Dean Leitersdorf and I are on Zoom, watching a Sabrina Carpenter music video.
In “Taste,” Carpenter and Jenna Ortega comically feud in over-the-top fashion—complete with chainsaws, machetes, and camp. But we’re not watching the original. In real-time, the video is transfigured into a snowy animated wonderland, courtesy of an AI model called Mirage. The model was built by Decart, an AI lab focused on interactive experiences that Leitersdorf cofounded and leads. The site calls Mirage a “world transformation model,” but Leitersdorf prefers “livestream diffusion model”—“a way better name,” he says.
“Look, I’m a Lego man!” Leitersdorf laughs as we scroll through other possibilities on Mirage. Effusively, Leitersdorf shows me what it would look like to turn his video into “Zombies!” mode, flying through “cabincore” and steampunk modes. In “World of Wizards” mode, he shows me how mundane objects—like pens—appear as spell-casting beams of light.
This is both fun and games, and entirely serious—Leitersdorf, who cofounded the company with Moshe Shalev in 2023, has long been clear about the depth of his ambition: He wants Decart (yes, named with the philosopher in mind) to be a trillion-dollar company.
“We’re here to build a billion-user consumer app,” said Leitersdorf. “It can’t be that ChatGPT is the last thing a billion people will install on their phones. It just can’t be. The next thing a billion people install on their phones needs to be a Decart product… So, the vision is this: A billion-user company that completely changes how people interact with tech. We do it through building one of the best AI labs in the world. One day, it’ll be top five, top three, and then number one. And we do this with a very small but very fun, talented team.”
Decart has closed a $100 million Series B, valuing the company at $3.1 billion, Fortune has exclusively learned. Sequoia Capital, Benchmark, and Zeev Ventures, all existing investors, participated in the round, with new investor Aleph VC also joining. This round undoubtedly marks a valuation leap—previous reports pin Decart’s valuation at $500 million. (The company didn’t comment on specific numbers.) What’s more, Leitersdorf says the raise was wholly unnecessary—despite raising $153 million in the last 11 months, Decart has spent less than $10 million of its investors’ money.
Nevertheless, Decart remains far from its trillion-dollar goals. But Leitersdorf—born in Israel, raised in Palo Alto, and who earned his doctorate by 23—approaches that ambition with a hard-charging, exuberant confidence.
“Give it five years, 10 years,” said Leitersdorf. “If it works, that’s incredible. And if it doesn’t, you had the best five years of your life. It took a year for us to say it out in the open. And people definitely told us, once we said it publicly, ‘You guys are crazy.’ I say, let them call us crazy.”
And to be clear, it does sound crazy—though not quite as crazy as it would have even a few years ago. Trillion-dollar companies didn’t exist at all (at least, not in modern financial markets) until 2018, when Apple first crossed the mark. Today, depending on fluctuations, there are between eight and 10 trillion-plus companies in the world by market cap. The goalposts are moving in the markets, and the landscape of the Internet is also about to change.
Leitersdorf has a clear view about how the Internet is changing post-ChatGPT. Pre-ChatGPT, he says, consumer Internet use could fall into four categories—knowledge, e-commerce, communication, and creativity (or, if you like, fun). His case: With the rise of AI, the first three categories are already en route to being completely transformed by AI agents and chatbots. That leaves creativity and fun, where Decart believes it can make an impact, said Leitersdorf.
“Think about Netflix, Minecraft, Instagram, TikTok, that’s all a huge portion of the internet,” he told Fortune. “It accounts for more than half the internet, both in time spent and in dollars. And AI still hasn’t completely made its mark. Our TikTok feeds are flooded by AI cats. But that’s not really a new experience. We’re still doing lots of the same things we’ve done for years, opening apps we’ve long opened and engaging with them the way we always mostly have.”
Leitersdorf added: “Over time, we won’t just be seeing Sabrina Carpenter videos. The experience itself will change.”
OpenAI update… OpenAI is reportedly set to hit a valuation of $500 billion, and—also reportedly—today the company’s GPT-5 is expected to see its release.
ICYMI… The second episode of the Term Sheet Podcast is live! Our next guest: Taylor Otwell, CEO and founder of Laravel—the company’s $57 million raise from Accel last year was one of our most-read Term Sheets of 2024. Listen here.
Good morning. As CFO responsibilities have expanded in recent years, turnover among finance chiefs has also increased, prompting companies to raise pay.
For example, CFO salary increases remain steady at public companies: In 2024, the median base salary increase for CFOs was 4%, while CEOs saw no uptick, matching trends from 2023, according to Compensation Advisory Partners. In 2022, median base salary increases were 3.8% for CFOs and 2.9% for CEOs.
However, a study titled “Delegation and CFO Retention: Evidence from Chief Accounting Officers on the Executive Team” suggests that workload—specifically related to accounting—is also a driver of CFO turnover, indicating that companies should look beyond pay to attract and retain finance chiefs. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Arizona, the University of North Florida, and the University of Iowa.
The researchers focused specifically on the delegation of accounting. They argue that, unlike other responsibilities a CFO may have, such as digital security or risk management, accounting remains a significant task for all public company CFOs given their requirement to certify financial statements.
The study examined data from U.S. public companies between 2004 and 2019, focusing on instances where the CFO delegated accounting duties to a chief accounting officer (CAO) or controller who is recognized as an executive officer.
The key finding: Companies where CFOs delegate accounting responsibilities experience at least an 18% reduction in CFO departures. Delegating accounting enables CFOs to devote more time to higher-level priorities like corporate strategy, digital transformation, and human resources. In contrast, CFOs who manage both detailed accounting and broader strategic duties are more likely to suffer burnout and leave their roles.
This research aligns with the trend of the CAO role emerging as an elevated, strategic leadership position. More companies today seek CAOs who are not just technical accounting experts but also key business partners and infrastructure builders, according to Spencer Stuart. As the CFO role evolves, accounting leaders increasingly take on expanded responsibilities, including tax and operational improvements across the business, the firm notes.
Overall, the “Delegation and CFO Retention” study points to the value of delegation—not only for retaining CFOs, but also for building leadership depth and strengthening companies over time. And I think AI is also poised to help share this workload.
HPE’s $14 billion Juniper Networks acquisition faces renewed uncertainty despite DOJ approval, amid online conspiracy theories and political objections. A federal judge may review whether the merger is in the public interest due to controversy over a reversal of the DOJ’s position to favor the deal. Also, somehow Laura Loomer is involved, and no one knows why. HPE’s stock is down, and CEO Antonio Neri remains under pressure from activist investor Elliott Management, which holds a $1.5 billion long position in the shares.
When Hewlett Packard Enterprise CEO Antonio Neri won a reversal from the U.S. Department of Justice, allowing HPE’s $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks to go ahead, he could have been forgiven for thinking his troubles were behind him.
Instead, HPE has been dragged into one of those weird MAGA conspiracy theories that orbit President Trump’s White House. Even Laura Loomer, the vituperous online Trump activist, somehow got involved.
Given that the DOJ dropped its opposition to the merger (it previously complained it would reduce market competition), Neri could reasonably have expected the federal judge overseeing the litigation to waive the deal through.
But because the DOJ’s sudden reversal got the gears whirring inside the brains of multiple online sleuths, resulting in an objection letter from Senator Elizabeth Warren, it is suddenly more likely—perhaps not probable, but plausible—that Judge P. Casey Pitts will hold a “Tunney review” that may overturn the deal.
A “Tunney review” is a judicial proceeding that asks whether a proposed merger is in the public interest. The Tunney Act was created in in the 1970s in reaction to President Nixon’s meddling in the M&A market.
A negative Tunney review would be a defeat for Neri, who is fending off activist Elliott Management, which bought a $1.5 billion stake in the company and demanded seats on the board in part because it believes HPE stock is being held down by execution errors on Neri’s watch. Neri could lose his job if things do not go his way, sources have told Fortune.
How did HPE get here?
For its part, HPE believes it has done nothing wrong, and that it has simply prevailed in a routine judicial process.
