Eliana Willis

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

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Dreame L40 Ultra is a high-end robot vacuum and mop available for $1,500, though you can get it for $1,200 with a $300 discount This Dreame robot vacuum doesn’t disappoint in performance It has strong suction power, thorough cleaning capabilities, an extendable side brush and mop pad to clean corners […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Coway IconS is available for $615. This air purifier cleans large rooms of up to 1,298 square feet, has a washable pre-filter for easy maintenance, and looks stylish enough to blend in with your home decor. Unfortunately, the IconS is large and expensive. –> Air purifiers are commonly used to […] More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETWhether you’re considering buying a new TV or your old flat panel seems to be doing fine, there are still ways to optimize your viewing experience, and it all begins with your television’s settings. Let’s explore some of the key factors determining how your TV performs and what you can do to make it look even better.1. Turn down the sharpnessThe sharper the picture, the better. Right? Not necessarily.Contrary to popular belief, the “sharpness” setting on your TV doesn’t affect the actual sharpness of the displayed image. True sharpness is determined by factors such as screen resolution, source material resolution, and contrast. Instead, the sharpness setting alters the artificial edge enhancement — a processor-driven adjustment that can introduce unwanted noise and, ironically, distort details in the image.Also: Sharp partners with Xumo to run its future line of QLED smart TVsEdge enhancement is designed to make onscreen objects more distinct by emphasizing the boundaries between them, theoretically creating a more lifelike image. However, this feature acts like a universal Instagram filter, potentially leading to an unnatural appearance in some media. More

Like past January Unpacked events, Samsung released three new Galaxy S models, with the base models getting some subtle but meaningful upgrades, including a thinner and lighter design. Other changes include the introduction of new colors, including Icyblue, Navy, Mint, Silver Shadow, as well as online-only exclusive colors like Blueblack, Coralred, and Pinkgold. The vibrance of the Coralred colorway stands out amongst the rest of the lineup’s more muted finishes, and made a splash among reporters at Unpacked. Also: I went hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy S25 – and the AI features were surprisingly polishedAt the heart of the devices is the newly launched Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. According to Samsung, the chipset will be dramatically different than the variants found on competing Android phones.For example, Samsung claims it delivers a performance boost of 40% in NPU, 37% in CPU, and 30% in GPU compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Beyond AI, the chipset will help provide a smoother experience when gaming, equipped with Vulkan Engine, a high-performing graphics platform, and improved Ray Tracing.  Other specs remain the same as last year’s model, such as its 6.2-inch and 6.7-inch display, 4,000mAh and 4,900mAh batteries,120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, 50 MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide, a 10 MP telephoto, and a 12MP selfie camera. Also: Best One UI 7 features coming to Samsung Galaxy S25 models (and older phones, too)Despite the camera hardware remaining the same, the software upgrades should significantly improve the experience. For example, 10-bit HDR recording is now applied by default, allowing users to capture better detail, and a new Galaxy Virtual Aperture, integrated into the Expert RAW app, gives users better depth-of-field control, similar to when using a DSLR.  Galaxy S25+ and S25 Ultra also feature advanced AI image processing with ProScaler, which, like Samsung TVs, uses AI to digitally enhance the resolution of videos. Just know that the phones need to be set to QHD+ resolution to take advantage of the feature.Pricing for the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus starts at $799 and $999, respectively. That’s the same as past years’ retail price, which is good to see, provided you’re getting improvements — some in hardware and more in software.  More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Google Pixel Tablet retails for $499. The 11-inch tablet runs Android 13 on Google’s Tensor G2 chip It has solid performance, small bezels surrounding the screen that can handle multitasking, and a charging dock. Android can be buggy on the Pixel Tablet, though less so than on competing devices; the […] More