• Google's free cash flow went negative for the first time in decades.
• It's a sign that the AI bill is finally coming due.
• Google raised its predicted capital expenditure once again, and there are no signs of it slowing.

The bill for Google's AI spending spree is coming due.

Google said Wednesday that its free cash flow for the second quarter turned to negative $5.9 billion, as the company's capital expenditures continue to rise.

It marks the first time the company has reported negative free cash flow in decades, per AlphaSense, a signal of how much money Google is spending on AI data centers and hardware.

Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta had already planned to spend more than $700 billion in capex this year, and that number only seems to be ticking up.

Google said it now expects to spend $195 billion to $205 billion in capex for full-year 2026, up from its previous estimate of $180 billion to $190 billion.

Anat Ashkenazi, Google's chief financial officer, said the company expects capex spend to increase "significantly" in 2027.

On Wednesday, Tesla reported negative cash flow for the first time in more than two years, as Elon Musk's company also ramps up spending on AI infrastructure.

There's also a question about how far these dollars actually stretch compared to a year ago. Some analysts reckon there's inflation due to higher costs of memory chips and other materials, which make it more expensive to build out capacity.

All things considered, investors probably expect Google's cash flow to remain in the red for quite some time — even as the company continues to report strong revenue gains.

• Almost 200 companies are urging the Trump administration not to cut off access to Chinese open-weight AI models.
• The companies say cutting off access risks crippling the next generation of U.S. startups.
• The newly-formed Little Tech Association sent letters to the administration with its appeal on Wednesday.

Almost 200 Silicon Valley companies, including Proton and Y Combinator, are urging the Trump administration not to cut off access to Chinese open-weight artificial intelligence models or risk crippling the next generation of U.S. startups.

On Wednesday, the newly-formed Little Tech Association sent letters to President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and others in the administration with its appeal, marking the first coordinated effort by Silicon Valley's wider influential startup community to weigh in on one of the Trump administration's most closely watched AI debates. At issue: whether Washington should restrict access to increasingly powerful open-weight — meaning, AI models whose weights are publicly available — AI models released by Chinese companies such as Moonshot AI and Alibaba.

"American leadership requires two things: world-leading American open-weight models and continued access for U.S. builders to open models already available worldwide," the startup founders wrote in the letter obtained by POLITICO, also sent to Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios. Instead of broad prohibitions, they argue the government should adopt targeted safeguards.

And they warn that banning Americans from downloading Chinese open-weight models wouldn't stop their proliferation — but would weaken U.S. startups.

"There'll be hundreds of companies that instantly die," said Suhail Doshi, founder of AI infrastructure startup Particle and a member of the association, which POLITICO first wrote about exclusively, in an interview. "It's great for Anthropic. We're all going to have to spend money on Anthropic."

The matter took on new urgency following reporting that the Trump administration was considering banning Chinese AI models, shortly after Moonshot AI unveiled its powerful Kimi K3 model.

"The United States leads the world in AI innovation, and President Trump will keep it that way. The Trump Administration is doubling down on innovation to widen the gap between America and the rest of the world," White House spokesperson Liz Huston said in a statement to West Wing Playbook.

A White House official granted anonymity to discuss the possibility of action against Chinese models said, "Any policy announcement will be announced directly by the administration. Any reporting until then is baseless speculation."

Those reports sparked panic across Silicon Valley's startup community, where many founders rely on the cheaper Chinese open-weight models to build products and lack the resources to spend heavily on usage credits from U.S. AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI. Among their fears: that banning these models would heavily advantage a handful of AI behemoths.

It also sparked discussions Monday night about the matter among senior White House and Cabinet members, according to two people familiar with the matter granted anonymity to speak about private discussions. But the idea of a blanket ban on Chinese open-weight models was not seriously discussed.

Still, administration officials have continued escalating their rhetoric against Chinese AI developers.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday on Fox Business' "Mornings with Maria" that the administration would investigate whether Chinese artificial intelligence companies had improperly distilled American models to power their own, saying that the U.S. can "sanction" companies that engage in intellectual property theft.

On Wednesday, Kratsios said the administration had information that Moonshot AI distilled Anthropic's Fable model while developing K3, alleging the Chinese company built "a sophisticated internal platform" to conduct large-scale distillation against American models while attempting to evade detection. Kratsios also alleged that Moonshot had acquired Nvidia GB300-equipped servers to train its models, despite a ban on their sale to Chinese entities.

Kratsios emphasized that the administration "strongly supports the free and fair development of AI, including a thriving competitive ecosystem that spans frontier models, specialized systems, open-source frameworks, and open-weight models," while drawing a distinction between legitimate model distillation and industrial-scale theft.

Moonshot has not publicly addressed the allegations.As of Wednesday, the Commerce Department — which maintains a list of companies subject to export controls and licensing restrictions, called the Entities List — had not drafted plans to include Chinese AI companies, according to the first person.

The group's position against banning open weight models also reflects a growing divide inside the AI industry, with heavyweights like Anthropic increasingly urging more restrictions on Chinese AI developers over security concerns, and startups arguing that bans would do little to help, but would put startups at a competitive disadvantage.

Little Tech Association Executive Director Harry Godfrey said in an interview that policymakers should use "a scalpel rather than a sledgehammer."

"The answer here would be: What is the lightest-touch way that doesn't raise costs, limit access or inhibit American innovation while still addressing" legitimate security concerns, he said.

This story originally appeared on POLITICO and is courtesy of the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network, which harnesses the resources of the company's newsrooms to publish ambitious scoops, investigations, interviews, opinion pieces, and analysis. It allows journalists — including those from POLITICO, Business Insider, WELT, BILD, Onet, and Fakt — to collaborate on major stories for an international audience of hundreds of millions across platforms.

Tesla stock slipped more than 4% after hours as the EV maker delivered revenue ahead of estimates but profit that missed Wall Street's expectations.

Tesla's record Q2 vehicle deliveries helped drive $28.24 billion in revenue, topping analysts' estimates of $26.31 billion. But quarterly profit was far less than anticipated, with adjusted EPS of 33 cents compared to estimates of 50 cents.

"Q2 was a strong quarter for our core vehicle, energy and services businesses as well as our manufacturing, infrastructure and AI initiatives," the company said in its earnings release.

The second-quarter report is Tesla's first since Elon Musk's other big company went public last month.

On an analyst call following the results, Musk stayed mum on SpaceX-Tesla merger chatter, but highlighted synergies between the two companies. Bulls say that a tie-up of the two companies is a natural fit and would streamline some of Musk's goals.

Tesla expects to spend more than ever in the coming quarter. The company said that it is in its "largest and most exciting period of investment." Musk said that Tesla should be spending on capex "as fast as we can without being too wasteful."

But Musk also looked to temper expectations on production of Telsa's humanoid robot, Optimus, says it will have a flat and long start to its production S curve. He stressed manufacturing the robot is extremely challenging.

On the robotaxi front, Tesla's executives said a careful rollout was key to avoid any incidents that could damage the technology's reputation. They said Tesla has completed 380,000 miles of unsupervised robotaxi rides with zero "notable incidents."

Musk and other Tesla executives also talked about supply chain constraints (Micron got a Musk shout-out for allocating memory chips during the shortage), Cybercab, and Semi production on the analyst call — follow along for the play-by-play:

That's a wrap! Tesla's analyst call concludes.

The stock is trading down 4.25% after hours as the live Q&A with Wall Street analysts ends.

See you next quarter!

Musk once again looks at the sun for energy.

As the call comes to a close, Musk briefly mentions his ambitions to harness the power of the sun to power AI data centers. He says the "so-called hyperscalers" are also having trouble finding the power to run their massive data centers.

"You can just think of the Earth like a giant satellite," he says. "There's far more power available from the sun than anything else by far."

He also predicts demand for Tesla's Megapack battery business to increase over time as a result.

Musk talks Tesla upgrades.

Musk frustrated some Tesla drivers during the last earnings call, admitting that some earlier versions of his camera-based vehicles didn't have the correct hardware installed for the next level of Full Self-Driving.

Tesla, he says, is looking to upgrade nearly all camera-equipped vehicles with next-generation AI hardware.

Musk wants Tesla to spend big on capex, but not be wasteful.

Musk says that Tesla should be spending on CapEx "as fast as we can without being too wasteful," adding that it would be okay to be less capital efficient if goals are achieved sooner.

The CEO also boasts about Tesla's manufacturing build-out, comparing it to Henry Ford's Model T build-out. Tesla is "probably the fastest industrial scale-up since World War 2 in America," he says.

Tesla's CFO chimes in to say Tesla's capex spend is going to productive assets, such as scaling factories, building a semiconductor fab, and trying to get more solar manufacturing in the US.

There aren't enough truckers, Musk says. But don't expect autonomous Semi anytime soon.

Musk says that the coming Semi — Tesla's trucking rig that will combine some autonomous driving features — will help with America's trucking worker shortage.

"There is a really serious shortage of truckers," he says. "There just aren't enough people around who want to drive trucks."

While autonomous trucking is a growing market, Musk says Tesla is focused first on solving full self-driving for the more affordable and high-volume Model Y and Model 3.

The Cybercab needs specific data to become autonomous.

Musk is saying that the Cybercab is built on a different chassis than other vehicles in Tesla's fleet. That means the car needs to collect its own specific data to become a fully self-driving vehicle.

SpaceX's Starlink will be integrated into Tesla's robotaxis, Musk says.

Musk says Starlink integration into Tesla's robotaxis is necessary to maintain constant cellular coverage while passengers travel.

"We can't have robotaxis stuck in these like Bermuda Triangles of lack of cellular connectivity," Musk says.

Musk stays mum on SpaceX-Tesla merger chatter.

Musk says he won't comment on speculation of an eventual SpaceX and Tesla merger on an earnings call. But he is highlighting the company's synergies, including the Robotaxi and AI businesses.

More details on Optimus

Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's vice president of AI, defended Optimus's humanoid form, even if some Silicon Valley investors remain skeptical about humanoid robots. Elluswamy said that the form allows the robot to learn a wide range of tasks from people.

Tesla's first production robots will join its "Optimus Academy," where they will practice tasks and generate training data. Elluswamy said that will push their capabilities to a "superhuman level."

Tesla VP of engineer says New Jersey's proposed autonomous car regulation is "disheartening"

Lars Moravy, Tesla's VP of vehicle engineering, says New Jersey's recent legislative proposal on autonomous cars was a "little disheartening."

The state law, which has yet to pass, would require autonomous cars to have two additional sensor modalities, such as lidar and radar, on top of cameras. That would essentially ban Tesla from operating self-driving cars in the state unless they made significant changes to their vehicles. (Musk has been vocally against lidar.)

We now know why it's hard to hear Elon! He says he's sick.

On Twitter, some people have been pointing out that Musk has sounded a little "mumbly." On our end, his audio is definitely tough to make out at some points. Now we know why.

Musk said that he was feeling "under the weather" when responding to an analyst question.

A very 2026 moment: Musk shouts out Micron for giving Tesla memory chip allocation

The memory shortage is very, very real for companies, and Musk takes time during the analyst call to praise memory manufacturer Micron for giving Tesla chip supply during the crunch.

Musk says Micron had to make "some very tough decisions on memory allocation."

"We really appreciate Micron making room for Tesla in the years to come, and giving us actually very significant allocation on reasonable terms, given the the pretty insane pricing of memory these days," he adds.

Tesla says Robotaxi has had zero "notable incidents" with unsupervised rides.

Ashok Elluswamy, Tesla's VP of AI, says the Robotaxi platform has driven 380,000 miles of unsupervised robotaxi rides with zero "notable incidents."

The executive took a quick victory lap to say that the experts who said sensors such as lidar and radar are necessary for fully autonomous rides were wrong.

The live Q&A with analysts begins.

Tesla's stock is trading down 4.2% after hours as the Q&A portion begins.

Tesla is spending a lot. Expect capex to grow.

Tesla is spending a lot of money, and it isn't letting up. CFO Taneja says that the company went cash flow negative because its capex rose to support AI and robotics, and he expects the spending to keep increasing into the second half of the year.

CFO says Robotaxi expects to enter new markets this year

Taneja says Tesla has expanded the Robotaxi platform into seven markets and expects to enter new US markets throughout the year.

Tesla CFO talks supply-chain constraints: "We've been here before"

Tesla's CFO says production growth is hindered by not only battery supply but also the availability of electrical components.

But the CFO says he's not sweating the company's largest vehicle order backlog since 2023. He says Tesla has "been here before" and is working with suppliers to ramp up vehicle production.

Tesla CFO talks "inherently lumpy" energy business.

Tesla's Megapack energy business isn't always a smooth growth line, the CFO says.

"Deployments are tied to customer timelines and largely out of our control," he says.

Tesla's energy business returned to growth last quarter.

Next up: Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja

The Tesla CFO begins his prepared remarks, and thankfully the audio is crystal clear.

Musk proposes putting modular AI data centers near Tesla Superchargers

Elon Musk says Tesla could explore placing its Megapod modular AI data centers near Supercharger sites, using the available electricity for AI compute.

Musk teases Terafab location reveal "soon."

Musk says Tesla will "soon" reveal where it will build the Terafab, the company's massive, vertically-integrated semiconductor project it's building in collaboration with SpaceX and Intel.

The Tesla CEO the reveal deserves its own day in the sun, not crammed into an earnings call (in other words, expect a separate Terafab event).

Musk tempers expectations on Optimus production

Musk reiterates that Optimus could become "the biggest product ever," but cautions that it will be the hardest Tesla product to manufacture at scale.

Because no established supply chain exists for many of its components, Musk says Optimus will have a flat and long start to its production curve.

Tesla stock is trading down over 5% after hours as analyst call progresses.

Wall Street doesn't appear to like what it hears from Musk. It's not clear exactly what spooked them, but it could have been Musk managing expectations with the pace of Optimus production.

Tesla wants to be "cautious" with Robotaxi rollout

Musk says Tesla's goals for Robotaxi are ambitious, but the CEO wants to be extra cautious on safety.

"We're going as fast as humanly possible in scaling Robotaxi, but while trying to ensure that we do not harm anyone at all. And ideally, not even run over a pet," he says.

"If we injure even one person, it'll be worldwide headline news and regulators will immediately clamp down on our activities," he adds.

If you're having a hard time hearing Elon Musk, it's not just you — the call audio is a bit choppy.

Musk might need a better connection or microphone. The call audio briefly dipped out.

Musk says this will be a "massive" Capex year

Musk says that 2026 will be a massive year in investment. The CEO says he's confident that will yield "incredible returns."

Musk gives his opening remarks.

Musk begins with quarter highlights, including FSD, which saw subscriptions surge. The company said it booked a 56% yearly increase.

"It's looking very good on that front," he says.

Musk adds that in locations where Tesla's FSD is approved, the company is seeing a very high take rate. As more markets approve FSD, the CEO says he expects to see demand increase.

And we're off! Tesla's analyst call begins.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk and CFO Vaibhav Taneja are on the line. The call begins with opening remarks from the executives about the quarter. Then, they'll answer a few pre-submitted questions from retail investors. Finally, a live Q&A happens with Wall Street analysts.

We'll be live-blogging it all.

5 minutes to go until Tesla's analyst call…

Elon Musk is expected to be on the call, answering questions from analysts.

The stock slump has extended in after hours. Tesla shares are now trading down 3.2%.

Tesla says it's in its "largest and most exciting period of investment"

Tesla's second quarter showed significant revenue growth, but the gains were in part overshadowed by the billions the company is pouring into AI, robotaxi, and robotics.

Capex increased to $5.8 billion this quarter, a 142% year-over-year increase.

It's all part of the plan, the company said: "Tesla is in its largest and most exciting period of investment. From here, there remains much hard work as we aim to revolutionize transportation, energy and productivity through our leading real-world AI."

Tesla's battery build out is a "limiting factor"

Tesla is trying to build more batteries. That ramp, it said, is "the main limiting factor to near-term vehicle production volume increase."

Tesla's stock price is down around 3% after hours with 25 minutes before the analyst call.

Analyst reaction: "Tesla's margin miss lights a red flag."

"Even though sales rebounded very nicely, with record Q2 deliveries, the rebound was built on significant margin squeezing: automotive gross margin excluding credits fell below even the most bearish Street estimates and did not do nearly enough to counterbalance dwindling regulatory credits," wrote Thomas Monteiro, senior analyst at Investing.com.

"The headline profit also deserves a closer look," the analyst said.

"Roughly $0.22 of the $0.32 GAAP EPS came from an unrealized $1 billion gain on Tesla's recently acquired SpaceX stake, a paper markup rather than earned profit, flattering a print the market is already selling. Strip it out and the underlying quarter is materially weaker than the bottom line suggests."

Tesla's semi truck production is getting closer to reality

After shaking up the US consumer auto industry in the late 2010s, Tesla has in recent years also targeted the trucking industry.

The Tesla Semi, an all-electric rig with an estimated 325- to 500-mile battery range, is "on track for production this year."

Tesla's energy sales are back on the upswing.

After a declining $2.4 billion in energy sales revenue during the first quarter of 2026, the energy generation and storage business saw a return to growth in the second quarter, growing 13% year over year to $3.1 billion.

The company previously reported delivering 13.5 GWh of energy.

FSD is important to Tesla — and Musk's pay package

There are still unanswered questions about the 56% yearly increase in Tesla's FSD subscriptions. The biggest one: How many of those are part of new vehicle sale incentives?

It's important to note: part of Elon's possible $1 trillion pay package is linked to boosting FSD subscriptions.

Tesla's corporate account highlighted the 56% increase in a post on X:

In Q2, over 55% of deliveries in North America included an FSD subscription at the time of delivery https://t.co/FSi63mE4Nt

— Tesla (@Tesla) July 22, 2026

Tesla says Optimus production to begin "soon"

Tesla gave a brief update on — and glimpse of — production of its humanoid robot.

The first robots built at its Fremont factory will join the company's "Optimus Academy," where they'll perform tasks to generate data for training the AI models that power the robots.

Cybercab testing and production has begun

Tesla said production and employee testing of the Cybercab, a purpose-built robotaxi, have begun.

In July, employees started taking autonomous Cybercab rides around the company's Gigafactory Texas campus.

Tesla said that it installed an annual manufacturing capacity of 125,000 Cybercabs. Tesla notes that this does not represent the current production rate.

Tesla's revenue from regulatory credits dips

For years, Tesla has made billions of dollars from the rest of the auto industry by selling regulatory credits. Since its lineup of cars doesn't produce tailpipe emissions, it was able to sell government-regulated credits to carmakers that couldn't meet average fuel economy standards.

But that's changed since the Trump administration has canceled that regulatory device. This quarter, Tesla earned $146 million in credits, down from $380 million last quarter and $439 million a year earlier.

Tesla owners are really digging FSD (Supervised)

The automaker reported 1.48 million active FSD subscriptions, the automaker's semi-autonomous software service. That's up 56% from a year ago.

"We also achieved record FSD attach rates in North America, with over 55% of new deliveries including FSD subscriptions," Tesla said.

Tesla ramps up unsupervised Robotaxi rides

Tesla has begun adding unsupervised robotaxi rides to its autonomous ride-hailing platform as it scales into more cities.

On the eve of earnings day, Tesla added unsupervised rides to Orlando and Tampa. Tesla said in its earnings report that it now operates Robotaxi in seven metropolitan regions, though its San Francisco Bay Area operations remain supervised by a safety monitor.

How big Tesla's robotaxi fleet is and how many of them are unsupervised remain unclear.

Want a Roadster? Please hold! (Again.)

Tesla's long-suffering second-generation Roadster is still in "design development," the company reported on Wednesday — it's had that designation for about 9 years.

The first iteration of the Roadster was Tesla's first vehicle. Essentially a Lotus Elise with a Tesla battery bolted on, it was key to Tesla's initial branding success, making the case that electric vehicles could also be sporty.

Musk said in late 2017 that the company would launch a refreshed version and started collecting deposits on the car. But it has remained in development limbo since.

Musk has teased a demo for some point this year.

Tesla's automotive revenue grew 23% year over year.

Tesla recorded $20.52 billion in vehicle sales, handedly beating Wall Street's estimates of $18.68 billion.

Tesla made money on its SpaceX investment

Tesla revealed a roughly $1 billion unrealized gain on its existing SpaceX investment. Last quarter, the company said it purchased $2 billion worth of stock in the joint AI and space technology company.

Tesla's Q2 earnings are out — see the key numbers

• Revenue: $28.24 billion vs. $26.31 billion estimate
• Adjusted EPS: 33c vs. 50c estimate
• Gross margin: 16.8% vs. 19.4% estimate
• Capital expenditures: $5.79 billion vs. $6.59 billion estimate

A bot for home chores?

CEO Elon Musk is taking Tesla on a major pivot away from traditional auto sales and into AI-led products. Its most notable product, the Optimus humanoid robot, is racing toward its promised delivery date.

During Tesla's April earnings call, Musk said low-volume production of the latest Optimus robot would begin in Fremont in late July or August. Tesla has released several videos of the factory rebuild on X.

Investors will be looking for updates on production during Wednesday's call.

The Tesla Diner just turned one

Tesla's diner just blew the candles out on its one-year-old birthday.

The spaceship-shaped, Los Angeles-based diner with a line of fast-charging ports first opened on July 21, 2025. Tesla says it has since supported 580,000 charging sessions, something that Max de Zegher, the company's senior director of charging, called the "highest usage Supercharger in the world."

The diner is now serving a new hot dog drizzled with American cheese and topped with potato sticks, called the "Launch Dog." It's served in a cardboard box that's shaped like a rocket ship.

The diner might get some sister restaurants. On X, Musk has teased that there are "more to come."

Tesla's energy-storage business had another enormous quarter

Tesla's energy business came roaring back.

On July 2, the company reported deploying 13.5 GWh of energy storage products, a 53.4% increase compared to the first quarter of 2026. Still, it came in nearly 5% lower than its peak power deployment in the final quarter of 2025.

Tesla's energy business is increasingly important to Musk's company: it has higher margins than its automotive sales and helps power SpaceX and Meta's data centers.

Whispers about a SpaceX merger grow

Tesla has been somewhat overshadowed recently by another corner of Elon Musk's business empire. SpaceX, Musk's rocket company/AI lab/social media meme feed, raised $86 billion in a record-breaking public listing last month and quickly eclipsed Tesla by rocketing to a $2 trillion-plus market cap.

SpaceX has come back down to earth in recent weeks with a major share price fall, but the rocket maker — which also counts Musk as its CEO — is still worth nearly $200 billion more than Tesla.

The buzz around SpaceX has fuelled rumors that Musk might merge the two companies. A potential tie-up with SpaceX was one of the most-discussed topics on the online forum for Tesla shareholders to submit questions to executives ahead of earnings.

Robotaxi ramps up… but slower than predicted

Elon Musk has made grand predictions about Tesla's robotaxi service. So far, they've largely been wide of the mark.

A year on from the billionaire's prediction that Tesla's driverless taxis would be serving half the US population by the end of 2025, the company is still some way from hitting that milestone.

Tesla announced on Tuesday that robotaxi operations had begun in Orlando and Tampa, following the launch of small-scale services in Miami and three Texan cities. However, with the company pumping billions into AI and autonomy, analysts and investors want to see results.

"Strong auto and energy deliveries set Tesla up for a solid quarter, but we believe the key investor debate remains unchanged: can Robotaxi and Optimus progress quickly enough to justify an accelerating AI investment cycle?" analysts from Morgan Stanley wrote in a July 13 note.

Tesla's EV business bounces back

After a rocky 2025, Tesla's global electric vehicle business is heading in the right direction again.

The Model Y maker reported booming second-quarter sales earlier this month, with EV deliveries rising 25% year-over-year, thanks in part to high gas prices. The surge suggested that Tesla has largely recovered from last year's sales slump, which was partially driven by the end of the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicles.

Wall Street was unimpressed by the rosy sales figures, with Tesla's stock falling as much as 8% after the numbers dropped. Despite the company's vehicle business recovering, Elon Musk has made it clear that Tesla's future lies in robotaxis and humanoid robots, not EVs.

Cantor's bullish target rooted in Tesla's robotaxi business

Cantor Fitzgerald has a $510 price target for Tesla stock, 35% higher than Wednesday's price. Analyst Andres Sheppard highlighted the latest vehicle deliveries beat and successful robotaxi rollout, noting that his team expects to see progress continue.

"Overall, we continue to see Tesla's Robotaxi segment and Cybercab as a software-as-a-service, high-margin model," he noted. "We continue to expect TSLA will have the ability to scale rapidly following commercialization (despite the delayed expansion) and capture meaningful market share."

Auto revenues are increasingly irrelevant for the stock, Barclays says

Barclays is less bullish on Tesla stock than some Wall Street peers, maintaining a $370 price target and equal weight rating. While its analysts noted that the company's automotive business is improving, they raised the question of how much that actually matters going forward.

"We believe the key message from the market with respect to Tesla's frothy multiple has been that Tesla's current revenue stream (which is predominantly automotive) is increasingly irrelevant, with the key focus for the stock on future mega-growth initiatives in AI - Robotaxi /FSD / autonomous driving + bots / Optimus humanoids," Barclays wrote.

"Physical AI" will require significant capex

Analysts at Oppenheimer say that Tesla's transition to a leader in "physical AI" will require substantial capex to acquire the necessary compute power and memory capacity.

"We anticipate investors will begin looking at capital investments as a leading indicator of Physical AI success," Oppenheimer analysts wrote."

The firm recently raised its capex outlook for Tesla from $18 billion to $20 billion for the year as it predicts Tesla to "aggressively bring capacity online to enable AI-driven learning cycles on product design, manufacturing processes, and software integration in to products."

Narrative updates won't be enough to drive "decisive" shift for the stock, MS says

Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Percoco expects to see progress on several key fronts, though he says the report in unlikely to deliver a significant narrative update to spur a new burst of gains for the stock.

"Strong auto and energy deliveries improve near-term fundamentals, but we continue to believe Robotaxi and Optimus will be the primary drivers for the stock," he said. "Into earnings we expect constructive updates across both, though likely not enough to drive a decisive re-rating."

Tesla heads into earnings with "bears in control"

According to data from S3 Partners, short interest in Tesla stock has spiked since the end of March, rising from 60 million shares to 80 million.

"The steady increase suggests bearish conviction has continued to build heading into earnings. Rather than reducing exposure ahead of a potentially volatile catalyst, short positioning has continued to build alongside weakening price action," S3 managing director, Matthew Unterman, wrote on Tuesday.

From a technical perspective, shares have fallen below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Both are now overhead resistance levels for the stock, S3 said.

BofA says focus to be on robotaxi deployment

BofA rates Tesla stock as a "Buy" ahead of earnings and maintains a $391 price target, slightly higher than Wednesday's price. The bank's analysts see the rollout of Tesla robotaxis and Optimus humanoid robot production as key points of interest.

"We think focus for earnings will remain on TSLA's robotaxi deployments," BofA wrote. "TSLA added an additional market & is scaling TX fleet. We think core auto business remains healthy with reported 2Q deliveries above Street as TSLA gains global BEV market share."

Analysts estimate Q2 revenue at $26.3 billion, EPS at $0.34

Second quarter

• Adjusted EPS estimate 50c (Bloomberg Consensus)
• EPS estimate 34c
• Revenue estimate $26.31 billion
• Automotive revenue estimate $18.68 billion
• Energy generation and storage revenue estimate $3.77 billion
• Services and other revenue estimate $3.72 billion
• Gross margin estimate 19.4%
• Operating income estimate $1.39 billion
• Negative free cash flow estimate $3.64 billion
• Capital expenditure estimate $6.59 billion
• Active FSD subscriptions estimate 1.4 million

Year

• Production estimate 1.63 million
• Deliveries estimate 1.71 million
• Capital expenditure estimate $25.16 billion

Source: Bloomberg

• Google's parent, Alphabet, said it earned an additional $98 billion this quarter from its equity investments.
• The tech giant didn't disclose which investments, but it's most likely from SpaceX and Anthropic.
• Alphabet's stock is still down slightly as investors fret about its huge AI spend and AI struggles.

Imagine making nearly $100 billion extra and dedicating exactly one vague sentence to it. That's just what Google parent Alphabet did in its second quarter earnings report.

The tech giant reported that its "other income" totaled $98 billion in the second quarter, noting it came from unrealized gains on its investments.

Analysts didn't ask Alphabet executives about the gain on its earnings call. Instead, they focused on its rising capital expenditures and position in the AI race. The tech giant's stock closed down about 1.24%.

It's not the first time Alphabet has done this. In April 2025, the company disclosed a similar $8 billion paper gain. Google has no obligation to disclose exactly where those gains come from, and it doesn't.

The gains are almost certainly related to very savvy investments the company has made in companies like SpaceX, Anthropic, and Databricks.

Google was an early SpaceX investor, buying about 7% of the company in 2015. SpaceX also uses Google Cloud for its Starlink service. SpaceX is currently worth about $1.5 trillion dollars since its IPO last month. Google invested in SpaceX when it was worth only about $12 billion — that's a 133x return.

Google is also heavily invested in Anthropic, owning about a 14% stake in the company as of last March, according to filings seen by the New York Times. The AI lab was valued at almost $1 trillion in a massive $65 billion funding round in May. Some investors think it's already worth $1.2 trillion.

Additionally, Google is an investor in Databricks, which was valued at $188 billion in a funding round earlier this month.

Google, SpaceX, Anthropic, and Databricks didn't respond to requests for comment.

Google's investing chops are certainly impressive. But investors are more concerned about Google's own prospects.

The tech giant hiked its capital expenditures to a maximum of $205 billion this year as it races to compete on AI. While Google has strong advantages in distribution and chipmaking, its efforts to build a leading AI model haven't paid off.

It keeps delaying its next big AI chatbot, which some rivals are mocking online.

Still, many analysts remain bullish on Google's fundamentals. Its revenue jumped by almost 25% compared to last year on the back of strong ads and cloud sales, which are also being boosted by AI.

"Another impressive quarter for Google," said Emarketer principal analyst Nate Elliott.

• I really dislike how disrupted our regular routine is when the kids are home during summer break.
• This year, I was determined to make the days more productive and meaningful while limiting screens.
• I turned to the Kanban method, a business system for organization, to keep my kids on task.

I am a summer Grinch. I do not thrive in warm weather. I do not have the funds for extravagant vacations. Perhaps the thing I like least about summer is that my family's sense of routine is disrupted.

My two kids, 10 and 12, are spending several weeks of the summer in day camp, but also have stretches where we have no commitments. I'm working from home as an independent journalist and also have a summer job at a new play festival.

A babysitter takes care of the kids while I'm at the theatre, which motivates me to keep the house at least a little orderly. But I was still struggling to come up with a system for keeping my home and sanity intact while the kids are home.

Turning to a business system gave me some help, and some hope, for a summer we could all survive.

I came across a new-to-me method of organizing our lives

I was researching ways to organize workflow online and came across the Kanban method. I was intrigued. I learned that kanban means "signboard" in Japanese and is a business system used by companies like Toyota (where it was developed). It helps manage workflow across multiple people in multi-step projects.

My background in teaching informed my decision to use this method since it involves "chunking" a project into smaller parts. Instead of the task "keep the house clean," there are smaller actions like "wipe countertops" that are more specific and manageable.

Chunking is an especially good strategy for students with ADHD or other barriers to learning, and my kids fall into that category. I broke out the Post-It notes and got to work.

Setting up the system

After learning about how kanban can help people maximize their productivity, I made the unpopular household decision that we would be implementing the method this summer.

I had some trial and error while constructing my board. The first version was just putting sticky notes on the wall, but they kept falling down, so I pinned a bright square of wrapping to the wall. The sticky notes stuck to the paper better than the wall.

I put a solid piece of paper on one side to indicate the "done" section. Then, I assigned colors to each kid and designated a third color for activities that anyone could do or that they could do together, such as putting away clean dishes or playing a board game.

