Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images I know you’ve heard of gamification, but have you ever heard of festification? That’s what Microsoft did last month and is continuing until May 28, with the Microsoft AI Skills Fest. It’s a little odd, but it also looks like it might be a heck of a lot of fun. […] More
Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETOnline shopping has never been perfect. If I’m online scouting for a good deal on a pair of shoes, I have to sort through several options, sizes, colors, and price points to find what I want. That takes time. And if I want to buy the shoes at a discount, I have to wait several weeks or months and come back when the price drops. Also: Everything announced at Google I/O 2025: Gemini, Search, Android XR, and moreAt Google’s annual developer event, Google IO, the tech giant is debuting an AI-powered solution to online shoppers’ problems in the form of AI Mode. AI Mode offers online shoppers several options for finding exactly what they want, virtually trying on the clothing before they buy, and tracking prices to buy when a product is at its lowest. AI Mode will fundamentally shake up how people search for products and shop online. Here’s how. 1. Google’s Shopping Graph gets a major upgradeGemini combines forces with Google’s Shopping Graph, now with more than 50 billion product listings sourced from big-name brands and indie shops to elevate your browsing and shopping experience. Two billion listings are refreshed every hour to keep the results relevant and updated, so shoppers will get current pricing, the most recent discounts, and availability. Also: 8 best AI features and tools revealed at Google I/O 2025When a shopper searches for a product, they type what they’re looking for and the occasion they’ll be using the product for, and Google scouts options that fit those descriptors. In a press release, Google provides the example of a “cute travel bag” for a Portland, Oregon, vacation. AI Mode initiates a “query fan-out” to run several simultaneous searches and investigate a travel bag with pockets that meets the conditions or fits underneath an airplane seat. Additionally, a panel will update with new brands and options as you search. US users can expect AI Mode for shopping to roll out in the coming months. 2. Google will price-track – and purchase – your products for youSet the size, color, and desired price point on a product, and keep an eye on its price with Google’s new price-tracking feature. Once you’ve set up price-tracking on a product, Google will send you price-drop notifications to buy when the product is discounted. Additionally, Google will add the product to your cart and securely check out with Google Pay once the price drops to your desired range. Also: Google’s new AI tool can track products and buy for you when the price dropsLike AI Mode, this feature will also roll out in the coming months. More
Yuichiro Chino/Getty Images In an AI-powered economy, data security is not just a box-checking exercise. Instead, security is the catalyst for trust and innovation within your organization and with your customers. That’s the conclusion from the State of IT report from Salesforce, which surveyed over 4,000 IT decision-makers worldwide, including more than 2,000 professionals specializing […] More
Adam Breeden/ZDNETThe Google Pixel 9 Pro 1TB More
Allison Murray/ZDNETThe Petlibro Polar Wet Food Automatic Feeder More
When is Memorial Day? Memorial Day in the US is on Monday, May 26th. And while the bulk of the best deals will go live day-of, you can find great discounts on grills, lawn mowers, and more at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.How did I choose these Memorial Day deals? Not all deals are created equal. Since Memorial Day is better known for lawn and garden deals, I only chose the steepest discounts from the most trusted brands, like Kobalt, Blink, and EcoFlow, to help you find the right fit for your lawn and your budget.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends. More
Marshall/ZDNETMarshall, the company known for manufacturing amps and guitar speakers for professional musicians, has made strides during the past few years to appeal to consumers with headphones and Bluetooth speakers.Also: I finally found a Bluetooth speaker that pumps out loud sound – and looks good doing itMarshall’s consumer products retain the company’s grungy, rocker-inspired design elements. Now, the company is bringing its classic sound and look into your living room. The Heston 120 is Marshall’s first soundbar, promising the latest technology, immersive sound, and a refined yet familiar aesthetic.The Heston 120 is a complete smart soundbar, offering Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility, and Wi-Fi streaming fit for AirPlay, Google Cast, and Spotify Connect for streaming from your other devices. The soundbar is compatible with Bluetooth connectivity, including LE Audio for Auracast. More
greenbutterfly/Getty Images Do companies with virtual workforces lose something when it comes to innovation? Do we need those informal workplace encounters or gatherings to spur more creative and innovative thinking and discussions? Or does virtual work open up new avenues for innovation that extend beyond the confines of office walls? Special Feature Those are the […] More
