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ZDNET’s key takeaways MSI’s new Raider 18 HX is on sale now, starting at $3,139. This is, without a doubt, the most powerful laptop I’ve tested in 2025, due to its Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and GeForce RTX 5080 GPU. As you can imagine, it is quite expensive and rather heavy. more buying choices 2025 has been a big year for mega nerds like me with the launch of Nvidia’s RTX 50-series graphics cards….

3. Link AI with transactional workflows The third point of cooperation is the linkage of AI with transactional workflows. Companies already have applications that take orders, ship goods, move component parts around, and so forth. It’s these applications that currently drive the commercial side of a business, but taking an order or scheduling shipment doesn’t load a truck or label a package. Digital twins have historically been linked to the real world via sensors that…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is on pre-order through the company’s online store and Amazon for $999. It stands tall as a high-performing gaming handheld with a vibrant touchscreen and unique design. However, its large size won’t be for everyone, and there are still a few software bugs. more buying choices When it launched in 2017, the Nintendo Switch had a massive impact on the gaming industry. It showed the world that…

Flavio Coelho/Getty Images Chances are, unless you’re already deep into AI programming, you’ve never heard of Model Context Protocol (MCP). But, trust me, you will. MCP is rapidly emerging as a foundational standard for the next generation of AI-powered applications. Developed as an open standard by Anthropic in late 2024, MCP is designed to solve a core problem in the AI ecosystem: How to seamlessly and securely connect large language models (LLMs) and AI agents…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is available in two sizes and four color variations for $399 (45mm) and $499 (50mm). The unlimited battery life, brilliant integrated flashlight, rugged build, and accurate tracking make this a perfect watch for adventurists. Unfortunately, the display is still monochrome, mapping remains limited, and the watch can be chunky for some people. more buying choices The Garmin Instinct series has always been focused on the outdoor adventurer…

Generated via Adobe Firefly by Adobe There are so many image generators on the market, each with its advantages. Picking which model to use for each task can be daunting, so Adobe wants to simplify that process.  Also: Adobe Photoshop is getting its first AI agent – here’s what it can do for you On Thursday, at Adobe Max London, Firefly, Adobe’s app for AI-assisted content creation, added several new models, including competitor image-generating models from…

Adam Breeden/ZDNET After the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there’s little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port — likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel — offers more potential than you might expect.   Also: Your TV’s USB port has an underrated benefit that can revitalize an old system – here’s how…

Maria Diaz/ZDNET Whenever I hear about consumer data tracking, my half-century-old brain dredges up that Hall and Oates hit called “Private Eyes” with the refrain “they’re watching you.”  I don’t mean to incite Big Brother paranoia; I know I’m not being spied on everywhere I go, especially not in the seclusion of my home. But while using streaming devices, you can almost guarantee that your entertainment and advertisement preferences are being tracked. Also: Your Roku…

Rawat noted that, for emerging markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where concerns over data sovereignty and dependence on US or China-based cloud providers are growing, the new TCS offering could act as a blueprint for reducing reliance on global cloud giants. India already has many sovereign cloud deployments, but experts believe their capabilities have been limited. While National Informatics Center’s MeghRaj, C-DAC’s PARAMShavak, and hyperscaler-hosted Indian regions (e.g., AWS Hyderabad, Oracle with…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET If you’re in dire need of some bling on your earbuds, this collaboration between Motorola and Swarovski will fill that diamond-encrusted void. Motorola just announced its Moto Buds Loop, and they’re just as much a fashion accessory as they are earbuds.  The Moto Buds Loop are open earbuds with a clip-on form factor, mimicking the style and fit of an earring or ear cuff. The earbuds, available in Pantone-curated French Oak or Trekking…