The Sonos Roam 2 is already $40 off ahead of Labor Day, dropping it to $139. Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and while the prospect of cooler weather and shorter days can be a tough adjustment, at least there is always a great selection of deals to combat the post-summer blues. You’ll have to wait until September 1st to celebrate the actual holiday, sure, but in the meantime, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up the best discounts you can get so far on a variety of Verge-approved gadgets and goods, from earbuds to the latest e-readers.Being that it’s nearly the end of August, it’s also a good reminder that the holidays will be here before you know it. Thankfully, some gadgets — including Sony’s WH-CH520 headphones, Roborock’s 35A robot vacuum, and TP-Link’s X55 Wi-Fi routers — have fallen to their lowest price to date, making now an excellent time to get a head start on your holiday shopping. After all, there’s no guarantee they’ll drop lower in price, even when Black Friday and Cyber Monday roll around.Speaker dealsHeadphone dealsSmart home dealsTV dealsTablet dealsSmartwatch and fitness tracker dealsOutdoor dealsMiscellaneous deals Speaker dealsSonos Roam 2Like its predecessor, the Sonos Roam 2 is a compact and travel-friendly Bluetooth speaker that easily syncs up with Sonos’ home audio ecosystem via Wi-Fi. While it looks much like the original, the Roam 2 has some small quality-of-life improvements, like a separate button for Bluetooth connections. Read our hands-on impressions.Where to Buy: $179 $139 at Amazon $179 $139 at B&H Photo $179 $139 at Best BuySonos Era 100Sonos’ Era 100 smart speaker is a replacement for the older Sonos One, utilizing two tweeters (left and right) and one larger woofer. In addition to Wi-Fi, the Era 100 also supports Bluetooth audio and line-in playback via an optional 3.5mm to USB-C adapter. Read our review.Where to Buy: $199 $179 at Amazon $249 $179 at Sonos $199 $179 at Best BuyJBL’s Flip 7 is on sale for around $129.95 ($20 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and B&H Photo, matching its second-best price to date. The Bluetooth speaker is dustproof, waterproof, and comes with an interchangeable clip and loop, so you can attach it to your bag. It’s a mono speaker, but you can pair two together for stereo sound, and it’s rated to last up to 16 hours per charge while in Playtime Boost mode.Ultimate Ears’ Megaboom 4 is a 360-degree Bluetooth speaker that’s currently available at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo for $169.99 ($30 off), which is the second-best price we’ve seen this year. It carries an IP67 rating, can float in the water, and lasts up to 20 hours per charge. The button on the top can even be programmed to start a playlist on Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music.Amazon Echo Dot (fifth-gen)The fifth-gen Echo Dot touts a temperature sensor, better sound, and faster response time than the prior model. It can also act as an extender for your Eero Wi-Fi system. Read our review.Where to Buy: $49.99 $37.99 at Amazon $49.99 $37.99 at Best Buy $49.99 $37.99 at TargetBeats Pill (2024)The 2024 Beats Pill offers improved sound, USB-C, and native support for Find My and voice assistants on both iOS and Android. It also bests the previous model with double the battery life (24 hours) and IP67 water resistance. Read our review.Where to Buy: $149.95 $99 at Amazon $149.95 $99.95 at Walmart $149.99 $99.99 at TargetHeadphone dealsBeats Studio ProThe latest Beats Studio Pro feature improved noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. They also support lossless audio over USB-C, making them the first Apple headphones to do so. Read our review.Where to Buy: $349.99 $179.95 at Amazon $349.99 $179.95 at Walmart $349.99 $179.99 at Best BuySonos AceThe Sonos Ace are the company’s first set of wireless headphones. They feature a premium, comfortable build and active noise cancellation, along with compatibility with Sonos Arc and other Sonos soundbars. Read our review. Where to Buy: $399 $299 at Amazon $399 $299 at Best Buy $399 $299 at WalmartSony’s budget-friendly WH-CH520 are matching their all-time low of around $38 ($31 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The on-ear headphones can tap into Google’s Find My Device network and support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, so you can keep them paired to two devices simultaneously. They also support Fast