Feed aggregator

The league leaders host the in-from Cottagers at Anfield.

The Gunners host the Toffees as they look to put pressure on leaders Liverpool.

Choose the best home tech gifts for any renter you know — without causing landlord or lease problems by accident.

In the West, where herds of thousands of cattle are common, researchers are seeing cases rise at poultry and dairy operations. More than 50 workers have contracted the virus.

iFi GO Link Max: Two-minute review

iFi has taken the proven GO Link formula and, by adding a balanced 4.4mm headphone output and deleting MQA compatibility (which is, let’s not pretend otherwise, no loss), produced the GO Link Max.

It’s a little larger than its more affordable sibling – but that’s not the same as being large. And its relative bulk is mitigated no end by classy metal casework. Only the exposed braided cable that connects the main body of the DAC to the block which plugs into your source device, gives us any cause for concern. And even then, its vulnerability is theoretical rather than actual.

Like virtually every iFi product TechRadar has tested, the GO Link Max performs well and offers significant value for money. No matter if it’s connected to a smartphone or a laptop, with a half-decent pair of headphones at the other end this DAC is capable of putting a rocket up the sound quality you’d otherwise be treated to. In every meaningful respect, it improves on the unassisted sound of your computer or phone – and not in a subtle way. Is it one of the best portable DACs available for this money? You probably know the answer to that…

iFi GO Link Max review: Price and release date

(Image credit: Future)

• Released November 20, 2024
• Priced $79 / £79 / AU$139

The November 2024-release iFi GO Link Max USB DAC is on sale now, and in the United Kingdom it costs no more than £79. In the United States it will set you back $79, while in Australia it sells for $139.

The world’s far from short of affordable USB DACs, of course (not least from iFi itself – see the admittedly pricier $499 / £449 / AU$769 iFi GO Bar Kensei or the five-star iFi hip-dac 3 at $199 / £199 / AU$349 for starters). But nevertheless, the combination of price and specification looks alluring here…

iFi GO Link Max review: Features

(Image credit: Future)

• DSD256 and 32bit/384kHz PCM support
• Twin ESS Sabre ES9219 DACs
• Unbalanced 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm outputs

Of course, the iFi GO Link Max is something of a one-trick pony – and so consequently it has very few features. Those features it has, though, are designed to get that one job done in some style.

So at one end of the braided cable there’s a little block with a USB-C connector on the end. iFi provides both lightning and USB-A adapters to fit it, so the GO Link Max should be compatible with any smartphone or laptop you care to mention. At the other end of the cable there’s a larger block with unbalanced 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm outputs at its end, and on the inside is everything required to turn digital audio information into analogue as effectively as possible.

iFi has deployed twin ESS Sabre ES9219 DAC chipsets to get the job done – which means the GO Link Max can deal with audio files up to DSD256 and PCM 32bit/384kHz resolution. And fittingly for a company that’s never been afraid of a good acronym or two, iFi has fitted this little device with ‘THDC’ (total harmonic distortion compensation) technology to keep harmonic distortion to a minimum, and ‘DRE’ (dynamic range enhancement, sadly, and nothing to do with the celebrated hip-hop producer) which – hey! – wants to increase the dynamic contrast between the quietest and the loudest moments in your music.

This arrangement, says iFi, results in a USB DAC that can twist out 100mW of power from the unbalanced output and over 240mW from the balanced alternative. Which is a lot by any USB DAC standards, and should allow the GO Link Max to drive pretty much any appropriate headphones without problems.

Features score: 5 / 5

iFi GO Link Max review: Sound quality

(Image credit: Future)

• Greater dynamism and improved levels of detail
• More positive, punchier sound
• Across-the-board improvements

Let’s face it: only the most optimistic customers buy a new laptop or smartphone expecting sonic excellence. These devices are too noisy (in electrical terms) and too feature-heavy for audio quality to be anything other than an afterthought. If you want great sound while you’re out and about or at your desk, a dedicated music player might seem to be the way forward. iFi, though, disagrees – and the way this GO Link Max can make your laptop or smartphone sound demonstrates that as long as the critical stuff is done properly, these can be just as viable a source of music as the most expensive stand-along digital audio player.

The difference in quality between plugging a pair of headphones directly into the headphone socket of an Apple MacBook Pro, say, and plugging the same headphones into the GO Link Max having connected it via its USB-C is really remarkable. The gains are far from mild, and they are wide-ranging. In all honesty, the reproduction is of an entirely different standard.

