New tariffs in 2025 have exposed vulnerabilities and increased uncertainty across regions and industries. The effects on information technology are real and immediate: tighter regulations, rising costs, and more complexity, particularly in China and other geofenced markets. While the pace of decoupling varies, the direction is clear: Tech environments are becoming more regionalized and risk sensitive.
For technology leaders, this means rethinking core decisions—vendor strategy, architecture, and the operating model. Tech executives will need to deliver results in a more fragmented, more expensive landscape. Understanding five key trends can help leadership teams build smarter, more resilient strategies.
Hardware: Shifting away from China comes at a premium. As companies move production out of China, hardware costs are rising—by up to 20% in some categories. The added effort to qualify new suppliers, build buffer stock, and manage a broader vendor base is straining budgets and creating near-term supply risks.
Data: Localization redefines architecture needs. Tougher data privacy and AI regulations increasingly require companies to store and manage data locally. That means duplicative cloud setups, region-specific security tools, and in some cases, split AI and data platforms—all of which drive up cost and complexity.
Cloud: Fragmentation erodes scale advantages. Hyperscalers are investing in sovereign cloud, in-country AI, and multiregion infrastructure to meet local demands. While necessary, these investments are pushing up cloud computing costs and reducing the savings of a centralized model, requiring greater architectural planning and financial discipline.
Cybersecurity: Rising geopolitical risk increases threats. As global tensions rise, so do cyberthreats—from state-sponsored attacks to vendor breaches and phishing campaigns themed around tariffs. Companies will need sharper monitoring, stronger vendor oversight, and continuous employee upskilling to stay ahead.
Talent: Mobility constraints reshape delivery models. Limits on cross-border talent movement are pushing companies to shift toward more onshore, nearshore, or insourced teams. That means new cost structures, capability trade-offs, and a rethink of how and where tech work gets done.
Act now, plan ahead
To navigate this new terrain, tech leaders must balance near-term moves with longer-term bets. In the short run, that means managing exposure, triaging IT budgets, reassessing vendor footprints, and exploring workforce levers. Longer-term, the focus should shift to reimagining sourcing, architecture, and the operating model to thrive in a more fragmented future.
The Lenovo Tab M9 is one of the more understated tablets out there, and its most recent price drop should put it on everyone’s radar. This midrange tablet normally retails for $160, but as part of a new Clearance sale, the Tab M9 has gone down to just $104, which is nearly 40% off the regular price.
Also: The best Android tablets you can buy
Because the device is on clearance, this may be the last time that you’ll be able to buy the Tab M9 at such a low price — or ever. Lenovo may be clearing up inventory to make room for a brand new model. The tablet originally launched back in 2023. In the two years since its release, the device has stood tall as a great budget entertainment device when lounging or using as a secondary screen for work.
I recommend the Lenovo Tab M9 for people who want an inexpensive, everyday tablet. It sports a nine-inch HD touchscreen that outputs an image resolution of 1,340 x 800 pixels. It’s powered by a MediaTek G80 Octa Core processor and 3GB of memory. For the camera system, you have an 8MP lens on the rear and a 2MP selfie lens on the front. Lenovo’s tablet has 32GB of storage for storing photos and apps.
As you can see from these specs, it is not a super powerful device, but it makes up for it in other areas. The Tab M9 has a 5,100mAh battery that lasts up to 13 hours of video playback. It also weighs 13.4 ounces, making it easy to carry around and a great travel device.
Also: Why I recommend this Lenovo Android tablet to most people – especially at this price
“Dual speakers provide crystal clear sound,” Lenovo touts, but if you don’t want to disturb the people around you, the device has a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones on the side.
Looking at Best Buy user reviews, people praise the Lenovo Tab M9 for its size, long-lasting battery, and ease of use. Others appreciate the lightweight form factor and solid audio output. Considering its display and compact design, I’m finding it difficult to recommend any other value-centric tablet that’s on sale this week.
Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
How I rated this deal
At 50% off, ZDNET’s rating system grants this promotion a 5/5 Editor’s deal rating score. That is a perfect score. The Lenovo Tab M9 is a decent media tablet that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, and it makes for a great first tablet for children. This is near the lowest amount that I have ever seen the Tab M9 go for. I don’t anticipate this tablet dropping much lower anytime soon, so be sure to take advantage of the deal while it lasts.
Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We’re sorry if you’ve missed out on this deal, but don’t fret — we’re constantly finding new chances to score savings and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com.
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In 2025, we refined our approach to deals, developing a measurable system for sharing savings with readers like you. Our editor’s deal rating badges are affixed to most of our deal content, making it easy to interpret our expertise to help you make the best purchase decision.
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Study findings suggest a positive association between estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy (EP-HRT) and increased risk of breast cancer in young adult women. The data, published in Lancet Oncology, may provide deeper insight into the potential risks of specific HRT types in pre- and postmenopausal women to better guide clinical decision-making.1
“Hormone therapy can greatly improve the quality of life for women experiencing severe menopausal symptoms or those who have had surgeries that affect their hormone levels,” Katie O’Brien, PhD, lead author of National Institutes of Health (NIH)’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), said in an official NIH release. “Our study provides greater understanding of the risks associated with different types of hormone therapy, which we hope will help patients and their doctors develop more informed treatment plans.”2
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often used to ease the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings, that arise as estrogen levels naturally decline with age. It may also be recommended for individuals who have undergone a hysterectomy or oophorectomy. There are 2 main types of HRT: estrogen-only therapy (E-HRT), typically reserved for those who no longer have a uterus, and combined estrogen-progestin therapy (EP-HRT), which is used when the uterus is intact to help reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.2,3
Studies confirm that estrogen plus progestin is a risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women, but there are little data on the impact of these therapies in young women who may need HRT following gynecological surgery or for perimenopausal symptom relief. In a pooled cohort analysis, an international team of researchers at the NIH investigated the relationship between exogenous hormone therapy and the risk of young-onset breast cancer, drawing on data from 10 to 13 prospective cohort studies conducted across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. This large-scale analysis followed women up to age 55, focusing on the impact of hormone therapy (HT; used interchangeably with HRT) on breast cancer incidence in younger populations—a group for whom data has historically been limited.1,2
A total of 459,476 women between the ages of 16 and 54 years (mean age 42.0 years) were included in the study. Over a median follow-up of 7.8 years, 2% of participants (n = 8455) were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 55. HT use was reported by 15% of participants, with the most common regimens being estrogen plus progestin therapy (6%) and unopposed estrogen (5%).1
The researchers found no overall association between HT of any type and young-onset breast cancer (HR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.88–1.04). However, use of estrogen-only therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk (HR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75–0.98), corresponding to a 0.5% absolute risk reduction by age 55.1
In contrast, combined estrogen plus progestin therapy was associated with a modestly elevated risk of young-onset breast cancer (HR 1.10; 95% CI, 0.98–1.24), particularly with longer duration of use (>2 years; HR 1.18; 95% CI, 1.01–1.38). The association was strongest among women with intact uteri and ovaries (HR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02–1.31).1
The team also reported results from a subtype-specific analysis, which revealed that estrogen plus progestin therapy was more strongly associated with estrogen receptor–negative (HR 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11–1.88) and triple-negative breast cancer (HR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.02–2.20), suggesting potential biological differences in hormone sensitivity.1
These findings offer new insight into the differential impact of hormone therapy formulations on breast cancer risk in younger women. The results align with existing data on hormone therapy and later-onset breast cancer while highlighting the importance of individualized risk assessment when considering hormone use before age 55.
