hybrid work environment. The physical separation, as some of the most massive companies have discovered, can also lead to real-world disconnects. But SMBs are finding new ways to enable deeper collaboration, and it starts with their tech stack.

For many SMBs, Lenovo’s AI PCs are playing a critical role in strapping employees with the collaboration and productivity tools they need. Features like natural language interactions and real-time transcription create stronger communication and a more inclusive environment. During remote meetings, for instance, real-time transcription breaks down language and technology barriers and puts all attendees on level ground. As a de facto meeting assistant, AI can also help employees quickly pull up documents and access insights, creating a seamless, live workflow.

AI PCs tailor performance to individual needs, meaning workers of any technological background can get what they need to be at their best. While younger employees may use AI tools to generate creative assets or automate repetitive tasks, more experienced employees could use it to organize data or retrieve insights. Highly skilled workers can boost their performance by nearly 40 percent with generative AI, according to MIT Sloan School of Management.

“By creating a shared technological foundation, SMBs ensure that employees feel valued and empowered, regardless of their background or experience, ultimately driving greater collaboration and innovation across generations,” Yu says.

Technology built for any background

With the right deployment, AI PCs can meet every individual where they are in their technological and career journey. Gen Z has quickly become a generation of creators, for instance, with 63 percent doing something creative every day, USA Today reports. There are AI tools to help them be their most creative selves — like Lenovo Creator Zone, which equips users with generative AI to transform text-based descriptions or sketches into clear visuals.

Millennials — who will represent 75 percent of the workforce by 2025, Deloitte says — tend to put a particular emphasis on work-life balance. AI PCs can reduce the burden of tedious administrative tasks, helping workers get through their day more efficiently. Meanwhile, the 21 percent of Gen X professionals who cite a lack of time as a significant workplace stressor, according to FlexJobs, may find the Lenovo AI Now on-device personal agent is a useful tool to personalize their AI solution stack and configure device settings through simple, conversational interaction. Lenovo AI Now is designed to ensure that every employee can harness the power of AI without a steep learning curve in order to foster equal access to the advanced technology. As efficiency improves, time-strapped workers have more bandwidth to think big-picture and focus on the highest-value work.

Nearly half of baby boomers are expected to work past the age of 70, according to Purdue Global. And for boomers and other workers who did not grow up as digital natives — or for that matter, any employees just dipping their toes into AI — Lenovo’s AI Fast Start can lay the foundation necessary to seamlessly integrate AI into daily operations. By relieving organizations of the heavy resource burden of training up their teams, Lenovo’s AI PCs and services are equipping small businesses to flourish with AI.

“At Lenovo, we believe AI has the power to elevate every worker’s potential, regardless of their technical background,” Yu says. “Whether it’s enabling Gen Z creators to turn ideas into visuals or helping seasoned professionals optimize workflows with AI assistants like Lenovo AI Now, our AI PCs are designed to empower users with smarter, personalized solutions that enhance productivity and collaboration across all generations.”

Learn more about how Lenovo is uniting generations with Smarter AI for all.

By necessity, most AI model-training takes place in the cloud, where data centers can support the required storage, compute capacity, and electricity. Companies, let alone individuals, rarely pack the in-house computing punch required. But advancements in tech are rapidly lowering the barrier to entry.

With a solution that combines leading-edge hardware with specialized software, GIGABYTE is making it possible to train your own AI on your desk, unlocking benefits like flexibility, upgradeability, privacy, and security while controlling for the unpredictable costs associated with training in a data center. The company launched its AI TOP solution earlier this year at Computex, combining a suite of AI-ready hardware with GIGABYTE’s AI TOP Utility software. Together, the products make it possible — and cost-effective — for small and medium-sized businesses, research centers, and even individuals of any experience level to train their own AI using household electricity systems.

Intuitive software for the future of AI

The AI TOP Utility software was introduced to reinvent users’ workflows with a user-friendly interface. With its upgraded release in October, GIGABYTE has brought users a range of new capabilities, including its capacity to account not only for large language models (LLMs), but also for growth in large multimodal models (LMMs). These are poised to quickly become more efficient and accessible over the next year, as LMMs can digest multiple forms of data like images, text, and video simultaneously. GIGABYTE’s upgraded AI TOP Utility allows users to fine-tune LMMs, meaning AI models are more useful than ever, with the ability to generate images and short videos, not just text. The upgrade also means the software now supports the latest 405B-parameter LLMs, with a range of features that elevate the model.