“HPE is confident our acquisition of Juniper Networks is in the public interest and will promote further competition in the enterprise WLAN market,” the company told Fortune. “The transaction was appropriately approved with certain remedies by the U.S. Department of Justice, and it was unconditionally approved by 13 other antitrust regulators around the world. We respect the role our regulators play in maintaining competitive markets and appreciate the professional and constructive way in which the DOJ engaged with us in approving the deal.”
But several online corporate dirt diggers, including Matt Stoller, Francine McKenna, Lever News and Capitol Forum, drew attention to personnel changes at the DOJ immediately prior to its approval of the deal. Two DOJ lawyers on the case appear to have been removed from it, according to Semafor. Now HPE is on the front page of the Wall Street Journal as Exhibit 1 in the narrative that lobbyists are undercutting the MAGA antitrust agenda by making off-the record promises about new jobs in the U.S. (HPE denied that, too.)
It is this person that Stoller and his online colleagues believe is a lobbyist responsible for changing the minds of Attorney General Pam Bondi and her chief of staff, Chad Mizelle, and thus reversing their opposition to the deal.
Following that, Loomer used X to insist that HPE had paid consultants allied to President Trump $1 million each to engage in “influence peddling.” Loomer later deleted the post. Sources previously told Fortunethey didn’t understand why Loomer was paying attention to the deal.
The Lever published a claim that “In a last-minute effort to save face … intelligence authorities intervened to rubber-stamp the deal because of national security reasons, a claim that never appeared in any of the DOJ and HP’s legal briefs.” In fact, HPE did cite national security in its July 7 certification of the proposed judgment approving the deal. (You can see it here on page 2.) The national-security angle is that by combining HPE and Juniper it creates a larger market share for a U.S. company in places where the alternative might be Huawei, which many Western governments regard as a Chinese Communist Party asset. (Huawei has repeatedly denied that allegation.)
The next step is up to Judge Pitts. It is not clear cut that Pitts will rubber-stamp the DOJ’s decision. Pitts is a Biden appointee who previously worked at a public interest law firm—and he may therefore be sceptical that Trump’s DOJ went from fierce opposition to “whatever” so quickly.
His ruling is likely months away.
The DOJ told Fortune: “The Department has consistently reiterated that resolution of this merger was based only on the merits of the transaction,” according to spokesman Gates McGavick.
Meanwhile, HPE stock has not reacted well to all the gossip. It remains down 5.7% year to date compared to the S&P 500 which is up 8%. Elliott’s stake is a long position—meaning they want shares to rise. And they are more than willing to replace the CEO if they do not get what they want. Hence the pressure on Neri.
Hecla Mining(NYSE:HL), a leading North American silver and gold producer, released its earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 on August 6, 2025. The company reported record revenue of $304.0 million. Revenue increased 23.7% over the prior year. Earnings per share (GAAP) came in at $0.09. Hecla also generated its highest ever quarterly free cash flow (non-GAAP), reporting a record $103.8 million, supporting further debt reduction and improved operational efficiency. Management described the period as record-setting, with significant progress on cost containment and asset productivity.
Metric
Q2 2025
Q2 2025 Estimate
Q2 2024
Y/Y Change
EPS (GAAP, Diluted)
$0.09
N/A
$0.04
125%
Revenue (GAAP)
$304.0 million
N/A
$245.7 million
23.7%
Adjusted EBITDA
$132.5 million
$90.9 million
45.8%
Free Cash Flow
$103.8 million
($2.2 million)
N/A
Cash Cost per Silver Ounce (after by-product credits)
($5.46)
-$7.54
$2.08
—
AISC per Silver Ounce (after by-product credits)
$5.19
$12.54
(58.6%)
Source: Analyst estimates provided by FactSet. Management expectations based on management's guidance, as provided in Q1 2025 earnings report.
Understanding Hecla Mining’s Business and Strategic Focus
Hecla Mining is one of the largest silver producers in the United States and Canada, with a portfolio that includes the Greens Creek and Lucky Friday mines, Casa Berardi gold mine, and the Keno Hill silver project. It produces silver, gold, zinc, and lead from its underground operations. The company’s focus is on operational efficiency, cost management, and expanding its portfolio through targeted exploration and disciplined acquisitions.
Hecla’s recent business strategy has centered on several key areas. These include optimizing production at core assets, lowering costs per ounce of silver through efficient operations, and actively managing metals price volatility. Growth projects like Keno Hill and asset reviews, mainly at Casa Berardi, are also important. Maintaining regulatory compliance and developing a skilled workforce have been additional priorities, supporting both operational excellence and long-term growth.
Quarterly Highlights: Financials, Operations, and Segment Performance
The period marked record quarterly revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow for Hecla. Revenue (GAAP) reached $304.0 million, Revenue increased 23.7% from the prior year. GAAP earnings per share increased from $0.04 in Q2 2024 to $0.09, a 125% year-over-year growth, landing at $0.09 (GAAP) Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP), an indicator of underlying profitability, climbed 46% to a new high of $132.5 million. Notably, Free cash flow (non-GAAP) hit $103.8 million, reversing a negative free cash flow (non-GAAP) position in the prior year. Management attributed this to higher operating cash flow, better working capital, and increased metals prices.
The company also improved its balance sheet. Net leverage ratio (non-GAAP), which measures debt against adjusted EBITDA, dropped to 0.7 from 2.3 in the prior year, reflecting the announced partial debt repayment of $212 million in senior notes, expected to close in mid-to-late August and a substantial increase in cash reserves to $296.6 million. These steps are expected to trim annual interest expense by around $17.8 million. The company’s hedging activity covered approximately 12% of 2025–2026 zinc and 24% of lead output as of June 30, mitigating some pricing risk in its base metals revenue stream.
Operationally, the company benefited from strong realized prices for silver and gold. Average realized silver price was $34.82 per ounce, up from $29.77 per ounce in the prior year, while average gold selling price soared to $3,314 per ounce. Production highlights included total silver output of 4.52 million ounces and gold production of 45,895 ounces. The Greens Creek mine saw a 21% jump in silver production and a 29% rise in gold output compared to Q1 2025. Greens Creek’s cash cost per silver ounce (after by-product credits)—a non-GAAP metric representing its effective out-of-pocket cost net of revenues from other metals—fell sharply from last year’s figures, landing at a negative $11.91 per ounce.
Lucky Friday achieved a quarterly record for tons milled, with cash costs per silver ounce (non-GAAP) dropping to $6.19, though all-in sustaining cost (AISC)—a non-GAAP measure that includes maintenance and capital spending—remained high at $19.07 per ounce. The Keno Hill project posted its first positive free cash flow (non-GAAP) quarter since acquisition, reflecting progress in operational ramp-up despite the mill running below its 440-ton-per-day capacity. Casa Berardi produced 28,145 ounces of gold, improved its unit costs by over $600 per ounce compared to Q1 2025, and showed strong cost control and free cash flow. Segment free cash flow (non-GAAP) was $69.0 million at Greens Creek, Free cash flow at Lucky Friday was $4.9 million, $2.7 million free cash flow at Keno Hill, and $31.8 million free cash flow (non-GAAP) at Casa Berardi.
Hecla also advanced asset portfolio optimization. Significant steps included the sale of the Kinskuch property, generating a $3.2 million gain, and further asset rationalization as part of the ongoing strategic review of Casa Berardi. Exploration spending totaled $8.3 million, targeting new discoveries and extensions in key districts.
Looking Forward: Guidance, Priorities, and Dividend Status
Management maintained consolidated production and capital spending guidance for fiscal 2025. Silver output is expected between 15.5 and 17.0 million ounces, and gold output guidance has been raised to 126–137 thousand ounces. Capital investment guidance remains set at $222–$242 million. However, cost guidance improved: consolidated cash cost per silver ounce (after by-product credits, non-GAAP) was revised down significantly to between negative $1.25 and negative $0.75, thanks to better-than-expected gold prices and cost controls at the Greens Creek mine. The company continues to focus on scaling up Keno Hill and completing the strategic review of Casa Berardi. No new management guidance was issued regarding longer-term production or capital plans beyond the current year.
Hecla declared a preferred dividend of $0.875 per share and a common stock dividend of $0.00375 per share.
Revenue and net income presented using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) unless otherwise noted.
