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chrispecoraro/Getty Images Paris-based AI startup Mistral is focusing on providing large language models (LLMs) that understand regional-specific languages and are tailored to grasp the cultural nuances sometimes overlooked in larger, more general-purpose models trained to be versed in multiple languages.  Mistral has released its first “specialized” regional language-focused model, Saba. According to Mistral, the 24-billion-parameter model has been trained on “meticulously curated datasets” from across the Middle East and South Asia to meet a growing customer base in…

Over the past year, there have been many impressive new Windows laptops, from thin and light Copilot+ PCs like Microsoft’s Surface Laptop to powerful business devices like Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon. If you’re looking for a new Windows laptop, the amount of choices can be intimidating, to say the least.  With the ever-growing Copilot+ lineup, Windows machines are thinner, lighter, and run cooler than ever. Not to mention the fantastic battery life on devices like…

Floriana/Getty Images In October 2023, former president Joe Biden signed an executive order that included several measures for regulating AI. On his first day in office, President Trump overturned it, replacing it a few days later with his own order on AI in the US. This week, some government agencies that enforce AI regulation were told to halt their work, while the director of the US AI Safety Institute (AISI) stepped down. The National Institute…

While sometimes the occasion calls for blasting music with top-quality speakers, other days you just need a little — or a lot of — peace and quiet — even outside of noise-canceling earbuds. Soundproof curtains can block out distracting sound and light to help you sleep later, become more productive in a home office, and even save money on your energy bill.  The best soundproof curtains have design options worthy of integrating into your home…

Andry Djumantara/Getty Images After reversing a Biden-era executive order on AI regulation and firing staff across several government agencies, the Trump administration is gearing up to make cuts to the US AI Safety Institute (AISI) next.  On Wednesday, Axios reported that probationary employees at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which houses AISI, are “bracing to be fired imminently.” Sources told Axios they are preparing for 497 roles to be cut, which they…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Emeet Pico+ webcam is available now on Amazon for $89 With outstanding video quality and a tiny footprint, this is the ideal webcam for on-the-go video meetings To get the best sound from the Pico+, you’ll need to use the Emeet Studio app, which is only available for MacOS and Windows. After almost every Zoom meeting, my first thought is, “That could have been an email.” But some businesses and clients…

Apple/ZDNET On Thursday, Apple unveiled the newest edition to its iPhone lineup, namely the iPhone 16e.  Also: I revisited the iPhone SE in 2025 Initially, many people assumed Apple would christen it with the name iPhone SE 4. But the new moniker makes greater sense given the phone’s more robust features and Apple’s obvious desire to position it in the iPhone 16 family. What’s new with the iPhone 16e? Starting at $600, the iPhone 16e offers…

The package also now integrates with FortiAI, the vendor’s genAI assistant, to better support analytics and telemetry to help security teams speed threat investigation and response, the vendor stated. “FortiAI identifies the threats that need analysis from the data collected by FortiAnalyzer, primarily collected from FortiGates. By automating the collection, analysis, and response processes, FortiAI helps organizations detect threats faster, minimizing alert fatigue and reducing response times,” wrote Kimberly Becan, senior director of security operations…

Jaque Silva/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Google Wallet has quietly become one of the most useful apps in your phone’s arsenal. Not only does it let you tap to pay in stores without your physical wallet or card, but you can store multiple cards, loyalty cards, official state IDs, your US passport, and more. Also: Android 16 Beta 2 now makes it easier to open Google Wallet on your Pixel – here’s how Google seems to…