Robotics

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETOn Thursday, Google announced three updates to Cloud Marketplace, its online platform where users can buy and sell cloud software solutions.What’s new?Each of the changes is designed to make it easier for customers to navigate the online marketplace while saving them money on purchases. They’re also, of course, part of a broader effort to keep vendors and buyers loyally within Google Cloud’s ecosystem.1. Variable revenue share modelThe first change is that Cloud Marketplace is transitioning to a variable revenue share model, which in plain English means vendors’ earnings (and buyers’ savings) will fluctuate depending on the type and value of each particular transaction. Revenue sharing starts at 3% and will go as low as 1.5%.Also: The best cloud storage services: Expert tested”This update will enable partners to improve deal economics and to retain more earnings,” Dai Vu, Managing Director of Google Cloud Marketplace, wrote in a company blog post. 2. Commit drawdownNext, the company announced that starting June 9, all qualifying purchases made through Marketplace Channel Private Offers (MCPO) — which allows software vendors to transact private deals with customers — will come with a 100% commit drawdown on the final offer amount. Also: How Google’s new Unified Security platform aims to simplify the fight against cyberthreats”Commit drawdown” is an investment phrase referring to the amount that an investor is obligated to provide to a fund after the two parties have entered into an agreement. In this case, it means simply that vendors can expect to receive their payments in full, without a cut being allotted to Google. 3. Marketplace Customer Credit ProgramFinally, Cloud Marketplace is launching its Marketplace Customer Credit Program (MCCP), which is essentially a coupon for customers looking to buy software solutions from Google and its partners. The announcement of the new changes follows the April unveiling of Google Cloud’s AI Agent Marketplace, a virtual shop where customers can browse and buy agentic AI models from Google partners. More

Jada Jones/ZDNETAudio geeks, rejoice. Sony has finally released the successor to its popular WH-1000XM5 headphones More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Sony WH-1000XM6 are available in Black, Silver, and Midnight Blue for $450. These headphones provide exceptional noise cancellation, practical software features, and an enjoyable sound. A tight fit and non-adjustable noise cancellation are noticeable pitfalls for premium headphones. more buying choices –> may / 2025 It’s been three years since […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The CMF Buds 2 Plus are the most premium pair of earbuds from the Nothing sub-brand. At $79, they’re one of the best-sounding and most feature-rich earbuds in the price segment. The way these earbuds are designed makes them not ideal for side sleepers. –> The new Nothing CMF Buds 2 […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Valortiva Octa A1 integrated amp is available on Amazon for $399. This integrated amp is so easy to set up that anyone can be dancing to their favorite tunes in minutes. The Octa A1 amp only produces 35W of power. –> Have you ever wanted to stream music (or a […] More

Android tablets have come a long way. They boast powerful performance, vibrant displays, and a user-friendly interface. It’s a great time of year to pick up a tablet that can handle entertainment, reading, note-taking, and creative work. We tested the best models of 2025, from premium options like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, to budget-friendly picks like the Fire Max 11. If you want to stay in the Android ecosystem for a tablet (or you’re just curious to see what’s out there), you have plenty of options. Whether you need a portable device to replace your laptop for work tasks, something to act as a smart home hub, or just a device for watching videos, there’s an Android tablet that will meet your needs. What is the best Android tablet right now?I chose ZDNET staff-tested tablets that offer a reliable experience and a variety of features at a reasonable price point. Not all Android tablets are created equal, so I employed research and my experience with the products to suggest the best Android tablets below. I found that the best Android tablet overall was the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The iPad Mini 7 is available for $500 but is currently $100 off. 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 […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 battery generator is available now for $3,699 The Delta Pro 3 has a capacity of 4 kWh, can be used with other units for up to 12 kW output, and features wheels for easy transport The DP3 is very heavy, a factor buyers should consider if […] More