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    AI models know when they’re being tested – and change their behavior, research shows

    pressureUA/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Several frontier AI models show signs of scheming. Anti-scheming training reduced misbehavior in some models. Models know they’re being tested, which complicates results. New joint safety testing from UK-based nonprofit Apollo Research and OpenAI set out […] More

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    Best early Amazon Prime Day headphones deals 2025: My 15 favorites sales ahead of October

    When is October Prime Day 2025? This year, Amazon’s October Prime Day sale runs on October 7 and October 8. The annual sale will last for two days in the fall, and you can expect to see a range of deals on household goods, tech gadgets, and electronics, including laptops, PCs, and headphones. Are headphones really cheaper on Prime Day? Yes, you can find headphones at discounted prices during Prime Day. I spend a lot of time testing headphones and tracking their retail and discounted prices. All of the headphones, earbuds, and Bluetooth speakers included in this list are discounted from their original sale price. How did we choose these October Prime Day deals?ZDNET authors only write about deals that interest us personally and include products that we own or want to buy. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are normally not on sale, as is often the case with Apple devices), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal actually represents value for your money.We also explored customer reviews to find out what matters to those who already own and use the products and deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing. More

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    Best early Amazon Prime Day EcoFlow deals 2025: My 7 favorites sales ahead of October

    When is October Prime Day 2025?  Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale, otherwise known as October Prime Day, runs Oct. 7 and 8, back to the usual two-day sale extravaganza, and not the four days that we saw back in July. Are power stations really cheaper on Prime Day?  I watch prices closely, and yes, I can say with absolute certainty that you can find lots of great deals during the Amazon Prime Day sales. In fact, I’ve found some absolute killer deals to share with you. It’s also a good time to get a good deal on combos that come with the power station and an expansion battery and/or solar panels. How did we choose these October Prime Day deals? Here at ZDNET, I only write about deals that interest me — the devices and gear I desire, need, or would recommend. I look for the best possible deal and seek out those things that are only occasionally on sale. I use established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.  I also pay attention to customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals I’m recommending. I’m one person testing one thing, so it’s useful to get a broader sampling. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.  More

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    Google’s new study tool personalizes your learning material – here’s how

    MirageC/Moment via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Learn Your Way is now available in Google Labs. Google’s education-centered AI models personalize material. AI companies continue to market study tools to younger users. Google is introducing a new way to interact with textbooks, using gen AI to personalize […] More

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    Best early October Prime Day Anker deals 2025: All-time-low prices on power banks, chargers, and more

    When is October Prime Day 2025?  Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale, otherwise known as October Prime Day, runs over Oct. 7 and 8, back to the usual two-day sale extravaganza, and not the four days that we saw back in July.  Are gadgets like chargers and power banks really cheaper on Prime Day?  I watch prices closely, and yes, I can say with absolute certainty that you can find lots of great deals during the Amazon Prime Day sales. In fact, I’ve found some absolute killer deals to share with you here in the run-up to the event.  How did we choose these October Prime Day deals? Here at ZDNET, I only write about deals that interest me — the devices and gear I desire, need, or would recommend. I look for the best possible deal and seek out those things that are only occasionally on sale. I use established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops. I also pay attention to customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals I’m recommending. I’m one person testing one thing, so it’s useful to get a broader sampling. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.   More

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    Best Amazon Prime Day phone deals 2025: My 13 favorite sales in October

    When is October Prime Day 2025? Amazon announced the arrival of October Prime Day 2025 today. It will be a two-day event in early October. The official dates are set as October 7-8, but expect more deals to go live as we head towards the big sale.Are smartphones really cheaper on Prime Day? Yes, smartphones are cheaper on Prime Day, especially now in October. This sale is commencing right before the big events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so prices are unlikely to drop further. Grab the deals before they expire.How did we choose these October Prime Day deals? ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy. We consider products from our personal experience with each one of them. These are the phones that we desire, need, or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.  We aim to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.  So, we also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we’re recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing — in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping.  More

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    AT&T’s new AI receptionist will answer calls for you – and block spam

    AT&T Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways AT&T’s digital receptionist will use AI to screen your calls. The goal is to determine if a call is legitimate or spam. The feature will roll out this year as a test for select AT&T customers. How often do you receive […] More