It's working

I have one highly independent, artsy middle schooler and one extremely energetic, very social elementary schooler, so I assigned them very different tasks to suit their own abilities and interests.

My older kid is writing a novel, so I made a sticky note for that activity. My younger kid is more into playing with the dogs, so I assigned that as a chore to him. I also gave each kid two 20-minute reading slots. I'd like it if my kids saw free reading as leisure time, but that's not who they are right now.

While there are some fun tasks on the board, screentime is not. I'm not strict about screens, we all regulate with them, and I think some of the secret to my meager parenting successes over the years is that I allow a certain amount of screentime no matter what. However, once the allotted morning screentime is up, I expect kids to be doing work from the board. We all take a little screentime in the afternoon, whether it's solo game time or a family movie, to decompress and escape the heat.

I considered assigning myself a color. I thought having a visual representation of all the tasks I do might give the kids some empathy for me and might inspire them to do their own part, but I decided against it for now. If I start getting push-back as the summer tips into its second half, I'll reconsider. Who knows, maybe I'll find it helps me with productivity as well.

While the kids were reluctant of this system at first, they got on board when they saw that each task took relatively little time compared to their expectations, and that they still had lots of time for their precious tablets.

Update: We've scoured the internet for REI coupons and promo codes, but we haven't found any active discount codes at the time of writing. We'll continue hunting for offer codes and updating this page as we find them, so keep checking back. In the meantime, if you're still interested in shopping at REI today, you can explore the retailer's ongoing deals below or head back to your cart.

REI has become a can't-miss destination when it comes to supplying your next outdoor adventure, serving as a one-stop shop for apparel, gear, and accessories from popular brands. The REI Co-op already offers tons of savings and discounts, but an easy way to shave off some additional savings at checkout is by using one of the best REI coupons and promo codes we've tested.

While the retailer carries basics like backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags, REI's inventory extends far beyond that. The brand carries gear for all seasons, ranging from snowboards to paddleboards, along with a massive selection of durable, performance-driven apparel and footwear. Another great option is the REI Outlet, where past-season favorites are often marked down significantly. There, savvy shoppers will find lots to love from top brands like Patagonia, The North Face, and Arc'teryx, among others.

We've rounded up the top REI deals below so you can get the most savings on your next order. The offers include general sales, coupon codes, and volume discounts, so there's a decent chance that something in your order might be available at a discounted price. We also sometimes spot exclusive offers for REI Co-op members.

Today's best REI coupons and promo codes

Previous REI coupons

Are there any other REI sales running at the moment?

REI usually has some form of sale running on the website at any given time, often across a variety of items. Sometimes this is a general offer on several products, and other times it's a special promo if you buy a certain number of products or bundle purchases together. You can check the "Deals" page of REI's website at any moment to see a full list of their current deals and markdowns. At the time of writing, REI is running the following promotions:

• Follow our Instagram page and WhatsApp channel for more deals and buying guides

How to use REI discount codes

Start by adding coupon-eligible items to your cart. From the "Shopping Cart" page, continue to checkout by logging into your co-op account or continuing as a guest. Once you've entered your contact and shipping information, you can apply a discount code by clicking the "Apply a coupon" dropdown, pasting a code into the "Enter code" text box, and clicking "Apply." From there, enter your payment information and submit your order.

Can you stack REI promo codes?

REI does not allow coupons to be stacked together. Only one discount code may be applied per order.

REI coupon frequently asked questions

Does REI offer discounts for students, teachers, and the military?

At the time of writing, REI doesn't offer any special discounts for teachers, students, or members of the military. This means that your best way to save is to take advantage of promo codes and other ongoing deals.

However, select other retailers offer discounts for these groups. If you're a student or educator, check out our roundups of the best student discounts and teacher discounts to see more savings offers from your favorite brands.

Do I have to be a co-op member to shop at REI?

You don't have to be a member of the co-op to shop at REI. However, co-op members enjoy a lot of perks, like free shipping on all orders, special discounts, and more, so joining may be worth it if you're a frequent shopper. Co-op membership requires a one-off fee of $30 for lifetime access, with no annual renewal costs. Learn more about the co-op on REI's website.

Does REI offer free shipping?

REI offers free standard shipping on all orders for co-op members, with no minimum spending required. Non-members can get free standard shipping on orders over $60. Learn more about shipping terms and exclusions on REI's website.

What is REI's return policy?

REI has generous return policies for both co-op members and non-members, but the return period differs depending on whether you're a member. In most cases, co-op members have a full 365-day period after the original purchase to return all eligible items. Non-members have a 90-day return window for all eligible items. Outdoor electronic returns must be done within 90 days for both co-op members and non-members. Certain items have different return windows, so be sure to check the terms and conditions on REI's website.

Can I use an REI promo code in-store?

For the most part, REI coupon and promo codes are only valid for online orders. That said, there would be exceptions, so it's worth reading the terms and conditions on any code you're planning to use.

Looking for more deals? Check out our roundup of the best Athleta coupons.

I don't compliment heels lightly. After years of chasing the dream of shoes that are both actually comfortable and actually stylish, I've learned to be skeptical. I've tested just about every brand that claims to have cracked the code — and I've got the blisters, ankle scrapes, and aching arches to prove it. When I worked on our guide to the most comfortable heels, I walked literal miles in dozens upon dozens of pairs just to separate the hype from the real deal.

That's exactly why Inez impressed me. The heels look like they belong on a runway, but the comfort is built in where it counts: plush, supportive insoles, thoughtful cushioning that absorbs impact, and high-quality materials that feel luxe from the first wear. They don't just claim to be wearable — they actually are. After all that testing, Inez remains one of the very few brands that truly delivers on both style and comfort.

Yes, most pairs fall in the $250 to $400 range. But I've learned the hard way that constantly buying cheaper heels that hurt ends up costing more in the long run. With Inez, I'm investing in shoes I know I'll keep — and actually wear — for years.

The Camilla

Why they're worth it: These nearly 4-inch heels are our top recommendation for wedding-guest heels that pair with any dress and are wearable enough to dance in for hours.

What to know before buying: The footbed can run a little long, so you might want to size down a half-size, but only if you're already between sizes.

I can't say enough great things about these platform heels. They tower at 3.9 inches, but the platform keeps the pitch shallow and the weight off of your toes.

The Camilla comes in many formalwear-ready colors, such as silver chrome, beige patent leather, and black lizard. When I wore them to a wedding, I was able to wear them for the full five hours of the ceremony and reception. This included a standing cocktail hour and a full two hours of dancing. At the end of the night, my feet were totally fine — not a blister or an ache to be felt.

I'm a long-time fan of Inez, so trust me when I say that this is some of its best work.

Fellow style editor Gabrielle Chase is also a devotee. She's styled them with everything from jeans to wedding attire, and put them through their paces on the streets of NYC.

In her Inez Camilla review, Gabrielle goes into how these are constructed for comfort, with engineering details meant to help lighten the pressure on the most sensitive areas of the foot.

"If you're staring down a calendar of weddings and feel pressed for a do-it-all heel, the Inez Camillas are a worthy investment. Their construction is excellent, and they make you feel tall without any threat of toppling over," she writes.

The Mia

Why they're worth it: These are among the most comfortable slingbacks we've tested, thanks to the cushioned footbed, manageable heel height, and three width options.

What to know before buying: Go down half a size, and keep in mind that the elastic backstrap may loosen a bit over time.

This pick from Inez is one of our favorite slingbacks we've ever tested. The suede exterior is luxurious, and the footbed — like all of Inez's creations — is perfectly contoured. The heel is also 2.8 inches, which might seem like a lot, but it doesn't feel that way when you're wearing it. 

It comes in a bunch of colors, from work-ready neutrals to party-ready bolds. And there are three widths, which we love: slim, standard, and roomy. As far as fit, Inez says that it's best to go a half-size down in this style, which I agree with. Like most pumps or slingbacks, the slope of the shoe pushes your feet a little deeper into the toe, which means you might need a little less length in the footbed. 

The only thing that slightly concerns me is that the backstrap has a bit of elastic that allows you to slip it on. I'm getting so much use out of these that I'm scared of the elastic stretching out and messing with the fit. 

The Yvonne

Why they're worth it: They're easy to slip on, but the double straps make them feel much more secure than a typical mule.

What to know before buying: The patent leather starts out stiff, so they need a little breaking in before the straps fully soften.

The Yvonne has the convenience of a slip-on, with a look that feels distinctly fanicer. The double strap may look like an aesthetic choice, but I've been impressed with how much stability it provides. Unlike a traditional mule with just a toe strap, these heels are better at keeping your feet in place.

That said, the patent leather does make this pair a little stiffer at first. The straps start off somewhat rigid, so there's a bit of a break-in period before they feel fully comfortable, especially if you're used to softer leather sandals. Once they loosen up, though, the Yvonne hits a nice middle ground: it has the convenience and ease of a shoe you can just slip on, with the dressier look of a heel that feels more special.

The Alta

Why they're worth it: These are the kind of sharp, dramatic pumps that instantly make a work outfit feel more powerful and polished.

What to know before buying: The 3.5-inch heel is steep, so they are best for mostly seated days rather than lots of walking.

Pumps are difficult to get right. Unlike platforms or other kinds of creatively designed shoes, there's no way of getting around the steep pitch. And these are particularly steep.

Aptly called the Alta, they have a towering heel height of 3.5 inches. And while they are more comfortable than I would expect, I wouldn't call them overly walkable. They feel like they look: sharp and dramatic. But these are not meant to be wedding heels you can dance in or boots you can run around the city in.

Above all, these are great work heels for a special day — as long as you're taking taxis, elevators, and mostly sitting down. Are these more comfortable than other pumps I've tried that are the same height? Yes. But are they totally painless? No.

And while I probably wouldn't recommend these for running around large conference halls, they are the ultimate secret weapon for feeling authoritative and stylish at work. Paired with one of the best suits for women, the Alta pumps make the ultimate power outfit. 

You can get the style with a lower-heeled option, called the Lola, if the Alta sounds a little too tall for you.

The Ceci

Why they're worth it: They have a bold '70s look, and the sturdy base makes the nearly 4-inch heel feel surprisingly stable and easy to walk in.

What to know before buying: The upper may feel tight at first, and the shoes will require at least a day to break in.

These chunky, high-heeled mules are what '70s dreams are made of. They're nearly four inches tall, which is incredibly steep. But like all of Inez's shoes, they look higher than they feel.

At first, I had some issues with the fit of the upper. It was a little tight around my foot, which made me concerned that I would have to return these gorgeous summer heels. But on the second time I wore them out, I felt like the leather was softening and the fit was much better.

They're also super walkable. Some heels are comfortable when you're standing, but can throw off your gait when you actually walk in them. But these have a sturdy base that prevents any concerns about stability or unsteadiness.

The Ceci makes a great heel for pairing with dresses or flared jeans, if you want to lean into the vintage look. Just be sure to break them in beforehand.

The Paz 70

Why they're worth it: The tapered toe makes your legs look longer without cramping your feet, and the cushioned insole gives them a surprisingly custom-feeling fit.

What to know before buying: The close-fitting suede upper hugs the foot, so expect a sleek, snug fit rather than a roomy boot.

The Paz is a chic, heeled ankle boot with a leg-elongating silhouette. Like all of Inez's shoes, this one is wildly comfortable for its heel height — so much so that writer Rebecca Strong named it one of the most comfortable boots she's ever tested. Here's what she had to say in that review:

"Magic — there's literally no other explanation for how these booties make my ultra-wide feet look so slim. Somehow, the "snip" toe offers ample room while still providing a tapered look that visually elongates my legs.

The fit also feels customized. The Inez Paz 70 is absurdly comfortable. I'll chalk that up to the proprietary plush insole, which offers plenty of cushioning and arch support — and the fact that the luxe suede upper has plenty of stretch to hug my foot like it was custom-made."

The Paz 90

Why they're worth it: The close-fitting ankle shaft and sleek silhouette make your legs look longer, and they are still impressively comfortable despite the higher heel.

What to know before buying: The Paz 90 is about three-quarters of an inch taller than the Paz 70, so it is the better pick when you want extra height without sacrificing the streamlined fit.

The Paz 90 has the same elegant silhouette as the Paz 70, but it's 20 mm (or about ¾ of an inch) higher. You'd think this extra height might interfere with walkability, but it's still incredibly comfortable.

I named it one of the best ankle boots for women because of it's supreme combo of comfort and style. I love how the ankle shaft is tight to your leg, so it doesn't create any awkward gaps.

It also makes a great boot to pair with a skirt. Lots of short boots cut me off at the ankle, making my legs look shorter than they are. But this boot creates an elegant line, elongating your legs visually.

The Paloma in standard calf

Why they're worth it: The padded footbed makes the 3-inch heel surprisingly easy to walk in, and the luxe materials give them a polished, high-fashion look.

What to know before buying: The 15-inch shaft may hit too high on petite legs.

This chic knee-high boot comes in three materials: black calf leather, brown suede, and shiny brown leather that's textured like crocodile skin. I opted for the crocodile option, which definitely looks very high-fashion in person. I like the idea that as the leather bends and gets softer, the creases will fit in nicely with the outside texture. 

The padded footbed on the Paloma makes all the difference when it comes to comfort. They're super easy to walk in, even though the heel is 3 inches high. And like most of Inez's boots, these fit true to size, so you won't have to worry about pinching or twisting due to sizing issues. 

The one major issue that I had with this shoe is the height of the shaft. I'm five-foot-two, so my legs are a little shorter than average. This boot hit at the middle of my knee, which is a little unflattering. A knee-high boot should ideally hit right below the knee or a little lower. For context, I measured the shaft of these to be about 15 inches, which is about average for knee-high boots. But for my height, I prefer it to be around 13 inches.

I've worked around this issue by pairing these with midi skirts that show off the boots while covering my knees. This is such a trendy way to wear boots that I don't mind. They also look pretty good with loose pants, but I avoid wearing them with mini skirts. And though there may not be different shaft heights available, there are two calf widths available. I opted for the standard calf version, which was a great fit. 

The Paloma in extended calf

Why they're worth it: These look incredibly luxe, come in wide-calf and wide-foot options, and have enough arch support to stay comfortable through hours of city walking.

What to know before buying: The shaft may dig into the back of your knees if you're petite, especially on stairs.

When I first saw this pair of boots, my wife had to basically pick my jaw up off the ground. I mean, they're utterly gorgeous, to say the least. The Paloma also comes in wide calf and footbed sizing, which just made me even more sure that someone designed these specially for me. I get so many compliments every time I wear them — to the point that I've been buying outfits specifically to pair with these boots! 

The croc-embossed finish has a luxurious sheen to it that makes the boots look particularly elegant, and the texture and shine give even the simplest sweater dress outfit a sophisticated flair. I love the brownish-burgundy pair I tested, but if you prefer a simpler look you can also opt for black leather or chestnut suede. Perhaps the biggest selling point was that I, a notorious heel hater, was able to wear these for hours on end while walking in the city thanks to the boots' well-constructed arch support.

The only drawback I can think of is one that every vertically challenged person who likes tall boots will understand, and that's the fact that they dig into the back of your knee on stairs. It's not uncommon for short people to struggle with knee-high boots on stairs, and it probably won't be an issue for you if you're over 5-foot-4 or so. But at 5-foot-2, I always fall victim to the back-of-the-knee issue. Otherwise, the heel height, pitch, and wide-calf fit, and option for a wide footbed make everything about the boot super comfortable when you're standing still or walking.

FAQs

Are Inez shoes actually comfortable?

Yes — comfort is the main reason I keep coming back to Inez. In my testing, several styles stood out for their cushioning, support, and surprisingly wearable heel heights. I wore the Camilla platforms for five hours at a wedding, including standing and dancing, without blisters or foot pain, and other pairs like the Paz and Mia also impressed me for comfort.

Are Inez shoes worth the price?

I think so, especially if you wear heels often and care about comfort. Most pairs I reviewed fall in the $250 to $400 range, but the combination of polished design, quality materials, and real comfort makes them feel like a better long-term buy than cheaper heels that go unworn.

Which Inez shoes are best for weddings or special occasions?

The Camilla is my top pick for events. It has a nearly 4-inch heel, but the platform keeps the pitch shallow, which makes it far easier to wear than it looks. It was one of the biggest standouts in my testing for formal occasions.

What is Inez's return policy?

Inez says it accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery and offers free shipping on returns and exchanges. The brand also says shoes that show signs of wear or have the protective sole sticker removed are not eligible for return or refund.

• The Ninja Foodi DualZone XL air fryer features two 5-quart baskets to cook two foods simultaneously.
• It has a massive footprint that takes up half a kitchen counter and cooks frozen fries slowly.
• It beat out over 60 models to win best dual-basket unit in our guide to the best air fryers.

Even the best air fryers aren't always designed with larger families in mind. Sure, you might be able to feed your crew a batch of fries or wings, but what about sides? And who wants to stand in the kitchen making one item after another? Enter the large-capacity Ninja Foodi DualZone XL Air Fryer.

Air fryers usually have a capacity of about six quarts. The Ninja DualZone has two five-quart baskets, so it's like having two air fryers in one. I've tested over 60 units, and the DualZone is the best large-capacity air fryer. It's still smaller than the best air fryer toaster ovens but large enough to cook for the whole family. Below are my experiences with it.

Getting started

Setting up the Ninja Foodi DualZone XL Air Fryer is a breeze. You just remove the packaging and plug it in. Before cooking, I recommend running it empty on its hottest setting for 10 minutes to temper the appliance and allow odors to burn off. Then, let it cool down, and wash the baskets and crisper plates.

The two-basket air fryer is initially intimidating since it has many buttons, but they're intuitive once you get started. Here are the different cooking modes and how to use them:

• Separate zone cooking. Press the zone you want to program and the type of cook you want using the dial. Then, use the buttons to adjust the time and temperature.
• Smart Finish. If you want the zones to finish at the same time, press the "Smart Finish" button.
• Match Cook. If you want the same cooking process in both zones, press the "Match Cook" button.

Once everything is set, press the dial to start heating. The Ninja Foodi XL air fryer has several presets, including bake and dehydrate. 

Cooking performance

Frozen fries

We cooked a pound of Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries in the unit for eight minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket halfway through. We checked for a golden brown color and added more time if needed. 

The Ninja was slow. It took 20 minutes to finish the cooking process, more than twice as long as the top performers. However, the resulting fries were outstanding. They were evenly cooked and crispy, reminding me of the best fast-food fries.

Hand-cut fries

In every air fryer we test, we also cook homemade fries. We cut a pound of potatoes into fry-shaped pieces, soak them in cold water for about half an hour, dry them, and toss the fries with olive oil and salt. We air fry them at 375 degrees for 15 minutes and check for doneness. If they aren't crispy, we add more time. 

Most air fryers struggle with this test, taking longer than 15 minutes or producing uneven results. While the Ninja Foodi DualZone XL was nowhere near perfect, it was among the best. The fries were crispy and evenly cooked in about 25 minutes, a perfectly respectable time.

Broccoli

Air fryers tend to struggle with cooking broccoli florets, often producing crispy tops and undercooked stems. When testing we spray a pound of broccoli florets with cooking oil, season it, and air fry at 375 degrees until the broccoli is tender.

Most units take at least 12 minutes, but the Ninja produced stellar results in eight. Air fryers can burn the florets before the stems get tender enough; not the Ninja. The florets remained moist and lightly crisped while the stems were a perfect al dente. 

Long-term performance

After putting the Ninja through our air fryer testing a year ago, I sent it to Reviews deputy editor Lauren Savoie for long-term testing. She and her husband still love it, primarily using the air fryer function. "I love that it heats quickly and evenly and that you can cook two different foods at the same time," Savoie said. 

Cleaning

If something can go in the dishwasher, I generally prefer to clean it that way. The Ninja Foodi DualZone air fryer features dishwasher-safe crisper plates and baskets, but I mostly washed them by hand for two reasons. 

First, the baskets take up a lot of room in the dishwasher. It was too much space to devote to something you could easily wash by hand. Secondly, the nonstick coating lasts longer when you wash items by hand. Debris just slid right off the nonstick coating, making clean-up a breeze. However, Savoie noted that removing the crisping plates from the baskets takes some muscle since they're really wedged in.

Check out our article on how to clean an air fryer. Also, if you want to skip cleanup altogether, consider buying one of the best silicone air fryer liners.

Cons to consider

As we already mentioned, the Foodi DualZone XL cooks frozen fries slowly, which may indicate a slower cook time with other frozen foods. It's important to remember that it still cooks faster than a standard oven since there's no need to preheat. Additionally, this Ninja air fryer is larger than most: "It takes up a good half of a standard kitchen counter in footprint," said Savoie. 

Savoie also didn't like the loud beeping noises it makes when you set the time and mode. Since it defaults to 20 minutes of cook time — longer than most air-fried items need — you must put up with loud beeps to make almost anything.

What are your alternatives?

While the Ninja Foodi 10 Quart DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer is our favorite pick for families, thanks to the dual-zone flexibility and highly intuitive controls, its substantial countertop footprint might not be a fit for everyone. If you are looking for a high-capacity cooker, here's how the Ninja DualZone compares to two of its closest heavy-duty competitors.

The asymmetrical dual-zone rival: If you are willing to spend slightly more for a sleeker aesthetic, the Philips Dual Basket Air Fryer is a premium alternative. Priced at $250, it features an attractive black exterior with discreet controls. The biggest difference between this model and the Ninja DualZone: the Philips trades the two equal 5-quart zones for asymmetrical baskets, which is great for home cooks who want an attractive appliance with great performance, but don't need identically-sized cooking compartments.

The massive single-basket rival: If you want a huge capacity but prefer an undivided cooking space, the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL is a fantastic choice that will save you some money. Priced at $150, it features a classic, extra-large single-basket design, making it the ideal unit for brand loyalists who want to cook massive portions or large single items without the barrier of a dual-basket setup.

Is Ninja a good brand?

We've tested countertop appliances from the Ninja kitchen product line across several categories, and you'll find top picks from the brand in several of our buying guides. We've found that the company excels most at integrating smart sensing technology into its appliances, and is generally known for having some of the most tech-forward features.

Most importantly, the design and performance across most of the Ninja products we've tested have been very reliable. We're big fans of the Ninja Foodi XL Pro air fryer toaster oven, a great alternative to the DualZone if you're looking for a multipurpose cooker. We also recently pitted the viral Ninja Creami against two other popular at-home ice cream makers, and while we liked all three, the Ninja model ultimately made the best ice cream.

If you appreciate the reliability and multi-functional performance of the brand's air fryers, the rest of the Ninja collection of kitchen products is worth exploring.

The bottom line

The Ninja Foodi DualZone XL Air Fryer is the best large-capacity basket air fryer we've tested. While the Ninja is more expensive than most air fryers, it's like having two thanks to the spacious baskets that allow you to cook two foods independently. It's easy to clean and heats evenly for crisp yet moist foods. Plus, after a year of use, it shows no degradation in performance.

Pros: Made moist and evenly heated foods in our tests, cooks two baskets of food in sync or independently, each basket holds five quarts

Cons: Cooks frozen fries slowly, makes loud beeps when you press buttons, takes up more space than most air fryers

• Google said its Gemini app now has 950 million monthly active users.
• It's been increasing steadily over the past year. Now it's closing in on ChatGPT.
• Google has been rolling out more efficient, cost-effective models.

Google's Gemini is nearing the big One Billion.

The company said on Wednesday that the Gemini AI app now has 950 million monthly active users. On the earnings call, CEO Sundar Pichai also said that daily active users have tripled in the past year.

That puts it close behind OpenAI's ChatGPT, which has around 1 billion monthly users per recent data from Sensor Tower.

To track Google's trajectory here, it said in October that the Gemini app was seeing around 650 million monthly active users. In February, reporting its Q4 2025 earnings, Google said that figure had risen to over 750 million.

Google has been rolling out more cost-friendly and faster models. This week, it rolled out three models, including its Gemini 3.6 Flash model, which the company said is better at tasks such as coding than its predecessor while using fewer tokens, making it more cost-effective.

Google's new frontier 3.5 Pro model is still delayed, even as Google this week teased that early work on Gemini 4 had started. These latest user numbers on Gemini suggest that it's still scooping up users quite nicely.

I review TVs for a living, so it takes a lot for a display to genuinely surprise me. Most premium models look impressive, but only a select few combine brightness, contrast, color, and overall accuracy well enough to separate themselves from the competition. If budget isn't a concern and you simply want one of the best TVs for picture quality, these are the models I'd put at the top of your list.

My team and I run every TV we recommend through an extensive review process that includes professional measurement equipment, test patterns, and hours of real-world viewing. Specs and benchmark results matter, but they only tell part of the story. After all, what good are impressive numbers if they don't translate to a great viewing experience when you actually sit down to watch TV? To offer options across the market, I've selected a standout premium model from each major brand. For instance, if you're considering an LG TV, the G5 OLED is the display to beat. And if you're looking for a more affordable high-end offering from a value-forward brand like Hisense, I suggest the UR9 RGB Mini LED.

All of my picks are available in several screen sizes, with options typically starting at 55, 65, or 75 inches. Some models are even sold in up to 100 inches, making them a perfect fit for dedicated home theaters.

Our top picks for the best TVs for picture quality

Best from LG: G5 OLED TV - See at Amazon

Best from Samsung: S95H OLED TV - See at Samsung

Best from Sony: Bravia 9 II True RGB TV - See at Sony

Best from TCL: X11L SQD Mini LED TV - See at Amazon

Best from Hisense: UR9 RGB Mini LED TV - See at Best Buy

Best from LG: G5 OLED

What we love: Its combination of pixel-level contrast, high brightness, and wide viewing angles is nearly unrivaled, and it looks fantastic hanging on a wall thanks to its flush mount and uniform thinness.

Drawbacks: It's dimmer than top Mini LED TV models and doesn't come with a traditional stand.

The G5 is one of LG's most jaw-dropping TVs. In fact, the G5 stands out as one of the best-looking displays I've reviewed from any brand.

The G5 uses LG's high-end tandem OLED panel, which enables a brighter image than a standard OLED while still offering pixel-level contrast with perfect black levels. On paper, the numbers are impressive.

In its most accurate picture mode, I measured roughly 2,400 nits of peak brightness using a standard 10% HDR test window. That's the second-highest measurement I've recorded on an OLED, and around 1,000 nits brighter than many midrange models. But what really matters is how the G5 looks when watching actual movies and shows — and that's where the TV truly shines.

High-brightness HDR content is stunning. Action-heavy films like "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Aquaman" explode with intense highlights, deep shadows, and incredible depth. The combination of high peak brightness and infinite contrast gives images a level of realism and punch I've rarely seen on a consumer TV. Colors remain vibrant without looking overcooked, and the G5's wide viewing angles keep the picture stable even when you're sitting off to the side. Gamers also get a bonus here, with support for up to a 165Hz refresh rate when connected to a PC, enabling ultra-smooth motion.

The G5 uses LG's webOS platform to access apps. This interface is decent enough, but it's not as smooth and intuitive as Google TV. On the design front, the G5 has a sleek, gallery-style aesthetic that looks fantastic on a wall, but you'll need to buy a stand separately if mounting isn't an option. The G5 is available in 55, 65, 77, 83, and 97 inches. However, the 97-inch model uses a standard OLED panel, so it can't get as bright as the smaller editions.

LG also sells a 2026 edition of this TV, called the G6. I saw a side-by-side comparison with the G6, and it handles reflections better and uses improved processing to further minimize banding. However, I'll need more testing time with the G6 to reach a final verdict. For now, the G5 remains my recommendation. You can learn more in my 2026 LG OLED TV roundup.

Check out our LG G5 TV review.

Visit our guides to the best TVs and best LG TVs.

Best from Samsung: S95H OLED

What we love: It's the brightest and most colorful OLED on the market, its anti-glare screen is excellent at reducing reflections, and its metal bezel gives it a unique, premium aesthetic.

Drawbacks: The matte screen causes black levels to rise in bright rooms, and the metal frame could clash with certain living room decors.

The Samsung S95H is the company's most impressive OLED yet, and it easily earns a place among the best TVs for picture quality. It's pricey, but in return you get a flagship display with stunning HDR performance, premium design touches, and the brightest OLED picture I've ever measured.

In my testing, the S95H hit around 2,780 nits on a 10% HDR window, which is a noticeable 30% jump over the already excellent S95F from 2025. That's also enough to push OLED luminance closer than ever to top-tier Mini LED territory. That extra brightness gives highlights a real sense of intensity, making movies and shows look more vivid, dynamic, and lifelike. The TV also supports a fast 165Hz refresh rate, which is a great perk for PC gamers.

Like previous S95-series OLEDs, the S95H uses the company's glare-free screen coating, which does a fantastic job reducing reflections. If you watch TV in a bright room, that can make a huge difference. The screen is much less reflective than a typical glossy OLED, so daytime viewing is less distracting, and sports, TV shows, and movies are easier to enjoy, even with sunlight hitting the TV.

That said, there is a tradeoff with this kind of screen. As with Samsung's other glare-free TVs, black levels can look a bit hazy when light hits the panel from certain angles. I found this effect less noticeable than on previous-generation models, but those who are irritated by this drawback will still notice it. Glossy OLED TVs, like the LG G5, maintain better contrast, but they suffer from more reflections. In a dark room, though, the S95H delivers the kind of deep black levels and pixel-level contrast OLED fans expect.

Beyond picture quality, the S95H stands out for its design. Samsung's new FloatLayer styling features a unique metal bezel, giving the TV a cool, frame-like look. The design definitely won't be for everyone, but I think it looks fantastic on a wall. The S95H is also the company's first OLED with access to Samsung's Art Store. You need a subscription to unlock everything, but all users get a free selection of 30 pieces every month.

The S95H is sold in 55-, 65-, 77-, and 83-inch sizes. Though Samsung doesn't state which panels it uses, based on its past choices and my testing, the 55-, 65-, and 77-inch models use QD-OLED, while the 83-inch model likely uses a tandem OLED to achieve similar performance.

Check out our first-look Samsung S95H review.

Visit our guide to the best Samsung TVs.

Best from Sony: Bravia 9 II True RGB

What we love: Sony's True RGB backlight system delivers color, brightness, and black levels that closely match those of a professional mastering monitor, and the display's anti-glare screen is highly effective.

Drawbacks: OLEDs still deliver higher contrast, the TV has only two HDMI 2.1 ports, and the benefits of the display's wide color gamut can be subtle.

Sony is celebrated for its high-end image performance, and it offers a couple of TVs that deserve recognition. With that in mind, choosing its very best TV for picture quality is a bit tricky. Two models in particular, the Bravia 9 II True RGB TV and Bravia 8 II OLED TV, each deliver key pros and cons. Though I typically favor OLED displays, in this case, the Bravia 9 II's unique strengths take the crown.

At the heart of the Bravia 9 II is Sony's new True RGB backlight system. Instead of relying on only white or blue light like a typical Mini LED TV, it uses individual red, green, and blue diodes to produce purer colors. In my tests, the Bravia 9 II covered around 89% of the BT.2020 color space and nearly 100% of the more commonly used P3 color space.

Brightness is also among the best on the market. In the TV's most accurate picture mode, I measured an impressive 4,122 nits. More importantly, those measurements translate beautifully to real content. I viewed the Bravia 9 II side-by-side with a professional Sony broadcast monitor — the type of display Hollywood filmmakers use when mastering movies. Across everything I watched, the Bravia 9 II came remarkably close to matching the professional monitor.

Lightning flashes in "Mad Max: Fury Road" burst from the screen with incredible intensity, while the opening of "The Matrix" displayed inky black levels without noticeable halos around bright objects. In fact, contrast control is the best I've seen outside an OLED, even beating TCL's X11L SQD TV.