Outputs improve with AI TOP Utility’s ability to use retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to choose which model should be selected for a given project. The software takes local AI fine-tuning to the next level by creating custom datasets and offering various preset fine-tuning strategies. Users can schedule the training to run at any time, monitor system hardware through a real-time dashboard, and validate models within the app for instant performance feedback.

The growth of the average AI training model has strained local training capacity, so GIGABYTE applies memory offloading technology, allowing large amounts of data to offload to system memory and SSDs, breaking through the limitations of VRAM and enabling massive scale in a cost-effective way. Finally, the software now supports Linux and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to round out the feature stack.

Hardware built to maximize AI training

Working in tandem with AI TOP Utility is GIGABYTE’s AI TOP hardware, which brings the processing power required to train AI models efficiently and unlock full performance. GIGABYTE’s AI TOP 100 and AI TOP 500 setup kits offer options suited to specific training needs — the AI TOP 100 provides a startup solution perfect for small businesses or personal AI training, while the AI TOP 500 enhances capacity to fit the needs of medium-sized businesses in sectors like finance, engineering, education, and medical research. Either way, GIGABYTE combines a powerful motherboard with a power supply and a chassis, allowing users to customize it with GIGABYTE’s AI TOP graphic cards and SSDs to meet their specific needs.

Maximum performance: GIGABYTE for the first time added the latest generations of Intel and AMD motherboards to the equation. Its AI TOP hardware mix includes the Z890 AORUS XTREME AI TOP, Z890 AORUS MASTER AI TOP, Z890 AI TOP, and X870E AORUS XTREME AI TOP, calibrated for compatibility with the AI TOP Utility. They’re also optimized for dual-GPU configuration and come with cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5 technology, meaning users are equipped with the machines not only for local AI training, but also to maximize their gaming experience.

Enhanced speed and durability: AI TOP SSDs deliver up to 219,000 TBW for intensive AI workloads — nearly 20 times more than enterprise SSDs and 156 times more than consumer SSDs. The solution delivers up to 7,200 MB/s for sequential read and up to 6,500 MB/s for sequential write — enabling ultra-fast processing.

Better efficiency and power tracking: AI model training can require hefty power consumption. GIGABYTE has upgraded its AI TOP power supply to support up to four PCIe Gen 5 graphics cards. Meanwhile, users can, through the Power Meter feature, track accumulated power consumption by kilowatt-hour and see current consumption on the power supply unit’s LCD monitor, helping them create better workloads and manage efficiency.

Clustering for faster training

GIGABYTE also enables users to significantly boost speeds and expand computing power by connecting up multiple AI TOP setup kits through ethernet or Thunderbolt ports, accounting for the rapid growth in model size.

With a suite of powerful hardware to complement its upgraded software, GIGABYTE’s AI TOP solution offers a seamless experience for at-home AI model-training for both AI experts and novices. And, whether they’re seeking the personal AI training experience of AI TOP 100 or desire the enhanced capacity of AI TOP 500, users can pick the model that’s right for them. Either way, users get a powerful local AI training desktop solution delivered in a seamless and flexible package.

As long as people have had homes, we’ve needed ways to protect them. Tech influencer Jake Thomas (on Instagram at @sirjakethomas), takes us on a journey through the surprising history of home security, showing how ancient techniques evolved into today’s advanced smart home technology. Jake dives into everything from ancient cave fires that kept predators at bay, to geese that sounded alarms long before modern tech was around. It turns out, light, sound, and surveillance have always been core to keeping homes safe.

Jake also introduces us to smart home tech available at The Home Depot that makes those age-old strategies even more powerful. First, the Arlo Floodlight lights up your space with 2,000 lumens and a 2K HDR camera with color night vision, keeping an eye on your surroundings even in the dark. Next, the Wyze Indoor/Outdoor Camera delivers real-time alerts with a built-in siren and automated facial recognition, giving your home serious protection. And finally, Google’s Nest Doorbell reimagines the classic peephole with smart tech that recognizes people, packages, and even animals.

