Robotics

Maria Diaz/ZDNETGoogle’s Imagen 3 is a powerful AI text-to-image generator that earned ZDNET’s pick as the best image generator — even against competitors like Midjourney and OpenAI. As a result, the release of its Veo 2 text-to-video generator has been highly anticipated. Well, it’s finally here, and it comes with a surprise.Also: The top 20 AI tools of 2025 – and the #1 thing to remember when you use themHow to try Veo 2 in GeminiOn Tuesday, Google announced via a blog post that its state-of-the-art Veo 2 video generator is now available in Gemini. This feature allows users to create eight-second video clips at 720p resolution in a 16:9 landscape format using a simple text prompt. According to Google, Veo 2 was designed to produce high-quality videos that better understand real-world physics and human motion to create videos that have “lifelike scenes” and “fluid character movement.” To create these videos, users can be as detailed as they like, giving them as much control as they want. Also: 5 easy Gemini settings tweaks to protect your privacy from AIThe caveat? The experience is only rolling out to Gemini Advanced users worldwide on the web and mobile, part of the Google One AI Premium plan, which costs $20 per month. Even with the subscription, there is a monthly limit to the number of videos users can create. Google doesn’t specify the limit, but it says it will notify users when they are getting close. However, if $20 per month seems expensive, it’s the same cost required for OpenAI’s Sora access via ChatGPT Plus.Also: Gemini Pro 2.5 is a stunningly capable coding assistant – and a big threat to ChatGPTThe Google One AI Premium plan also comes with other perks, such as 2TB of storage, NotebookLM Plus with five-times higher usage limits and premium features, Gemini in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and more, and another feature unveiled today, Whisk Animate. Whisk Animate Whisk Animate is a new Google generative AI experiment powered by Veo 2. It builds on Whisk’s previous capabilities, which let users create new images from text and image prompts, and now lets them animate the images into eight-second videos. As mentioned above, this feature is also limited to Gemini Advanced users and can be accessed via Google Labs. More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The combination swivel and 260-degree rotation offer a high level of flexibility for the connector The breakaway magnetic connector not only prevents damage to the device, but it also allows the cable to cater to three different ports The cable is limited to 100W and 480MBps. –> Regular readers know that […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The OnePlus 12 typically sells for a starting price of $799. It was the company’s most complete handset in 2024, with the fastest charging speeds on the market (both wired and wireless), a flagship camera system, premium build quality, and reliable performance. The lack of generative AI features is felt, but […] More

Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images) If you need a sign to call it quits early today, this might be it. Zoom, the popular virtual meeting service that many companies rely on around the world, is suffering a major outage.  Also: Is Wi-Fi 7 worth the upgrade? Here’s my advice after using this next-gen router […] More

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Economic Security Project If you didn’t take advantage of the IRS’ free Direct File service this year, you may have missed your chance. According to an AP News report, President Donald Trump plans to end IRS Direct File, the electronic system that lets residents in 25 states file their federal tax returns […] More

<!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways OnePlus 13R costs $599 and features a bright display, powerful performance, and fast charging. It doesn’t have a flagship camera system and wireless charging. But for the money, you won’t find a more balanced handset. more buying choices For a limited time, you can purchase the OnePlus 13R–> off the company’s online […] More

Microsoft Imagine an AI agent that can not only conduct research on the web but also interact with websites to accomplish specific tasks — all on its own. That’s the idea behind a new innovation from Microsoft. On Wednesday, the software giant announced an interactive new skill designed to empower the AI agents that people […] More

ZDNET conducted expert research using our hands-own knowledge with various iPhone 15 models and prior experience with screen protectors for other devices. We spent time considering individual needs and wants for screen protectors, and prioritizing elements like cost, material, durability, extra features, and more. We considered the screen protectors we’re currently using, ones we’ve used before, and options that we haven’t personally tested, to provide a curated list of both hands-on tested and expert researched picks. If we think another product is worth your money, we’ll update this list or write up a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it’s for. Plus, we are routinely scouring the web for new products that are worthy of testing, and following news on product rollouts and upgrades, and sourcing the best deals. We know buying anything in the current economy is not just for your whims, and that’s why we build our lists to match different needs and budgets — and why our picks are expert-tested or expert-vetted. More