Reflection handling is another standout. Like Samsung's S95H, Sony uses a matte-like finish on the Bravia 9 II, which it calls Immersive Black Screen Pro. I set up the TV in my sunny living room, which offers a real torture test for reflections. With the curtains pulled back during the day, the room is bathed in light, creating mirror-like reflections on glossy TVs. The Bravia 9 II essentially eliminated them. It really is a game changer for bright environments.

However, there are some side effects. When hit with such extreme light, the TV's black levels do elevate, and I noticed a slight haziness to the image, almost like the screen had a faintly frosted appearance. This isn't visible in moderate lighting or in the dark, but it's worth noting. For most people, though, the screen's anti-reflective benefits will far outweigh any minor side effects.

While picture quality is the Bravia 9 II's main attraction, the TV's design looks every bit as premium as its image. It comes with a transparent pedestal stand that uses optical refraction to make cables behind it disappear. It's a small yet clever touch that gives the TV a little extra wow factor. The set's rechargeable, backlit remote is also a nice inclusion, and its Google TV interface is smooth, smart, and easy to use.

Ultimately, the Bravia 9 II's many strengths come together to create the most impressive TV Sony has ever made. However, as incredible as the Bravia 9 II is, its True RGB backlight still can't match the pixel-level precision of an OLED. In that sense, Sony's Bravia 8 II OLED does technically offer superior contrast, which some enthusiasts may prefer over the Bravia 9 II's higher brightness and better color volume. But when it comes to delivering the full impact that filmmakers intend, the Bravia 9 II has an edge.

Read our first-look impressions of the Sony Bravia 9 II.

Check out our guide to all the best Sony TVs.

Best from TCL: X11L SQD Mini LED

What we love: Its SQD technology delivers a wider color range than most TVs, its local dimming is some of the best on the market, and its screen border is extremely thin.

Drawbacks: It's not available in sizes under 75 inches, its launch price is high for a TCL TV, and its contrast and viewing angles can't quite match those of an OLED.

The X11L SQD TV is not only the most impressive TCL display I've tested, but also one of the most impressive TVs I've ever seen, period. It's the first TV to use TCL's SQD technology, which combines super quantum dots with an improved color filter to enable better performance than a standard QLED. Though I was a bit wary that SQD might just be a marketing gimmick, the TV's stunning image quality speaks for itself.

In my testing, the X11L delivered around 2,600 nits of sustained brightness in its most accurate picture mode, and around 4,000 nits with its brightness setting maxed out. That's more than any OLED can deliver. This level of brightness makes highlights look vivid without throwing overall image quality out of balance. Fiery explosions, reflections on metal, and other high-impact HDR details all leap off the screen with the kind of punch you'd expect from a flagship display. And if you do want to pump up brightness even further, in certain modes the TV can deliver brief bursts up to 9,300 nits, which is the brightest measurement I've ever recorded on any TV.

Color performance is another big reason the X11L stands out. TCL's new SQD tech enables the panel to produce an extremely wide color gamut. I measured about 88% of the BT.2020 color space, putting it among the most capable TVs on the market. More importantly, that translates well to real content. Colorful movies like "Mad Max: Fury Road" and "Aquaman" look rich, vibrant, and expansive.

What really seals the deal, though, is the X11L's local dimming. This is the second-best local dimming I've seen on an LCD-based TV, behind only the Sony Bravia 9 II. Black levels often disappear in a dark room, and blooming around bright objects is virtually nonexistent. The TV's contrast still can't fully match an OLED's pixel-level control or wide viewing angles, but for shoppers who want a bright Mini LED set with stunning HDR punch and exceptional backlight control, the X11L is the TV to beat.

It also has an elegant design with a bronze-tinged finish, low-profile feet, and an extremely thin border. This means more of the panel is used to display its picture. I also love the included backlit remote, which has handy side controls for brightness and image quality adjustments. The Google TV interface is smooth and reliable, too, and Gemini AI is integrated for conversational voice search and chatbot features.

On the downside, the X11L is only available in three sizes: 75, 85, and 98 inches. The TV is also very expensive, even more so than most high-end OLED displays. Its image quality does justify a premium, but I do hope TCL lowers the price further during upcoming deal events.

Check out our TCL X11L TV review.

Visit our guide to the best TCL TVs.

Best from Hisense: UR9 RGB Mini LED

What we love: It delivers one of the widest color gamuts and highest gaming refresh rates on a 4K TV.

Drawbacks: It's not a dramatic improvement over Hisense's cheaper QLED models, and I'd prefer a fourth HDMI 2.1 port over the TV's USB-C DisplayPort.

The Hisense UR9 delivers the brand's best color performance yet. It also offers excellent brightness and strong black levels, giving movies and shows a bold, high-impact look, especially in scenes filled with vivid highlights and saturated tones.

The reason for the TV's expanded color capabilities is the UR9's RGB Mini LED backlight. Rather than relying on white or blue LEDs like a conventional Mini LED TV, it uses separate red, green, and blue LEDs to create purer colors. In my measurements, the UR9 covered around 91% of the BT.2020 color space, tying the Samsung R95H for the widest color gamut I've recorded.

Now, it's important to note that the benefits of BT.2020 are somewhat future-facing since most movies and shows aren't mastered to use such a wide color space. But the UR9 can produce nearly 100% of of the more commonly used P3 gamut, and these colors look great when watching HDR material.

The UR9's color capabilities are paired with a high peak brightness of roughly 3,300 nits. Small highlights like reflections, flashes, and bright light sources have excellent intensity, while HDR scenes maintain plenty of punch.

The UR9 produces deep black levels as well, with only minor blooming in particularly difficult sequences, helping bright objects stand out without washing out darker parts of the image. I also found other backlight imperfections, like crosstalk, which is when RGB LEDs bleed color into areas of an image that they shouldn't, to be hard to spot in real-world content.

TCL's SQD models and Sony's True RGB TVs have a slight edge in local dimming precision, but the UR9 is still among the best LCD-based displays I've tested. Few TVs can match its blend of wide color coverage and high brightness, which makes it especially appealing to viewers who want vibrant HDR performance without sacrificing contrast.

Beyond image performance, the TV also delivers a reliable smart TV experience via its Google TV operating system. It runs smoothly and uses Gemini AI for helpful voice control. That said, I did encounter a small software glitch that occasionally caused picture settings to switch modes on their own. Connectivity is another minor drawback: You get three HDMI 2.1 ports and a USB-C input, which I find less practical than a fourth HDMI port.

Like many flagship TVs, the UR9's biggest caveat is ultimately value, especially compared to Hisense's more affordable QLED models, like the U8QG. The UR9's advantages over the cheaper U8QG can be subtle in typical viewing conditions. But for enthusiasts who want access to the brand's most advanced color technology, the UR9 is Hisense's top-tier offering.

Visit our guide to the best Hisense TVs.

How we test TVs for picture quality

To find the best TVs for picture quality, our team conducted extensive hands-on testing backed by more than a decade of experience reviewing home entertainment gear. We don't just glance at spec sheets — every TV recommended in this guide was evaluated across a wide range of real-world performance factors, with a focus on picture quality.

Each display is assessed for image clarity, contrast, HDR performance, peak brightness, color range, and viewing angles. We use professional meters to measure brightness and rely on industry-standard test patterns to objectively evaluate a TV's technical capabilities.

Of course, numbers only tell part of the story. To understand how a TV actually performs in everyday use, we spend hours watching real movies and TV shows. We carefully select scenes that stress different aspects of image quality, such as deep black levels, intense highlights, fine detail, and color accuracy. Content is viewed across a mix of resolutions — including Ultra HD (4K), HD, and SD — to see how well each TV handles upscaling from streaming services, cable feeds, and Blu-ray players.

Viewing tests are conducted in both dark, theater-like environments and brighter rooms to account for different lighting conditions. We also evaluate gaming performance using multiple consoles, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, paying close attention to motion clarity and supported gaming features.

Though the focus of this guide is picture quality, we also test each TV's smart platform for speed, stability, and ease of use. App load times, menu responsiveness, voice search reliability, and digital assistant features are all factored into our evaluations, along with additional perks such as design touches, ambient modes, smart home controls, and cloud gaming support.

FAQs

What makes a TV's image quality good or bad?

Great image quality comes down to a few core factors working together. Contrast is one of the most important elements: the wider the gap between the brightest highlights and the deepest black levels, the more realistic and punchy an image looks. TVs with low contrast appear cloudy and washed out with patchy brightness. This can be especially distracting when watching TV in a dark room. The best TVs for picture quality either use an OLED panel or a local-dimming backlight to achieve high contrast, providing deep black levels and a greater sense of dimension.

Raw brightness matters too, especially for HDR content and rooms with lots of ambient light. Color accuracy and color range affect how accurate and natural (or exaggerated) images appear, while processing determines how well a TV handles motion, upscaling, and lower-quality content. Viewing angles also matter, since many QLED and LED TVs distort contrast and color when you sit off-center. When any of these elements falls short, the overall picture can look inaccurate, flat, or overly harsh.

Do OLED or QLED TVs have better image quality?

OLED TVs generally offer the best overall image quality, thanks to their pixel-level contrast and perfect black levels. This makes them especially impressive for movies and TV shows watched in darker rooms. QLED TVs (which are LCD TVs with quantum dots) can't match OLED's contrast, but high-end Mini LED QLED models can get brighter than most OLEDs, making them better suited for rooms with lots of light during daytime viewing. Both technologies can deliver excellent results — it just comes down to your viewing environment and priorities.

You can learn more in our QLED vs. OLED comparison.

What about RGB LED TVs?

This year, several companies have released TV models that use a new display technology called RGB LED. These displays are marketed as Micro RGB, RGB Mini LED, or True RGB, depending on the brand. RGB LED TVs use LCD panels and Mini LED backlights, just like many QLED TVs. But instead of using a blue or white backlight with a color filter, RGB LED TVs use separate red, blue, and green LEDs in their backlights. This has the potential to produce a wider, brighter, and more accurate color range.

Based on what we've seen so far, RGB LED TVs do indeed offer better color performance than other types of TVs. However, OLED panels still offer superior contrast and viewing angles.

You can learn more in our RGB LED vs. Mini LED comparison.

How much should I spend on a high-end TV?

If you're shopping for top-tier picture quality, expect to spend at least $1,000 for a 65-inch TV. QLED models tend to be more affordable, but flagship 65-inch OLEDs and RGB LED TVs are pricier, with top options costing around $2,000 to $3,300.

What size TV is best for picture quality?

There's no single best size for TV image quality. Instead, the optimal size for your needs largely depends on how far you plan to sit from your screen and your personal preferences.

Bigger TVs can deliver a more immersive sense of scope because they fill more of your field of view, making details pop more while offering a more cinematic experience. However, sitting too close to an extra-large screen can negatively impact picture quality, making the image feel overwhelming and making imperfections easier to spot. Meanwhile, if you sit too far from a small TV, you're likely to miss fine details.

A good rule of thumb is to sit at a distance of about one to 1.5 times the size of your TV. So, for a 65-inch TV, a good distance would be around 5.4 and 8.1 feet. TVs larger than 65 inches are a good fit if you plan to sit farther than eight feet from the screen.

When shopping for a high-end display, it's also important to note that the best premium TV models are often only sold in larger sizes. All of our picks in this guide start at 55 inches, and it's rare to find flagship models that are smaller.

For TV recommendations specific to different sizes, check out our various guides:

• Best 100-inch TVs
• Best 85-inch TVs
• Best 75-inch TVs
• Best 65-inch TVs
• Best 55-inch TVs
• Best 50-inch TVs
• Best 43-inch TVs

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• ServiceNow's subscription revenue jumped 25% to $3.9 billion, surpassing TD Cowen's forecast.
• ServiceNow raised its full-year revenue guidance, matching TD Cowen's upper expectation.
• ServiceNow's AI business hit $1 billion in value as customer use of AI agents surged ninefold.

ServiceNow reported results that met or exceeded Wall Street expectations as the corporate software company grapples with concerns about AI's impact on its future prospects.

Subscription revenue rose 25% to $3.9 billion, slightly ahead of TD Cowen's forecast of about $3.8 billion.

Current remaining performance obligations, a key measure of contracted future revenue, reached $13.2 billion. TD Cowen was looking for $13 billion in cRPO.

ServiceNow also raised its full-year subscription revenue guidance to a range of $15.76 billion to $15.78 billion. The upper end of this forecast matched TD Cowen's expectations.

The stock popped more than 5% in after-hours trading, following the results. However, the company's shares have slumped 50% in the past year amid concerns that generative AI could replace some corporate software services.

The latest example of this arrived on Wednesday morning when OpenAI unveiled Presence. This new offering helps companies set up and run AI agents to help automate tasks such as customer support, sales, and resolving employee IT service requests.

In response to AI offerings like these, ServiceNow is building AI into existing products and rolling out new AI-powered offerings. The software company said its AI business surpassed $1 billion in annual contract value during the second quarter.

ServiceNow customers with AI agent deployments in production have increased ninefold over the past nine months, while the company said it signed 123 deals worth more than $1 million in net new annual contract value, up nearly 40% from a year earlier.

Chief Executive Bill McDermott said businesses increasingly need software that governs AI systems rather than simply running AI models.

He positioned ServiceNow's AI Control Tower as a product that does exactly that by managing AI agents regardless of which model or chip corporate customers choose.

Sign up for BI's Tech Memo newsletter here. Reach out to me via email at abarr@businessinsider.com.

• Jill Kramer, Mastercard's chief marketing and communications officer, was interviewed for the CMO Insider video series.
• She spoke about the responsibility she feels in protecting the Mastercard brand.
• Kramer said marketers should focus on how AI can enable them to do what they could not do before.

When it comes to debates over the role of artificial intelligence in marketing, Jill Kramer, chief marketing and communications officer at Mastercard, is focused on the upside.

"We need to give ourselves permission to embrace the positive first," she said in a video interview for CMO Insider. "Let's see all that it could be."

Kramer joined Mastercard in December 2025 as chief marketing and communications officer, after more than a decade at Accenture.

She said that marketers need to give themselves permission to embrace the positives of AI because it can be an engine to foster creativity and deeper insights. Kramer said it's important to get specific about AI use cases and ask, "Where within the process of strategy and creativity does it fit, and where does it help you raise the bar?"

The power of the Mastercard brand was one of the things that drew Kramer to take on her new position. "It's not something that marketing does," she said. "It's something that the entire company cares about."

The following transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

The brand belongs to everyone at the company

The strength of the brand is a bit mind-blowing, but it comes from something very simple and very true: Mastercard is a company that cares deeply about its brand. It is in the culture. It is not something that marketing does. It's something that the entire company cares about.

One of the reasons that I made the move is because it was an incredible privilege to work for a company where I knew brand was everything to them. You do always wonder when you get inside, when you're behind those doors, "Is that really what it's like from the inside out?" And I'm very, very happy to say that it is. But we all know those brands that are something everyone loves and protects and nurtures and cares for.

So that's one of the best things and one of the great privileges. With that, of course, comes great stress and responsibility. Everybody who has stewarded this brand — all of us, not just the person who sits in the my role, but everyone on the team — is making decisions that take the brand through that next era.

So what I care deeply about is giving ourselves permission to reflect back, to really understand where we are today, and define where we want it to go so it gets there intentionally and strategically and not accidentally.

Marketers need every tool at their disposal today, including AI

It does feel like a lifetime of artificial intelligence already, and it hasn't been that long. I think it was a privilege to be where I was when AI came onto the scene, at Accenture, at a company whose whole focus is: What is the next wave of technology going to do to enterprise functions, industry, et cetera? It gave me a super early peek and permission to learn very, very early on.

I think the biggest thing about AI is that we spend a lot of time debating whether it's the best thing or the worst thing to ever happen to marketing. I wish we would free ourselves of that construct. We, as marketing communications people, know better than anybody that nothing is ever that clear-cut. It absolutely can be both. It very often is both, and it's the decisions that you make that decide which side of the path you're on.

I believe that with the conditions we're facing in the world today, economic pressure, social pressure, global pressures, that we need every tool at our disposal to do the best potential marketing communications that we absolutely can.

AI is absolutely a tool that can and should serve that. If we look at it as what AI does versus what we do, or at the efficiencies and headcount implications only, we're missing the ability to answer the question, "What else could I do that I could never do before because this tool now exists?"

Maybe there's some naiveté built into that, but I think we need to give ourselves permission to embrace the positive first. Let's see all that it could be.

AI can power human creativity and deeper insights

With AI as a tool and an engine of driving creativity, it's really all about the breadth, the aperture that you can open up when you're doing your research, when you're doing your preparation, that will make the ideas flow and the creativity flow.

I was recently in Japan, and we didn't have a ton of time to prepare, but the team there, the strategy, and the cultural deep-dives that we did were mind-blowing and so inspiring. And a lot of that was facilitated by the tools available today to gather, to distill, and to process so much content in a short period of time.

So getting specific on the actual use of AI, and where within the process of strategy and creativity does it fit, and where does it help you raise the bar? The Japan workshop that I recently participated in was a great example of how we probably would have had a similar discussion, but with less breadth and less depth, had AI not been a tool that the team used.

• The eighth season of "Love Island USA" wrapped up this month.
• Although it's a dating show, only 14 couples who met through it are still together.
• Six couples from season eight are officially dating after the season ended.

Sadly, the villa is officially closed, but that doesn't mean the "Love Island" drama is over.

The eighth season of "Love Island USA" ended on July 12. But following the announcement of the season eight reunion airing on August 31 and the second-ever "Love Island USA" engagement, we thought it was the perfect time to check in with every couple who's met through the hit reality show.

Of the eight "winning" couples, only three are still together. Other ongoing relationships formed off-screen or did not capture enough votes to take home the big prize. Over the last two years, fans have been able to continue watching these relationships grow with the spinoff show "Beyond the Villa."

Here's every couple from the "Love Island USA" universe who are still together.

Hannah Wright and Marco Donatelli

Wright and Donatelli met on season five of "Love Island" and eventually won the entire season in summer 2023.

In May 2025, they became the first couple from the American version of "Love Island" to get engaged, with a wedding date set for December 2026, according to their Instagram posts.

Carsten Bergersen and Taylor Smith

Bergersen, affectionately known as "Bergie," and Smith also met during season five of "Love Island" in 2023. They came in third place.

After three years of dating (and a stint on "The Traitors" for Bergersen), they got engaged in May 2026.

Serena Page and Kordell Beckham

Beckham and Page had a rocky time during season six of "Love Island" in 2024, but they worked through their Casa Amor drama and ended up winning the season.

Fans got to see their relationship grow during the first season of "Beyond the Villa," and the two are still together now.

Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi

Kateb and Harichi were another one of season six's power couples, with Kateb being the biggest breakout star from "Love Island USA" ever. After a dramatic breakup with Rob Rausch, Kateb met Harichi, and the two have been inseparable since. They were ruled the season's runners-up.

Like Page and Beckham, Kateb and Harichi were cast members on the first season of "Beyond the Villa," and fans watched as Harichi navigated a move to Los Angeles from London.

Taylor Williams and Clarke Carraway

Williams was originally paired up with Olandria Carthen during season seven, but a Casa Amor connection (and a "kid feeling") with Carraway was enough for him to change his mind and join a new couple. They were eventually eliminated by viewers together toward the end of the season.

They're still together and were both main cast members on season two of "Beyond the Villa," and viewers got to see a new side of their relationship.

Iris Kendall and TJ Palma

Kendall and Palma started off season seven together, but Palma was eventually dumped from the villa after not receiving enough votes from his fellow islanders, and Kendall elected to stay. She recoupled with Pepe Garcia, and they made it all the way to the finale, placing fourth.

However, soon after the show ended, Kendall and Garcia broke up, and she reconnected with Palma. Fans got to see the aftermath of this drama on "Beyond the Villa," but through it all, Palma and Kendall have remained together.

Bryce Alakai and Trinity Tatum

Season eight's winners were Tatum and Alakai, known affectionately as "Brinity." After nearly friend-zoning each other in the first few episodes, these two rebounded and became the most solid couple in the villa — it was all but assured they would take home the $100,000 prize.

In a post-show interview with People, they confirmed that they're still together and Tatum is planning to move to LA, so they won't be doing long-distance for long.

Carl Schmidt and Aniya Harvey

The runners-up of season eight, Harvey and Schmidt, are also still together, making their relationship Instagram official a few days after the finale.

"I truly cherish the connection I have with Carl and I'm so happy that he made my fairytale dream a reality. I cannot wait to see how our story continues," Harvey wrote.

Schmidt simply commented: "Princess."

Zach Georgiou and Kayda Bosse

Georgiou and Bosse came in fourth place during season eight, and have since confirmed their relationship on social media, with Georgiou saying, "I'm literally so grateful and blessed to have met her. She's been my rock."

Georgiou has thanked Bosse and the rest of his castmates for supporting him after he received hate on social media from "Love Island" viewers.

Kenzie Annis and Dylan Wrona

Wrona and Annis made their relationship exclusive shortly before getting eliminated from the villa in the penultimate episode of season eight.

Since then, they've traveled to LA and New York City together and posted on social media. Annis also confirmed their relationship during her appearance on "Call Her Daddy."

KC Chandler and Tierra Davis

After a controversial Casa Amor, Chandler brought Davis back to the villa, where the two remained in a couple until their elimination during season eight — but not before Chandler asked Davis to be his girlfriend.

They made it Instagram official a week later, with a caption "Still we rise," a reference to Chandler's giant back tattoo.

Parmida Keshani and Corbin Mims

Mims and Keshani also connected at Casa Amor during season eight, but the two went home relatively quickly after their fellow Islanders chose not to save them from elimination.

Keshani already had plans to move to Miami, where Mims lives, and the two are still together now.

Kat Gibson and Bryce Fins

Fins and Gibson appeared on season four in 2022 (the first season to air on Peacock), but were never together romantically on the show — Fins was paired up with Courtney Boerner twice before getting eliminated, and Gibson was single for most of her time before choosing to leave the villa of her own accord.

Sleuths on Reddit have suspected since at least February 2024 that the two were dating, and the couple hard-launched in 2025.

Cormac Murphy and Johnnie Garcia

These two weren't even on the same season, but the "Love Island" universe is very connected.

Murphy was on the first season of the American "Love Island" in 2019 — he didn't last long — and Garcia was on season five in 2023. She made it all the way to the episode before the finale before getting dumped.

The two revealed their relationship in 2024 on Instagram, and they still regularly post together. Garcia shared that "Love Island" producers asked if Murphy would be a bombshell last season, even though the two are dating.

• Matt Damon stars as Odysseus in Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of "The Odyssey."
• The movie characterizes Odysseus as a noble hero, unlike Homer's complex antihero.
• In Nolan's version, Odysseus is basically a good guy with one big regret, which is way more boring.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for "The Odyssey."

"Tell me about a complicated man," begins Emily Wilson's translation of "The Odyssey."

The man in question, of course, is Odysseus — and "complicated" should be the key word here. "The Odyssey" tells the story of a mythological king who spends two decades killing, pillaging, cheating, and swindling his way to survival. That's what makes his journey so treacherous, so compelling, and his homecoming so very bittersweet. Contradiction is human; it stands the test of time.

And yet, despite director Christopher Nolan citing Wilson's translation as an inspiration — and the "complicated man" line specifically — Nolan's "The Odyssey" flattens Odysseus into a righteous, predictable hero with the reassuring face of a Hollywood sweetheart. Sigh.

Now, let me clarify: I'm not a book-to-movie adaptation snob, especially not when it comes to an ancient text spun from myth and folklore. Many scholars believe the epic poem we know as Homer's was actually composed by multiple people and reshaped over time; it would be weird if Nolan didn't take artistic liberties or update the story for modern audiences. That's how "The Odyssey" was created in the first place.

But if a filmmaker is going to omit or subvert huge chunks of the source material, those changes should serve a greater purpose. They should make the story more interesting, more legible, or more thematically effective. Some of Nolan's biggest changes to Odysseus do the opposite.

Casting Matt Damon as Odysseus was the first hint that Nolan's title character may not be quite the antihero depicted in the source material. Though Damon has played complicated characters before — a CIA assassin, a rat for the Boston mob, a psychopathic con artist — at its core, Damon's status as a movie star is rooted in his perceived wholesomeness. He plays Odysseus as an honorable, salt-of-the-earth warrior, the kind of guy who plucks his bow while hunting to give his prey a fair chance.

Damon's performance embodies the character's noblest roles — king, husband, war hero — while shunning his dark side.

'Wily Odysseus, the lord of lies'

Odysseus' dark streak makes him more interesting, but it's also a driving force in the poem's plot. Why does it take an experienced seafarer 10 years to make it home after the Trojan War, you may ask? A few strokes of bad luck, of course, and divine intervention plays a role — but mostly, Odysseus is a scalawag who causes as many problems as he solves.

Odysseus spends years satisfying his appetites and whims at the expense of his crew and his waiting family back in Ithaca. He has a sexual relationship with the sea nymph Circe, which turns a brief stop for supplies into a yearlong sidequest, and with the goddess Calypso. When he first washes up on the shore of the latter's island, he's hardly desperate to leave her lush paradise. True, after seven years with her, he wants to go home because Calypso "no longer pleased him," but that also means at one point, she did.

Odysseus is smart, but his ego makes him short-sighted. He famously can't help but take credit for his cunning escape from the Cyclops. He taunts the monster, telling him precisely who to blame for his humiliation — "Odysseus, the city-sacker, Laertes' son, who lives in Ithaca" — and thus brings the vengeance of Cyclops' father, the sea god Poseidon, crashing down on himself and his crew.

Nolan includes none of these unflattering details. The hero's selfish edges are buffed until a smoother, sturdier figure remains. In the movie, Odysseus never cheats on his wife, at least not consciously. He only spends so much time with Calypso because she feeds him memory-erasing lotus flowers. While he does offend Poseidon by shooting the Cyclops with an arrow, it's framed as an impulsive lapse in judgment, not an indictment of his hubris and deception.

Without Odysseus' dark side causing him to make pivotal, repeated mistakes, he mostly comes across as an unlucky guy trapped in a cruel, illogical world. Oh, look, he's landed on another island with magical creatures trying to kill him! Bummer!

Even when Nolan's Odysseus is finally able to confront Penelope's suitors — the men who have been trying to marry his wife, plotting to murder his son, and feasting his family out of house and home — he seems reluctant to exact his revenge, sheepish and ashamed of the cycle of violence he's helped perpetrate.

This is presented as a moment of reckoning in Nolan's film. Odysseus is haunted by the Trojan Horse, his bespoke trick to breach the city of Troy. It won the war, but it was such a brazen violation of Zeus' hospitality law that it sent psychic shockwaves through time and space. Odysseus becomes like the ancient Oppenheimer, eclipsed by the consequences of his own creation.

It's one of Nolan's most inspired revisions, but the hero's climactic epiphany, that "to burn the walls of Troy was to burn the world entire," lands slightly left of satisfying when Odysseus has been presented as a good guy from the start — not as a guy who's gradually been forced to confront his own evil.

Of course, at the end of the story, Odysseus still needs to kill the suitors, or else leave his wife and son in their clutches. He immediately atones for the mass murder by going into self-imposed exile.

And if the good-guyification of Odysseus hadn't already been clear, the movie ends with our hero sailing off into the sunset. No, really.

• Paramount is planning to integrate bite-sized micro dramas into its app.
• David Ellison's company has already added a short-form video feed.
• Paramount's Hollywood rivals are also investing in short videos and micro dramas.

Paramount+ is preparing to add micro dramas to its app in the coming months, Business Insider has learned.

Paramount will test micro dramas — soapy series with snack-sized episodes — on its flagship streamer's mobile app this quarter, streaming leaders told employees in a town hall on Wednesday afternoon.

These short, buzzy vertical shows are designed to build "mobile daily habits at scale" by "recalibrating consumption behavior" as audiences get used to watching Paramount+ on the go and during the day, according to a screenshot of the town hall presentation viewed by Business Insider.

The presentation included mocked-up examples of what micro dramas could look like.

A person familiar with the micro drama project described the plans as "very early stages."

Paramount+ has already added a short-form video feed to its mobile app, which David Ellison's company hopes will make the streamer more like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

"We're trying to drive visit frequency, keeping people engaged in the app longer," a person familiar with the short-form initiative previously told Business Insider.

BET, a division of Paramount focused on Black audiences, announced in May a micro drama partnership with aTwist, formerly known as MicroCo.

Hollywood has fallen in love with short-form video, including micro dramas. Netflix and Disney+ have added short vertical clips to their apps this year, while Peacock has led the charge into micro dramas by making its own shows and licensing from category leader ReelShort. Netflix is also leaning into creator content and three-minute videos.

Ellison's move into micro dramas comes as Paramount Skydance deals with legal drama surrounding its Warner Bros. Discovery deal.

A federal judge put the merger on hold by issuing a temporary restraining order, following a lawsuit by 12 states. Paramount's plan to buy WBD has already been approved by the US Department of Justice and European regulators.

Most flip flops aren't actually that comfortable to walk in. The soles are paper-thin, the thong straps barely hold your feet down, and there's no arch support to speak of. All that may have been fine when I was in college, but at 36 years old, my body simply won't allow it.

FitFlop's flip flops (try saying that five times fast) are the best flip flops for walking I've tried. Its FitFlop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals look like beachy flip flops, yet they're built like a recovery shoe. I wore mine all last summer, and I can honestly say they're the only flip flops with arch support I've found (in the history of time?) that don't make my feet or lower back ache after a full travel day.

They simplify my packing list

I was traveling a lot last summer (Spain, New York, Copenhagen, Virginia). I'm always anxious packing for hot destinations where I'll be walking all day. I want to plan outfits where I'll feel cute and comfortable — not achy or blistered.

For people with lower back pain, it helps to wear shoes with excellent shock absorption like these have. It prevents the impact of your step from rippling up your spine.

I packed the FitFlop flip flops more for aesthetic reasons than practicality — they look good with everything from breezy linen fits to bikinis. I figured I'd wear trusty walking sneakers for big travel days, but that these flip flops would be nice to have for quick pop-down-the-street outings.

Instead, they ended up being my most-worn walking flip flops on all my summer trips (including local stops to my neighborhood grocery store).

I wore them on long walks during my summer abroad

In Spain, I wore these flip flops on a walking tour of Cádiz in the June heat and humidity. Throughout my time there, I was shocked that the anticipated ache in my arches or calves never came.

If anything, my feet felt more cushioned than if I'd worn flat sandals, and were less swollen than if they'd been trapped in sneakers all day. Around hour eight, I started to get a small blister between my first second toes, where the plastic and humidity weren't mixing well. But by this time, I was more impressed than annoyed by these flip flops.

A few weeks later, I brought the RELIEFF flip flops to New York, where walking is mandatory and comfortable shoes are non-negotiable — though in the July humidity, comfort has to be balanced with breathability. I wore the flip flops every day for four days straight — standing in lines, walking across miles of concrete in the city, and at Rockaway Beach. This time, I was smarter and preemptively put Band-Aids on the spots I knew could get rubbed raw, resulting in zero blisters. I didn't even touch my preferred walking sneakers.

The technology behind the comfort

The comfort of these lightweight flip flops all comes down to their construction. FitFlop is a recovery footwear brand, and the RELIEFF flip flops feature their proprietary triple-density EVA sole (which the brand calls a "Microwobbleboard"). This targets the heel, arch, and forefoot with different levels of firmness. It provides shock absorption and pressure relief exactly where you need it, and is layered on top with an ultra-soft recovery foam that molds to your foot.

They fit my average-to-slightly-wide feet thanks to a roomy toe box that allows your toes to splay naturally. This feels like a huge upgrade from the narrow straps and rigid footbeds of most flip flops I've tried. These straps are just slightly textured, so my toes don't have to actively grip down.

