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Apple Intelligence brought with it some of the most hyped new features for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac when it released with iOS 18.1. Even now, its functions are being upgraded and currently include writing assistance, an enhanced form of Siri, and AI image generation. Capabilities are limited to the iPhone 15 Pro series, all iPhone 16 models, all iPads running an A17 Pro chip and above, and all Macs with an M-series chip, but that's still a lot of options. However, not everyone's happy with it. That's because Apple recently made the decision to turn Apple Intelligence on by default for all compatible devices. Even though the new features are exciting, not everyone wants to use artificial intelligence features on their smartphones or other devices, especially now that they take up 7GB of storage space and involve sending data to Apple's cloud. If you're among those who are skeptical, it's good news that you can turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone or other compatible Apple device. Alternatively, if you do want to use Apple's AI, it's easy to turn it back on. How to enable Apple Intelligence on iPhone or iPad Credit: Khamosh Pathak If you have an Apple Intelligence compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the easiest way to turn Apple Intelligence on is to upgrade to iOS 18.3/iPadOS 18.3/macOS 15.3 or later. This will automatically enable Apple Intelligence on your device. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and flick the toggle to turn it on manually. If enabling manually, you should see instructions to finalize your Apple Intelligence access on-screen. Just follow the outlined workflow and it'll be enabled for you. If updating didn't turn on Apple Intelligence for you or you're still not seeing an option to enable Apple Intelligence, ensure that your device language and Siri language are set to one of the supported variations of English, as Apple Intelligence is only available in that language for now. Find device language in Settings under Language & Region in the General tab and Siri language under the Siri tab in the same app. If you still don't see the Apple Intelligence toggle, it might not be available in your region. How to turn on Apple Intelligence's ChatGPT extensionWhile on the Apple Intelligence & Siri page, scrolling down will also show an option for setting up ChatGPT integration, which is not enabled by default and will allow Siri to pass on difficult questions to ChatGPT, plus will give Apple Intelligence's Writing Tools the ability to compose text rather than just rewrite it. Under Extensions, tap ChatGPT, then on the new page, hit Set Up... to get started. A ChatGPT account is optional for this feature, and Apple promises to obscure your Apple Account and IP address before passing on data to OpenAI, as well as keep OpenAI from training on your information. Note that enabling ChatGPT integration requires agreeing to OpenAI's Terms of Use. How to turn off Apple Intelligence on iPhone or iPad Credit: Khamosh Pathak Using AI raises many concerns, such as high energy usage, privacy issues, or even simply the potential for unreliability that often comes with a new, immature technology. If you decide that you'd rather not use Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can easily disable it. Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggle off Apple Intelligence. You'll see a confirmation pop-up—select Turn Off Apple Intelligence. That will remove the AI from your device, including any ChatGPT integration you might have also enabled. View the full article

Recently, Chinese startup DeepSeek created state-of-the art AI models using far less computing power and capital than anyone thought possible. It then showed its work in published research papers and by allowing its models to explain the reasoning process that led to this answer or that. It also scored at or near the top in a range of benchmark tests, besting OpenAI models in several skill areas. The surprising work seems to have let some of the air out of the AI industry’s main assumption—that the best way to make models smarter is by giving them more computing power, so that the AI lab with the most Nvidia chips will have the best models and shortest route to artificial general intelligence (AGI—which refers to AI that’s better than humans at most tasks). No wonder some Nvidia investors are questioning their faith in the unlimited demand for the most powerful AI chips in the future. And no wonder some in AI circles are questioning the world view and business strategy of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, the biggest evangelist for the “brute force” approach to ever-smarter models. “The assumption behind all this investment is theoretical . . . the so-called scaling laws where when you double compute, the quality of your models increases in kind of the same way—it’s kind of a new Moore’s Law,” says Abhishek Nagaraj, a professor at the University of California–Berkeley’s Haas business school. (Moore’s Law said that software developers could expect microchips to become predictably more powerful as chipmakers packed more transistors into their microchips.) “And so if that holds, it effectively means that whoever controls the infrastructure will control a lot of the market,” adds Nagaraj. That’s why companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and X are building data centers as fast as they can. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman last year said he needs to raise $7 trillion to build the data centers needed to reach AGI. OpenAI, Microsoft, Softbank, and Oracle said recently they’ll spend up to $500 billion over the next five years to build new data centers for AI in Texas. Attracting the money to do that, however, is something only “closed-source” companies like OpenAI can do, Nagaraj points out. OpenAI’s private equity backers (such as Andreessen Horowitz) and big tech backers (such as Microsoft) are willing to bankroll the AI infrastructure (chips, software, data centers, electricity), which OpenAI says it needs, if it keeps the recipes of its models secret. That’s the “moat” around their investment, after all. Establishing such a moat was the main reason OpenAI stopped being an “open” AI company back in 2019. DeepSeek shares the weights of its models (the mathematical calculations at each connection point in their neural networks) and allows any developer to build with them. After essentially giving away its research and eschewing a moat, DeepSeek was never going to attract the private equity funding needed to bankroll hundreds of thousands of Nvidia chips. Adding to its challenge were the U.S. chip bans that reserved the most powerful AI chips for U.S. companies. So DeepSeek found ways to build state-of-the-art models using far less computing power. In doing so, it appears to have collapsed Altman’s assumption that massive computing power is the only route to AGI. Not everybody thinks so, of course. Particularly in OpenAI circles. “I would never bet against compute as the upper bound for achievable intelligence in the long run,” says Andrej Karpathy, one of the original founders of OpenAI, in an X post. “Not just for an individual final training run, but also for the entire innovation/experimentation engine that silently underlies all the algorithmic innovations.” Altman, too, seemed undeterred. “We will obviously deliver much better models and also it’s legit invigorating to have a new competitor! We will pull up some releases . . . ,” he posted breezily on X. “But mostly we are excited to continue to execute on our research roadmap and believe more compute is more important now than ever before to succeed at our mission.” OpenAI’s “mission” is AGI. Lots of powerful chips will be needed, if only because the general demand for AI services is going to grow exponentially. More data centers will be needed just to respond to calls from millions of AI-infused apps built on OpenAI APIs, he added. Some have suggested that DeepSeek’s discovery of ways to build more compute-efficient advanced AI models could reduce the barrier to entry and allow far more developers to build such models of their own, therefore pushing up demand for AI chips. For example, DeepSeek’s most recent model, DeepSeek-R1, provided the open-source world with a reasoning model that appears to be comparable to OpenAI’s state-of-the-art o1 series, which applies more computing power at inference time, when the model is reasoning through various routes to a good answer. In a statement Monday, Nvidia gives DeepSeek props for creating reasoning models using “widely available” Nvidia GPUs, and adds that such models require “significant numbers” of the GPUs as well as fast chip-to-chip networking technology. The latest DeepSeek models have only been available to developers for a short time. Just like when Meta introduced its open-source Llama models, it will take some time to understand the real economics of building new models and apps based on the DeepSeek models. It’s possible that more widely distributing the ability to build cutting edge models could put more brains to work on finding novel routes to AGI and, later, superintelligence. That’s the good news. The bad news may be that powerful models, and the means to build them, will become more available to people who might use them maliciously, or who may not be fastidious about using accepted safety guardrails. But DeepSeek is not perfect. The DeepSeek chatbot has in anecdotal cases emphatically misidentified itself as the creation of OpenAI or Microsoft. Nor can the chatbot speak freely on all subjects. “Like all Chinese AI companies, DeepSeek operates within the People’s Republic of China’s regulatory framework, which includes restrictions on how language models handle politically sensitive topics,” says David Bader, a professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. “These constraints are evident in how their models respond to queries about historical events and government policies.” If you ask the chatbot about the Tiananmen Square protests, for example, it responds with, “Let’s talk about something else.” View the full article

The Empire State Building is nobody’s idea of a hidden gem. The 1,472-foot Art Deco landmark of stone and steel dominates the streetscape and world view of New York City—and all of pop culture. From King Kong’s battle with biplanes to the annual ESB Run-Up to its iconic 86th Floor Observatory, the “World’s Most Famous Building” is both myth and monolith. This alone could not have explained what happened last June, though: The Empire State Building Observatory Experience was ranked the No. 1 attraction in the world in Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do. At 93 years young, the skyscraper became ostensibly the top attraction on the planet. This was not the work of an algorithm, or even Swiftonomics (though Taylor did once pay a visit). Rather, the ranking took root in a multiphase, design-led transformation of the Observatory Experience, fueled by the recognition that spaces and places must evolve to meet people’s shifting relationships across physical, digital, and immersive realms. This might seem like an isolated success, with few applicable lessons beyond the museums and attractions sector. But since we and our creative partners at Journey, Thinc Design, and Beneville Studios completed the $165 million reimagination of the Observatory Experience, we have come to appreciate lessons that any brand, in any sector, can adopt to deepen connections with their customers. Here are four that (wait for it) rise to the top. 1. REANIMATE YOUR STORY As we began our building-wide modernization work in 2008, we thought creatively beyond the building itself—more specifically, the international brand and relevance of the concept of the Empire State Building. We could have hung archival photos or played King Kong on a loop in our galleries. Instead, we chose to immerse visitors in the lore and complexity of this singular structure. Key moments from its construction, its place in popular culture, and its industry-leading deep energy retrofit became onramps to immersive storytelling. Rather than watch two-dimensional, black-and-white footage of Kong 102 stories above the city streets, we welcome visitors to climb into his fist as he zooms in close, nostrils flared. Visitors don’t pore over lengthy exhibit descriptions; they peer inside coin-operated-style viewfinders and observe vendors hawking five-cent apples and traffic officers directing streetcars that trundle through the frame. Banks, retailers, museums, healthcare clinics—they all contain powerful stories that, through smart, tactical applications of design and technology, could forge stronger connections to the people they serve. 2. GET MULTIDIMENSIONAL How many times must we read about the blurring lines between physical and digital? Our collaboration spun off a more instructive idea: Rather than blur lines, build linkages. The physical and digital components of the reimagined Observatory Experience address every dimension of human interaction. Those viewfinders set this principle to motion. Peering through them, visitors become participants in a nearly century-old scene that slipped the bounds of time. That sensation is far more powerful than any discreet piece of hardware or software. Brands should take a cue and combine their digital and physical assets in ways that create transformative new experiences. Fifth Avenue is hardly a galaxy far, far away. That didn’t stop a Star Wars villains-inspired experience from taking over the Empire State Building last year. Fittingly, The Empire Strikes Back played on the 80th floor while life-size LEGO statues of Darth Vader and Darth Maul beckoned selfie-takers. An unoccupied space at the base of the building housed a fully immersive Hasbro takeover that thrilled die-hard fans. Through it all, host and guests derived value—and had a blast. When an IP as exhaustively excavated as Star Wars can build new linkages across the fan experience by showing up in unexpected ways (and places), it is a clear sign that most brands can, and should, as well. 3. DON’T BREAK NEW GROUND We began with an assessment of underutilized sectors on our second and 80th floors; the queue areas for Observatory-bound elevators; and even the elevators themselves. Here, for the better part of a century, lay the seeds of a completely reimagined visitor experience—a sort of prequel to the views on the 86th and 102nd floors. Developers might derisively call this “creative reuse,” but as we recontextualized these assets, we did more than fill space; we opened new portals of experience and immersion. How many department stores have elevators or escalators? Through the creative application of technology and design, these can become dynamic, immersive vessels for brand storytelling and wayfinding that produce tighter bonds between store and customer. No elevators or escalators? Convert underutilized space into zones of experimentation that help dimensionalize the experience. 4. TAKE THE LONG VIEW A funny thing happens nowadays when visitors finally reach the Observatory floors. Spectacular views used to be the main course, but since we inaugurated the new visitor experience, they feel like the cherry on top. Despite the still-breathtaking sightlines, you know where many of our visitors now tag their Instagram snaps? With Kong, 84 floors below, as well as with statues of brave men who built the building in the immersive exhibit dedicated to their work. Talk about your internal pivots. Perhaps this is the most powerful lesson of all: A brand never has to “top out.” If we redefined how people experience 365,000 tons of stone, glass, and steel, imagine what you can do for your brand. Andrew Zimmerman is CEO and a cofounder of Journey. Anthony E. Malkin is chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. You know what’s nice about social media? It takes the guesswork out of gift-giving. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, you can glance over your partner’s shoulder to see what kinds of products the algorithms are serving them ads for, watch influencers demonstrate the trendiest items, or just search for what’s hot. Here’s what to get your lover for Valentine’s Day, based on what's going viral. #1: Personalized jewelryThe first thing I've been getting a lot of videos about lately is personalized jewelry. Granted, a lot of these videos are coming from manufacturers or boutiques themselves, but I'm only seeing them because they're getting enough positive feedback to go viral, landing them on my FYP. Generally speaking, heart-shaped jewelry is a no-no and expensive jewelry can be dicy depending on the stage your relationship is at, but personalized jewelry is always a winner. It's more sentimental and meaningful—but it doesn't actually have to be super spendy. An engraved sterling silver bracelet can be as low as around $14 on Amazon and can feature a name, a special date, geographical coordinates, or something special to you and your person. Two years ago, my boyfriend got me this initial necklace from Tiffany ($210) and I haven't taken it off. You can also create a custom combination using Kendra Scott's Color Bar, which is especially popular among college-aged and younger people, but works for anyone. (This is what I got as my birthday present last week, for instance.) #2: Permanent jewelryAnother idea that is popping up all over—but is a little serious—is permanent jewelry. These are typically small bracelets that are welded onto the wearer (so, like, easy enough to snap if you really had to, but let's hope you never do). On social media, couples post about going to get them together, though I caution you should both do it or else it's a little weird and possessive, in my opinion. It used to be that "permanent jewelry" meant spending thousands on some Cartier, but these days, it can be as low as a few hundred, depending on where you live. Shops offering the service have popped up all over the country, so Google your city name and "permanent jewelry," but only if you think your partner will really like it. Alternatively, you can buy DIY kits that come with two bracelets and everything you need to attach them for around $50. FabuLove Permanent Bracelet Kit $49.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $55.00 Save $5.05 Shop Now Shop Now $49.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $55.00 Save $5.05 #3: A mini fridgeThis was big last year but is still big this year, too. (I just added one to my cart after months of pressure from my algorithm.) Mini fridges are popular for storing drinks, yes, but also for keeping skincare items chilled, so whether your sweetie likes to crack open a cold one or apply 11 layers of goop to their face (or both at the same time), there are a few avenues to success here. A classic Insignia mini fridge in black ($99.99, Best Buy) The Iceblue skincare fridge with a lighted mirror on the front ($39.99, Amazon) #4: Stanley tumblers (and other, non-Stanley tumblers)Stanley tumblers (and their various competitors) have remained popular for years now and are an appropriate gift for any holiday. People love these things, so it's a slam-dunk as far as gifts are concerned. Put flowers or smaller presents inside to seal the deal and aim to pick up the Valentine's-themed Stanley ($45) for style points, since that one is trending. #5: Customized anythingReturning to my original point, custom gifts are always best, especially on more romantic holidays. Spend some time on TikTok or Reels and you'll see customizable goods from air fresheners to pajamas. A few ideas: A blanket with a photo on it ($18.99) An illuminated photo plaque ($12.99) A t-shirt with photos arranged to look like band merch, which is very popular ($12.99) Gift selection ideas courtesy of social mediaThese are a few things that are popular on the app right now, sure, but everyone is unique so you can't just order up a little fridge for your sweetie if it's not something they actually want. If you're OK with a little light cyber-stalking (and you're sure that the person you're buying for wouldn't be creeped out), try going to their Instagram and hitting their "following tab." You'll see not only the accounts they follow, which can point you toward hyper-curated interests and the hashtags they track. Look through the accounts and hashtags, where videos and posts they've liked will populate automatically for you (because the algorithm is sick). If you see, "Liked by [their username]" under a post, that can give you a good idea of what they really like but maybe haven't thought to ask for. Again, proceed with caution: If the person you're buying a gift for might find that technique invasive—such as someone you just started dating—don't use it! But if you're really struggling with gift ideas and you know the person well enough, give it a shot. View the full article