This entertaining look at home security across the ages is packed with insights and fun. Be sure to protect your home with the latest smart security products because smart homes start at The Home Depot. 

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but they can also come with their fair share of stress. Between obsessing over the perfect gift, hosting family get-togethers, and navigating holiday travel, most people have very little time to think about digital security.

But here’s the unfortunate truth about the holidays: it’s a scammer’s favorite time of year. In fact, last year 80 percent of Americans experienced at least one type of holiday scam, according to AARP.

Holiday scams to watch out for

The schemes include requests from fake charities, fraudulent messages about shipping issues (think “missed package” notifications), and a laundry list of online shopping scams. Hackers are getting better at disguising their tactics, too, in some cases spinning up phishing websites that look like legitimate e-commerce sites or sending fake order receipts that contain malware. And then there are the fraudulent offers of the season — from gift card scams to seasonable jobs to online ads that turn out too good to be true. If we haven’t fallen victim ourselves, most of us can think of at least one family member who’s been duped.

Even consumers who navigate scammers successfully are putting themselves at risk merely by inputting their sensitive information onto a retailer’s site. Companies possess an incredible amount of information in their payment and CRM systems, which makes them enticing targets for scammers. So, this holiday season while you shop around for others, consider gifting yourself or your whole family an always-evolving, all-in-one cybersecurity solution. Companies like Webroot can streamline your security so you can ditch the cyber scaries and focus on enjoying time with family and friends.

What to look for in a security solution

Let’s face it, in this digital age, there’s no going back — our online lives are here to stay. It can be easy to focus on the potential negatives of digital life and to shrink that version of ourselves accordingly. But the right cybersecurity solution will quietly mitigate risk, protecting you even in a sea of holiday scammers so you can focus on the positives — and thrive online. Here are some of the benefits you’ll get with Webroot’s all-in-one solution across device, privacy, and identity protection:

• Proactive identity protection: Webroot Premium — which protects one identity and up to five devices — does the hard work of monitoring the whereabouts of your sensitive information through advanced dark web monitoring, identity monitoring, and financial monitoring with rapid alerts. Additionally, Webroot Premium users aren’t left cleaning up the mess should the worst happen — they’re equipped with 24/7, U.S.-based customer support from identity restoration specialists, plus up to $1 million in identity fraud expense reimbursement.

• A faster, more storage-friendly experience: Webroot Premium is designed for maximum efficiency across your PCs, Macs, smartphones, Chromebooks, and tablets. It scans devices six-times faster, installs 21-times faster, and takes up to 50-times less space than competitors, according to PassMark testing. Plus, Web Threat Shield detects and blocks malicious websites before you visit them.
• Access for the entire family: Finding yourself in the spirit of giving? Webroot makes it easy to expand coverage beyond the individual with Webroot Premium Family, which provides protection for up to 10 devices and 10 identities. Identity protection can go to extended family, meaning not everyone on the plan has to live under the same roof. Add your parents and even grandparents to your plan, and feel secure that hackers preying on their generosity will be granted a digital stiff arm from Webroot.

Whichever you choose — Webroot Premium or Webroot Premium Family — you can take advantage of the brand’s special holiday promotion where both products are available at 60 percent off, making it simple and cost-effective to give yourself the gift of peace of mind.

In 2024, businesses spent nearly $200 billion on cardboard boxes. That enormous number becomes less surprising when put in the context of just how many packages were sent overall – which is more than the number of stars in the Milky Way. It’s set to increase, too. So, with more shipping, more products, and more people, innovations in packaging have the potential to impact business, the environment, and everyday lives.

There’s a growing demand for packages that not only protect the items being shipped but also enhance usability for all customers, including those with disabilities. Accessibility advocates like Molly Burke, a content creator who went blind at 14, highlights this issue: for her, navigating shelves and identifying products by touch is a challenge. “All of the packaging is so similar,” Molly explains. “Every bag feels like another bag, every box feels like the same box.” The consequences of that go beyond frustration.

“I basically always need to have a sighted person come with me, which takes away my independence and my autonomy as a 30-year-old adult woman.”