They also feature a subtle wedge heel — around 1.5 inches — which can help take pressure off the tendons of your feet. A wedge heel is a feature many podiatrists recommend for people with plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or arch pain. Folks over on the r/plantarfasciitis subreddit agree FitFlops are better built for PF patients than those suede cork sandals (you know the ones I mean).

It's also worth noting that at no point did the wedge cause me to turn my ankle or for my feet to slide out the side — these shoes felt super secure underfoot.

They're stylish enough to wear anywhere

What surprised me most about the RELIEFF flip flops is how often I reach for them — even when I'm not prioritizing comfort. The design is sleek and understated enough that they don't scream "orthopedic" the way most podiatrist-approved shoes do.

The slight wedge gives them a more put-together silhouette than a standard rubber flip flop, and the minimal strap keeps them looking modern and understated. It's a subtle platform, but it adds just enough shape to make the sandals feel more like a styled choice than a casual default.

I've worn mine to the beach, with an exercise dress, through airport security lines, at restaurants, and on city sightseeing tours — and they've passed every test (although the humidity is their enemy).

Cons to consider

If you live somewhere with high humidity, the strap may cause friction. It helped when I put on preventative Band-Aids or wrapped the base of the strap in moleskin, but beware of this if you plan to wearing these for long walks in humid climates. The OluKai 'Ohanas are a great alternative, since their nylon toe post and jersey lining didn't cause as much friction as rubber pairs.

The FitFlops may also be too wide for people with narrow feet. However, since my feet are slightly on the wider side, I found the fit to be perfect.

The bottom line

The FitFlop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals ($60) are hands down the most comfortable flip flops for walking. They come with ergonomic features you rarely see in flip flops, including shock absorption, arch support, and a foot-conforming cushion.

I've spent two summers wearing mine across different climates and terrains. I still confidently recommend them to anyone who wants the freedom of a flip flop with the support of a recovery shoe.

Shop all FitFlop flip flops here.

• Last week, Hugging Face said its systems were breached by an AI agent.
• OpenAI said Tuesday its models were responsible and that an AI agent had broken out of its sandbox.
• Here's what smart people in tech are saying it means for cybersecurity.

An AI agent broke out of its sandbox, got onto the internet, and broke into another company's systems all on its own, according to OpenAI.

Hugging Face, an open-source AI platform, announced last week it had experienced a security incident in which an autonomous AI agent had accessed some of its internal datasets, but said the large language model behind the intrusion was unknown.

OpenAI said Tuesday that its models — GPT‑5.6 Sol and a more capable model that has yet to be released — were responsible.

"We suspected last week's cyberattack might have come from a frontier lab, given the sophistication of the agent. Turns out it did!" Clem Delangue, the CEO and cofounder at Hugging Face, said on X Tuesday.

OpenAI said it had tasked the models with a cyber challenge and that they broke out of the test area, accessed the internet, and hacked into Hugging Face in order to find the solution to the test.

"We consider this incident to be an unprecedented cyber incident, involving state-of-the-art cyber capabilities, and are responding accordingly," OpenAI said in a statement.

The incident comes as cybersecurity specialists raise concerns about AI's rapidly increasing abilities, including in response to warnings from Anthropic about its Mythos model, which has not been released to the general public.

Here's what smart people in tech and AI are saying about the breach.

Walter Isaacson, biographer and author of "Steve Jobs" and "Elon Musk"

Journalist Walter Isaacson, who wrote a 2023 biography about OpenAI cofounder (turned nemesis) Elon Musk, said he thought the cyberattack was "frightening."

"The whole question of the singularity has been with us for 50 years, which is, 'What if it escapes? What if we create Doctor Frankenstein's monster, and we can no longer control it?'" Isaacson said on Wednesday during an interview with CNBC. "OpenAI could not even control it in its own sandbox."

The biographer said he remains an AI optimist and is convinced that the tech will create new job opportunities. However, he said this event is a scary reminder of how current regulations are failing to constrain AI models.

Reid Hoffman

Reid Hoffman, the billionaire LinkedIn cofounder turned venture capitalist, weighed in on the Hugging Face incident in an X post titled "Asymmetric Cyber Warfare is Here" on Wednesday.

OpenAI's attack on Hugging Face is an example of a new form of AI-enabled asymmetric warfare where "offense gets cheaper, more distributed, and more numerous, while defense stays expensive, centralized, and designed for the last war," Hoffman wrote.

That dynamic means organizations must rethink their defenses, Hoffman argued.

"Poorly constructed privileges for users are one of the main reasons small security breaches turn into massive incidents," he said. "Agents are an obvious solution to this problem. Take OpenAI's recent breach; Because OpenAI models don't allow advanced cyber capabilities, HuggingFace used a Chinese open model (Z.ai's GLM 5.2) to contain the rogue OpenAI agent."

Aaron Levie, Box CEO and cofounder

Aaron Levie, cofounder and CEO of Box, said the incident showed "we're entering a new era of what's going to be possible with AI" and that there are "wild times ahead."

"If you were wondering how powerful AI is getting, Agents are now capable of escaping out of systems, finding their way to the internet, discovering zero day security vulnerabilities along the way, and then breaking into external systems - all in an attempt to complete their goal," he wrote on X.

"Ironically, the ultimate way we're going to defend against these new risks is equally by throwing compute (in the form of AI) at our code bases, networks, and other systems. You're going to want vastly more AI on the side of defense as you do on the side of offense."

Jack Hidary, SandboxAQ CEO

Jack Hidary, the CEO of SandboxAQ, an AI software company focused on cybersecurity, compared the Hugging Face breach to a dinosaur on the loose.

"I think most of our viewers have watched 'Jurassic Park,'" he said during an interview on CNBC. "Every 'Jurassic Park,' what happens? They have a containment facility, and the word 'containment' means it's not going to be contained. You know the velociraptor is going to get out."

Several software security companies saw stock prices drop midday on Wednesday because, Hidary said, they're "late to the party in embracing the threat of LLMs."

Hugging Face used GLM 5.2, an open-weight Chinese AI model, to patch up its security, not a legacy software security company, he said.

"The traditional providers are really still old school. They're still talking about firewalls, things like that," he said. "It's time to move on now to using LLMs to protect."

Thomas Woodside, Secure AI Project cofounder

"This post describes an internal OpenAI model hacking out of its testing environment and into Hugging Face in order to obtain the solution to a benchmark," Thomas Woodside, cofounder of Secure AI Project, said on X.

"A warning shot if I've ever seen one."

Mike Bradley, Osmantic COO and founder

Mike Bradley, the chief operating officer and founder of AI deployment system Osmantic, said on X that the incident was "an incredible example of why widespread access to frontier AI and OS models INCREASES global security."

"It's also a great example of why CLOSED does not equal SAFE from these US labs."

Nicolas Bustamante, Microsoft AI

Nicholas Bustamante, who works at Microsoft after selling a fintech tool to the company earlier this year, wrote on X that the Hugging Face incident reinforces the need to weigh advanced models' deployment with safety considerations.

"You don't need an evil conscious AI trying to destroy humanity. You just need a very capable model pursuing a normal goal in a way nobody expected," he wrote.

"Imagine the prompt: « Make me money plz »
The model: « let me hack a bank »"

The latest generation of Samsung foldables is here, including a revised Galaxy Fold 8 and an all-new Galaxy Fold 8 Ultra. Both devices bring the brand's signature XL screens to pocket- and grip-friendly designs, now with slimmer profiles and more capabilities than ever. Read on to learn how to preorder the Galaxy Fold 8 and Galaxy Fold 8 Ultra.

Between the new smartphone announcements and their official release dates in August, Samsung and select major carriers are actually offering limited-time deals to snag with your new Fold 8. I've gathered them all so you can choose the best one for your needs.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra preorder deals

Ahead of the Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra's release, you can find exclusive preorder deals on Samsung's site and Amazon. In exchange for trading in your old phone, you can save up to $1,200. Signing up with a carrier can also get you up to $1,900 off in bill credits — or you can apply the code PAYPAL100 at checkout to knock $100 off your total.

• Get the Fold 8 on Amazon bundled with a $350 Amazon Gift Card for $2,125 (a $125 saving)

• Get the Fold 8 Ultra on Amazon bundled with a $350 Amazon Gift Card for $2,324 (a $125 savings)

For shoppers already committed to a carrier, shopping through them could actually help you save even more. Select your preferred option at checkout to lock your device to your carrier and score your trade-in deal.

• Verizon: Get up to $900 off with an eligible trade-in via monthly bill credits.
• AT&T: Save up to $1,900 with a trade-in via monthly bill credits.
• T-Mobile: Get up to $1,900 off with a one-time trade-in via monthly bill credits.

Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra preorder freebies

Shopping on Samsung has its perks. By preordering your new Galaxy Fold smartphone with Samsung, you lock in the following subscription service freebies:

• 2 months of Adobe Lightroom
• 3 months of Amazon Music Unlimited
• 30-day free ArcSite trial
• 6 months of Google AI Pro
• 30-day LumaFusion Creator Pass subscription
• Up to 6 months of Sirius XM
• 30-day Samsung Health powered by iFit trial

Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra colors

As is traditional for Samsung's new releases, each device comes in a set of colors to choose from, including one exclusive to the brand's site. For the Galaxy Z Fold 8, you can choose between:

• Lavender
• Cream
• Graphite
• Pistachio (exclusive)

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra instead comes in the following colors:

• Violet Shadow
• Cream
• Graphite
• Green Shadow

When are the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Fold 8 Ultra releasing?

Though both devices are up for purchase now, they won't officially be released to shoppers' hands until August 7 at the earliest. If you're hoping to be one of the first Z Fold 8 Ultra owners, I recommend preordering soon, since shipping dates can be pushed out as stock sells out.

• See also: Z Flip 8 preorders | Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 preorders

Follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp for the latest deals, reviews, and buying guides.

• Gene Munster says one number from tech earnings will be critical for the AI narrative.
• The tech investor is focused on capex projections for 2027.
• He sees Microsoft as the biggest risk in the capex conversation.

Big Tech earnings are here, and the AI capex discussion is set to be the main event for investors.

Rather than focusing on what the current quarter—or even the rest of 2026—may hold, tech veteran Gene Munster says investors should be looking further out.

With the AI trade looking "tired," the investor says that Q2 earnings are the only thing that can generate fresh momentum. Munster, a longtime tech analyst and now managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, says he'll be focused most on what hyperscalers are planning for 2027.

"Within the hyperscaler capex conversation, the key metric is next year's growth," Munster wrote. "As it stands, the Street is looking for 23% growth in CY27. That said, whisper expectations have moved higher following Google's $85B and Amazon's $25B capital raises, which will be spent predominantly late this year and into next year."

Munster charted the four major hyperscalers' projected capex estimates for the coming year, and predicts that spending likely won't cool as much as Wall Street anticipates, leaving a large part of the bull thesis intact.

Munster noted that much of his analysis centers on the themes of AI capex spending and cloud computing in Q2 tech earnings, which he described as equally important for investors. But while he made it clear that he sees Microsoft as the weakest link in the hyperscaler chain, even its 20% year-to-date decline isn't enough to derail the AI infrastructure boom.

"The biggest narrative risk in the capex conversation is Microsoft, where I believe management will guide investors to an unchanged 26% growth rate for next year," Munster noted. "If three of the four hyperscalers raise their outlook, I believe the AI infrastructure narrative will remain intact."

Munster says that these stocks look cheap relative to recent earnings. He cited Nvidia as an example of a company that hasn't grown as quickly as Wall Street anticipated, resulting in its valuation multiples being pushed lower, from trading at 30x earnings projections last year to 16x 2027 estimates today.

From Munster's perspective, valuation compression is a natural step for these companies, as colossal growth of past quarters becomes harder to sustain.

But that doesn't mean investors should be worried, and earnings could be the update the bulls need to resume the rally.

"I expect earnings to continue growing by more than 20% annually for the next several years," he said. "If that proves true, it would lay the groundwork for AI infrastructure stocks to continue working, as earnings growth more than offsets the decline in valuation multiples."

• Social platforms are updating their guidelines on AI-generated content.
• AI has been a point of tension across the creator community for years.
• Here's how social platforms are handling AI-generated content and monetization.

As tech companies race to weave AI into every inch of their products, they're discovering there's a fine line between embracing new technology and flooding users with low-quality, machine-generated content.

The shifting guidelines reflect a broader tension across the creator economy. Not long ago, social platforms competed aggressively for influencers with creator funds, exclusive programs, and monetization tools. Many of those same companies are now investing billions in AI products and infrastructure, leaving some creators worried they're becoming less central to the platforms they helped grow.

Here's how major social platforms that rely on creators, including YouTube and Substack, are dealing with the proliferation of AI content.

YouTube

YouTube is sharpening its stance on AI-generated content.

In an update from the company's trust and safety team, on July 20, YouTube said it wants to reward creators who use AI to enhance original storytelling, as opposed to those who mass-produce generic content or AI personas designed to game the platform.

A YouTube spokesperson told Business Insider that the policy isn't new but an important clarification of YouTube's long-standing "inauthentic content" policy, intended to reduce ambiguity for content creators who have been demonetized for repetitive, low-effort, or emotionally manipulative videos.

YouTube has spent years pitching itself to advertisers as the future of television, and a surge of AI-generated spam threatens to undermine that message. In January, the platform removed more than a dozen popular channels that had amassed millions of views by pumping out AI-generated videos featuring characters like cats and Jesus. Video editing platform Kapwing published a report estimating that 21% of YouTube's feed was AI-generated videos.

TikTok

TikTok isn't shying away from generative AI. The company and its owner, ByteDance, offer an array of AI tools for content creators on its marquee app and video editor CapCut. Creators who post on its e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, have been ramping up the use of AI to sell products this year. Much of the company's tech is built around ByteDance's AI video model, Seedance 2.0.

Still, TikTok is taking a variety of steps to keep generative AI under control across its ecosystem. The company requires creators to label AI-generated content and appends an invisible watermark to the metadata of some videos to indicate they are artificially generated. In November, the company introduced the ability for users to toggle the amount of AI content that appears in their feeds. In July, the company said it's beginning to test "improved detection systems to target accounts dedicated to posting AI-generated spam that crowds out original creators."

Substack

The newsletter platform announced on July 21 that it would help readers identify AI-generated content.

Substack will now let readers scan content to estimate how much AI may have been used in its writing. Substack is partnering with Pangram, an AI detector tool, to power its AI identification tools.

Creators on Substack can also add a disclosure to their content explaining how they made it, such as noting that they used Claude for copyediting, or if they don't use AI at all.

However, users can fairly easily disable this tool for their Substack content by turning off AI analysis in their publication settings. Creators can opt out of Pangram's automated scanning, meaning readers will no longer see an AI-use estimate on those posts.

Pinterest

Pinterest is no stranger to AI slop.

In 2025, the platform began adding AI labels to content. Pinterest lets creators label content as AI-modified or -generated, and has its own detection systems to flag content that may have been AI-generated.

Pinterest also added a tool that lets users limit the amount of AI-generated content appearing in their feeds.

In June, Pinterest's CEO Bill Ready told Business Insider's editor in chief, Jamie Heller, at Cannes Lions that while there are "so many great uses of AI," there is also a "bit of a counter movement to that with consumers."

"We provide users with controls to decide whether they want to see more or less GenAI content in their feed," a Pinterest spokesperson told Business Insider. "Additionally, our Community Guidelines apply to GenAI content, and our recommendation system prioritizes high-quality content, regardless of if it's human-created or GenAI."

Meta

Meta wants users to create and engage with content made with its own AI tools, so, for the most part, it has let content like the famed Shrimp Jesus run free.

However, the company has been labeling content as AI-generated since 2024. Across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, Meta adds an "AI info" label to content it detects as AI-generated. It doesn't automatically do the same for content that was modified with AI, though. Meta "may require" its AI labels on content with "photorealistic video or realistic-sounding audio that was digitally created, modified or altered, including with AI," per the company's help page explaining its AI policies. People can also voluntarily add the label to their content.

In June, Meta started putting its "AI info" label on advertisements that use AI, whether they're created by Meta's own tools or third-party editing services.

LinkedIn

If your LinkedIn posts sound a little too polished, readers may be taking notice.

AI detector Pangram estimates that 41% of long-form LinkedIn posts and 30% of short-form posts from April through June were AI-generated, which is the highest share among platforms it analyzed, including X, Reddit, Substack, and Medium.

Some creators are already changing course. Steven Bartlett's media company, FlightStory, stopped using AI-written LinkedIn posts after concluding authentic, human-written updates performed better.

LinkedIn actively promotes AI writing tools, including a button that helps users polish posts with AI. The company, however, said in a June post that it will be taking steps against "slop."

"While AI can be a helpful tool for refining language, we're seeing a rise in what many call 'AI slop,' content that is low-effort, AI-generated content that may sound polished on the surface but lacks any real unique perspective or substance," the company wrote.

• OpenAI unveiled plans to build a massive data center near Savannah, Georgia.
• The company paired the announcement with pledges meant to address common data center concerns.
• OpenAI said locals would not see higher electricity bills, water use would be minimal, and eligible students get token credits.

OpenAI is pushing to build community support for a planned new data center in Georgia in an apparent effort to avoid the type of backlash rising against AI infrastructure projects across the US.

The ChatGPT maker on Wednesday unveiled its plans to build "Project Camellia," an at least $20 billion data center campus in rural Effingham County, just outside Savannah, that will require 3.2 gigawatts of power.

OpenAI said that it has been meeting with state and local officials, community leaders, schools, and other stakeholders to gather feedback on the project and will hold a public open house on Thursday.

"We believe showing up early is the right way to build trust, with that, we are still at the beginning of the development process," OpenAI said in a press release. "Significant work remains on infrastructure, project phasing, design, financing, and operating model."

Effingham County Commissioner Jamie DeLoach said in a statement that he and his team "asked the tough questions" and found that the project "uses minimal water, won't increase energy costs for county residents, will generate new tax revenue to support our schools, and create new opportunities for local businesses."

OpenAI added it has contracted with Georgia Power to deliver electricity to the 1,400-acre campus in phases between 2028 and 2032.

OpenAI says water use will be 'minimal,' utility bills won't rise, and schools get free AI tokens

Alongside the announcement, OpenAI detailed a four-point pledge addressing issues that have fueled widespread opposition to data centers elsewhere, including electricity costs, water use, and community impacts.

OpenAI said local residents would not see higher electricity bills because of the project and that the facility's water use would be "minimal" due to its closed-loop water system.

"Georgia families will not subsidize this project. OpenAI will pay the full cost of the infrastructure and electric-service costs required to serve it," the company said.

It said that the project will be one of the first data centers designed to "proactively reduce its power consumption before residential customers are impacted during periods of high demand."

OpenAI also said it would provide $80 million in community benefits over the life of the project and will make up to $71 million in credits for Codex, its AI coding tool, available to eligible Georgia college, community college and technical school students. Georgia students who are eligible will get $100 in Codex credits through their ChatGPT account.

An independent firm will conduct an annual audit of OpenAI's commitments to be released to the public, the company said.

OpenAI expects to create thousands of construction jobs and more than 1,000 operational roles once the campus is fully built out.

Companies are racing to build AI data centers throughout the country and many communities are pushing back over concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the challenge earlier this year, saying, "AI is not very popular in the US right now."

"Data centers are getting blamed for electricity price hikes. Almost every company that does layoffs is blaming AI, whether or not it really is about AI," he said.

According to the research project Data Center Watch, at least 75 data center proposals worth an estimated $130 billion were delayed or blocked during the first three months of 2026 due to local opposition.

As of May, there were at least 430 local Facebook groups with more than 525,000 members fighting back against AI data centers, according to the Data Center Opposition Report, which tracks local opposition to the projects.

Georgia's 12th Congressional District Democratic Committee has issued an "urgent call to action" via Facebook, urging community members to show up to Thursday's public meeting.

Earlier this month, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order imposing the nation's first statewide moratorium on large-scale data centers.

Samsung just announced its latest slate of devices, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is among the top new releases available to preorder. The watch will officially release on August 7, 2026.

• See all color and band options on the Samsung website

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 expands on the outdoor adventure and exercise-focused first-generation Ultra model, adding greater battery life, improved performance, and several enhanced outdoor sports and health features, among other upgrades. The watch, available in Titanium Gray or Titanium Silver (with several different wristband types and colors), has a redesigned, slimmer profile and lighter bands.

The 47mm Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 costs $699.99 in the US, and we've broken down everything you need to know about preordering the device ahead of its launch. Samsung offers multiple savings incentives, including solid trade-in value and instant credits with preorders.

How to preorder the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is available to preorder on Samsung and Amazon. The watch has begun to pop up for preorder through select cellular providers as well.

If you preorder on the Samsung website and don't elect trade-in, you'll be eligible for a $100 Samsung Instant Credit. Just keep in mind that the credit usually can't be applied to the purchase of the watch itself and is instead best used for accessories. If you preorder through Amazon, you have the option to purchase the watch along with a $100 gift card at no extra cost (it's listed as a $100 deal on a $799.99 bundle).

What's new in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2?

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 boasts multiple upgraded features compared to its predecessor. All of these metrics have been reported by Samsung. While our team briefly interacted with the Ultra 2 in person, we have yet to put it through our rigorous testing process.

• Longer battery life: The Ultra 2 features an 800 mAh battery, a 35% increase in capacity over the previous Ultra model. The watch was rated for up to 60 hours of use (AOD On) on a single charge.
• Slimmer design: Despite the larger battery, the watch has an overall thinner, redesigned profile (12% thinner compared to the last generation), adding to its sleek ability to transition from outdoor exercise to everyday wear. The new bands are also lighter, offering a more breathable and comfortable fit.
• Performance: The watch is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite (replacing Exynos), enhancing power, speed, and GPS tracking. This display is also ultra-bright, with an unparalleled 5,000 nits (maximum).
• Trail Run: The new Trail Run feature can help outdoor adventurers, including ultra runners, better track their progress, terrain, and elevation.
• Nutrition Alert: A new addition to the sweat loss feature can help estimate hydration needs throughout a workout. The guidance considers sweat loss and body weight to estimate necessary rehydration amounts and frequency.
• Diving: Perhaps the most innovative and unique new Ultra Watch 2 feature is the Diving app, which is expected later this year. The feature was developed with the Mares diving brand to track real-time diving data, including depth, time, water temperature, ascent/descent speed, and safe dive limits.
• Health features: Both the Galaxy Ultra 2 and the new Galaxy Watch 9 include AI-powered health insights, including a sleep apnea feature, vital monitoring, heart health score, daily cardio load training guidance, fitness index, and hearing alerts and reports.

What's the trade-in value of my current device?

Samsung will allow you to trade in a Samsung or Apple watch for up to $250 of trade-in value when purchasing a new Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Below, you can find eligible trade-in devices and their maximum trade-in value.

The trade-in values are fairly decent for recent smartwatch models, even on the Apple Watches (iPhone trade-in prices against Samsung phones are still awful, though).

Some of the prices offered on older watches below may be a bit stingy, so I'd check your local pre-owned prices on Facebook Marketplace or eBay to make sure you're not missing out on a better price for your old gear.

Samsung has finally announced its newest generation of foldables, including a brand new Galaxy Z Flip 8. The nostalgically styled flip phone brings a classic silhouette to modern smartphone tech, now with a stronger processor, more camera features, a new fingerprint scanner, a thinner design, and more. If you're hoping to get one for yourself, learn how to preorder a Galaxy Z Flip 8 below.

Not only is the device now up for purchase, but Samsung is also offering limited-time trade-in, carrier, and freebie promotions. I've rounded up the details for scoring the best Z Flip 8 deal.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 preorder deals

While the phone is still up for preorder, Samsung is offering sweet deals to make buying a Z Flip 8 more value-packed for shoppers. Specifically, trading in an old smartphone or device can earn you up to $600 in trade-in credit; skipping the trade-in can instead earn you $150 in Samsung credit toward a future purchase.

If you're planning to bring the phone straight to your major carrier of choice, you can also save hundreds through one of Samsung's carrier deals without even having to go directly to the carrier website.

• Verizon: Get up to $900 off with an eligible trade-in.
• AT&T: Get up to $1,000 off with an eligible trade-in via monthly bill credits.
• T-Mobile: Get up to $1,100 off with trade-in credit via monthly bill credits.

To opt for one of these promotions, just be sure to select your preferred carrier on the Z Flip 8 product page, since the default is "Unlocked."

Galaxy Z Flip 8 preorder freebies

That's right, by ordering your device early through Samsung, you're guaranteed a set of free perks, mostly including subscription services that would otherwise cost monthly fees.

• 2 months of Adobe Lightroom
• 3 months of Amazon Music Unlimited
• 30-day free ArcSite trial
• 6 months of Google AI Pro
• 30-day LumaFusion Creator Pass subscription
• Up to 6 months of Sirius XM
• 30-day Samsung Health powered by iFit trial

Galaxy Z Flip 8 colors

The new Galaxy Z Flip 8 comes in four colors, one of which is an online and Samsung Experience Store exclusive:

• Pink
• Cream
• Graphite
• Mint (exclusive)

When is the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8's release date?

Though it's up for preorder now, the smart flip phone isn't available just yet. It will officially release on August 7, after which point shoppers can have the phone in hand. Preordering early is important if you'd like to be one of the first to get your device — as stock dwindles, shipping dates will be pushed further out.

Follow us on Instagram and WhatsApp for the latest deals, reviews, and buying guides.

• Eton College is an exclusive boarding school sometimes called "the nursery of England's gentlemen."
• Prince George will start attending Eton in September 2026.
• The school's elite alumni include Prince William, Tom Hiddleston, and Eddie Redmayne.

Prince George is officially ready for Eton.

Prince William and Kate Middleton's eldest son turned 13 on Wednesday. Reaching his teen years is a milestone in and of itself, but the prince's new age makes him old enough to attend Eton College, often called "the nursery of England's gentlemen."

The prestigious boarding school outside London educates around 1,350 boys aged 13-18 each year, according to its website. Its alumni include members of the royal family, including Prince William and Prince Harry, actor Tom Hiddleston, author George Orwell, and former prime minister Boris Johnson.

George, who is second in line to the British throne, will join those esteemed alumni's ranks in September.

Keep reading to take a look inside Eton College.

Eton was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI.

Eton is an all-boys school located outside London, near Windsor. It was originally intended to educate poor boys before they went on to Cambridge University.

It is one of England's nine original fee-paying independent schools, according to The New York Times.

William and Kate moved to Adelaide Cottage at Windsor Castle in 2022, which is about a mile from Eton. They enrolled George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis at the nearby Lambrook School at the time, though they may have already been considering how a home base at Windsor could be beneficial if George enrolled at Eton.

Before being accepted, students go through a two-part application process that begins three years before they enroll.

Only boys aged 13 to 18 attend Eton. The application process begins when a prospective student is in year 5 of primary school, at age 10, three years before they would actually attend Eton. Students hoping to start at Eton in 2029 need to register by August 31, 2026, the Eton website states. George would have begun his application process in 2023.

After a student registers, the application process occurs in two stages, as outlined on the school's website.

First, hopeful applicants take an online assessment. "Successful boys" then come to Eton for an individual interview and an additional online test taken at the school. Four to six weeks later, applicants will find out if they have been accepted, waitlisted, or rejected.

Once accepted, a student's parents will have to pay an acceptance fee in addition to the school's annual fee of £65,673 (or about $87,824). The school offers financial aid and scholarships to some students, but most pay their own tuition in full.

Eton students live in one of the 25 houses on campus.

About 55 students of all ages, with 11 from each age group, live in each house at Eton, according to the school's website. Each student has their own room from the time they arrive.

The houses are run by the House Master and Dame, who oversee the house's full-time staff and care for the students. Some of the houses employ private chefs to feed their residents, while others send their students to the school's dining hall.

Each student also has a personal tutor to support his academic growth.

Students wear Eton's traditional uniform.

Eton refers to its uniform as its "school dress" on its website. The uniform consists of a black tailcoat, white tie, waistcoat, and striped pants.

Students add a top hat to that look for special occasions.

Eton plans out students' entire day, beginning with breakfast at 7:30 a.m.

Eton students' days follow a strict schedule, starting with a Chapel service or Assembly, the school's website notes.

Afterward, students attend three classes, which they call "schools" or colloquially "divs." They have a 25-minute midmorning break called "Chambers" in their rooms where they can have a snack or connect with a teacher, called "masters" at the school.

Lunch is called "boys' dinner," and they have extracurriculars, including sports and the school's "Societies Programmes," as well as afternoon tea once their lessons are finished.

Life at Eton is governed by traditions, including the wall game.

Eton has accomplished rowing, soccer, and cricket teams, but the wall game is Eton's best-known extracurricular.

The school describes the game as "resembling elements of both football and rugby, despite at times looking like no other imaginable game." Players try to kick the ball down a narrow strip of grass next to one of the college's walls to score.

Eton students are known for their powerful connections.

For instance, a group of 11 Eton students traveled to Russia in 2016 to meet with President Vladimir Putin.

The students planned the trip on their own with no help from the school, Eton said in a statement to The Telegraph.

Fifteen members of the British royal family have attended Eton, including Prince William and Prince Harry.

Royals like the princes typically live in Eton's Manor House, though Kensington Palace has not announced if George will live in the same house when he arrives at the school.

Eton's website says the school has also educated royals from Belgium, Romania, Ethiopia, Thailand, and Nepal.

Boris Johnson was the fifth Eton graduate to become prime minister since World War II.

Prime ministers David Cameron, Alec Douglas-Home, Harold Macmillan, and Anthony Eden also attended Eton.

In total, Eton has educated 20 prime ministers.

Royals and future politicians are not the only famous graduates of Eton.

In addition to the prime ministers, Tom Hiddleston and Eddie Redmayne are also "Old Etonians." Redmayne even played on the same rugby team as Prince William at Eton, People reported.

"I always felt a bit sorry for him because basically any school you played, all they wanted to do was tackle Prince William, and they could say, 'I tackled Prince William,'" Redmayne told People. "So if you were standing next to Prince William, like I was, it was actually quite easy and quite fun."

Hiddleston graduated from Eton one year before Prince William and Redmayne, according to the school's website.

Prince George will start at Eton in September.

George was first spotted touring Eton in April 2023 with his parents, People reported at the time.

Kensington Palace announced his coming attendance in June 2026, but his application process would have been underway for years before the news was made public.

The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a new portrait of George on their Instagram to mark his 13th birthday. He wore a black suit in the shot, perhaps hinting at the uniform he will soon wear daily.

• Google's delayed 3.5 Pro model has competitors taking jabs.
• One analyst said the delay has "shifted perception from leading edge to trailing edge."
• "Gemini who?" wrote Meta's chief AI officer, Alexandr Wang, on X.

In the AI race, the throne is never safe. Just ask Google.

After the success of Gemini 3, Google found itself in a strong position at the end of 2025. As of this week, the situation is a little shakier.

While the company just rolled out three faster, more cost-effective models, it continues to delay its next frontier model, Gemini 3.5 Pro, and it's unclear whether this week's launches will be enough to keep users and investors happy in the interim.

Some of Google's competitors are using the opportunity to land a few jabs.

Alexandr Wang, Meta's chief AI officer, wrote on X "gemini who?" in response to a leaderboard that ranked Meta's Spark model above one launched by Google this week.

Thibault Sottiaux, a member of technical staff at OpenAI, also took an apparent jab at the search giant. In a post on X, Google's Logan Kilpatrick announced that pre-training on Gemini 4 — the next big milestone model — had begun. "Hope it finishes one day too!" Sottiaux replied.

Google declined to comment.

'Too early to count anyone out'

Google's delay is particularly glaring because OpenAI and Anthropic have rolled out new top-tier models in recent weeks. The pushback of Gemini 3.5 Pro has "shifted perception from leading edge to trailing edge," said Josh Beck, an analyst at Raymond James, in a note this week. He said he saw this as a byproduct of the fast pace of change among the labs right now.