Pair on Android and can last up to 50 hours per charge, which is impressive for a pair of budget-friendly cans.Bose noise-canceling QuietComfort Earbuds are some of the best mid-tier earbuds we’ve tested, and they’re currently on sale at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart for around $149.99 ($30 off), matching their second-best price to date. The wireless earbuds are comfortable to wear, and last around eight hours per charge with ANC enabled. We liked the way they sounded out of the box and appreciated their five-band EQ, which allowed us to tune them to our tastes. Read our hands-on impressions.Beats Studio Buds PlusThe Beats Studio Buds Plus offer better sound and noise cancellation than the original pair, and they now come in a unique translucent color option. Read our review.Where to Buy: $169.95 $84.95 at Woot $169.95 $99.95 at Amazon $169.95 $99.99 at Best BuySony WH-1000XM4Sony’s WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones still offer plenty of bang for your buck with excellent ANC, lively sound, and lengthy battery life. They’re not the company’s latest, but they remain an excellent buy. Read our review.Where to Buy: $348 $198 at Amazon $348 $199.99 at Walmart $348 $199.99 at Best BuyBose QuietComfort HeadphonesBose’s QuietComfort Headphones, which replace the QuietComfort 45, have adjustable noise cancellation and the ability to set custom modes. However, they lack immersive audio mode and the higher-quality Bluetooth found in the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.Where to Buy: $359 $229 at Amazon $359 $229 at Best Buy $359.99 $229.99 at TargetSmart home dealsTovala Smart Oven Air FryerTovala’s smart oven / air fryer combo is designed to be used in conjunction with its scannable meal kits, which let you make tasty meals in about 20 minutes. Right now, you can get it for free when you buy it from Tovala and order meals six times over six months. Each meal costs around $12.99. Read our review.Where to Buy: $299 at Tovala (with code LABORDAY25)Blink’s Outdoor 4 cameras can beef up your home’s smart security system, and right now you can get a pair at Amazon for $89.99 ($90 off), which is the best price we’ve seen since Prime Day. The 1080p security cameras are weather-resistant and can last up to two years before their AA batteries need to be replaced. Clips can be stored in the cloud for a subscription fee, or locally using its Sync module (included) and a flash drive. Blink’s five-camera bundle is also on sale for $199.99 ($200 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. Whisker’s Litter Robot 4 can automatically clean itself by sifting waste from litter, minimize odors, and keep track of your cat’s weight, which you can check in Whisker’s app. It was designed to accommodate cats of many breeds and sizes, and it works efficiently enough to be used daily by four cats. A bundle that includes the machine and a three-year extended warranty is currently going for $699 ($100 off) at Whisker’s online storefront.Ecobee Smart Thermostat PremiumThe Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium is an excellent option for adding smarts and some style to your HVAC system. As well as being a smart way to control your energy use, the thermostat can also act as a video intercom for Ecobee’s excellent doorbell camera and an indoor air quality monitor.Where to Buy: $249.99 $229.99 at Amazon $249.99 $229.99 at Best Buy $249.99 $229.99 at EcobeeEcobee Smart Doorbell CameraThis is a great wired doorbell camera, and the only one that can use an Ecobee thermostat as a video intercom, making it a no-brainer for Ecobee households, as long as you can hook it to your doorbell wiring.Where to Buy: $159.99 $119.99 at Amazon $159.99 $119.99 at Best Buy $159.99 $119.99 at EcobeeMammotion’s Yuka Mini 500H is a robotic lawnmower that looks (and works) like a robot vacuum, and it’s currently on sale at Amazon for an all-time low of $649 ($449 off). It uses AI and sensors to map out your yard, avoid obstacles, and find the most efficient route to mow. The 500H can keep track of up to 15 “work zones” and move between them independently; it can also run for up to 55 minutes per charge.If you want smart lighting without replacing all the light bulbs in your home, Lutron’s Diva is a great smart home addition that’s on sale for $99.95 ($25 off) at Amazon and Best Buy. Once installed, you can dim your lights or turn them on and off using the switch, an included remote, or