LG Electronics Misses Estimates on Tariffs, Consumer Sentiment
The South Korean conglomerate reported preliminary second-quarter operating profit of 639.1 billion won, which missed the analyst consensus by 30%.
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Engadget
40 minutes ago
- Engadget
Amazon Prime Day TV deals for 2025 from Sony, LG, Samsung and others
Amazon Prime Day is here, and it's the perfect time to consider upgrading that old 1080p or first-gen 4K set. While it's been nice to see TV prices fall in general over the years, there's always room for even more discounts. And yes that includes typically high-end technology like OLED and MiniLED screens. We've collected the best Prime Day discounts on sets from Sony, Samsung, LG and others, along with additional deals on media streamers and soundbars. It turns out, you really don't have to spend a ton to nab a solid home entertainment setup that supports 4K HDR and Atmos surround sound. LG OLED Evo C5 (65-inch) for $1,797 (down from $2,700): LG has steadily improved its C-series over the years, and the C5 Evo is its best model yet. In addition to the usual benefits of OLED, it also sports a brightness booster that can help it work well in bright rooms, as well as LG's own 'Perfect Color' technology. It doesn't have quantum dots like Sony and Samsung's OLEDs, but it's also coming in significantly less than those models. The C5 Evo also has a fast 144Hz refresh rate for gaming, as well as support for NVIDIA's G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync variable refresh rate technology. (If you're looking for something larger, the 77-inch model has also been discounted to $2,800.) Sony Bravia 8 II (65') QD OLED for $2,998 (down from $3,500): Sony's top of the line set has everything you'd want in a high-end TV, like quantum dots for improved color and brightness, as well as the inky dark blacks and infinite contrast of a modern OLED panel. You'll always pay a bit of a premium for Sony TVs, but partially that's due to their world-class image processing – in this case, that's handled by Sony's XR chip. (You can also snag the 55-inch model for $2,500.) TCL QM8K (65-inch) QD Mini LED for $998 (down from $1,800): TCL's QM8 sets feature the company's best and brightest Mini LED screens with Quantum Dots. It has an ultra-thin bezel, 144Hz refresh rate for fast gaming and one of the best contrast ratios you'll see outside of an OLED screen. Basically, it's one of the best screens you'll find that's not an OLED. While we think the 65-inch model is a great deal for most rooms, you can also step up to the 75-inch for $1,500, the 85-inch for $2,199 and the massive 98-inch set for $3,000. TCL QM6K (98-inch) QD Mini LED for $1,800 (down from $3,000 MSRP): The QM6K is one of the best deals we've seen on a 98-inch TV under $2,000, and best of all, it's not just a bargain bin screen. It has a bright Mini LED display with quantum dots for enhanced color, and it sports a fast 144Hz refresh rate for gaming. It's also a pretty solid Prime Day deal, coming in much lower than the previous $2,200 low price. (If you don't have the wall space for a nearly 100-inch set, the 65-inch model is similarly great and is down to $550, nearly half off its $1,000 MSRP and $100 off its lowest price. The 75-inch model is also a great deal at $850.) Sony Bravia 5 (85-inch) Mini LED for $2,298 (down from $2,800): The Bravia 5 pairs a super bright Mini LED panel with Sony's XR image processing chip. It won't reach the deep dark black levels of OLED, but Mini LED achieves something close, and it can also get much brighter than OLED panels. That makes this model, as well as any Mini LED TV, an excellent option for bright rooms. (You can also scale down to the 65-inch and 75-inch Bravia 5 for $1,300 and $1,800, respectively. And there's also the truly massive 98-inch model, which is now $1,000 off at $5,000.) Samsung The Frame Pro (65-inch) for $1,899 (down from $2,200): New for 2025, Samsung's Frame Pro sets offer brighter and higher-quality Mini LED panels for a superior TV watching experience. The 65-inch Frame Pro is a great option for most living rooms since it's large enough to deliver an immersive viewing experience, and it also comes with Samsung's wireless One Connect box for less cable clutter. While there's still no OLED Frame TV yet, this Mini LED set is the closest you'll get today. (If you're looking for something larger, the 75-inch Frame Pro is down to $2,699, and the 85-inch is $3,799.) Hisense S7N CanvasTV (65-inch) for $898 (down from $1,300): Hisense's spin on Samsung's Frame sets, the CanvasTV, comes in much cheaper and with a boatload of features. The S7N sports an anti-glare display and art mode, as you'd expect, but there's also 144Hz support for a bit of gaming. It also comes with a slim wall mount so you can hang it on your wall like a genuine work of art. (The 55-inch model is also a great deal at $689, and the 77-inch is down to $1,399.) Amazon Fire TV (50-inch) for $260 (down from $400): Amazon's budget Fire TV sets handle the basics just fine, and at this price the 50-inch model is a compelling deal as a second or third TV set. It supports HDR10 (but not Dolby Vision), and as you'd expect, it also has the Amazon Fire TV OS built-in, giving you access to over 23,000 apps. It also sports Amazon's Alexa Voice Remote to help you