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Yesterday, shockwaves rippled across the American tech industry after news spread over the weekend about a powerful new large language model (LLM) from China called DeepSeek. News of DeepSeek’s capabilities—not to mention the fact that it is open-source and free for anyone to use and modify—sent U.S. markets reeling, including the tech-heavy Nasdaq, which saw $1 trillion evaporate from its market cap as AI-adjacent stocks such as Nvidia and Broadcom were hit hard. U.S.-listed shares of TSMC, which trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), also took a dive. But today, some of those stocks are recovering, at least to a degree. Here’s what you need to know about DeepSeek and its latest market impact. ‘DeepSeek R1 is AI’s Sputnik moment.’ Investor and engineer Marc Andreessen posted on X yesterday that ‘Deepseek R1 is AI’s Sputnik moment.’ DeepSeek R1 is the Chinese firm’s latest reasoning mode. “AI’s Sputnik moment” refers to the time when the Soviets leapfrogged the U.S. in the space race with the launch of the world’s first satellite, a milestone that caught America off guard. https://twitter.com/pmarca/status/1883640142591853011 Andreessen and many other tech experts seem to believe that DeepSeek is a similar milestone—and for several reasons. First, not only did DeepSeek’s AI model outperform reigning U.S. champions like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s Llama, but it was made at a fraction of the cost that U.S. tech giants spent developing their homegrown LLMs. DeepSeek reportedly cost less than $6 million to train, while U.S. tech giants have spent hundreds of millions or billions to develop theirs. Second, DeepSeek was reportedly trained on midrange AI hardware—Nvidia’s H800 chips. It was previously thought that a model with such industry-defining capabilities couldn’t be trained on anything but the latest high-end chipsets. Third, DeepSeek’s LLM is also more energy efficient, making it more environmentally friendly—not to mention cheaper to run. These three factors made it appear that America’s tech giants vastly overspent on training their LLMs, which now appear to be inferior to DeepSeek. This also suggests that America’s major tech giants operating in the AI space, including OpenAI, Meta, and Google, aren’t as impenetrable to competition as once thought. When the financial barrier to entry into creating an LLM that could compete with America’s best models was thought to be relatively high—a company would need hundreds of millions or billions in capital to enter the race—it gave America’s tech giants a competition buffer. Not many other tech companies, and certainly not upstarts, would have the financial resources to compete. But now, if they can compete for just a few million dollars, America’s AI tech giants might have a lot more competition in the months ahead, threatening their AI dominance. Why did DeepSeek knock $1 trillion off U.S. markets? After news of DeepSeek’s achievements spread, U.S. markets sank yesterday, especially the tech-heavy Nasdaq. By the end of the day, the Nasdaq had lost $1 trillion. The majority of that loss came from a sell-off of Nvidia shares. As noted by CNBC, Nvidia’s stock (Nasdaq: NVDA) plummeted nearly 17% yesterday, which wiped almost $600 billion from its market cap. Other AI-adjacent stocks like chipmaker Broadcom Inc. (Nasdaq: AVGO) fell over 17%, and OpenAI’s largest investor, Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT), fell over 2%. These and falls in other AI-related tech stocks helped account for that $1 trillion loss. As for why DeepSeek sent shares tumbling, it’s because its existence—including how little it cost to train and the inferior hardware it was trained on—is a threat to the interests of some of the reigning American AI giants. If advanced AI models can now be trained on lower-spec hardware, why should companies keep shoveling money to Nvidia for their latest, most costly chips? And if any company can create a high-performance LLM for a fraction of the cost that was once thought to be required, America’s AI giants are about to have much more competition than ever imagined. That kind of news scares investors who have invested heavily in America’s AI tech giants over the past few years. How are U.S. tech stocks reacting this morning? The good news for tech-heavy investors is that in premarket trading this morning, many U.S. tech stocks that plummeted yesterday are recovering today, albeit slightly. As of the time of this writing, Nvidia shares are up about 5% over yesterday’s close. Broadcom shares are up about 3.4%. TSMC shares are up about 3.2%. However, shares in Microsoft and in chip-tooling maker ASML are relatively flat. This doesn’t necessarily mean DeepSeek’s effect on U.S. stock markets is over. Today’s slight recovery of yesterday’s biggest losers likely suggests that some investors are seemingly catching their collective breaths as they wait to see how America’s AI leaders respond to “AI’s Sputnik moment” as the week continues. View the full article

If you’ve ever wondered how much a bar manager makes, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re researching how to open a bar and want to understand the costs or are considering a new career, this article explores the intricacies of bar manager salaries, shedding light on the earning potential of this dynamic role within the hospitality industry. Get ready to uncover valuable insights about the compensation of bar managers nationwide. Role of a Bar Manager The role of a bar manager is crucial in the hospitality industry, specifically in the operation of a bar. They are the glue that holds all aspects of the bar together, ensuring smooth operations, high-quality service, and a positive working environment. As you’ve mentioned, their specific responsibilities may vary based on your bar’s unique business plan, but there are common tasks and functions that most bar managers oversee. Below are some specific aspects of a bar manager’s role: Overseeing Daily Operations: Bar managers are responsible for the overall operation of the bar daily. This includes everything from opening and closing procedures to overseeing all bar-related activities throughout the day. Managing Staff: This role involves hiring, training, scheduling, and supervising bar staff. They may conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to foster an environment of continuous improvement. Maintaining Inventory: They are in charge of managing bar inventory, which involves ordering supplies, maintaining appropriate stock levels, minimizing waste, and controlling costs. Handling Customer Service: They handle customer complaints and issues, ensuring customers are satisfied with their experience. They set the standard for service within the bar. Financial Management: Bar managers are typically responsible for managing the bar’s finances, including cash handling, managing the daily cash flow, keeping track of sales, and minimizing costs to maximize profitability. Enforcing Compliance: They ensure that the bar adheres to local laws and regulations, including alcohol service and safety standards. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere: By setting the tone and atmosphere of the bar, managers help create a welcoming and enjoyable environment for patrons. Upholding Quality Standards: They ensure that drinks are correctly made and served and that service meets or exceeds industry standards. Marketing and Promotion: They often assist in the development and execution of marketing strategies, events, and promotions to attract more customers. Their role requires a combination of leadership, organization, and communication skills, along with a strong understanding of the hospitality industry and customer service. A successful bar manager helps ensure a bar’s success and significantly contributes to delivering exceptional experiences that keep patrons coming back. Average Bar Manager Salary in the U.S. Bar managers in the United States earn $50,000 to $56,000 annually on average. Factors like experience, location, and bar type influence their salary. For example, San Francisco bar managers make around $76,995 yearly; in Illinois, the average is below $43,000. Other factors, like bonuses and tips, affect total compensation. How Much Do Bar Managers Make Per Hour? Bar managers typically earn an average hourly wage of $19, with the current wage average being $25.49. While this amount may vary depending on factors such as experience and location, it provides an idea of their earning potential. It’s worth noting that some bar managers may receive a salary instead of being paid by the hour. The bar manager’s salary can reflect these variations. Exploring Variations in Bar Manager Salaries by State Bar manager salaries vary significantly across different states, offering a diverse range of earning potential for professionals in this field. Delve into the disparities as we highlight the states with the highest and lowest bar manager salaries. States with the Highest Bar Manager Salary Certain locations provide bar managers with lucrative compensation well above the national average. New York boasts an average annual salary of $70,384. And while Washington, DC isn’t a state, bar managers make a good salary there, averaging about $65,733 per year. Highest Paying LocationsAverage Annual Salary 1.New York$70,384 2.Washington, DC (not a state)$65,733 States with the Lowest Bar Manager Salaries On the other end of the spectrum, several states offer bar managers salaries below the national average. Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia fall into this category, with an average bar manager salary of about $44,000 per year in each state. Lowest Paying LocationsAverage Annual Salary 1.Texas$44,000 2.Florida$44,000 3.Georgia$44,000 4.North Carolina$44,000 5.Virginia$44,000 Potential Earnings When Owning a Bar If you’re thinking about owning a bar, then it’s important to know what affects your potential earnings. Let’s look at three key aspects below… Factors Impacting the Salary of a Bar-Owning Manager A wide range of factors can influence the salary of a bar manager. Here are some of them: Location: The geographic location of the bar can significantly impact a bar manager’s salary. Bars situated in bustling city centers, tourist areas, or locations with a high cost of living typically generate more revenue and can afford to pay their managers higher salaries. Conversely, bars in rural areas or locations with a lower cost of living might have lower revenues, potentially leading to lower salaries for bar managers. Size of the Bar: The size of the bar can significantly impact a bar manager’s salary. Larger establishments usually accommodate more patrons, resulting in increased revenues, which can lead to higher salaries for the managers. Bar Popularity: A bar’s reputation and popularity significantly affect its profitability. Bars that are well-liked and frequently visited by patrons will generate more revenue and can afford to pay their managers more. Experience and Education: The education and experience a bar manager possesses can significantly influence their salary. Individuals with extensive experience demonstrated management abilities, or pertinent educational backgrounds are likely to earn higher bar manager salaries. Profitability of the Bar: The overall profitability of the bar is a significant factor. If the bar is successful and has a high-profit margin, the manager’s salary could be higher. Business Model: The specific business model of the bar also matters. For example, bars with high-priced drinks or upscale services may generate more revenue and pay their managers higher salaries than a budget-friendly pub. Ownership Status: When the bar manager is also the owner, they might receive a portion of the profits rather than a conventional salary, which can greatly affect their earnings. Tip Policy: The policy on tips, as mentioned earlier, can also influence a bar manager’s overall income. If managers are included in a tip pool or receive tips directly, this can supplement their base salary. Understanding these factors can help prospective bar managers negotiate their salaries and set realistic expectations for their earnings in this role. What Does a Typical Bar Manager Career Path Look Like? A bar manager’s career path is often a blend of hands-on industry experience, formal education, and the development of key skills. Here’s a more detailed look at what that journey might entail: Entry-Level Positions in the Hospitality Industry: Individuals often start their careers in entry-level roles like a server, bartenders, or hosts in restaurants or bars. These roles provide a solid foundation for understanding the industry dynamics, customer service, and the ins and outs of day-to-day operations. Bartending: This role is usually a critical step in the career path to becoming a bar manager. As a bartender, individuals learn about different types of alcoholic beverages, mixology, managing inventory, and handling the bar during busy periods. Shift Supervisor or Assistant Manager: After gaining experience as a bartender, many individuals move into shift supervisors or assistant manager roles. In these positions, they begin to take on management responsibilities, such as staff scheduling, training, and resolving customer complaints. Bar Management: With enough experience and demonstrated ability, an individual may be promoted to bar manager. This position oversees all operations, staff management, inventory control, and customer service at the bar. Further Education and Certifications: Although not always required, getting a degree in business management, hospitality management, or a related field can enhance career prospects. Some bar managers also earn certifications in food safety, alcohol service, or hospitality management to further their careers. General Manager or Operations Manager: After gaining substantial experience and skills as a bar manager, individuals might move into higher-level management roles overseeing multiple venues or the entire operation of a larger establishment. Ownership: Some bar managers eventually go on to own their own bars, using their extensive industry knowledge and management skills to run their own businesses. In this career path, developing specific skills is essential. Key skills include leadership, communication, problem-solving, customer service, financial management, and organizational abilities. This journey is characterized by ongoing learning and adaptation, as the bar industry is both dynamic and challenging yet highly rewarding for those who are passionate about hospitality. How Does a Tip Pool Affect a Bar Manager’s Salary? A tip pool can impact a bar manager’s salary, either positively or negatively, depending on the establishment’s policies and staff performance. Here’s a detailed look at how a tip pool might affect a bar manager’s income: Additional Income: If bar managers are included in the tip pool, it can serve as an additional source of income on top of their base salary, potentially increasing their overall earnings. Variable Income: The amount of money a bar manager earns from a tip pool can vary widely depending on the total tips received by the establishment, the number of staff included in the pool, and how busy the bar is on any given day or time. Performance-Based Earnings: A tip pool can sometimes encourage a more team-based approach to service, as everyone’s tips are shared. This could lead to higher service standards and, as a result, larger tips. The better the team’s overall performance, the higher the potential earnings for everyone involved, including the bar manager. Dependence on Establishment’s Policies: How much a bar manager earns from a tip pool depends largely on the establishment’s policies. Some bars may include managers in the tip pool, while others may not. Furthermore, the method for dividing the pooled tips can differ from one establishment to another. Legal Considerations: It’s important to note that the legality of including salaried managers in a tip pool can vary depending on the location and labor laws. In some regions, it may be prohibited for managers to partake in tip pools, while in others it may be allowed. Job Satisfaction and Retention: While not a direct impact on a bar manager’s salary, being included in a tip pool could potentially improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover if it results in higher total compensation. While the tip pool can significantly boost a bar manager’s earnings, it’s critical to remember that it can also introduce a degree of variability and unpredictability to their income. FAQs: Bar Manager Salary How much can a bar manager make per year on average? On average, bar managers make around $50,000 to $56,000 per year in the United States, although this can vary depending on factors like experience, location, and the type of bar. Do bar managers get paid more if they own the bar? Yes, bar managers who own their establishments have the opportunity to earn a higher income as they manage operations and also gain from the bar’s profit margin. What is the hourly wage for a bar manager? The average hourly wage for a bar manager generally falls between $17 and $21. However, it’s essential to recognize that some bar managers receive a salary rather than an hourly wage. Typically, earnings are greater for bar managers working in well-established establishments and those with extensive experience compared to individuals who are new to bar management. Which state pays the highest salary to bar managers? San Francisco, CA, pays the highest salary to bar managers, with an average of $76,995 per year, which is significantly higher than the national average. Which state pays the lowest salary to bar managers? Among the states with relatively lower average bar manager salaries, we have Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, where the average annual salary for bar managers is around $44,000. These states tend to offer slightly lower compensation compared to the national average. What is the highest salary of a bar manager? San Francisco, CA, boasts the highest reported salary for a bar manager in the US, reaching an impressive $261,878 per year. This figure represents the pinnacle of earning potential for bar managers and showcases the thriving hospitality industry in the city. Do bartenders make more than bar managers? In general, bar managers receive higher salaries than bartenders. This is due to their increased responsibilities, which include overseeing operations and managing staff, enhancing their earning potential. However, actual earnings can differ based on factors such as location, the type of bar, or the bar franchise model. What are the highest-paying cities for a bar manager? The highest salary for a bar manager can be found in cities like San Francisco, CA, and New York City. These bustling metropolitan areas offer lucrative opportunities, with bar managers potentially earning top salaries in the industry. What is the highest average bar manager salary? The highest average bar manager salary can be found in cities like San Francisco, CA, where the average salary reaches $76,995 per year, surpassing the national average. How much do bar managers make in Texas? In Texas, the average annual salary for a bar manager is $49,169, significantly exceeding the state’s minimum wage. However, some cities in Texas, like Dallas, TX, provide even higher compensation for bar managers, averaging $66,111 per year. Image: Envato This article, "Bar Manager Salary: How Much Does a Bar Manager Make?