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The Samsung Galaxy S26 Edge could be even thinner than the Galaxy S25 Edge, suggesting Samsung is serious about pushing its new slimmed-down flagship series forwards.
In today’s CEO Daily: Diane Brady talks to CFOs about how AI is affecting their companies.
The big story: Yet more tariffs, this time with a new policy on semiconductor chips.
The markets: S&P 500 futures are rising this morning.
Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune.
Good morning. Everyone is talking about AI. Earlier this week, we hosted a dinner with 17 CFOs from some of the world’s largest companies, where they talked about how they’re using AI in their jobs. Some are using it to highlight how different words are likely to impact sentiment on earnings calls, based on historical data. Many use it to create scenarios around earnings projections against the vagaries of tariffs, policy shifts, technology investments and more. They’re creating hyper-personalized data sets and go-to-market strategies that not only use AI agents but tailor interactions to customers’ AI agents. I also learned about their strategies for embedding AI knowledge throughout their organizations, from top-down learning to metrics for getting promoted into the senior ranks. And while most are not yet cutting jobs in response to AI, they’re also not adding to their overall headcount.
The dinner, sponsored by Deloitte and ServiceNow, was conducted under the Chatham House rule to encourage conversation by sharing highlights anonymously. But during my on-the-record chat with economist Rebecca Patterson, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former chief investment strategist at Bridgewater Associates, we heard about the impact of a shift in fiscal policy. “It’s not just the fact that Congress ignored the Congressional Budget Office and historical norms in enacting the reconciliation bill,” she noted. “It’s also the size of the increase to future deficits at a time when the economy has been growing above its long-term potential. I thought we would see some fiscal hawks push back more and water down the ultimate bill, or that there would be a longer fight. I was wrong.”
Patterson also said she expects policies under the Trump Administration to “lean towards” structurally higher inflation. And she talked about the continued strength of the U.S. relative to other economies and the transformative impact of AI.
Insights from leaders on the front lines are critical in shaping the themes of this column and underscore the unique role that Fortune plays in convening and creating connections. Next up is Brainstorm Tech, which Andrew Nusca will lead on Sept. 8 to 10 in Park City, Utah. One Strategy Group CEO David Meadvin told me yesterday that “there’s nowhere better for genuine relationship building.” I believe him. I’ll be going there to moderate some conversations and cohost a dinner for CEO Initiative members with Qualtrics CEO Zig Serafin. If you’d like to join us at Brainstorm Tech, you can apply here.
James Jannard, the billionaire founder of Oakley, has re-listed his Beverly Hills megamansion for $65 million, down from the original $68 million price listing from June 2024. Despite the price drop, Jannard stands to make a significant profit since he purchased the property for $19.9 million in 2009. This trend of wealthy sellers, including Jannard, dropping prices highlights a broader market correction where luxury buyers prioritize value and long-term security over vanity pricing.
Even the wealthiest Americans are contending with today’s housing market. Take James Jannard, the billionaire founder of luxury eyewear and apparel brand Oakley, as an example.
Jannard, who’s worth an estimated $1.3 billion according to Forbes, just re-listed his Beverly Hills megamansion for an eye-popping $65 million. Still, that’s a drop from the $68 million he originally listed it for in June 2024.
Oakley founder James Jannard during Launch of Oakley Thump Digital Audio Eyewear at Oakley Headquarters in Foothill Ranch, Calif. in 2004.
Getty Images—Lee Celano/WireImage for Oakley
He’s fallen victim to a challenging trend in the luxury housing market where many of the country’s most lavish and expensive homes are being priced too high when they hit the market. And now, Jannard stands to lose out on the proceeds he was expecting when he first listed the house.
For what it’s worth, Jannard paid $19.9 million for the property in December 2009, so even if he manages to find a buyer at the $65 million asking price, he’ll make a pretty penny for the sprawling five-bed, nine-bath concrete megamansion that stretches more than 18,000 square feet and nearly two acres in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Orange County-based luxury real-estate firm The Altman Brothers represented the listing last year.
The current listing agent on the property is Aaron Kirman with Christie’s International Real Estate, who has several listings of more than $100 million in the Los Angeles area. Kirman and Jannard didn’t immediately respond to Fortune’s requests for comment about the property.
Other ultra-rich home sellers have recently been forced to drop their listing prices. In May, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck dropped the price of their $60 million Beverly Hills mansion by $8 million, and last year, billionaire media mogul Rupert Murdoch slashed the price of his Manhattan penthouse by nearly 40% to $38.5 million.
The housing market factors affecting sellers
While we’re not fully out of a seller’s market, the tides have begun turning in favor of buyers as listings stay on the market longer and price cuts become more common, according to Realtor.com.
For that reason, price drops aren’t surprising, especially in the saturated Los Angeles luxury market where buyers have more leverage, Anthony Luna, CEO of LA-based real-estate advisory Coastline Equity, told Fortune.
“Square footage and celebrity status don’t justify inflated pricing anymore,” he said. “Buyers want smart design, upgraded systems, and long-term value.”
The mansion tax in LA, which applies an additional 4% tax to property sales of at least $5 million and a 5.5% tax for properties north of $10 million, further complicates real-estate sales and pricing. The cost of the tax, which is typically paid by the seller, is separate from a home’s sale price and can be a “massive amount of money,” Selling Sunset star and Oppenheim Group agent Emma Hernan previously toldFortune. She also described it as a “nightmare” for sellers and agents alike.
Hernan said she warns her clients about the mansion tax before they prepare to sell. Take a $5 million home, for example. The seller would have to pay an extra $200,000 they “didn’t really factor in when they bought the home because the mansion tax wasn’t in play,” Hernan said.
The trend of luxury-home price drops like that of Jannard, Murdoch, and Lopez say something bigger about the housing market: a larger correction, Luna said.
“The luxury market is no longer about vanity. It’s about value and security,” he said. “Buyers are doing the math, and they’re calling the bluff.”
Singapore’s biggest banks are bracing for macroeconomic uncertainty following a mixed quarterly results.
DBS, Southeast Asia’s largest bank, delivered a good quarter. On Thursday, the bank reported profits of 2.82 billion Singapore dollars ($2.2 billion) for the quarter ending June 2025, a 1% increase year-on-year that beat consensus estimates. Robust lending and wealth management fees drove DBS’s total income up by 5% year-on-year, hitting 5.8 billion Singapore dollars ($4.47 billion).
Yet fellow Singaporean bank UOB, which released its quarterly results on the same day, reported a 6% drop in quarterly profit to 1.34 billion Singapore dollars ($1.04 billion) as net interest income weakened.
OCBC, which reported last week, also had its quarterly profit decline by 6% to 2.34 billion Singapore dollars ($1.82 billion). As with UOB, falling net interest income weighed on OCBC’s performance.
The three banks, the largest by revenue in Southeast Asia, are not only grappling with declining interest rates, but also warning of a more uncertain economic outlook.
In a statement, UOB CEO Wee Ee Cheong expressed confidence in Southeast Asia’s long-term prospects despite global polarization. UOB has the greatest exposure to Southeast Asia among the three major Singaporean banks.
“As the global landscape transitions towards a multipolar world order, ASEAN continues to demonstrate resilient growth. With regional integration, trade diversification and rising foreign direct investments, ASEAN is well-positioned to thrive in the evolving global economy,” Wee said in the statement.
Yet UOB’s CEO also warned that new U.S. tariffs could dampen consumer sentiment and investment activity.
Outgoing OCBC CEO Helen Wong also highlighted a challenging macroeconomic outlook in her earnings statement last week. “Evolving trade and monetary policies, and persistent geopolitical tensions are expected to weigh on growth prospects,” she said.
DBS CEO Tan Su Shan, speaking after her first full quarter as the bank’s new CEO, acknowledged “external uncertainties,” though added that “proactive management” of the balance sheet will help DBS navigate the interest rate cycle.
Tariffs and interest rates
The interest rate hikes that began in 2021 are now easing. The U.S. Federal Reserve cut rates by a percentage point over the second half of 2024, and could cut rates further following weak employment growth in the U.S.