find content quickly. (You can also go up and down in size, depending on your needs. The 43-inch model is now down to $220, and it'd be a solid choice for a small bedroom or office.) Hisense QD6 (55-inch) for $240 (down from $380): Hisense is on a roll delivering tons of TV features at a very low cost, and the QD6 line is a prime example of that. It has Amazon's Fire TV and Alexa support built in, and it also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It can even handle a bit of fast gaming with a 120Hz refresh rate. TCL QM6K (55-inch) for $448 (down from $600): TCL's mid-range sets finally fall below $500 for Prime Day, and that makes the QM6K one of the higher quality options in this price range. It features a bright Mini LED panel, a 144Hz refresh rate for gaming and it even includes an Onkyo speaker setup built-in. While it's technically a budget set at this price, it certainly won't look like a low-grade TV. Roku Smart TV (32-inch) for $100 (down from $143): Not every room needs a large TV — this Roku Smart TV is perfect for a small bedroom or office. It's powered by Roku's OS and it comes with a Voice Remote. While it only offers a 720p resolution, that will still look decently sharp on a screen this small. Sonos Beam Gen 2 for $369 (down from $499): Sonos's latest Beam is one of the best mid-range soundbars on the market. It's compact, but it also delivers expansive sound. And it also supports Dolby Atmos through a bit of speaker virtualization. The Beam is also ideal if you've already got Sonos speakers, since you can pair them all together for some household jams (or just bring your TV audio to different rooms). TCL S55H soundbar for $100 (down from $160): At this price, the TCL S55H delivers a ton of audio bang for the buck. It comes with a wireless subwoofer, features auto room calibration and supports virtualized surround sound like Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. With 220W of power behind its sound, the S55H should be powerful enough to fill most rooms. Sony Bravia Theater Quad for $2,000 (down from $2,500): Leave it up to Sony to do something different in the world of home entertainment. The Bravia Theater Quad are a set of four flat modules, containing a total of sixteen speakers, which deliver truly enveloping surround sound. They're the ideal solution for anyone who wants a theatrical experience, but doesn't want to see gigantic tower or bookshelf speakers in their space. They support Sony's 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 for $998 (down from $1,400): The Bravia Theater Bar 9 is Sony's most capable self-contained soundbar, with 13 speakers and support for virtualized surround sound with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony's own 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology. It's the best option if you want to enjoy your favorite movies and music loud, but also don't want to see speakers all over your living room. (The Bravia Theater 8 is also discounted to $698 and very well-equipped, with 11 speakers and the same surround sound support. ) Sony Bravia Theater System 6 for $568 (down from $770): If you want real surround sound from an actual subwoofer and satellite speakers spread around your room, the Bravia Theater System 6 is a solid choice. It pairs together a soundbar, wireless subwoofer and two rear satellites (connected by a wireless amplifier). It's a great option for apartments and small living rooms where you just can't live with virtualized surround sound. (You can also snag the soundbar on its own for $448, down from $650.) Roku Ultra for $69 (down from $100): Roku's ultimate set-top box is the best streamer for home theater enthusiasts who want to avoid the more expensive Apple TV. It handles every video and audio format you'd want — including Dolby Vision, Atmos and HDR 10+ — and it also comes with Roku's rechargeable Voice Remote Pro. The Roku Ultra is the fastest device from the company, so you can expect to zip around Roku's interface and apps far quicker than the cheaper streaming sticks. Roku Streaming Stick+ for $30 (down from $40): The Roku Streaming Stick+ is the easiest way to bring Roku's robust app selection to any 4K TV. It's a great option for first-generation 4K sets that either had no streaming apps, or are way too slow by now. And it's a great gadgets to bring on trips to maintain access to all of your favorite streaming services. Roku Streaming Stick HD For $20 (down from $30): The basic HD Roku Streaming stick is a solid option for bringing streaming apps to older TVs, which likely don't support 4K or any fancy HDR standards. Sure, it's as no frills as you can get, but for $20 it's worth having a backup streaming device. (or one you won't mind losing during a trip). And if you have an older TV that's still working, it's definitely worth investing a bit to get modern apps. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K for $25 (down from $50): Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K is a simple way to add some streaming smarts to any TV with an HDMI port. Alternatively, you can load it up with your favorite streaming apps and bring it on the road – it sure beats fighting with apps built into hotel or AirBnb TVs. As a bonus, you can also play Xbox cloud streaming games when you pair a controller (Xbox GamePass membership required).