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Speaking on D.R. Horton’s earnings call last week, CEO Paul Romanowski was asked about geographic housing demand trends and if rising inventory in Florida and Texas was impacting the sales of America’s largest homebuilder. “Some of the [recent] buildup we’ve seen in inventory has had some impact on [our] sales when you look at portions of the Florida market and as well isolated to some of the Texas markets where they saw a significant run-up in valuations,” Romanowski responded. “We’ve seen some moderation there. But generally, as we enter into the spring, [we] have been pleased with what we’ve seen in these first few weeks in our sales offices across our footprint.” The regional variation described by D.R. Horton is supported by the data. According to John Burns Research and Consulting’s Burns Homebuilder Survey for December, which was published this month, homebuilders in Florida and Texas are spending the most on sales incentives, while homebuilders in the Northeast and Southern California are spending the least. Broadly speaking, homebuilders have been more willing in recent years to compress margins—which reached historic levels during the pandemic housing boom—and allocate them toward incentives or affordability adjustments to “meet the market” when and where needed, rather than making significant cutbacks in production. Indeed, just last month Lennar CEO Stuart Miller told analysts: “We’re going to adjust to market [when and where needed]. We’re going to maintain [sales] volume.” In Florida, homebuilders are spending 10% of the sales price on incentives to help move unsold inventory. On a $500,000 home, that would come out to spending $50,000 on incentives. In the Northeast, homebuilders are spending 3% of the sales price on incentives for unsold inventory. On a $500,000 home, that would come out to spending $15,000 on incentives. Often those new construction incentives are baked into the price; however, if a particular community or market shifts quickly, and a builder needs to rapidly increase incentives to keep selling homes, it’s essentially a net effective home price cut. “And although both new and existing home inventories have increased from historically low levels, the supply of homes at affordable price points is generally still limited,” Romanowski told analysts. “To help spur demand and address affordability, we are continuing to use incentives such as mortgage rate buy-downs, and we have continued to start and sell [more] of our smaller floor plans.” Many regional pockets of the country, where homebuilders are deploying more incentives to move product, are also the very places where active inventory for sale has jumped back to or above pre-pandemic levels. You can find more information in ResiClub's latest inventory analysis and home price analysis for more than 800 metros and 3,000 counties. View the full article

Andy Hunter decided something needed to be done about the endless rise of Amazon in 2018—the year that the e-commerce giant surpassed 50% of book sales in the U.S. market. “I was concerned at that rate of growth,” says founder and CEO of Bookshop.org. Hunter did a back of a napkin projection and figured that by 2025, Amazon would have secured an 80% share of the U.S. market. That worried Hunter, who had long worked in the publishing industry, especially when paired with stats showing half of all independent, local bookshops in the country went out of business at the same time as Amazon became ascendant. “I felt very strongly that books are too important to our culture to give complete control of them to a single monopolist-like retailer,” says Hunter. The vision was what would become Bookshop.org, which is now launching an e-book initiative, enabling its users to download digital books. But whatever the tech, the mission has been the same: supporting local bookstores by allowing them to keep most, if not all, the revenue from book sales made through the website, while giving them a digital storefront at a time when customers do more and more shopping online. (Bookshop.org makes its money through direct sales, where it gets 20% of a book’s value; affiliate sales for other companies, where it gets 10%; and advertising from publishers.) Hunter began building the site in mid-2019, and launched it on January 28, 2020, with a small team of four people. At the time, he was working two day jobs, alongside Bookshop.org as a side project. It was a big gamble—but one that paid off. Within the first month, the site sold $50,000 of books. “I considered that a success, but we didn’t know if it was going to work,” he admits. “We only had eight months of cash runway before we would run out of money and disappear.” While many businesses were negatively impacted by the pandemic, Bookshop.org benefitted from the world moving online. Within the first six weeks of COVID-19, the company onboarded 1,200 bookstores, and fielded interest from the U.K.’s Booksellers Association—resulting in the company launching in the U.K. in November 2020, ahead of the holiday season there. “We launched right into peak trading season,” says Nicole Vanderbilt, a former Etsy executive who led the U.K. arm of Bookshop.org. “It was an immediate success.” The platform has continued its growth in the five years since, embedding itself into the industry in a way that surprises even Hunter. Global revenue in December 2024 hit $8.6 million, $7.5 million of which was from the United States. Hunter believes it’s the personalized touch, and the knowledge that each purchase supports independent bookstores, that has helped the company succeed. “We aren’t cheaper than Amazon and we’re not faster,” he says. While the company tries to remain competitive on price and delivery time, it can’t possibly compete with Amazon’s infrastructure or scale. “Ultimately, the only reason you would ever buy a book from Bookshop or from one of our stores is because of your values, because you appreciate it culturally,” he says. “That’s why we’ve succeeded: because there are enough of those people who have shared the values that we have.” So far, Bookshop.org has competed with Amazon only on physical book sales. But from today, it’s taking the fight to the tech giant with e-book sales, too. The company has developed its own e-book platform, accessible through a web browser or downloadable app for Apple and Android, designed to compete with Kindle, allowing shoppers to buy digital versions of their favorite books from independents. “It cost us about $2 million and took about nine months longer than we thought it would,” says Hunter. That outlay isn’t all that significant for big tech firms, but it was for Bookshop.org, the CEO explains. Yet it was a necessary decision to remain competitive. “E-books are about 15 to 20% of all books sold, and right now you can’t buy them from your local bookshop,” he says, pointing to a European vacation he took with his children last summer where they wanted to read on e-readers, but were forced into big tech’s grasp to do so. Audiobooks will also soon be released in the U.K. later this year, Hunter says—another attempt to maintain feature parity with Amazon. The next five years of Bookshop.org will see the company pursue further digital options for customers, Hunter says—attempting to eke further into Amazon’s market share and to slow its spread as the dominant entity in the market. After all, that was the founding principle that motivated Hunter to set up his company: to stop Amazon reaching that forecast 80% share by 2025. “We are eating into it,” he says. “I know we’ve eaten into it. But the analogy is that we’ve stolen a crumb from the giant’s mouth.” Nearly four in five Bookshop.org customers say they used to buy books on Amazon, according to the company’s own surveys—meaning there’s an untapped market that can be tackled even further. View the full article

If you’re like most people, you use Norton Antivirus to protect your computer from viruses and other online threats. But did you know that Norton is also a popular target for scammers? In this article, we’ll take a look at 13 of the most common Norton scams and show you how to avoid them. Let’s dive right in! Can You Get Scammed Using Norton Antivirus Software? Norton is a well-known and trusted antivirus software provider, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to scams while using it. Be careful of emails or websites that ask for your Norton account information, as this could be a phishing attempt. Only enter your account information on the Norton website or into the Norton app, and never share it with anyone else. If you think you may have fallen victim to a scam while using Norton, be sure to report it to Norton immediately. READ MORE: 15 Password Apps Common Norton Scams to Be Aware Of As a legitimate antivirus site, Norton is a common target for scammers. Here are 12 of the most common scams you might encounter while using Norton: Norton Email Scams The Norton email scam is one of the most common scams associated with antivirus software. In this scam, you’ll receive a suspicious email that looks like it’s from Norton. The goal of the scammer is to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that contains malware. Norton Lifelock Scam Identity theft is a serious problem, and Norton offers a service called Lifelock to help protect you from it. However, there’s also an identity theft scam that uses Norton’s name to try and steal your identity. In this scam, you’ll receive an email or phone call from someone claiming to be from Norton Lifelock. Don’t fall for it! Norton Lifelock will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your personal information. Norton Subscription Scam The Norton subscription scam is a prevalent type of email scam. In this scenario, scammers will send an email that appears to be from Norton, requesting that you renew your Norton subscription. They might even provide a discount to lure you in. Norton Phishing Emails In this Norton email scam, Scammers will send you an email that looks like it’s from the official antivirus company, asking you to click on a link or download an attachment. If you do, they may install malware on your computer or steal your personal information. Never click on suspicious links and only visit the official Norton site, avoiding sites from fraudulent search engine results. Norton Phone Scams Scammers will also try to reach you by phone with an urgent request or message, pretending to be from Norton. They may say there’s a problem with your computer or that your subscription is about to expire. More Norton Scams to Watch Out For Norton is a popular target of scammers, like other security services, because it’s a well-known and trusted brand. Be on the lookout for these other scams as well: Norton Tech Support Scam There are plenty of scammers who will claim to be Norton tech support in an attempt to gain access to your computer. They may say there’s a problem with your computer or that your subscription is about to expire. Norton Antivirus Free Trial Scam In this scam, you’ll be offered a free trial of Norton Antivirus, but you’ll actually end up paying for it. Scammers will often use fake websites or pop-ups to lure you in. Norton Virus Removal Scam There are also scams that claim to offer virus removal services from Norton. However, these services are usually unnecessary and overpriced. Norton Coupon Scams Scammers will often use fake coupons or discounts to entice you to buy Norton products from them. Be sure to only buy Norton products from the official website or authorized retailers. Norton Refund Scam This is when scammers will promise to refund your purchase if you provide them with your credit card information. Norton will never ask for your credit card information in order to process a refund. Fake Norton Update Scam In this scam, you receive a notification, either via email or a pop-up on your computer, claiming that their Norton Antivirus software needs an urgent update. The notification looks official and urges you to click a link to perform the update. However, the link leads to a malicious website or downloads malware directly to the user’s computer. How to Avoid: Always update your Norton Antivirus software directly through the official application or website. Be cautious of any unsolicited notifications or emails prompting you to update your software. Verify the legitimacy of the message by contacting Norton’s official customer support. Norton License Expiration Scam In this scam, you receive an email or phone call informing them that their Norton Antivirus license is about to expire. The message pressures you to renew your subscription immediately by providing payment details. The scammers may use fear tactics, suggesting that the user’s computer will be at risk without immediate renewal. However, the communication is fraudulent, and any payment information provided goes directly to the scammers. How to Avoid: Monitor the expiration date of your Norton subscription by checking your official Norton account. Do not respond to unsolicited calls or emails about your Norton subscription. Renew your Norton license only through the official Norton website or application. It’s crucial to stay alert and cautious regarding any unexpected messages that appear to be from Norton, particularly if they ask for personal information or require urgent action. Always confirm through official sources to protect the safety of your information and devices. How to Avoid a Norton Scam To avoid falling victim to scams, it’s important to monitor expired antivirus settings and contact the official Norton technical support team. Norton’s articles offer helpful guidance on maintaining your safety online. Here are five tips to steer clear of Norton scams: Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: If you receive an email that looks like it’s from Norton but seems suspicious, don’t click on any links or open any attachments. Instead, mark the email as spam and delete it. Only Visit the Official Norton Site: When you need to visit Norton’s website, make sure you type the URL into your browser directly. Don’t click on any links that could take you to a fake site. Never Share Your Personal Information: Norton will never ask you for your password or credit card information unless you’re buying something directly from them. If you’re ever asked for this information, it’s a scam. Beware of Norton Phone Scams: If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from Norton, don’t give them any information. Hang up and call Norton’s customer service line to confirm the call was legitimate. Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: One of the best ways to avoid scams is to make sure your Norton software is always up-to-date. That way, you’ll have the latest security features and won’t be as vulnerable to attacks. Tips to Avoid Norton ScamsDescription Be Wary of Suspicious EmailsExercise caution with emails that appear to be from Norton but seem suspicious. Refrain from clicking links or opening attachments. Mark such emails as spam and delete them. Only Visit the Official Norton SiteType Norton's URL directly into your browser when visiting their website. Avoid clicking on links that could lead to fake sites, ensuring your interactions are with the authentic site. Never Share Your Personal InformationNorton will never ask for your password or credit card details unless you're making a direct purchase. Avoid sharing this sensitive information unless you're certain of the legitimacy of the request. Beware of Norton Phone ScamsIf someone claiming to be from Norton contacts you via phone, do not provide any information. Hang up and verify the call's legitimacy by reaching out to Norton's official customer service. Keep Your Software Up-to-DateRegularly update your Norton software to access the latest security features. This practice minimizes vulnerabilities and enhances your protection against emerging threats and potential scams. Can Someone Hack You Using Remote Access With Norton Software? Norton’s remote access feature is designed to be secure and only allows authorized users to access your computer. However, no system is perfect, and there’s always a possibility that someone could hack into your computer if they were able to get past Norton’s security measures. To reduce the risk of being hacked, make sure you seek tech support directly from reputable sources. Does Norton Send Text Messages? If you get a suspicious message claiming to be from Norton, avoid clicking on any links or opening any attachments. Instead, mark the message as spam and delete it. If you are uncertain about the authenticity of a message, you can always contact Norton’s customer service team for assistance. How Do You Stop Norton Charging Your Credit Card? If you need to stop Norton from charging your credit card, you can cancel your subscription by logging into your account and going to the ‘Billing’ section. From there, you’ll be able to cancel your subscription and get a refund for any unused time. You can also reach out to Norton support for help. Should You Trust Norton with Your Personal or Financial Information? Norton is a well-known and reputable company, so you can trust them with your personal or account information. Norton Internet Security is one of the most comprehensive security suites available today. It offers a wide range of features and protection against online threats. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Get Scammed Using Norton Antivirus Software? While Norton is widely recognized as a trusted antivirus software provider, it’s important to remain vigilant against potential scams. Cybercriminals often exploit the reputation of reputable brands like Norton to deceive users. Be cautious of unsolicited emails or websites that request your Norton account information. These could be phishing attempts aimed at stealing your sensitive data. To ensure your safety, only enter your account details on the official Norton website or within the Norton app, and never share this information with anyone. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, promptly report it to Norton’s official channels for investigation. What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Been Scammed? If you believe you’ve fallen victim to a scam while using Norton, it’s crucial to take immediate action. First, cease any interaction with the suspected scammer. Then, report the incident to Norton’s official customer support or security team. They can provide guidance on further steps to take, such as verifying your account security and minimizing potential damage. Remember that acting promptly can help mitigate the impact of the scam and safeguard your digital well-being. What Are Common Norton Scams? Norton scams encompass a range of deceptive tactics designed to exploit users’ trust. Among the most prevalent are Norton email scams, where attackers send seemingly legitimate emails with malicious links or attachments. Norton Lifelock scams leverage the service’s reputation to trick users into divulging personal information. Phishing emails imitating Norton’s official communications aim to harvest sensitive data. Phone scams impersonate Norton support to extract information or payments. These scams highlight the importance of staying informed about the evolving tactics cybercriminals employ and maintaining caution. How Can You Avoid Norton Scams? To thwart Norton scams effectively, adopt a proactive stance: Be Wary of Suspicious Emails: Emails appearing to be from Norton but raising suspicion should be treated as potential scams. Avoid clicking links or opening attachments, and mark the email as spam. Visit Official Norton Site Directly: Always access Norton’s official website by typing the URL directly into your browser. Refrain from clicking links that could lead to fraudulent sites. Never Share Personal Info: Norton will never request passwords or credit card information via unsolicited emails or calls. Share such information only through secure channels. Beware of Phone Scams: If someone claiming to be from Norton contacts you, refrain from sharing information. Disconnect and verify the call’s legitimacy with Norton’s official customer service. Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly updating your Norton software ensures that you benefit from the latest security features, providing improved protection against emerging Norton scams. Can Someone Hack You Using Norton’s Remote Access? Norton’s remote access feature emphasizes security by permitting access only to authorized users on your computer. Although the system is built to be strong, no technology is completely free from hacking risks. To reduce vulnerabilities, make sure to obtain technical support only from trusted sources. By adopting a careful approach and seeking help from verified channels, you can enhance your digital security against possible threats. Does Norton Send Text Messages? Norton does not typically communicate via text messages. If you receive an unexpected text message purporting to be from Norton, exercise caution. Refrain from clicking links or opening attachments. Mark the message as spam and consider reaching out to Norton’s official customer service for guidance and validation. How Can You Stop Norton from Charging Your Credit Card? To prevent further charges from Norton, navigate to your account’s ‘Billing’ section. From there, cancel your subscription to halt any upcoming payments. In most cases, Norton provides refunds for any unused subscription time. If you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to contact Norton’s official support for assistance in resolving the matter. Is It Safe to Trust Norton with Personal Information? Absolutely, Norton is a respected and reliable company known for securing personal and financial information. Norton Internet Security offers comprehensive protection against a broad spectrum of online threats. As long as you engage with official Norton channels and adhere to recognized security practices, you can confidently trust Norton to safeguard your valuable data and maintain your online safety. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Norton Scams to Watch Out For" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Recently, I saved a major exclusive story from nearly getting killed at the eleventh hour. After developing the communications strategy, writing several versions of a pitch that a broader team of external partners would use over the course of the campaign’s phases, and personally intervening when the opportunity was nearly lost after one of the parties involved fumbled, that same party later said to me, “Thanks for your help.” Help. Twenty years in public relations, including over a decade running a successful consultancy, and my strategic leadership was reduced to “help”—a word that carries centuries of loaded meaning for Black women in America. It’s a word that seems disproportionately reserved for people of color, regardless of their role, impact, or level of experience. But this wasn’t an isolated incident. I’ve watched a familiar pattern unfold throughout my career: White professionals are dubbed “rockstars” for meeting basic expectations and praised for their “brilliance” for sharing a contrarian thought. Meanwhile, when Black and brown professionals—particularly women of color—demonstrate exceptional results and seemingly do the impossible, we’re thanked for our “help.” “Mislabeling leadership as ‘help’ is a reminder that excellence isn’t always enough to rewrite bias, especially for Black leaders,” says Jenny Vazquez-Newsum, E.d.D., a leadership strategist, facilitator, and author of the book Untapped Leadership: Harnessing the Power of Underrepresented Leaders. “It reinforces a long-standing systemic flaw that devalues the intellectual labor and expertise of Black professionals.” Let’s be clear about what help actually is. Help is being a fresh pair of eyes to review slides before a colleague’s presentation. Help is picking up slack on a project when a teammate is out sick. What I and many other diverse professionals do every day isn’t help; it’s leadership that drives business forward and enables teams to succeed. The language we use matters. When companies frame Black leadership as “help,” they perpetuate a subtle but powerful form of professional diminishment. This framing doesn’t just affect individual recognition; it impacts career advancement, team dynamics, and business success. It reinforces an unconscious hierarchy where certain professionals are seen as leaders by default, while others must constantly prove their leadership—only to have it minimized by being characterized as a supporting role. “Language can be a subtle mirror of our biases,” says Vazquez-Newsum. “When we diminish Black leadership to ‘help,’ we prescribe a subordinate narrative to extraordinary contributions. It undercuts expertise even if couched in good intentions or under a veil of gratitude.” This systemic undervaluation has significant business implications. According to research from Russell Reynolds Associates, only 29% of Black professionals with 10-20 years of experience report satisfaction with their level of recognition, compared to 47% of their non-Black peers. Similarly, a LinkedIn survey of more than 2,000 Black professionals found that lack of recognition was a primary driver of turnover, with 33% citing it as a reason they considered leaving their jobs. The cost is substantial to businesses: Companies in the bottom quartile for both gender and ethnic diversity are 66% less likely to outperform their peers financially, per McKinsey data. When organizations fail to acknowledge Black leadership, they risk losing the very talent that could drive success—with Gallup estimating replacement costs reaching up to 200% of annual salary for leadership positions. The solution isn’t simply swapping words—it’s fundamentally shifting how corporate America recognizes and values leadership. Companies must create systems that properly attribute individual contributions and build cultures where excellence is recognized, regardless of who demonstrates it. Vazquez-Newsum emphasizes the broader business implications. “Failing to acknowledge leadership where it exists is a business liability. Bias in language creates an unseen barrier in talent pipelines, costing organizations their most innovative thinkers. What some may dismiss as subtlety, others experience as a powerful deterrent, discouraging the very talent and contributions the companies need to thrive.” She says that companies build a communication culture that fully acknowledges the weight of contributions. “It should be standard practice to explicitly articulate the scope and significance of a colleague’s contribution and align it with recognized leadership behaviors. Simple gratitude is not equivalent to adequate recognition.” There’s help, and there’s business leadership. It’s time for companies—and individuals—to recognize the difference. View the full article

It’s hard for a designer to get the world’s attention at fashion week. But a year ago, the Maison Margiela show went viral thanks, in large part, to Pat McGrath’s makeup, which made models’ skin look like it was made of glass. The show was theatrical. Creative director John Galliano conjured a dark, ethereal universe apparently inspired by the Belle Époque of the late 1800s, when women had tightly cinched corsets, and voluminous dresses with padding that accentuated their busts and hips. Models, including Gwendoline Christie (second from right), walk the runway during the Maison Margiela Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week, January 2024. [Photo: Pierre Suu/Getty Images] But the models didn’t look human. They looked like like otherworldly creatures, with pale skin, small lips, flushed cheeks, and a glossy sheen that made the skin look translucent. “It began with a conversation with John [Galliano] about the Seine in Paris, under moonlight,” McGrath recalls. “We envisioned porcelain dolls coming to life, merging ethereal beauty with a sense of wonder. We wanted to create something that had never been seen before.” In the days after the show, TikTok and Instagram exploded as people tried to recreate the look using everything from vaseline to oil. McGrath even entered the fray, sharing exactly how she created the look with special effects water-based glue, followed by gel masks. Over the last year, she’s been working on a product that makes it easy to create the look at home. She releases Skin Fetish: Glass 001 Artistry Mask this Thursday exclusively through her brand, Pat McGrath Labs. [Photo: Pat McGrath Labs] McGrath has actually been tinkering with trying to create this makeup for about four years. The final product comes in a tube and consists of ingredients like glycerin, rose-flower water, and allantoin. You apply it across the entire face like a peel-off mask. The key is to ensure that it is applied evenly, and in three or four layers. “I like to apply the mask in thin, even layers across clean dry skin with a taper brush with soft bristles,” McGrath says. “Let it fully dry before adding the next [layer]—you can use a hairdryer on a cool setting or a fan to speed things up.” Makeup for the Spring/Summer 2015 issue of Garage Magazine. [Image: courtesy Pat McGrath Labs] The final look is stunning, much like the models in the Galliano show. But it is a difficult look to pull off every day, since the the mask can crack if you talk or even smile too broadly. But McGrath says that you can customize the product. “You can even just put it on certain high points of your face,” she says. “Once the mask sets, it forms a smooth, peel-off film that reveals hydrated, glowing skin.” Yes, the look is dramatic. But McGrath says that’s the whole point. It’s meant to give everybody the opportunity to create a unique look and express themselves in creative new ways. And given the enthusiastic response to the show, McGrath believes that there are may people who would enjoy wearing this look to a party or a date. “It’s a love letter to those who embrace bold beauty,” she says. “It’s about merging runway-level innovation with real-world usability.” [Photo: Pat McGrath Labs] In many ways, this product epitomizes McGrath’s entire brand. The British makeup artist first became a fixture in the fashion world in the 1980s, creating looks for designers like Anna Sui and Versace. Then the business world came knocking. Giorgio Armani and later, Procter & Gamble hired her to create cosmetics. In 2015, she launched her own brand, Pat McGrath Labs, which quickly exploded. McGrath says that her brand is designed to bring the secrets of makeup artists to everyday people. She and her team spend a lot of time coming up with formulas that make it quick and easy to create looks that might otherwise take hours backstage. “I took a three-hour process and distilled it into an effortless 10-minute process you can do at home to achieve the same look,” she says. Importantly, this mask is actually good for your skin. And this is also key to McGrath’s strategy. “It expands our focus on skin-first innovation,” she says. “[We’re] merging skincare benefits with transformative artistry.” View the full article

Most upstart companies prepping a new product launch would probably not be thrilled to receive a cease and desist letter from an established giant of their field. But as is readily apparent from its insane packaging (not to mention its insane name), the gummy candy purveyor Rotten is not most companies. Last May, founder and CEO Michael Fisher had his signature gummy worms on hand at the industry’s Sweets & Snacks Expo—and a flyer for a new product: Rotten’s Gummy Cruncheez, which launch today and bear resemblance to Nerds’s uber-popular Gummy Clusters. [Image: Rotten] “Nerds and their parent company Ferrara got wind of the product, took a photo of the flyer we had up, and soon after the Expo sent us a legal letter in efforts for us to halt production,” Fisher says, adding that, sure, it was a bit terrifying—but it was ultimately validating. “Getting a letter like that so soon after from Ferrara and from Nerds actually gave us a lot of confidence that we might be onto something pretty big here.” Nerds has every right to be protective. After all, as Inc. reported in October, those cult-fave Gummy Clusters beloved by Kylie Jenner and others made hundreds of millions of dollars last year. Can a new brand focused on healthier ingredients and utterly wild throwback design get in on the action and take on Big Gummy? CANDY, IN MODERATION According to Rotten’s website, its candy was developed in a lab by “the infamous Dr. Rotten” (see here)—so when I scheduled an interview with Fisher, I was expecting an eccentric on-brand variant of just that. But in lieu of a shock of gray hair and a general sense of deranged zeal, Fisher showed up rather clean cut and mild-mannered. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved gummy candy, particularly sour gummies,” he says. “When I started Rotten, one of my best friends from freshman year in college reached out and was like, ‘Ah, this makes so much sense, because you would always have those in your dorm room.’” That dorm room was at Stanford, where Fisher earned a degree in management science and engineering—and where he says everyone was creating some sort of startup. After Stanford, he was a 2019 fellow at Venture for America, a nonprofit that connects young grads with emergent businesses, in his case, the online caregiver supply shop Carewell in Charlotte, NC. “[It] was a super exciting opportunity for me to think about entrepreneurship outside of the context of Palo Alto and Stanford, and really get out of that bubble,” he says. “I just had the most fun I’d ever had doing anything, building that. And I knew I wanted to be able to do that for myself and build my own brand.” Fisher had been cutting soda and sugar out of his diet, but missed eating candy on road trips or while watching TV late at night. He tried some zero-sugar and low-sugar gummy alternatives, and was not a fan. He saw a gap in the market for a gummy that was healthier than what was in stores, but didn’t feel like it was sacrificing taste or texture to do so. Soon, he found himself attempting to make his own. “That really started my journey,” he says. “Quickly I learned that I was not going to be making this product at home by myself. Gummies are incredibly technical.” Fisher found a food science partner mid-2021 to help with the R&D, and they developed a line of regular and sour gummy worms using fruit juices, fruit powders and allulose—a non-artificial alternative to sugar found in figs and raisins that’s nearly as sweet, but with far fewer calories. “The way that we’ve developed our product is . . . to try to be kind of about moderation,” Fisher says. “You won’t see us come out with zero-sugar products. You won’t see us come out with a product that only has one gram of sugar. And that’s very intentional.” [Image: Rotten] CREEPY CRAWLERS AND GARBAGE PAIL KIDS When you eat Rotten’s products, they don’t taste like “diet candy” or a health-food alternative. They taste like . . . candy. But here’s the ingenious thing: Given his healthier take on the product, Fisher knew he had to compensate for it with the packaging design. And marketing. And name. “Candy is all about indulgence and this kind of release from the mundane,” he says. “Oftentimes, things that are very healthy don’t deliver on those. And so [I] really wanted to build a brand that felt super fun and exciting and nostalgic.” His goal was to create a product ecosystem that felt like it could have its own show on Adult Swim. So, he developed the Dr. Rotten backstory, along with an associated mythology to the candy. He leaned on imagery that would have felt at home in the ’80s/’90s universe of Garbage Pail Kids and Creepy Crawlers—a subset of the omnipresent era that has somehow not been plumbed as deeply as the rest of it. And then there’s the name. Yes, people tried to fight him on it. But he was a fan of Liquid Death, which was taking off around the time he moved to Los Angeles. He liked that they had a strong identity and brand positioning. “To this day, we get comments on our posts or ads of people saying, ‘Naming a food company Rotten is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of,’” he says. “Ultimately, we just keep the mindset of, ‘We’re not going to be for everyone, and that’s okay.’ And at the end of the day, if you hate us and you remember us, that’s a lot more than a lot of other brands are getting.” As a market test, Fisher (who to this day is Rotten’s only full-time employee) launched a Kickstarter in the fall of 2021. He hit his $10,000 goal in four hours, and the project was more than 320% funded by the fifth day. His backers soon became R&D partners who offered feedback and helped iterate and develop the gummies alongside Rotten. In the wake of extensive testing and refinement, the brand formally launched online in October 2023. Today, a rep for Rotten says it’s in more than 1,000 stores—from Zumiez to Safeway to Sprouts to Hy-Vee—and has sold more than 1 million units. Which brings us back to those Gummy Cruncheez. Like Rotten’s flagship worms, they’re free from any artificial elements or dyes, and Fisher says they have 60% less sugar than Nerds’ offering, thanks to ingredients like chicory root fiber, monk fruit, and allulose. True to Fisher’s palette, there is also a sour option, something the market currently lacks. His biggest focus for 2025? “My vision for Rotten is it’s available wherever you’re buying candy, which is everywhere,” he says. “Ultimately, most candy purchases are impulsive and happening in store—and so expanding in retail is our main goal this year.” One legal letter from Big Gummy was encouraging fodder. Does he foresee a second? “I hope not,” he says with a laugh. View the full article