an app on your phone. It’s also compatible with all the major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home.Ring Battery Doorbell (2024)The 1080p camera on Ring’s latest Battery Doorbell has improved color night vision and a taller, head-to-toe field-of-view for package detection than the previous model. It also features better battery life and push-pin dismounting.Where to Buy: $99.99 $54.99 at Amazon $99.99 $54.99 at Best Buy $99.99 $54.99 at Target (with Circle)Ring Alarm 14-Piece KitThe Ring Alarm 14-Piece Kit has all the sensors and accessories you need to protect a two- to four-room house. You can also opt for 24/7 professional monitoring by signing up for a Ring Home subscription, which costs between $10 and $25 a month, depending on which plan you choose.Where to Buy: $329.99 $198.99 at AmazonRoborock’s QV 35A is available for an all-time low of $439.99 ($159 off) from Amazon and Roborock. The robot vacuum mop / combo uses lidar to construct a 360-degree map of your home — allowing it to create a more efficient cleaning route — and works on hardwood, carpets, and rugs. Dust and dirty water are deposited into containers in the included charging base, which Roborock suggests you should empty weekly. You can even set the QV 35A, which offers 8,000Pa of suction power and a pair of self-washing mopping pads, to run on a schedule via its accompanying mobile app.Eufy’s Robot Vacuum C10 is a slim robovac that’s designed to clean under furniture, and it’s down to a new low of $199.99 ($280 off) at Amazon and Eufy’s online storefront (with code WS7DV21XNS06). The vacuum maps out your room to avoid obstacles, and you can set no-go zones to avoid certain areas entirely. Debris is deposited into a 3L container in its charging base, which Eufy says needs to be replaced every 60 days. You can also schedule a cleaning with Eufy’s app or your voice using Alexa or Google Assistant.Echo Show 5 (third-gen)The newest Echo Show 5 is just as small as its predecessor but features updated mics and a speaker system that delivers double the bass and clearer sound quality.Where to Buy: $89.99 $64.99 at Amazon $89.99 $64.99 at Best Buy $89.99 $64.99 at TargetTV dealsSamsung QN80FSamsung is offering a free 65-inch U8000F TV when you purchase select 98-inch (or larger) TVs. The QN80F features a 120Hz 4K panel, a custom-designed processor for AI upscaling and color optimization, and built-in Alexa support.Where to Buy: $6499.98 $5999.99 at Samsung (100-inch)Sony Bravia 8 IIThe Bravia 8 II was chosen as the “king of TV” by a panel of judges (including The Verge’s own Nilay Patel) in Value Electronics’ 2025 shootout. The OLED TV has excellent color accuracy, a bright panel, and a 120Hz refresh rate.Where to Buy: $2999.99 $2298 at Amazon (55-inch) $2999.99 $2298 at Best Buy (55-inch) $3499.99 $2998 at Amazon (65-inch)Samsung’s 98-inch DU9000 is a massive TV that’s back down to its all-time low of around $1,897.99 ($600 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The set has a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR Plus support, and a direct-lit panel for more even brightness. It also has an AI processor to adjust its picture and brightness settings automatically, and upscale low-resolution video to look nicer on a big 4K screen. If you have a Q-Symphony-compatible soundbar, the DU9000 will even integrate its built-in speakers into the audio system.If you need a 4K TV for a smaller space, Sony’s 43-inch K43S30 is available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart for around $448 ($51 off), an all-time low. It has a 60Hz direct-lit panel that’s great for casual gaming or TV and movie streaming, and includes access to Sony Pictures Core, an exclusive streaming service that lets you watch movies in ultra high quality. You can use Google Assistant to search for content or control compatible smart home accessories with just your voice.Tablet dealsiPad (2025)Apple’s entry-level iPad is an excellent tablet for casual use. Its high resolution screen is great for watching video, and its A16 processor is fast enough to handle light games and productivity apps. Read our review.Where to Buy: $349 $299 at Amazon (128GB, Wi-Fi) $449 $399 at Amazon (256GB, Wi-Fi) $649 $599 at Amazon (512GB, Wi-Fi)Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)The 2023 Amazon Fire HD 10 sports a 10.1-inch, 1080p display and 3GB of RAM, which is plenty if you’re streaming or browsing. It’s lighter than the last-gen