Fast Company
an hour ago
- Fast Company
How tariffs are accelerating the shift to nearshore staffing
The potential return of tariffs with a new presidential administration is causing cost structures throughout multiple industries to experience increased pressure. Companies heavily reliant on global outsourcing or imported services might soon encounter substantial disruptions because of proposed tariffs that include a 10% universal rate on all imports and higher rates for strategic sectors, including China. Several businesses are searching for different cost reduction strategies that will protect their profit margins while preventing them from transferring tariff expenses to customers or taking on the costs internally. Organizations are now focusing more on cost management, which drives renewed interest in operational efficiency improvements through intelligent staffing and labor strategies because staffing expenses represent the most significant controllable cost for companies. THE HIDDEN COSTS OF GLOBAL TRADE TENSIONS Tariffs are essentially a tax on doing business globally. If companies can't pass those costs on to customers, they hit the bottom line. And even when they can, the volatility of trade policy makes long-term planning difficult. As a result, many companies are rethinking where and how they operate—not just in terms of production, but in terms of talent. The increasing complexity of compliance, logistics, and taxation in certain offshore locations is leading companies to ask: Is it time to bring some of our operations closer to home? Bringing the work back home—reshoring—might seem like the obvious answer, especially for companies seeking more control and less exposure to global risks. But with U.S. labor costs rising and talent shortages in many industries, reshoring often leads to significantly higher expenses. That's why companies pursuing this path are also looking for ways to offset those increases by finding cost savings in other parts of the business, particularly in areas like staffing, where smarter, nearshore alternatives can provide both financial relief and operational strength. In the face of rising tariffs and global uncertainty, many companies have focused on reshoring their manufacturing operations. But this comes with a price, as production becomes more expensive due to wages and, probably, some raw material components being subject to tariffs. A strategy for this is to rethink not just the manufacturing of the business, but also go beyond manufacturing to all the departments. For example, what departments can you use nearshoring or offshoring strategies to lower costs? This way, while you increase costs in production to be safe from tariffs, you can offset this by cutting costs in other parts of the company. Companies don't need to choose between keeping everything in-house or sending it all offshore. The most resilient strategies combine reshoring where it matters most (like physical production) with nearshoring for talent-driven operations (like customer service, marketing, IT, and finance). This hybrid model allows businesses to cut costs and reduce their exposure to trade and geopolitical risk. Here's why a hybrid staffing model is gaining traction: No Tariffs, Fewer Surprises: While services typically aren't tariffed like goods, working with partners in nearby countries helps avoid disruptions tied to trade policy and international regulation shifts. Save On Your Biggest Expense: Staff is usually a company's biggest expense that can be controlled. By using a hybrid model, you can have a strategy in place to help your company save on its second biggest expense. Aligned Work Hours: Time zone compatibility allows for real-time collaboration, reducing delays and miscommunication. Cultural Alignment: Nearshore teams often share business norms, language fluency, and values that enhance day-to-day interactions. Physical Proximity: Leadership teams can easily visit their nearshore counterparts—or even bring them to HQ—helping to build stronger, more cohesive working relationships. The most forward-thinking companies aren't choosing between reshoring or outsourcing—they're combining both. Reshore what you must: manufacturing, mission-critical logistics, or functions that truly require physical presence. Nearshore what you can: service-based roles like customer support, design, IT, finance, and marketing. This hybrid approach allows businesses to stay flexible, reduce exposure to geopolitical risk, and control costs, all without compromising on quality or culture. In a world where tariffs and trade policies are constantly shifting, nearshore staffing offers a clear path to stability, efficiency, and growth. It's not just a cost-cutting tactic—it's a smart, strategic move that allows businesses to build stronger teams, operate with more certainty, and navigate global disruptions with confidence. A smarter way forward is to combine reshoring and nearshoring—reshoring the functions that must stay close, while nearshoring roles that can be performed remotely without compromising quality or control. As global dynamics continue to evolve, one thing is clear: Companies that rethink their staffing strategies now will be better prepared for whatever comes next.