Businesses are increasingly recognizing that earning customer loyalty is not just a nice-to-have but a vital component of their strategy for sustainable growth. Recognizing the importance, impact, and nuances of customer retention and loyalty in today’s business landscape is a must. The customer retention statistics in this article will highlight important metrics you need to know to grow your business. By exploring these insights and customer retention lessons, businesses can better understand the dynamics of customer engagement and craft strategies that not only attract new customers but also keep them coming back. What is Customer Retention? Customer retention refers to a company’s ability to turn customers into repeat buyers and prevent them from switching to competitors. It’s a testament to a business’s customer service, product quality, and overall value proposition. High customer retention rates often indicate a loyal customer base and are crucial for business sustainability and profitability. This section underscores the importance of customer retention for businesses of all sizes, emphasizing its role in driving revenue and fostering long-term success. The Business Impact of High Customer Retention High customer retention rates have a profound impact on businesses. This section will discuss the various benefits, including increased revenue, higher lifetime customer value, and cost efficiency in marketing. It will be supported by relevant statistics, such as businesses with high retention rates experiencing a significant percentage increase in profitability compared to those with lower retention. Cost Savings: Customer churn costs U.S. providers a staggering $168 billion per year. U.S. companies could save over $35 billion per year by focusing on keeping their existing customers happy. Acquiring new customers costs 6 times more than retaining current ones. Repeat Customer Behavior: Repeat customers spend 67% more than new customers. Businesses have a 60% to 70% chance of selling to an existing customer, whereas for a new prospect, it’s only 5% to 20%. Some 52% of customers intentionally choose to buy from their favorite brand. Impact on Profits: 84% of companies that work to improve customer experience notice an uplift in revenue. Customer retention is vital for the 61% of small businesses that say over half their revenue comes from repeat customers. Small e-commerce businesses derive 35% of their revenue from the top 5% of their loyal, repeat customers. The Cost of Low Customer Retention 72% of customers switch to a competitor after just one bad experience with a brand. Businesses lose over $75 billion annually due to lost customers resulting from poor customer service. It costs 6 to 7 times more to acquire new customers than to retain existing ones. Getting a new customer is 5 times more expensive than retaining an existing one. A company’s top 10% of most loyal customers spend three times more per purchase than the other 90% of customers. The top 1% of customers spend five times more than the remaining 99%. 60% of U.S. customers choose to do more business with a company after a positive customer service experience. In the apparel industry, repeat customers tend to spend an average of 67% more during the 31-36 months following their initial purchase than they do in the first six months. The average customer retention rate across all industries is approximately 75.5%. The media and professional service industries have the highest worldwide retention rate at 84% each, while the hospitality, travel, and restaurant industry has the lowest rate at 55%, followed by retail at 63%. Understanding Customer Retention Through Statistics In many industries, the top five market players maintain an impressive average customer retention rate of 94%. Acquiring new customers is five times more expensive than retaining existing ones. A mere 5% increase in customer retention can boost company revenue by 25-95%. Customer Service Impact: 89% of companies recognize that excellent customer service is critical for retention. Existing customers present a 60-70% chance of making a purchase, while new prospects have only a 5-20% chance. Brand Loyalty and Small Businesses Loyal customers tend to spend 67% more on products and services than new customers. The majority of customers (approximately 54.7%) remain loyal to 1 to 5 brands. Loyal customers make purchases 90% more often than new customers. Acquiring new customers is 5 times more expensive than retaining existing ones. 71% of customers are unlikely to buy from a business that loses their trust. The Influence of Digital Trends on Customer Retention A 5% increase in customer retention results in a 25-95% increase in revenue. Loyal customers tend to spend 67% more on products and services than new customers. 90% of consumers will recommend a brand after engaging with it on social media. 44% of businesses use mobile apps and email marketing as key tactics for customer retention. The Business Benefits of Loyal Customers 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers. Loyal customers tend to spend 31% more than new customers. The probability of selling to an existing customer is up to 13 times greater than selling to a new customer. 80% of future profits will come from just a fifth of loyal customers. The Risks of Neglecting Customer Loyalty 74% of loyal customers will switch brands if they are not satisfied. A single bad experience can lead to 80% of customers switching brands. 61% of retail companies cite retention as their biggest challenge. Acquiring new customers is six to seven times more expensive than retaining existing ones. 73% of customers will stop doing business with a brand after three or fewer bad customer service experiences. Delving into The Latest Customer Loyalty Statistics Consumers spend 67% more if they are part of a company’s loyalty program. Highly engaged customers make a purchase 90% more often. Loyal customers become valuable brand advocates, recommending your brand to others. Customer Loyalty in the Context of Small Businesses 82% of companies agree that retention is cheaper than acquisition. 75% of consumers say they favor companies that offer rewards. 56% of customers stay loyal to brands that “get them.” 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers. 58% of companies pursue personalization strategies for customer retention. The Role of Technology in Driving Brand Loyalty Technology significantly influences brand loyalty, influencing consumer behavior and fostering lasting connections. Mobile apps, social media, and loyalty program software are key factors in fostering loyalty. Gen Z values personalization and engagement through mobile apps, while social media presence fosters trust and repeat purchases. Companies allocate significant marketing budgets to loyalty program management and CRM. Understanding Customer Loyalty Programs Almost three-quarters of consumers feel loyalty towards a particular brand or company. Over 55% of consumers are loyal to a brand because they love the product. A third of consumers say it takes three purchases to create brand loyalty. Loyalty Programs and Their Influence on Customer Behavior 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers. Retained customers not only spend more but also become valuable brand advocates, generating referrals for your business. Companies that enjoy strong brand loyalty see 2.5 times faster revenue growth than their competitors in the industry. Loyalty Programs in Small Businesses 80% of Americans are loyal to at least one brand. 75% of global consumers would switch brands for a loyalty program with better rewards. Allocating a portion of the marketing budget to loyalty program management and CRM can significantly impact customer retention. The Rise of Digital Loyalty Programs to Encourage New Customers Digital loyalty programs have gained significant popularity in recent years, utilizing technology to boost customer engagement and loyalty. In the US, there are currently 3.8 billion loyalty program memberships, with the average American enrolled in 17 different programs. Despite this, 81% of consumers feel that loyalty programs affect their purchasing decisions, yet 72% only engage with 50% or fewer of their memberships. Key challenges include personalization, differentiation, and concerns about privacy. A striking 90% of consumers agree that loyalty programs require enhancements, and 91% perceive many programs as similar. To effectively retain members, brands must innovate and keep their programs engaging, incorporating loyalty amplifiers such as trivia, sweepstakes, and instant wins. In return for incentives, 66% of consumers are willing to provide more personal information to tailor their loyalty program experience. Customer Retention Rate by Industry 18% of businesses prioritize customer retention over customer acquisition. 44% of companies focus more on customer acquisition, while the remaining 38% balance both equally. Customers spend 43% more at brands they are loyal to. 65% of retail business comes from loyal customers, who spend 67% more on average purchases than new customers. Average Customer Retention Rates Across Industries The average customer retention rate across all industries is approximately 75.5%. A 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25-95% increase in company profitability. Customers who are loyal to your brand not only generate more repeat business but are also 50% more inclined to try a new product from you. 82% of companies agree that retention is cheaper than acquisition. It costs six to seven times more to acquire new customers than to retain existing ones. Average Customer Loyalty Levels Across Industries Surprisingly,44% of businesses fail to measure their customer retention rate. Average retention rates vary significantly across industries: Insurance: 84% Banking: 75% Retail: 63% Hospitality: 55% Fintech: 37% SaaS: 35% Media: 25% Edtech: 4%1. The Influence of Industry Characteristics on Customer Retention and Loyalty 90% of consumers will recommend a brand after engaging with it on social media. 70.7% of global companies believe that ease of resolution enhances customer satisfaction The Future of Customer Retention and Loyalty Emerging Trends in Customer Retention The evolving landscape of customer retention strategies prominently features the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foster a more personalized and efficient customer experience. Below are key emerging trends in this domain: AI-Driven Personalization at Scale: Around 90% of businesses are now leveraging AI to personalize customer interactions. This approach is not just limited to product recommendations but extends to personalized content, communication, and user experiences. By analyzing customer data, AI can tailor interactions to match individual preferences, thereby significantly enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. Increased Investment in AI Technologies: Reflecting the value derived from AI-driven personalization, approximately 69% of business leaders are amplifying their investment in AI technologies. This increased funding is directed towards advanced analytics, machine learning models, and AI systems that can better understand and predict customer behavior, enabling more targeted and meaningful interactions. AI-Enhanced Customer Service: The integration of AI in customer service operations is transforming the support landscape. AI-driven tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, are automating routine customer service tasks. This automation not only speeds up resolution times but also ensures that human customer service representatives can dedicate more time and resources to addressing complex and high-value customer issues. This shift significantly contributes to overall customer satisfaction and retention, as customers receive timely solutions and feel valued when their more complex concerns are addressed with a personal touch. Data-Driven Insights for Proactive Engagement: AI technologies enable businesses to analyze vast amounts of customer data in real time, providing insights that can be used for proactive customer engagement. By predicting customer needs and behaviors, businesses can reach out proactively with personalized offers, support, and content, further cementing customer relationships and loyalty. Enhancing Customer Journey with AI: AI is improving every touchpoint in the customer journey, from discovery and purchase to post-purchase support. This technology facilitates seamless and frictionless experiences that are customized to each individual’s journey, promoting repeat engagement and building brand loyalty. Emotional AI for Deeper Connections: Emerging AI technologies are also capable of recognizing and responding to human emotions. Emotional AI, or affective computing, is being explored to create deeper, more empathetic connections with customers. This could revolutionize customer service and marketing by allowing businesses to respond to not just the explicit but also the emotional needs of their customers. Privacy-Centric Personalization: As AI-driven personalization becomes more pervasive, there’s a growing emphasis on balancing personalization with privacy. Customers are becoming more conscious of their data privacy, and businesses are responding by developing AI solutions that deliver personalized experiences while also respecting and protecting customer data. These trends emphasize the dynamic relationship between AI technology and customer retention strategies. As AI advances, it provides businesses with innovative methods to engage, understand, and retain customers in a fiercely competitive market. FeatureAI-Driven PersonalizationIncreased Investment in AIAI-Enhanced Customer ServiceData-Driven InsightsEnhancing Customer JourneyEmotional AIPrivacy-Centric Personalization ObjectiveEnhance engagement and loyaltySupport and expand AI capabilitiesImprove efficiency and satisfactionEnable proactive customer engagementStreamline and personalize the customer journeyCreate deeper customer connectionsBalance personalization with privacy Key ApproachTailoring experiences to individual preferencesAllocating more resources to AI technologyAutomating routine tasks for efficiencyLeveraging real-time data for insightsApplying AI across all touchpointsRecognizing and responding to emotionsDeveloping AI that respects data privacy Business ImpactIncreased customer satisfaction and loyaltyEnhanced AI-driven customer experiencesElevated customer service qualityImproved customer engagement and retentionImproved customer satisfaction and retentionStrengthened emotional brand loyaltyEnhanced trust and loyalty Technology UseMachine learning, predictive analyticsAdvanced analytics, machine learning modelsChatbots, virtual assistantsBig data analytics, predictive modelsAI across discovery, purchase, supportAffective computing, emotion recognitionPrivacy-preserving AI techniques Customer ExperienceHighly personalized and relevantMore sophisticated and targeted interactionsFaster resolutions, personalized attention for complex issuesAnticipated needs, personalized outreachCohesive and customized experienceEmpathetic and emotionally aware interactionsPersonalized yet discreet ChallengesManaging data complexity, avoiding intrusivenessEnsuring ROI, managing AI complexitiesBalancing automation with human touchMaintaining data accuracy and relevanceIntegrating AI seamlesslyEnsuring accuracy, avoiding misinterpretationAligning personalization with privacy regulations Future Directions for Customer Loyalty Gamification is gaining popularity as it engages users and fosters loyalty. Social media loyalty schemes are being used to create loyalty ecosystems, promoting social interactions and referrals. Virtual Reality (VR) experiences are also being explored to immerse customers in brand narratives and enhance emotional connections. These strategies are expected to drive loyalty and increase brand engagement. The Future of Loyalty Programs Wearable tech, blockchain-based loyalty tokens, and AI-powered personalization are transforming the loyalty management market. Wearables track user behavior, enabling personalized rewards and seamless loyalty interactions. Blockchain allows secure, transparent, and cross-industry loyalty point exchanges, while AI analyzes vast data sets for tailored offers and recommendations. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y6IBkNNkfJg%3Fsi%3DfryTIKczmrS99HjT FAQs: Customer Retention Statistics What is the probability of customer retention? The average customer retention rate across all industries is approximately 75.5%. What is the Number 1 driver of customer loyalty? The primary factor contributing to customer loyalty is outstanding customer service, a fact acknowledged by 89% of companies. What percentage of consumers favor a brand if there is a loyalty program? Approximately 75% of consumers favor companies that offer rewards, indicating a strong preference for brands with loyalty programs. What are the benefits of customer retention for a small business? Customer retention for a small business leads to increased revenue, higher lifetime customer value, cost efficiency in marketing, and a loyal customer base that is more likely to make repeat purchases. While initiatives like advertising and events draw new customers, retention strategies are often less expensive and can lead to ongoing revenue. How Can a Small Business Encourage Customer Loyalty? A small business can encourage customer loyalty by offering personalized experiences, high-quality customer service, rewards programs, and consistently exceeding customer expectations. How does brand loyalty affect a business’s bottom line? Brand loyalty significantly increases a business’s bottom line by driving repeat purchases, enhancing customer lifetime value, and reducing costs associated with customer acquisition. How effective are loyalty programs in improving brand loyalty? Loyalty programs are highly effective in improving brand loyalty, with engaged customers making purchases 90% more often and spending 67% more than new customers. What role does technology play in enhancing customer retention and loyalty? Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing customer retention and loyalty by enabling personalized experiences, engaging customers through social media, and facilitating seamless interactions through mobile apps and loyalty program software. How can a small business improve its customer retention rates? A small business can improve its customer retention rates by focusing on customer satisfaction, implementing a customer feedback loop, providing exceptional service, and creating a loyalty program that rewards repeat business. What is the #1 driver of customer loyalty? The #1 driver of customer loyalty is excellent customer service, with a significant majority of companies acknowledging its critical importance for retention. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Vital Customer Retention Statistics" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

What do the latest video marketing statistics tell you about growing your small business? The answers will surprise you. 92% of marketers say that videos are an important part of their marketing strategies, and 88% of them accept that videos offer them a positive return on investment (ROI). If you want to use video content as a marketing tool, we have collected key video marketing statistics below to help you make informed decisions. The Rise of Video Marketing So why video marketing? Firstly, videos are more engaging and easier to digest than text documents. So people prefer watching a quick video over reading text. Plus, you can easily share videos on social media, helping you reach a broader audience to boost visibility and improve sales. Consequently, small businesses are increasingly adopting videos as a marketing tool to grow. The following stats prove the point. Video Marketing Statistics: A General Overview Video marketing is on the rise. According to Wyzowl research, 91% of small businesses are expected to use video as a marketing tool. Videos can be a game-changer for small businesses. They capture attention and explain products or services quickly. Videos are also shareable, helping to spread your brand message. Plus, they can boost website traffic, extend visitors’ time on your site, and drive sales. It’s a versatile tool for any marketing strategy. According to a survey, 78% of respondents see more website traffic, and 83% of respondents find that the average time on their websites has increased after using videos. The Power of Video Marketing Using videos can boost small businesses’ visibility and sales. The following stats from Renderforest prove the point. 83% of respondents generated new leads with videos. 44% of users generated sales using videos Moreover, 93% of brands get new customers due to a video posted on social media. For small businesses, video marketing can effectively drive both visibility and sales. Understanding Your Audience: Key Video Marketing Stats Understanding your audience allows you to customize your video content to align with their needs and interests. This approach enhances engagement, improves conversion rates, and makes your marketing efforts more focused and effective. Check the following video marketing statistics to learn how people consume video content. Video Consumption Habits According to HubSpot research: People watch, on average, 17 hours of online video content weekly. 66% of people have watched videos to learn more about a product or a brand. Around 33% of people watch videos to relax and unwind. 36% of people like videos of 1-3 minutes, and 27% of viewers like videos of 4-6 minutes. According to the Wyzowl research, 96% of users have viewed an explainer video to learn about a product/service. What’s more, 89% of people say that watching a video has convinced them to purchase a product/service. Yes, your audience wants you to create more videos. The Wyzowl research reports that 91% of people want to view more online brand videos. So, if you’re a small business, focus on video marketing to engage your audience and boost sales. Keep videos short and to the point to maximize your video marketing success. Demographics and Video Marketing In a recent global consumer survey, respondents reported viewing an average of 19 hours of online video content weekly. Currently, more than 40% of U.S. users said they watch online videos daily. Among users aged 18 to 34, the daily viewing rate was 53%. Due mainly to smartphones and mobile devices, over 75% of U.S. adults watch up to two hours of short-form digital videos daily. 69% of U.S. consumers prioritize authenticity and relatability over high-quality video and audio in marketing videos. Online video consumption is at an all-time high, particularly among young adults. They frequently use smartphones and have a preference for short videos. Interestingly, most viewers value genuine and relatable content over high-quality production. You should tap into this trend by creating authentic video content to engage your audience. Video Marketing Platforms Picking the right platform for video marketing is crucial. It ensures you reach your target audience effectively. The right platform can maximize engagement, ROI, and sales. The following are critical stats on video marketing platforms. Social Media Video Marketing Statistics According to the Wyzowl research, 51% of people are likelier to share a video with their friends/followers than any other type of content. Incorporating online videos in your social media posts can boost the reach of your posts. What social media platforms do marketers utilize to distribute videos? According to Wyzowl research, 86% of marketers share videos on Facebook, 79% on LinkedIn, and 54% on X (formerly Twitter). Here are other video channels marketers use, as found in the Wyzowl research: Instagram (79%) Webinar (60%) TikTok (35%) Snapchat (13%) Social Media PlatformPercentage of Marketers Sharing Videos Facebook86% LinkedIn79% Instagram79% X (formerly Twitter)54% Webinar60% TikTok35% Snapchat13% When it comes to using live video content, only 36% of marketers have employed ‘live’ video content, such as live streams on social media platforms. What is the most effective social media marketing channel for reaching your audience with online video content? According to the Wyzowl research, 69% of marketers find LinkedIn the most effective channel for video marketing. And Facebook has been rated by 59% of marketers as the most effective channel for video marketing. 49% of marketers found webinars the most effective channel for video marketing, 27% of them rated TikTok as the most effective platform, and only 24% found X the most effective channel for video marketing. Every platform offers unique advantages. The best option for you will depend on your target audience and your goals. YouTube Video Marketing Stats The Wyzowl research finds that 90% of marketers use YouTube in their video marketing. And 78% of marketers rate YouTube as the most effective video marketing channel. YouTube is a massive platform with a broad audience reach. Ignoring it means missing out on a key channel that can drive engagement, brand awareness, and sales for your video marketing efforts. Video Marketers’ Strategies and Challenges Knowing statistics on the types of video content successful marketers create and the challenges they face can help you make informed decisions. You can identify what works and avoid common pitfalls, optimizing your strategy for better results. Tactics Used by Successful Video Marketers What type of video content do successful video marketers produce? According to Wyzowl research, 71% of marketers create social media videos. And 70% of marketers make explainer videos. The following are other types of videos companies create, as found in the Wyzowl research: Presentation videos (50%) Testimonial videos (46%) Video ads (46%) Teaser videos (42%) Sales videos (40%) Type of Video ContentPercentage of Marketers Creating Videos Social Media Videos71% Explainer Videos70% Presentation Videos50% Testimonial Videos46% Video Ads46% Teaser Videos42% Sales Videos40% Here are some crucial findings from a Biteable survey to improve the success of your videos: 81% of marketers state music makes their videos perform better. 66% of marketers find that a voiceover makes their videos more effective when it comes to performance. Including captions can enhance the effectiveness of your video marketing. According to a Biteable survey, 64% of marketers believe that captions contribute to better performance for their videos. For small business owners, these insights can guide the type of video content to produce and what elements to include for better performance. Video Marketing Strategy Challenges and Solutions According to a HubSpot report, 39% of video marketers accept that a lack of time is the biggest challenge when it comes to creating marketing videos. And 33% of marketers find developing an effective video strategy challenging. If you’re pressed for time, consider outsourcing video creation. You can hire freelancers or a small agency to do the work. Another option is to use video templates that speed up the process. To create a successful video marketing strategy, you should: Identify your target audience and set clear goals Decide on the type of videos you’ll make, such as explainer videos or product showcases Create a content calendar outlining when to post each video Allocate budget and resources Track performance through metrics like views and engagement to refine your strategy Why do marketers stop producing videos? The answer is a lack of content ideas. In fact, 29% of marketers, according to the same HubSpot report, report that lack of content ideas prevents them from creating video content for their brands. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your online video content, here are some tips to help you get started: How-to guides that explain how to use your product or service effectively Customer testimonials that feature satisfied customers sharing their experiences Behind-the-scenes videos that offer a glimpse into your business operations Product unboxing videos that showcase what customers get when they buy from you Seasonal promotions that highlight special deals or holiday sales Q&A Session videos that include common questions or misconceptions about your business. Also, you can create video content to share your expertise on trends or challenges in your industry. Such video content will position you as a thought leader. Video Marketing ROI Understanding video marketing ROI statistics helps you allocate resources wisely. It shows what strategies yield the best returns, enabling smarter investment choices for your small business. Measuring Video Marketing Success According to the Wyzowl research, 96% of marketers say video marketing increases user understanding of their products/services. And 95% of marketers find that video marketing increases brand awareness. Here are some additional findings from the Wyzowl research on how video marketing impacts key marketing metrics: 91% of marketers discover that video marketing boosts traffic. 53% of marketers accept that video marketing helps them reduce support queries. So, for small businesses, integrating video marketing can offer multiple benefits, from brand recognition to sales growth. How do marketers measure the success of their video content? Here are key metrics, according to the Wyzowl research, marketers keep tabs on to assess video marketing’s success: Videos views (63%) Audience engagement (61%) Leads/clicks (56%) Brand awareness (43%) Retention (42%) These metrics can help you understand performance and refine your video marketing strategy, including elements like video SEO or adding effective calls to action. Video Marketing’s Impact on Revenue Yes, video marketing works. According to HubSpot research, 25% of marketers believe that video is a media format that offers the highest ROI. Here are two stats from the Wyzowl research to prove that video marketing can help small businesses increase sales: 90% say that video marketing helps them generate leads. 87% of marketers state that video marketing helps them increase sales. Considering these benefits, video marketing is the right strategy for small businesses looking to improve their performance. The Future of Video Marketing The future of video marketing looks promising, with a rising focus on short-form content and interactive features. Advances in AI and AR will make videos more engaging. As the consumption of video content increases, its importance in sales and lead generation will continue to expand. This is a dynamic area that you cannot afford to overlook. Emerging Video Marketing Trends Live video consumption is growing. According to a survey done by TikTok, 60% of TikTok users showed interest in branded or sponsored live content. Now, 40% of marketers use shoppable video ads. In the future, more brands will use shoppable videos. This is because interactive videos perform better than linear videos. Also, more and more marketers are using AI in their videos. The market for AI in video production is set to grow at a 22.37% CAGR, increasing significantly from its current value to reach $1.49 billion in the near future. Around half (54%) of people accept that YouTube is important for helping them buy products/services. So, more businesses will share videos on YouTube. Video Marketing Predictions and Outlook Video marketing is rising due to increased online engagement and evolving tech. It’s a key tool for businesses to attract and retain customers. So, you can expect more businesses to create video content in the future. The global digital video content market is currently valued at $171.5 billion. IMARC Group predicts it will grow to $355.2 billion in the future, with a 12.5% CAGR during the upcoming years. https://youtube.com/watch?v=FtW2n1xEGYA%3Fsi%3Dg_5HJexpvf3dgh7T FAQs: Video Marketing Statistics What Are the Most Important Video Marketing Statistics for Small Businesses to Know? Key stats for small businesses include: Average weekly video consumption is high. Short videos are preferred. Video can drive sales effectively. Additionally, most consumers find authenticity in videos important, and social media videos are great for acquiring new customers. These insights can guide your video marketing strategy. How big is the video marketing market? The digital video advertising market has a value of $53.2 billion. Experts predict it will grow to $712.6 billion, with a 29.6% CAGR over the coming years. How many businesses use video marketing? According to the Wyzowl research, 91% of businesses use video marketing. Small businesses use video marketing to boost engagement and sales. Videos capture attention better than text and can explain complex ideas simply. They’re also shareable, extending brand reach. How Can I Measure the Success of My Video Marketing Efforts? To measure the success of video marketing, track key metrics like view count, watch time, and click-through rate. You should also monitor engagement levels through likes, shares, and comments. And use analytics tools to assess lead generation and conversion rates. These metrics can offer insights into your video’s effectiveness. What Platforms Should I Prioritize for My Video Marketing Strategy? Choose platforms based on your target audience. YouTube is a must for a broad reach. For B2B, LinkedIn works well. Instagram and TikTok are great for a younger audience. Facebook is versatile and suitable for both B2C and B2B. Align platform choice with your business goals for maximum impact. What Are the Most Effective Video Formats for Engaging My Target Audience? According to HubSpot, video content showing your products/services (demos, teasers, etc.), trendy content (cultural moments, news stories), funny content, and interactive content (polls, games, augmented reality, etc.) are the most effective video formats to offer the biggest ROI. How Can I Stay Informed About the Latest Video Marketing Trends and Statistics? To stay updated on video marketing trends, subscribe to reputable marketing blogs and follow industry hashtags on social media. Attend webinars for real-time insights and read new research reports. Networking with peers can also offer valuable information. You should keep an eye on multiple sources to stay informed. There are also agencies and marketing franchises you can partner with to handle video marketing for you. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Eye-Opening Video Marketing Statistics Every Business Owner Should Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Snapchat has announced new initiatives to support its global community of over 375,000 augmented reality (AR) creators and developers. The updates include a new monetization feature called Challenge Tags, as well as educational pricing and a student discount for Spectacles, Snap’s AR-enabled smart glasses. The most significant update is the launch of Challenge Tags, a feature designed to reward AR developers for their creativity. Developers can now win cash prizes by submitting Lenses using active Challenge Tags. Entries are evaluated on originality, technical excellence, and alignment with the given theme. Snapchat has partnered with Lenslist, an AR marketing platform, to facilitate global participation from developers in over 100 countries. Whether developers are new to Snap AR or seasoned creators, the process is straightforward: Register for the challenge. Use Snap’s AR authoring tool, Lens Studio, to build a Lens. Apply the relevant Challenge Tag during the publishing process. Challenges will be announced monthly, each featuring a unique theme and prize pool. The inaugural Challenge Tag theme is humor, offering a $10,000 prize pool. Winners will be announced on February 14, with prizes allocated as follows: First place: $2,500 Second place: $1,500 Third place: $1,000 Twenty honorable mentions: $250 each The challenge is open through January 31, giving developers a chance to showcase their skills and win recognition for their creative work. This article, "Snapchat Expands Opportunities for AR Creators with Challenge Tags and Discounts" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google has been taking its crusade against adblockers to a whole new level lately, and users are speculating that unskippable multi-hour ads are its latest weapon. Over the past week, Redditors have been sharing screenshots showing that they’ve been served ads with runtimes as long as three hours, with no skip button in sight—and that's to watch videos that are much shorter than the ads themselves. Android Authority was the first to report on the phenomenon, linking to threads from users Lin1ex and Standard-Slip6572, who complained about the feature-length interruptions, complete with images of their screens with the ads in full view. The publication also pointed to commenters who made further claims, saying they were served 10-hour or even 90-hour ads, although these more extreme accusations lacked photo evidence. If that all sounds a little unbelievable to you, you have good instincts. In one of the linked photos above, you might see a small pop-up, separate from YouTube’s UI, that says “Skipping ads…” This pop-up led Android Authority to question whether it’s only users running ad blockers who are getting this kind of treatment, a question author Aamir Siddiqui reached out to YouTube for confirmation on. While the company didn't exactly admit to any specific punitive behavior for users employing adblockers, its answer did seem to hint at what’s going on, if you read between the lines. “...the use of ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service,” Google’s statement reads. “We’ve launched a global effort to urge viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for an ad free experience.” By YouTube’s own admission, unskippable ads are supposed to be limited to 15-seconds (or up to 60 seconds on YouTube TV), so whether on purpose or not, something is definitely messing up here, assuming the Redditors’ claims are true. While I myself have gotten hour-long ads before, a skip button has always appeared for them. I reached out to YouTube myself for further clarification, and the company sent me a response that reads much like the one given to Android Authority, but with new lines denying that YouTube serves long, unskippable ads in the first place. "YouTube does not serve minutes-long, non-skippable ads," I was told. The company also said "Viewers with ad blockers may experience a suboptimal viewing experience, as some ad blockers distort the YouTube playback experience." This, again, does not necessarily outright blame ad blockers for the specific issue at hand or admit to any purposeful tweaking behind the scenes, although it does leave the possibility for "distorted" playback open (whatever that means). it's worth noting that, despite this denial, the move does line up with the company’s recent behavior. Previously, the company has injected ads straight into videos so that ad blockers can’t detect them, as well as used pop-ups to block users with ad blockers from watching videos at all. Google Chrome as a whole has also started disabling certain ad-blockers, thanks to a controversial change to the API extension developers use. If you notice an unskippable multi-hour ad on YouTube, try disabling your ad blocker to see if that fixes the problem. If it does, you might then want to try watching the video again in incognito mode to see if the issue is linked to your account—this should help you diagnose what’s going on so you can more easily know what to do next. Update 1/27/25 at 6:15 PM ET: Added response from YouTube. View the full article

Thinking about getting a new iPhone? You certainly have options: Apple's latest generation of smartphones, the iPhone 16 series, offers four different models, each with their own plusses and minuses. If you're not set on having the latest and greatest, you could consider last year's iPhone 15, or even 2022's iPhone 14. They're all great. However, there's one iPhone that stands out from the rest: the iPhone SE. Unlike every other iPhone Apple currently sells, this one has a Home button. In fact, the phone looks nearly identical to the iPhone 8 Apple released back in 2017, which itself borrows the design from 2014's iPhone 6. That means it has a smaller, lower quality display than many might be used to these days, a single camera that isn't as capable as newer iPhones, and poor battery life for its size. In short, the current SE is a bit of a black sheep, and is probably not the iPhone I'd recommend you buy in 2024—even if it only costs $429. That price is the main selling point of the SE brand, especially when this particular model launched back in 2022. Apple takes the design from the last generation (in this case, the iPhone 8 style), packs a modern chip inside, and slashes the MSRP. In effect, you get an iPhone that can keep up with the performance of the flagship Apple phones, but at half the cost, if not more. Sure, the cameras aren't as good, and the device looks a bit dated, but again, you get a lot of iPhone for the price. To be frank, if you're eyeing a mid-range device at a good price, I wouldn't recommend buying an iPhone at all right now. But if you can wait until spring, Apple might just have exactly what you're looking for in a brand-new SE (which, according to rumors, might even have a different name). 2025 could be the year of the SEAs reported by MacRumors, analysts have confirmed Apple is working on a fourth-generation iPhone SE. The only "confirmed" spec from this report is an Apple-made 5G modem. If true, it would be the first iPhone with a non-Qualcomm 5G modem, but it's not clear whether that would mean any performance gains or other positive changes for customers. Analysts say the SE is set to launch at the end of Q1 2025, which might track with a rumored March announcement. Apple unveiled the SE 3 in March 2022, so it'd be consistent. According to the rumors, we'll see an iPhone SE 4 (or whatever it releases as) with some decent specs. MacRumors says the new SE could have a 6.1-inch OLED display with Face ID, an upgraded A-series chip (though it's not certain which chip Apple would use), USB-C, a 48 MP rear camera, 8GB of RAM, and this new 5G modem. That extra RAM would allow the SE 4 to run Apple Intelligence, which is obviously important to Apple, but perhaps not to anyone who has already turned it off. If those features come to pass, this would be quite the upgrade over the current iPhone SE. The SE 3 is rocking a 4.7-inch 750p LCD, a much smaller and lower resolution display than what's rumored. It also uses the A15 Bionic chip, which is still powerful enough in 2024 (it's the same chip used in the iPhone 14), has a Lightning port, a 12 MP rear camera, 4GB of RAM, and, of course, a Qualcomm 5G modem. The SE always borrows from the previous generation of iPhone, and right now, that's likely the iPhone 14. Based on these rumors, the new SE would have some edge over the iPhone 14: The 14 has 12 MP rear cameras, 6GB of RAM, a Lightning port, and doesn't support Apple Intelligence, all of which the rumored SE improves upon. And while the 14's A15 Bionic chip is plenty powerful for iOS 18, the SE 4 will undoubtedly come with a newer A-series chip. The A15 was the newest iPhone chip at the time when the SE 3 came out: If Apple continues the trend, the SE 4 could get the iPhone 16's A18 chip. Even the 15 Pro's A17 chip would be quite the upgrade. There's also a potential name change in store for the iPhone SE 4, as noted leaker Majin Bu (don't you have Saiyans to fight?) has said Apple is considering naming it the iPhone 16E, pushing it as a budget version of its most recent model rather than a separate line altogether. Bu's report follows a similar statement from popular Chinese account Fixed Focus Digital. What would a new iPhone SE look like?Aside from the internals, leakers have also now gotten their hands on supposed dummy units of the iPhone SE 4. As expected, these look a lot like the iPhone 14, but with two noticeable changes. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The biggest changes here, at least according to a video from also coming from Majin Bu, are the swap to a USB-C port and the move to a single camera lens. The former is necessary for the phone to be sold in the EU and constitutes a modest upgrade over the 14, while the latter is likely a cost-cutting measure, but could still be considered an upgrade if the single lens is more powerful than the prior dual lenses, as rumored. Notably, while the move to a single camera lens is a change from the iPhone 14, the current iPhone SE also only uses a single camera lens, and it does provide for a less noticeable camera bump. Over the old SE, the Home button is also now gone, and noticeably, a notch is here in place of the Dynamic Island Apple made standard on all new iPhones starting with the iPhone 15. That's not wholly a surprise, given the base iPhone 14 had a notch too, but anyone who was hoping Apple would leave notches entirely in the past after the iPhone 15 announcement will likely need to wait for the SE 5 (or whatever it's called) to see that wish come true. Bu isn't the first leaker to come forward with an iPhone SE 4 dummy, although their post is certainly clearer than prior looks, especially regarding the notch. Will Apple keep the price low?Of course, the value of a rumored SE all hinges on the price. Ideally, Apple would keep the same $429 price point for the SE 4—which, itself, was a hike from the $399 starting price for past SE models. These rumors point to a excellent all-around iPhone that omits certain modern or "Pro" features like a Camera button, Action button, zoom lens, titanium build, 120Hz ProMotion display, Always-On display, Dynamic Island, and a brightness maximum of 2,000 nits. Hopefully, scrapping these features most users don't want or need can motivate Apple to price the SE accordingly. As of this writing, rumors don't suggest what Apple will do, one way or another. At the end of the day, most people looking to buy an iPhone want something that can handle iMessage and FaceTime, run their favorite apps, and take great photos and videos. The SE traditionally handles these tasks without issue, so if the fourth-generation iPhone SE does indeed deliver on these rumors, and is priced appropriately, it might be the best iPhone for most of us. View the full article

Rabbit has introduced a new lineup of tailored logo design packages aimed at businesses of all sizes. The company combines creativity and strategy to help brands develop distinctive visual identities that resonate with their audiences. Rabbit’s origins trace back to founder Srdjan Stojicic’s early success as a freelancer on Fiverr, an online platform connecting businesses with creative professionals. Over more than a decade on Fiverr, Stojicic earned recognition as a top-rated designer, amassing over 3,000 five-star reviews and generating $750,000 in earnings. His work with clients across diverse industries provided the foundation for Rabbit’s approach to logo design. “Fiverr gave me the opportunity to turn my vision into reality,” Stojicic said. “It allowed me to connect with clients across the globe and understand the unique needs of businesses in diverse industries. That experience became the foundation for Rabbit.” Through his time on Fiverr, Stojicic refined his ability to craft logos that capture the unique essence of a brand, skills that now form the backbone of Rabbit’s design philosophy. Rabbit’s launch represents a significant milestone for Stojicic, who aims to bring a more focused and strategic approach to logo design. The company’s new service offerings include three tailored packages designed to meet the needs of startups, growing businesses, and established brands. “Our goal is simple: to transform ideas into iconic logos that resonate,” Stojicic explained. “Whether sleek and modern or timelessly classic, we strive to create designs that tell the story of each business.” Rabbit’s offerings aim to bridge creativity and precision, ensuring that every client receives a logo that not only reflects their brand identity but also helps them stand out in competitive markets. Stojicic credits his experience on Fiverr for providing the tools and confidence to launch Rabbit. “Fiverr taught me invaluable lessons about business and gave me the confidence to dream bigger,” he said. “It connected me to incredible clients and provided the springboard for Rabbit’s growth.” Image: Rabbit This article, "Rabbit Launches New Logo Design Services" was first published on Small Business Trends 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. Handheld gaming consoles are no longer dominated by Nintendo; PC games entered the handheld industry market with competition from Valve and ASUS. Valve’s Steam Deck was the best budget option available until ASUS released the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 in 2023, which is the budget version of the more powerful ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. During Best Buy's 48-hour Flash Sale, you can actually get the more premium ASUS ROG Ally Extreme for cheaper than the basic Rog Ally. It's currently $449.99 (originally $649.99), currently the lowest price I have seen over the last few months, according to price tracking tools. ASUS ROG Ally 7" Extreme $449.99 at Best Buy $649.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $449.99 at Best Buy $649.99 Save $200.00 SEE -2 MORE The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 is a great option for PC gamers who are used to the Windows system and want to play their games on a portable system. The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is cheaper than most budget gaming laptops, although its processing power and graphics are limited. You can see whether the budget or Extreme version or the Z1 is better for you here. Don’t expect to play every AAA smoothly without having some kind of problem. For most big AAA games, you will need a full-sized desktop or gaming laptop to run without hiccups. While you can play some on the ASUS ROG Ally Z1, you will have to accept playing with lower frames per second to make them run (our readers claim to be able to play AAA games at 60FPS without issues). If you’re not familiar with the Windows 11 operating system, this can be tricky to do. The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 brings you 512GB of memory with a micro SD memory card slot if you want to expand it, an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 16GB RAM, and a seven-inch touchscreen LED with a maximum video resolution of 1080p. The rechargeable battery will give you about eight and a half hours of battery time. You can read the full PCMag review of the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 here. While the ASUS ROG Ally is not objectively better or worse than the Steam Deck, at its current price, the Ally Z1 can be a better option than the Steam Deck for most people. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Housing is getting smaller and more expensive—which means many of us are putting our mental energy into making our existing homes work for us even if they’re bursting their seams with stuff. From storage unit strategies to time-honored ideas like making sure every stick of furniture comes with bonus storage capabilities, we’re all trying to cram two houses’ worth of stuff into one house. If your house appears to be at full capacity and you just don’t have any more room for shelves, cabinets, or anything else, you have one move left: Start literally carving storage out of the bones of your house. There are hidden voids everywhere, and with a little elbow grease and surprisingly little skill you can fill those hollows with your stuff. Here are a few easy ways to carve storage out of your home. Interior wallsNo matter what kind of house you live in, or what size it is, you have walls. And the interior, non-load-bearing walls in your house are probably framed with 2x4 studs and clad in drywall. If you remove the drywall, it will look something like this: Credit: sockagphoto/Shutterstock Those hollows can be pretty easily transformed into shallow shelf space. Framing 2x4s are actually about 3.5 inches deep (for reasons), which is actually just deep enough for paperback books or any small items (e.g., spice bottles, bathroom supplies). Here are the basics for carving storage out of your walls: Use a stud finder that also detects wiring and plumbing, like this one. You want a section of wall free from clutter that also doesn’t threaten to electrocute you or flood your house if you slip with the drill. Use the stud finder to map out where your studs are—they should be either 16 or 24 inches apart, but you can run into weird exceptions, especially in older homes or homes where a DIY maniac did a lot of their own work. Decide how tall you want your storage area to be, and use a utility knife or multitool to cut out the drywall. Paint the exposed back of the other side of the wall, or cover it with wallpaper or whatever else you want. Take a 1x4 and cut two one-inch pieces for each shelf you’re going to add. Screw these into the studs on either side of your opening at the heights you want your shelves to be. Use a level, for goodness’ sake, to make sure your shelves will be level. Alternatively, you could drill pin holes for shelf supports so you have adjustable shelving; pin holes are typically 1/4 inch in size, but you should pick your shelving and check the diameter of the supports before you commit. Cut 1x4s or 2x4s to size to act as your shelves and set in place. Trim the opening with more 1x4 (or whatever you want, if you’ve got some woodworking skills), fill holes, caulk, and paint. Voila! Viable storage set into the wall. You can add one or more of these storage options anywhere in the house, and if you don’t need them any more you can just remove the trim, drywall over the opening, and forget it was ever there. StaircasesThe stairs in your house represent a lot of wasted space. If they’re open, meaning you can already access the space under them, you have a few simple options for turning that space into usable storage, including sloped shelf brackets (and/or sloped clothing rod holders) attached to the underside of the stairs, some appropriately sized stock cabinets, or simply stacking up some storage cubes in a neat geometric pattern. If the stairs are closed (meaning the empty space below is covered by drywall), you can get more ambitious and create built-in storage under there. This could be as simple as replicating the in-wall storage described above—cutting out some drywall between studs to gain access to the void under the stairs, then adding a small door for access—or getting fancy with a set of pull-out shelves (this might be a project worth hiring a carpenter for). As long as you don’t mess with the support structure of the stairs there’s no reason you can use that void underneath. Toe-kicksThe “toe-kick” is that part at the bottom of your kitchen and bathroom cabinets that are set back so you can stand super close to the counters. There’s usually nothing but empty space behind them so they are an ideal spot to carve out some extra storage for your house. You can buy kitchen cabinets with toe-kick drawers already included, but if don't have those, you can add toe-kick storage to existing cabinetry—but it requires custom-built drawers. You can find folks to make them for you on Etsy, or hire a local carpenter to build them for you. Then it’s just a matter of removing the existing toe-kick cover, installing the drawer slides, and then inserting the drawer itself. Keep in mind that these drawers will be very shallow—you’re not getting pots and pans in there. But they will enable you to get a lot of smaller stuff off your counters and out of your other drawers and cabinets, opening up plenty of extra space. FloorsLike walls, your floor is a system of joists spaced 16 or 24 inches apart, and you can cut a section out of your floor between joists, build in some storage, then re-attach the floor section with a hinge and a handle to create storage under the floor. This is a surprisingly simple project, though you’ll have to get comfortable with cutting up your floor: Figure out where your joists are, and measure out how large you want your storage to be. Make sure pipes and wiring aren’t going to get in the way. Mark a section of the floor that’s about a half-inch wider. This will create a “lip” of joist that the section will rest on when closed. Cut out your floor and subfloor, being careful not to cut into the joists themselves. Build a simple plywood box and insert it into the space you’ve created, attached to the joists. Turn your section of floor into a trap door. Fill up your new storage box and drop the door into place. If you take care with your build, it will be nearly invisible. View the full article

Like storytelling, cooking skills are often passed down from family. You mosey into the kitchen as a kid and watch your parents cut, stir, cook, and bake a few times a day, and that’s how you do it yourself later in life. While there’s nothing necessarily wrong with the knife techniques you grew up with, there’s a chance you’re missing out on a few foundational skills. Learning the difference between similar cuts (and when to use each) can help you make progress toward cooking goals that have been hard to reach, like duplicating recipes you’ve seen on the internet. Or maybe you want to work in the food industry—most of the intricate, professional cuts you see in restaurants all begin with one of these basic methods. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann SliceAfter absorbing the importance of keeping your knives sharp and tucking your fingertips out of the way, the first cut you need to learn to the basic slice. The slice is a single straight, vertical cut, from the top down to the cutting board (which is sitting safely and securely on your countertop). To properly slice, you don’t usually thrust down with force, but instead smoothly run the knife through the ingredient with consistent speed and pressure. This versatile cut can be made wide for a crusty slice of bread, medium for your burger’s tomato, or paper thin for apple chips. Before slicing (or trying any of the following cuts): If your fruit or veggie doesn’t have a flat side, it’s common practice to slice a small chip off one of the sides so you can sit the produce firmly on the cutting board without worrying about it rolling away. Then, slice at will. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Plank Slicing leads to planking. This knife cut involves making a long, lengthwise slice. The plank cut is aesthetically pleasing and I love it, no more so than when grilling. The ideal shape for your planked veggies is thinner than it is long—rectangular, and reminiscent of a plank of wood (go figure). You can cut perfect planks of carrots after you evenly cut off the rounded bits. The plank can involve a fair amount of waste if you want perfect edges, but you can do rustic planks too. (Who doesn’t love a reclaimed-wood coffee table?) For grilling and roasting, slice zucchini, eggplant, cauliflower, and other hearty vegetables lengthwise into thick, even planks. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Rough Chop“Chop” can be a non-specific word for cutting, but definitionally, it’s close to the dice (outlined below). I differentiate the rough chop because, in my experience, it’s one of the most used cuts in home cooking. The goal is to get medium to small pieces that are about the same size, but uniformity is not an imperative. This cut doesn’t promise precision or pretty presentation, but it’s still safe and useful. To rough chop herbs, vegetables, fruits, or nuts, break down big ingredients into smaller pieces first. Keep one hand on the handle and the other either holding the vegetable or on the spine of the knife to add leverage with your fingers out of harm’s way, and start chopping. Again, no need to be perfect—just send the blade down at your own pace. Afterward, chop through the ingredients again in the other direction; that might mean turning your knife, the food, or the cutting board 90 degrees to get the right angle. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann DiceThe dice is more of a precision cut than a rough chop. The goal is to create neat cubes of food. You can dice in a variety of sizes—usually large, medium, and small. (Once you go finer than a small dic, the cuts get new names.) To dice fruits and vegetables neatly, slice off the irregularities and rounded sides. Cut into planks. Stack the planks and cut them lengthwise once or twice, depending on the size of the dice. Keeping the pieces stacked, spin the item and cut widthwise to achieve perfect cubes. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann MinceA mince can be precise or rough, but the results of both are tiny. Precise mincing is like an extra-small dice; you’re making very small cubes. It usually involves a fine blade so you can make cuts that are close together. Make a series of close parallel cuts, equally sized, along all three axes like a dice, but with the cuts closer together. If you were to mince a carrot, you’d cut it into planks, turn it and cut it into long strips, then turn the strips and cut across them at a 90° angle and cut straight down to make petite cubes. A rough mince is done with a fine blade or even a cleaver, depending on what you’re cutting. Frequently, rough mincing is done with herbs, garlic, seeds, and nuts—things that are small to begin—with so shaping them into precise cubes is a big ask. But it can be fun, like over-doing a rough chop on purpose. Mice without precision using a sharp chef’s knife, which has has a curved blade that helps you create a rocking motion. Gather the ingredient into a heap and, using your fingers or the top of the palm on your non-dominant hand, put pressure on the end of the blade to anchor it to the cutting board. Angle your fingers up to keep them safe, and press on the spine of the knife, with knife’s heel angled upward and the ingredients underneath, waiting to be mowed down. Your dominant hand holds the handle of the knife. Rock the heel of the knife down along the curve of the blade, and up again, keeping the tip-end of the knife planted so it never loses contact with the cutting board. This creates something like a one-sided see-saw. As you rock the blade through the ingredients, pivot slightly to change the angle and make increasingly smaller cuts. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Roll cutI saved my favorite cut for last. The roll cut is not exactly precise, but it’s not “rough” either. Also referred to as an oblique cut, it’s ideal for long, round vegetables that roll, like carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. The roll cut creates a morsel of food that has multiple sides, none parallel. Usually with a slice, chop, dice or mince, at least two of the edges, or cuts, are parallel or close to it; not so with the roll cut. Besides the pleasing aesthetic, cutting a vegetable like this allows you to make similarly sized pieces even if the vegetable has a small and a large end. It creates a little more surface area, allowing the veg to cook quickly and evenly, and the different angles keep pieces from stacking or sticking together in the pan. To roll cut a carrot, sit the entire carrot facing East-West on a cutting board. If you normally would hold your knife at a 90 degree angle to the carrot, North-South, now you’ll angle it 45 degrees inward, Northwest to Southeast. Your knife will stay like this, making the same 45 degree cut; he carrot is what rolls. Make the first cut and roll the carrot a quarter or a third of a turn. Cut. Roll the carrot again, and repeat. At the thin end make the cuts farther apart and toward the thick end make the cuts closer together, so the sections are similarly-sized. Once you get familiar with this cut, you can adjust the angle of the knife and the spacing of each cut to change the shape. Your pieces will have charming oblique cuts facing different directions. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. When you're scrolling TikTok for cleaning inspiration or looking to beef up your product arsenal, it can be overwhelming to see how many products there are out there—and how much they all cost. You don't need to spend a small fortune to keep a clean house, though. There are some excellent budget-friendly products on the market that work wonders all over your home and should be your new cleaning staples. The best cleaning solutions for the priceI've mentioned this before, but if you want true bang for your buck in the cleaning space, you should consider swapping your standard cleaning solution for those that have double the concentration. I've had great results with the upgraded Pine Sol and Fabuloso, finding that they clean more surfaces with less fluid than their standard predecessors and that aren't much more expensive, if at all: Broadly speaking, the 56-ounce bottle of 2x-concentrated Fabuloso is $5.49, and 48 ounces of the regular stuff will run you $4.59 while the price of 80 ounces of double-concentrated Pine Sol is between $15 and $20, depending on various discounts, with 96 ounces of regular Pine Sol coming in at $15. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson I don't mind paying slightly more for a product that is going to do a better job, but the nice thing about these is that you can wait around for sales and almost always find a good deal somewhere, whether it's Target, Amazon, or Walmart, making them about the same price as the standard bottles. My holy grail vacuum is not very pricyI love my Bissell CrossWave OmniForce, a dual mop-and-vacuum combo, and while it routinely goes on sale for shopping holidays, it's still hundreds of dollars, so it's not ideal for someone looking to clean on a budget. You can stay within the Bissell family and still get a powerful machine, however. In fact, my favorite vacuum of all time is the humble Bissell Featherweight Stick. Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum $32.98 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $32.98 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Depending on various sales and where you get it, it's usually around $30. I am devoted to mine because even though it's so small, its suction is mighty. I use it for spot cleaning because it's perfect for zeroing in on messes. You can also remove the stick and use it as a handheld vacuum, which makes it more versatile. There is a flat attachment that turns it into a standard vacuum, too, so it's perfect for use on carpets, hard floors, specific messes, and more, all over the house. Don't spend too much on mopping, eitherGreat, so the floor is vacuumed for cheap, but what about mopped? I love my Swiffer WetJet because it's small and easy to use. I live in a small apartment where storing a full-sized mop would be laughably annoying, so the slim WetJet with its built-in cleaning solution dispenser has always been ideal for me. The problem is, though, that you always have to buy new pads for it—or so I thought. Instead of repurchasing the disposable Swiffer pads every few weeks, you can actually invest just once in a reusable microfiber head that attached to your WetJet. And I say "invest" lightly here, since it's just $6.99 for two. Comparably, 24 branded WetJet pads are $13.77 and the Amazon Basics version is $7.54 for 30. That's not terrible, but still not as economical as picking up the reusable pads. Sponges shouldn't be expensiveIf you're looking to CleanTok influencers for advice on sponges, you'll inevitably hear that the Scrub Daddy is the best sponge you can get. At $13.99 for three, they come out to be less than $5 per sponge and while that's a decent deal and they do last a long time, I recommend something else: Silicone scrubbers. You can get three for $7.99 (or even less if you check out your local dollar store) and they last for, in my experience, years. Designate one for dishes, one for bathroom messes, and one for kitchen messes—or one for whatever specific issues crop up in your home—and you'll have them for ages. The little tendrils really get at messes, soap suds up great in them, and they're easy to handle, especially since they don't start to fall apart like regular sponges. I also love that you can just rinse them and hang them to dry and they never start to stink because no dampness or old crud gets stuck inside them. Geloo Silicone Sponges, 3 Pack $7.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $9.99 Save $2.00 Shop Now Shop Now $7.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $9.99 Save $2.00 Speaking of sponges, I am a devout forever-fan of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Foamy, which is already just $2.49 for one. I recommend keeping at least one Ultra Foamy around to deal with tough messes like stuck-on adhesive, but for extra budget-friendly cleaning power, you can get a bulk pack of generic-brand melamine sponges. Magic Erasers are just melamine sponges with a fancy name, so for standard messes, feel free to grab a 20-pack of plain ones for $11.99, which makes them just 60 cents per sponge. Heavy-duty scrubbing action for cheapFinally, you'll notice that telescopic electric scrubbers are all the rage on CleanTok, which isn't too bad, since they are generally around $40 on Amazon (though they can cost more). It's true that outsourcing your manual labor to a machine makes cleaning easier and more efficient, but you can do it even more cheaply if you already own a drill. For $17.95, you can get 23 brush head attachments for your drill, which can tackle grout, upholstery, tiles, small crevices, and more. All that's missing here is the long telescopic head, but to save over half your money might just be worth it. Holikme 23-Pack Drill Brush Attachment St $17.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $24.00 Save $6.05 Shop Now Shop Now $17.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $24.00 Save $6.05 View the full article