Take mid-range resolution, for instance. A 16bit/44.1kHz file of Lisa O’Neill’s Old Note is more detailed, more direct, carries greater harmonic variation and is, in the final analysis, simply more communicative and eloquent when heard via the iFi USB DAC. Daft Punk’s Get Lucky as a 24bit/48kHz FLAC file demonstrates greater low-frequency depth and texture, increased dynamic headroom, and an altogether more assured way with rhythm and tempo management. And Lobbo by Vieux Farka Touré et Khruangbin as a 24bit/96kHz file has greater bite and presence at the top of the frequency range, as well as increased substance.

The frequency range hangs together more smoothly and confidently, and the tonal balance is improved too. Soundstaging is more open, better defined and far more effectively controlled than it is when you leave the computer to deal with things. There’s just no aspect of music reproduction that the iFi GO Link Pro doesn’t deal with far more effectively than an expensive, high-end laptop computer.

Sound quality: 5 / 5

iFi GO Link Max review: Design

(Image credit: Future)

• Braided connecting cable
• 150 x 15 x 10mm (HxWxD)
• 14.5g

Just as with the ‘features’ section, the GO Link DAC is a functional, no-frills device where ‘design’ is concerned. This is a product that needs to be as small, light and portable as is realistically possible, and that’s exactly what iFi has delivered.

The metal casework of the two sections of the DAC feel and look good, and give a hint of the premium to what’s a necessarily discreet device. There’s a single LED on the main body of the GO Link Max, which lights up in one of a selection of colours to indicate the size of the digital audio file it’s dealing with – though I can’t help thinking it’s a bit of a shame that the same colour (green) indicates PCM all the way up to 96kHz. A little visual confirmation that 96kHz is a significantly higher resolution than 44.1kHz might be nice…

The only aspect of the design that’s in any way problematic is the braided cable that joins the two sections of the DAC, and even then, this is a theoretical issue rather than anything tangible. iFi reckons the braiding helps shield the cable from outside interference, and I’ve no reason to think that’s not the case – it just feels a bit vulnerable for a product that’s likely to spend a lot of its life in a pocket or a bag.

Design score: 4.5 / 5

iFi GO Link Max Review: Usability and setup

• Plug into your smartphone or laptop
• Plug in your headphones
• Away you go!

“It’s not rocket science” is, I think, too weak a description for how straightforward the iFi GO Link Max is to use. Plugging the USB-C end into your laptop or smartphone at one end, and your headphones in at the other, doesn’t require in-depth instructions - and if you can’t get this device up and running in mere seconds, I don’t think any amount of instructions are likely to help.

Usability and setup score: 5 / 5

iFi GO Link Max review: Value

• You simply can't argue with the value for money here
• Does what it does in fine style

The iFi GO Link Max represents unarguable value for money. The latent fragility of the cable aside, it’s robustly made, properly finished, light and portable – and it does what it does in fine style. If you want to maximise your portable and/or desktop audio experience without spending an arm and a leg, you really can’t go wrong here.

Value score: 5 / 5

Should I buy the iFi GO Link Max? Buy it if...

You take portable or desktop listening seriously
Getting the best audio quality possible out of your laptop or smartphone really couldn’t be any easier

You own some half-decent wired headphones
A balanced output is particularly welcome, and it makes plain just how serious a device the GO Link Max is

You have access to genuinely hi-res digital audio content
The ability to deal with 32bit/384kHz and DSD256 files is most certainly not to be sniffed at

Don't buy it if...

You’re ham-fisted
It’s not as if the cable connecting the two pieces of my GO Link DAC has failed - it just feels like it might

iFi GO Link Max review: Also consider

If you can live without the 4.4mmm balanced output, the even smaller, even lighter iFi GO Link USB DAC makes a whole lot of sense – especially as it’s usefully cheaper than the already-quite-affordable GO Link Max. If you want to free yourself for the ubiquity of iFi, though, it’s worth considering FiiO’s KA13 – by iFi standards its relatively bulky, but it get the job done in fine style.