model, too, and comes with support for both the Made for Amazon Stylus Pen and Amazon’s handwriting recognition technology.Where to Buy: $139.99 $89.99 at Amazon (32GB, with ads) $179.99 $99.99 at Amazon (64GB, with ads) $154.99 $104.99 at Amazon (32GB, without ads)If you prefer Android to iPadOS, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 FE is down to $429.99 ($70 off) — a new low price — at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. The tablet has a 10.9-inch 90Hz screen, 128GB of storage, an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and comes with the S Pen. Having a stylus in the box is convenient, and the tablet’s Handwriting Assist feature can help your notes look neater. If you circle an image on the screen, the tablet will automatically start a Google search to bring up more information.The TCL Nxtpaper 14 is a 14.3-inch tablet designed for drawing and note-taking, and it’s on sale for an all-time low of $369.99 ($70 off) at Amazon. The tablet features a 2.4K matte display and comes with a T-Pen Stylus that features more than 4,000 pressure levels, so you can get precise strokes when sketching. Its Ink Paper and Color Paper modes also adjust the colors to look more like actual sheets of paper, which can help when reading or writing.Amazon Fire Max 11 (64GB, with ads)Amazon’s highest-end tablet features an 11-inch LCD display with 2000 x 1200 resolution as well as options for an add-on keyboard and stylus. Read our review.Where to Buy: $229.99 $174.99 at Amazon (tablet only) $229.99 $174.99 at Best Buy (tablet only) $264.99 $211.98 at Amazon (with stylus)Smartwatch and fitness tracker dealsGarmin Venu 3SThe Venu 3S remains our favorite Garmin smartwatch. It’s a comfortable wearable with up to 10 days of battery life and a vibrant 1.2-inch OLED display, not to mention solid sleep tracking, Atrial Fibrillation detection, and a built-in EKG reader. Read our review.Where to Buy: $449.99 $399.99 at Amazon $449.99 $399.99 at Best Buy $449.99 $399.99 at REIGoogle Pixel Watch 3Google’s Pixel Watch 3 is bigger and brighter than its predecessor. It also features more advanced running capabilities, offline Google Maps functionality, and deeper integration with other Google devices. Read our review.Where to Buy: $349.99 $249.99 at Amazon (41mm) $349.99 $249.99 at Target (41mm) $399.99 $299.99 at Amazon (45mm)Outdoor dealsBioLite FirePit PlusBioLite’s portable FirePit Plus cuts back on unwanted smoke, functions either as a charcoal or wood-fueled grill, and fans the flames via a large battery pack and built-in fan.Where to Buy: $399.95 $299.94 at Amazon $399.95 $299.96 at BioLiteJackery’s Explorer 1000 v2 is a great tool to keep campers on the grid, and it’s currently available from Amazon, Best Buy, and Jackery for around $448.99 ($351 off), its lowest price to date. The portable power station features a 1070Wh battery, along with three AC outlets, a DC output, two USB-C ports, and a USB-A port. It’s powerful enough to run small appliances — or recharge your phone, tablet, or laptop several times over — and can be fully recharged in about an hour and a half (or less with emergency charging enabled).Garmin’s inReach Messenger Plus is a satellite communicator that allows you to send text, pictures, or voice messages from remote areas, and it’s going for $449.99 ($50 off) at Amazon, REI, and Best Buy. It has a 1,600-character or 30-second voice clip limit, but that’s enough to get a message through in case of an emergency. The rugged gadget can also last up to 25 days on a single charge, and its IPX7 rating means it’s protected against dust and water. Just note that you’ll need a Garmin subscription, which starts at $7.99 a month, to use it.Starlink Standard KitStarlink’s Standard Kit comes with both an antenna and a router, which allows you to easily connect your devices to a satellite-based internet connection. Download speeds up to 280Mbps are possible, but will vary by region, subscription tier, and weather conditions.Where to Buy: $349.99 $174.99 at Best Buy $349.99 $174.99 at Walmart $349.99 $174.99 at The Home DepotIf you’re planning a late-summer camping trip, Osprey’s Transporter Roll-Top Pack is down to $82.18 ($82.82 off) at REI when you use the promo code LABORDAY2025. The 20L backpack is made from a PFC-free, water-repellent material, and the top rolls up and stays shut with a buckled strap to prevent water from getting in. It also features a large main compartment, a zippered