On Jan. 29, Asian American communities around the U.S. will ring in the Year of the Snake with community carnivals, family gatherings, parades, traditional food, fireworks and other festivities. In many Asian countries, it is a festival that is celebrated for several days. In diaspora communities, particularly in cultural enclaves, Lunar New Year is visibly and joyfully celebrated. In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Different countries across Asia celebrate the new year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac. What is the Lunar New Year? The Lunar New Year — known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea — is a major festival celebrated in several Asian countries. In Taiwan, this year, people have been drawn to the White Snake Temple to pay their respects. In Indonesia, it is celebrated with dragon puppets and drum displays. It is also widely observed by diaspora communities around the world. It begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first full moon. Because the lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, the dates of the holiday vary slightly each year, falling between late January and mid-February. What are the animals of the zodiac? Each year honors an animal based on the Chinese zodiac. The circle of 12 animals — the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig — measure the cycles of time. Legend has it that a god beckoned all animals to bid him farewell before his departure from Earth and only 12 of them showed up. The Vietnamese zodiac is slightly different, honoring the cat instead of the rabbit and the buffalo instead of the ox. What does the Year of the Snake mean? Snakes are viewed with both fear and reverence in Chinese culture. On the one hand, venomous snakes are associated with darkness. But in Chinese mythology, snakes are also known as “little dragons,” and the skin they shed is known as “the dragon’s coat,” symbolizing good luck, rebirth and regeneration. The snake also symbolizes the pursuit of love and happiness. In Chinese culture, they are grouped with the turtle and crane as a symbol of longevity. This year, merchants in China and elsewhere are producing lanterns, soft toys and other products where the snakes have googly eyes and goofy smiles so they appear cute and cuddly, and don’t scare away young celebrants. What are some beliefs and traditions around the Lunar New Year? One well-known ancient legend speaks of Nian, a hideous monster that feasted on human flesh on New Year’s Day. Because the beast feared the color red, loud noises and fire, people put up red paper dragons on their doors, burned red lanterns all night and set off firecrackers to frighten and chase away the monster. To this day, the Lunar New Year celebration is centered around removing bad luck and welcoming all that is good and prosperous. Red is considered an auspicious color to ring in the new year. In many Asian cultures, the color symbolizes good fortune and joy. People dress in red attire, decorate their homes with red paper lanterns and use red envelopes to give loved ones and friends money for the new year. Gambling and playing traditional games is common during this time across cultures. Ancestor worship is also common. Many Korean families participate in a ritual called “charye,” where female family members prepare food and males serve it to ancestors. The final step of the ceremony, called “eumbok,” involves the entire family partaking the food and seeking blessings from their ancestors for the coming year. Vietnamese people cook traditional dishes and place them on a home altar as a mark of respect to their ancestors. Some Indigenous people also celebrate Lunar New Year this time of year, including members of Mexico’s Purepecha Indigenous group. How do diaspora communities celebrate? Members of Asian American communities around the U.S. also organize parades, carnivals and festivities around the Lunar New Year featuring lion and dragon dances, fireworks, traditional food and cultural performances. In addition to cleaning their homes, many buy new things for their home such as furniture and decorate using orchids and other brightly colored flowers. Lunar New Year is also celebrated as a cultural event by some Asian American Christians and is observed by several Catholic dioceses across the U.S. as well as other churches. What are some special foods for the new year? Each culture has its own list of special foods during the new year, including dumplings, rice cakes, spring rolls, tangerines, fish and meats. In the Chinese culture, for example, “changshou mian” or “long-life noodles” are consumed with a wish for a long, healthy and happy life. In Vietnamese culture, banh chung and banh tet — traditional dishes made from glutinous rice — are a must. To make a banh tet, banana leaves are lined with rice, soft mung beans and pork belly and rolled into a tight log, which is then wrapped in the leaves and tied up with strings. Koreans celebrate with tteokguk, a brothy soup that contains thinly sliced rice cakes. Warm bowls of snake soup are also on the menu in some Hong Kong snake shops, as the Lunar New Year approaches. —Deepa Bharath, Associated Press Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. View the full article

Apple Intelligence had a slow rollout, launching with a waitlist and only recently allowing access to AI images and its emoji generator. But following yesterday's release of iOS 18.3/iPadOS 18.3/MacOS 15.3, it seems Apple is finally ready to follow Microsoft and Google’s leads and start putting its AI features front-and-center. According to the update's release notes, Apple Intelligence has gone from an opt-in feature to an opt-out one. In other words, if you have an AI-compatible iPhone (meaning the iPhone 15 Pro and above) or iPad (meaning it has an A17 chip or above), Apple Intelligence will be toggled on by default as soon as you upgrade. As seen in a separate post here, that also extends to AI-compatible Macs, or any Mac running an M1 chip or above. Here’s Apple explaining it in the company’s own words: For users new or upgrading to iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically during iPhone onboarding. Users will have access to Apple Intelligence features after setting up their devices. To disable Apple Intelligence, users will need to navigate to the Apple Intelligence & Siri Settings pane and turn off the Apple Intelligence toggle. This will disable Apple Intelligence features on their device. It’s a major last-minute change to what was a fairly boring update during its betas—although unlike Google’s plan to eventually replace Google Assistant with Gemini, at least Apple still gives you the option to opt out. That tracks with Apple’s other big change for the patch, which sees the company rolling back some of the features associated with Apple Intelligence’s AI-generated notification summaries. Apple Intelligence isn’t without its perks, although for me, the biggest difference I’ve seen since enabling it is that Siri’s UI looks a little different. It’s still got more features on the way, including the ability for Siri to natively pull context from your screen and your messages, so it’ll presumably get better, but it’s understandable if you’d rather hold off for now. Especially given that it now takes up a whole 7GB of storage space. How to opt out of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.3To ensure you’ve got Apple Intelligence disabled, keep an eye on your device's screen. If summoning Siri turns on a purple border all around your display, you’ve been opted into AI. To opt out of Apple Intelligence and go back to the standard, AI-less experience, navigate to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and flip off the Apple Intelligence toggle at the top of the page. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Apple has been top dog in the premium tablet space for years, and the iPad Pro with an M4 chip released last year is no exception. If you've been waiting for a discount on the best-performing tablet you can get, consider the 11-inch M4 iPad Pro for $849.99 (originally $999.99) after the additional $50 discount at checkout. This brings it down to the lowest price the this iPad model has been since its release, according to price-tracking tools. Apple iPad Pro 11-Inch (M4) Ultra Retina XDR Display, 256GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID. $849.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $849.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $150.00 The M4 is about 1.5 times faster than the M2, the chip used in the previous generation of iPads. That's a big difference for anyone looking to use their iPad for more than just navigating the web and streaming media apps. The 11-inch screen is an OLED display with a maximum brightness of 1,600 nits and a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, making it ideal for creators who need to see accurate colors for pictures or videos. The processing power can easily handle heavy-duty apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, or Photoshop. A 120Hz refresh rate also means games will look smooth. As far as battery life, you can expect about 10 hours depending on your use, and a charge that takes about two hours to get to full. Keep in mind Apple switched to USB-C charging, and this iPad does not support wireless charging. Since this is not the cellular version, you'll be limited to wifi signal. You can get the Apple Pencil Pro and the Magic Keyboard if you want to complete the set, but of course, they're not necessary. If you're not going to be doing heavy work, the iPad Air will do just fine. But if you're looking for the best tablet to perform professional tasks, the iPad Pro M4 is at a great price right now. View the full article

Anyone well-versed in internet lore will be familiar with the image of a slightly deflated child’s ball pit on a hotel convention room floor. DashCon (originally called Tumblr-Con, although not officially affiliated with Tumblr) was a fan convention held in Schaumburg, Illinois, back in 2014. It was originally intended to bring the Tumblr community together and scheduled to feature vendors and special guests from fandoms like Doctor Who and Sherlock. After a string of disasters, the weekend culminated in the 17-year-old organizer, Nessie O’Neil, going around with a paper bag asking attendees for donations to make up the roughly $17,000 needed to keep the convention afloat. Afterward, it was immortalized as one of the internet’s most infamous failures. In the years since, people have tried and failed to bring DashCon back. And now another group is trying to revive DashCon once again—not as a Tumblr convention, but as an internet history con. In addition to honoring the original event, DashCon 2 will celebrate “a very specific era of fandom culture,” the codirectors wrote on their website. “We want to bring people together to reminisce on an era long past, and to celebrate the local artists, performers, and creators of today.” The new DashCon website did not include the organizers’ last names. They are identified as Avis (“Literally assigned tumblr sexyman at birth”) and Simone (“Goddess of audacious emailing.”) Why now? None of the DashCon 2 team is affiliated with DashCon’s original organizers, and O’Neil is also not involved this time round. Details of DashCon 2 plans were released yesterday, when the team said they have “no intention of repeating DashCon’s mistakes.” Organizers say DashCon 2 will be held at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) in Toronto on July 5. Tickets will go live on February 22, and vendor applications will be open on February 1. “Our team of organizers actually have experience in event coordination, or fields with transferable skills,” the organizers wrote on Substack. “We’ve taken our time to plan the road ahead carefully.” Reactions online have been mixed, from cautious excitement to trepidation. “I will be buying tickets for Dashcon 2 and if I get ripped off? Buddy you won’t need to tell me so, I will know it was entirely my fault,” one user posted on X. “I just found out DashCon 2 is occurring,” another wrote. “We cannot escape the curse.” In fact, there have already been bumps along the road. In regards to the current venue, the organizers admitted, “The JCCC wasn’t our first pick. Our first pick, who we won’t name, dropped us unexpectedly after months of negotiations.” The date also had to be changed from the same weekend as the original DashCon to the day after the American Fourth of July celebrations. “In our defense, we didn’t really think of that,” the team wrote. “We’re Canadian.” Of course, the main question is will there be a ball pit? The answer is yes. View the full article