At the same time, Google's business has been humming along nicely in recent quarters, with strong momentum across Search, YouTube, Cloud, and other areas benefiting from Google's AI advancements. Google is also betting that faster, more cost-effective models may be a winning strategy at a time when token costs are racking up.

Google's focus on more efficient models has received praise from some users.

"Google gets a lot of criticism on here for falling behind on agentic coding, but Gemini 3.5 Flash has long been my daily driver for agentic document extraction, which is one of the highest-value use-cases for LLMs IMO," Kyle Walker, founder of Clearfork Intelligence, wrote on X.

Still, Google may need to address this trade-off between efficiency and power when it announces Q2 earnings on Wednesday evening. Analysts are likely to raise the topic of 3.5 Pro and its release timeline.

"I love Gemini, probably more than I should but them hyping 4 before even delivering 3.5 Pro is a lil weird," Anshel Sag, analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, wrote on X.

Sag told Business Insider he felt that Google hyping up Gemini 4 was an "admission they already have something better." However, he said the "feverish pace" of AI right now doesn't necessarily yield meaningful improvements.

"I just feel like Google is a much bigger company and moves a bit differently from its competitors," said Sag.

He added: "It's just way too early to count anyone out."

Have something to share? Contact this reporter via email at hlangley@businessinsider.com or Signal at 628-228-1836. Use a personal email address and a non-work device; here's our guide to sharing information securely.

• Monday.com plans to cut 20% of its workforce, the company said in a securities filing.
• The project management platform cited its "AI-driven growth strategy" in the disclosure.
• The company's stock has slumped in the last year as fears of a "SaaSpocalypse" grow.

Big cuts are coming for Monday.com.

The enterprise software company plans to cut 20% of its workforce, according to a Form 6-K it filed. The layoffs are meant to align the company with its "strategic focus on the AI Work Platform," the disclosure said.

Monday.com joins the growing group of companies citing AI while announcing layoffs, like Snap and Block. Monday.com said that it was pursuing an "AI-driven growth strategy."

"We entered a new era where AI is transforming the role of software, creating the greatest opportunity our industry has ever seen," Monday.com cofounder and co-CEO Eran Zinman said in a message to employees, which he published to LinkedIn. "We have a new market to capture. Without a fundamental change in how we operate, we will not be able to compete and win that market."

The changes mean Monday.com is becoming flatter with more autonomous teams, Zinman wrote.

As to whether the layoffs were driven by AI improvements, the co-CEO wrote that the decision "was not made to reduce costs or replace people with AI."

While Monday.com plans to cut 20% of its workforce, it also said it plans to continue hiring in areas of focus.

It's not immediately clear exactly how many workers will be affected. In its 2025 annual report, Monday.com said that it had 3,155 employees. Monday.com did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

The company's stock rose throughout the morning, though it has since ticked back down. The stock has slumped roughly 75% in the last year.

Monday.com provides project management software to enterprises. This category is the target of growing "SaaSpocalypse" worries. Investors and analysts fret that AI and vibe coding could weaken companies' reliance on these tools.

Read the Monday.com co-CEO's full memo:

Hi everyone,

Over the past nine months, we have shifted our core vision moving from managing work to doing the work for our customers, with people and AI agents working together in one workspace.

This has required us to change our product, our strategy, and how we serve our customers.

But it became clear that changing our strategy and product is not enough. The organization we built for our previous chapter is not the organization that fits the new AI era.

Today, we are announcing the very difficult decision to reduce our global workforce by ~20%, affecting around 620 people.

This is the most painful decision we have made since founding monday.com - yet we are certain it is the right one. We made it. We own it. And we take full responsibility for it.

The people leaving are talented colleagues and friends. They helped build this company, support our customers, and create a culture we are deeply proud of. We are incredibly grateful to them, and we know that nothing we say can lessen the impact this will have on them and their families.

We are not making this change to protect what we have. We are making it to go all in on what monday.com can become.

Why are we making this change?

We entered a new era where AI is transforming the role of software, creating the greatest opportunity our industry has ever seen.

We have a new market to capture. Without a fundamental change in how we operate, we will not be able to compete and win that market.

To fully realize this opportunity, and ensure monday.com is positioned to lead in this landscape, we need to move faster, execute more decisively, take on new challenges, respond quickly to market changes, and empower people in the company to create greater impact. Some of the things we are changing in monday:

1. A flatter organization - We are reducing management layers, creating more empowered teams, and enabling faster decision-making.
2. More autonomous teams - We are moving from teams with many dependencies to smaller groups with broader ownership and greater authority to execute.
3. A new go-to-market model - Our new offering is opening a new market, and that market requires us to work differently. New and existing customers increasingly expect deeper implementation support as they adopt AI. We will work more closely with customers, increase our on-site presence, create new roles, and adapt many existing ones.

Improving margins was not the purpose of this decision. We intend to reinvest the vast majority of the savings in our people, our products, AI, and future growth.

For the people leaving monday.com

Thank you. Thank you for all your hard work, for the significant impact you have made, for caring so deeply about monday.com, and for always being willing to help and lend a hand. We know this is part of our culture, and it is something we consistently hear from everyone who interacts with people at monday.com.

We want to be very clear: this decision is not a reflection of your performance, your contribution, or your value. It is the result of a management decision about how to structure the company for its next chapter.

We are committed to supporting you through this transition with care, respect, and meaningful assistance. We will do everything we reasonably can to help you find your next opportunity, and we will provide you with a generous support package.

To companies that are hiring: we recommend these people wholeheartedly. They are exceptional professionals and teammates, and we will help connect them with organizations looking for outstanding talent.

For the people staying

It is not easy to be part of such a significant change or to see colleagues and friends leave so quickly. We understand how difficult this will be. We also owe you clarity about what this change means.

The change is not about asking fewer people to do the same amount of work. We are making real choices about what we will stop doing. We will simplify how we work, remove unnecessary friction, and give teams more authority to make decisions.

The company that comes out of this change will have clearer priorities, fewer layers, faster decisions, and greater ownership.

We are deeply confident about our future

Our path is very clear to us. This is a change we have chosen to make, and we are taking full responsibility for it. We have never seen such a significant opportunity in software, driven by such exciting technology.

Nothing gives us more confidence than seeing how new and existing customers are responding to our new offering, and seeing adoption of our AI products accelerate.

Every week, we see more evidence that our strategy is the right one. Customers are embracing our new vision, adoption of our AI capabilities continues to accelerate, and our confidence continues to grow.

Our momentum is strong, and we believe we are on the right path to success on a massive market opportunity.

To ease the uncertainty around this we will send all employees an email message within the next hour, followed by a personal call from one of your managers.

For all managers - we know how difficult it is to process this personally, even as you continue to lead your teams. We have every confidence in your leadership and know you'll approach these conversations with the care, clarity, and respect that define our culture. Thank you for being there for your people during this transition.

Thank you,

Roy & Eran

During the change process, we received a few questions we'd like to clarify:

• Is the reason we are doing this reduction is to improve margins? No. Improving margins was not the purpose of this decision. We intend to reinvest the vast majority of the savings in our talent, our products, AI, and future growth.
• Do we plan more reductions in the future? We designed this change to create the organization we believe we need for our next chapter. We are not planning any further workforce reductions.
• Is this reduction driven by AI improvements? No. While we are seeing significant value from AI internally, this decision was not made to reduce costs or replace people with AI. We see internal AI adoption as an accelerator of our growth. This change was made to adapt the company to our new vision.
• Are people expected to work harder now that we have less people? Not harder - better. To give one example, we had many situations where work that could have been done in a few days took many months with multiple meetings and endless friction. This wasn't people's fault and everyone was frustrated by this. Our new org changes ownership to allow people to make decisions and move fast.
• You're talking about the new AI products, what about our existing market and customers? We are lucky to have amazing customers that love our product and actually use these words to describe it. We need to be there for them with our new vision of doing the work with AI and not just managing it. They are also undergoing change and we will invest heavily to help them - they are our biggest asset.

When you have a D-cup or up, finding a great swimsuit is just as much about support as it is about style. It's about feeling confident and comfortable, whether you're lounging by the pool, playing beach volleyball, or taking a dip in the ocean.

The best swimsuits for larger busts are designed to lift, support, and shape while allowing you to move freely without feeling constrained. You want something that will stay put no matter what you're doing, so you can focus on enjoying your time in the sun without constantly adjusting or worrying about support.

Ahead, we've pulled the best swimsuits for women in the large bust category. Whether you're looking for a bikini or a one-piece, need a maternity suit or something that can withstand water sports, we've found the very best suit for every scenario — without ever sacrificing security or comfort. And for more of the best swimsuits that can accommodate larger bust sizes, see our article on the best plus-size swimwear.

Best swimsuit brands for large busts

• Land's End: If you're in the market for a modest suit that helps minimize the bust, this legacy retailer has a robust selection of suits specifically designed for D-cups and up. Many suits also offer petite and long-torso fits.
• Bravissimo: All swimsuits come in exact cup and band sizes, so every top fits like a great bra, which makes a huge difference in support. You can find cute, youthful styles in trendy prints and modern silhouettes.
• TA3: All TA3 suits feature laced backs that function like a corset. They're the ultimate large-bust-friendly shaping brand, with the most effective system for lifting the bust and cinching the waist we've ever tried. Their sizing goes up to a 4XL J/K cup.

Advice from your tester

As someone with a 34DD bra size, finding great swimwear has always been tricky. Since I have a smaller band size and a larger bust, I can't wear swimsuit tops that only come in alpha sizing (small, medium, etc). I've tested more than 30 different suits to understand which features actually support your bust.

Plus, I've tapped in other testers with different body types and needs to advise on their favorite, most supportive suits.

And since I'm from Hawaii and have always been interested in swimwear fashion, I also made sure to include brands that don't treat style as an afterthought. Here are my best tips:

• Always prioritize brands with bra sizing: If you want true support, your swimsuit should fit like a great bra. It's not always feasible for brands to produce bra-sized swimwear since it drastically increases the sizes they have to stock, but brands like Bravissimo are committed to making every single suit on their site available in sizes 30DD to 40K.
• Underwire is your friend: If you want your chest to look lifted, underwire is the way to go. Bra-sized swimwear usually has underwire built in, but Lands' End has a collection of DD-cup underwire suits that are incredibly supportive despite the lack of exact sizing.
• Look for features like thick straps, adjustable backs, and supportive underbands. Low back styles, strapless tops, and straps with no adjustments are less supportive and may be uncomfortable.

How we tested swimsuits for large busts

To find the best swimsuits for large busts, we started by combing through traditional swimwear brands for styles designed with fuller busts in mind, prioritizing options with DD+ sizing, bra-sized fits, underwire, adjustable straps, supportive bands, molded cups, and other explicit support features. We also looked closely at brands that specialize in large-bust swimwear to compare their fit, construction, and size range against more mainstream options.

From there, we consulted experts, read through Reddit threads and customer reviews, and asked friends with larger busts about the swimsuits they actually like wearing. We considered how each suit fit when dry and wet, whether it provided enough lift and coverage, how secure it felt while swimming or moving around, and whether the straps, cups, and bands stayed comfortable over time.

We wore the swimsuits in the water, moved around in them, and washed them according to the care instructions to see how well they held up. Throughout testing, we paid close attention to support, comfort, adjustability, coverage, durability, style, and whether each suit felt practical enough for real beach, pool, and vacation wear.

Editor-favorite picks, tested over two years

Best overall: TA3 The Lifty

TA3 makes the swimsuit of 'Shark Tank' fame that doubles as shapewear. In our review of TA3 swimsuits, we found that the brand deserves a spot among the best swimsuits for large busts thanks to its lightweight activewear compression material, which is not all that dissimilar to a super supportive sports bra. 

Executive Editor of Insider Reviews, Sally Kaplan, loves the Lifty, which is TA3's style with underwire for added support. "I love all of my TA3 swimsuits, but the Lifty is my favorite because the underwire is so supportive and prevents the dreaded uniboob that some one-piece bathing suits can cause. The way the sizing works is nothing short of a miracle. You get to choose your bodice length (short or regular/long), your usual swimsuit size (from XS-4X), and your cup size (from A-J/K,) to get the absolute perfect fit, plus there are a bunch of color options. There's even an option for a high-cut version of this suit here if you prefer to show more leg. I've truly never had a one-piece fit me better!

The thick shoulder straps are comfy and adjustable, and the cups cradle me perfectly with no digging. It even looks super cute as a bodysuit, so you could theoretically wear it with jeans or flowy linen pants and no one would be the wiser. But I know you're all here to find out whether it actually does what it promises: give you a snatched waist. The short answer is: yes! The longer answer is absolutely yes; the lacing in the back actually works like a dream to cinch your waist in. But the good news is that if you're ever feeling bloated or you just want something a little less compressive, you can always just loosen it up. It's like having two sizes in one! 

Anyway, if you have a large chest, you won't regret buying this suit — as someone with an F cup, it's definitely the most comfortable and supportive one-piece I've ever tried."

Best budget bikini: Cupshe DD+ Bikini Set

It's hard to find a good full-bust swimsuit for under $50, but Amazon-favorite brand Cupshe has a whole section of affordable DD+ swimsuits.

One thing I always look for in swimsuits is wide straps that can support the weight of a larger chest. The thicker straps on this suit help distribute weight evenly across your shoulders, so you won't have to deal with narrow halter ties that cut into you.

I also appreciate that you can buy the top and the bottom in different sizes. Bikinis that come as a set are notoriously annoying for people with large busts, but this bikini gives you lots of freedom to mix and match stiting.

The top has a sleek, slightly dressier neckline than a standard bikini, while the high-waisted bottoms add a bit more coverage without looking overly conservative. It's a good option for someone who wants a supportive two-piece that still feels fun and flattering.

Best for trendy designs: Bravissimo Gingham Olivia Bikini

An absolute winner from Bravissimo. It's so refreshing to find a swimwear brand that doesn't make larger-breast support an afterthought.

Bravissimo's suits are designed solely for those with DD-cups and up — and you can absolutely feel the difference. You pick your exact cup size (from 30DD to 40K), so the top fits like an excellent bra. And there are lots of large-bust-friendly details like wider straps and unlined cups that won't look clumpy.

Plus, I love that this brand caters to larger busts without making its suits look matronly. All the prints and cuts are cute and modern.

Best patterned one-piece: Boden Rhodes Cup-Size Swimsuit

This Boden suit comes in four ridiculously cute patterns, including the paisley-adjacent print above. It's sized according to your bra measurements alone, which I was originally skeptical about, but it ended up fitting perfectly.

The Rhodes Cup-Size Swimsuit has removable straps, so you can also wear it as a strapless one-piece. I tried to wear it sans straps, but there wasn't enough support for me to feel comfortable. Despite the fact that there's a grippy strip that lines the top, it kept drooping, risking a wardrobe malfunction. But with the straps on, I felt secure and supported. It even stayed put when I took a tumble off the floatie pictured above.

I also love how it fits. The torso isn't overly tight, but it is fully lined for structure rather than compression. Plus, the paneling is smartly designed to emphasize your natural waist.

Best tankini: Land's End Sweetheart Wrap Underwire Tankini Top

Tankinis can sometimes feel a little too dated, but this one from Lands' End still has a pretty, flattering shape. The sweetheart wrap neckline gives it more polish than a basic scoop-neck tankini, while still offering enough coverage that you won't feel like you're constantly adjusting it. Plus, it comes in regular, D, DD, and DDD cup sizes.

For larger busts, the built-in underwire is the main selling point. It gives the top more lift and structure than a typical tankini, and the adjustable straps help you fine-tune the fit. I also like that it comes in regular, petite, long torso, and plus sizes, since torso length can make or break a tankini.

This tankini is sold as a separate, so you can pair it with whichever bottoms make you feel most comfortable — whether that's a high-waisted bikini bottom, swim skirt, board shorts, or a matching Lands' End bottom. The shirring through the body gives it a little shape without feeling overly compressive, and the UPF 50 fabric is a nice bonus for long days at the beach or pool. It's not quite as supportive as a true bra-sized swim top, but for a classic tankini that feels secure, flattering, and easy to wear, this is a strong option.

Best crinkle suit: Bleu Rod Beattie Square Neck Ribbed One-Piece

The straight size version of this suit (linked above) is available in sizes 4-14. But there's also a plus-size version of the Square Neck Ribbed One-Piece in sizes 16-22.

Classic crinkle suits like the ones we tested from Youswim are admittedly extremely comfortable, but they are not known for offering much in the way of chest support (not for these DDDs, anyway). At first glance, you'd have no idea that this Bleu Rod Beattie suit actually has built-in underwires because the silhouette just looks like a plain crinkle suit — and that's one of the reasons I love it so much! What's hiding underneath is a miracle combo of chest support, lift, and just enough compression to make the suit cling to your every curve without feeling tight or restricted.

I first saw this bathing suit in the mall while panic-shopping for a recent vacation, and between the interior support and the adjustable straps, it might actually be the best-fitting bathing suit I've ever owned. It comes in both regular and plus sizes, and the interior cups have a ton of stretch so they're meant to be flexible enough for multiple cup sizes. In true crinkle suit form, it really does stretch and mold to your shape in a way that's both flattering and extremely comfy. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews.

Best for minimizing bust: Lands' End Chlorine Resistant High Neck UPF 50 Modest Tankini Swimsuit Top

If you have a larger bust and struggle to find swimwear that feels supportive without being overly revealing, this Lands' End tankini is worth a look. It's available in D, DD, and DDD cup sizes for a more tailored fit, and the high-neck silhouette offers added coverage up top. Soft cups provide light structure, and the UPF 50 fabric is a nice bonus for long days in the sun. It also comes in a wide range of sizes, including petite, plus, and long-torso fits.

This tankini top also gives you solid coverage with a high neck and UPF 50 fabric that's built to take a beating from sun and chlorine. It's supportive without feeling stiff, so you can swim, splash, or just lounge poolside with one less thing to worry about.

Best plunge: Popilush Plunging V Slimming One-Piece Swimsuit

This swimsuit is definitely sexy. The deep plunge shows off a good deal of skin — but, crucially, the cleavage is lifted and supported by the wire cups and the sculpting material.

The torso of the Popilush Plunging Suit is lined with mesh shapewear panels that smooth the stomach and pull in the waist. I was initially skeptical about how well this would work, but the effect is more dramatic than you might think. It's rare that I feel confident wearing a tight suit around the time of my period, but I was able to splash around in this with no hesitation.

But the suit isn't perfect for everyone. Based on the comments and my own experience, it works like a dream for people with D or DD cups. If you're an E or larger, however, there's not enough material to prevent the breasts from spilling out.

I got the suit in my typical size, a medium, and it fit well but was definitely tight. The brand recommends sizing up for a looser, more comfortable fit; however, the shaping features work best if you stick to your normal size.

Best one-shoulder: Summersalt The Sidestroke

While you might not think a one-strap top makes for the best swimsuit for large busts, this Instagram-famous color-blocked suit holds up despite its risky-looking silhouette. "I'm incredibly happy with how supportive the suit ended up being. There was no issue with lopsidedness or sagging, and the diagonal seaming on the front was super flattering," wrote Executive Editor Sally Kaplan in our review of Summersalt swimsuits. 

Style writer Sarah Chiwaya also raved about this suit in her guide to the best plus-size swimwear: "Instead of just sticking with one cross strap in the back, this style has two, which distributes bust weight more evenly and doesn't dig. I was happily surprised that this style worked as well as it did on me, as most one-shoulder styles leave me lopsided and uncomfortable," she writes.

To tip the scales even more, this suit is made from recyclable materials and comes in 11 designs. It has 4.5 stars and over six thousand reviews on the Summersalt website, with reviewers raving about how comfortable it is and how flattering the diagonal colorblocking and seaming is. Sizes 2-22 are available.

Best square-neck: Hermoza Becca

Hermoza is the perfect brand for swimsuits that are relatively modest, yet still stylish. They have vintage-inspired picks like belted one-pieces, high-waisted bottoms, and halters with waist ties. Personally, I love wearing this brand for family-centric events in the summer where I don't want to be showing too much skin, even if I'm in a bikini. But the pieces are so cute that I wear them to beach days with friends. The Becca Top and Lauren Bottom in Sea Pink even got me tons of compliments when I wore them in Positano, a luxury swimwear haven.

As a person with a larger bust size and smaller band size, I really appreciated how these pieces fit me. The lining is both taut and comfortable, so it holds you in but you still feel comfortable sitting and lounging. They have a whole section for DD+ cup sizes, but the pieces I have didn't even come from that line and they still make me feel secure and supported.

Best minimalist one-piece: Bravissimo Lake Como One-Piece Swimsuit

The Bravissimo Lake Como is exactly the kind of swimsuit I wish more brands made for larger busts: supportive, secure, and actually cute. The black-and-white contrast detailing gives it a slightly retro, polished look, so it feels more intentional than a basic black one-piece.

It fit me really well, too. The hidden underwire gives the bust real lift and shape, and because Bravissimo designs swimwear for D+ cups, it feels much more structured than most one-pieces I've tried. I also liked the higher-cut leg, which makes the suit feel a little more modern without sacrificing too much coverage.

The body has smoothing tummy control, but it didn't feel overly tight or uncomfortable. My only issue was that after washing it, I noticed some puckering along the white detailing, which made it look a little less crisp than it did right out of the package. Still, the fit and support were strong enough that I'd recommend it — especially if you want a one-piece that feels secure without looking matronly.

Best color variety: Vetchy Laguna Bikini

Vetchy's signature swimsuit is the Laguna Bikini, which features an underwire top and a choice between a cheeky bottom and a full-coverage bottom. This two-piece is available in almost every colorway you can imagine, from metallic-flecked numbers to gingham prints.

But the amazing thing for people with large busts is that the top is available in DD+ sizes. An SDD+ will fit bra sizes 32DD-32E, while an LDD+ fits sizes 36DDD-34G. This does exclude people with band sizes larger than 36, however.

As a 34DD, I tried the MDD+ size and it fit great. I love the underwire support and the option to remove the padding in the cups. But I especially love how wide the straps are. They fit comfortably on my shoulders and support the weight of my chest. The straps are also adjustable, which is a super important feature for a bra-like bikini.

This bikini is a great classic silhouette and also one of the best underwire swimsuits we've tested.

Best budget: Hilor One-Piece Shirred Tummy Control Bathing Suit

Amazon is a treasure trove for affordable, high-quality swimsuits, including some of the best swimsuits for large busts. (Read our full list for the best swimsuits on Amazon.)

This pick has thick, sturdy straps to offer full support for larger cup sizes. People particularly love the built-in bra cups, which can accommodate larger bra sizes. 

If you want a modest suit that doesn't look dated or cost too much, this is a fantastic pick. It gets tons of praise for being no-frills and not overly revealing. It's designed to cover your full backside, so you don't have to fear any wardrobe malfunctions. And the midsection is compressive and supportive but not overly tight.

Other details include a ruched midsection designed to highlight curves and a plunging V-neckline. There are over 30 colors and patterns.

Best active: Andie the Maui Top and Bikini Bottom

"At one point, I forgot I even had this set on under my clothes and I received many compliments on the gorgeous Cherry color.

Unlike most string tops, the weight of your chest is held up by the Maui top at your shoulders instead of your neck, so it feels like a cozy bra. It looked more like a sports bra and thus pushed my chest together in a similar fashion, which felt secure but didn't look particularly sexy. It gave some 'uniboob' vibes, but it wasn't awful — just not like bikini tops I'm used to.

I'd wear this supportive, comfortable swimsuit for activities like visiting a water park, surfing, or attending a family function because it feels secure and sensible. But it's not the most exciting-looking set for lounging on the beach with friends or going on vacation with my boyfriend." —Paige DiFiore, lifestyle & entertainment freelance editor

Read our full review of Andie's swimwear collection to learn about other styles we tested.

Best convertible: Curvy Kate Wrapsody Bandeau Strapless Multiway Swimsuit

Style writer Sarah Chiwaya named this one of the best plus-size swimsuits because of it's clever convertible design and well-constructed support.

"If bikinis are hard to get right for full-bust swimwear, strapless suits are even harder. The sheer amount of technical design and engineering needed to hoist and support larger breasts without straps is intense, and only a handful of brands that offer plus have been able to do so successfully, even when it comes to bras. Curvy Kate's strapless bra is known for its phenomenal support (to the point that there are multiple videos of people being able to do cartwheels in it!), so I was hopeful that this Wrapsody Bandeau Strapless Multiway Swimsuit would offer the same support. Happily, I was not disappointed," she writes.

It's also brilliantly convertible. Sarah continues: "The base of this suit is a classic strapless one-piece, with defined, molded underwire cups that provide lift that feels almost gravity-defying. Quite frankly, that would be notable enough in itself, but there's yet another feature that takes it to the next level: The attached long sheer mesh strips that can be worn as sleeves, straps, or a wrap. The versatility this adds is unmatched. You can change the bust coverage and the entire look in seconds, making this a great choice for travel."

Best plus size: Daci Women Plus Size Two Piece Bikini

This two-piece suit is the perfect combination of security and style. On the top, thick crisscross adjustable straps provide ample support, as does a padded pushup bra. The high-waisted bottom has a full-coverage backside and flattering ruched details. To add some extra excitement to the silhouette, the top features a plunging cutout front, which is secured with crisscross details. The nylon and spandex suit comes in 32 colors and patterns in sizes M-26 plus.

Best on Amazon: Tempt Me One Piece Plunge Mesh Swimsuit

Of Amazon's vast swimsuit offerings, Tempt Me's collection stands out for its inclusive size ranges and extensive color and pattern selections. This top-selling one-piece style has a high neckline accented by a sheer, plunging mesh panel to show just a hint of skin. A padded pushup bra provides solid support. The neck is secured via a hook closure and the back features two more mesh panels. A faux tie waist accentuates curves. 

The polyester and spandex material is smooth and comfortable, so it's great for all-day wear. There are a whopping 44 colors and patterns to choose from.

FAQs

What type of swimsuit is best for a large bust?

The most supportive swimsuits for larger busts usually borrow the best parts of a good bra: underwire, molded or structured cups, adjustable straps, and a secure band. Bra-sized swimwear tends to offer the best fit, but we also found that some DD+-specific styles in standard sizing can work surprisingly well.

Is a one-piece or a bikini better for a large bust?

There is not one right answer, but bikinis often make it easier to get a precise fit since you can choose different sizes on top and bottom. One-pieces can feel more streamlined and secure, especially if they have built-in bra features or shaping through the torso.

Do I need bra sizing, or is regular sizing good enough?

Bra sizing is usually the gold standard for larger busts because it gives you a more precise fit through both the cup and band. But regular sizing can still work if a suit is specifically designed for fuller busts and has the right structure.

Are high-neck swimsuits good for large busts?

They can be, but coverage and support are not the same thing. A high neckline may make a suit feel more secure, but without features like a built-in bra, molded cups, or a supportive band, it may not actually provide much lift.

Should I size up in swimwear for a larger bust?

Usually not. Sizing up can sometimes give you a little more room in the chest, but it can also make the band, straps, or torso fit too loose to be supportive. It is usually better to look for a suit that is designed for fuller busts from the start.

Can people with larger busts wear strapless or bandeau swimsuits?

They can, but it is one of the harder categories to get right. Most bandeau styles simply do not offer enough lift or security for fuller busts unless they have serious internal structure, which is rare.

• After traveling all around Japan, I've found places I love more than tourist hot spots like Tokyo.
• Instead of visiting popular cities like Kyoto, I recommend checking out Miyajima's architecture.
• My favorite, less crowded option for seeing cherry blossoms is in Sapporo.

From slurping steamy ramen to strolling through cherry blossoms and searching for vintage Pokémon shirts, Japan has become one of my favorite places to visit.

After nearly a year of traveling around the country, I've explored ancient towns, futuristic metropolises, ski slopes, islands, and many quiet cities in between.

Even though I know it can be hard for first-time visitors to resist iconic places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, these cities have become increasingly crowded and usually leave me wanting more.

Instead of checking out these tourist hot spots, here are four places in Japan that I always recommend.

Miyajima's architecture and views are worth the trip alone.

Crowds typically flock to Kyoto for its historic streetscapes, but I've found similarly exquisite architecture in quieter places like Miyajima, an island off the coast of Hiroshima.

Miyajima's charming streets feel frozen in time, but the ocean, mountains, and sacred free-roaming deer make it feel alive.

Tidal changes create a magical backdrop for some of my favorite sites in Miyajima, including the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine, which features a striking red torii gate that looks like it's floating in the sea during high tide. It's also a great place to catch the sunset.

My favorite way to embrace Miyajima's breathtaking landscapes is to take the ropeway up Mount Misen — the island's highest peak — for 360-degree views of the sea, temples, and hiking trails.

Beyond its scenery, Miyajima also offers incredible cuisine. I especially enjoyed the matcha served at a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and the freshly grilled oysters, harvested from Hiroshima Bay.

And before leaving the island, I always make sure to grab a couple of maple-leaf cakes, known as momiji manju, from a street-food cart.

There's always something to do in Sapporo.

Sapporo is known for its beer, but the reason I keep going back is the variety of festivals offered throughout the year.

My favorite time to travel to Sapporo is during its lilac festival in May, which also gives me the chance to catch the last blooms of Japan's fleeting cherry blossoms.

Picnicking under thousands of lilacs and sipping Hokkaido wine — in a setting less crowded than Tokyo or Osaka — is an experience I'll never forget.

The Sapporo Ramen Show also begins in May, where visitors can sample a variety of ramen flavors — my favorite was the spicy tonkotsu — from master chefs all over Japan.

In the winter, the city's snow festival transforms a park into a neighborhood of meticulously carved snow sculptures that tower nearly 50 feet high.

I loved indulging in some sweet potato cocoa, a hot sake, and a skewer of wagyu beef from the billowing grills while taking in the stunning statues.

Hakone is my favorite place to embrace Japan's natural wonders.

For a long time, Japan's nature didn't interest me as much as the vibrant cities. That changed when I visited Hakone, a volcanic area in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

The town is about an hour from Tokyo by car, but it feels a world away with its hot springs, volcanoes, and lakes.

One of my favorite ways to take in the sights of Hakone is by taking the ropeway to Owakudani — a cable car that travels through a volcanic valley, offering glimpses of Mount Fuji depending on the weather.

In my opinion, a trip to Hakone isn't complete without trying a kuro-tamago, a black egg boiled in the volcanic vents that, according to local folklore, will add seven years to your life.

Cycling in Setoda is an unforgettable experience.

Sunny citrus groves, seaside cycling, and a Mediterranean-style climate make Setoda one of my favorite destinations in Japan.

This small town, located on Ikuchijima Island, sits along the famous Shimanami Kaido, a roughly 44-mile cycling route winding across several islands. It's one of the most distinctive places I've been in Japan.

I like to rent a bike for a few days and ride the leisurely, perfectly paved cycling paths.

The routes are stunning, filled with views of suspension bridges over the sea, citrus groves, and little towns featuring all things lemon: lemon ramen, curry, desserts, and cocktails.

During my visit, I was in awe of the town's temples, beaches, and mom-and-pop shops — including a liquor store that also grills up okonomiyaki, a savory pancake piled with pork, cabbage, noodles, and sauces.

• I traveled from New York to Miami and back on overnight Amtrak trains. Each ride was 30 hours.
• For 60 hours of train travel, I brought a carry-on duffel bag and my camera backpack.
• I was glad I brought some comfortable shoes, but I regret forgetting flip-flops for the shower.

I've spent 200 hours on overnight trains, so I've learned exactly what to pack for a comfortable ride.

But that wasn't the case back in 2021, when sleeper trains were completely new to me.

For a weeklong trip to Florida, I traveled round-trip from New York to Miami on Amtrak trains. Each ride was about 30 hours long, and my tickets included a private room and complimentary meals.