Molly is far from alone. Approximately 1.3 billion people globally live with significant disabilities, and it’s a group that anyone can potentially join throughout their lives. It’s also a huge opportunity for brands to reach a massive audience. As she notes, “This is a community with dollars to spend. We are a market that you are actively missing out on by not being inclusive.”

Packaging innovations can range from high tech, like digital readers, to something as simple as tactile markings on shampoo and conditioner bottles, where one has a striped pattern and the other has dots to differentiate them. That straightforward change can make a difference for not just the visually impaired, but also illustrates how accessible design is easier to use for everyone. For instance, anyone not wearing their glasses in the shower also needs to know which bottle is which. 

“There’s nothing wrong with being blind or being disabled,” Molly points out. “What needs to change is the world. It needs to become accommodating of all of us who live in it.” Accessible packaging – just one of many approaches to innovating in a field that billions of people interact with every day – is a step towards that future. It’s not just about thinking outside the box; it’s about redesigning the box entirely.

Click here to explore other angles with HSBC.

Read video transcript below

MOLLY BURKE: A year and a half ago I got to work on a project where we created an accessible chocolate box.

VOICEOVER: Molly Burke is a content creator and accessibility advocate who went blind at 14 years old.

MOLLY BURKE: Why was I 29 when I got to pick my own chocolate for the first time ever? To be able to open that box of chocolates and find the one that I actually want on my own. It means so much.

VOICEOVER: The other angle on packaging, from The Verge and HSBC.

VOICEOVER: Innovation in packaging is long overdue. Inefficiency is rampant, as the average package is forty percent too large for the contents. That matters, when businesses are spending close to 200 billion dollars in 2024 on cardboard boxes alone.

Innovative approaches like 3D printed packaging – which can seal itself around the product with no wasted space – may help reduce inefficiency and shake up the industry. And it doesn’t have to be cardboard or plastic. Edible packaging made from seaweed is making efficiency sustainable. But efficiency needs to be for everyone.

MOLLY BURKE: I really feel like inclusive, accessible product packaging design is the next wave, the next push in innovating within that space.

Honestly, I basically can’t go shopping without a sighted person coming with me because it’s so confusing. Every bag feels like another bag, every box feels like the same box.

VOICEOVER: But innovation in accessible packaging and design isn’t just to benefit disabled people.

MOLLY BURKE: I always try to communicate to brands that creating accessible products is not charity work. We are a market that you are actively missing out on by not being inclusive. 

VOICEOVER: A market of one in six people – that’s one point three billion potential customers. The reality is that accessible and universal design doesn’t just help disabled people. It can help all consumers. For instance, tactile surfaces on shampoo and conditioner, like stripes on one and dots on the other, identify the correct product.

MOLLY BURKE: Somebody like me who would be a braille reader could use that code, but also somebody who has English as a second language, somebody who’s autistic and prefers to use symbols to communicate, somebody who is dyslexic or has a language processing disorder. It’s universally accessible to people who are in the shower without their glasses on!

VOICEOVER: Whether making products available to more customers or improving shipping efficiency, bringing innovation to packaging isn’t a same-day delivery.

MOLLY BURKE: If you want to take your brand to the next level, you need to be hiring inclusively because we need to be in the room in order to help you make that change. As a society, we have spent so much time, money and energy thinking about how do we cure disability. 

And it’s about shifting our mindset and realising if we take that same brain power and those same finances and we put it into creating a world that is universally accessible for all of us, it’s going to benefit everybody so much more.

VOICEOVER: The Verge and HSBC. An Explainer Studio production.

CITATIONS

The Logistics Trend Radar, DHL, 2020

The Future of Global Corrugated Packaging to 2029, Smithers, 2024

Disability, World Health Organization, 2023

If you’re holiday shopping for someone who spends hours in front of their laptop, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving them a machine that can do it all. From schoolwork to spreadsheets to side hustles and streaming, the right laptop can help unlock creativity and productivity. 

Laptops powered by Snapdragon® X Elite processors combine days-long battery life*, advanced graphics, cutting-edge performance, and industry-leading processing power. Their built-in AI capabilities allow for seamless multitasking and boost creativity by allowing the user to quickly edit photos and videos or instantly generate images and designs. Plus, with many retailers offering holiday sales, you may even be able to snag one at a discount.  