“These findings underscore the need for personalized medical advice when considering hormone therapy,” said Dale Sandler, PhD, NIEHS scientist and senior author, in an official NIH release. “Women and their health care providers should weigh the benefits of symptom relief against the potential risks associated with hormone therapy, especially EP-HT. For women with an intact uterus and ovaries, the increased risk of breast cancer with EP-HT should prompt careful deliberation.”2
REFERENCES
1. O’Brien K, House M, Goldberg M, et al. Hormone therapy use and young-onset breast cancer: a pooled analysis of prospective cohorts included in the Premenopausal Breast Cancer Collaborative Group. The Lancet Oncol. June 30, 2025. Doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(25)00211-6
2. Breast cancer risk in younger women may be influenced by hormone therapy. NIH. June 30, 2025. Accessed July 2, 2025. http://nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/breast-cancer-risk-younger-women-may-be-influenced-hormone-therapy
3. Hormone therapy for menopause. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. February 2024. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormone-therapy-for-menopause
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is available now for $299 in two colorways: Caramel Latte and Scarlet Wave.
The phone has a sleek, lovely vegan leather back, extensive stylus capability, and user-friendly software.
I wish the software support was longer, as it’s currently a year or two behind competing brands.
For Amazon Prime Day, Motorola has heavily discounted its Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), bringing it to just $299 ($100 off).
It’s been several years since I evaluated the first-generation Moto G Stylus, and a lot has improved. But late last year, I had the chance to test the Moto G Stylus 2024. It’s been a couple of months since, so here’s how my experience has gone with my T-Mobile SIM installed.
Also: Best early Prime Day phone deals: These 15 sales should be on your radar
While I bought a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra last year for three times the price of the Moto G Stylus, for daily use, I prefer carrying the latter. It’s smaller, the stylus meets all my needs, and I enjoy the streamlined Moto experience and customization. My notification shade isn’t cluttered with ads, and I can even go two days before needing to charge it.
Motorola sent me the Caramel Latte color with a vegan leather back, which is lovely and matches one of my favorite coffee types (haha!). There’s also a Scarlet Wave color that’s more red, almost like lipstick. With 8GB of RAM, 256GB of internal storage with microSD card support, and a 5,000mAh battery, all for just $299, the Moto G Stylus is one of the better budget phones in recent year.s
The stylus remains the distinguishing feature of the 2024 Motorola model. It has been improved over previous generations with reduced latency, better targeting, and an updated user interface. Pulling out the stylus when the phone is off is convenient, and there’s a new note pop-up for quickly jotting down thoughts. It’s a subtle but very handy feature for notetakers on the go.
Also: I changed 12 settings on my Android phone to drastically improve battery life
As far as default notes apps go, you can choose between Moto Note and Google Keep Notes. Since Keep Notes is my default, the phone is even more useful for my needs.
When the phone is on, and the stylus is removed, a list of favorited shortcuts appears on an overlay screen, allowing you to jump right into the action. The stylus settings include removal notifications and the last known location of the stylus to help you find it if it’s lost. The stylus has a much nicer design than previous Moto Stylus models I’ve used, closely resembling the Samsung S-Pen. It’s easy to hold, slim, and charges within the phone.
Built-in pen aside, Motorola’s user interface is one of my favorite parts of the phone; it’s a fairly stock, Pixel-esque look and feel boosted by Motorola’s handy gestures and system enhancements. For example, you can twist to launch the camera, make chopping motions to toggle the flashlight, and pick up the phone to silence the ringer. These gestures, and several others, make the phone feel much smarter than others, and it’s great to have them available even at this lower price point.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
The Moto G Stylus 5G launches with Android 14 and has monthly security updates, but given the affordable price and processor of the phone, you can likely expect one major upgrade to Android 15 and possibly two years of Android security patches. The cadence will vary, of course, though I wish Motorola would push the limit a little more and promise at least two years of OS upgrades. Samsung and Google, for comparison, offer upwards of seven years of updates.
Also: The obvious reason why I’m not sold on smartphone AI features yet (and I’m not alone)
The 6.7-inch OLED supports up to a 120Hz refresh rate that can dynamically adjust based on your use cases. For example, it’ll lower the refresh rate when you’re scrolling through photos or a webpage — when there are fewer animations to render. I’ve enjoyed hours of content with the phone, and having a legacy port in the 3.5mm headphone jack certainly helps when traveling without wireless earbuds.