The European Union and China started to ease their monetary policies last year as well. The Monetary Authority of Singapore, the city-state’s de facto central bank, also loosened its monetary policy earlier this year.
Banks profit from higher interest rates by earning more on loans and attracting additional deposits.
Beyond falling interest rates, Singapore’s three banks must also navigate higher U.S. tariffs. Trump’s new tariffs on U.S. trading partners go into effect today. Singapore escaped the flood of new taxes, with its exports just getting the baseline 10% tariff on all U.S.-bound exports.
Yet Singapore’s neighboring economies got it much worse. Southeast Asian economies like Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam got tariffs of around 19-20%.
Other Asian economies got it worse. China, a major market for both DBS and OCBC, now faces a combined U.S. tariff of 55%, though some of those taxes are paused to allow for trade negotiations. India, another target market for DBS, also faces a steep tariff of 50%.
While tariffs won’t directly affect DBS, UOB, or OCBC, a broader tariff-driven economic slowdown will dampen consumer sentiment and curb investment activity, reducing business opportunities for Singapore’s globally-connected banking sector.
I’ll be honest: there was a time when privacy compliance felt overwhelming.
Between GDPR, CCPA, VCDPA, and other regulations, it seemed like I needed a law degree just to run a simple WordPress site.
But after spending a lot of time helping website owners figure this out, I’ve learned that compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. In most cases, just a few simple changes can protect your website and show visitors that you take their privacy seriously.
That’s why I created this ultimate guide to WordPress privacy compliance. I’ve researched dozens of laws, tested different tools, and seen firsthand what works (and what causes problems) across different WordPress websites.
⚠️ We are not lawyers, and nothing on this website should be considered legal advice.
Why Does Privacy Compliance Matter for Your WordPress Website?
Online privacy laws are designed to give people more control over how websites, businesses, and online stores collect and use their personal information.
“Personal information” can mean more than you think. It includes names and email addresses—but also things like browsing history, preferences, location, and even biometric data.
That’s why most WordPress websites are affected by privacy laws, even if they only collect basic data like form submissions or cookies.
Following these laws is important for two reasons:
Avoiding legal trouble: Some laws, like the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA), can issue fines of up to $7,500 per violation. Other laws impose even higher penalties, sometimes reaching millions.
Building trust with your audience: When visitors see that you respect their privacy, they’re more likely to engage with your site, join your email list, and make purchases.
In other words: privacy compliance isn’t just a legal requirement. It’s a smart move for long-term success.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 12 key tips for WordPress privacy compliance. After that, I’ll break down the most important privacy laws that might affect your site.
Keep reading for the ultimate checklist to comply with international data privacy laws.
12 Tips for Achieving WordPress Privacy Compliance
No single guide can guarantee full compliance with every privacy law. But these tips will give you a strong foundation. You can think of this section as your privacy checklist for WordPress.
After reading through these best practices, I recommend scrolling down to the legal section to see which laws may apply to your site.
1. Perform a Data Audit
Before you can follow any privacy law, you need to know what personal data your website collects and how it’s used.
Start by reviewing all the tools and plugins on your site that interact with visitors. These often include:
Once you’ve identified those tools, take a closer look at what they do.
For each one, ask yourself:
What data does this tool collect?
Why do I need this data?
Where is the data stored?
How long is it kept?
Is it shared with anyone else?
Be sure to document your answers. This record helps you stay organized and gives you a way to prove your compliance if you’re ever audited or asked by one of your users.
2. Collect Less Data
One of the easiest ways to improve privacy on your WordPress site is to collect less data in the first place.
Most privacy laws require you to collect only personal data that’s relevant and necessary for a specific task. This principle is known as data minimization.
Take a look at the forms, plugins, and tools you use. For each one, you should ask yourself:
What personal information am I asking for?
Do I truly need this data?
Could I achieve the same result with fewer form fields or information?
If the answer is “no” or “not sure,” it’s a good idea to stop collecting that data.
This approach not only reduces your legal risk. It also makes your site feel safer and more respectful to visitors, which can improve trust and conversions.
3. Create a Privacy Policy
A privacy policy tells visitors what data your website collects, how it’s used, and whether it’s shared with anyone.
Most privacy laws require you to have a policy like this. It helps users understand how their personal data is handled, which many laws refer to as the “Right to Know.”
Thankfully, WordPress has a built-in tool to help you create a privacy policy. To access this tool, simply go to Settings » Privacy in the WordPress dashboard.
Some privacy laws require you to get consent before placing cookies on a visitor’s device. This includes laws like the GDPR.
A cookie popup makes this easy. It gives visitors a clear message about the types of cookies your site uses, what data is being collected, and why. It should also give them a simple way to opt out.
A cookie popup is important, but it’s also a good idea to create a dedicated cookie policy page. This gives visitors a place to learn more about how cookies work on your site.
Your cookie policy should include:
The types of cookies your site uses (such as essential, analytics, or marketing)
What each cookie does
What personal data it collects (like IP addresses or browsing history)
To build trust, try to keep your cookie policy easy to understand. This means you should avoid technical terms or legal words that are hard to follow.
In the plugin’s settings, choose the page where you want to display the cookie policy, and add the shortcode provided by the plugin.
WPConsent will then add this policy to your chosen page.
If you’re using WPConsent to display a cookie popup, then visitors can now access this policy directly by clicking on the dropdown.
This will reveal a link that takes them straight to your policy page.
6. Block Third-Party Scripts
Many privacy laws also apply to third-party tools like analytics, advertising pixels, and social media trackers. If you use services such as Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel, then you’re responsible for how those tools collect data.
That means you should only allow scripts from these tools to run after the user gives permission.
The good news is that WPConsent includes a built-in script blocker that helps with this. It can detect common tracking tools and stop them from loading until the visitor agrees.
Once consent is given, the script runs automatically without needing to reload the page.
This is one of the easiest ways to improve compliance with laws like the GDPR and CCPA.
7. Track and Log Visitor Consent
There’s always a chance your data handling could be questioned, especially if you’re ever audited or someone asks about their rights.
That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a clear record of user consent. It helps show that your site takes privacy seriously.
The good news is, WPConsent creates this log for you automatically.
You can check it any time by going to WPConsent » Consent Logs in your WordPress dashboard.
If someone asks for proof, just head to the ‘Export’ tab, choose a date range, and download the log as a CSV file.
You can now share it directly with the user. Additionally, having this kind of record can give you peace of mind and help protect your business if questions ever come up.
8. Provide an Easy Opt-Out for Data Sales
Some privacy laws, including the CCPA and VCDPA, require you to give users a way to opt out of having their personal data sold or shared with third-party tools.
It’s also important to know that under laws like the CCPA, ‘selling’ can also mean sharing personal data with third-party advertising or analytics partners in exchange for their services, not just for money.
The easiest way to allow users to opt out in WordPress is by adding a clear, dedicated opt-out page.
WPConsent includes a Do Not Track add-on that makes this simple.
It enables you to generate a form where users can submit their opt-out request.
Once the page is live, visitors can use the form to stop their data from being sold or shared, all without needing to contact you directly.
This creates a smoother experience for your audience and helps you stay compliant with important data laws.
Privacy laws like the GDPR give users the right to access their personal data, and the right to ask for that data to be deleted.
One of the easiest ways to support these rights is by adding data request and deletion forms to your WordPress site.
This is where WPForms comes in. It’s a user-friendly form builder that lets you create all kinds of forms using a simple drag-and-drop editor.
WPForms even has a ready-made Right to Erasure Request Form template.
What if visitors want to see their data instead? WPForms also has a Data Request template.
These templates are a fantastic starting point for accepting data erasure and data access requests on your site.
⭐ Here at WPBeginner, we don’t just recommend WPForms. We also built all our own forms with it! From contact pages to surveys, WPForms is our trusted, daily-tested solution.
Want to see why it’s our go-to? Just see our detailed WPForms review.
After adding these forms to your site, WPForms will automatically log and display all submissions in your WordPress dashboard. This makes it easy to see new requests as they come in.
You can then act on these requests using WordPress’ built-in Export Personal Data and Erase Personal Data tools.
Contact forms, quote forms, and surveys often collect personal information. That means that they also need to comply with privacy laws.