Brothers Jake Paul and Logan Paul made social media announcements Tuesday that suggested their next fight will be against each other and aired on HBO Max. Calling it the “moment you’ve waited a decade for,” the posts featured a head-to-head shot of the brothers with a March 27 date and the HBO Max logo. Further details were not included in the posts. Jake Paul, 28, and Logan Paul, 29, are both YouTube stars who know how to create a buzz. Their exhibitions have drawn the interest of the biggest names in combat sports. Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson in November in an eight-round unanimous decision. Logan Paul went the distance in an exhibition against Floyd Mayweather in 2021. An HBO Max fight would be a first for the Pauls, who have had their bouts aired on other platforms including DAZN, Showtime, Fanmio, ESPN+ and Netflix. Jake Paul and Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, broke records. Promoters said in November that the Tyson-Paul fight was the highest-grossing combat sports event ever in Texas, pulling in $18.1 million. BetMGM said the bout was by far its most-bet boxing or mixed-martial arts fight, taking three times the number of bets and four times the money of any combat sport in its history. Logan Paul is a part-time performer for World Wrestling Entertainment. He has been wildly successful in WWE, having claimed the United States Championship and participated in several premium live events. The fight with his brother would be just weeks before WrestleMania, the biggest event on the pro wrestling calendar. It’s unclear whether a fight between Logan Paul and former UFC champion Conor McGregor will happen. McGregor said in December that he was in “preliminary agreements” with the family of billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani to fight Logan Paul in India. View the full article

It seems every tech company on the planet has something AI-related to tout these days, but to most people, I'd wager "AI" is synonymous with ChatGPT. Sure, plenty of other AI platforms are out there, from Google Gemini, to Microsoft Copilot, to Apple Intelligence, but ChatGPT holds the enviable position of both having been the "first" to the generative AI boom, and having kept the crown in the years since. At least, that was the case—but now, a Chinese startup is threatening to take that crown for itself. That company is DeepSeek, a name you're likely familiar with if you have been following AI news. Like ChatGPT's OpenAI, DeepSeek develops generative AI models. The company's latest, R1, rolled out on Jan. 20, and made headlines for two key reasons: The model performs as well (if not a bit better) than OpenAI's o1 model, and it does so while requiring far fewer resources. R1's power and efficiency were great enough to make an impact on the stock market, as shares of companies that are heavily invested in AI, including Nvidia, Alphabet (Google's parent company), Meta, and Oracle tumbled in the wake of news about DeepSeek's latest rollout. (These stocks have largely bumped back up since.) The general public is taking note too: As of this article, DeepSeek is the number one free app in both the iOS and Android app stores—ChatGPT is number two on iOS, and number eight on Android. Long-story short, DeepSeek is the latest ChatGPT competitor to enter the AI race. Trying it out isn't complicated (if you can even access it), but, on the flip side, there are reasons you might not want to. How to try DeepSeekDeepSeek is currently available as an app on iOS or Android, or available on the web. Unfortunately, accessing the service is currently somewhat difficult. Using the app, you can try signing up for an account, either by providing an email or phone number and a password, or connecting your Google or Apple account. But you likely won't have a ton of success doing so, unless you're persistent. I wasn't able to make an account the first time I tried, nor could I access the model on the website. After some time passed, the app finally let me in, but I still can't get the web version to do so. Perhaps once the hype dies down a bit, it'll be easier to access. But for the moment, good luck. Once you are in, you'll find the chatbot is quite similar to other generative AI bots you have tried. You can write out prompts for DeepSeek to answer, upload images and documents for analysis, or share a live camera feed. Like o1, DeepSeek has a reasoning model (DeepThink) that "thinks" through questions and prompts in an effort to provide more detailed and accurate results. You can also search the web, if you choose. DeepSeek may censor more topics than other botsHowever, where DeepSeek differs is in the content it censors from users. Like other chatbots, DeepThink shouldn't return results for prompts it considers inappropriate, offensive, or dangerous. However, since DeepSeek is a Chinese-based company, its chatbot censors any result that, “incites to subvert state power and overthrow the socialist system,” or “endangers national security and interests and damages the national image," as reported by The Guardian. As such, ask it about information regarding the Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989, or why Xi Jinping is often compared to Winnie the Pooh, and you'll get back, "Sorry, that's beyond my current scope. Let's talk about something else." The Guardian found that the bot will sometimes respond with answers to potentially controversial questions. When asked whether Taiwan was a country or not, DeepSeek did answer, albeit with an response that would likely be endorsed by the Chinese government. Notably, though, the outlet also found that while other chatbots offer fuller or more nuanced responses to these questions, they weren't always forthcoming either: Gemini, for instance, also refused to answer certain questions, so it's not like American-based chatbots are free from this type of censorship. When I asked DeepSeek about the marginalized Uyghur people of China, the chatbot started to generate a full report, before deleting it and replacing it with the same error message. (The Chinese government has been accused of human-right violations and even genocide of the Uyghur population in Xinjiang.) The Guardian found similar "glitches" when testing these types of prompts with DeepSeek. It does seem like there are workarounds that trick the model into generating uncensored responses, although you might have to deal with some unconventional text formatting. In general, don't expect to see DeepSeek results that might piss off the Chinese government. Other than that, it's basically ChatGPT. Why you might not want to try DeepSeek (it's a privacy nightmare)It's no secret that tech companies scrape a lot of our data in exchange for using their products, but that usually doesn't deter users from downloading interesting new apps. But DeepSeek is a little more aggressive with its data collection policies than most. Taking a look at DeepSeek's privacy policy, you see some of the usual suspects: The company collects the information you provide when setting up an account, like date of birth, username, email address, phone number, even your password. It also collects information as you use the app, including what device you're using, which OS it's running, your IP address, system language, and general diagnostic information. Third-parties can share information they've collected about you with DeepSeek, so they know more about you as you use their service. They also employ cookies to track your activity, but you can disable this tracking in settings. DeepSeek users a keyloggerFrom here, it's important to know that DeepSeek is collecting everything you do with the AI model. All text inputs, audio inputs, prompts, files, feedback, or any other way you interact with the model are saved by the company. Again, this isn't necessarily unique—you shouldn't share any confidential or private information with any AI bot—but if you're not comfortable with a company storing documents or recordings of your voice, think twice about what you share with DeepSeek. It's not awesome for DeepSeek to collect some of these data points, but they are far from the only company to do so. However, they push beyond the norm: Not only will DeepSeek collect any text you send its model, it tracks your keystroke patterns or rhythms as well. That means any time you interact with your keyboard while using DeepSeek, the company is analyzing both what you type, as well as how you type. Yikes. DeepSeek stores your data in ChinaAlso concerning is how DeepSeek stores the data it collects. Per the privacy policy, DeepSeek stores all information in servers in China, which was part of the reasoning behind the U.S. government's push to ban TikTok. There is also no time limit on how long DeepSeek keeps your data, other than "as long as necessary." This is also how Meta handles user data, but other companies have time limits: OpenAI has a similar clause about keeping data for as long as necessary, but says temporary chats are deleted from servers after 30 days. Meanwhile, Google says it'll keep data for up to three years. It's no secret that big tech is rarely privacy friendly, and AI is no exception. Even in those terms, however,DeepSeek is not a fantastic option for the privacy-minded. If you want to try it while preserving some privacy, I recommend signing in with Apple, which lets you hide your real email address from the company. If you don't have an Apple account, you could use an email platform like Proton or DuckDuckGo that offer similar shielding services. Just remember that even if DeepSeek can't see your email, it's still paying attention to how you type. View the full article

About 35,000 feet (10,670 meters) over the Mojave Desert, northwest of Los Angeles, Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 became the first privately funded airplane to break the sound barrier during a test flight on Tuesday. “She was real happy supersonic,” Boom Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg said after landing, in a video posted by Boom Supersonic. “That’s the best she’s ever flown, was supersonic.” After getting to altitude, Brandenburg opened up the test plane’s throttles, accelerating to Mach 1.1, or about 845 mph (1,360 kph) — faster than the speed at which sound travels. In 1947, Chuck Yeager became the first human to break the sound barrier when he pushed the Bell X-1 past Mach 1 during a flight over the Mojave Desert. Boom Supersonic’s XB-1 is a stepping stone in its plan to develop a commercially viable supersonic airliner, the Overture, capable of carrying 64-80 passengers across the Atlantic in about 3 1/2 hours. The company has 130 orders and pre-orders from American Airlines, United Airlines and Japan Airlines. Last year, it completed construction on its Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, where it plans to build 66 Overture aircraft per year. —Dan Catchpole, Reuters View the full article

In an effort to monetize the social media platform, Elon Musk’s X announced Tuesday it would be partnering with Visa on a digital wallet and peer-to-peer payment services for its upcoming X Money Account. The product, which is likely to launch in the first quarter of this year, would enable users to move funds between their bank accounts and a digital wallet in real time, similar to Venmo or Zelle, with more deals on the horizon, CNBC reported. CEO Linda Yaccarino said on X it will launch later in 2025 and is just the “first of many big announcements about X Money this year.” Musk, who bought Twitter for $44 billion in 2022, has struggled to make X profitable and to prevent users from fleeing to Bluesky and Threads due to its increasing right-wing tone and content. The announcement comes days after the Wall Street Journal reported banks are ready to sell billions of dollars of debt Musk borrowed to buy X—and revealed Musk told employees in an email that “revenue is unimpressive, and we’re barely breaking even.” Visa, which is the largest credit card network in the country, will use Visa Direct, its financial solution for instant money transfers, according to TechCrunch. Musk has previously said he wants to transform X into an “everything app” similar to China’s WeChat: “a single application that encompasses everything,” from digital town square to banking platform, where users could “do payments, messages, video, calling, whatever you’d like, from one single, convenient place,” The Verge reported. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. It wouldn’t be fair to say that I bought an air fryer simply to reheat french fries, but it would be disingenuous to claim that my desire to reheat french fries had nothing to do with the purchase. A few years ago—when we were young and the air was sweet—I wrote a blog claiming that waffling sad, cold fries was a first-rate way to reheat them. Almost immediately, the comments started rolling in. “You fool, you absolute imbecile,” they said. “An air fryer is the only tool you should use to reheat french fries, and you are an idiot for suggesting otherwise.” (I am paraphrasing, but this was the feel of the comments, at least as I recall it.) “Maybe I should get an air fryer,” I thought, before waiting another eight months to get one. (I finally got the Instant Pot Vortex Mini, because it is small and red and $50.) The tiny, powerful convection oven—which does not technically fry anything—is quite handy. I’ve already integrated it into my everyday cooking rotation, but I started with cold fries (and ate them for breakfast), because that’s what brought us to this point in the first place. My friends, you (and everyone else who yelled at me) were not lying. When it comes to restoring limp, cardboard-like fries to their former crisp, golden glory, the air fryer kicks the waffle maker’s ass (though I maintain waffled leftover fries make excellent breakfast potatoes). That said, not everyone has an air fryer. (Though if you're in the market for one, I suggest these.) You can also use the conventional oven or a frying pan to get your spuds crispy again. Here are the three best ways to reheat french fries. What makes leftover fries so sad?Leftover fries are sad and soggy due to moisture migration, and the air fryer takes care of that nonsense in short order. Once a fry starts to cool, the water inside the fluffy starch granules moves out towards the crust, rendering the insides of the fry grainy and the outsides mushy. How to reheat fries in the air fryerBeyond reheating completely cold fries, this is a great way to revive takeout fries that may have sat in a paper bag or plastic container for too long. Just five to 10 minutes in a 375-degree air fryer perks ‘em right back up. Timing will vary from air fryer to air fryer but, unlike the Instant Pot or a sous-vide circulator, it’s very easy to check on your air fried food mid-cook—just slide the little basket out. Try not to over-pack the air fryer; you want the hot air to be able to circulate around each fry. It took my air fryer a mere five minutes at 375℉ to restore cold, lifeless, fairly thick-cut breakfast fries to their former glory, which is dangerously quick, particularly in a household that is prone to over-ordering french fries. While a little overlapping is fine, try not to crowd your fries. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Why reheat fries with an air fryer?An air fryer can’t rehydrate those starch granules, but it certainly revives a fry’s soggy outsides. The hot, circulating air drives off moisture and gets any dormant fry grease movin’ and groovin’, re-crisping the potato’s crust. And while the insides aren’t quite as tender and fluffy as they are when you first take them out of a deep fryer, they are pretty damn close. The ones I ate for breakfast this morning were almost indistinguishable from fresh fries, though it’s worth noting that they seemed to be a “fresh-cut, once cooked” kind of fry, so this may have only been their second (not third) heating. How to reheat fries in the ovenReheating french fries in the oven is the second best way because you can do big batches and it's a much more hands-off method than the frying pan method below. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann To reheat fries in the oven, preheat the oven to 400℉. While that's heating up, arrange a metal wire rack over a sheet pan. Spread out the cold fries over the rack so they're not overlapping. The elevated rack will allow the hot air to circulate underneath and around the fries so you don't have to do any flipping. Bake the fries for 15 to 25 minutes. I suggest checking on them after 15 minutes to assess their crispiness. Depending on how thick or thin they are, it's possible to dry them out if they bake too long. How to reheat fries in a frying panIf you don't have any other choice, or you have only a handful of fries that you're trying to revive, there's the frying pan method. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Grab a relatively large frying pan. There should be enough room for the fries to lay flat in a single layer. Unlike in the oven or the air fryer, it's the direct contact with the hot surface that's going to heat up the oil that imbues the crust of each fry. Some other folks recommend adding oil to the pan, but I disagree. This only made my fries oily in a gross way. Heat the fries over medium-low heat. They'll begin to sizzle after two minutes or so. Proceed to rotate them every minute or two so the other sides crisp. After about 10 minutes of flipping the fries, all of the sides should be hot and crispy. This is a great idea if you only have a single serving of fries and you don't mind tending to them the entire time. It's quicker than the oven method, but if you're inconsistent you might end up with scorched spots on some fries. Tips for reheating friesDon't crowd. Lay the french fries in a single layer and try to avoid a lot of overlapping. This will prevent any steam from getting trapped and allow your taters to crisp faster. If you have a lot of fries to reheat, it might be best to do it in batches or just use the oven. Spritz 'em lightly with oil. For a just-out-of-the-fryer sizzle, give your fries a light spritz with a neutral cooking oil. Specifically for the air fryer, a fresh layer of fat conducts the heat that much more effectively. Check on them mid-cook. Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the french fry you're reheating (steak cut? shoestring? crinkle?), so it's important to check on your spuds once or twice. Especially with the speed of the air fryer, a few minutes too long is the difference between crisp and fluffy or hard and dry. View the full article

