More stories

  • in

    Will AI destroy your job or upgrade it? Depends on your skillset, research shows

    Getty Images/dowell The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to sweeping proclamations — and dire warnings — about the future of the job market. Some hail the technology as a revolutionary boon for human productivity; others lament it as the harbinger of large-scale layoffs or even a death knell for human creativity.  Also: Google […] More

  • in

    Best Memorial Day deals 2025: Save on handpicked early tech deals live now

    When is Memorial Day? Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday of May. This year, it is on Monday, May 26, 2025. However, retailers will have sales all weekend long and even weeks ahead of the holiday itself. Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?Yes, Memorial Day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized nationwide in the US. It is celebrated on the last Monday of May annually. Typically, schools, businesses, and government offices are closed during Memorial Day. Essential institutions like hospitals, airports, police stations, and more do not close for Memorial Day. Is Amazon having a Memorial Day sale? Amazon will likely have a Memorial Day sale and plenty of items discounted. In fact, the retailer does have a Memorial Day sales More

  • in

    Google One hits 150 million subscribers – looks like we’re willing to pay for AI after all

    Noam Galai/Getty Images People might say they’re not willing to pay for AI, but numbers show otherwise.  Earlier this year, a ZDNET/Aberdeen survey into AI assistants found that only 8% of adults said they would be willing to pay extra for AI capabilities in their products and services. A recent CNET study centered around AI […] More

  • in

    The best transcription services of 2025: Expert tested

    If you’re a medical or legal professional needing transcripts of dictations, a journalist looking to transcribe interviews with sources, or part of a team making use of real-time meeting notes, a transcription service can translate audio and video conversations onto paper for you. The best transcription services do this with a high degree of accuracy, whether you’re relying on human transcriptionists or AI-powered features. Also: The best VPNs we’ve testedWhat is the best transcription software right now?I tested different transcription software options to determine which ones produce accurate transcripts of live and recorded audio for a variety of user needs. Based on my testing, GoTranscript More

  • in

    Netflix and YouTube are about to interrupt your watch party with AI ads

    Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNETAt a time when major streaming services are announcing more and more ads, two more are following suit — and they’re using AI.Also: I used Netflix’s secret codes to quintuple my viewing options – here’s howTwo major media companies, Netflix and YouTube, announced plans this week to utilize new ad formats to keep users engaged, and both are using AI. Netflix is ‘marrying’ ads with showsNetflix’s announcement came during its annual Upfront event for advertisers. Through a new in-house advertising platform, Netflix Ads Suite, the company is adding several creative ad formats. Also: Netflix’s new AI search feature makes it easier to find what to watchAmong them is an interactive ad format that uses generative AI to “instantly marry advertisers’ ads with the worlds of our shows.” From Netflix’s description, it seems like these ads will blend into whatever show you’re watching to feel less intrusive (but hopefully they appear different enough that it’s clear it’s an ad). These ads will be both midroll and on the pause screen, and will have custom overlays, second screen buttons, and more. The format will be available to advertisers by 2026. YouTube More

  • in

    Tech leaders are seemingly rushing to deploy agentic AI – here’s why

    Piyawat Wuttichaikitcharoen / Getty Images Tech executives are moving swiftly to embrace AI agents, according to the latest Technology Pulse Poll from accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY). The poll, which surveyed more than 500 tech leaders in April, found about half (48%) of respondents have at least begun deploying agentic AI within their organizations. […] More