How I tested the iFi GO Link Max

• Qobuz and Tidal; Android smartphone and Apple MacBook with Colibri software
• Sennheiser IEMs; Austrian Audio over-ears

I plugged the iFi GO Link Max into a Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone using the USB-C connection, and into an Apple MacBook Pro using the same socket. I also connected it to an Apple iPhone 14 Pro via the Lightning adapter. Each device is loaded with Qobuz and TIDAL music streaming service apps, and the laptop also features Colibri software to get around Apple’s inexplicable disdain for truly hi-res digital files. Headphones included Sennheiser IE900 (connected using the 4.4mm socket) and Austrian Audio Hi-X20 (using the 3.5mm equivalent), and music came from every era and every genre. I listened to the GO Link Max for well over a working week this way – and it was no kind of hardship.

• First reviewed: December 2024
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Plus: The US indicts North Koreans in fake IT worker scheme, file-sharing firm Cleo warns customers to patch a vulnerability amid live attacks, and more.

South Korea's parliament impeached Presisdent Yoon Suk Yeol for his attempt to impose martial, the first time such a measure had been imposed on the nation in more than four decades.

(Image credit: Anthony Wallace)

While many people cope with loneliness, older adults are more likely to be impacted, according to a new report.

Looking for the best internet in Columbia, Maryland? You can choose from a variety of high-speed, dependable and budget-friendly internet service providers. Here are CNET's top picks.

• EU citizens share opinions on the use of AI in everyday lies
• Younger citizens are happy to include it in democratic procedures
• Older citizens are more fearful, and wouldn't trust its use in elections

A new report from IE University in Madrid suggests a decent level of support for the implementation of AI in security and surveillance, with many Europeans favoring the use of technologies like facial recognition and biometric data.

However, concerns about AI’s role in elections and public decision-making highlight the complex relationship between trust in AI and fears of manipulation.

According to the study, 75% of respondents support the use of AI technologies by police and military forces. Given Europe’s stringent data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the fear of authorities or AI misusing data is far lower than it would be in the US. GDPR imposes severe penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to 4% of a company’s annual revenue or 20 million euros, whichever is higher.

Fear of manipulation persists

While many Europeans are comfortable with AI’s use in public administration and security, they express significant concern about its impact on elections. The report found that 67% of respondents fear that AI could manipulate democratic processes, particularly by spreading misinformation.

Moreover, nearly a third (31%) of Europeans believe AI has already played a role in shaping their voting decisions, underscoring the growing influence of these technologies in political campaigns.

The public enthusiasm for AI use in some areas like traffic management is high with 79% of respondents supporting its use in optimizing transportation systems. However, opinions shift when AI is applied to more sensitive tasks, such as deciding parole outcomes, with 64% opposing its involvement in judicial matters.

The younger generation, aged 18 to 34, is more open to the idea of delegating political decisions to AI and about 34% of respondents in this age group said they would trust an AI-powered app to vote on their behalf.

Only 29% of individuals aged 35 to 44 would consider using AI to cast their votes. The skepticism becomes even more pronounced among older adults, with just 9% of people aged 65 and above willing to trust AI in the voting process.

Via CNBC

You might also like

• These are the best AI writers
• Take a look at the best firewalls
• Some of the world's biggest tech firms have signed up to the EU's promise for safe AI

Why buy them one or two games when you can give them access to hundreds?

The food colorant has been linked to behavioral problems in children, including inattention and hyperactivity. California passed a law to ban it last year.

(Image credit: mtreasure)

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 have some added hearing-aid capabilities. How well do they work in practice? I asked my grandmother, who is in her eighties, to try them for a week.

Choose the best internet provider in Jackson, Mississippi, with a little help from CNET’s broadband experts.

Glenn Miller was the swing era's biggest star. Then, he vanished without a trace.

(Image credit: D. Hess/Getty Images)

The president-elect wants a say in the central bank's monetary policy, but his power is limited.

Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum: two-minute review

The Levoit LVAC-200 is a lightweight cordless vacuum that won't break the bank. I tested one out to see how it compares to the rest of the best vacuum cleaners, as well as the best cordless vacuums specifically.

This brand is better known for its air purifiers, but as an affordable alternative to high-end cordless vacuums, the LVAC-200 impresses. At only 6lbs, it's easy to maneuver no matter the configuration. There are three suction levels to choose from, and in my testing, I found these were enough to tackle most messes, including fine dust. The fact you'll need to unleash the battery-sapping max mode for carpets means it's perhaps better suited to homes with mostly hard floors and perhaps the occasional rug.