pocket that can accommodate a 16-inch laptop, and water bottle pockets on both sides.Breeo’s X24 Smokeless Fire Pit is down to $509.15 ($81 off) at Amazon and from Breeo, matching its best price to date. The fire pit is made from Corten Steel and features a raised air vent and perforations near its rim to provide continuous airflow, which keeps the fire alive and re-burns the wood to reduce smoke production. Breeo says the fire pit’s material will patina over time, so don’t be alarmed if it changes color after a few uses. If you have additional space, Breeo’s X30, which is designed to accommodate eight chairs around it, is also on sale for an all-time low of $1,189.15 ($210 off) at Amazon and from Breeo.Miscellaneous deals Mill Food Recycler (second-gen)Mill’s latest Food Recycler works overnight to shrink your food scraps by 80 percent and convert them into compost, which you can then use for gardening or dispose of responsibly. It has a 6.5-liter capacity, which Mill says takes roughly four weeks to fill, and eliminates most odors.Where to Buy: $999 $874 at MillCurrent Model P Smart Pizza OvenCurrent’s Model P Smart Pizza Oven runs on electricity, gets up to 850 degrees Fahrenheit, and can cook a pizza in two minutes. Its companion app lets you customize your cook based on your pizza style and thickness. Read our review.Where to Buy: $699 $489.3 at Amazon $699 $559.2 at CurrentThe 2024 Kindle Paperwhite is one of our favorite e-readers, and you can get one in like-new condition for $106.99 ($37 off) at Amazon. It has a seven-inch E Ink touchscreen, 16GB of storage, and a battery that can last for weeks. It has faster page-turn speeds than other e-readers, too, and has increased contrast that can make reading graphic novels or image-heavy books more enjoyable. Read our review.You can sign up for an annual MasterClass subscription, which provides unlimited access to over 200 courses taught by experts, for $60 ($60 off) via MasterClass right now. Courses can be streamed on the MasterClass website or via an app for your phone, tablet, or streaming device. You can also download video or audio versions of them on mobile devices for offline consumption.Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Dock Stand)Anker’s MagGo Wireless Charging Station features a MagSafe charging stand, a Qi wireless charging pad, and an Apple Watch charger. It should charge all three devices at their top speed simultaneously, and comes with a 40W USB-C power adapter and cable.Where to Buy: $89.99 $62.99 at Amazon $89.99 $62.99 at Anker (with code WS7DV2YB43A0)Insta360 Link 2The Insta360 Link 2 offers the same auto-swiveling design as its predecessor in a smaller form factor. It also offers a slate of new features, including group tracking and no-follow zones.Where to Buy: $199.99 $149.99 at Amazon $199.99 $149.99 at Best Buy $199.99 $149.99 at B&H PhotoYou can pick up a three-pack of TP-Link’s X55 Wi-Fi 6 routers for an all-time low price of $139.99 at Amazon and B&H Photo. The routers can create a network that covers 6,500 square feet, deliver speeds up to 3,000Mbps, and connect to up to 150 devices. TP-Link routers have been easy to set up and maintain in our experience, which makes them a great “set it and forget it” solution for networking problems.If you have a smaller space, a single Eero 6 Mesh Wi-Fi router may be sufficient, and you can pick one up for $74.99 ($15 off) — which is lower than its Prime Day price — at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy. The router can create a network covering up to 1,500 square feet, connect to 75 devices at once, and deliver speeds of up to 900Mbps. If you move to a larger place, you can pick up an additional router (or two) to expand your network. A bundle that includes one router and two extenders is currently going for $159.99 ($40 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo, if you need a larger network now.

So, you've just bought a new monitor after watching countless reviews, and are enjoying its superior image quality, thanks to a high resolution, refresh rate, and high-quality panel. If you haven't properly configured the settings in the OSD, however, you might not be viewing your games and media in the best possible way. These settings might not be as apparent as the refresh rate, resolution, and FreeSync, and can go overlooked for months. Here's your sign to head into your monitor's OSD, and change these settings to enjoy your display to the fullest.