Check out the following models — all running on the Snapdragon X Elite processor — to find the perfect fit for the creator in your life.

Dell XPS 13

Notable feature: Sleek and lightweight design The XPS 13 is the ideal companion for those who demand performance on the go. At just 2.6 pounds and 0.58 inches thin, this sleek and lightweight laptop is easy to carry with you and is the perfect balance of ultra portability and powerhouse performance. The 13.4-inch screen offers a sharp display for video calls thanks to its tandem OLED display (the world’s first). And with 27 hours¹ of streaming battery life it can power the most epic movie marathons. Whether you’re editing videos, running complex software, or simply moving between class or meetings, the XPS 13 delivers exceptional power without the bulk.

Where to Buy:

• $1499.99 at SHOP NOW

HP OmniBook X Next Gen AI PC

Notable feature: Extended battery life The HP OmniBook X stands out for its remarkable battery life, at up to a staggering 26 hours², that can last for an entire day — and then some. But it’s best known for its streamlined design and snappy performance. The AI-centric Snapdragon X Elite processor is a powerful tool for high-pressure work environments that require running resource-intensive applications or multitasking, as well as creative endeavors. Built-in AI analyzes usage patterns and helps manage resources efficiently, offers actionable insights, and can summarize documents to help you get the most out of your system.

Where to Buy:

• $1199.99 at SHOP NOW

Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

Notable feature: Stunning OLED display For those who covet a vibrant, high-resolution display, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is the one. Its stunning 14.5-inch 3K screen is perfect for graphic designers, photo editors, and anyone who values crisp, detailed visuals. The Snapdragon processor provides the power needed to handle demanding tasks effortlessly, while the long battery life (23.5 hours³) ensures you can capitalize on a long streak of productivity or relax and stream content for hours on end. Press the keyboard’s Copilot key to bring up the suite of AI products available right at your fingertips.

Where to Buy:

• $1199.99 at SHOP NOW

Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16

Notable feature: Large display For those who prefer a larger canvas, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16 offers an expansive 16-inch display that’s perfect for creatives who need an immersive experience. Whether you’re editing high-resolution photos, watching videos, or working on detailed design projects, the sizable screen provides ample space for all your tasks. The Snapdragon processor ensures smooth performance, and the 1TB of storage offers plenty of extra space.

Where to Buy:

• $1449.99 at SHOP NOW

Asus Vivobook S 15

Notable feature: Performance-to-price ratio The Asus Vivobook S 15 strikes an excellent balance between performance and affordability. At $1,099 it bats way above its weight with a vivid OLED display, large 15.6-inch screen, 18-plus-hour battery life⁴, and super-fast performance. Photo edits go faster, video transcoding and exports are sped up, and you can feel confident jumping between tabs without worrying about a lag. The Vivobook S 15 offers excellent value for anyone looking to maximize their investment in a high-performance laptop.

Where to Buy:

• $1099.99 at SHOP NOW

Microsoft Surface Pro

Notable feature: Lightweight and two-in-one flexibility The Microsoft Surface Pro is a versatile two-in-one device delivering powerful performance and a flexible design that adapts to your changing needs. With the new detachable SurfacePro Flex Keyboard and adjustable kickstand, you can unlock new Copilot AI features when using it as a tablet or a laptop. Its optional 13-inch OLED screen delivers a cinematic experience on-the-go and a 10.5 Megapixel Ultra HD rear-facing autofocus camera ensures you have the lighting and crystal-clear sound you need for your next creative project or conference call. At under two pounds without the keyboard, it’s one of the lightest units out there. Pair that with up to 14 hours of battery life while streaming, and you can do it all with this portable powerhouse.

Where to Buy:

• $1599.99 at SHOP NOW

Whoever you’re shopping for this holiday season, laptops powered by Snapdragon® X Elite processors make an ideal gift to help them accomplish more in 2025. And hey, while you’re browsing, you may even become convinced to give one to yourself, too.