Matthew Miller/ZDNET
A 50MP main and 13MP ultra-wide camera are positioned on the back of the phone. It’s certainly refreshing to see a mid-range phone without the unnecessary macro lens and depth sensor. Instead, the ultra-wide camera supports a 120-degree field-of-view while also serving as the macro shooter.
Also: The best Motorola phones of 2025: Where does the new Razr rank?
While the camera hardware is not as powerful as flagship phones, Motorola provides excellent software tools that help you capture great photos and be creative with little effort. Still, I’ve enjoyed using the Motorola camera, especially when capturing quick shots during the daytime. The 50MP camera system should serve most people just fine. At this price point, you really can’t complain.
ZDNET’s buying advice
I started using personal digital assistant (PDA) devices that all had a stylus in 1997, and I am still a fan of using such an accessory that provides precision inputs and on-device handwriting. The Moto G Stylus 5G is an affordable option for stylus lovers while also serving as a very capable Android phone. The Motorola user interface remains one of my favorites since it is optimized for efficient use and doesn’t rely as heavily on AI to help you get things done.
This story was first published on May 25, 2024, and was updated on July 2, 2025, to reflect the Amazon Prime Day sale.
Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z foldable phones are soon to be unveiled at the company’s Unpacked event on July 9. But you don’t have to wait to lock in your next device — you can reserve one right now at Samsung.com and earn a $50 Samsung credit.
It’s not yet clear just how many new phones we’ll be getting (we’re wondering if there will be more than the usual two), but Samsung has been teasing Ultra-grade and slim foldable phones for this launch. Samsung Newsroom posts have pointed to a more “powerful camera” and “AI-powered tools,” and have also noted that its “newest Galaxy Z series is the thinnest, lightest and most advanced foldable yet.”
This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung’s most popular products.
So, it’s possible Samsung could unveil the Galaxy Z Flip 7, Z Fold 7 and then the Z Fold Ultra, or perhaps just one Ultra-grade Fold device.
But wait, there’s more. There are also rumors surrounding a more affordable Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE phone. Leaks show renders of the rumored device, which appears similar to the Galaxy Z Flip 6, but it’s possible the phone could swap out the Snapdragon chip for an Exynos processor to keep that price down.
Ultimately, we’ll have to wait and see what Samsung has up its sleeve. But if you’re eager to get your hands on one of the latest devices, you can head to Samsung’s site to reserve your future phone and score that $50 Samsung credit. You can also enter a sweepstakes for the chance to win an additional $5,000 credit. These offers are only available on Samsung.com and the Shop Samsung app.
If you’d like to explore Samsung’s other phone options, check out list of the best Samsung phones to buy right now.
Awesome Games Done Quick and Summer Games Done Quick aren’t the only speedrunning marathons in town. There are others dotted throughout the year, such as Frost Fatales and Flame Fatales. Those all-women and femmes events are also operated by the Games Done Quick organization. The schedule for this year’s Flame Fatales has just dropped, and there are lots of fascinating runs on deck.
For one thing, you’ll be able to watch an Any% run (i.e. beating the game with any percentage) of Hollow Knight. What’s more, SawaYoshi will do this one-handed. The runner is expected to pull this off in around 45 minutes — it typically takes around 27 hours to beat that game.
Some newer titles are in the mix as well, such as Blue Prince. It might seem odd that a puzzle game with a heavy randomization element is on the schedule. ProfessorBurtch will be undertaking what’s known as a “B Quest Bingo” run. The idea here is to get to the Antechamber while using a bingo board. Here’s an example of such a run (it contains spoilers, of course):
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Elsewhere, we have Any% runs of the wonderful Neva, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and New Super Mario Bros. in the mix, along with speedrunning staples like Celeste and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The bonus runs include the first act of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and all regions of Hades II. I’m very intrigued by the Stardew Valley finale, which is a “Marriage% Co-Op Haley/Penny (Lesbian%)” run.