Admittedly, the LVAC-200 can have some trouble picking up larger debris, especially if you go over the debris too quickly, and it struggles to vacuum in reverse. However, it still offers solid performance for the price.

The battery lasts over 40 minutes on the lowest suction setting, and while that's not the longest runtime around, it's in line with what I'd expect from today's best cheap vacuums and will be plenty sufficient for most people's needs. That's the short version; read on for my full Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum review.

(Image credit: Future) Levoit LVAC-200 review: price & availability

• List price: $199.99 / £159.99 / AU$399
• Launch date: November 2023
• Availability: UK / US / AU

The Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum is sold in a range of territories, including the US, UK, and Australia. It was first announced in November 2023 and sits in TechRadar's budget price bracket for manual vacuums.

It's priced at $199.99 in the US, and is sold direct at Levoit as well as a range of third party retailers. In the UK and Australia, it's only available at third-party retailers like Amazon, and costs around £160 or AU$400.

At time of writing, this is the only vacuum in Levoit's range. Based on the number of accessories that you get, the length of the battery life, and the quality of the build, I think this vacuum is well priced.

• Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-200 specs Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum review: design

• Super lightweight, and comes with two accessories
• Can be used as a stick vacuum or a handheld
• Three suction speeds

The Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum is one of the lightest vacuums I've ever tested. At 6.17 lbs or 2.85kg, it is easy to maneuver this vacuum no matter if you're using it as a stick vacuum, a handheld vacuum, or by taking the vacuum head off and using the wand to clean in high places.

The stick vacuum itself is mostly white with black accents, and has a removable battery. In terms of size, it's 9.8 inches long, 7.7 inches wide, and 43.3 inches tall or 110 x 19.5 x 25 centimeters. Three LED lights are located on the front of the vacuum head. Inside that vacuum head is an anti-tangle brush. The wand is not bendable (as is the case with the best Shark vacuums on the market), but it can lie 180-degrees flat so you can vacuum underneath furniture with relative ease.

(Image credit: Future)

Setting up the vacuum took no time at all. I connected the wand to the handheld part and then attached the vacuum head to the wand. The dustbin is 0.75L, and it's attached to the front of the vacuum. This was a smart design choice by Levoit as it allows the vacuum to stand upright on its own, and not fall over when the vacuum head is locked into place. A wall mount is provided if you'd prefer.

(Image credit: Future)

On top of the dustbin is a power button. In front of the power button is the suction speed button that lets you move between suction speeds – I, II, or III. If I needed to increase the power, I'd just push the button, and the vacuum would increase the suction. According to Levoit, the suction power is 70AW – that's likely the maximum power, although this isn't specified. (Here's more on how to tell how much suction a vacuum has).

(Image credit: Future)

Thanks to a 5-stage filtration system, this vacuum is able to capture 99.9 percent of particles as small as 0.3 microns. The filter is washable.

The charger plugs into the side of the battery. Two accessories are provided: a crevice tool that also doubles as a brush tool, and a 2-in-1 pet tool. You'll have to store these accessories when not in use since this vacuum doesn't come with a base or has a built-in holder.

• Design score: 4 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-200 vacuum review: performance

• Cleans up fine materials perfectly on medium and max mode
• Vacuums poorly in reverse no matter the floor type
• Better on hard floor than on carpet

The Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum is lightweight with a vacuum head that swivels with ease. It can be broken down into three configurations – as a cordless stick vacuum with the vacuum head, a vacuum with just the wand, and as a handheld vacuum. There are three different suction modes that are labeled in roman numerals – I, III, and III – with sound ratings of 78, 82, and 83 dB respectively.

I tested this vacuum in my house, which has three types of flooring (hardwood, laminate, and rugs). I also utilized the different accessories to clean my furniture and blinds.

My testing process began by vacuuming my entire house as I normally would. Originally, I felt like it did a good job vacuuming the hard floors in my house as well as the large rugs. There was some dirt and dried mud in my mud room that it picked up well, and hair in my bathroom that it cleaned away without the hair getting stuck in the brush. However, if the caked mud was larger in size, I had to vacuum over the pieces more slowly for the vacuum to suction it all up.