If you’re using WPForms, there’s a built-in GDPR Agreement field that helps you with this. You can add it to any form and get a user’s explicit consent to store their personal information before collecting it.
Simply drag this field into any form using the visual builder.
It will add a checkbox and consent message so that visitors can agree to how their data will be used.
Apart from the GDPR, this field helps you stay compliant with other laws that require clear consent before collecting or storing personal data.
If you’ve been following along with this guide so far, then you already have a solid foundation for privacy compliance. But the tools you install on your website matter too.
The WordPress plugins you choose can either make compliance harder or give you built-in features that simplify the process.
Let’s look at one common example.
Tracking your visitors with analytics helps you improve your site and understand how people interact with your content. This might include tracking page views, link clicks, purchases, or time spent on each page.
But depending on your setup, analytics tools can also collect personal data—like IP addresses, geographic location, and behavioral profiles. That’s where things get tricky.
At WPBeginner, we use MonsterInsights to handle this responsibly. It includes settings to anonymize user data or disable user tracking when consent hasn’t been given.
These options help reduce your legal risk while still giving you the insights you need to grow your site.
Of course, analytics are just one part of the puzzle. Plugins like WPConsent and WPForms also help you manage cookie banners, collect data responsibly, and process requests like opt-outs and deletions.
When someone leaves a comment on your WordPress site, they usually need to enter their name, email address, and possibly a website URL. That’s personal data, so it’s covered by privacy laws.
WordPress includes a privacy checkbox for comments by default. This gives users a chance to agree to the storage of their information before submitting a comment.
However, some themes use a custom comment form that might not include this checkbox by default.
If you don’t see the checkbox on your site, then it’s a good idea to add it manually. You can use a plugin like Thrive Comments or add some custom code to your website.
WordPress privacy compliance often depends on which laws apply to your website, and that’s not always easy to figure out.
Some laws apply to specific locations. Others apply only if you collect a certain amount of data or meet a business-size threshold.
In this section, I’ll walk you through the most common privacy laws that affect WordPress site owners.
You don’t need to become a legal expert, but it’s helpful to know which rules you may need to consider so that you can take the right steps.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European Union (EU) law designed to give EU citizens more control over their personal data.
Simply put, you must get explicit, specific, and clear permission before collecting personal data from anyone living in the European Union.
You must also clearly tell EU residents where, why, and how you’ll process and store their data.
Under the GDPR, individuals also have the right to download their personal data and the “right to be forgotten.” This means they can ask you to delete their data at any time.
The CCPA is a privacy law that gives California residents more control over their personal information. It allows them to see what data is collected, how it’s used, and who it’s shared with.
This law applies to for-profit businesses that meet at least one of these criteria:
Have annual gross revenue over $25 million.
Buy, sell, or share personal data from 100,000 or more California residents per year.
Make at least 50% of their revenue from selling or sharing personal data.
It doesn’t matter where your business is located. If your WordPress site serves people in California and meets one of these thresholds, then the CCPA may apply.
The law also requires you to provide an opt-out for data sharing and to respond to requests to view or delete personal information.
The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) – Saudi Arabia
Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) is a privacy law that sets clear rules for how businesses can collect, use, and store the personal data of Saudi residents.
Ignoring the PDPL carries substantial risks. Fines can reach up to SAR 5 million (about $1.3 million USD) per violation, and this amount can double for repeat offenses.
If any of your customers or users live in Saudi Arabia, then you should check out our beginner’s guide to PDPL compliance. It shows you how to navigate this important law and avoid those steep fines.
The Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA)
The Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA) is designed to protect the personal information of Utah residents.
Like some other privacy regulations, the UCPA’s reach extends beyond Utah’s borders. If your site targets users in Utah—for example, through marketing or services—then the law might apply, even if you’re located elsewhere.
However, don’t worry if you’re a smaller blog or website. Just like the CCPA, the UCPA is mainly aimed at larger businesses.
First, your business needs to operate in Utah or offer products or services targeting Utah residents. Next, your business must have an annual revenue of $25 million or more.
You’ll also need to meet at least one of these data thresholds:
Control or process the personal data of 100,000 or more Utah consumers annually.
Get over 50% of your gross revenue from selling personal data and control or process data from 25,000 or more Utah consumers.
I know this is a lot to take in, especially if you’re just getting started with WordPress privacy compliance. So before we wrap up, I want to quickly answer some of the most common questions I hear from beginners.
These answers aren’t meant to replace legal advice, but they’ll help you understand what matters most when it comes to running a privacy-friendly WordPress site.
Do I need a privacy policy if my site doesn’t collect data?
Yes, even if your site doesn’t seem to collect user data directly, it’s still a good idea to have a privacy policy.
That’s because your site may be collecting information in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. For example, your hosting provider might log visitor IP addresses, or third-party scripts could be tracking behavior in the background.
In those cases, having a privacy policy helps keep you on the safe side of the law.
It also shows your visitors that you’re being transparent, which can go a long way toward building trust.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Privacy laws can carry serious penalties if you don’t follow them.
Some regulations include fines of thousands or even millions of dollars. You may also be charged per violation.
For example, under the CCPA, penalties range from $2,500 to $7,500 for each affected user. That can add up fast if the issue affects a large number of people.
But money isn’t the only concern. If users find out their data wasn’t protected, they may lose trust in your site. That kind of damage is hard to repair and can lead to fewer visits, lower engagement, and lost sales.
How often should I review my website’s compliance?
It’s a good idea to review your website’s compliance at least once a year.
You’ll also want to check whenever a privacy law changes or a new one goes into effect. Staying proactive can help you catch small issues early and avoid bigger problems later.
Choosing the best laptop can be a bit of a challenge — there are so many models, sizes and specs out there that it’s easy to feel lost in the shuffle. But the good news is that modern laptops are better than ever. Whether you're looking for a powerful AI PC, a travel-ready ultrabook or an affordable machine that can handle everyday tasks, there's something out there for everyone. Today’s systems combine improved performance, longer battery life and smarter features in sleek, lightweight designs that are built to keep up with work, play and everything in between.
Out of all of the notebooks we've tested and reviewed recently, we consider Apple's 13-inch MacBook Air M4 to be the best laptop for most people, and this is still the case for our top picks to start off the new year. It's powerful enough to handle most tasks (even light video editing); it has a great screen and built-in speakers; and its battery could last over 18hours (depending on what you're doing, of course). The MacBook Air M4 is also one of the lightest and thinnest systems we've reviewed, and it's dead silent, thanks to a fanless design.
Of course, not everyone wants a MacBook, and there are excellent Windows laptops and Chromebooks out there, too. Windows systems offer a range of configurations, from budget to high-end UHD screens with stunning IPS panels that boast high nits for vivid brightness. Chromebooks, on the other hand, tend to be more affordable and are great for users who mostly work online. Whether you need a powerhouse for creative work, a compact system for note-taking, or a laptop that can handle family movie night, there’s something for everyone in today’s laptop market.
Engadget has been reviewing laptops for two decades, and while the definition of what a portable PC is has changed considerably since, our obsession with testing their limits and serving up informative buying advice remains the same. Be it a hybrid tablet like Microsoft's Surface machines, a rotating 2-in-1 convertible like HP's Spectre x360s or a plain old clamshell notebook, our review process follows similar beats. How does it look and feel? How fast is it? Whether it’s a Windows device powered by an Intel Core i5 or higher, a MacBook or a Chromebook, we aim to answer the most important question: Is it actually worth your hard-earned cash? We also pay close attention to portability, webcam quality and display features, including IPS panels and nits of brightness, as they can make a big difference in daily use.
There's a good chance you've already committed to an operating system, but my advice is to be as flexible as possible. These days, most major software is compatible with both Macs and PCs. (Of course, it's another story if you've become dependent on an Apple-only app like Final Cut Pro.) Web-based apps, naturally, will work on any platform with an internet browser.
If you're an Apple-loyalist, there aren't many reasons to consider Windows laptops (unless you want a secondary gaming machine). But for Windows users, macOS is becoming more tempting every year. Apple's MacBooks, powered by its M-series Silicon chips, are among the fastest and most efficient laptops we've ever seen. They're incredibly well-built and have outstanding battery life to boot. MacOS itself is also an easy platform to learn, especially if you're used to iOS and iPadOS.