Quartet has launched the Quartet® Dry-Erase Desktop Computer Pad, a budget-friendly workspace solution designed to enhance productivity and organization. The new product aims to simplify workspaces by providing a clutter-free and efficient tool for home, office, or classroom use. The Quartet Dry-Erase Desktop Pad combines durability, functionality, and convenience. Positioned between the keyboard and computer screen, the pad offers a sleek angled surface for jotting down reminders, ideas, or to-do lists without relying on sticky notes. The durable painted steel writing surface is resistant to stains and ghosting, ensuring long-term use. The desktop pad is designed with several thoughtful features to promote productivity and organization: Integrated Keyboard Storage: A felt pad allows for smooth, scratch-free sliding of the keyboard underneath the desktop pad, keeping desks tidy. Accessory Storage: An accessory channel and magnetic marker cap provide a dedicated space for the included dry-erase marker, ensuring tools are always within reach. Comprehensive Kit: The product comes with a felt keyboard pad, a Quartet dry-erase marker, and a microfiber towel for easy cleaning. Magnetic Surface: Important notes and photos can be secured directly onto the painted steel surface using magnets. Compact and Portable Design: Weighing just 1.5 pounds, the 21” x 7.75” dry-erase board features fold-down legs, making it easy to transport, store, and ship. “The Quartet Dry-Erase Desktop Pad was designed to simplify and elevate any workspace,” said Aaron DiStefano, Senior Marketing Manager at ACCO Brands. “We’re excited to offer a budget-conscious solution that combines innovation and functionality, helping users stay organized while keeping their desks clutter-free.” The desktop pad is suitable for various environments, including offices, classrooms, and home workstations. Its compatibility with standing desks and traditional setups adds to its versatility as a workspace essential. Priced at $21.99, the Quartet Dry-Erase Desktop Pad offers an affordable solution for those looking to streamline their workspaces. The Quartet Dry-Erase Desktop Pad is now available for purchase at Meijer’s stores, as well as online through Amazon and Quartet.com. With its innovative design and accessible price point, this new offering continues Quartet’s tradition of providing high-quality dry-erase products that enhance productivity and organization. This article, "Quartet Introduces Dry-Erase Desktop Pad for Organized Workspaces" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Whether you’re still trying to hold down those New Year’s resolutions or you’re just generally trying to stay on top of your productivity, we can always benefit from having some accountability checks. You can do these yourself, sure, but having a little outside help from a well-made app can make a big difference. For one-on-one accountability: FocusmateA major component of productivity is planning your day, so if you’re planning on doing a certain task, like clearing your inbox or consolidating notes, try using Focusmate to get paired with an accountability partner who’s working at the same time. You get put into a video chat with the person, both share what you’re working on, and then get cracking. This relies on the principle of “body doubling,” or the idea that people work harder when someone else is around. If you’ve ever pushed yourself at the gym because you’re surrounded by other people or invited a friend over to sit on your couch while you clean, you get it. Focusmate lets you set up three sessions a week for free, but if you want unlimited sessions it’ll be $9.99 per month or about $84 per year. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Focusmate pros: You can pick your date, time, and partner You can be sorted into focus rooms depending on the kind of activity you want to do, whether it's desk work or physical activity You get a sizable amount of access with the free version Focusmate cons: This really only works if you have a desktop setup and isn't as accessible if you're on the go The pricing for unlimited sessions is a little steep If you want an accountability group: FlownFlown hosts group sessions that function like virtual study groups, allowing you to work “alongside” others who are also trying to get things done. From the comfort of your home, you can surround yourself with people who are working on their tasks at the same time, giving you the same feeling you’d get if you were at a coffee shop, in a library, or working in a large group of people. There are virtual quiet rooms to sit in during the day and coworking sessions you can join with smaller groups of people for an hour or two, led by facilitators, plus solo working experiences called "portholes" that play hour-long footage of skilled craftspeople working on their particular trade. There’s a 30-day free trial, but even after that expires, you can join free sessions on Fridays. If you’re really feeling it after the trial (which doesn’t require you to put down your card info), it’s $25 per month, $228 per year, or $900 for a lifetime membership. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Flown pros: It's customizable and tailored: You input whether you work remotely, feel overwhelmed, think you may have ADHD, etc. There are a variety of options available, from facilitator-led groups to quiet working rooms Free access on Fridays can help you build a solid schedule even if you don't want to pay Flown cons: This is best suited for a desktop setup, not while you're working on something out and about If you just need a personal push: Loop Habit TrackerMaybe you don’t need a virtual coworking space, but just need a way to track your own progress and push yourself. Loop might be your answer, as it provides a platform for tracking progress, scheduling work, and getting helpful reminders via notifications. You enter your progress into the app and get a Habit Score, which is based on how often you do what you set out to do. Gamification is a major motivator for some people, so if all you need is to see a number go up, up, up, try Loop, which is free for up to seven habits and $9.99 per month if you want to track more than that. Credit: Beth Skwarecki Loop pros: A simple interface allows you to see your goal progress using a calendar view or more detailed infographics It's low-pressure, so you feel good when you accomplish the tasks and stay with your habits, but it doesn't shame you for missing days (unlike other tools, which are valuable for people who need that kind of push) It's very customizable, so you can even change the question it prompts you with when you're filling out your habit completion Loop cons: It's only available for Android The interface is simple, which is good, but perhaps a little boring To work on goals with friends: HabitatThe Habitat app allows you to work in groups with people you already know, so it's great if you've set goals together with others, like family members or friends. It gives you a few easy ideas for habits to build, like exercising more often or making your bed consistently, and once you set your first habit, you can invite friends to join you. Then, you'll work together to create a "group streak," with each of you inputting when you work on your habit. I just set one up with a friend where we are both committing to work out five times per week. The interface is simple and the streaks grow visually, so you can see your progress, plus the free version allows you to see who out of your group is atop the leaderboard. You can even access in-app direct messages to communicate with your group about the task. The benefit here is that you don't want to let down people you know, so you may be more motivated to hit the gym if you know you're not only harming your own health by skipping, but also jeopardizing a loved one's streak. It's $35.99 per year or $5.99 per month to access a premium account, which lets you be part of more than four habitat streaks and view detailed statistics about your progress as well as set notifications and reminders. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Habitat pros: It's easy to use and understand from the moment you download it You can use the free version in a limited capacity, so it's great for if you only have one or two habits to build Habitat cons: The paid version has a significantly greater amount of features It really only works if you have friends who are willing to do it with you, unlike the apps above, where you deal with strangers who are already motivated to use the software It's only available on iOS If you want real stakes: ForfeitForfeit has an interesting premise that isn’t for the faint of heart: You put down money (between $1 and $50) and if you meet your goal, you get to keep it; if you fail to accomplish the goal you tie to it, you lose that money. A member of the app’s team will review evidence—like gym selfies, recordings of yourself working, or whatever else—to make sure you met the goal you set(or you can have your goals reviewed by AI instead). You pre-determine what you’ll do, like, “I’ll send a time lapse of myself reading before 11 a.m. tomorrow or forfeit $10.” According to the company, there’s been $3 million staked across 238,000 sessions with a 94.2% success rate—meaning most people are motivated to keep their money and don’t lose it. You don’t have to pay for the app in the traditional sense, but you do pay if you fail to accomplish your goal. Forfeit can keep that money or you can opt to have it given to a charity or even a group of friends using the app. I should also mention you can do lower-stakes Forfeits, as well: You can tell the app to text your friends, for instance, if you don't complete a goal by a certain time. You can even customize the message they'll receive, like, "Lindsey failed to clean her living room this afternoon! How embarrassing!" Credit: Lindsey Ellefson Forfeit pros: This app actually forces you to do what you say you are going to do It's only as mean or as nice as you set it to be, so you can make all of your text inputs really positive (but still risk losing actual money, of course) There are a lot of ways to use it so it works for you, whether you opt to let AI review your evidence submissions, bet money on yourself, set up repeat Forfeits, or more Forfeit cons: You can actually lose money View the full article

Quick Look is one of my favorite Mac features, so much so that I always use a third party app enable it on my Windows PCs as well. It allows you to preview files on your Mac without opening them. You can select any file in Finder and press the Spacebar key to preview it. This means I can press one button to quickly look at videos, listen to audio files, view images, or read documents. While this feature is great, I've always been annoyed that it doesn't work well with folders— until now. By default, Quick Look will tell you how many files are in a folder, but doesn't actually tell you which files are in it. Thankfully, a new free utlity named Folder Preview closes that gap. Folder Preview lets you expand Quick Look's full functionality to folders. You select a folder, press the Spacebar, and Folder Preview will let you see all the files and folders inside of it, without actually opening it. It takes less than a minute to configure and silently does its job from that point on. It also doesn't ask for any permissions other than being added as a Finder extension, which is always nice to see. This is what a folder preview looks like. Credit: Pranay Parab Once you install Folder Preview, the app will prompt you to add it as a system extension. Go to System Settings on your Mac and navigate to General > Login Items & Extensions. Scroll to the bottom and click the i button next to Quick Look. Enable Folder Preview on this page to finish setting up the app. Now, selecting any folder in Finder and pressing Spacebar (or the app's own default keybinding—Command-Y) will display its contents. You can also configure Folder Preview to show hidden files by going to its settings. Just open the app and go to Settings in the left pane. I've left this option disabled because I rarely want to see hidden system files on my Mac, but you can choose otherwise if needed. You can also ask the app to automatically expand folders while previewing. If you have a folder within a folder, this setting will show you the contents of up to five levels of nested folders. Lastly, you can also choose a larger size for icons in your folder previews. View the full article