Netflix has already faced backlash over the use of AI in  What Jennifer Did, director Jenny Popplewell’s 2024 true crime documentary that seemingly used AI-generated images in place of real archival photos. That documentary stood out as a shining example of gen AI’s ability to distort reality in situations where people are specifically looking to be told the truth about something.  Now the streamer is taking steps to avoid similar problems. This week, Netflix published a post on its Partner Help Center hub detailing its guiding principles regarding gen AI and the situations in which it is ok with production teams using the technology. In Netflix’s view, gen AI tools are “valuable creative aids” that make it easier for “users to rapidly generate new and creatively unique media (video, sound, text, and image).” Because the gen AI space is moving at such a breakneck pace, however, the company felt that it was important to outline the rules it expects its partners to follow if and when they use these tools.“To support global productions and stay aligned with best practices, we expect all production partners to share any intended use of GenAI with their Netflix contact, especially as new tools continue to emerge with different capabilities and risks,” the post explains. “Most low-risk use cases that follow the guiding principles below are unlikely to require legal review. However, if the output includes final deliverables, talent likeness, personal data, or third-party IP, written approval will be required before you proceed.”Netflix’s gen AI best practices are predicated on five specific guidelines that it sees as being “essential to act responsibly when employing generative workflows.” Netflix says:The outputs do not replicate or substantially recreate identifiable characteristics of unowned or copyrighted material, or infringe any copyright-protected worksThe generative tools used does not store, reuse, or train on production data inputs or outputs.Where possible, generative tools are used in an enterprise-secured environment to safeguard inputs.Generated material is temporary and not part of the final deliverables.GenAI is not used to replace or generate new talent performances or union-covered work without consent.Netflix also says if its partners are confident that they are following those guidelines, they only need to tell their designated company contact that they intend to use gen AI. But if partners are unsure or know that they’re not adhering to the rules, they should escalate to your Netflix contact for more guidance before proceeding, as written approval may be required.”The post repeatedly stresses that while Netflix is very open to its partners using gen AI in a number of ways, it wants them to be mindful of the potential legal risks they might wander into by not running their plans by management and the company’s legal team beforehand. The post also makes a point of emphasizing that Netflix believes “audiences should be able to trust what they see and hear on screen.” And given gen AI’s potential to “blur the line between fiction and reality or unintentionally mislead viewers,” the streamer wants its partners to tread carefully.Though the post does not mention production costs,  all of this comes just a few weeks after Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said that the company remains “convinced that AI represents an incredible opportunity to help creators make films and series better, not just cheaper.” Soon after, Sarandos began pointing to Netflix’s new Argentinian sci-fi series The Eternaut as an example of how gen AI could be used to bring a show in under budget. And now it seems like Netflix is very keen on other creative teams embracing that kind of workflow.

Writing for XDA involves working across different platforms, operating systems, and programs. I frequently try out different apps and tools, which is exactly why I even set up a home lab. Most of the software I use regularly is self-hosted, so I can access all the required services remotely — regardless of which machine I'm using. This is useful since I travel quite frequently and hence, don't have access to all my computers at all times. I primarily use a MacBook when traveling, since the other computer I have is a Windows desktop that also has Ubuntu installed for when I want to use Linux. However, this started to become an issue when traveling, since I also needed access to those operating systems at times.

The Raspberry Pi 5 is often praised for its ability to run retro gaming emulators, but that is just one use case. With its faster processor, more capable GPU, and new PCIe connection, this board can be used for far more advanced and practical projects. Whether you’re looking for a reliable cloud service, a smarter home, or enhanced security, the Pi 5 has the power to deliver. It is no longer just a budget-friendly board for tinkering, but a capable system that can take on projects once reserved for more potent hardware.