That brings up another point: iPhone users may want to consider Macs because of the seamless integration with Apple's other platforms. You can't respond to iMessage conversations easily or hop into FaceTime chats on Windows PCs, but doing so is simple on Macs. (Microsoft's Phone Link app lets you send iOS users individual texts, but not media or group chats.) Android users, meanwhile, may be better off with Windows, as Phone Link can make calls, synchronize all your texts and also access your phone's photos.
If cloud gaming is your priority, Windows laptops with NVIDIA’s GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud Gaming compatibility may offer more flexibility and decent performance, especially when paired with fast internet speeds. Chromebooks also make a compelling case here as an affordable, lightweight solution for casual cloud gaming sessions.
As for whether you’ll want a PC with a dedicated Copilot AI button on the keyboard, that depends on how often you see yourself using Microsoft’s generative tools. Given we’re only just seeing the first slate of AI PCs, it would be wiser to wait out the hype and see what improvements might come over time.
And what about ChromeOS? Chromebooks are a smart and (typically) inexpensive way to do things like web browsing and hopping on a few video chats, but for most, they're not the best choice as a primary computer. There aren't many apps or games that work offline, and they also don't work with powerful software suites like Adobe's (you can use the stripped-down Adobe Express and Photoshop online tools, though).
Chromebooks are great secondary machines to use alongside a more powerful Mac or PC, and they're popular in schools because they're cheap and easy for IT workers to manage. And if all you need is web browsing access, or a notebook for a kid, a Chromebook might be enough.
If, for some reason, you’re looking for a powerful ChromeOS system, there are also Chromebook Plus models to consider. These machines sport faster processors and more RAM than typical Google notebooks, and they can also tap into a few of the company’s online AI features, like AI image generation and photo processing.
Price
You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,800 for a new laptop these days, depending on the configuration. If you're looking for more of a workhorse, that could cost you well over $2,000 for additional RAM, storage, as well as a beefier graphics card and CPU. But you can also find some good laptops under $1,000 if you're willing to overlook build quality (or buy a refurbished or previous generation machine, which we highly recommend). Systems with AMD chips tend to come in cheaper than their Intel counterparts, but the bulk of their cost will come down to other components like RAM and storage.
I’ve included our favorite affordable model in this best laptop buying guide, but we have a list of the best budget laptops that you can check out as well.
Laptop size and weight
So how portable do you want your laptop to be? That's the ultimate question you need to ask when choosing between various screen sizes. 13-inch machines have become a solid starting point for most shoppers — it's enough real estate for the majority of tasks like emailing and writing, and it also helps keep machines relatively light (typically between two to three pounds). Thanks to manufacturing advancements, these dainty machines sometimes even come with larger screens (the smaller MacBook Air actually has a 13.6-inch display).
If you have trouble seeing fine text, we’d recommend going for a display larger than 13 inches. ASUS’s Zephyrus G14 is a solid 14-inch option for gamers, and we’re also seeing more productivity-focused machines aim for that size, like the Dell 14 Premium and MacBook Pro. While 14-inch notebooks are a bit heavier than 13-inch models, coming in between three to four pounds, their screens are noticeably roomier.
For artists, or anyone else who needs a large canvas, a 15-inch laptop may make the most sense. They typically weigh between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds, but that extra heft may be worth it to fit wider video editing timelines or Photoshop windows. And, as you'd expect, you'll also pay a bit more for a 15-inch notebook compared to smaller ones (the 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,199, while the smaller model goes for $999). PC makers are also replacing 15-inch systems with 16-inch versions, which will give you even more space to work.
If you're in the market for a business laptop, size and portability might be key considerations. A lightweight yet powerful system with a long battery life can make a world of difference if you travel frequently for work.
You can still find laptops with 17-inch or 18-inch screens, but those are typically gaming systems or souped-up workstations. They're not meant for mere computing mortals.
Ports and connectivity
These days, most laptops ship with a few USB-C ports, which can handle both charging and speedy data transfers. Apple's MacBooks also include a separate connection for MagSafe power, and you'll find custom power connections on some PCs like Microsoft's Surface. Older USB Type-A connections are less common now, but they still pop up in systems like HP's Spectre x360 14, as well as many models from ASUS.
For gamers or creators who rely on discrete graphics, ensuring your laptop has the right ports for external monitors or GPUs is crucial. DisplayPort or HDMI connections can also ensure you’re ready for dual- or multi-screen setups for more immersive experiences. Similarly, if you want to save high-resolution files or install multiple games, you might need to consider additional hard drive space; external hard drives are pretty affordable, as long as you have a proper port to connect them.
If you're a fan of wired headphones, it's worth keeping a close eye on headphone jack availability. They usually include a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter, but that's a clunky solution, and it also takes up a USB port. Sure, most people use wireless earbuds and cans today, but it's still helpful to have a wired one around for when those devices run out of juice.
Most laptops today offer Wi-Fi 6 or 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 or later, which should mean faster and more stable connections if you have compatible routers and devices. While Wi-Fi 7 routers have started appearing, that spec hasn't made its way into laptops yet. As for cellular coverage, there are notebooks like the Surface Pro 9 and Samsung Galaxy Book models that offer integrated 5G. But from our testing, that feature may not be worth the cost of a separate data plan. Instead, you could tether to your smartphone or invest in a wireless hotspot that can keep multiple devices online.
Battery life
A laptop's battery life depends on several factors: The power draw from the screen and other hardware, the optimizations used to avoid unnecessary power drain, and, of course, the size of the actual battery. One of our previous favorite systems, the Dell XPS 13, lasted 13 hours and 15 minutes in the PCMark 10 battery benchmark. In real-world testing, I was able to use it for a day and a half without needing a recharge. The MacBook Air 13-inch, meanwhile, more than 18 hours in our benchmark and kept running for more than two work days of my typical workflow. In general, you should expect a modern laptop to last at least eight hours.
If battery life is your absolute priority, I'd strongly suggest looking at Macs over Windows PCs. Apple's M-series chips are essentially mobile hardware, with all of the power efficiency you'd expect from something originally designed for phones. Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon chips could help Windows PCs compete with Apple’s astonishing battery life, but we’ve yet to see those in action. Chromebooks also typically get decent battery life (as long as you don’t overstuff them with power-draining tabs).
Refresh rate
A laptop's refresh rate refers to the amount of times its screen is cycled every second. Modern displays like IPS LCDs and OLEDs support 60Hz refresh rates at a minimum, but we're seeing more devices offering 120Hz, 240Hz and beyond. The higher the number, the faster the screen is refreshed, which ultimately leads to a smoother experience while mousing around or scrolling through web pages. (If you want to get a sense of what a slow refresh rate looks like, just grab an e-reader like the Kindle and try to flip between book pages.)
While high refresh rates used to be reserved for gaming laptops, nowadays we're seeing more mainstream machines like the Dell 14 Premium offer 120Hz (or variable rates that move between 60Hz and 120Hz).
CPU & GPU
If you’re buying a new laptop, you’ll want to make sure it’s powered by the latest CPUs. For Windows PCs, that includes Intel’s Core Ultra chips for thin-and-light machines or the 14th-gen HX chips for beefier systems. The Core Ultra series have NPUs for handling AI tasks, while the HX hardware does not – they’re based on Intel’s previous chip architecture, and they’re more focused on delivering raw horsepower. Intel's older 13th-gen and 12th-gen laptop chips also don't have NPUs, so keep that in mind if you're looking at used systems.
You'll also see AMD's Ryzen 8000 and 9000 chips in plenty of new systems like the ASUS Zephyrus G14 and Razer Blade 14. Those CPUs mainly target gaming laptops and high performance systems, while you'll still find AMD’s older Ryzen 7000 chips in ultraportables. AMD's main advantage is that its chips also include Radeon graphics, which are far more capable than Intel's Arc hardware (though those are getting better).
Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus are also an option in Copilot+ PCs (more on those below). Since they’re based on mobile chip designs, they’re likely also more power efficient than AMD and Intel’s hardware. In the past, we’ve avoided recommending Snapdragon chips because they led to a slow and frustrating Windows experience. But Microsoft claims it’s rebuilt Windows 11 around Snapdragon’s Arm-based architecture, which should lead to far faster performance and better app compatibility.
As for Apple's laptops, you'll be choosing between the M4, M4 Pro and M4 Max, each of which is progressively more powerful.
On the graphics side of things, a GPU, or graphics processing unit, is the component that communicates directly with a laptop's display. Laptop CPUs all have some form of integrated GPU: Intel has either its standard graphics or beefier Arc hardware, while AMD's chips include fast Radeon mobile graphics. If you want to play demanding games at high speeds (measured in frames per second, or fps), or if you need some extra power for rendering video or 3D models, you can configure a laptop with a dedicated GPU like NVIDIA's RTX 40-series hardware or AMD's Radeon RX 7000. Just be sure to leave room in your budget if you want a powerful GPU, as they typically add $300 or more to the cost of a laptop.
Apple's M-series chips, meanwhile, have GPU cores that can perform as well as NVIDIA’s and AMD's lower-end dedicated GPUs. That's quite the accomplishment for systems like this (especially the MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro), and it's another reason we highly recommend Apple's notebooks.
AI PCs, NPUs and Copilot+
Simply put, an AI PC is a computer equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU), which is designed to handle AI-related tasks. Much like how GPUs tackle heavy-duty gaming and rendering workloads, NPUs are designed to handle the complex math necessary for AI workloads. They’re also far more power efficient than CPUs or GPUs, which could lead to better battery performance in laptops. While many factors go into NPU performance, for the most part we measure their potential speed by TOPS (tera operations per second).
We were primed for AI PCs based on the chips Intel and AMD announced in 2023. Intel unveiled its "Core Ultra" CPUs in December, its first to include an NPU for AI work. AMD also announced its Ryzen 8040 AI mobile chips that month (and it couldn't help but say they were faster than Intel's new hardware). But in May, Microsoft announced its Copilot+ initiative, which is pushing major PC makers to deliver premium AI PCs with specifications including 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSDs and NPUs with at least 40 TOPS of AI performance.
Copilot+ is more than just a marketing term: Microsoft is also launching AI-powered features in Windows 11 that take advantage of powerful NPUs. That includes Recall, which can help you locate anything you’ve done on your PC (whenever it finally launches), as well as Cocreator in Paint, which can generate AI images based on text prompts and doodles.
If you buy an AI PC that isn’t Copilot+ certified, you’ll still be able to use some features like Windows Studio Effects, which can blur your background in video calls or keep you in frame. Developers like Adobe and Audacity are also building features into their apps that can take advantage of NPUs.
At the time of this post, Chromebook Plus notebooks can also access a few of Google’s online AI features, like image generation and photo processing.
The ThinkPad X9-14 Aura Edition is a great spiritual successor to the ThinkPad X1 Carbon, offering the best that business laptops have to offer. That includes long battery life packed into a thin and light chassis. This is an optimal ultraportable business laptop.
While the price might give you some pause, we tested the lowest configuration, and found that the X9-14’s performance is excellent for casual business users. The only issue with quality is that the keyboard is lacking. It’s mushier than we’d like, which could get a bit tiresome throughout the day. You’ll still miss out on a USB Type-A port, so you may need to carry a Type-C hub with you.
Where the ThinkPad X9-14 will win you over is its bold OLED screen. Combo that with its well-rounded audio, and the ThinkPad X9-14 makes for an excellent multimedia device in and out of the workplace.
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
Aside from its lovely OLED screen, the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED doesn't stand out from the crowded laptop field in any way. It just looks dull and boring, especially compared to the strikingly beautiful ASUS Zephyrus G14, which also came out this year. While you can probably find the Zenbook 14 for a decent price, I'd recommend holding out for something with a bit more personality (and with a less wobbly screen hinge).
Razer Blade 14
The Razer Blade has almost everything you'd want in a 14-inch gaming notebook, but it's far pricier than the Zephyrus G14 on this list, and it doesn’t even have an SD card reader. It would be a solid competitor once its price falls a bit, and it's certainly a great option if you just have to have a jet-black laptop.
Framework Laptop 16
Framework gave its modularity magic to the Laptop 16, delivering a gaming notebook where almost every single component is user replaceable. But you'll have to pay a pretty penny to snag it with upgraded hardware, and its optional Radeon 7700S GPU was surprisingly slow.
Alienware m16 R2
The Alienware m16 r2 has been revamped with a slimmer case, but it’s otherwise a fairly typical gaming laptop. It’s a solid option for Alienware fans, but you’ll find better hardware and deals elsewhere.
ASUS Zenbook Duo (2024)
The Zenbook Duo is a fascinating dual-screened notebook, and according to my colleague Sam Rutherford it’s the first of its kind that’s worth buying. But its unique hardware isn’t really meant for mainstream consumers, and Windows 11 still doesn’t support multi-screen setups well enough to make full use of the Zenbook Duo’s ample canvas.
Dell XPS 16
Dell’s XPS 16 is big and beautiful, but it’s far too expensive compared to the competition. Plus, it uses a capacitive row of function keys that you basically can’t see under bright light and has too few ports for a machine of this size.
What is the average battery life of a laptop per charge?
It’s hard to come up with an average battery life for laptops, since that will ultimately depend on what you’re doing with them. An ultraportable like the MacBook Air that sips power can last around 20 hours in our battery benchmark, and around two full work days of real-world usage. But a gaming laptop may last only a few hours if you’re actively playing something while on battery. At this point, Macs are delivering far better battery life than PCs, thanks to Apple’s Silicon chips, but Microsoft claims Copilot+ systems with Qualcomm chips will also get over 20 hours of batter life.
How much RAM do I really need?
The more RAM you have, the more things your computer can do simultaneously. For that reason, we recommend buying PCs and Macs with at least 16GB of RAM. That gives you enough memory to have several applications open at once, as well as web browsers filled with RAM-hogging tabs. Many PC games also require at least 16GB of RAM. While you could use a system with 8GB of RAM for basic tasks, you’ll quickly run into slowdowns and error messages as your apps stack up. Many laptops, especially ultraportables, don’t let you upgrade RAM, too – so you’ll have to buy an entirely new computer if you didn’t equip enough memory at the start.
If you’re a hardcore gamer, programmer or planning to render videos or 3D models, then you may want to go for 32GB of RAM or more. And if you just need a secondary laptop for lighter work – perhaps a no-frills system for writing – then you can probably get by with 8GB. Just be sure to keep those browser tabs in check.
What is the best storage capacity for a laptop?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to laptop storage. You’ll typically find configurations between 256GB and 1TB SSDs (solid state drives) on most laptops, and I’d recommend most people get at least 512GB. That’ll be enough space for large apps, music and video files without stressing your system too much. If you’re a media hoarder, or want to play a ton of games, then it’s definitely worth getting a 1TB SSD.
If you’ll mainly be streaming your shows and music, and would rather invest in RAM or other hardware, then 256GB of storage would be serviceable. I’d recommend staying away from any machine with 128GB of storage though. Most of that will be taken up by the operating system, and you’ll likely run into issues cramming in large apps after a few months.
We recommend springing for extra built-in storage or investing in a portable SSD for backing up your most important files. It's also worth noting that Chromebooks tend to come with less built-in storage — 32GB, 64GB or 128GB — since ChromeOS encourages users to save their files in the cloud rather than on the device. In that case, 128GB is plenty.
What's a good price range for a decent laptop in 2025?
You can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,800 for a typical 13-inch laptop today. As I explained above, you'll pay more if you want to stuff in more RAM or better GPU hardware. But you can also find deals below $1,000 if you look for refurbished or older-generation models.
What’s the difference between macOS and Windows? Which is better?
Simply put, macOS is the operating system in all of Apple's notebooks and desktops, while Windows powers the vast majority of PCs. You'll also find Chromebooks running Google's ChromeOS, but those are basically just web browsers running on top of Linux.
Debating the differences between Windows and Macs is something PC nerds have been doing since the '80s, so we won't be declaring a winner here. There are some small, negligible distinctions, like using a Command versus a Control key, how file explorers work and concerns about viruses and security. For the most part, those are minor issues or have become moot thanks to better built-in security.