It is important to keep your businesses clean and tidy. As a business owner, you will need to make sure your office or shop is cleaned regularly and maintained to ensure your employees are happy, healthy, and productive. This will also help in making sure you leave a good first impression on your customers. Whether you run a small business or large workshop, a mop bucket and wringer come in handy for everything from daily cleaning to doing away with surprise messes. Commercial floor cleaning buckets help keep floors clean and safe. Unlike those for home use, these industrial-strength versions hold more water and come with strong wheels, so users can cover larger spaces with ease. Our guide below will help you cover the best commercial mop and bucket options for your business. Best Commercial Mop and Bucket Top Pick: Rubbermaid Commercial Wavebrake Mopping System Runner Up: Carlisle Commercial Mop Bucket Best Value: Amazon Basics Commercial Mop Bucket on Wheels Rubbermaid Commercial Wavebrake Mopping System Top Pick: This 21-pound commercial bucket boasts a 35-quart capacity and is rated for over 40,000 wringing cycles, as stated by the manufacturer. It holds mops securely and features a foot-operated built-in drain for easy disposal of contents without the need to lift the bucket. The side press mechanism allows for mopping with 18% less effort and minimizes splashing by up to 18%. Its compact dimensions (23.1 x 16 x 38.1 inches) further enhance its usability. Rubbermaid Commercial Wavebrake Mopping System Bucket and Side-Press Wringer Combo Buy on Amazon Carlisle Commercial Mop Bucket Runner Up: This 26-quart capacity commercial bucket is made with corrosion-resistant polyethylene and can withstand temperatures from -40F to 180F. Non-marking swivel casters make for easy cleaning and mobility. The buckets come in different colors to comply with a color-coded system for identifying specific cleaning areas. Weighing 14.5 pounds, this mop bucket has a 50,000-cycle side-press wringer. The compact design (18.11 x 14.57 x 16.5 inches) makes for easy storage and convenience for tight-fitting environments. Carlisle Commercial Mop Bucket with Side Press Wringer, 26 Quart Capacity, Red Buy on Amazon Amazon Basics Commercial Mop Bucket on Wheels Best Value: The Amazon basics commercial mop bucket is made with Polypropylene and weighs 15.71 pounds. It has a 35-quart capacity and comes with a side-press wringer and a jaw mop holder. This bucket comes with four rolling casters designed for easy and convenient mobility. With this bucket, you can simply snap the mop in place to keep it stable in the bucket while moving. The wringer works with fan mop holders, which are designed to send water back down into the bucket with ease. AmazonBasics Side Press Wringer Combo Commercial Mop Bucket on Wheels, 35 Quart, Yellow Buy on Amazon Hero EZ-Lift Dual Cavity Commercial Mop Bucket The dual cavity of this bucket includes a 36-quart dirty water side and a nine-gallon cleaning bucket. This will reduce cross-contamination while using less floor cleaner. The side press wringer is certified for more than 31,000 wringing cycles, ensuring years of operations. The non-marking bayonet wheels, made of cast metal, ensure that no marks are left on the floor. Additionally, the wheel guards are designed to protect the wheels, enhancing their longevity. Hero EZ-Lift Dual Cavity Commercial Mop Bucket with Wringer on Wheels, Includes Dirty Water Bucket Buy on Amazon Rubbermaid Commercial HYGEN Press Wring Bucket This flat mop bucket is for heavy commercial and industrial use. The no-touch wringing mechanism with a washboard surface removes dirt and debris from the mop pad before wringing. And the twist valve empties the dirty content without lifting for added hygiene. The bucket features a smooth, non-porous surface that helps prevent bacterial growth and makes cleanup simple. Additionally, the non-marking casters are designed to protect your floors from damage. Rubbermaid Commercial HYGEN Press Wring Bucket for Microfiber Flat Mops, Yellow Buy on Amazon Simpli-Magic Commercial Mop Bucket With a 50,000-cycle wringer, this mob bucket is designed to last. The bucket is made from corrosion-resistant polyethylene capable of handling temperatures from -40°F to 180°F. The compact design has a 26-quart capacity sitting on top of four non-marking swivel casters. Simpli-Magic Commercial Mop Bucket with Side Press Wringer, 26 Quart, Yellow Buy on Amazon Dryser Commercial Side Press Wringer The spill-proof design of the Dryser mop bucket has a 33-quart capacity. This includes a rugged construction with an anti-corrosive polyethylene web-molded body to keep its strength. The ergonomic wringer handle comes with premium steel and a spill-resistant side press for easy operation and minimal effort. Dryser Commercial Side Press Wringer Combo Mop Bucket, 33 Quart, Yellow Buy on Amazon How to choose your mop and bucket An essential aspect to consider when purchasing a commercial mop and bucket is to ensure you choose a strong and durable product that will endure for years, regardless of the design you select. Size: A larger commercial mop and bucket can hold more cleaning solutions, which is beneficial for effectively removing dirt and grime. It’s important to choose a size that is easy for our employees to handle and store. Mobility: Your cleaning bucket should provide excellent mobility. Ensure that it features non-marking swivel casters to prevent any damage to your floors. Dual compartment buckets: help to separate the dirty water from the cleaning solution. The design makes cleaning more efficient because you do not have to go back and forth to empty the dirty water. Easy drain buckets: make the job easier for your staff. This means they will not have to lift a heavy and wet object that is potentially dangerous. Warranty: Like any workplace equipment it is important that your cleaning bucket supplier comes with a warranty. At the very least, look for a solid return policy. Cleaning Mopping might appear to be an easy task, but using the proper tools is crucial. This entails having quality mop, bucket, wringer, and caution-wet floor signs. With these essential tools, you can effectively and swiftly clean your business. It all begins with a high-quality commercial mop and bucket. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Best Air Purifier for the Money Best Commercial Laundry Carts Office Desk Plants Images: Amazon.com This article, "Best Commercial Mop and Bucket" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Oil and gas companies would be liable for damages caused by climate change -related disasters in California under legislation introduced Monday by two Democratic lawmakers. The proposal claims that the oil industry intentionally deceived the public about the risks of fossil fuels on climate change that now have intensified storms and wildfires and caused billions of dollars in damage in California. Such disasters have also driven the state insurance market to a crisis where companies are raising rates, limiting coverage or pulling out completely from regions susceptible to wildfires and other natural disasters, supporters of the bill said. Under state law, utility companies are liable for damages if their equipment starts a wildfire. The same idea should apply to oil and gas companies, said Robert Herrell, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California, “for their massive contribution to these fires driven by climate change.” The bill aims to alleviate the financial burdens on victims of such disasters and insurance companies by allowing them to sue the oil industry to recoup their losses. It would also allow the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan, created by the state as a last resort for homeowners who couldn’t find insurance, to do the same so it doesn’t become insolvent. If approved, California would be the first state in the U.S. to allow for such lawsuits, according to the bill’s author, state Sen. Scott Wiener. “We are all paying for these disasters, but there is one stakeholder that is not paying: the fossil fuel industry, which makes the product that is fueling the climate change,” Wiener said at a Monday news conference. The new measure is bound to face major backlash from oil and gas companies, who have faced a string of defeats in California in recent years as the country’s most populous state started to shift policy priorities to address climate change. The Western States Petroleum Association, representing oil and gas companies in five states, already signaled it will fight the bill. President and CEO Catherine Reheis-Boyd said state lawmakers are using the LA fires to “scapegoat” the industry. “We need real solutions to help victims in the wake of this tragedy, not theatrics,” Reheis-Boyd said in a statement. “Voters are tired of this approach.” Supporters said the measure will also help stabilize the state’s insurance market by allowing insurers to recover some of the costs after a natural disaster from oil companies, which will prevent increased rates from being passed onto policyholders. The bill is supported by several environmental and consumer protection groups. The legislation comes as California begins the long recovery process from multiple deadly fires that ripped through sections of Los Angeles and burned more than 12,000 structures earlier this month. The fires were named the most destructive in the modern history of the city of Los Angeles and estimated to be the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history. Lawmakers last week voted to spend $2.5 billion to help the area rebuild. Dozens of U.S. municipalities as well as eight states and Washington, D.C., have sued oil and gas companies in recent years over their role in climate change, according to the Center for Climate Integrity. Those suits are still making their way through the courts, including one filed by California more than a year ago against some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, claiming they deceived the public about the risks of fossil fuels. Scientists overwhelmingly agree the world needs to drastically cut the burning of coal, oil and gas to limit global warming. That’s because when fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide forms and is released, which accounts for over three quarters of all human-caused greenhouse gases. California is also working to persuade insurers to continue doing business in the state by giving them more latitude to raise premiums in exchange for more issuing policies in high-risk areas. Citing ballooning risks of climate-driven natural disasters, seven of the top 12 insurance companies doing business in California in 2023 either paused or restricted new business in the state. The state now allows insurers to consider climate change when setting their prices and will soon also allow them pass on the costs of reinsurance to California consumers. —Trân Nguyễn, Associated Press View the full article

How often do our workplace communications open with “I hope you are well” or “I trust you are doing fine”? These “wellness checks” reflect the fact that everybody has become more conscious of the need to be kind to others. That’s a good thing. Our workplace has become a setting where the best bosses and colleagues take pride in showing sensitivity to the emotional and physical well-being of others. And for these reasons, beginning a letter or a conversation with “I hope you are well” has some merit. But even if it reflects the best of intentions, this opening should be abandoned. Here’s why—and some suggested replacements. Why to stop saying “I hope you are well” in emails “I hope you are well” is not a prohibited email opener by any means, but here are some reasons you may want to consider starting your message a different way. 1. It’s a cliche. First, this opening is overly general. Of course you want to begin an email or conversation with something that warms up the relationship. I call this the “grabber.” But people who use “I hope you are well” or a similar phrase are simply making a pro forma statement that could be made to anyone. The words sound good but have no deeper personal or individual meaning. 2. It sounds unprofessional. Second, beginning an email or phone call with “I hope all is well” can make you sound unprofessional. Given that this expression is a “throwaway” line that typically is not meant to be answered, it will make you sound fluffy. It smacks of filler—of saying something that you’ve heard others say and you’re just repeating it because it sounds good. It’s a bit like saying “how’s it going?” or “what’s up?” These are oft-repeated, empty expressions. Platitudes can weaken your impact because they are empty of meaning. You don’t want to come across as a person who has nothing to say and therefore begins emails and conversations with boilerplate text. 3. It creates confusion. Third, beginning with “I hope you are well” can create confusion for the recipient, who may wonder how to respond. Should they address the comment or let it go? For example, when an email begins with this expression, possible answers run through the recipient’s mind, including “I’m well,” or “I’m having a great week,” or “life has been good.” They might even consider getting more specific. But if they’re grappling with a problem, should they spill all? Here is where the confusion sets in. Should the respondent not address the query at all, answer only in the positive, or go deeper and explain that they are wrestling with a problem—at work or at home? People justifiably get confused about how to respond. 4. It can lead to a digression. An email or conversation launched with “I hope all is well with you” can get the discussion off course. Your recipient may respond with details of what’s happening in their life—which can be fine (or even nice). But you may also find yourself having to respond to a narrative you hadn’t planned on. With an especially talkative individual, you might get a response like, “Yes, I’ve been well. In fact, let me tell you where we went on a recent holiday.” Your listener has been waiting for a chance to tell you or anyone else about their recent vacation, what cities they saw, and what they liked about each one. Your statement becomes an invitation to share a personal narrative that may get you (and them) off track. 5. It may sound empty. Saying “I hope you are well” might also sound empty or even heartless to someone who has actually been going through an especially hard time. It may strike the recipient as toxic positivity insofar as the speaker is using a quick brushstroke to gloss over something much more profound. It may not be an intentional dig, but it’s still a poor way of introducing the subject of the recipient’s emotional state. The query will ring hollow with any recipient who is dealing with something serious. 7 Alternatives to “I hope you are well” Here are some other ways to start your messages: 1. With something specific and sincere “I hope you’re well” can sound overly vague. So instead, sk yourself what you can say to show that you do care about the person you are writing to or talking with. You might begin: “You have been on my mind lately,” and then explain why. Or say: “We were so enthralled with the event you hosted last month.” In short, think about something in your relationship with your recipient to draw out. If it’s a new contact, show you’ve done your research and say something positive about that person. For example: “I’m so impressed with your HR organization,” or “I am looking forward to meeting you and being part of your product launch.” Being specific gets the relationship off on good footing. 2. “I hope you’re having a [productive/good/great/etc.] [week/month/season/year].” This is a good email opener for a quick message. Not every email needs to make a great first impression or build a relationship, but getting a bit more specific will make it feel more personal than the vague ‘I hope you’re well.” 3. “We met at..” or another a reminder Maybe you’ve met the person you’re emailing, but it was just once or perhaps you worked together years ago. Either way, you want your recipient to know who you are right up front. If not, they might not be motivated to read the rest of your message. A well wish from a stranger doesn’t mean much. 4. “[Name] said I should reach out.” This is another opener that hooks your recipient by telling them why they should read your message. It tells them right up front why you’re contacting them and reassures them that someone they know “vouches” for you. Your next sentences should quickly explain why you were referred to them by your mutual contact. And of course, you should only use this opener if it’s true. 5. With an introduction to yourself Sometimes you’re sending a cold or nearly cold email, and in these cases, your first order of business should always be introducing yourself. This doesn’t mean telling your life story, however. Instead, quickly tell the email recipient what about you is relevant to them. For example, if you’re messaging someone who works at the same company as you, you might say: “Hi Millie, I’m Peter, the new marketing assistant under Kim and I was wondering if you’d be able to answer some of my questions on the newest product feature release.” Or if you’re reaching out to a possible contact for an information interview, you might say: “Hello Juan, I’m a senior in USC’s Computer Science major and I’m interested in pursuing a career in game design.” 6. “How are you?” This doesn’t necessarily mean to literally start your email with the sentence “How are you?”—you can use any of the many alternatives. But only use this opener if you genuinely want an answer and you’re ready to continue any conversation that the recipient starts as a result. Asking how someone is doing is less presumptuous than “I hope you are well” because it gives room for them to answer genuinely. 7. Nothing Not every email needs a dedicated opener. Particularly if you’re emailing someone you work with a lot or have other conversations going with, you can just cut to the point. If you’re Slacking your supervisor every day, for example, there’s no reason to start an email with pleasantries. Instead, you can just keep your email brief and to the point. Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article and a previous version. View the full article