1. Netflix streaming battery benchmark: XPS 13 tested with Snapdragon X1 Elite X1E-80-100, FHD+ display, 16GB, 512GB SSD. Testing conducted by Dell labs in May 2024 with display brightness set to 150 nits (40%) and wireless enabled. Based on streaming Netflix 1080p content using the Netflix Windows 11 app. Actual battery life may be significantly less than the test results and varies depending on product configuration and use, software, usage, operating conditions, power management settings and other factors. Maximum battery life will decrease with time. The stated Watt Hour (WHr) is not an indication of battery life. 

2. Based on HP’s internal analysis as of next gen PC’s with a 40-60 TOPS NPU as of (current date). Battery life tested by HP using continuous FHD video playback, 1080p (1920×1080) resolution, 200 nits brightness, system audio level as image default, player audio level at 100%, played full-screen from local storage, headphone attached or through speaker (if no audio jack port), wireless on but not connected. Actual battery life will vary depending on configuration and maximum capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.

3. The battery life claim is approximate and based on continuous 1080p video playback @ 150 nits brightness on the latest update of Windows 11. Actual battery life will vary and depends on many factors such as product configuration and usage, software use, wireless functionality, power management settings, and screen brightness. The maximum capacity of the battery will decrease with time and use.

4. Battery tests conducted by ASUS on May 7, 2024 using the 1080p Video Playback scenario. Test configuration: ASUS Vivobook S 15 (S5507Q), 3K OLED panel, Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite 12C, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM, 70 Wh battery. Test settings: WiFi disabled, Keyboard backlit disabled, Windows Power Plan set to Best Power Efficiency, display brightness set to 150 cd/m2. Actual battery life may vary depending on product configuration, usage, operational conditions and power management settings. Battery life will decrease over the lifetime of the battery.

* Battery life varies significantly based on devices, settings, usage, and other factors. 

Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Maybe you’ve seen that beautiful handbag online, or in the window of a shop. You can picture how great you’ll look wearing it on a night out. What you may not realize is that roughly 10% of all luxury goods for sale are estimated to be counterfeits, and that alarming trend is on the rise.

But recently, experts in retail — and across a variety of very physical, very analogue industries — have been turning to a technology associated with the digital realm: blockchain. Best known for its use in securing digital transactions, verifying non-fungible tokens (think of bored simian art), and tracing cryptocurrencies in a digital ledger, blockchain’s digital ledger technology is also being used to provide a window into the provenance, quality, and sustainability of everything from a beautifully, ludicrously capacious handbag, to the prescriptions in your medicine cabinet.  

In fashion, retailers have banded together to create a blockchain network that assigns each of their high-end products something akin to a digital passport. When scanned, that passport registers information about an item — the purse you’ve been eyeing, perhaps — on the blockchain, providing a detailed log of its meticulous manufacturing process. By providing transparency into everything from where the bag’s leather was sourced, who stitched it together, and how it made its journey into a closet, blockchain can help ensure that your hard earned cash is in fact being put to high-end use. 

In agriculture, blockchain’s digital ledger technology is also being used to trace a good’s supply chain journey, this time from farm to table. For coffee drinkers, this means providing a window into where their bean was grown, and insight into whether or not it was farmed in safe and sustainable conditions. For growers, this helps them prove the quality and origin of their beans, helping to ensure their safety and fair compensation. 

In many cases, knowing a product’s origins can be a matter of life and death. This is particularly and frighteningly true in the developing world, where estimates show that one in 10 medical products in low-and middle-income countries are substandard or falsified. Increasingly, a collection of pharmaceutical companies are using blockchain’s digital ledger technology to trace the provenance and quality of their drugs’ ingredients and manufacturing conditions, ensuring a potentially life-saving medicine is what it claims to be. 

Not only is blockchain helping to prove the legitimacy of goods for consumers, and providing transparency into working conditions for growers and makers, in the process it’s also securing industries worth billions of dollars for manufacturers and retailers. That’s some very real-world implications for a very digital technology.

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For busy people, robot vacuums have become a secret weapon. They take away the time-consuming task of cleaning floors so people can spend their time elsewhere.

One problem: Not all end up being as hands-off as users would like.

Instead, they can be prone to hiccups that require maintenance or reduce effectiveness. A vacuum constantly clogged with dirt or hair simply can’t do its job. And a robot vacuum base station that can’t keep itself clean introduces a whole new maintenance task.