On my way to Miami, I booked an Amtrak roomette, a 20-square-foot enclosed space with two seats across from each other that pulled out into a bed, a table that folded out in between, and another bed above the seats that pulled down.

I booked an Amtrak bedroom for the ride back to New York. It was twice the size, with a couch and a full bathroom.

I packed some travel essentials I thought would be helpful for sleeping, eating, working, and staying entertained on a train. I tried my best to ensure my duffel bag and backpack included everything I'd ever want for 60 hours of travel.

For a first-time overnight train rider, I think I packed pretty well, but I regretted leaving some items behind.

I packed a duffel bag and my camera backpack, both of which I kept with me on the trains.

I had the option to check a bag, but I decided to keep all my belongings with me throughout the trip.

Since each ride was overnight, I was glad I packed a comfortable outfit separately from the rest of my clothes.

I packed comfy pants and shorts since I was traveling south to warmer temperatures. I stuffed most of my clothes into a packing cube and kept one outfit toward the top of my bag so it would be easy to find the next morning.

I was grateful I packed multiple forms of entertainment, especially some that didn't require an internet connection, which could sometimes be spotty.

I brought a Nintendo Switch, a tablet, and a book to pass the time. I made sure to download a bunch of podcast episodes to my phone in case I lost service and internet at any point during the trip.

I always keep a disinfecting spray with me to make sure the surfaces I use are clean.

Even though Amtrak sanitizes rooms between visitors, according to its website, bringing my own disinfectant gave me peace of mind and made me feel more comfortable relaxing in my rooms.

Every time I travel, I also pack some Vitamin C for an immunity boost.

This packing tip comes from my mom. She always brought some sort of immunity-boosting chewable to protect us from germs while traveling. And as Business Insider previously reported, Vitamin C can help your immune system fight off some infections.

One of the most important items I brought was my comfiest pair of shoes — they feel like pillows under your feet.

I picked up these memory foam babies at T.J. Maxx for only $20. They slipped on and off very easily, which was great for leaving my room quickly with shoes on.

I tried to make the train feel like home. At home, I dance pretty much every day, so I'm thankful I brought a pair of headphones.

I took frequent dance breaks in my room, where I closed the curtains and blasted music in my ears. This, of course, required a pair of headphones. 

While I danced throughout the day, I was glad I could listen to music as loudly as I wanted without bothering my neighbors.

While my train tickets included meals, I was glad I brought my own snacks for the in-between times.

I thought many of my meals on the train were decent, but there were times, like when I tried and disliked a salmon dish, that I was thankful for this bag of trail mix with my favorite ingredient, coconut chips.

I also missed a few key things when packing. While I'm glad I brought a water bottle, I wish I'd brought a smaller one that would fit in Amtrak's cupholders.

An Amtrak attendant brought me disposable water bottles every few hours, but I was still glad I brought my own pre-filled water bottle.

But my bottle was too wide for the provided cupholders, which were just big enough for 12-ounce bottles. So, I wish I had brought a smaller reusable water bottle.

Another thing I missed on this trip was motion sickness medication. Both train rides felt as bumpy as a flight when the seatbelt sign is on.

I figured this would only be temporary, but the whole ride felt shaky. I ended up feeling motion sickness for the majority of both trips and kicking myself for not bringing any remedies.

On my way home, I stayed in a bedroom with a private shower. I would have used it, but I forgot my flip-flops to keep my feet safe from germs.

I planned on showering during my 30-hour ride home from Miami, but I decided not to when I realized I had forgotten my flip-flops. I usually wear them in public showers, since it's pretty easy to pick up germs from places where many people have walked barefoot.

Since there weren't many visible outlets in the rooms, I wished I had packed a couple of outlet splitters to charge more than a few devices at a time.

I only saw a couple of sets of outlets in the rooms. I brought a lot of electronics on this trip: two cameras, one laptop, one Nintendo Switch, one phone, and one pair of Bluetooth headphones. With several devices to plug in, I should have brought an outlet splitter or two. 

For the same reason, my portable charging battery would have come in handy had I remembered to bring it.

I could have sworn I packed this, so I was disappointed when I wanted to use it.

I usually bring my neck pillow when I fly, but I didn't think to take it on my Amtrak trip since my tickets included beds. It would have made the waking hours more comfortable.

This neck pillow wraps around one and a half times, making it easy to adjust to various long-term sitting situations. 

While the train bunks and blankets were much more comfortable than I expected, the pillows weren't as cushy as the ones I had at home. So I wish I'd brought my own.

The bed on the Amtrak was firm and slightly cushy on top, just the way I like a bed. But when I was drifting off to sleep each night, I thought of my fluffy, dense, soft pillows at home. 

• A top White House official said that Moonshot AI stole from Anthropic to build its Kimi K3 model.
• Michael Kratsios said the White House has information showing Moonshot AI distilled Fable.
• The comments are an escalation as the US responds to viral, China-based open-source models.

A top White House official publicly accused Moonshot AI of essentially stealing from Anthropic, intensifying the debate over China-based open source AI models.

"We have information that Moonshot AI distilled Anthropic's Fable for the development of its K3 model," Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, wrote on X Wednesday morning.

Kratsios said Moonshot AI, the maker of the viral Kimi K3 model, went to great lengths to conceal its actions.

"To do this they developed a sophisticated internal platform to conduct large scale distillation against U.S. models, allowing them to quickly switch between multiple methods of access to avoid detection," he wrote.

Kimi K3 is widely regarded as the most impressive open source AI model released thus far. Moonshot's model has performed at or above the level of Anthropic and OpenAI's leading frontier models in benchmark testing. It is likely that both US companies spent billions developing those models. In contrast, Moonshot is expected to make Kimi K3 freely available for download on local devices and customizable to a user's content when it releases the model's full weights next week.

Distillation by itself is not wrong, a point that Kratsios stressed in his statement. AI labs themselves use the process of training a less powerful model on the output of a more powerful model before releasing updates.

"Legitimate AI distillation used to create smaller, more efficient models plays a vital role in this open innovation ecosystem," he wrote. "However, large-scale, covert industrial distillation aimed at stealing proprietary U.S. technology and undermining American research is unacceptable."

Kratsios' statement comes after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that the US government may sanction Chinese companies if it is proven that their models were improperly trained through a process called distillation.

The White House's words so far are notable, as they mark a rare instance in which the Trump administration does not find itself at loggerheads with Anthropic. The Trump administration previously imposed export controls to block Anthropic from releasing Fable 5, its most advanced model, and in February the Pentagon moved to blacklist the AI giant.

"Thanks @mkratsios47 for speaking out on this important issue," Sarah Heck, Anthropic's head of public policy, wrote on X, quoting Kratsios' statement.

Heck said Anthropic will continue to work with the White House and Congress on the issue.

"Illicit, adversarial distillation is IP theft and industrial espionage that supports adversary military and intelligence capabilities," she wrote. "It is a national challenge that creates serious national security risks for the United States and democratic allies."

Increasingly, US companies have said that their Chinese competitors have abused the process to rip off their intellectual property. In February, Anthropic publicly accused three companies, including Moonshot AI, of using distillation attacks that violate its terms of service.

A spokesperson for Anthropic did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

• Memory stocks have been volatile, but Morgan Stanley says it's a dip-buying opportunity.
• Analysts at the bank say concerns that often derail an investment cycle are less relevant to memory.
• Among chips, Morgan Stanley is most bullish on Nvidia and Broadcom, but memory makers are catching up.

Morgan Stanley says it's worth sticking through the roller coaster ride in memory stocks, and that any selling creates a good entry point for investors.

Memory stocks have seen huge swings lately, with the Roundhill Memory ETF falling into a bear market before the stocks it tracks rebounded this week. Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore says investors should look at bouts of selling as an opportunity.

"Recent concerns — second derivative deceleration, higher capex, de-speccing —were predictable a month ago," Moore wrote in a note to investors. "But this is not a normal cycle — memory is a bottleneck, increasingly THE bottleneck, to AI builds (and agentic CPU builds), which appear durable."

Moore acknowledged that the memory trade has become crowded, exacerbating the swings over the last few weeks.

But he also noted that investors may be misreading a critical detail of the broader market. The consumer electronics sector is currently facing significant pressure from rising component costs and sluggish demand forecasts.

In Moore's view, that may be making the memory market appear weaker than it actually is, since the data center buildout is the driving force behind the memory boom, not PCs and smartphones.

"AI spending growth north of 50% — perhaps well north — based on processor company commentary, matters more each year as AI is a bigger portion of the pie," he said.

The market has seen several boom-bust cycles for AI chips, but Moore maintains that this time is likely different, given how much memory demand has surged in recent months. He cited the fact that DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is starting to limit how fast companies can expand as evidence of its strength.

In the analysts' view, there simply isn't enough DRAM to go around right now, and with data centers fueling even more demand, memory makers are well-positioned to keep growing, creating opportunities for investors willing to play the long game.

The analyst also noted that when it comes to the memory boom's timeline, his team is focused more on duration of the boom, as several years of strong earnings would be better than one year of quick, unsustainable growth.

"We think that the selloff in the stocks has created a strong entry point," he said. "We think that the best value in the market comes from the compute names, notably Nvidia and Broadcom, but memory is catching up quickly given this deceleration, and we think this should provide a good entry point for the stocks."

Morgan Stanley isn't the only Wall Street bank that says investors should stick with the AI hardware trade. Analysts from Bank of America and UBS said this week that, despite the sector's volatility, memory demand remains robust and the AI bull narratives are largely intact.

• The maker of Ukraine's Magura drones is partnering with a US watercraft builder.
• Magura drones have damaged Russian ships and pushed its fleet away from Crimea.
• The US used naval drones in combat for the first time this month.

Coming on the heels of the US military's first use of naval drones in combat just over a week ago, the maker of Ukraine's battle-tested Magura naval drones is partnering with an American boatbuilder to produce drone boats in the US for the "Arsenal of Freedom."

The maker of Ukraine's Magura naval drone, UK-based Ukrainian company UFORCE, is teaming up with US company RECONCRAFT to build uncrewed surface vessels in the US. The American firm is known for special operations watercraft.

UFORCE said that through the new partnership, it will "make available to the United States its combat-proven full-stack aerial, maritime, and ground unmanned systems, advanced autonomy software, and command-and-control technologies."

UFORCE CEO Oleg Rogynskyy said in a statement that the relationship means that "these combat-proven capabilities will become available to the US, combining Ukrainian battlefield innovation with American manufacturing excellence."

He said his company is "exceptionally positioned to deliver capabilities already tested by some of the world's most sophisticated militaries under the most demanding battlefield conditions." He added that "today's combat environments show that autonomous warfighting capabilities are a must-have."

Joe Silkowski, the cofounder of RECONCRAFT, which has contracts with the US Navy for its own unmanned vessels, said that working with UFORCE "combines our manufacturing expertise and capabilities with the combat-proven autonomy of the MAGURA platform, allowing us to deliver greater capability to American warfighters faster than developing a new system from the ground up."

Naval drones have become one of Ukraine's most effective weapons at sea, allowing it to engage Russia's navy despite lacking a comparable fleet of conventional warships. Those attacks have damaged or destroyed Russian vessels and helped force much of the Black Sea Fleet away from occupied Crimea.

The Magura family of naval drones is among Ukraine's most famous and has been used to attack Russian ships and to launch missiles at Russian aircraft. UFORCE said they "contributed to the destruction of more than a dozen Russian warships in the Black Sea."

The new announcement on naval drone production in the US comes as the American military, like other allies, increasingly embraces these tools as a valuable combat capability. It executed its first combat strike using naval drones earlier this month.

CENTCOM said that three Saronic Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit an Iranian port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, calling it the first time that US forces had employed naval drones in combat.

The US Navy had previously used Corsair drones to rescue the crew of a downed US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter, and it had also used sea drones to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The strike on Iran's port, however, which saw it target an Iranian submarine and ship maintenance facility, was the first offensive use.

The Navy is also aware of how the technology could be used against it, and it is training for scenarios like naval drone attacks on US warships.

Western defense companies are increasingly teaming up with their Ukrainian counterparts, with both sides seeking to combine Western manufacturing capacity with Ukrainian battlefield experience.

It is a mark of approval for Ukraine's defense industry, which started the full-scale war much smaller and with little international support.

• "The Odyssey" had a massive opening weekend in theaters, taking in $264.1 million globally.
• Over 20% of sales came from IMAX tickets.
• IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond spoke to Business Insider about the company's recent successes.

Christopher Nolan's latest epic, "The Odyssey," had an opening weekend at the box office worthy of the gods.

The movie, based on the centuries-old poem by Homer, took in the third-best domestic opening of the year with $124.5 million and $264.1 million globally.

That's not a shock to most in the business. Not only does the movie feature a star-studded cast (Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, and Zendaya), but it's helmed by an Oscar-winning director with a fan base of his own. Another reason for the film's success is IMAX, Nolan's preferred format for his work.

For years, Nolan made it his mission to shoot portions of his films, from his Batman trilogy to his Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer," so that they are formatted for bigger screens. With "The Odyssey," he went a step further, pushing IMAX to build a quieter version of its noisy camera to shoot the entire movie.

"When he called me, I always try to make our organization do what he wants," IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond told Business Insider of Nolan on Monday. "My answer to all of his questions is, 'Let's try to make it happen.'"

With "The Odyssey" touted as the first movie ever shot entirely on IMAX cameras, it was a success for IMAX before a single frame was shown. Almost a year before its opening, presales of IMAX 70mm showings sold out within an hour, earning the movie $1.5 million.

Things only got better once the movie came out. The company reported earning $51.8 million globally, more than 20% of the movie's worldwide box office. Of that, IMAX 70mm screenings generated an astounding $6.3 million from just 41 screens worldwide, an average of $153,000 per screen.

Gelfond spoke to Business Insider about the box-office success of "The Odyssey," why it's so expensive to create IMAX 70mm theaters, and the report that the company is for sale.

Business Insider: "The Odyssey" did huge numbers at the weekend box office. Was it beyond what you expected?

Rich Gelfond: Out of everyone at IMAX, I was the most bullish. I went into this thinking it was going to be bigger than what everyone else thought it was going to be, but some of the craziness and competition for IMAX tickets is even more extreme than I could have imagined. 

Is there one box-office stat that surprised you?

The BFI in London is sold out through week six, and they put week seven and eight tickets on sale, and they have sold out a lot of those shows already. This is two months from now!

The one number that jumps out to me is IMAX accounting for over 20% of the movie's global opening. This isn't something that happened overnight. IMAX has been building its brand for decades, but it's also how Christopher Nolan has elevated the use of it. Do you think you'll ever have that unique collaboration you have with Nolan with another filmmaker?

Chris is a unicorn, and it takes time and collaboration, and really, it's almost like a team. Learning to anticipate what the other one wants. So right now, it's a very special relationship.

But I do think there will be other relationships. They will be different, but I think they can be equally successful. I'll give you examples. We did "Sinners" with Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan, we also worked with Michael on "Creed III," which he directed, and we're going to do "The Thomas Crown Affair" with him early next year, which he also directed.

Denis Villeneuve, we did "Dune 2," we're doing "Dune 3," his next film is James Bond, and we'll see where that goes. These are really gifted filmmakers we're working with.

Did you ever anticipate that Nolan would come to you and ask that you build a camera so he could film an entire movie with it?

It didn't shock me. Chris is a very innovative director always looking for the next thing. So when he told me he was running the camera backward for some scenes in "Tenet," was I shocked? No. When he said he dropped one of them out of a helicopter or floated them in the water, does that shock me? No. He's always trying new things.

Have other filmmakers come to you and said they want to shoot their entire movie with the IMAX camera Nolan used?

Yes. Chris was filming a year ago, and in that time, people have approached us about that camera. And Denis [Villeneuve] used the camera in "Dune 3" for a few sequences. 

The IMAX 70mm projection has become a hot ticket, especially for Christopher Nolan movies. There are only 41 theaters in the world that have them. Is there an interest in upping that number?

Definitely, there is an interest.

There are a lot of limitations. The first one is an economic limitation. The IMAX film projectors are like Rolls-Royce cars. They are top of the line. They are vintage. They last for a very long time. And a very specific cinephile audience is really dying to see them and is willing to travel great distances or pay a premium price.

But when you look at the economics of those theaters, they don't work over hundreds of locations, and the reason is it needs a certain aspect ratio to be shown in, and that's expensive to build the space in the theater to show it. The maintenance on them also costs a lot of money.

Do I wish I could do more? Yes, I do. And we will continue to look at whether we can. Is this a market where you can do thousands of them? No.

Would you be shocked if "The Odyssey" was still showing in North America on IMAX screens in September?

I'll make a bet with you that there will be IMAX screens showing "The Odyssey" by the end of September! 

With the "Avengers: Doomsday" trailer dropping, what are your thoughts on Disney's Infinity Vision?

It's not a new technological advance in any way; it's a marketing initiative, because Disney could not play "Avengers" in IMAX because we had committed to "Dune 3." Disney really wanted to figure out a way that they could market to audiences. So they created this initiative.

It's not going to open an additional projection system. It's not going to add any special look or feel to the film. It is a way to market "Avengers." We'll find out if it works or not. 

You talk to studios constantly. Did Disney give you a heads up that they were doing this before they went public with it?

They sort of gave me a heads up. They were respectful.  

[Ed Note: Disney did not respond for comment.]

Can you address the report that IMAX is up for sale?

No, I can't. All I can say is when we have a sale, we'll announce it; we're a public company. We've been approached numerous times over the years, and when we have a signed deal, we'll talk about it. 

Do you think Wall Street evaluates IMAX properly?

At times it does, and at times it doesn't. The way it doesn't is it evaluates us sometimes on a week-to-week basis. A movie-to-movie basis. But there are certain movies, specifically "The Odyssey," that aren't movies; they are one of one. So the numbers this movie is going to do for IMAX are going to be among the best numbers in IMAX history, and they won't only affect the box office but will affect our signings, our installations, and our audience.

For example, Regal's LA Live opened as an IMAX theater around six months ago, and for the first six months, they did pretty good numbers, about $800,000. This weekend, it played "The Odyssey," and it did $275,000. So I think it will get a lot of awareness with people near that theater and lead to repeat business.

Movies that stand out like this have a lot of other intangible benefits. But Wall Street looked at the opening for "Minions & Monsters" and it wasn't what it thought and traded my stock down. "The Odyssey" is multiples of what anybody thought, so I think it's a dangerous game to evaluate us on a week-by-week basis. We're a portfolio.

Decades ago, you spent years taking countless flights to China and other parts of the world to expand the IMAX brand. Did you ever think we'd end up in a world where people aren't going to the movies unless they are seeing it on IMAX?

I'm trying to live in the moment, but to answer your question, if you read a mission statement for IMAX written 30 years ago, it would say, "When people wake up in the morning and they want to decide what they want to do, they are going to say, 'Let's go to the IMAX.'"

I want the IMAX brand to be as important as the piece of content. So, yes, I thought this was not only possible, it was the goal. And to get to the goal, you need some luck, and you need all kinds of intangible things, but as an organization, we engineered to get to this point. 

There are regions of the world that don't have IMAX screens. Is there a specific region you want to visit next?

There are lots of countries where we don't have sufficient presence. We just opened a theater a few months ago in Iraq, and I have to confess, I didn't say, "We have to go to Iraq." It's beyond our imaginations.

For example, India only has 30 IMAX theaters. China has 800. So we could put a lot more theaters in India. South America is not nearly penetrated to what it could be. So we could put a lot more there.

Some of my favorite IMAX screens are in Western Europe. Germany has 10 IMAX theaters. I would like to think Germany could be bigger. A few years ago, Australia only had 2 IMAX theaters, now we have 10. So we have a dream. 

People said it works in the US and works in China, but it wouldn't work in, say, Japan. Guess what — it has worked great in Japan. It took us a long time to penetrate Japan. It's a country that believes strongly in its own vision, and now we have 50 IMAX screens, and it's one of our fastest-growing markets in the world.

You're putting IMAX in self-driving cars? Are we going to watch IMAX movies in cars now?

To do that, we'd have to build bigger cars. No, with Goer Dynamics in China, certain elements of the IMAX experience can be replicated regardless of the size of the screen. Goer came to us because they felt our brand and experience could differentiate automakers from standard entertainment in cars and create something special. 

Give me an example. 

Because they will be in autonomous vehicles, people will be sitting in their cars, and instead of looking out the window, they will watch really well-formatted movies with great sound while on the way to visit grandma. The dream is to make this work in China, and if it works there, see where else it can work.  

Now that a movie has been shot entirely with an IMAX camera, what's the next big swing?

I'll go back to what I dreamed of 30 years ago. When people wake up in the morning, they don't say which movie they are going to see; they are going to say, "Let's go to the IMAX." 

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

After logging hundreds of hours working, leaning, and typing at nearly two dozen standing desks in our own home offices, we've learned one undeniable truth: a wobbly desk will ruin your workday. To distinguish premium workstations from shaky imitations, our team evaluated each model's peak-height stability, motor speed, noise levels, cable management, and overall weight capacity to find the best standing desks.

Remember: An adjustable desk is just one part of an ergonomic setup. Pairing it with monitor arms or a laptop stand and a supportive desk chair will help you maintain a comfortable posture, while a desk mat will help manage fatigue and back pain.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests home products. 

Our picks of the best standing desks

Best overall standing desk: Uplift V3 Standing Desk - See at Uplift

Best budget standing desk: Flexispot E2 Standing Desk - See at Amazon

Another budget pick: Vivo Electric Standing Desk - See at Amazon

Best heavy-duty standing desk: Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk - See at Flexispot

Best standing desk for cable management: Secretlab Magnus Pro - See at Secretlab

Best standing desk for small spaces: Branch Duo Standing Desk - See at Branch

Best standing desk with drawer: Burrow Copilot Standing Desk - See at Burrow

Best standing desk for tall people: Branch Standing Desk - See at Branch

Best converter: Vivo K Series - See at Amazon

How to choose the best standing desk for your needs

Aesthetics and function come into play here. Consider your personal needs and size requirements when finding your ideal standing desk. Then consider add-ons like smart features, cable management, extra storage, monitor arms, and more.

Best overall

Uplift has been our go-to standing desk for years. This is in part thanks to its durability, stability, and endless customization options. The brand has long held the top spot for making the best standing desk you can buy, as showcased by its latest V3 model. Released in September 2025, the current design is easier to assemble, offers better cable management, and features a sturdier frame for greater stability.

Customization is where Uplift really shines. You can choose from tons of desktop materials — laminate, bamboo, solid wood butcher block — and mix and match frame styles, keypads, and accessories like drawers, monitor arms, power strips, and privacy panels. Flexispot offers small-space-friendly 40-inch desktops to 80-inch executive desks that can fit multiple monitors. There are also L-shaped and corner desk options. If that sounds overwhelming, Uplift offers a few pre-configured setups to make the process easier. It's also available on Amazon for a more streamlined experience, though you lose out on seeing the full range of options available to you. Every desk now comes with the FlexMount Cable Manager, a pouch-style system along the back that can hold up to 10 pounds of cords and power bricks.

An inclusive height range of 22.6 to 48.7 inches. The V3 meets current 2021 BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) ergonomic standards and fits about 95% of users (anyone from 5 feet to 6-foot-4-inches). The previous V2 model ranged from 25.3 to 50 inches and was available in both standard and commercial versions. If you're on the taller side, adding the caster wheels can give you a bit of extra height.

The V3 functions beautifully. It has the same 355-pound lifting capacity as the V2 and stays impressively quiet, moving from the lowest to the tallest setting in about 13 seconds. The desk feels rock-solid at any height, thanks to its reinforced steel foot, stability plates that reduce side-to-side movement, and a crossbar that evenly distributes weight. The digital keypad allows you to view the desk's exact height and program preset positions for sitting and standing. You can even add a Bluetooth adapter to control it from your phone, track how often you sit or stand, and set reminders to move more throughout the day.

The assembly took about an hour. It was noticeably faster than putting together the V2. Uplift reduced the number of screws and added pre-assembled crossbars, fasteners, and a control box. The instructions were straightforward, though installing the optional drawer was tricky because it didn't have pre-drilled holes.

Read our full Uplift V3 Standing Desk review.

Best budget

There's no way around the fact that standing desks are more expensive than traditional desks. FlexiSpot's budget-friendly offering costs around $200, which is about as low as you'll find for a sturdy motorized standing desk. Flexispot makes a dizzying array of models, but the E2 is its least expensive option. On Flexispot's website, you can customize the desk with a range of desktop materials and accessories, but if you suffer from decision fatigue, you can just buy the whole thing pre-configured on Amazon, where it is sold as the EN1. It comes with hooks, too.

We tested the Pro version of the E2, which is now discontinued. The only real difference between the Pro and the current version is that cable management was included (for an extra $40, you can just add it to the current configuration).

The overall desk quality was comparable to some of the more expensive models we've tested. The desktop has enough space for two monitors and other desktop accessories. With a simple two-button push system, it lifts to your desired height at a smooth, quiet rate of 1 inch per second. Importantly, it doesn't look cheap, which is an issue we've seen with other budget standing desks. 

The biggest drawback of the desk was putting it together. Fortunately, that's a one-time task. The assembly instructions weren't clear, and some parts don't fit together as well as they should. Since putting all the pieces together, the desk has run smoothly, quietly, and without issue.

Read our full Flexispot standing desk review.

Another excellent option under $200 with an impressive weight capacity

The Vivo standing desk is a great alternative to Flexispot. It is also available in a wide range of surface sizes and colors. The roomy 60 × 30-inch size costs under $200, with smaller sizes costing less. The version we tested supported up to 176 pounds, which is more than enough for a few monitors, a desktop PC, or even a gaming setup, but the brand has since upped the desk's weight capacity to 220 pounds. I'm around 150 pounds, and it had no problem lifting me to its 48.5-inch limit. This very affordable standing desk has four programmable height settings, making it ideal for shared workspaces, but it lacks basic cable management unless you choose add-ons.

Assembly was a bit frustrating. It had vague instructions for leg width adjustments and a lack of some pre-drilled holes. It required a little extra effort with a Philips head screwdriver. Once set up, the desk feels sturdy.

We stress-tested this desk to the limit. A child lock adds safety, but the collision detection, which is supposed to stop the desk mid-movement if someone bangs into it or it detects resistance, is unreliable. In testing, the desk failed to stop when it encountered resistance, raising concerns for households with children or for the protection of furniture beneath. Also, the motor overheats easily, as I discovered during initial setup: a 'Hot' warning appeared well under the 15 minutes mentioned in the manual, but it was fine after leaving it for a few minutes. I haven't seen the error message since. Even so, that's a minor red flag for durability.

Compared to Flexispot's entry-level desks, the differences are minimal. Vivo offers a height range of 29.3 to 48.5 inches, while Flexispot offers a height range of 28.1 to 45.7 inches. Vivo has a higher weight capacity than Flexispot. In practice, both far exceed the needs of most home offices. However, Vivo's 3-year warranty is far shorter than Flexispot's five-year warranty. In all, the two are very similar, and it could ultimately come down to whichever is on sale at the moment. — Brendan Griffiths, senior commerce director

Best heavy-duty

The Flexispot E7 Pro can lift upward of 440 pounds of gear. This makes it ideal for people with heavy gear to load up the desk and provides added peace of mind if leaning on the table with body weight. "I couldn't believe how well it did during the weight testing process — lifting and lowering my entire body with ease," said tester Alex Temblador.

It's one of the best standing desks under $500. Flexispot emphasizes great value for the features. It was edged out of taking best overall, as Uplift had a slight edge in total customization and ease of installation. In contrast, the Flexispot E7 Pro has a higher weight capacity (440 pounds vs 355 pounds) at a lower starting price point. You can read more in our comparison of the Uplift and Flexispot's E7 Pro.

It's available in numerous sizes and desktop materials, but with fewer accessory add-ons. The Flexispot customizations include chipboard, rubberwood, solid wood, or bamboo desktops in various sizes, as well as a frame-only option. Some options, like solid wood made in the US, have longer lead times. Flexispot also offers an L-shaped desk with triple motors for added stability if you need an extra-large workspace. Unlike Uplift, there is just one control panel to choose from, but it has all the features you could need. Temblador liked that it was easy to program the standing and sitting heights with four presets and a digital height display. "I liked that the control panel had a USB port, as it made charging my phone while I worked much easier."

It's well-suited to people of varying heights. The desk can could rise and lower an inch in less than two seconds with a maximum standing height of 50.6 inches and a minimum sitting height of 25 inches. The C-Frame has a solid carbon steel base that provides stability and a three-stage lift system. It also comes with an extended cord management tray. However, it's not as quiet as some of the other models we tested, hitting about 61 decibels, but not disruptive either.

Assembly can be a little difficult using the provided instruction manual and tools. However, it's hard to beat the price of this standing desk, especially compared to others on the market.

Read our full Flexispot E7 Pro Standing Desk review.

Best for cable management

A desk designed for gamers, but you don't need to be one to love it.  Its smooth motor, stable desktop, and vast customization options are huge selling points as to why we love the Secretlab Magnus Pro Desk. The metal desktop comes in two spacious sizes, with over a dozen different leatherette Magpad Desk Mats to choose from. These magnetic surfaces sturdily roll out over the metal surface to provide a matte, non-skid workspace that didn't budge during hours of testing. From there, you can add accessories like cable management sheaths, monitor arms, RGB lighting, and PC mounts. 

Where this desk truly shines is in its cable management. Pesky cables are the standing desk user's worst enemy, and this desk tames them with a hidden channel at the back of the tabletop for extension cords, chargers, and power cables. The desk itself acts as a power hub of sorts by plugging into your power socket at the leg base, then routing power to an outlet at the top of the desk for you to plug in all your electronics. It means that all of your cords are connected to the top of the desk, so when you raise or lower it, nothing gets tugged or tangled with the movement. You can further customize with magnetic cable anchors, sheaths to hide cables up the leg, and cord ties.

During testing, I found this to be a flawless solution in motion. After days of use, I was blown away by how freely I could move my desk without fretting about yanked cables. Really, the Magnus Pro is everything it promises to be: a stable base with unrivaled cable management and premium add-ons that just make it better.  Its smooth motor, stable desktop, and extensive customization options are major selling points of the Magnus Pro.

The main setback is just how difficult it is to assemble. Like Ikea furniture on hard mode, this desk arrives in pieces, each flat-packed in a separate box. Though the instructions are detailed, putting it together is a real project that involves a fair amount of crawling around and heavy lifting. It's an incredible desk that I highly recommend to everyone, but you need to be ready for some difficult assembly. — Sarah Saril, deals editor

Read our full Secretlab Magnus Pro Standing Desk review.

Best for small spaces

Our search for a compact desk led us to the Branch Duo Standing Desk. It is an easy-to-use option that moves seamlessly and quietly to reach your desired height. It's available in three sizes: 36 x 24 inches, 48 x 24 inches, or 58 x 27 inches, but the smallest option is well-suited to fit in a tiny office or apartment.

It's customizable. Choose from four leg options and nine tabletop finishes, available in laminate or wood veneer. This desk also comes with multiple add-ons, including a front drawer for extra storage and cable management.

The desk has a sleek design and a simple control panel. It fit nicely in tester Rebecca Shinners' studio. She thought programming the sitting and standing heights took a bit of time to get right, but in general, the desk moves quickly and smoothly and feels stable at all heights, supporting up to 275 pounds. There's also an option to set a reminder to stand up to add more movement to your day.

Unlock smart features when you add on a Bluetooth adaptor. Since we tested this desk, Branch has introduced a Bluetooth adaptor that connects to the Branch app (iOS only), allowing you to control your desk, schedule standing time, and monitor standing time.

It has a 19.3-inch range of movement (from 27.8 to 47 inches). This suited Shinners, who is petite at 5 feet tall, all the way up to users 6-foot-1. It ships in two boxes and was mostly straightforward to set up, but some of the wiring was tricky to secure into place and required two people.