Expect record-breaking temperatures to change the workplace, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned today in a new report. When workers don’t have adequate protections from heat stress, their health and productivity suffer. It’s a risk employers and lawmakers have to take more seriously if they want to keep workers safe and businesses prosperous, the agencies say. That means finding ways to adapt in a warming world, and paying close attention to groups that might be more vulnerable than others. “Without bold coordinated action, heat stress will become one of the most devastating occupational hazards of our time,” Joaquim Pintado Nunes, chief of the branch responsible for occupational safety and health at the International Labour Organization (ILO), said during a press briefing. “One of the most devastating occupational hazards of our time”More than 2.4 billion people around the world — 71 percent of the working population — experience workplace heat stress, according to estimates from the ILO. Each year, 22.85 million occupational injuries and 18,970 fatalities are linked to excessive heat at work. The report also says that worker productivity falls 2–3 percent with every degree increase above 20 degrees Celsius in wet-bulb globe temperature, a measure that takes humidity and other environmental factors into account.Record-shattering temperatures are already setting new norms for people in the workplace. Last year was the hottest year on record yet, but perhaps not for long, as planet-heating pollution continues to rise. The past decade, from 2015 to 2024, also marked the warmest on the books. A healthy person at rest can regulate core body temperature to between 36.5C and 37.5C (97.7–99.5 Fahrenheit). That gets harder to do the hotter their environment is, or if they’re engaged in physical work or wearing gear that limits the body’s ability to cool itself down when sweat evaporates from skin. A person’s core body temperature shouldn’t rise above 38C (100.4F) for prolonged periods during work shifts, the WHO/WMO report says. The effects of heat stress can start off mild, leading to heat rash, cramps, or fatigue that a person can recover from if they have enough time to cool off, rest, and rehydrate. But prolonged or extreme exposure might escalate things, and can result in heat stroke and even neurological dysfunction that could impair a person’s ability to seek help. Heat happens to be the leading weather-related killer across the globe. People with certain chronic conditions, children, and older adults who can’t regulate their core body temperature as efficiently as others are more vulnerable. First responders and folks who work outdoors or indoors with equipment that releases heat (stoves or furnaces, for example) also face heightened risks. There needs to be more education and awareness around heat stress in the workplace, the WMO and WHO urge. Preventative measures include boosting warning systems for heat waves, similar to warnings people might receive ahead of other environmental disasters. Employers should plan for longer or more frequent breaks, and can redesign uniforms and workplaces to keep workers cooler. They should also have plans for what to do in case of heat-related emergencies. Lawmakers can get the ball rolling on this work by introducing policies that standardize these kinds of solutions. In the US, the Biden administration proposed new protections for workers last year in an effort to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths on the job. A heat index of 90F or higher would trigger 15-minute breaks every couple of hours for certain jobs, for instance. But we’ll have to see whether those proposed measures will survive the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda.The biggest step that businesses and policymakers can take, of course, is to slash fossil fuel emissions causing global warming. Otherwise, all we can do is keep playing catch-up as the mercury rises. “Climate change is reshaping the world of work,” Pintado Nunes said.

Fidji Simo is wrapping up her first week at OpenAI, where she is expected to oversee most of the company's roughly 3,000 employees.To investors and partners, OpenAI leaders have been describing the former Instacart CEO as the kind of steady hand the company needs. Her mandate is clear: turn a chaotic, unprofitable startup into a disciplined, publicly traded tech giant. On paper, she seems well-suited. She lived through Facebook's hyper-growth era in the early 2010s, helped take Instacart public, and knows the advertising industry inside and out - experience that will be valuable once ads arrive in ChatGPT.Simo's arrival also underscores …Read the full story at The Verge.

Most of us use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. However, I recently switched from OneDrive to Nextcloud since it prioritizes privacy, and also lets me store my files without paying a monthly subscription fee. Thanks to this, I can store sensitive files and access them from anywhere — since they're all on my local home server. Additionally, Nextcloud also facilitates easy collaboration when working on productivity apps. The built-in editing suite can be used as a replacement for Microsoft Office, which is a nice touch. While Nextcloud has been great in terms of functionality, the only slight issue I've had has been in terms of performance.

Trump revealed the news during a briefing about the World Cup. | Photographer: Annabelle Gordon/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Image The US is investing $8.9 billion into Intel, but most of the funds come from money that the government was supposed to pay the embattled chipmaker anyway. In an announcement on Friday, Intel said the federal government will fund its investment using the remaining $5.7 billion in grants it hasn’t yet received under the Biden administration’s CHIPS Act, in addition to the $3.2 billion received as part of the Secure Enclave program.President Donald Trump confirmed the investment during a press briefing before the formal announcement, saying Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan agreed to give the government a 10 percent stake. Earlier this month, Trump called on Tan to resign over his ties to China, and today he positioned the deal as a way for the executive to “keep his job.”Trump told reporters that he floated the offer during negotiations with Tan. “I said, ‘I think it would be good having the United States as your partner,’” Trump said. “They’ve agreed to do it, and I think it’s a great deal for them.” Intel has already received $2.2 billion under the CHIPS Act.The government’s investment in Intel “will be a passive ownership, with no Board representation or other governance or information rights,” according to Intel. “We are grateful for the confidence the President and the Administration have placed in Intel, and we look forward to working to advance U.S. technology and manufacturing leadership,” Tan says in the press release.The confirmation of the deal comes just days after SoftBank announced plans to invest $2 billion into Intel to “further expand” chipmaking in the US. The federal government’s stake in the embattled chipmaker marks yet another move that blurs the line between government and business, as reports suggest that the Trump administration has demanded that Nvidia and AMD give the government a 15 percent cut of chip sales to China.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at the government’s potential investment this week, saying during an interview with CNBC that it “would be a conversion of grants” meant to “stabilize the company for chip production here in the US.”It doesn’t seem like this is the end for Trump’s approach to deal-making, as he said during the briefing that “he’ll do more of them” in the future.Update, August 22nd: Added information from Intel.

