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Benefits of using small modular reactors Data center power usage is set to surge in the coming years, driven by cloud computing and AI. AI-related energy consumption alone is projected to increase by around 45% annually over the next three years. “For the past 4-5 years, companies have actively attempted to reduce energy consumption or move to alternative sources,” said Suseel Menon, practice director at Everest Group. “Most recently Microsoft wound down an attempt to…

Maria Diaz/ZDNET What’s the deal? The Aqara U100 smart lock is discounted for $150 with a limited-time Amazon deal. ZDNET’s key takeaways The Aqara U100 smart lock is originally priced at $230, but is currently discounted to $150. This smart lock is the most versatile I’ve tested. It offers a variety of unlocking options, a user-friendly app, and easy integration with Apple Home. The Aqara U100 drains the battery quickly, and the app doesn’t always alert…

Constantine Johnny/Getty Images Artificial intelligence and data analytics skills are in hot demand but cannot deliver business success in isolation. Domain expertise is vital to success, so professionals aspiring to a career in AI must extend their learning beyond technology. That’s the word from Tendü Yogurtçu, PhD, chief technology officer at Precisely, who advocates for such expanded roles. Also: 3 ways to build strong data foundations for AI implementation, according to business leaders “We need more…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Oura Ring 4, the newest generation of the popular smart ring is now available to buy and starts at $350 The Oura Ring 4 emphasizes a comfortable build with flatter and smarter sensors, more sizes, upgraded software, and an alleged eight-day battery life The eight-day battery life is actually more like five and a half days. While Oura was quiet these past few years, in between the release of its Ring…

Maria Korneeva/Getty Images Hidden files are a standard feature in Linux. Some applications save configuration files and other data in hidden files or folders that aren’t visible by default. Fortunately, Linux makes working with hidden files very easy, whether in a GUI file manager or the command line. Also: The first 5 Linux commands every new user should learn Let me show you how. How to create a hidden file Let’s work with the example .zdnet.txt,…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Nothing Ear Open are the design-forward London tech brand’s first open earbuds that go for $150, and are exceptional The earbuds are amazing to exercise in, thanks to their comfortable build and wonderfully loud sound, but they also would work well for anyone who’s looking for an alternative to noise cancellation Multipoint Bluetooth didn’t always work, but other than that, these earbuds are nearly perfect Earbuds work best when you forget…

MarkCoffeyPhoto/Getty Images Wireless internet connections are convenient, but they’re also notoriously unreliable. Nothing proves that point more emphatically than a glitchy video conference call, especially if it’s tied to a crucial business meeting. Also: Yes, you can upgrade that old PC to Windows 11, even if Microsoft says no. These readers proved it The solution, of course, is to run a wired network connection to your home office. Wi-Fi is great for mobility, but a wired…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The new Bose Smart Soundbar is available for $499 This soundbar offers premium features like AirPlay, Dolby Atmos, and unique integration with Bose earbuds Its standout software features can be hit-or-miss. These days, a soundbar is a vital component of your home TV setup. If your TV speakers aren’t doing the job, but investing in a sound system is too much of an expense or commitment, you’re probably in the market for…

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vivobook S 15, Asus’ first Copilot+ PC, normally retails for $1,299, but is on sale on Amazon for $999.  It’s sleek and lightweight with a gorgeous OLED display, great battery life, and snappy performance.  The nature of Windows on ARM laptops means it’s not yet optimized for certain apps and games.  Asus’ first Copilot+ PC with the Snapdragon X Elite chip is the Vivobook S 15, a sleek and lightweight…