In all, there will be more than 50 speedruns during this edition of Flame Fatales, which runs from September 7 – 14. This year’s edition is being held in support of Malala Fund, which is a non-profit that helps girls around the world to have safe, secure and quality education. The event will be livestreamed on the GDQ Twitch channel.
The strength of certain neural connections can predict how well someone can learn math, and mild electrically stimulating these networks can boost learning, according to a study published on July 1st in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Roi Cohen Kadosh from University of Surrey, United Kingdom, and colleagues.
When it comes to cognitive skills like reading and math, early advantages tend to compound over time. Mathematical abilities, however, seem to plateau from childhood to adulthood, raising the possibility that innate brain characteristics might shape academic outcomes independently of external factors like socioeconomic status. To better understand the neurobiology of mathematical learning, the authors measured connection strength between brain regions associated with learning math while 72 participants performed a 5-day math task. While solving math problems that required either calculating a solution or rote memorization, participants received weak electrical stimulation to either the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), which plays an important role in executive function and calculations; the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), which is associated with memory recall; or a placebo. They also used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure two brain chemicals, glutamate and GABA, that hint at the brain’s current capacity for learning and change.
The researchers found that stronger baseline connectivity between dlPFC, PPC, and the hippocampus – a region involved in long-term memory and in this context, generalizing algorithms across problems – predicted better math performance when participants were asked to calculate the solution, but not when they memorized it. People with weaker connections between the dlPFC and PPC regions improved at calculation learning after electrically stimulating dlPFC. The authors suggest that these results hint at the viability of using brain stimulation to aid math learning in people struggling with biological disadvantages. The authors also identified a complex relationship between neurochemistry, brain plasticity, and communication between regions associated with executive function and memory. Future studies should more deeply examine these relationships, and test whether a neurostimulation approach like this could help people outside of the lab.
Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh, the lead author of the study and Head of the School of Psychology at the University of Surrey, said, “So far, most efforts to improve education have focused on changing the environment – training teachers, redesigning curricula – while largely overlooking the learner’s neurobiology. Yet, a growing body of research has shown that biological factors often explain educational outcomes in mathematics more powerfully than environmental ones. By integrating insights from psychology, neuroscience and education to develop innovative techniques that address these neurobiological constraints, we can help more people reach their potential, broaden access to diverse career pathways and reduce long-term inequalities in income, health and wellbeing.“
Source:
Journal reference:
Zacharopoulos, G., et al. (2025). Functional connectivity and GABAergic signaling modulate the enhancement effect of neurostimulation on mathematical learning. PLOS Biology. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3003200.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Jasprit Bumrah (Images via Getty Images)
India’s team selection for the second Test at Edgbaston has triggered widespread criticism, with fans and cricket greats questioning several bold calls. Among the decisions that stood out, the most notable was the call to rest pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Despite India trailing 0-1 in the five-match series and needing a result to stay alive, Bumrah was rested for workload management. While skipper Shubman Gill explained at the toss that Bumrah was being preserved for the third Test at Lord’s, the decision didn’t sit well with many, including South African pace legend Dale Steyn.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In a sarcastic post on X, Steyn compared Bumrah’s absence to leaving out football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. “So Portugal have the best striker in the world in Ronaldo and they chose not to play him. That’s madness. That’s like India having Bumrah and choosing not to play, umm, him… wait, oh, no, what! shit I’m confused 😵💫,” Steyn wrote. Bumrah, currently the No.1 ranked Test bowler, played a key role in India’s earlier wins this year and has consistently been their go-to match-winner in overseas conditions. His absence at Edgbaston, a venue traditionally a venue that offers seam movement has raised eyebrows, especially when India opted for three all-rounders and just five specialist batters.
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Adding to the scrutiny was the decision to drop Sai Sudharsan after his debut and to bench Kuldeep Yadav, who has been in top form. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri also expressed concerns before the match, hinting that the team’s combinations were moving away from specialist strength. With England having already seized momentum after their Leeds win, India’s choice with Bumrah may well define the trajectory of this series. And if they backfire, the selection panel will face even more heat.