You’ve probably felt the thrill that comes with receiving a job offer. You read the congratulatory email, begin to imagine life in your new role, then quickly fill out all the required HR paperwork and receive the necessary equipment. And if all is well, you start preparing for your first day. But what if you find out that the job isn’t real? In the first three quarters of 2024, Americans lost $514 million due to business and job opportunity scams, and the Federal Trade Commission received over 93,000 complaints about this type of fraud. In the worst cases, people have already resigned from their jobs before they realize their new position isn’t real—and suddenly, they don’t have a paycheck or health insurance. Recent economic uncertainty and layoffs may make people more vulnerable to these scams and worsen the problem. But it is possible to outsmart the con artists by understanding why people fall for employment scams, how they work, and the red flags to look out for. What kinds of job offer scams are out there? Scammers use a range of tactics to trick job seekers. Many of the common methods start in a similar way: by creating fake job posts, either with branding that matches a recognized company or with a fraudulent company to trick people into applying for the job. These posts appear on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace but also on sites like LinkedIn and Indeed. Cybercriminals will also pose as recruiters or staffing agencies and proactively reach out to their targets offering an interview or a job. Employment scams can be incredibly sophisticated, down to phone or video job interviews and emails that look legitimate. Here are some examples of where the scams may go from there: Identity theft scams The goal of these scams is identity theft and financial fraud. Fake recruiters will research the job seeker fully, including such things as their work history and industry contacts. This information can be found on social media (for instance on Facebook and Twitter) or on professional platforms such as LinkedIn. It doesn’t take long to get the basics needed for the scam to develop. The results of this research are aligned with the pitch used during the initial contact with the victim job seeker. The pitch could include references to previous employers, peers, or desired job options, in order to determine if the victim is interested. If the victim is willing to discuss the job offer, the authenticity element of the scam has succeeded. Alternatively, scammers may make fake postings, often on social media or a spoofed version of the company’s legitimate website. Now, the authority aspect kicks in. Since the recruiter/fake employer has all the power in this dynamic, their authority is rarely questioned. Job seekers are asked to surrender personal information for background screenings. Sometimes this data is submitted via email or uploaded to a fake recruiting website the criminal has created. Or after an interview, the applicant may be asked to provide information, like their address and phone number, so a “formal offer” can be sent. That’s often followed up with a request to provide their Social Security number, photos of their driver’s license or other forms of ID, and/or bank information. Criminals can then sell this personal info to marketing firms or other criminals or keep it and use the details themselves for identity fraud. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued a warning to Americans about bad actors who use fake job offers to steal money and personal information. The scam artists also are able to file fraudulent unemployment claims in their victim’s name, which not only costs the government, but also could significantly impact the victim’s tax bill and eligibility for future benefits. Reshipping scams Marcus Ramos, 50, had been out of a job for nearly a month when he got an email from a recruiter named Glen with an enticing offer. For a base pay of $2,400 a month, Ramos could work from his Las Vegas home sending out packages for a company called Filly Shipping, with a promised $40 bonus for each package he mailed. This is how Ramos fell for a reshipping scam, which accounts for “the vast majority of scam job offers” reported to the BBB, says Josh Planos, spokesperson for the BBB’s investigations initiative. In these scams, he describes, organized crime units ask victims to reship stolen goods (without informing them that they’re stolen), creating a complicated pathway to obscure the goods’ origins. Ramos’s scammers engaged with him primarily by phone, calling or texting from a variety of numbers originating in different states. In addition to his initial contact, Glen, two others got in touch with Ramos regularly, using presumably fake names and only identifying themselves as members of the company’s “shipping department.” Not much is known about these scammers by the organizations that track victim reports and The Department of Justice didn’t respond to Fast Company’s request for comment. But both ARP’s director of fraud victim support Amy Nofziger and Planos say most of these criminals are from “overseas,” working out of call centers. This means they’re operating out of places with “call center infrastructure,” says Planos, specifically citing Eastern Europe, Russia, and Nigeria. They’re largely targeting people in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, Nofziger adds. “With the reshipping scams, these are criminal enterprises. These are not slapstick operations,” says Planos. “These are well-oiled machines that have keywords down, that are paying for SEO [and] very visible social media ads.” With scammers operating internationally, it’s difficult to police them from the U.S. Fake check scams In fake check scams, “employers” send “new hires” a check to pay for items they’ll allegedly need for the job, like home office supplies. After depositing the checks, victims will appear to have money in their accounts, which they use to buy supplies from a vendor provided by the fake employer. The supplies never show up, and the victim’s bank flags the check as fake, removing that money from their accounts—meaning the victims used their own money to pay for supplies they’ll never receive. Prepaid gift card scams work similarly. “More than a third of the jobs scam complaints that we received involved fake checks,” says Planos, adding that the FTC found a 65% increase in fake check complaints between 2015 and 2020. Anecdotally, he’s seen these types of scams perpetrated most against younger job seekers, who may not have as much experience with checks and may be less likely to find depositing one at the start of a new job suspicious. “We saw that the largest group of job fraud victims were between the ages of 25 and 34 . . . people who are navigating independent life for the first time,” says Planos. Planos shared statements with Fast Company from several victims in that age group, including someone named Sarah, who was contacted by a scammer pretending to be a representative of The Humane Society, where she’d applied for a job via Indeed. After a convincing interview with someone posing as a real staffer, Sarah was sent what she later learned were fake checks to buy home office supplies. When “problems” arose with her purchases (which her “employers” blamed on COVID-19 and a holiday rush), she was asked to pay other vendors via Zelle, CashApp, and Apple Pay. She ultimately lost $7,000. A family member of a Tessian employee nearly fell victim to another version of this scam. After receiving a job offer, they instructed her to send a personal check to a specific supplier to purchase a new desk and laptop. In this instance, the attacker was posing as both a recruiter and a phony supplier—the equipment would never have arrived, and they would have kept her money. Fortunately, her guard went up, and she didn’t send them the check. Recruiter-focused scams While criminals will impersonate recruiters with no hesitation, they also target recruiters directly because of their access to high-value targets from executives to human resources managers. Criminals will conduct phishing attacks, posing as a job seeker, against a recruiter and include malicious attachments disguised as résumés. If they’re successful, the malware installed by the criminal gives them access to all the information the recruiter has available, as well as access to corporate contacts and records. This enables the criminal to expand the scam. In a variation of this tactic, the criminal will pose as an existing client, and either entice the recruiter to disclose corporate authentication credentials via a “recruiting portal” that was recently launched or again attempt to install malware on the system by offering up malicious attachments. In the second scenario, the criminal will develop a website that uses the branding of the corporate client, and even register a domain with a familiar naming convention, all in order to offer a sense of false security to the soon-to-be-victimized recruiter. Once the corporate credentials are exposed, the criminal has a foothold on the victim’s network, and the opportunity to expand their scam further. How to tell if a job or job offer is a scam Employment scams aren’t magic. They work by hijacking the normal workflow of applying for a job. Since job seekers and recruiters are more focused on developing a workforce or landing a job, subtle cues that something is amiss are often overlooked. Not sure if that new job offer is legit or not? Here are a few things that should set off alarms in your head. Scam warning signs in job listings Here are some possible red flags for job scams that you can spot before you even apply: If the job seems too good to be true, it usually is. Employment scams often promise high salaries for only a few hours of work a day, move very quickly, or don’t involve thorough interviews. Work-from-home jobs that involve receiving and reshipping packages Mystery shopper or secret shopper positions The job is listed on a job board, but not on the company’s website The more vague the job description, the better the odds it’s not legitimate. Email addresses that don’t match other email addresses for the employer or that use free email clients like Gmail or Yahoo. (For example, is the email coming from john.smith@companyx.com or jsmith@companyxjobs.com?) The recruiter or manager doesn’t have a profile on the job board or that profile doesn’t seem to fit their role. The job listing mentions an application fee Background check requests or requests for information required for a background check (such as social security numbers, address details, date of birth, passport details, bank details, etc.) with the initial application. Ads that offer information about “hidden” or unadvertised federal jobs Postings that refer you to a toll-free phone number to learn more about the job. Scam warning signs for job interviews Sometimes there may be warnings during the interview process that a job is not quite on the up-and-up. Keep in mind that interviewers are people who may not be skilled at what they’re doing, so one of these may not indicate a definite scam—but they may be a sign to look deeper. Interviews that don’t take place in-person, via a secure video platform, or through a straightforward phone call. Interviews that are chat or text-based (unless as a reasonable accommodation for a disability) Interviewers that don’t have many questions and/or claim to know all they need from your resume/job board profile. Interviewers that focus more on work you will be doing and act like you’ve already committed to the role. Scam warning signs throughout the hiring process These red flags might come up at any point during the application, interview or hiring process. Requests or requirements to purchase startup equipment or to pay upfront for background investigations or screenings. Employers who send an employment contract to physically sign that asks for personally identifiable information (like a bank account number) could also be a sign of a scam operation. Legitimate companies will ask for that sort of thing after an employee is hired. Asking for your credit card number. You’re getting emails, messages, or calls from recruiters with an unusual sense of urgency or that ask for you to make a commitment before learning more about the job or require you to start immediately. How to avoid scam jobs Employment scams show no signs of slowing down in the coming months as economic, labor, and remote work trends persist. It can be hard to slow down and trust your gut in such an emotional and high-stakes process like a job search. Looking out for the warning signs and common tactics scammers use can help ensure your next job offer is one to truly get excited about. So before you turn in your two weeks’ notice and buy that new equipment, take a few steps to ensure your new job offer is legitimate. Don’t think you’re immune. “As all generations look for flexible and remote work options, it’s important to raise awareness about the widespread prevalence of job scams at all career levels in order to help prevent more people from taking the bait, especially with telecommuting being an undeniable part of the future of our workplaces,” says FlexJobs founder and CEO Sara Sutton Fell. But a by-product of the proliferation of positions open to telecommuters is the increase of more sophisticated work-from-home scams. Findings from a FlexJobs survey of over 2,600 workers indicates that one-fifth of millennials have been scammed when seeking work-from-home positions—even more than seniors (the group previously thought to be the most susceptible). Part of the problem is that scammers get more sophisticated every year, says Sutton Fell. “Gone are the days when a scam could be assumed to be fairly obvious to anyone with a healthy dose of skepticism,” she explains, “Yet, many job seekers don’t realize this, and so they still feel confident that they would know a scam if they saw one and would be able to avoid them.” Sutton Fell also points out that scammers have broadened their target audience from jobs for more unskilled jobs such as mystery shopping, envelope stuffing, and check processing, to more professional opportunities in a wide variety of career types and with name-brand companies. “By impersonating trusted companies like these, scammers are able to get unsuspecting job seekers to let their guard down much faster, and to successfully get personal information from them more easily,” she says. Be careful on LinkedIn and other job boards. Just because something is on LinkedIn, Indeed, or another well-known job board, doesn’t mean that the job posting or recruiter has been verified for the site. For example, in a statement Indeed says it uses a “dedicated search quality team…deploying a variety of techniques to assess the suitability and validity of job listings [removing] tens of millions of job listings each month that do not meet our quality guidelines.” Indeed also says it encourages job seekers to report any suspicious advertisements to them or to the police. That said, rooting out scammers on job sites is akin to “playing whack-a-mole,” says Planos, as new ones keep cropping up, and veteran scammers keep evolving. Don’t pay. You shouldn’t have to pay to obtain gainful employment. If you’re asked for money upfront to cover training, recruiting fees, or miscellaneous expenses, this is a clear warning the job offer very likely isn’t legitimate. “If you’re ever asked to get a check and deposit it and then send money out, it’s a scam. If you’re ever asked to purchase prepaid gift cards . . . it is 100% a scam,” says Nofziger. Same goes for new employers asking you to use cryptocurrency machines or to immediately supply them with bank account information or Venmo details. For a legitimate job, direct deposit would be set up after you’re hired. Scrutinize emails and research recruiters. If you receive an email about a job opportunity, always click on the sender’s email address to confirm that it is actually associated with the company. Tessian research found that only about half of people pay attention to the sender’s email address when they check messages, but this is often an important clue. Most companies larger than a mom-and-pop shop will have a corporate email domain, so you can expect emails to come from that domain rather than a personal email account. For example, johndoe@fastcompany.com not johndoefastcompany@gmail.com. Check the company’s website. When you apply through a third-party site or get contacted by a recruiter about a job. Go to the organization’s website to confirm the job opening is there and look for information on hiring procedures and policies. When in doubt, call the company to confirm legitimacy using the contact information that they’ve provided on their website only. Additionally, Google the hiring company using the company name only. If you see multiple websites for the same company, that should serve as a warning. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also suggests running a Web search with the company’s name and the word “scam.” This will let you know if the company has scammed people before, or if a well-known company is aware of scammers using their name. To combat job scams, some organizations are offering information on their websites about what types of messages they will and won’t send during the hiring process. Companies that have had their name used for scams in the past are especially likely to have this information readily available. For example, GE has a dedicated page on its website explaining how to identify a fraudulent job offer. With the GE name and logo featured prominently, “The perpetrators will often ask recipients to complete bogus recruitment documentation, such as application forms, terms and conditions of employment, or visa forms.” UnitedHealth Group experienced a similar unauthorized use of its name and logo in phony job ads. “Cybercriminals post their ads on legitimate job sites and often use familiar-looking or convincing company logos, language, and links to fake websites that appear to be real,” a company spokesperson writes. “These sites might also charge fees for services. Typically, after a few days the thieves close down the scam and disappear.” Trust your gut. If the offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Check Google, and search for the recruiter’s details. If they don’t match up, or if they don’t exist, treat this as a giant red flag. Also, avoid meetings and interviews that are conducted via social media or generic platforms such as Google Hangouts. Confirm with the company directly. Sharing information for a background check can be tricky because there are companies that require this. However, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact the company directly and confirm they are requesting a background check and are actively working with the recruiter. By the time you get to this stage, the hiring company is already aware of who you are. They’ll be happy to confirm the need for a background check, as well as verify the recruiter. The key to stopping scams like these are keeping a level head, doing a gut check, and having the confidence to verify requests and offers. If you push a scammer too hard to verify details, they’ll fold and “revoke” the offer. But legitimate recruiters and job seekers will have no problem proving themselves to you in a way that leaves no room for suspicion. What to do if you’ve been scammed If you fall prey to any of these scams, there are a few steps you’ll want to take. Check and monitor your credit: First, keep a close eye on your financial accounts for fraudulent activity and set up credit monitoring to ensure no one uses your personal information. (Consider a credit freeze, which prevents new credit from being issued without your direct permission.) Report the scam: Report the incident to the website where the job was posted, as well as the company being spoofed. And report the incident to your local FBI field office or the Internet Crime Complaint Center. If you act quickly enough, you might be able to prevent the scammers from taking advantage of the information they obtained. Move forward: Besides costing Ramos money to ship out packages, getting involved in a hiring scam affected him psychologically. “It makes me feel like I cannot really trust [anybody] anymore,” he says. He’s still looking for work, but more cautiously. But to find a new job, Ramos has had to bounce back: “You’ve just got to pick up the pieces and move on.” Coming forward as a victim, Nofziger and Planos agree, is one of the best ways to stop scammers, because it helps others identify red flags. But the shame of falling for an employment scam can keep victims quiet. Job hunting is stressful enough, but when the job you’re hoping for turns out to be a scam, the sense of embarrassment and loss compounds things. For employers, employment scams can create reputation and compliance problems, since criminals will leverage established brands for legitimacy. Chris Morris, Jessica Klein, Steve Ragan, and Lydia Dishman also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article and a previous version. View the full article