In an increasingly crowded market, a century-old brand is reinvigorating robot vacuum innovation with a new machine, the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra, that combines groundbreaking new technology with AI-powered intelligence to improve cleaning performance and create a truly hands-free experience. Eureka’s latest entrant to the robot vacuum market cuts out the typical hassle with a self-cleaning base station, a razor that snips through tangled hair, powerful mop extend technology, and a range of intelligent and advanced cleaning features.

The first entirely self-cleaning base station

Founded in Detroit in 1909, Eureka has spent the last century developing cleaning products and establishing a reputation for reliable quality and ease of use.

The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra continues that legacy, offering a cleaning base that is comprehensively self-cleaning. Other robot vacuums claim to be self-cleaning, but merely clean via wastewater collection. With that function, the base station tray becomes increasingly dirty over time, eventually creating a mop that is less clean and less effective. The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra’s secret weapon is its scraper that removes residual dirt and sediment that would otherwise stick to the base station tray.

The cleaning process of the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra’s base station begins with a hot-water mop wash and a full dry with hot air. Then, the base station deploys a built-in tray scraper to clean the washing tray, draining the dirty water and scraping the remaining dirt and grime into a collection area. Eventually, after that dirt goes through a hot-air dry, it makes its way to the dust bag. Dirt and stains never get the chance to settle and toughen into the tray.

Combined with Eureka’s WhisperWork technology — a mix of seven layers of noise reduction from the motor source to flow path optimization, keeping base station noise at a minimum — the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra provides a non-invasive, seamless, and hassle-free entrant to the robot vacuum market.

AI-enhanced features for hands-off cleaning

The base station, of course, is just one part of the equation. Eureka has also advanced the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra’s cleaning powers with artificial intelligence and a range of innovations, including:

• FlexiRazor anti-hair tangling: Many robot vacuums claim to have anti-tangle technology featuring V-shaped brushes and stationary blades or combs, yet hair entanglement continues to be a common issue. Eureka’s FlexiRazor deploys high-density blades 400 times per minute across the entire roller brush, so you don’t have to spend time detangling. The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra reduces hair tangling by 99 percent, according to SGS Lab.
• Powerful suction: Add-on features don’t mean much if the vacuum isn’t powerful. The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra’s 16,200 Pa of suction power put the machine in a league above even traditional canister vacuums.
• Mop extend tech: Not only does the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra extend outward for “zero-gap” cleaning, but it also applies a level of robotic elbow grease during mop extend that most robot vacuum cleaners can’t achieve. The rotating mop maintains consistent downward pressure as it extends and retracts for better cleaning around edges and corners. It’s also designed to avoid damaging bumps into furniture, ultimately protecting the mop’s motor. Combined with soft rubber edges that provide a cushion, the end result is enhanced durability over the long haul.

• Artificial intelligence and enhanced cleaning: The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra’s range of AI-infused features create a truly advanced cleaning machine. Encountering table legs or skirting boards? The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra extends its mop out beyond its borders, maintaining downward pressure to clean the areas most robot vacuums miss. Switching from dry debris to a wet mess? With IntelliView AI, it notices the difference and automatically adjusts cleaning methods, avoids scattering debris, and goes over trouble spots multiple times. Room messy or dark? The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra can identify and navigate through a range of objects and flip on its LEDs when necessary. It even comes with the option to tap into the machine’s camera for a remote, mobile view into its cleaning path.

The size and shape of the Eureka J15 Pro Ultra, too, have been optimized. Round vacuums tend to struggle with edge cleaning while square ones fall short on maneuverability. The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra’s rounded-square build offers the best of both worlds.

The base station, while loaded with new features, has been fit into a more compact size — coming in at about 18 inches tall and 15 inches wide — than previous Eureka models. With two large water tanks and a three liter dust bag, users get up to 75 days of hands-off usage. After all, that is what users of robot vacuums want most: A machine that works well and does its job without hassle.

The Eureka J15 Pro Ultra, which just hit the market in the U.S., usually retails for $999.99. But starting November 21, the brand is having a sale that knocks the price down to $799. It’s available on Amazon and at Eureka’s official website.