Read our full Branch Duo Standing Desk review.

Best with a drawer

Burrow sought out customer feedback to build the perfect standing desk. While Burrow is most notable for its modular and easy-to-assemble sofas, the Copilot Standing Desk was designed following feedback from a customer survey about the ideal aesthetics, interior storage, and cord management needs for a standing desk. As a result, the Burrow Copilot Standing Desk features a stylish hardwood tabletop (available in oak or walnut), adjustable and stable steel legs, and, most notably, a built-in drawer with a luxe soft-close mechanism and enough space to hide away a 17-inch laptop, extra papers, or small office supplies.

Beyond being incredibly functional, the Copilot caters to our need for something beautiful, too. Very few standing desk brands offer any sort of built-in storage, let alone one that blends into a home office setting. Other design considerations include a hidden monitor mount and a cord organization compartment.

The desk incrementally adjusts from 28.5 to 48 inches. The control panel displays the exact height and has buttons to program three preset options. It is situated on the right side, which is convenient for right-handed users, but perhaps less so for left-handed folks. When I'm ready to shift between sitting and standing, the desk smoothly lifts with a low hum to my desired height. I'm comfortable leaning into the desk with my weight at taller heights, but it may wobble if you try to force it.

The Burrow Copilot desk shipped in two packages and included all the necessary tools and instructions for assembly. With the help of another person, I attached the legs, added the motor components, and flipped it right side up, which took me about 40 minutes. Burrow will also connect you with TaskRabbit if you want to avoid assembly.

The desk has a cord storage compartment sized to manage cables. Burrow also sent me a power block that tucks into the cord storage compartment, but my laptop charger prevented the lid from sitting flush. I had better luck turning a traditional surge protector on its side. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Best for tall people

Tall users over 6-foot-2 may need to consider a desk that is ergonomic for their height. The Branch Standing Desk adjusts to 52 inches for people up to 6-foot-8. It's just behind the Uplift desk in terms of adjustment range, but it moves slightly slower, at about 1.5 inches a second, and lowers down to a minimum of 26 inches.

The frame was sturdy and didn't sway. It has a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds. However, it's not as customizable as the Uplift. The Branch Standing Desk is available in two top lengths of 48 or 60 inches by 30 inches deep and four top colors with a black or white frame. The desk is also only available with laminate MDF.

The control panel is great if you share the desk. You can store four preset heights, and it displays the exact height. We find the keypad easier to use than the Duo's paddle design, our pick for small spaces.

The Branch Standing Desk has a large grommet in the center of the desk to funnel cables through. This is something the smaller-sized Duo lacks. It's compatible with add-ons like a monitor arm, privacy panels, and in-desk power, which includes various plugs and USB outlets. Unlike the Duo, however, it does not have compatibility to add on a Bluetooth adaptor to unlock smart features.

Best converter

A standing desk converter gives you the option to adjust the height of your workspace without buying a whole new desk. The Vivo K Series is the best overall pick in our guide to the best standing desk converters. We like that this model is available in six different widths, from 26 to 42 inches. Our tester used the 32-inch version, which offered ample space for a laptop and an additional monitor.

It's ideal for small desks and workspaces. Unlike other converters, the Vivo K Series has an X-shaped frame (similar to an ironing board), so the height adjustment goes straight up and down. Our tester noted that the converter fit on her desk, which is only 16 inches wide, and that it was easy to tuck away when she wanted a more traditional workspace.

This converter was comfortable to use and visually pleasing. It has rounded edges and a curved keyboard level. You can choose from six color options to match your workspace.

Assembly took about 15 minutes. Though the process was intuitive, the instructions were not entirely clear.

Our top picks compared

What else we tested

Fully Jarvis Desk ($1,295): Once upon a time, the Fully Jarvis bamboo desk was the best standing desk we tested: it was easy to adjust, stable, had a strong warranty, and nice design configurations. However, once Herman Miller acquired Fully, the range of customizations and compatible accessories significantly dropped off, and the warranty dropped from 15 to 7 years. It's still available with specific options for short and tall users that fall outside the standard height ranges, and it is an overall sturdy and well-made design.

Branch Four Leg Standing Desk ($949): Branch's Four Leg Standing Desk follows a more traditional desk design than the clunky C- or T-frame style bases that dominate the standing desk landscape. Like Branch's other standing desks, it's a solid product: sleek, sturdy, and has held up fairly well over time (except for a superficial crack in the wood near the control pad). It offers minimalist appeal and a decent weight-bearing capacity (up to 225 pounds), with four slim but durable legs that don't wobble at elevated heights. The touch-sensitive control pad is also helpful and very customizable, with a lock function if you're worried about bumping the controls. Beyond the confusing and time-consuming setup, its greatest drawback may be its limited 17-inch adjustment range, which tops out at 44.6 inches, which compromises ergonomic support for those over 5 feet 8 inches.

Ergotron Mobile Desk ($509): The Ergotron Mobile Desk is ideal for laptop users seeking portability and a small footprint. However, its $550 price tag is pretty expensive considering the desk is adjusted manually.

VertDesk V3 ($1,025): Offering solid construction, excellent stability, and lots of customization options, the VertDesk V3 came very close to making our list. It's a well-built, reliable standing desk that comes with a good warranty, but it can get expensive as you begin to add extras or jump up in size. It also has a limited range of height adjustment, and it's tricky to assemble.

NewHeights Elegante XT ($2,125): Extremely stable, with top-quality internal electronics and plenty of customization options, there's no denying this is one of the best standing desks around. It offers reliable adjustment with a wide, 24-to-51-inch range and has no obvious weaknesses. It's too expensive for most people, but a great choice if you have the budget.

Xdesk Terra 2s ($2,794): This is a very good-looking standing desk with lots of customization options, including dual-level desktops and beautiful build quality that combines bamboo, oak, or glass desktops with an aluminum frame. Sadly, it's far beyond most people's budget and doesn't quite justify the premium.

What to look for in a standing desk

Height adjustment range

Finding the best standing desk height for you will take some trial and error, so we prefer models with a wide height range. This is especially important if you're sharing the desk with multiple users of different heights. Desks that adhere to BIFMA standards, which ergonomically accommodate 95% of office workers, should work for people between 5 feet and 6-foot-3 and have an adjustment range of 26.1 inches. Taller users, such as those over 6-foot-5, may find that many of today's models don't extend tall enough. To remedy that, we recommend adding caster wheels, extenders, or a converter to a height-adjustable desk.

Maximum weight supported

If your desk is laden with heavy monitors and other equipment, it's important to get a sturdier desk. You'll also want to make sure the desk doesn't feel wobbly or sway when you lean on it with your body weight. The Flexispot E7 Pro has a 440-pound weight limit, but Uplift, Burrow, and Autonomous also offer substantial limits of at least 300 pounds.

Length and depth

While your desk should comfortably support your laptop and monitor, it also has to fit within your office space. Several of our picks offer customizations for tabletop dimensions, ranging from 36 inches to as long as 80 inches. The most common desk lengths are 42, 48, and 60 inches.  Popular desk depths are 24 or 30 inches, which are suggested for narrower or desktop configurations, respectively. If you need a desk for a dual-monitor setup, look for one at least 60 inches long.

Electric vs. manual

Electric standing desks are faster and sleeker but typically more expensive. Some manual options are laborious to adjust, so it's unlikely you'll want to do so every day.  We only recommend electric standing desks.

Single vs dual motor desks

The motor configuration directly impacts performance, lifting capacity, and longevity. Single-Motor Desks are typically more affordable; they use one motor and a connecting rod to lift both legs simultaneously. They are ideal for basic, lightweight setups (like a single laptop and monitor). However, they usually max out at lower weight capacities and can be slightly slower and louder during height transitions. Dual-Motor Desks have a dedicated motor in each leg, offering significantly higher weight limits (often exceeding 300 pounds), faster adjustment speeds, and smoother, quieter operation. Because the lifting burden is shared, the motors endure less strain over time.

Noise and speed

If you're working around other people, you want a desk that quickly and quietly adjusts to minimize disturbances. All the desks we recommend fall at or below 50 decibels when adjusting, comparable to the sound of an AC unit running. 

Collision detection

This safety feature is essential for preventing accidents such as hitting pets or kids hiding under the table.

Control pad

The control pad can vary among models. Basic features include up and down buttons, and more advanced ones include custom presets (two to four are typical), USB charging, and digital displays that show the particular height. Child locks are also useful to keep kids and pets from accidentally changing settings.

How we test standing desks

Over the past three years, we've tested over two dozen standing desks and converters. Every one of our picks was tested in real-life conditions for several months at a time. Here are the main criteria we use to determine the best standing desks: 

Setup: We built each desk ourselves using only the included instructions and timed how long it took us. We considered the clarity of the instructions, whether we needed help unboxing and assembling the desk, and any other hiccups that might come up during setup.

Height adjustment: We adjust the desks several times from their minimum to their maximum height, both empty and with at least 100 pounds of weights or books on top, noting how smoothly the desk adjusts and whether the desktop feels sturdy or wobbles. We dial in our own ideal desk height for both sitting and standing, and then time how long it takes for the desk to make the adjustment and how loud it is in decibels. During the testing period, we adjusted the desk during everyday use, switching between standing and sitting positions several times throughout the day. 

Stability: The higher a desk, the more prone it is to swaying or wobbling. At standing height, we'll lean up against the desk and apply weight to see whether it is comfortable and stable to lean on, or if our belongings feel at risk of collapsing.

Customization: If a desk offers the ability to program presets or a schedule, we evaluate the accuracy and efficiency of those features. We also note the available customizations for the desk design, including materials, finishes, sizes, and accessories like cable management, drawers, and monitor arms.

Standing desk FAQs

Why buy a standing desk?

During the workday, you should be doing a mixture of standing, sitting, and moving, if possible, said Alan Hedge, a certified ergonomist and professor emeritus in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University. "Mixing things up reduces any negative effects [of sitting or standing] in terms of musculoskeletal discomfort, your level of alertness, or productivity," Hedge said. Standing desks make it much easier to transition from sitting to standing while maintaining proper posture and ergonomics.

What are the benefits of using a standing desk? 

According to experts, using a standing desk can reduce neck and upper back pain, help you burn more calories than sitting, and potentially lower blood sugar levels. Though experts note that the real goal is balance, too much standing can strain your circulation just as too much sitting can.

Of course, for a truly healthy work setup, you'll want to invest in one of the best ergonomic chairs to keep your posture in check when seated. You may also want to consider a monitor mount or laptop stand to achieve your ideal screen height and keep your body in a truly ergonomic position.

Is standing at your desk healthier than sitting?

A standing desk alone isn't going to improve your occupational health. According to Hedge, people tend to hunch over their standing desks after just 10 minutes. Mix sitting, standing, and moving throughout the day for the biggest impact.

How long should you stand at a standing desk?

Hedge suggests a 20-8-2 pattern based on his research and real-world testing: Sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8 minutes, stretch or walk around for 2 minutes, and repeat. These numbers aren't absolute, but what's most important is not to stay in one position for too long, Hedge said. We also recommend looking at our guide to the best standing desk mat if you find you regularly feel fatigued while standing.

What is the proper height for a standing desk?

To achieve ergonomic positioning at a standing desk, your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle and resting flat on the desk while standing, and your shoulders feel relaxed. Eyes will be level with the top third of your monitor screen. These charts from Uplift, BTOD, and Autonomous provide specific settings to try for your height if you need a starting place. For example, Uplift says its recommended standing desk height for someone who is 5-foot-5 would be 39.5 inches, and 44 inches for an individual who is 6 feet tall.

What size standing desk should I get?

The standing desks in our guide are available in desktop sizes ranging from 36 inches to 80 inches. You'll need to consider your space constraints and how many screens you use. Those using laptops or single monitors will get on fine with a 42- or 48-inch desk. If you plan on using two or more monitors, first, you'll need to account for how large each monitor is. The desk should accommodate both screens without them feeling cramped or extending beyond the desk's edges. The standard desk size to comfortably accommodate two monitors is at least 60 inches.

• Doomsday scenarios for the oil market are on back on the table as the Iran war re-escalates.
• Forecasters say the bottleneck has renewed fear of a supply shortage that sends prices spiraling.
• Oil experts are looking at refining spreads, one signal that could precede more volatility.

It was only a few weeks ago that markets considered the worst-case scenario for oil to be off the table. The US and Iran had reached a preliminary peace agreement. Oil prices, the key flashpoint of the Iran war, were falling rapidly. All seemed to be going well.

That's no longer the case, energy forecasters say, with crude prices surging again as fighting in the Middle East resumes and confidence has broken down in a resolution between the US and Iran. Now, energy markets are looking at the same dire outcome they saw earlier in the year: a supply shortage that could send prices spiraling higher, weighing on businesses and the economy.

Oil prices surged again on Wednesday as traders absorbed the latest developments. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped nearly 4% to $94.25 a barrel and US crude rose 3% to $87, as the US conducted its 11th round of strikes against Iran and State Secretary Marco Rubio said that Iran was "not serious about talks."

Brent broke through the $90 seal for the first time in weeks on Tuesday after President Trump said Iran would pay "many times over" for attacks that killed US soldiers over the weekend, and that the military would bomb Pickaxe Mountain, an Iranian underground nuclear facility.

Gas prices also jumped past $4 a gallon on Monday, reflecting how consumers are already feeling the pain of the latest price surge.

Torsten Sløk, the chief economist at Apollo Global Management, said his team is watching for the risk of "non-linear cascading damage" in energy markets, largely due to an emerging chokepoint in the world oil supply chain. Crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz have plummeted back to near-zero, he wrote in a client note on Wednesday.

The US, meanwhile, has significantly depleted its oil reserves. Stocks in the US's Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 3.1 million barrels in the last week, the lowest level recorded since 1983, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

Sløk pointed to wider crack spreads, or the difference between the price of crude and refined petroleum products. Wider spreads suggest that profit margins for oil refiners are increasing, which lifts demand and contributes to the tightness in supply.

"The real tail risk emerges if inventories at critical nodes like airports or power plants suddenly run dry," Sløk said.

HFI Research, a contrarian energy investment research firm, doubled down on its thesis that oil prices could soar as high as $150 a barrel, topping Brent's peak during the Great Financial Crisis.

The firm also pointed to wider crack spreads as one precursor of future supply tightness. The 3-2-1 crack spread — an industry benchmark that reflects refiners' profits from refining 3 barrels of crude into 2 barrels of gasoline and 1 barrel of distillate fuel — is at a record $70 per bundle, equivalent to around $23 per barrel, the firm wrote in a Substack note last week.

Spreads that high suggest both oil and oil products are "mispriced," the firm said. For comparison, the 3-2-1 spread clocked in at around $27 per bundle, or $9 per barrel in July of last year, according to data from RBN Energy.

"The market, the efficient part at least, has been screaming that we have a product shortage," HFI wrote in a Substack note last week.

Flows coming out of the Strait of Hormuz have slowed "to a trickle" in recent weeks, the firm said. It speculated that the bottleneck would be felt more acutely this week, leading to a "natural upward trajectory" in oil prices.

Brent hitting $150 a barrel would imply another 68% increase in price.

"At today's refining margins, we are already at $150/bbl. The very thing that the US is trying to prevent is happening regardless," the firm wrote.

• My sister is our parents' primary caregiver in the UK, while I live 3,000 miles away in the US.
• She needed a well-earned, two-week break to visit her adult son in Canada.
• I crossed the Atlantic to give respite care and learned a lesson from a thoughtless mistake.

In 2024, my sister, then 59, quit her job as a mental health nurse to become our parents' full-time carer.

She said it was a no-brainer because it was the only way Dad, now 90, and Mom, 95, could stay in their own home.

Their minds are fully intact, but the years have taken their toll, affecting my dad's mobility — he uses a walker and a wheelchair — and my mom's breathing issues.

I am forever grateful to my sister for doing their cooking, cleaning, and laundry every day. Lately, her duties have included assisting Dad with dressing and getting in and out of bed, too.

I felt gratitude and guilt

It preyed deeply on my mind that I lived in New York, 3,000 miles from my family in northern England, where the inevitable process of their aging played out.

I felt a combination of gratitude and guilt that my sister was on the front line, mindful that she was now in her sixties and that her caregiving impinged on her own retirement plans.

She and her husband had forgone a number of vacations — or canceled them at the last minute — because of our parents' health needs.

They hardly ever got the opportunity to meet their 31-year-old son, who emigrated to Canada in 2019.

My husband and our two kids visit the UK every summer. My sister welcomed us with open arms. Still, it was never the case of my stepping into her shoes and providing respite care while I was there for those stays.

Our trip this month, however, was different. We agreed that she and my brother-in-law should fly to Vancouver for two weeks to visit my nephew while I held down the fort.

I was looking forward to seeing Mom and Dad, but also daunted. I'd never worked in the caring profession and was scared I'd mess up. What if something bad happened on my watch?

I tried to hide my frustration

The first day was a disaster, despite hiring a health aide for an hour to get my dad ready for the morning.

My sister left me clear instructions about cleaning the bungalow, washing clothes, and heating each lunch — their main meal of the day — that she'd prepared in advance.

I zoomed around the kitchen, wiping surfaces and deploying the vacuum. I turned my attention to the bathroom before stuffing the laundry in the machine and hanging it outside.

It took forever to help Dad put on his leg and ankle brace, a rigid, plastic frame to keep his foot at 90 degrees, made difficult by the Velcro wearing away.

I tried to hide my frustration, but he must have caught the irritation in my voice.

Next, I opened the freezer and asked Mom what they wanted to defrost for lunch. To my surprise, she looked bewildered.

"I don't know," she stammered. "You're asking too many questions, and I can't think straight."

I helped lift Dad from his recliner to his walker, but he looked miserable and defeated, too. I couldn't understand what I'd done wrong.

Then he uttered the phrase that was to become my mantra for the following weeks. "Slow down," he said.

He explained that I'd been operating at 100 miles an hour, making them feel rushed and confused.

The slowdown brought joy

I'd made a rookie mistake by going too fast. Mom and Dad needed peace and calm at their age, and I'd given the opposite.

It took a while for me to change my ways. There were moments when the snail's pace got on my nerves. Everything, whether it was escorting Dad to the car or waiting for Mom to find her reading glasses, seemed to take so long.

Still, it reaped rewards. We spent hours sitting in my parents' conservatory, sharing anecdotes about the past. I played their favorite jazz and blues music on Spotify, and we watched the World Cup.

Yes, the kitchen wasn't as clean as it might have been, there were dishes in the sink, and the bed sheets weren't changed as regularly. But it didn't matter.

The deceleration led to happier, less-stressed parents who seemed to enjoy my company more. The days we spent before my sister returned were joyful, simply because I learned to shift down.

• Homeschooling my kids has blurred the line between teacher and mother.
• I worry my kids are becoming too emotionally dependent on me.
• I'm teaching my children to learn other ways to manage their emotions.

I homeschool my 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son, so we spend most of the day together. Our mornings start with hugs, kisses, and breakfast conversations, but the affection rarely stops there.

At the beginning of each school day, we review the rules: raise your hand to be called on, and do not leave your seat without permission. I also remind them: "Mommy is not here. My name is Teacher Toye while class is in session."

Within 15 minutes, I hear, "Mommy, can I have a snack?" When I remind my son to call me Teacher Toye, he asks, "Mommy, why can't we call you Mommy?" as though I have not explained it several times.

My daughter will stop in the middle of reciting her multiplication facts and ask for a hug. My son will leave an assignment, find me on the couch, and climb on top of me because he "just needs a hug." Most of the time, I give in. When I say, "no or not right now," I wonder whether I am rejecting them or damaging them emotionally.

I wonder if homeschooling my kids is making them too dependent on me

After my daughter learned how to write a formal letter, I asked her to complete one independently. She barely started before asking for a hug. Because it was hug number four that morning, I told her no.

"Teachers are not allowed to hug students," I said.

She started crying, so I took off my teacher badge, swooped in, and gave her a warm mommy squeeze.

I sometimes worry that homeschooling my children is making them more dependent on me.

At their previous school, they spent eight hours a day without these emotional outbursts.

Part of me feels like they are taking advantage of the fact that their teacher is also their mother. I worry that giving in to every request for affection could create an unhealthy dependency.

When I should be teaching, I am sometimes spending 10 minutes rubbing backs and kissing cheeks.

When I taught in public school, I saw students scream, throw tantrums, threaten teachers, or curse when they did not get their way. Those situations influenced my decision to homeschool.

Protecting my kids from emotional outbursts does not teach them how to manage their own

I'm helping them explain what they are feeling and why.

I ask, "What happened?" or "What do you need right now?" This lets me acknowledge their feelings without giving them whatever they request. It also helps me decide whether they need affection, reassurance, or a break.

When my daughter says, "Mommy, I'm sad. That's why I need a hug," I offer options.

"What would help you most right now? A two-minute brain break, drawing a rainbow, or sitting quietly?"

Sometimes she still chooses the hug. Other times, she realizes that she is frustrated, bored, or tired — rather than sad.

We also recite affirmations inspired by our daily scripture reading. I remind them that they can do hard things, calm themselves down, and try again.

I encourage them to work independently and support each other

When one child gets a minor scrape, the other becomes the school nurse, washing the wound and adding a bandage while I observe. They still bicker, but they are beginning to see one another as a source of help.

I am learning that emotional regulation does not mean denying children comfort. It means teaching them that comfort can come in different forms and that they can find some of it within themselves.

I am still trying to find the line between comforting them and rescuing them.

For now, Teacher Toye is working on holding that line. Mommy still steps in when necessary.

• Hugging Face said it was hacked by AI. OpenAI said its rogue agent was responsible.
• Hugging Face said it turned to a Chinese AI model for help because US models had restrictions.
• The incident has reignited debate about how the US should control powerful AI and stay ahead of China.

Hugging Face said it turned to a Chinese AI model for help after it was hacked by a rogue AI agent. The company behind the intrusion? American AI lab OpenAI.

The incident has become the latest lightning rod for debate in Silicon Valley about the US's approach to regulating powerful AI. Further fanning the flames: Hugging Face said that guardrails prevented it from using American AI in its defense.

For those catching up, here's what you need to know about the saga, what's at stake, and how industry leaders are reacting.

What happened?

Hugging Face, a New York-headquartered platform where developers share and host open AI models and datasets, said in a blog post last week that an attacker had swarmed its systems with tens of thousands of automated actions.

When its security team tried to investigate using an unnamed frontier model, its guardrails blocked it from examining the malicious activity, the company said, because it "cannot distinguish an incident responder from an attacker."

Hugging Face said it switched to GLM 5.2, an open-source model from Beijing-based Z.ai, to analyze more than 17,000 logs the attacker left behind.

On Tuesday, the plot twist arrived. OpenAI said in a blog post that two of its own models, GPT-5.6 Sol and a more capable, unreleased model, autonomously carried out the attack.

OpenAI said the models broke out of a controlled test environment during an internal cybersecurity evaluation, got access to the internet, and hacked into Hugging Face to find answers to the benchmark they were being tested on. Hugging Face said in its blog that it has fixed the vulnerability and is still assessing whether any partner or customer data was affected.

Why are people freaking out?

For tech leaders, the irony was hard to miss: at a moment when Washington is racing to keep American AI ahead of China, a US company under attack from a US AI lab could use Chinese AI tools to help, but not from American providers.

Clement Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, said in a Wednesday X post that he was "massively grateful" to Z.AI for sharing its open-weights model— meaning developers can inspect, modify, and deploy the model themselves — and added that "it became a key part of our defense."

David Sacks, the cochair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, said in a Sunday X post that the guardrails on advanced US AI "actually impaired defensive security."

The context: In June, the Trump administration put export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models after reports of a jailbreak in Fable's cyber guardrails, and pressed OpenAI to hold back GPT-5.6 Sol until it could be vetted.

Thomas Wolf, Hugging Face's cofounder and chief scientist, said the incident showed why defenders need open models rather than restricted ones.

"When a frontier model is attacking you and moving laterally inside your infrastructure, defenders need wide access to near-frontier tools within hours or even minutes, rather than being pointed towards a closed-door, vetted application programme for model access," he wrote on X.

The Chinese model used by Hugging Face, GLM 5.2, has drawn comparisons to Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.8 and OpenAI's GPT-5.5. It's the latest in a string of buzzy open-source releases from Chinese labs, following Moonshot's Kimi K3 and DeepSeek R1.

How worried should we be about AI hacking?

The incident has startled some in the field, while others are skeptical.

"I'd thought about sci-fi scenarios like this before, but assumed they were at least a couple of years away… and that by then we'd be better prepared, with proper protections in place," Adel Ka, the detection and response lead at Perplexity, wrote on X. "Apparently not. Here we go."

Tom Van de Wiele, an ethical hacker and security advisor, told Business Insider that he is skeptical about some of the claims about the hack and said he is waiting to see more details, such as security logs.

OpenAI called the hack "unprecedented," but it isn't the first AI-driven attack. Anthropic disclosed last November that Chinese state hackers had used Claude to automate most of an espionage campaign, and in July, cybersecurity firm Sysdig documented AI-assisted ransomware.

In both cases, humans directed the targets. The Hugging Face breach appears to be the first with no human in the loop at all.

OpenAI has since added Hugging Face to its "trusted access" program, which gives it a version of GPT-5.6 Sol with fewer cyber restrictions for defensive use.

Raghu Nandakumara, the VP of industry strategy at security firm Illumio, told Business Insider that powerful AI going rogue was foreseeable.

"AI guardrails were never designed to be security boundaries. They're there to influence behavior, not guarantee it," he said.

• Anthropic has doubled its commitment to a pro-AI regulations nonprofit.
• In total, the AI giant has spent $40 million ahead of November's midterm elections.
• The group Public First Action has clashed with a super PAC backed by OpenAI president Greg Brockman.

Anthropic is looking to throw its weight around ahead of this November's midterm elections.

On Wednesday, Anthropic announced it is donating another $20 million to a nonprofit organization tied to three allied super PACs that have already supported Republican and Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. In total, Anthropic is set to spend $40 million to support the organization, Public First Action.

"Our donation to Public First Action is one way in which we're trying to raise the salience of this urgent policy debate," Anthropic said in a statement.

Anthropic said its push has only grown more urgent as AI models like Claude Mythos are developed.

"We need policymakers and candidates to put forward measures that mitigate risks," the company said in the statement.

Unlike super PACs, Public First Action is not required to disclose its donors. In June, the nonprofit said it had raised $80 million to date.

Anthropic said its donation "cannot be used to influence the election of any candidate for federal, state, or local office," but the nonprofit can and has routed donations to advertising that highlights specific candidates. For example, Public First Action's first ad was focused on Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn's work on AI and child online safety legislation. Blackburn is leaving Congress in hopes of becoming Tennessee's next governor.

Former Congressman Chris Stewart, a Republican from Utah, and Brad Carson, a Democrat from Oklahoma, cofounded Public First Action. Stewart and Carson have their own allied Super PACs that support Republican and Democratic candidates called "Defending Our Values PAC" and "Jobs and Democracy PAC."

Public First Action, the Anthropic-backed group, has positioned itself in opposition to Leading the Future, a Super PAC funded by figures such as OpenAI President Greg Brockman, Marc Andreessen, and Ben Horowitz. OpenAI has said that Brockman is operating in his personal capacity in supporting the group, which has raised more than $75 million so far.

While leading AI CEOs have increasingly called for some form of US-led regulation, none have been as outspoken or pushed for as stringent standards as Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. In an essay last month, Amodei said the government should create an agency akin to the Federal Aviation Administration, which governs air travel, to impose mandatory testing of certain advanced AI models and to block the release of an AI model if such evaluations raise red flags.

The Trump administration and others in the AI industry have warned against such mandatory reviews.

In May, Amodei separately donated $1 million to Public First, the only Super PAC allied with Public First Action that supports both Republicans and Democrats.

• Longtime Mamdani ally Lina Khan will head the board of directors for NYC economic development.
• McKinsey partner and former public servant, Anthony Shorris, will take on the president role.
• The mayor hopes to marry his affordability goals with ongoing business development in the city.

Zohran Mamdani has tapped Lina Khan — a longtime ally and co-chair of his mayoral transition — to lead the board of directors for New York City's Economic Development Corporation.

The mayor announced Khan's role in the City Hall Rotunda on Wednesday morning. McKinsey partner Anthony Shorris will join her as president and CEO of the EDC. Mamdani called the pair "a dream team" — a move he hopes is good news for both business growth and his affordability agenda.

"Today's appointees not only share a vision for the future of this office, but a commitment too, to executing on it," the mayor said. He feels that both Khan and Shorris are aligned in thinking that the measure of a city's economic strength is "whether it is able to lift up those who are currently priced out."

Khan added that the "EDC has key tools to drive projects that grow our economy, create good jobs, promote entrepreneurship, and make life more affordable for New Yorkers."

Khan could bring Mamdani's affordability goals to EDC

The organization, a quasi-public nonprofit that manages city-owned property, works alongside the local government to support business interests and economic growth. It largely operates as its own entity, despite leadership traditionally being handpicked by the mayor. EDC can develop real estate, manage assets, award business incentives, and oversee major construction projects on behalf of the city.

Besides playing a strategic role in the Mamdani campaign, Khan served as director of the Federal Trade Commission under President Joe Biden and has a reputation as an antitrust crusader and defender of consumer rights. She has accompanied the mayor and his cabinet to press events in recent months and served in a "voluntary advisor" role, her spokesperson Douglas Farrar told Business Insider, but this will be her first official job within the administration.

The EDC leadership position has been a source of tension in City Hall since Mamdani began his term. Some civic leaders have said it is unusual that Mamdani took months to appoint a new head of the EDC. Critics said the delay indicated that business and tech investment aren't a priority for the mayor, who has been vocal about his affordability platform for lower- and middle-income New Yorkers and has been tough on corporations.

The appointment of Khan alongside Shorris — who has had a decadeslong career in public service and the private sector — is an effort to marry these development and cost-of-living goals, Mamdani said. Shorris, for example, had a role in establishing the minimum wage and universal 3-K programs in NYC, and previously led the New York-New Jersey Port Authority.

"As City Hall takes on the affordability crisis gripping our city," he said. "As we work to reimagine economic models that give so much to so few — and deny so many others the basics of a dignified life — we believe that economic development and economic justice must go hand in hand."

• The watch industry is full of unique and coveted wrist candy.
• You've probably seen or heard about popular options from Patek Philippe, Cartier, and more.
• If you want to stand out, though, consider watches from F.P.Journe, Daniel Roth, and Gérald Genta.

If you're wearing a Cartier or Patek Phillipe watch while reading this, congratulations! You've secured a timepiece from one of the most coveted brands on the market.

Many of us, though, have yet to secure that kind of wrist candy.

Buying luxury watches isn't as easy as going to the store and picking one out. Many brands require you to shop around boutiques, join waitlists, and sometimes, revert to shopping secondhand.

And that's not to mention how difficult it can be to choose a model that speaks to you.

For those having trouble, we can help.

In an interview with Business Insider, Quaid Walker, the CEO of the watch marketplace Bezel, shared the timepieces he thinks will make anyone stand out in a crowd — even when the most coveted pieces are around.

Anything from A. Lange & Söhne will catch the attention of fellow watch lovers.

Walker described the German watchmaker as an "incredible brand that has repeatedly gone up in value, in a way that has even surprised huge watch fans."

"The market wants something that feels different and interesting, and it's driving folks to models like [those from A. Lange & Söhne]," he said.

Some watches from the brand cost upward of $49,500, though many are listed on the A. Lange & Söhne website as "price upon request." Models like the Zeitwerk watch are coveted and can cost close to $100,000.

Cartier Panthère models are everywhere, but a mini frosted Royal Oak might get more attention.