It's officially tax season. After filing your 2024 federal tax return—ideally for free—you're probably eager to get some money back. The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline. Luckily, the IRS makes it easy to check the status of your refund online. Here's everything you need to know to track your 2024 federal tax refund. Wait at least 24 hours after filing The IRS needs time to process your tax return, so you'll have to be patient before checking your refund status. If you e-filed, you can check as soon as 24 hours after the IRS received your tax return. For paper returns, you'll need to wait at least four weeks before checking. Have your information readyTo check your refund status, you'll need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount you're expecting. Use the IRS2Go App or IRS.gov website The IRS offers a mobile app called IRS2Go and an online refund tracking tool. Both allow you to check the status of your federal tax refund. On the IRS2Go app, you'll tap "Refund Status" and enter your information. On the irs.gov/refunds page, click "Check My Refund Status." Understand the refund status meaningThe IRS provides a refund status that explains where your refund is in the process: Return Received: The return is being processed. Refund Approved: The refund has been approved and is in the queue for payment. Refund Sent: The refund payment has been sent. Also check for a refund date if your refund was approved to get the expected deposit or mailing date. Be patient for your refund Most tax refunds are issued by the IRS within 21 days. However, the IRS says refund times can vary depending on volume. Requesting your refund by direct deposit is faster than waiting for a paper check. What if it’s been longer than 21 days?Don’t file a second tax return. If it’s been more than 21 days since e-filing, the IRS recommends you call them. The “Where’s My Refund?” tracker will also prompt you to call the IRS if need be. Unfortunately, calling the IRS isn’t always a breezy, reliable solution. Once you build the resolve to call the IRS, here’s our guide to increase your odds of getting to a real human on the other end of the line. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Whether you're worried about hurricanes, fires, or winter storms, a little bit of preparation can go a long way to making your home more resilient to extreme weather. Taking the time to plan ahead will make it safer and more comfortable to hunker down if an emergency occurs. Here are some home updates you can do yourself to keep yourself and your home safe. Check drainage and gradingWhen there is a deluge of rainwater or water from melting ice or snow, it can test the strength of the water barriers on your foundation and siding. One way to give your home a fighting chance in a wet environment is to ensure that you have proper drainage around your home. To check out your drainage, take a look at the grading near your house. The ground should slope gently away from any structure at a ratio of about one inch per foot of distance for about the first 10 feet away from your foundation. To measure the grade, you can use two stakes, some mason’s line, and a line level. Drive in one stake next to your foundation and another about 10 feet away, and tie the string to the stakes at an equal distance from the ground at each end, making sure it is stretched taut. You should mark on the stake farther from your foundation where the line is tied off and then place your line level on the string. Slide the string up from its spot until the bubble on the level is centered and then measure the distance you moved it. That measurement will tell you if your slope is at least one inch down for each foot of distance from the house. If you have any spots where ridges have formed that direct water back toward your house, you can shovel away any excess dirt to create a slope away from the foundation. Improve gutters and downspoutsKeeping your gutters and downspouts clear can help to protect your roof from water damage and keep your siding dry. Checking your gutters for sags or valleys where water can escape the planned path and adding gutter hangers where there are areas that need more support will improve the efficiency of your gutters and help protect your roof from moisture. Strengthening the connection between the gutter and the house will also make it more wind-tolerant, decreasing the likelihood that the gutter will separate from the roof in high winds. You can make your downspouts more weather-resistant by adding a hinged downspout extension that can direct water away from your house. The hinge allows you to move the extension out of the way for weeding or mowing. Remove landscaping hazardsTo guard against damage from fires and keep your siding clear and dry, you should cut shrubs and other plants at least one foot away from your structure. Keeping your yard clear of dry brush that could fuel a fire will reduce the likelihood of a brush fire or grass fire damaging your house. Another landscaping option for fire resilience is to use hardscaping like rocks and gravel close to your house and keep plants at a distance of 10 feet or more from the house. This will reduce the available fuel in a fire, making your home less susceptible to damage. Add storm windowsWhile replacing your windows can be expensive, adding storm windows can have a variety of benefits, including making your house more resistant to high temperatures and making your windows safer in a storm with high winds. Storm windows can be installed using a screw gun and some basic hand tools if you have a bit of DIY know-how, and they tend to be much cheaper than replacement windows, averaging between $80 and $185 per window. You can save on heating and cooling costs without replacing your windows, make your windows safer in high winds, and add a layer of protection against objects like falling branches with this DIY update. Install a backup power sourcePower outages can be a part of most types of extreme weather events and natural disasters, so you can improve comfort and safety in an emergency by adding backup power. While whole-house generators tend to be expensive and require professional installation, a portable power station can run many home appliances without the need to call in a pro, and you can find one for around $700. Modern electric power stations have the advantage of not emitting fumes, so they can be run indoors without risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Portable power stations are also often solar compatible, allowing them to be connected to portable solar panels for charging in the event that the power is out for longer than a day or two. View the full article