I am a big fan of bendable vacuum wands, and unfortunately, this Levoit LVAC-200 is not equipped with one. I was able to lean the vacuum completely down to 180 degrees so I could reach under my bed and couch for more thorough cleaning, but this required me to crouch down. The floorhead is equipped with LED lights to help illuminate dingy areas.

(Image credit: Future)

I should also note that this vacuum doesn't have any smart capabilities, which means it can't sense or notify you if the floor is dirty or clean. That's not surprising at this price point – mid-range models like the Shark Detect Pro can sense if they're on carpet or hard floor, and boost or lower suction in response, while very high-end models like the Dyson V15 Detect or Gen5detect can adjust suction specifically based on what needs sucking up on any particular patch of floor. Here, you'll have to change the suction mode manually.

(Image credit: Future)

I also tested out the two supplied detail tools. I used the crevice tool to clean tight spaces around furniture and the corners of the wall. The crevice tool doubles as a brush tool, and I used that and the middle suction setting to clean my blinds, which were very dusty. The results were great.

(Image credit: Future)

I should also note that I was surprised by how well the 2-in-1 pet tool managed to pull up hair from my couch. Granted, I had to put the handheld vacuum on the highest suction setting and brush the couch as the vacuum suctioned, but it did better than most vacuums I have tested – and impressively well for a budget model.

(Image credit: Future)

Although it appeared like the vacuum did a good job cleaning my floors, I wanted to do more thorough tests with the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum. To do that, I poured cereal, dried tea, and flour on my hard floors and on one of my rugs and then vacuumed over these items on the lowest suction setting.

No matter the flooring, it was clear that this vacuum is not equipped to vacuum in reverse, especially when it came to larger debris like cereal. Occasionally the cereal particles got stuck behind the wheels of the vacuum, and generally I noticed that the vacuum didn't pick up the dried tea or the flour as well when vacuuming in reverse as it did when vacuuming forward.

Image 1 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3

(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3

(Image credit: Future)

When I tested the vacuum on my historic hardwood and laminate floorings, I found it did a good job suctioning dried tea while set on the lowest suction setting and performed fairly well in cleaning up the flour, leaving only a slight sheen of flour on the floor. In my opinion, it's best to use the middle or high suction level when vacuuming fine materials on hard floors just to pick everything up in one go.

What surprised me the most was how much difficulty the vacuum had with picking up cereal on hard floors. When I pushed the vacuum head forward, larger pieces of the cereal would get pushed ahead of the vacuum head. Just like what occurred with large pieces of caked mud, I had to slowly vacuum over the cereal for the vacuum to suction the cereal up.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

When I ran these same tests on my rugs, the results were slightly different. The Levoit vacuum picked up cereal way better on carpet than it did on hard floors. Unfortunately, when I vacuumed over the flour and the dried tea, I had to do a few passes to clean these fine materials.

Again, using higher suction settings, such as the medium or high setting, requires only one or two passes on rugs. If you want to use this vacuum on carpet, you'll need to use the higher suction settings (which will sap battery fairly quickly). On balance, I don't think this is the best vacuum choice if your home has a lot of carpet.

(Image credit: Future)

All the dust and debris are contained in a dustbin on the front of this cordless vacuum. It is very easy to dump the bin. I just had to remove the handheld portion of the vacuum from the wand, take it to a trash can, press a latch, and the dust and debris went straight into the trash can.

Beyond that, I didn't have to do much maintenance. The brushroll does a good job of preventing the tangling of hair, string, or debris. However, it's simple to remove it from the vacuum head and wash it separately if required. The filters are also washable and should be washed once a month, then replaced every three months.

• Performance score: 3.5 out of 5

Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum review: battery life

• 16 mins on max mode, 25 mins on medium and 42 on min mode
• Less than the quoted 50 minutes, but enough for most people
• It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes to fully recharge

According to Levoit, the LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum has a battery life of 30-50 minutes. However, when I ran the vacuum on the lowest suction setting, it only lasted about 42 minutes. On the medium suction setting I managed 25 minutes of cleaning. In maximum mode, I only got about 16 minutes of battery life (probably long enough to clean less than 900 square feet in a single go).

In my opinion, the vacuum has a decent battery life considering how much it costs. It was more than enough time for me to clean my home – in fact, I could clean my house almost three times over in 42 minutes. If you have a much larger home, pricier models will give you longer – up to a full hour on a single charge. The fact that the battery is removable means you could also buy a backup battery and hot-swap them to eke out a longer cleaning time.