But if you care more about playing the newest games, you'll want to have a Windows system. If you're more focused on creative apps, like Photoshop, Premiere and Final Cut Pro, then macOS may be a better fit (especially if you're running an iPhone).
What are the best laptop brands?
There is no single "best" laptop brand, but judging from this guide alone, we're generally impressed by notebooks from Apple, Dell and ASUS. They all offer fast, reliable and sturdy machines. HP also makes some eye-catching devices if you want an option that’s the most aesthetic. Those four brands, along with Lenovo and Acer, dominate laptop sales worldwide. We'd avoid systems from any retail store brands, or companies that don't have a major presence in the US.
Tea bills itself as a safety dating app for women, allowing users to anonymously share details about men they have met. A new app called TeaOnHer has emerged that attempts to flip the script, with men sharing information about women they date. And while Tea drew scrutiny last month after a data breach revealed user information, including potentially identifying details such as phone numbers and personal anecdotes, the copycat app seems to be suffering from the same problem.
TechCrunch discovered several security issues at TeaOnHer, which is currently second most popular lifestyle app on iOS. (Tea is the current leader despite the issues). The publication reported that it identified a security flaw that allowed anyone to access TeaOnHer user data, including usernames, email addresses, uploaded driver's licenses and selfies. It also found a possible second issue where the email address and plaintext password for Xavier Lampkin, founder and CEO of the app's developer, was left exposed. These credentials appear to offer access to TeaOnHer's admin panel, which is another security risk.
The full report at TechCrunch also raises concerns about the content shared on the app, which included spam posts with nude photos of women. It's unclear how many of the roughly 53,000 users for TeaOnHer might be bots, or whether the app was ever meant to be used seriously; chunks of its description in the iOS store use near-identical language to Tea's listing.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/theres-a-tea-app-for-men-and-it-also-has-security-problems-224435459.html?src=rss
Apple plans to invest an additional $100 billion in the US, the company announced on Wednesday. The investment follows President Donald's Trump's previously announced plans to raise tariffs on India by an additional 25 percent (bringing the total tariff to 50 percent) for purchasing oil from Russia. Apple relies heavily on manufacturers in India to create the iPhone, so adding to its already $500 billion investment in the US is likely a way to avoid being impacted by the tariffs.
"Today, we're proud to increase our investments across the United States to $600 billion over four years and launch our new American Manufacturing Program," Apple CEO Tim Cook shared in a statement. "This includes new and expanded work with 10 companies across America. They produce components that are used in Apple products sold all over the world, and we’re grateful to the President for his support."
Apple is expanding our US commitment to $600 billion over the next four years. And our new American Manufacturing Program will bring even more jobs and advanced manufacturing to the US. pic.twitter.com/6KWkTGJN3O
In February, Apple said its original $500 billion investment plan would go towards building Apple Intelligence servers in the US, and that the majority of the new jobs the funding would provide would be focused on R&D, silicon engineering, software development and AI and machine learning. As part of this additional investment, Apple says it's also deepening its relationship and investment in component makers working in the US, like Corning and Amkor.
Corning produces the glass for iPhones and Apple Watches, and the company says that "soon, every iPhone and Apple Watch sold around the world will be built with Kentucky-made cover glass." Apple is investing in Amkor to take advantage of the company's "advanced chip packaging and test facility in Arizona." Apple says its "leading the creation of an end-to-end silicon supply chain in the United States" through its investments.
In a statement to Bloomberg before the announcement, a White House spokesperson suggested the new investment would "help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security." The Trump administration has previously called for Apple to make the iPhone in the US, something CNN reports is difficult to downright impossible.
Apple's current strategy for dealing with Trump is similar to how it handled the President during his first term. In 2019, Apple CEO Time Cook and Trump "opened" a Mac Pro factory in Texas. The factory had been up-and-running since 2013, but the President was pleased by the optics of making a deal. Apple's partnership with Amkor was similarly announced years ago in 2023, but is being trotted out now because it fits with Apple's "American Manufacturing Program."
Apple is a trillion-dollar company that can afford to spend a few billion to avoid paying tariffs, but it also likely planned to increase its investment in the US anyway to keep up with competitors. It's entirely possible the company is just packaging its spending in a way that flatters the President.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-to-invest-another-100-billion-into-the-us-to-avoid-tariffs-210250020.html?src=rss
RedOctane Games is back and ready to make more rhythm games. The studio announced its re-launch today and said it is already in production on its first title. Charles and Kai Huang, who co-founded the original RedOctane back in 1999 and launched the Guitar Hero franchise, will serve on a special advisory board for the new company. The first RedOctane was acquired by Activision in 2006 and shuttered in 2010.
The team is small, but it has some heavy-hitters from the rhythm game world. Its head of studio is Simon Ebejer, who was the production director for multiple Guitar Hero games, and many of its employees worked on Guitar Hero and DJ Hero. RedOctane will operate within parent company Embracer Freemode, which also houses CRKD, a gaming accessory company that also has history in rhythm games.
There are some interesting competitors to this revived RedOctane on the market, such as Clone Hero and Fortnight Festival, not to mention legions of arcade titles. It should be exciting to see what new ideas RedOctane will bring to the party.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/redoctane-relaunches-and-will-continue-to-make-new-rhythm-games-211816411.html?src=rss
Last month, a Pew Research Center report shed light on Google's AI Overviews' effect on web publishing. In short, the analysis painted an abysmal outlook for anyone relying on web traffic. But on Wednesday, Google Search head Liz Reid penned a blog post that puts quite a different spin on things. The Google VP claims traffic from search to websites is "relatively stable" and that click quality has increased.
Reid's framing boils down to everything is peachy, and AI is making things better — even for websites! She wrote that Google Search's total organic click volume to websites has been "relatively" stable year-over-year. Reid also claimed Google sends more "quality clicks" (visitors who don't quickly bounce) to websites than a year ago. The company says people are also happier with the search experience.
The company didn't share any numbers — the post has no data whatsoever — to support its claims.
Google's explanation for the rosy outlook? "With AI Overviews, people are searching more and asking new questions that are often longer and more complex," Reid wrote. "In addition, with AI Overviews, people are seeing more links on the page than before. More queries and more links mean more opportunities for websites to surface and get clicked."
Reid does highlight a shifting landscape. She says user trends are resulting in lower traffic for some sites and increased traffic for others. Of course, the Google Search head didn't call out any specific websites. But she claims forums, videos, podcasts and posts with "authentic voices and first-hand perspectives" are thriving. Reid added that content like "an in-depth review, an original post, a unique perspective, or a thoughtful first-person analysis" does well.
Google / Engadget
The Google VP said people seeking simple Q&A types of searches are leaning more on AI. "For some questions where people are looking for a quick answer, like 'when is the next full moon,' people may be satisfied with the initial AI Overviews response and not click further," Reid wrote. "This has also been true for other answer features we've added, like the Knowledge Graph or sports scores. But for many other types of questions, people continue to click through, as they want to dig deeper into a topic, explore further or make a purchase. This is why we see click quality increasing — an AI response might provide the lay of the land, but people click to dive deeper and learn more, and when they do, these clicks are more valuable."
It's quite the contrast from the Pew report. It found that visitors who saw an AI summary clicked a traditional search result in eight percent of all visits. Those without an AI summary? They clicked on a traditional result in 15 percent of their visits. As for those source links in AI summaries? Pew found that only one percent of people clicked on those. Users were also more likely to end their browsing after visiting a page with an AI summary.
That aligned with comments Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince made in June. He said search traffic referrals keep plummeting. "The future of the web is going to be more and more like AI, and that means that people are going to be reading the summaries of your content, not the original content," he said. Prince said that a decade ago, Google sent a publisher one visitor for every two pages it crawled. Early this year, it dropped to one visitor for every six pages. He said that, in June, it was down to one for every 18.
I can't tell you who to believe. But here's what the ultimate source had to say:
Google / Engadget
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-actually-ai-in-search-is-driving-more-queries-and-higher-quality-clicks-204946965.html?src=rss
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