Eliana Willis

ZDNETZDNET’s key takeawaysSDesk is available now, free of charge, and you can install it on as many computers as you need.SDesk is a fast and dependable Linux distribution with a user interface that anyone will be instantly familiar with.I experienced some minor issues during my setup, which were simple to resolve.I wouldn’t normally suggest an Arch-based Linux distribution for new users, but every so often, I come across one that challenges my perceptions. Recently, I discovered an Arch-based Linux distro called SDesk, and there couldn’t be a clearer use case for it.Firstly, SDesk is fairly straightforward and doesn’t do all that much to separate itself from the ever-growing list of Linux distributions. Sometimes, that’s a good thing. I wasn’t sure what to expect after installing and logging into this desktop distribution, but when I did, everything was immediately familiar.Also: 6 Linux commands I can’t work without – and what I use them forSDesk opts for the GNOME desktop, which is configured to resemble a “standard” desktop that would be familiar to both Windows and MacOS users. On the interface, you’ll find a panel, a menu, a top bar, favorites, and desktop icons. On the top bar, there’s the Workspaces button (far left), the time/date (which, when clicked, opens notifications and calendar), and the system tray. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The iPad Mini 7 is now available for $500. The compact iPad Mini 7 has gone everywhere with me this past week, fitting easily into bags and purses without weighing them down. Aside from the more powerful A17 Pro chip, the iPad Mini 7 isn’t much of an upgrade (especially for […] More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung just announced the latest generation of Galaxy smartphones. Along with the new lineup comes new software. One UI 7 is now available for public download, and older compatible Samsung devices can also use the latest software.Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy S25 Ultra, AI features, and moreIt’s unclear when older Galaxy devices will receive the update, but the S23 and S24 series phones will likely receive it shortly after the S25 launch More

ZDNETOpen-source and artificial intelligence (AI) developers and leaders agree that open-source AI is important. Despite the best efforts of the Open Source Initiative (OSI) to create an open-source AI definition (OSAID), there is still much disagreement on what should and shouldn’t be included in an OSAID. Springing from this disagreement, the newly formed Open Source Alliance (OSA) has released its take on OSAID: the Open Weight Definition (OWD).The OWD is a new framework that balances closed and open-source AI integrity. The framework is designed, its creators say, to address the complexities and challenges posed by the rapid development of AI technology. It aims to provide a clear standard for what constitutes “open source” in AI models, particularly large language models (LLMs).Also: DeepSeek’s new open-source AI model can outperform o1 for a fraction of the costWeights are fundamental components in AI.  Based on the raw data, weights are the numerical values associated with the connections between nodes across different layers of an AI program. These values are determined during the machine learning training process. Specifically, the OWD includes:Model Weights Accessibility: The definition emphasizes making model weights available to developers and researchers.Dataset Information: While not requiring full access to training data, the definition stresses the need for detailed information about dataset contents and collection methods.Architecture Transparency: The framework encourages disclosure of model architecture information to facilitate improvements and modificationsAmanda Brock, OpenUK’s CEO, said she supports the OWD: “The Alliance is being driven to broaden the engagement across multiple organizations currently competing to ensure better global collaboration. This first step of sharing an approach to defining open weights is in line with the disaggregation of AI and defining the level of openness of the disaggregated but critical component, whether that be data, weight, or model. … It certainly seems to be more practical and workable than a small group creating a definition that isn’t fit for purpose.” More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETThis week, Samsung unveiled its newest lineup of Galaxy S25 smartphones at its Unpacked event in San Jose, California. That included three new phone models — the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra, all of which are available for preorder now.Also: Everything announced at Samsung Unpacked 2025: Galaxy S25, Gemini AI, moreLuckily for you, most major cellular companies are offering exclusive preorder offers, prices, and bundles to celebrate the new launch — including Verizon More

Kerry Wan/ZDNETSamsung’s Big Bad Galaxy phone has arrived, and it’s almost everything I expected. The Galaxy S25 Ultra More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The power bank is thin and light It is perfect for charging on the move Pass-through charging allows both the power bank and iPhone to be charged simultaneously. –> I’ve become so used to being able to charge my iPhone when I’m out and about. Power outlets and USB charging ports […] More

ZDNETOpen-source and artificial intelligence (AI) developers and leaders agree that open-source AI is important. Despite the best efforts of the Open Source Initiative (OSI) to create an open-source AI definition (OSAID), there is still much disagreement on what should and shouldn’t be included in an OSAID. Springing from this disagreement, the newly formed Open Source Alliance (OSA) has released its take on OSAID: the Open Weight Definition (OWD).The OWD is a new framework that balances closed and open-source AI integrity. The framework is designed, its creators say, to address the complexities and challenges posed by the rapid development of AI technology. It aims to provide a clear standard for what constitutes “open source” in AI models, particularly large language models (LLMs).Also: DeepSeek’s new open-source AI model can outperform o1 for a fraction of the costWeights are fundamental components in AI.  Based on the raw data, weights are the numerical values associated with the connections between nodes across different layers of an AI program. These values are determined during the machine learning training process. Specifically, the OWD includes:Model Weights Accessibility: The definition emphasizes making model weights available to developers and researchers.Dataset Information: While not requiring full access to training data, the definition stresses the need for detailed information about dataset contents and collection methods.Architecture Transparency: The framework encourages disclosure of model architecture information to facilitate improvements and modificationsAmanda Brock, OpenUK’s CEO, said she supports the OWD: “The Alliance is being driven to broaden the engagement across multiple organizations currently competing to ensure better global collaboration. This first step of sharing an approach to defining open weights is in line with the disaggregation of AI and defining the level of openness of the disaggregated but critical component, whether that be data, weight, or model. … It certainly seems to be more practical and workable than a small group creating a definition that isn’t fit for purpose.” More