What is most impressive is that the LVAC-200 took about 2 hours and 40 minutes for the battery to fully recharge. This is much faster than the 4-5-hour estimate that Levoit provides on its website.

• Battery life score: 4 out of 5

Should you buy the Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum? Buy it if...

You're on a budget
The main selling point here is really how affordable this vacuum is. You're getting solid performance, battery life and build quality for the price.

You have mostly hard floors
In my tests I found the LVAC-200 did a good job of clearing debris on hard floor, and can also handle rugs with no issues.

You need a vacuum that can handle a variety of jobs around the house
The Levoit LVAC-200 has three configurations and comes with two accessories. Essentially, you can vacuum hard floors and rugs with ease, as well as clean furniture, blinds, baseboards, and in tight spaces. View Deal

Don't buy it if...

Your home is full of carpets
This vacuum is better suited to homes with hard floors and rugs. For a proper clean on carpet, you'll need to use the maximum suction mode, which will run down the battery quickly. If you have a number of rooms with carpets, you'll be better with a more powerful model.

You want or need to vacuum efficiently, in a hurry
There are no automation features here, you'll have to vacuum slowly to pick up large debris, and this model doesn't vacuum very well in reverse. All that can extend your cleaning times.

You have lots of furniture to clean around
Although the floorhead pivots well, this vacuum doesn't have the outright maneuverability of a Dyson model, nor does the wand bend forwards to easy under-furniture cleaning as is possible with many Shark vacs.

How I tested the Levoit LVAC-200

I used the Levoit LVAC-200 as my main vacuum for a couple of weeks, using it to clean my apartment – which has a mixture of hardwood, laminate, and rugs. During this time, I got a feel for how well designed it is, how easy to maneuver, and whether there are any usability issues.

To get a more objective idea of this vacuum's suction powers, I ran TechRadar's standard tests, on both hard floor and soft rugs. These tests included vacuuming cereal, flour, and dried tea forwards and in reverse to determine the vacuum's suction capability. I also tested the sound rating and battery life to see if it matched up with the specs provided by the brand.

Read more about how we test vacuum cleaners.

• First reviewed November 2024

A UN treaty could be the beginning of the end for single-use plastic production—but victory over this pollutant isn’t yet in the bag.

Carlsbad doesn't have many high-speed internet services, but there are still a few broadband plans worth looking into.

Hugging Face has introduced its latest offering, Hugging Face Generative AI Services (HUGS), aimed at simplifying the deployment and scaling of generative AI applications using open-source models.

Built on Hugging Face technologies such as Transformers and Text Generation Inference (TGI), HUGS promises optimized performance across various hardware accelerators.

For developers using AWS or Google Cloud, the service is available at $1 per hour per container, with a five-day free trial on AWS to help users get started.

Streamlining AI with zero-configuration inference

HUGS offers developers a solution to run AI models on their own infrastructure without the need for manual configuration. One of the primary challenges when deploying large language models (LLMs) is optimizing them for specific hardware environments. Each accelerator, whether it is an NVIDIA GPU or an AMD GPU, requires fine-tuning to extract maximum performance.

With HUGS, these optimizations are managed automatically, delivering high throughput out of the box. In addition to NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, the company promises that its support will soon extend to AWS Inferentia and Google TPUs.

Hugging Face aims to ease the transition from black-box APIs to open, self-hosted solutions with support for a wide array of models, including well-known LLMs like Llama and Gemma, with plans to introduce multimodal models such as Idefics and Llava soon. In the future, the company says it will include embedding models like BGE and Jina, giving developers even more options to customize their AI applications.

This service uses standardized APIs compatible with OpenAI’s model interfaces, therefore, developers can migrate their own code.

For startups in particular, HUGS provides an opportunity to build AI applications without incurring the high costs associated with proprietary platforms. The availability of one-click deployments on DigitalOcean makes it even easier for small teams to experiment with generative AI technologies.

Meanwhile, larger enterprises can leverage HUGS to scale their applications without being locked into a single cloud provider or proprietary API. On DigitalOcean, HUGS is included at no extra charge beyond the standard cost of GPU Droplets. Hugging Face also offers custom deployment solutions for enterprises through its Enterprise Hub.

You might also like

• Take a look at the best small business software
• These are the best online collaboration tools
• Using an AI PC may actually make users less productive — for now