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Trump Administration Live Updates: Rubio, After Meeting Russian Diplomat, Says U.S. Is Frustrated With Ukraine Peace Process
Former President Jair Bolsonaro in January at his political party's headquarters in Brasília. The United States and Brazil appeared to have launched a sudden trade war on Wednesday. First, President Trump said that he planned to impose a 50 percent tariff on all Brazilian imports, partly in retaliation for what he sees as a 'witch hunt' against his political ally, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing trial for attempting a coup. In a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, Mr. Trump wrote that the new tariffs would take effect on Aug. 1. 'The way that Brazil has treated former President Bolsonaro, a Highly Respected Leader throughout the World during his Term, including by the United States, is an international disgrace.' A few hours later, Mr. Lula said that Brazil would reciprocate against the tariffs. 'Brazil is a sovereign country with independent institutions that will not accept being abused by anyone,' he said in a statement. He added that the case against Mr. Bolsonaro 'is the sole responsibility of the Brazilian Judiciary.' The quickly escalating dispute has the potential for major economic and political repercussions, especially in Brazil. The United States is Brazil's second largest trading partner after China, and Mr. Trump appears to be demanding an end to Mr. Bolsonaro's prosecution to lift the steep tariffs. Mr. Trump's effort to use tariffs to intervene in a criminal trial in a foreign nation is an extraordinary example of how he wields levies as a one-size-fits-all cudgel — and how they can yield economic destruction as a result. In his letter, Mr. Trump said the 50 percent tariff was needed to 'have the Level Playing Field we must have with your Country' and 'to rectify the grave injustices of the current regime.' Mr. Trump also incorrectly said the United States had a trade deficit with Brazil. For years, the United States has generally maintained a trade surplus with Brazil. The two countries had about $92 billion in trade together last year, with the United States enjoying a $7.4 billion surplus in the relationship. The top products traded are aircraft, oil, machinery and iron. Mr. Trump wrote that the tariffs were also in response to 'SECRET and UNLAWFUL Censorship Orders to U.S. Social Media platforms' and that he had ordered U.S. officials to open a trade investigation into Brazil for 'continued attacks on the Digital Trade activities of American Companies.' Justice Alexandre de Moraes, the Brazilian Supreme Court justice who is overseeing the case against Mr. Bolsonaro, has ordered tech companies to take down hundreds of accounts that he said threatened Brazil's democracy. His moves have made him a top target of the right in Brazil and the United States. Mr. Lula said on Wednesday that the Supreme Court is enforcing Brazilian law. 'In Brazil, freedom of expression is not to be confused with aggression or violent practices,' he said. Image President Trump with then-President Jair Bolsonaro at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla., in 2020. Credit... T.J. Kirkpatrick for The New York Times Ahead of the tariff threats, Mr. Trump and Mr. Lula traded barbs on Monday. Mr. Trump publicly criticized the criminal case against Mr. Bolsonaro, which focuses on the former president's attempts to hold on to power after losing Brazil's 2022 election. He drew comparisons to his own criminal charges after losing the 2020 election. 'It happened to me, times 10,' Mr. Trump wrote online on Monday. 'I'll be watching the WITCH HUNT of Jair Bolsonaro, his family, and thousands of his supporters, very closely.' Mr. Lula quickly fired back. 'I think it's very wrong and very irresponsible for a president to be threatening others on social media,' the Brazilian president told reporters on Monday. 'He needs to know that the world has changed. We don't want an emperor.' Brazil's Supreme Court is widely expected to convict Mr. Bolsonaro later this year, potentially leading to prison time. In January, Mr. Bolsonaro told The New York Times that he hoped Mr. Trump would come to his aid. Since then, Mr. Trump's media company sued Justice Moraes, accusing him of censoring right-wing voices. This week Mr. Trump also said that Mr. Bolsonaro should be able to run in Brazil's presidential election next year. Brazil's electoral court has ruled him ineligible because of his criticism of Brazil's election systems. For years Mr. Bolsonaro attacked the reliability of Brazil's ballot machines, saying that if he lost an election it would be because of fraud from the left. He largely pointed to anomalies that security researchers determined were not fraud. After he lost the 2022 election, Mr. Bolsonaro questioned the results — despite a review from Brazil's military that supported them — and looked to Brazil's Constitution to find ways to prevent Mr. Lula from taking office. That included meeting with military commanders about taking control of the government, which the majority of them refused to do. Convinced the election was stolen, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed Brazil's halls of power a week after Mr. Lula took office, calling on the military to intervene. Federal police and prosecutors have argued that Mr. Bolsonaro's actions amount to federal crimes, and over the past several months, the former president and several of his allies have testified before Brazil's Supreme Court. Federal police have also accused Mr. Bolsonaro of being aware of a plot to assassinate Mr. Lula and a Brazilian Supreme Court justice. Mr. Bolsonaro has denied those accusations. On Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Brazil joined the criticism of the case against Mr. Bolsonaro. 'Jair Bolsonaro and his family have been strong partners of the United States. The political persecution against them, and their supporters, is a disgrace and falls well below the dignity of Brazil's democratic traditions,' the embassy said in a statement. 'The president's statement is clear and we echo the message. We will be watching closely.' In response, Brazil's foreign ministry summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Brazil, Gabriel Escobar, for a meeting. After that meeting, Mr. Trump published his letter to Mr. Lula, threatening the tariffs. The foreign ministry then again summoned Mr. Escobar to confirm the letter, because the Brazilian government had not yet received it, according to a Brazilian government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a private conversation. When Mr. Escobar confirmed the letter, Brazilian officials told him they were rejecting the letter because it was offensive and inaccurate, the official said.
