NETWORKING

Device layer (physical and virtual devices) Topology layer (Level 2 and Level 3 connections) Control plane layer (traffic flows, security policies) Intent layer (configurations, states, and designed behaviors) Tao emphasized that in his view, the key to managing a modern network is to understand intent. The 12.1 release enhances this capability with the automatic discovery of network intent. The goal is to create a distributed, intelligent network modeling system that can discover and manage network…

Budgeting is a headache, but in a world of economic uncertainty, it’s an increasingly crucial task for many U.S. households. According to a 2024 analysis from the Bank of America Institute, about 25% of U.S. homes live paycheck-to-paycheck.   Creating a budget will look different for everyone, and no matter what your income looks like, it’s a wise undertaking. Budget apps simplify the process by helping you track your spending, reach financial goals, and even…

J Studios/Getty Images For better or worse, AI tools have steadily become a reality of the academic landscape since ChatGPT launched in late 2022. Anthropic is studying what that looks like in real time. On Tuesday, shortly after launching Claude for Education, the company released data on which tasks university students use its AI chatbot Claude for and which majors use it the most. Also: The work tasks people use Claude AI for most, according…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Lenovo Tab Plus retails for $330. Contrary to its small size, the model houses a booming eight-speaker system and a long-lasting battery. The MediaTek Helio chipset and dim display won’t be winning any awards. more buying choices If you’re in the market for a new tablet that won’t break the bank, may I recommend the Lenovo Tab Plus? This is Lenovo’s latest lightweight tablet, capable of doubling as a mini-home theater….

“We are witnessing a divergence in hyperscaler strategy,” noted Abhivyakti Sengar, practice director at Everest Group. “Google is doubling down on global, AI-first scale; Microsoft is signaling regional optimization and selective restraint. For enterprises, this changes the calculus.” Meanwhile, OpenAI is reportedly exploring building its own data center infrastructure to reduce reliance on cloud providers and increase its computing capabilities. Shifting enterprise priorities For CIOs and enterprise architects, these divergent infrastructure approaches present new considerations…

Westend61/Getty Images Every time I get a press release about AI agents, I get a slightly queasy feeling. It is not quite as bad as that dizzy feeling I get every time someone insists on pitching me about vibe coding, nor is it the nails on a chalkboard feeling I get every time a PR rep sends me something with the word “convo” in it when asking for an interview or discussion with one of…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Google Pixel 9a is the latest midrange phone from the company and retails for $499. It features a new Tensor G4 chip, helpful AI tools, an improved main camera, and the largest battery of any Pixel. You’ll have to settle for some budget trade-offs, including the lack of a telephoto lens and slower charging speeds. more buying choices I’m inclined to think that the folks behind the latest Google Pixel 9a…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET A new PC or Mac is a major purchase. Buying a high-quality device that’s built to perform well and last for years can easily cost you $1,500 or more. How much more? Well, Microsoft’s most expensive business laptop costs roughly $3,000, and a fully loaded MacBook Pro tops out at a cool $4,000. But you don’t have to pay those sticker prices. With a little preparation and some patience, you can save up…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Oukitel WP200 Pro is currently available for $599 on the company’s website and will soon be sold via Amazon. A detachable Bluetooth earpiece with a touch screen that also attaches to a watchband makes this phone incredibly fun. The WP200 Pro is very heavy. Oukitel has produced some of the more interesting phones on the market. One phone includes a built-in projector, and all of the company’s phones are relatively rugged…