Bluesky will block access from Mississippi IP addresses in response to a new state law requiring age verification and parental consent for underage users. The decision, outlined in a blog post, will stand until courts decide the fate of the law.“Mississippi’s approach would fundamentally change how users access Bluesky,” says the post, in ways that rules like the UK’s Online Safety Act (which Bluesky complies with) don’t. The law, HB 1126, “would block everyone from accessing the site — teens and adults — unless they hand over sensitive information, and once they do, the law in Mississippi requires Bluesky to keep track of which users are children.” In the UK, by contrast, users are only blocked from accessing direct messages and sensitive content unless they undergo a verification process using a third-party tool. “Building the required verification systems, parental consent workflows, and compliance infrastructure would require significant resources that our small team is currently unable to spare as we invest in developing safety tools and features for our global community, particularly given the law’s broad scope and privacy implications.”HB 1126 is one of numerous attempts to age-gate social media in the US, but most similar laws have been blocked under court challenges as likely unconstitutional. HB 1126 went into effect thanks to an unexplained decision by the Supreme Court earlier this month, rejecting an emergency request to block it while a legal challenge progresses. A concurring opinion from Justice Brett Kavanaugh acknowledged that the law probably violated the First Amendment but said the plaintiffs had not sufficiently demonstrated harms. While the court has said that age verification can be used to block minors from accessing explicit sexual content without unduly burdening adults’ access to information, there’s no precedent extending that option to social media in general.Now, however, Bluesky users who log in from inside the borders of Mississippi (without a VPN, anyway) will be met with a message explaining the decision. The decision applies specifically to the Bluesky app; other apps and services on the decentralized AT Protocol will make their own calls about access. “Child safety is a core priority, and in this evolving regulatory landscape, we remain committed to building an open social ecosystem that protects users while preserving choice and innovation,” the post says. “We’ll keep you updated as this situation develops.”

Well, Windows 10's end-of-support date is rapidly approaching. At the time this article is published, you have just over a month and a half to decide if that aging Windows 10 PC is going to continue on as-is, if it'll get Windows 11 installed on it (officially or not), or swap to an entirely different operating system.

Meta is partnering with Midjourney to “license their aesthetic technology” for use in its own models and products, Meta’s new chief AI officer, Alexandr Wang, announced on Friday. The partnership involves a “technical collaboration between our research teams,” Wang said, suggesting the deal involves more than simply using Midjourney’s existing product across Meta services.Wang didn’t specify the terms of arrangement. Meta spokesperson Ashley Gabriel declined to comment and pointed to Wang’s posts. Midjourney didn’t immediately reply to requests for comment. Meta has been investing heavily in its AI “superintelligence” efforts as of late to catch up to rivals like OpenAI and Google. Mark Zuckerberg has personally worked to poach AI researchers from other companies with humongous offers — Wang only joined Meta after it paid $14.3 billion to acquire 49 percent of Scale AI, the company he co-founded.The partnership with Midjourney ties directly into Meta’s goals for AI imagery across its services. The Meta AI app is built around a feed of AI-generated images and videos. Facebook has added a button to create AI images when you go to make a new post. There are options to generate AI images within chats in WhatsApp and Instagram, too.Midjourney got on the map for its AI image and video generation tools. As Meta works to build out features like the Meta AI app’s social feed, it’s easy to imagine Meta relying on Midjourney’s tech to help people make better-looking photos and videos.“We are incredibly impressed by Midjourney,” Wang says. “They have accomplished true feats of technical and aesthetic excellence, and we are thrilled to be working more closely with them.” The two companies will share more about what they’re working on together “soon.”Even with the partnership, Midjourney remains “an independent, community-backed research lab” with “no investors,” founder and CEO David Holz says.