These days, you'd struggle to find an it-girl influencer or celebrity who hasn't sported a Cartier Panthère. It's undoubtedly become the queen of small watches, which have been trending for men and women lately.

Still, it's not the only option out there.

"Tastemakers have really shifted things," Walker said. "If you see your favorite celebrity walk down the red carpet wearing [a frosted Royal Oak], you might say, 'I want that. It's different from a standard Panthère.'"

Of course, Audemars Piguet timepieces are known for their higher price points. Frosted Royal Oaks are no exception.

The mini models retail for $41,100, and the larger sizes can cost upward of $74,000.

Many people love F.P.Journe, but there's more to the brand than the Chronomètre Bleu.

F.P.Journe is beloved by watch collectors like Mark Zuckerberg. Still, interest is rising in some of the brand's hard-to-find designs.

"There are certain F.P.Journes that, maybe three years ago, were selling between $30,000 and $50,000," Walker said. "They're now selling between $150,000 to $200,000."

That's because production of the brand's designs is limited. If you find one, you instantly gain the status of a serious watch collector.

"Wearing a certain Journe is like what wearing a Nautilus [used to be]," he added, comparing the brand to one of Patek Philippe's most famed and coveted designs.

To stand out, Walker recommends looking into F.P.Journe's Élégante watch, which can sell for about $125,000, or the brand's Chronomètre Optimum, which can cost more than $500,000.

If you can't secure an F.P.Journe, you should turn to watchmakers that in-the-know fans love, like Daniel Roth.

Daniel Roth is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1988. It temporarily halted production in 2015 but was revived in 2023.

Walker recommends two unique models from the brand: the Tourbillion Platinum and the Extra Plat.

The latter are listed on Bezel for more than $73,000, while the former can cost over $200,000 on the secondhand market.

Gérald Genta and Breguet are also brands to consider.

Both brands are from Switzerland and have left major marks on the watch industry.

Gérald Genta is known as the "Picasso of watches," in part for his invention of luxury sports watches, and Breguet is known as the "godfather of watchmaking," having been founded in 1775.

Walker said that the former brand's vintage watches will make any wearer stand out. The $15,000 Donald Duck watch is just one option.

When it comes to Breguet, he recommends the $36,185 Tradition 7057 and the $49,325 vintage Classique Perpetual Calendar.

• Elon Musk's X posts are putting Tesla in hot water with regulators, again.
• Regulators asked Tesla for more information about Musk's posts that FSD users could text and make espressos while driving.
• It's not the first time the company has faced scrutiny over the way it promotes its Full Self-Driving tech.

Elon Musk's posting habits are putting Tesla under the microscope — again.

Regulators looking into Tesla's Full Self-Driving have asked the company for more information about a series of X posts in which CEO Elon Musk said drivers could text and make an espresso while using the automated driving assist technology.

In a request for information sent to Tesla on July 2, officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asked the company to clarify posts made on Musk and Tesla's accounts.

These include a post from December 2025 in which Musk said FSD users could text and drive "depending on [the] context of surrounding traffic."

"This is so cool. Make your espresso on the road while your Tesla drives itself," Musk wrote in another post cited by the document. The billionaire was responding to a video showing a Tesla owner using an espresso machine and reclining his seat while FSD was engaged.

The NHTSA also cited posts from Musk saying that FSD can "operate in all conditions" and that an FSD update will "substantially reduce" the need for driver attention, as well as posts from Tesla promoting the technology.

The regulator asked Tesla to clarify whether these examples were "accurate and consistent" with FSD's capabilities, and if the company has done anything to reduce the potential for "misunderstanding or misuse."

On its website and in owner manuals, Tesla makes it clear that drivers using Full Self-Driving (Supervised) should pay attention to the road and be ready to take over at all times.

It's not the first time Tesla has faced legal and regulatory scrutiny over the way it promotes FSD.

The Model Y maker was ordered to pay $242 million in damages last year over a wrongful-death lawsuit that alleged Tesla's advertising exaggerated the capabilities of Autopilot, FSD's predecessor, and the company struck a deal to avoid a ban in California in February after a judge ruled that its "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" branding was misleading.

The NHTSA investigation, which was opened in October 2024 and upgraded to an engineering analysis in March, is looking into FSD's ability to alert the driver in low-visibility conditions. The probe was opened following several reports of Tesla's crashing in areas where visibility was reduced by "sun glare, fog, or airborne dust."

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

• A top US general said a Ukrainian F-16 scored the country's first air-to-air kill.
• He said it showed how far Ukraine's layered defenses have developed.
• The general did not specify what kind of Russian fighter jet was shot down in the engagement.

Ukraine's F-16 fighter jets scored their first air-to-air kill by shooting down a Russian fighter jet, a top US general said, calling the engagement a sign of Ukraine's improving air defenses.

US Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said during a congressional hearing on Tuesday that "recently we had the first air-to-air kill where a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter."

He described it as evidence of Ukraine's growing air-defense capability.

"I think their ability to scale their layered defense has come a long way over the last couple years with the help and assistance of many," he said at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

An effective layered defense employs different sensors and weapons, positioned at varying distances and altitudes, to counter varied threats. It requires not only having enough sensors and weapons fielded, but also the ability to connect them, share information, and assign the right weapon to each threat.

Ukraine has expanded those defenses during Russia's full-scale invasion, combining domestically developed technology and Western weapons with Soviet-era systems already in service.

Caine did not provide details about the engagement, including where it occurred or what type of Russian aircraft was shot down. Some observers have speculated that he may have been referring to a July 8 Ukrainian Air Force claim that its forces downed a Russian Su-35. That, however, remains unclear.

The general cited the growth of Ukraine's defense industry and said he wanted to "highlight the incredible work that the Ukraine industrial base is doing as they scale their own capabilities. It ranges from their surface-to-air capabilities to their air-to-air capabilities." He was speaking in response to a question about what impact a potential US halting of air defense funding to Ukraine for three years would have.

Though it has significantly improved its defenses since the start of the war, including through domestic developments such as interceptor drones, Ukraine continues to ask for any and all air defense support it can get as Russian drone and missile bombardments worsen and continue to threaten both military and civilian infrastructure.

Ukraine received its first batch of F-16s in summer 2024 after a long debate among Western militaries about whether the provision of these fighter jets could be perceived as unnecessarily escalatory and how quickly Ukraine could integrate them and build the training, maintenance, logistics, and operational systems needed to use them effectively.

Ukraine has managed to integrate these assets into its air force, using them to intercept Russian drones and missiles, conduct strikes on ground targets, and now engage hostile crewed aircraft.

And Western partner nations are now studying how Ukraine combines cheap sensors, interceptor drones, dispersed operations, and older flying techniques to strengthen its air defenses and operations.

Partner nations are providing other advanced Western jets to Ukraine, including Swedish Gripens and French Mirages, framing it as both the result of Ukraine's competency and allied desire to integrate Ukraine into the future of Western defense, not just to have it survive this war.

• I toured Citi Field's hidden, members-only Cadillac Club.
• The club offers complimentary food and drinks, along with luxury seating.
• The setting was perfect for an avid baseball fan or someone wanting to experience the game in style.

Luxury suites have become a major part of the modern ballpark experience, but few are as exclusive as the Cadillac Club at Citi Field.

Hidden behind a members-only entrance near the players' tunnel, the speakeasy-inspired space offers complimentary food and drinks, a rotating chef-designed menu, and plush leather field-level seats just feet from right field.

When the 100-seat club opened in 2023, access was initially available only through full-season club memberships, with first-row memberships costing $24,999 per seat, the Associated Press reported at the time.

Last year, access expanded to some group sales, and more recently, "an extremely limited number of single game tickets" have been available for certain games, a spokesperson told Business Insider.

Single-game seats are also being sold on third-party websites. As of July 22, third-row seats in the Cadillac Club for the Mets' July 25 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers were listed for $688 each.

On a recent gameday between the Mets and Kansas City Royals, I was granted access to the Cadillac Club as a member of the press, eager to see whether the experience lived up to the hype — and prices.

Here's what it's like inside one of baseball's most exclusive clubs.

On a recent gameday against the Kansas City Royals, I went inside the Cadillac Club.

The Cadillac Club at Payson's is one of the most exclusive places to watch a Mets game at Citi Field.

The stadium, which opened in 2009 to replace Shea Stadium, blends modern amenities with tributes to the Mets' history, including the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and architectural nods to Brooklyn's historic Ebbets Field.

In recent years, Citi Field has added premium clubs and hospitality spaces, including the Cadillac Club, which opened in 2023.

The trend is playing out across ballparks and arenas as teams look to boost revenue and attract corporate clients and wealthy fans seeking more exclusive experiences.

In 2025, Rocket Arena, home to the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, opened HIPP, an invitation-only members club. Access was initially offered only to fans who had already spent at least $100,000 with the team, The New York Times reported.

That same year, Capital One Arena in Washington, DC — home to the NBA's Wizards and the NHL's Capitals — debuted six high-end, private suites, each costing more than $1 million a year to lease.

Even the entrance felt exclusive.

Unlike most premium seating areas, the Cadillac Club isn't immediately visible.

Thankfully, I had been given directions on where to go. After entering Citi Field, I headed for a discreet entrance that led me away from the crowds and toward a hallway near the players' tunnel.

The club itself wasn't listed on any of the signs I saw outside the stadium. Since it's marketed as a speakeasy, only those with directions would know how to access it.

The entrance to the Cadillac Club features Mets memorabilia and a hidden door.

However, before I reached the club itself, I stepped into a hallway lined with framed photographs, vintage memorabilia, and televisions showing the game.

At first glance, it looked like a cozy lounge celebrating the team's history … until I realized one of the paintings concealed the hidden entrance to the Cadillac Club.

To enter, I had to say "Let's go, Mets!" and the door opened — a fun touch that added an element of magic to the experience.

The club is named after one of the Mets' most important figures.

The Cadillac Club honors Joan Whitney Payson, the Mets' founding principal owner and the first woman to independently purchase a majority ownership stake in a Major League Baseball team.

She maintained ownership from the Mets' founding in 1960 until her death in 1975.

When I finally reached the entrance, I thought it looked more like the gateway to a secret garden than a baseball stadium.

The entrance, framed in greenery, was manned by security personnel, who scanned tickets to ensure the club's exclusivity.

In addition to club access, the Cadillac Club membership includes private restrooms, VIP reserved parking in Official Lot A, a dedicated premium experience manager, and exclusive member events.

Once inside, I almost forgot I was at Citi Field.

It was a particularly humid day in New York City, so I was glad for the respite inside the exclusive, climate-controlled area, rather than sweating up in the nosebleed seats as I typically would.

Warm wood finishes, leather seating, and a bar lining the entire back wall of the 7,000-square-foot space made the club feel more like an upscale New York restaurant or bar than a sports venue.

Greenery was also woven throughout the space.

Gensler, one of the world's biggest architecture firms, designed the speakeasy.

Combined with the leather seating and warm lighting, large trees and hanging plants created a cozy, secluded atmosphere that lived up to its speakeasy inspiration.

The bar was stocked with beer, wine, and spirits.

Members receive complimentary soft drinks, beer, and wine throughout the game, while premium liquor and cocktails are also available for purchase.

There was plenty of space to grab a drink without having to fight long concession lines. The private bar area felt buzzy without being overly crowded.

Screens along the bar also meant guests never missed a moment of the game while ordering, eating, or drinking.

The seats were, unsurprisingly, the biggest draw of watching from inside the Cadillac Club.

Leather armchairs, which come with personal flat-screen monitors, are assigned to members for the season. They were located just feet from right field, with an open-air design that let a breeze flow in from the warning track.

Being so close to the players made every pitch, hit, and catch feel much more immersive than watching from higher up in the stadium.

The view of the field was mostly unobstructed, and while I could hear noise from the stands, it was more a steady stream of chatter than a roar.

I loved being able to move between the game and the lounge area.

Unlike traditional seating, the Cadillac Club encourages guests to wander between the seats and the indoor lounge, where they can still catch the game.

"This stadium is designed more along the lines of a resort," executive chef Jason Eksterowicz, who spent much of his career at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas before joining Citi Field in 2017, told me.

"Instead of a big pool, it's a baseball field."

Another draw of watching the game from the Cadillac Club is the all-you-can-eat buffet.

In the "ballpark classics" section of the buffet, options included Bavarian pretzel sticks, crinkle-cut fries, and crispy chicken tenders, served with dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, and ranch.

Members and their guests also have access to more refined offerings than the typical stadium fare. The rotating buffet includes multiple hot entrées, salads, and sides.

"A lot of the flavor profiles and foods you're going to find in our stadium are traditional flavors that everyone can relate to, maybe presented and mashed up in a unique way," Eksterowicz said.

The Cadillac Club doesn't serve the same buffet every game.

Eksterowicz said the culinary team rotates roughly 25 to 30 menus, meaning that even season-ticket holders who attend games throughout the season rarely see the same spread more than a few times.

"We want something that's going to be fresh. We want something that's going to be fast. We don't want anyone to miss an important part of the game," he said.

Of course, there were classic ballpark hot dogs.

No Mets game would feel complete without hot dogs.

The club served grilled dogs with traditional toppings like ketchup, mustard, and sauerkraut.

When food started to run out, servers topped up the platters.

There were also healthier options, such as a beet, arugula, and goat cheese salad.

It balanced out some of the richer comfort food elsewhere on the buffet.

The dessert station included an assortment of cookies in several flavors.

The red velvet cookie especially caught my eye.

In addition to the buffet, the club also provides classic baseball snacks.

The club offered complimentary nostalgic snacks, from Cracker Jack to peanuts, throughout the game.

The Cadillac Club struck a great balance between luxury hospitality and a genuine baseball atmosphere.

Before visiting, I assumed the biggest draw would be sitting just a few feet from the field. However, the whole experience impressed me.

From its hidden entrance and upscale interiors, its rotating chef-designed menus and complimentary food and drinks, the Cadillac Club delivered an experience that went far beyond typical ballpark food and a standard seat.

With an exclusive atmosphere that at times felt more like a high-end restaurant than a stadium club, I can see the draw for high-net-worth fans and business clients.

As someone who isn't a major baseball fan, I personally wouldn't buy a full-season membership. Still, when I checked a ticket resale website, some tickets appeared to be around $400 to $500, a price I could see myself paying for access to the Cadillac Club.

The food, drinks, atmosphere, premium amenities, and location right on the field made it feel like the only way to spend a day out at the ballgame.

• The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven delivers oven performance and fits a 12-pound turkey.
• It takes up significantly more counter space than a traditional air fryer or toaster oven.
• It beat out 25+ models to win best overall in our best air fryer toaster oven buying guide.

After testing 25 models for our best air fryer toaster oven guide, my all-time favorite is the Ninja Foodi XL Pro Air Fry Oven (DT201). It works like a standard oven but emits less heat in your kitchen while using less energy. It's ideal for people living in small rental homes or apartments, anyone who hates heating the kitchen during warm months, and families who need extra cooking space during holiday meals.

While the Ninja toaster oven handles most daily cooking tasks well, it won't replace your full-sized oven for big roasts. Plus, air fryer toaster ovens don't compare to the classic basket air fryers when it comes to cooking speed. If you're just cooking for one or two people and don't need the capacity of a toaster oven, check out our guide to the best air fryers for recommendations.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and researches kitchen products.

Getting started

Setting up the Ninja Foodi XL Pro is a breeze. All you need to do is unbox it, plug it in, and choose a cooking function. The interface is clearly labeled so you can adjust the time and temperature or scroll through the 10 presets.

I especially liked that I could get it up and running without any mis-presses, a testament to the thoughtful design. One pro tip from extensive appliance testing: operate the unit empty at maximum temperature for at least 10 minutes before first use to eliminate the chemical odor common to new toaster ovens. This tempering of the appliance will ensure your food is untainted by ghastly aromas.

Cooking performance

Fries

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro took 18 minutes to turn frozen fries into fast-food-quality eats. The fries had a satisfying crispiness and a fluffy interior. The results were fairly uniform: no burned edges or underdone centers.

Pizza

We also made great frozen pizza in 12 minutes, which is about average for countertop ovens. The convection cooking created perfectly melted cheese and a beautifully crisp crust, though with too quick browning around the edges. The Ninja has an impressive capacity, accommodating two 12-inch pizzas.

Chicken

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro did an outstanding job roasting a whole chicken, finishing a five-pound bird in 70 minutes — notably faster than most models. It cooked remarkably even throughout both white and dark meat portions. The finished chicken was textbook: impressive juiciness and perfectly crispy skin with consistent golden coloration. Most importantly, my family gobbled it up.

Heating speed and consistency

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro's preheating speeds were average: about eight minutes to reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit and just over nine to reach 425 degrees. However, it maintained precise temperatures. We set the oven to 350 degrees and measured the temperature every 15 minutes for two hours. The Ninja stayed between 349 and 352 degrees throughout our testing period, which is among the lowest variance we've seen. This precise temperature control makes the oven an excellent choice for following recipes and baking temperature-sensitive foods.

Accessories, presets, and cleaning

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro comes with two sheet pans and wire racks that allow you to cook multiple levels of food. The air fry basket is designed for maximum air circulation, and a dedicated roasting tray collects juices while preparing roasts.

The oven has 10 preset cooking modes: whole roast, air roast, air fry, bake, dehydrate, broil, toast, pizza, and reheat. While most units only come with one wire rack, the Ninja has two, so you can dehydrate two layers of food simultaneously.

Cleaning is mildly annoying. Only the air fry basket is dishwasher safe, and the remaining components should be washed by hand. The crumb tray is easily accessible to facilitate regular cleaning after every couple of uses, which we recommend to avoid grease buildup.

Cons to consider

Despite its impressive performance, the Ninja DT201 has a few drawbacks. It requires significant kitchen space — potentially problematic for space-starved apartments.

Hand-washing most accessories (excluding the air fryer basket) is more time-consuming. I recommend placing your food on air fryer liners, foil, or parchment paper to speed up cleaning.

The Ninja Foodi XL Pro is expensive for a toaster oven, retailing for $300, but we think the capacity and performance warrant the price. Plus, it's often marked down to $230 and sometimes as low as $200 on deal days.

What are your alternatives?

While the Ninja Foodi XL Pro is our best overall pick, it may not be right for every kitchen or home cook.

Check out our guide to the best air fryer toaster ovens for more recommendations. If you're looking for a space-saving design , a different aesthetic, or specialized smart features, here's how Ninja compares to its closest rivals.

The precision rival: If you want (arguably) the most sophisticated heating technology on the market, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a stellar choice. Powered by Breville's intelligent Element iQ system, it delivers exceptionally even heat to eliminate cold spots. It features 11 versatile cooking functions and a brushed stainless steel design, though you will be trading some of the Ninja's vertical interior capacity for Breville's premium build quality.

The smart tech rival: If you love connected appliances and kitchen aesthetics are important to you, the Café Couture Oven with Air Fry is a gorgeous, high-tech alternative. Finished in bold matte colors with the brand's signature copper accents, it boasts 14 cooking modes and built-in WiFi. You can even use voice control via Amazon Echo or Google Home, and program recipes using the SmartHQ app.

The space-saving rival: If you have limited counter space but still want the versatility of an oven, the Ninja Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven is a fantastic alternative. The clever, low-profile design flips up and stores vertically against your backsplash when not in use, making it space-efficient while still managing to fit a 13-inch pizza or nine slices of toast.

Is Ninja a good brand?

If you love the reliability and multi-functional performance of the brand's countertop ovens, we recommend checking out the rest of Ninja's product ecosystem. The brand consistently excels at packing professional-grade power and intuitive Auto-iQ technology into countertop appliances that simplify everyday cooking and prep.

Here are some of the Ninja brand kitchen appliance and products we have tested and recommend.

The bottom line

My full-size oven got lonely while I was testing the Ninja Foodi XL Pro. I could cook everything in this toaster oven without consuming as much energy or putting out as much heat. It's your best bet when you don't have room for a standard oven, or you want an extra appliance for cooking sides when entertaining.

• NATO's top general said allied forces could survive a battlefield like the one in Ukraine.
• The front lines in that war are dominated by drones, electronic warfare, and constant surveillance.
• Gen. Alexus Grynkewich said Ukraine's participation in NATO exercises has helped the alliance.

NATO's top general said that he believes allied forces could survive on a battlefield like the one in Ukraine, saturated with drones, electronic warfare, and constant surveillance.

"I think the answer is we're ready for that," US Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told Business Insider at the Farnborough International Airshow in England this week, offering fresh reassurance at a time when warfare is changing rapidly.

Grynkewich, one of NATO's two strategic commanders, oversees the alliance's military operations. He said that forces across Europe are training to operate in environments like the one in Ukraine.

"We are learning every single day from the Ukrainians — how they're dealing with this," Grynkewich said.

"And the technology and tactics are, frankly, evolving really fast. So it's kind of persistent contact that we have to have with those on the front line, so we can understand," he added.

The front line stretching across southern and eastern Ukraine has evolved into what soldiers and officials describe as a wide "kill zone" that extends 10 to 20 kilometers from the line of contact, sometimes farther in certain places.

The zone is heavily saturated with drones constantly monitoring the battlefield below, capable of targeting both soldiers and vehicles. Any movement can trigger a deadly, pinpoint strike.

Ukrainian special forces operating inside the kill zone regularly carry pump-action shotguns to destroy Russian drones controlled by fiber-optic cables; these types of drones are able to resist the signal jamming that can incapacitate radio-frequency systems.

Within the kill zone, which Ukrainian officials and soldiers say is expanding, troops often dismount and leave their vehicles behind to hike for miles, disperse to put distance between troops to avoid creating large targets, and increasingly rely on uncrewed tools like ground robots for logistics and casualty evacuation.

The overwhelming presence of new military technology inside the kill zone underscores how much the conflict has changed since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Ukraine's defense ministry said earlier this month that drones now account for roughly 90% of all strikes, a dramatic shift in a war that was once primarily a grinding artillery battle.

NATO, facing what military leadership has described as a worsening Russian threat, is increasingly looking to Ukraine for lessons on how to fight on a modern battlefield, one where small explosive-laden quadcopters hunt front-line infantry and drone boats engage combat air patrols.

Grynkewich pointed out that NATO runs "a number of exercises where we'll even have Ukrainians come out and be opposition forces for us." He said that's helped sharpen NATO's ability to fight the wars of the future.

"When they do that, day-one performance might not be so great, but by day six or seven, the soldiers of the alliance are right up on top on speed, and learning exactly what they need to learn," he said.

In March, for example, a Ukrainian-led opposition team used drones to defeat a NATO force in a naval combat drill off the coast of Portugal. The scenario fell under a larger exercise, which NATO said helped it train to use and defend against the threat of uncrewed surface vessels.

French Adm. Pierre Vandier, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, said such exercises are a net positive for the alliance. "I think we achieved something great there, because now that has triggered a sort of awakening," he told Business Insider.

Vandier, NATO's other strategic commander, oversees alliance modernization efforts. He said he believes Ukraine's participation makes the alliance a better fighting force.

NATO forces have incorporated similar lessons from Ukraine into their training and doctrine, and in some cases, fielded battlefield-proven weapons such as the Merops counter-drone system, which the US rushed to the Middle East at the start of the Iran war.

NATO officials are also absorbing war lessons through other initiatives, such as the Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre, JATEC, a program that uses real-time data from the conflict in Ukraine to inform allied defense planning.

Military officials directly involved in JATEC told Business Insider last year that the program is mutually beneficial; NATO helps Ukraine address some of the war's most pressing issues, while Kyiv shares its battlefield experience with allies.

It's Grand Tour season, and the crown jewel of cycling races is underway in France. We've scoured the international broadcast options to highlight everything you need to know about how to watch the Tour de France, including free and global streaming options.

The 113th edition of the Tour de France will see if Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar can defend his 2024 and 2025 titles for another year. So far, Pogačar dons the iconic yellow jersey, with Remco Evenepoel the closest competitor behind him. 2022 and 2023 champion Jonas Vingegaard was firmly in second place, sandwiched between Pogačar and Evenepoel, but a crash over the weekend took him out of the race.

How to watch the Tour de France for free

The Tour de France is available for free in a few different regions. In Australia, fans can catch all of the action on SBS. In France, people can watch via France.TV, Italy has Rai 2, and Spanish coverage can be streamed free on RTVE. All of these local broadcast channels have streaming counterparts that only require a free account to use.

How to watch the Tour de France from anywhere

If you're away from the location where your streaming service works during any notable legs of the race, you can still access your free watch options with the help of a VPN. Short for virtual private networks, VPNs are handy tech tools that let people alter their virtual locations. They're popular services among those hoping to keep up with their usual websites and apps while traveling abroad or looking to upgrade their cybersecurity.

NordVPN is our top recommendation. It's fast, easy to use, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you find that it's not what you're looking for. You can learn more in our official NordVPN review or check out our guide to the best VPNs.

How to watch the Tour de France in the US

In the US, the best and cheapest way to ensure you can watch every stage of the race live is through Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming counterpart. Subscriptions start at $11 a month, but you can upgrade to Peacock Premium Plus for $17 a month to unlock constant NBC live streams and ad-free on-demand content.

How to watch the Tour de France in Canada

In Canada, the Tour de France is available through FloBikes. Subscriptions start at $50 a month, but users can find strong year-over-year savings by subscribing to an annual plan.

How to watch the Tour de France in the UK

The viewing options are a little bit different in the UK this year. Rather than being free on ITV, fans will need to sign up for TNT Sports via HBO Max to tune into the Tour de France. Subscription prices vary by plan, with TNT Sports access going for £31 a month, although you can find some savings if you opt for a long-term contract.

How to watch the Tour de France in France

The aptly-named France.TV will host Tour de France coverage in the host nation. The streaming service is free to use; viewers just need to create an account if they don't already have one, and then they're all set to start streaming.

How to watch the Tour de France in Australia

The Tour de France will be available through SBS in Australia. This option has a free live streaming counterpart. Viewers who don't already have an account can create one for free and start watching immediately. This channel also lets you watch every World Cup match for free.

Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries, and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.

• Almost a year ago, I moved from New York City to Lisbon, a city I'd never even visited before.
• The move has improved my social life, and I've started living a more active lifestyle.
• However, I've struggled to find part-time work and had to rely on my savings more than I planned.

I spent years building a steady public-relations career in New York City, but ended up burned out and craving more.

Driven by my longtime desire to transition into the journalism industry and live abroad, I applied to master's programs in Europe. I chose one in Lisbon — a city I'd never even visited — and before I knew it, I was packing my life into two suitcases and making the move.

I've now been here for 10 months, and my life has improved in so many ways. However, I've also encountered financial challenges I didn't see coming.

I live a healthier lifestyle now, and spend tons of time outdoors

In New York, getting exercise beyond walking always felt like a chore. I've been passionate about activities like surfing and skateboarding since my early teens, but it was tough to consistently keep up with them in New York.

Now, with great surf beaches a mere 30 minutes from Lisbon's city center and numerous world-class skateparks across the country, Portugal has made it possible for me to reconnect with both sports and build community through them.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Lisbon's vibrant skate scene includes so many women and girls — something that isn't always the case. I've joined several free community groups that have also made it easy to find like-minded friends interested in these activities.

My social circle has become more international

In New York, it was easy to fall into familiar social circles and befriend people whose upbringings looked like mine. Moving abroad has pushed me to put myself out there, and as a result, I've actually found it easier to make new friends.

Conversations with new people in Lisbon often start with where we're from and what brought us here — rather than the career-oriented introductions I got used to back home. In fact, I don't think I've been asked what I do for work a single time since moving.

The friends I've made in Lisbon are largely international, hailing from all across Europe and beyond. I've been able to connect with many locals at the skatepark and at community events, too.

Through conversations about our lives and home countries, I've not only gained a great circle of friends, but a deeper understanding of the various challenges people are facing around the world.

I've been impressed by Portugal's healthcare system

As a graduate student without a full-time job, I most likely would not have affordable health insurance if I still lived in the US.

Thankfully, in Portugal, I'm covered by the SNS, the tax-funded national healthcare system. All residents have access to care, regardless of age or employment status. Although the system isn't without fault and requires a bit of bureaucracy to navigate, I've found it generally accessible.

For example, after being scratched by a stray cat in Morocco this winter, I completed the final doses of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis at a hospital in Lisbon — entirely for free. In the US, this treatment would have likely cost me several hundred dollars without insurance.

Despite these improvements, I'm struggling with the cost of living and a more limited job market

Lisbon consistently ranks among the cities with the worst average rent-to-salary ratios in Europe. Luckily, my student housing has been significantly more affordable than the New York apartment I shared with two roommates — but finding reliable work to help me pay my rent has been much tougher.

I initially planned to get a part-time job in the service industry to complement my studies. However, I was unprepared for how difficult it would be to find work in Lisbon without speaking fluent Portuguese, despite my efforts to learn the language and speak it conversationally.

Some students make a bit of extra income through internship stipends, but I've found these hard to access as an international student, too.

Although some of my expenses are lower than what I'd pay in New York — for example, I pay only €40 a month for unlimited rides on public transit — other costs, such as groceries and eating out, are fairly comparable.

Making matters worse, I'd underestimated the weakening value of the US dollar, which I now notice every day through exchange-rate conversions. Between rent, tuition, and daily expenses, I've found myself relying on my savings way more than I had expected.

Still, even though this chapter hasn't been without its challenges, I'm glad that I decided to move. No matter how long I end up staying, I'll always carry the Portuguese feeling of "saudade" with me: a bittersweet, nostalgic longing for the people I've met here and the gorgeous sunsets over the Tagus river.

• Oprah Winfrey, 72, said life starts at 44 due to freedom and self-awareness.
• She spoke about balancing a career and personal life during an appearance on Keke Palmer's podcast.
• Winfrey credited self-belief and strategic choices for her successes throughout the years.

Rejoice, millennials: According to Oprah, life really begins at 44.

The 72-year-old media mogul appeared on the July 21 episode of Keke Palmer's podcast, "Baby, This Is Keke Palmer," and said there's no way she'd want to go back to being 30. But she'd happily be 44 again.

"I think life starts at 44, because you come into yourself in a way that you're no longer trying to please everybody else. You come into yourself," Winfrey said.

For Winfrey, getting older 'looks like freedom'

When Palmer asked Winfrey what living her best life looks like, she replied: "It looks like freedom."

She described reaching a point where she could make choices based on what she really wanted, rather than what she had to do for her career or other people.

"I think when you're not free, not completely free, you can't make decisions based upon what you want," she said. "It was 44 where I locked in. I wasn't just doing things for other people. I really was in full drive, purposeful living for myself. Forty-four is when it locked in."

Winfrey said work-life balance has to be earned

Winfrey said many of the young women she mentors are graduating from college and getting their first jobs, and they are concerned with finding a work-life balance.

But Winfrey doesn't think that exists for people early in their careers.

"You ain't gonna have no work-life balance at 22, 23," she said. "It's not there, you're not supposed to have it."

Winfrey said the work she put in earlier in her career eventually led her to find that balance.

"I believe that, for me, it's getting to this point in my life where my choices are based truly from the purest part of myself. I only do what I want to do, and I've earned the right to do that, because there were lots of times I had to do what I had to do, until you can do what you want to do," she said.

Betting on herself was a huge part of Winfrey's success

Another part of her successful trajectory that she's tried to impart on her mentees? Believing in themselves.

Winfrey cited "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and its star for inspiring her to "own herself," since Moore had her own production company and was a producer of the show.

When Winfrey started "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in the 1980s, she told one of the "suits" that her dream was to be a mogul. According to Winfrey, he called her "arrogant."

However, when the time came to renew her contract, and the show was syndicated, Winfrey bet on herself. She chose to become a producer and told Palmer she gave up a traditional salary, instead negotiating 50% of the show's revenue.

"Owning that show was the transition to me owning myself in so many ways," she said. "I believed in myself. And that is the reason that I am what I am."