As consumers, most of us hate receiving a cold call from a sales team. Who has time to talk to some random person about buying something you didn’t even want? Yet the telemarketing calls continue. Why do they keep calling? The answer is simple. Cold calling works. Telemarketing is a highly effective sales tool, but there are still tricks and tips for how to cold call successfully. Best Cold Calling Tips and Techniques Sales teams tend to dread making cold calls, so how can a sales manager better equip their reps to make more effective sales calls to cold prospects? Fortunately, there are plenty of cold-calling techniques that really work. Check out the following 15 best cold-calling tips to boost your conversions: Conduct Pre-call Research Cold calling involves hard data. To effectively communicate your sales pitch, you have to have some understanding of the prospect on the phone. Don’t expect to find success calling random numbers and speaking to whoever happens to answer the phone. Cold calling must be done strategically. Who is on the other end of the line, and what makes them a target customer? Write a Cold Calling Script Unsuccessful cold calls often lack both structure and direction, which can be challenging to achieve without a well-crafted cold call script. Sales representatives who develop cold calling scripts for their pitches can enhance conversion rates by incorporating every essential element of a successful cold call into their telemarketing strategies. Schedule Best Calling Times What is the optimal time for cold calling? Research indicates that cold calls tend to be more effective on certain days and at specific times. Cold callers are more likely to secure an appointment or close a sale on Wednesdays or Thursdays, according to InsideSales.com. Additionally, studies suggest that the best time for a cold caller to connect with a prospect is between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.—definitely not first thing on a Monday morning! Test Opening Lines A prospect will decide whether or not the call is worthwhile within just a few seconds, so the cold calling opening line can make or break the sales pitch. Successful sales professionals will write and practice a variety of opening lines, then take note of which are most successful during their cold calls. Remember, while you want to capture your lead’s attention, initially stating the purpose of the call increases conversion rates. Aim for Longer Cold Calls Short cold calls usually are not successful cold calls. In fact, cold calls resulting in a sale or an appointment generally last about twice as long as their counterparts, but how many sales reps create cold calling scripts of that length? When crafting a cold calling script, be sure to plan for the entire structure of the call, including a hook, touching prospects’ pain points, a value proposition, and a call to action. Don’t forget to prepare ways to overcome a variety of sales objections. Practice Your Sales Technique Don’t assume that you can develop an effective sales script and instantly use it for successful cold calls. It’s essential to sound confident right from the first ring to impress potential buyers. Sales, like any other skill, requires practice to master. Before making your calls, practice your cold calling technique and prepare for various responses from prospects. After your calls, evaluate which aspects of your selling process worked well and make adjustments to your approach. Use Your Best Closing Line Remember, many sales are closed sometime after the first cold calling post. Therefore, your closing line can be just as important to your success rate as your opening line. Create and practice your best closing line, and be sure you leave your prospects wondering why they didn’t already close the deal with you. The lead will remember your pitch and be waiting for your next call. Schedule a Follow-up The follow-up call is a crucial part of the sales process and an essential component of cold calling. In fact, only about 2% of sales occur during the initial cold call. This means that without follow-up calls or appointments, 98% of potential deals could be lost. Be ready to leave professional and courteous voicemails for prospects, and make sure to schedule callbacks at times when they are available. Keep It Professional Understanding your target customers and communicating with them appropriately is crucial. Are you contacting consumers or involved in B2B cold calling? Are you addressing an executive-level decision-maker? Ensure that your cold calling script and conversation align with the necessary level of professionalism. Although some small talk can be suitable, a professional telemarketer will quickly redirect the cold call back to its main objective. State Your Full Name Seems like this should go without saying, but successful sales reps making cold calls provide their full names as well as the name of their company at the beginning of the call. It sets a professional tone for the sales call and allows even new salespeople to maintain control of the call from the start. Callers who use their full name command respect. If the prospect has to ask for this information, the telemarketer has surrendered the conversation. Include an Enticing Value Proposition At the heart of every cold call is the value proposition. What does the sales rep have to offer the prospect, and how will it benefit their life or business? While it’s important to capture prospects’ attention and touch on their pain point, the cold call will not result in a follow-up if the caller doesn’t offer value of interest. Master Your Tone While a cold calling script is important, it’s not always what you say but how you say it that matters when developing sales skills. Sales reps who sound bored aren’t going to attract much interest among their leads. Prospects won’t get excited to hear about a product from a cold caller who sounds angry, sad or annoyed. When rehearsing your cold calling script, be sure to practice mastering your tone of voice. Highlight Exclusivity and Urgency In your pitch, highlight any exclusive offers or time-sensitive opportunities. Instilling a sense of urgency can motivate prospects to take action quickly. However, it’s important to use this strategy authentically and not as a manipulative tactic. Offer Solutions, Not Just Products Focus on how your product or service can solve a specific problem or improve the prospect’s situation. People are more interested in solutions to their challenges than in the product details. Tailoring your conversation to address these solutions can make your call more impactful. End with a Clear Next Step Always conclude the call with a clear and agreed-upon next step, whether it’s a follow-up call, sending additional information, or scheduling a meeting. This ensures that both parties have a mutual understanding of what’s expected moving forward. Read More: Cold Calling Services How to Cold Call The prospect of making a cold call might be nerve-wracking, but the process of cold calling is simple. Just gather your list of sales team prospects – or let your cold-calling software do it for you – and start talking! Not sure how to approach cold calling? Simply follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how you ever made sales without this effective pitch: Know your prospect – Pre-call research is vital to making the cold call. Be aware of who you are contacting before making a cold call. Use a creative opening line – Write multiple opening lines for different types of prospects, and choose one opening line to use before placing the cold call. Hit on your prospect’s pain points – Why should the prospect care about what you have to say? Make cold calls matter to your leads by touching on their paint points. Offer a value proposition – What do you have to offer your prospective customer? Every successful cold call must include a value proposition that matters to the potential customer. Deliver a call to action – Never assume your prospect knows why you’re calling them. In fact, they might be waiting for you to ask! If the reason for the call is a sale, then ask for it. If the call is to set up a follow-up sales appointment, then include that task in your call to action. Request a follow up – Few cold calls result in a sale on the first attempt. In fact, many result in no contact at all. When leaving a voicemail, be sure and request a follow-up meeting. Also, request a follow-up meeting for prospects who don’t have time to talk or who express hesitation about closing a deal. StepDescription Know your prospectConduct pre-call research to understand who you are contacting before making the cold call. This helps personalize the conversation and increases the chances of a positive response. Use a creative opening linePrepare multiple opening lines tailored to different types of prospects. Choose the most engaging and relevant one to make a strong first impression and capture the prospect's interest. Hit on your prospect's pain pointsIdentify the pain points or challenges your prospect may be facing. During the call, address these pain points to demonstrate how your product or service can provide solutions and add value. Offer a value propositionClearly articulate what you have to offer to the prospective customer. Present a compelling value proposition that addresses their needs and demonstrates the benefits of choosing your product or service. Deliver a call to actionAvoid assuming the prospect's understanding of the purpose of the call. Clearly state the desired action, whether it's making a purchase, scheduling a follow-up appointment, or any other specific next step. Request a follow-upAcknowledge that not all cold calls result in an immediate sale and request a follow-up meeting. Leave a voicemail asking for a return call or schedule a follow-up appointment for further discussion and relationship-building. What is Cold Calling? What is cold calling? Also commonly called telemarketing, cold calling occurs when sales reps connect for a sales conversation, usually via telephone, with potential customers with whom they’ve had no prior contact and who have not requested the information or expressed any prior interest in the product or service being sold. To achieve the best sales call results, teams often rely on cold calling scripts when engaging in telemarketing activities. Does Cold Calling Work? Cold calling has been going on since the invention of the telephone, and it is still an effective sales strategy. According to professional marketer Charlie Cook, about 2% of cold calls result in a sale, which wouldn’t be great if there wasn’t the potential to make massive amounts of cold calls every day. After all, 82% of buyers say they’ve accepted sales meetings after receiving a cold call. The Benefits of Cold Calling Companies use cold calling as a sales strategy for a variety of reasons, and telemarketing provides brands with multiple benefits, including: Cold calling provides a human touch to a sales interaction. People respond to other humans, and the interaction in a telephone call can’t be duplicated with creative keystrokes. Cold calling allows brands to identify target customers. Cold calling allows sales reps to quickly determine the decision maker, so they can focus their time on selling to the right person before setting an appointment. Cold calling results offer valuable and informative data. Brands can analyze the outcomes of their cold-calling campaigns to gather crucial insights about their potential clients and to understand which aspects of their strategies are effective. Cold calls increase conversions. They directly lead to sales. The higher the number of cold calls a sales representative makes daily, the greater the potential for setting sales appointments, which can ultimately result in closed deals. How many cold calls can your sales teams make? Read More: Cold Calling Scripts Cold Calling Vs. Warm Calling What distinguishes cold calling from warm calling? The key factor is interest. In warm calling, the prospect has already shown interest in the product or service, which may occur through actions like visiting a website, subscribing to a newsletter, or interacting with a sales representative. In contrast, cold calling targets leads who have not shown any interest and have no previous association with the brand. While warm calling often leads to higher conversion rates, it requires more effort to gather leads compared to the research needed for cold calling tips. Is cold calling illegal? Cold calling and cold calling services are entirely legal in the United States, however there are restrictions on who can be called and during what times. For example, if a prospect has asked a company to no longer call them – or if they’ve registered for the Do Not Call Registry, those wishes must be obliged. In some other countries, such as the United Kingdom, for example, cold calling is illegal. Is cold calling dead? While strategies have changed in recent years, cold calling is alive and well. Buyers – and the entire buying process, however, have changed in the 21st century, and they are more informed than in the past, thanks to their access to the World Wide Web. Therefore, it’s become more important for cold callers to do their research and qualify prospective customers as best possible to capture a prospect’s attention. Conclusion Despite the common aversion to receiving cold calls, cold calling remains a powerful and effective sales tool. Cold calling allows sales teams to engage with potential customers who have not expressed prior interest in their products or services. By following the 12 best cold calling tips and techniques, sales reps can significantly improve their success rates and conversions. The benefits of cold calling include providing a human touch to sales interactions, identifying target customers efficiently, and gathering valuable data for future marketing strategies. Cold calling can lead to successful conversions and appointments when executed strategically. To achieve success in cold calling, sales reps must conduct pre-call research, create and practice a well-structured cold calling script, and schedule calls at optimal times for increased response rates. Engaging opening lines, longer calls that cover pain points and value propositions, and masterful use of tone are crucial for effective communication. Follow-up calls play a crucial role in the sales process, as the majority of deals require further interaction beyond the initial cold call. Sales professionals must maintain a professional tone, offer enticing value propositions, and master the art of closing lines to leave a lasting impact on their prospects. While cold calling is legal in the United States and many other countries, there are regulations regarding call recipients’ preferences and times of calling. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for ethical and effective cold-calling practices. In contrast to warm calling, where prospects have shown prior interest, cold calling requires thorough research and qualification to capture prospects’ attention in today’s informed buying landscape. In conclusion, when conducted with a strategic approach and following best practices, cold calling remains a relevant and effective sales strategy. By mastering the art of cold calling, sales teams can build valuable connections with potential customers and drive business growth. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Boost Sales with these Effective Cold Calling Tips" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Leader Key is a popular concept in coding, and it essentially works like a hotkey. In old-school text editor VIM, a leader key is a shortcut starter, a first button to begin a special command. For example, it's similar to how you might enter the "#" key on your TV remote before pressing a code, to enter a hidden menu. Now, The Leader Key Mac app brings the same concept to your entire Mac. You press a predefined shortcut, and then a single key afterward to quickly execute a mapped action. In practice, this means you might press the Globe key and the Right Command key, then S to quickly open the Safari browser. It's similar to the default keyboard shortcuts you're probably already used to, but much more customizable and versatile. Of course, you can do the same thing using many keyboard launchers, like Raycast, or even Spotlight Search. But Leader Key is fast. Lightning fast. In the span of two key presses, your app is open, boom. And it's not just limited to apps. You can use it to open URLs (works with any apps that expose URLs to third-party apps) and trigger commands or scripts. It essentially makes everything on your Mac just a few keystrokes away. The app is free and open source. It takes a bit of time to set things up in a way you like, but it's worth it. How to create custom keyboard shortcuts using Leader KeyOnce Leader Key is installed and enabled, you'll find it in the menu bar. Click on its menu bar icon (it looks like a square with a dot in the middle) and choose the Preferences icon. Here, choose a button combination to be your shortcut starter (or leader key) and enable the app at login. Next, start by creating some actions. Ideally, you'll be using Leader Key to launch a lot of different apps, so assigning the "S" key for both Slack and Safari won't work. This is where Groups can help. First, click on Add Group and assign that group a key. For example, I'll create a group for Browsers and assign it "B". Credit: Khamosh Pathak In your new group, click Add Action. Then, assign that action a key. For example, I'll use "F" to open Firefox. Next, choose Application from the drop-down menu. Then click the Choose button, and from Finder, select the app you want to map and click Open. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Now, repeat this process to add more actions in the group (like adding all the browsers that you switch between), or to create global actions. You can also use it to directly open Folders as well (a quick way to open project folders that you use often). Once you are done customizing, click the Save to File button to save all your customizations. Now, you'll be able to open your assigned apps or folders by quickly pressing your leader key, then your group key, then your action key in succession. If an action isn't assigned to a group, it's even simpler— just press your leader key and the action key. Supercharge Leader Key with Raycast Deep LinksAs mentioned above, Leader Key isn't limited to applications. You can assign it to open URLs and commands, linking directly to a part of an app. As long as an app exposes a URL scheme, you can paste it in as an action (make sure to select URL) as the action. This works for many apps, but Raycast makes the process really easy using its Deep Links feature. If you have your Raycast extensions and actions set already, you can copy the deep link for any action with ease. For example, I'm going to create a shortcut to access the Cobalt for Raycast extension for downloading media online. Open Raycast and search for the action or extension you want to assign a shortcut to. Press Command + K to view all actions, and then use the Shift + Command + C keyboard shortcut to copy the Deep Link. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Then, go to Leader Key Preferences, create a new action, and choose URL action from the dropdown. Paste in the Deep Link URL. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Now, you can access that particular action inside Raycast with just a single key press. View the full article

With its powerful camera, the French Navy surveillance plane scouring the Baltic Sea zoomed in on a cargo ship plowing the waters below—closer, closer, and closer still until the camera operator could make out details on the vessel’s front deck and smoke pouring from its chimney. The long-range Atlantique 2 aircraft on a new mission for NATO then shifted its high-tech gaze onto another target, and another after that until, after more than five hours on patrol, the plane’s array of sensors had scoped out the bulk of the Baltic—from Germany in the west to Estonia in the northeast, bordering Russia. The flight’s mere presence in the skies above the strategic sea last week, combined with military ships patrolling on the waters, also sent an unmistakable message: The NATO alliance is ratcheting up its guard against suspected attempts to sabotage underwater energy and data cables and pipelines that crisscross the Baltic, prompted by a growing catalogue of incidents that have damaged them. “We will do everything in our power to make sure that we fight back, that we are able to see what is happening and then take the next steps to make sure that it doesn’t happen again. And our adversaries should know this,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said this month in announcing a new alliance mission, dubbed “Baltic Sentry,” to protect the underwater infrastructure vital to the economic well-being of Baltic-region nations. What’s under the Baltic? Power and communications cables and gas pipelines stitch together the nine countries with shores on the Baltic, a relatively shallow and nearly landlocked sea. A few examples are the 152-kilometer (94-mile) Balticconnector pipeline that carries gas between Finland and Estonia, the high-voltage Baltic Cable connecting the power grids of Sweden and Germany, and the 1,173-kilometer (729-mile) C-Lion1 telecommunications cable between Finland and Germany. Why are cables important? Undersea pipes and cables help power economies, keep houses warm, and connect billions of people. More than 1.3 million kilometers (807,800 miles) of fiber optic cables—more than enough to stretch to the moon and back—span the world’s oceans and seas, according to TeleGeography, which tracks and maps the vital communication networks. The cables are typically the width of a garden hose. But 97% of the world’s communications, including trillions of dollars of financial transactions, pass through them each day. “In the last two months alone, we have seen damage to a cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden, another connecting Germany and Finland, and most recently, a number of cables linking Estonia and Finland. Investigations of all of these cases are still ongoing. But there is reason for grave concern,” Rutte said on January 14. What’s causing alarm? At least 11 Baltic cables have been damaged since October 2023—the most recent being a fiber optic cable connecting Latvia and the Swedish island of Gotland, reported to have ruptured on Sunday. Although cable operators note that subsea cable damage is commonplace, the frequency and concentration of incidents in the Baltic heightened suspicions that damage might have been deliberate. There also are fears that Russia could target cables as part of a wider campaign of so-called “hybrid warfare” to destabilize European nations helping Ukraine defend itself against the full-scale invasion that Moscow has been pursuing since 2022. Without specifically blaming Russia, Rutte said: “Hybrid means sabotage. Hybrid means cyberattacks. Hybrid means sometimes even assassination attacks, attempts, and in this case, it means hitting on our critical undersea infrastructure.” Finnish police suspect that the Eagle S, an oil tanker that damaged the Estlink 2 power cable and two other communications cables linking Finland and Estonia on Dec. 25th, is part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet” used to avoid war-related sanctions on Russian oil exports. Finnish authorities seized the tanker shortly after it left a Russian port and apparently cut the cables by dragging its anchor. Finnish investigators allege the ship left an almost 100-kilometer (62-mile) long anchor trail on the seabed. Intelligence agencies’ doubts Several Western intelligence officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of their work, told the Associated Press that recent damage was most likely accidental, seemingly caused by anchors being dragged by ships that were poorly maintained and poorly crewed. One senior intelligence official told AP that ships’ logs and mechanical failures with ships’ anchors were among “multiple indications” pointing away from Russian sabotage. The official said Russian cables were also severed. Another Western official, also speaking anonymously to discuss intelligence matters, said Russia sent an intelligence-gathering vessel to the site of one cable rupture to investigate the damage. The Washington Post first reported on the emerging consensus among U.S. and European security services that maritime accidents likely caused recent damage. Cable operators advise caution The European Subsea Cables Association, representing cable owners and operators, noted in November after faults were reported on two Baltic links that, on average, a subsea cable is damaged somewhere in the world every three days. In northern European waters, the main causes of damage are commercial fishing or ship anchors, it said. In the fiber-optic cable rupture on Sunday connecting Latvia and Sweden, Swedish authorities detained a Maltese-flagged ship bound for South America with a cargo of fertilizer. Navibulgar, a Bulgarian company that owns the Vezhen, said any damage was unintentional and that the ship’s crew discovered while navigating in extremely bad weather that its left anchor appeared to have dragged on the seabed. NATO’s ‘Baltic Sentry’ mission The alliance is deploying warships, maritime patrol aircraft and naval drones for the mission to provide “enhanced surveillance and deterrence.” Aboard the French Navy surveillance flight, the 14-member crew cross-checked ships they spotted from the air against lists of vessels they had been ordered to watch for. “If we witness some suspicious activities from ships as sea—for example, ships at very low speed or at anchorage in a position that they shouldn’t be at this time—so this is something we can see,” said the flight commander, Lt. Alban, whose surname was withheld by the French military for security reasons. “We can have a very close look with our sensors to see what is happening.” Burrows reported from London. AP journalists Jill Lawless in London, David Klepper in Washington and Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria, contributed to this report. —John Leicester and Emma Burrows, Associated Press View the full article