There are benefits to training in heart rate zone 2, and you’ve probably heard all about them. But what happens when your heart rate spikes into zone 3, whether when you're on a run or doing cardio at the gym? Surprise: You don’t lose the benefits of zone 2 training. Zone 3 is arguably just as good for you, or maybe even better. Remember, the reason people are excited about zone 2 training is that it helps you build your aerobic base and burn calories without incurring much fatigue. Guess what zone 3 training also does? Yep, it helps you build your aerobic base, burn even more calories, and usually only incur a tiny bit more fatigue than zone 2. So why aren’t we all doing more zone 3 cardio? Zone 2 is overratedThere are reasons to run (or do any cardio) at lower intensities, and reasons to use higher intensities. Easy cardio is having a moment right now, so everybody is talking about doing more zone 2. Before heart-rate monitors were widespread, you had to judge what was “easy” by yourself, or by comparing your speed of running to what you knew you could do in a race. Non-athletes had the “talk test": If you could hold a conversation while jogging, you knew you were at an easy, steady pace. But when everybody has a watch that tells them their heart rate, suddenly we’re looking at specific numbers, and our watches color code the numbers so you know when you’re in zone 2 versus zone 3. Your heart ticks up a beat? You’re out of your zone. Straight to workout jail! But the reality is, your body isn’t getting a drastically different workout at 153 beats per minute than it was at 152. There probably isn’t even much difference between, say, 145 and 155, as long as they’re both within that conversational-ish effort level. Workout zones aren’t realThe most popular heart-rate zone systems use zones that are divided up for convenient measuring. They don't have any precise relationship to what's going on in your body. Your body does have some true dividing lines when it comes to exercise intensity (like the point at which you can't speak comfortably anymore, or the point at which lactate accumulates faster than you can clear it), but these don't correspond exactly to the typical five-zone system. The five-zone system, as a refresher, is based on where your heart rate falls as a percentage of your maximum heart rate. There will be specific percentages defined as the boundaries of each zone, and the five zones are usually described something like this: zone 1: rest or minimal effort zone 2: easy breezy conversational pace zone 3: ??? zone 4: pretty hard zone 5: maximal effort It's a cute idea, and many people find this system helpful, but these zones are not based on any scientific findings that prove we get such-and-such benefits at 60-70% of max heart rate, and such-and-such different benefits at 71-80%. If you aren’t convinced, just look at how different gadgets and apps define the zones differently: Your “zone 2” might be 60-70% on Apple Watch, but 65%-75% on a Peloton. At, say, 73%, the Apple Watch would say you're in zone 3 but the Peloton would say you're in zone 2. Who is right? Neither, really. Research on the benefits of exercise doesn’t use heart rate zones, or at least not of this type. They may measure intensity in a few different ways, including whether you are above or below your ventilatory threshold (basically, whether or not you can talk while exercising) or your lactate threshold (measured through blood chemistry, but basically the highest effort you can sustain for a long time). Sometimes they’ll measure METs, which relate to how much energy you use to do work, or they'll put everything in terms of oxygen consumption (this is where the term VO2max comes from). Occasionally these studies will send participants home with heart rate-based guidelines, but those tend to be drawn from their personal scientific measurements, rather than the cookie-cutter zones you get from an app or from watching a video on youtube. Conversational pace includes zone 2 and most of zone 3So let’s take a closer look at that idea of the “talk test” or “conversational pace.” The guideline to keep your easy cardio at a chatty pace does come from a scientific concept: the ventilatory threshold. Imagine you start out at a walk, and every minute or so you increase your speed a bit. As you work harder, you’ll hit a point where your breath becomes a little ragged, and your sentences choppy. If you were conversing with a friend, you'd be grunting out a few words at a time, rather than casually telling a story. That point is your ventilatory threshold, or VT (sometimes called VT1). When athletes or coaches talk about easy pace or easy efforts, they usually want you below your VT. The way people talk about zone 2, you’d think that the VT occurs at the top of zone 2. But nope—conversational pace is closer to 80%, which is the top of zone 3. For example, here’s a study on recreational runners that found VT1 to be, on average, at 78% of the runners’ max heart rate. And they tested the runners’ max heart rate, rather than using a formula based on age. (Never trust the default formulas.) So if you’re trying to train at an easy pace, or if you’re using the 80/20 rule to keep 80% of your runs easy, you can do those easy runs or cardio sessions in zones 2 and 3, not just zone 3. Zone 3 is still aerobic and still easyNow that I've explained why the zone 2/zone 3 distinction is arbitrary, you see why it makes more sense to look at zones 2 and 3 (or even zones 1 through 3) as a continuum. At the lower end, you’ll be running or pedaling slower, burning fewer calories, and feeling like you’re barely doing any work. (Hello, cozy cardio!) At the higher end (or the top of zone 3), you’re still getting a lot of aerobic work done, still benefiting your mitochondria and your capillaries and everything else, but you’re doing it in less time. If you’re interested in calorie burn per hour, zone 3 is more efficient. Cyclists sometimes call training in this range the “sweet spot.” It gives you some of the advantages of harder training without making you too fatigued. For runners, zone 3 may include some of your tempo runs, some of your race-pace runs, and some of your faster “easy” runs. So what’s the point of zone 2, if you can get all of its benefits in zone 3? That depends on your big picture: If you’re doing a lot of training, you’ll probably want some of it to be in zone 2, if only to save some energy while you’re getting more miles on your feet. But if you only run, say, three times a week, it’s unlikely that those couple of runs will wear you down much even if you do them all in zone 3. You shouldn’t read too much into your heart rate anywayThis brings me back to my grudge against heart-rate monitors. (It’s a grudge borne of love; I track my own heart rate when I run and find it useful in many ways.) Your heart rate doesn’t only track with your training effort; it also responds to a lot of other factors. For example, it responds to summer heat, showing you higher numbers in hot weather. It can also show higher numbers if you’re more fatigued, or at the end of a run compared to the beginning, and it may show higher numbers if you’re a bit dehydrated. When you run a race, you may find that your heart rate is higher than expected at the start, just because you’re a bit nervous. Some medications can alter your heart rate as well—beta blockers, for example, notoriously lower your heart rate. And then there’s the question of whether your fitness tracker's zones are set correctly (even knowing that, yes, their boundaries are made up). If you’ve never run an all-out race or series of hill sprints, your watch may have never seen your maximum heart rate. So if it says that your max must be 184 because you are 36 years old, it’s just grabbing numbers from a formula. That makes as much sense as buying shoes based on the average shoe size for a 5’6” woman, rather than actually measuring your feet (or trying on the shoes). If you go out for an easy run and find that your heart rate was in “zone 5” the whole time, I guarantee you that isn’t your zone 5. So if your heart rate creeps into zone 3 on a “zone 2” training run, that may or may not be accurate. But even if it is, if you can still breathe and speak more or less normally, you’re getting plenty of benefits from your zone 3 cardio. Is zone 2 or 3 better for fat loss? Both are good! If you can only do cardio a few times a week, and don't mind working hard, zone 3 is a great place to be. It's less fatiguing than HIIT, but packs more of a punch than zone 2. But if you have more time, you may want to work toward the 50 to 60 minutes of exercise per day that researchers have found works the best at helping people lose weight and keep it off. (Here's one interesting study where this level of exercise worked even without dietary changes.) This is a lot of exercise! To get that amount of work in, most people would not be comfortable doing it all as zone 3 training—but zone 2 is a lot more doable. The more exercise you do, the more you'll need to include easier work, like zone 2, to give yourself a break from the harder days. So if you're doing a ton of exercise, at least some of it should be zone 2, and some can be zone 3 or higher if you like. If you're only exercising a few days a week, zone 3 is probably better. What is the best heart rate zone for cardio? Every zone has a benefit, so if you're trying to increase your cardio fitness, you should spend time in all of them. Zone 1 is good for warmups, cooldowns, and the recovery periods between intervals. Zone 2 is good for long sustained efforts. It's usually OK to do zone 2 in place of a rest day. Zone 3 helps you adapt to harder work than zone 3. It burns more fat but incurs a little bit more fatigue than zone 2, as we've discussed. It's also the zone where you'll practice race pace if you're training for a race like a half marathon. Zone 4 helps you to work close to your lactate threshold, which improves your endurance when you're working hard. This is an important zone for athletes, but it's usually only done one or a few times per week, not for every workout. Zone 5 is a very hard zone, and is great for HIIT workouts (with zone 1 work, like walking, to recover in between those hard intervals). In general, you'll want to spend more time in the lower zones, and sprinkle in the higher zones for variety. In the 80/20 style of running, 80% of your workout time should be spent in zone 2 and low zone 3; everything from high zone 3 on up should only make up 20% of your workout time each week. This isn't the only way to structure your training, but it's a popular one that helps runners get a good balance of work in all the zones. Is zone 3 a "gray zone" with no benefits? Not at all! It got this reputation from all the coaches and writers who were trying to convince people that training medium-hard shouldn't make up all their training time. Instead, they should do some sessions easier (zone 2), and some harder (zone 4 for threshold and zone 5 for shorter and harder intervals). The idea of emphasizing the highest and lowest zones is sometimes called "polarized training." But this advice somehow turned into a myth about people needing to avoid zone 3, which was never true. 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OpenAI has launched Operator, an AI-powered agent capable of using its own browser to perform a variety of tasks for users. Operator, available as a research preview to Pro users in the United States, represents a step forward in AI’s ability to handle repetitive and time-consuming browser tasks independently. Operator leverages a new model, Computer-Using Agent (CUA), which combines GPT-4o’s vision capabilities with advanced reasoning through reinforcement learning. This allows the agent to interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as buttons, menus, and text fields—essentially mimicking how a human interacts with a browser. Tasks Operator can perform include filling out forms, ordering groceries, and even creating memes. By navigating websites and performing actions like typing, clicking, and scrolling, Operator broadens the utility of AI in everyday activities and business workflows. “Operator is one of our first agents, which are AIs capable of doing work for you independently—you give it a task and it will execute it,” OpenAI stated in its release. The tool’s introduction is intended to save time for users while opening up new opportunities for businesses to enhance engagement and efficiency. Operator is designed to “see” through screenshots and “interact” using the actions of a mouse and keyboard. If it encounters challenges or makes errors, it can self-correct using its reasoning capabilities or hand control back to the user. This collaborative approach ensures users remain in control throughout the process. The system excels at repetitive tasks but is still in development. Early feedback will be used to address limitations, such as challenges with complex interfaces like slideshow creation or calendar management. Operator includes multiple safeguards to prioritize user safety and privacy: Takeover Mode: The agent asks users to take control when entering sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment details, ensuring Operator does not collect this data. User Confirmations: Operator requires user approval before finalizing significant actions like submitting orders or sending emails. Task Limitations: The system is trained to decline sensitive tasks, such as high-stakes decisions or banking transactions. OpenAI has also integrated robust privacy measures, including options to delete browsing data, opt out of data training, and monitor Operator’s actions through a dedicated “monitor model” that flags suspicious behavior. Operator is already collaborating with companies like DoorDash, Instacart, and Priceline to streamline tasks and improve customer experiences. OpenAI is also exploring public sector applications, partnering with organizations like the City of Stockton to enhance accessibility for enrolling in city services. What’s Next for Operator OpenAI plans to expand Operator to Plus, Team, and Enterprise users in the future, integrating its capabilities directly into ChatGPT. Additionally, the company intends to expose the CUA model powering Operator in its API, allowing developers to create their own computer-using agents. Image: OpenAI This article, "OpenAI Introduces Operator: An AI Agent for Automated Browser-Based Tasks" was first published on Small Business Trends 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. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ is now $834.19 (down from $1,119.99—its lowest price ever, according to price trackers like Keepa. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10+ $834.19 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,119.99 Save $285.80 Get Deal Get Deal $834.19 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,119.99 Save $285.80 Available in platinum silver, it’s designed to handle wear and tear with an armor aluminum frame that Samsung claims is 10% more resistant to scuffs. And, unlike Apple’s iPads, the Tab S10+ is IP68-rated, making it dustproof and waterproof. Even the included S Pen (which offers a smooth, pressure-sensitive writing experience), shares the same level of ruggedness. With its 12.4-inch AMOLED display, 2,800 x 1,752-pixel resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, 650 nits of peak brightness, and anti-reflective coating that helps keep glare to a minimum (though direct sunlight can still pose a challenge), the Tab S10+ is built for immersive viewing. Performance-wise, the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip and 12GB of RAM power through tasks with ease, whether you’re tackling demanding games, juggling multiple apps, or just browsing and shopping online. You also get plenty of storage with 512GB, plus microSD support for up to an additional 1.5TB. The Tab S10+ runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI, offering powerful multitasking features like DeX for a desktop-like interface (you can also connect it to an external display via USB-C or wirelessly) and app grouping. Plus, Galaxy AI brings some creative and practical tools to the table, from photo enhancements and website summaries to note organization and the fun Sketch to Image feature (just doodle on the tablet, and Galaxy AI transforms it into a more polished creation). That said, many Galaxy AI features rely on an active data connection (and more advanced tools need cloud support), so you’ll need to be online for most of them to work, according to this PCMag review. The 10,090mAh battery on the Tab S10+ offers just over 8 hours of use per charge and supports 45W fast charging, though you’ll need to supply your own charger. As for the cameras, they’re functional but not exceptional—photos are detailed but tend to be oversaturated, and 4K video is capped at 30fps. For top-tier video performance, the iPad Pro ($899, down from $999), with its ability to record 4K at 60fps in ProRes, makes for a better alternative. View the full article

As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, it’s important to have the right tools and solutions to keep up with demand. Farm equipment suppliers offer a full line of options, from tractors to tillage equipment and even tractor attachments for snow removal. In this guide, we will cover how to select the most suitable agricultural equipment for your farming requirements and examine the qualities to seek in a dependable company. Tips for Selecting the Right Farm Equipment Supplier In this section, we’ll provide tips for selecting the right supplier, including assessing the supplier’s reputation and expertise, examining the supplier’s product range and availability, and evaluating the supplier’s customer support and after-sales services. Assessing the Supplier’s Reputation and Expertise To ensure you work with a reputable and experienced supplier, consider checking online reviews, seeking recommendations from other farmers, and evaluating their industry experience. Look for suppliers with a proven track record of providing quality products and services and those knowledgeable about the latest industry trends and innovations. Examining the Supplier’s Product Range and Availability Choosing a supplier that has a wide variety of products and a dependable inventory is crucial. Seek out farm equipment suppliers that provide various equipment options tailored to your specific requirements and that can quickly and effectively source equipment as needed. Verify that the supplier’s inventory is current and that they are capable of delivering equipment in a timely manner. Evaluating the Supplier’s Customer Support and After-Sales Services A farm equipment supplier with excellent customer support and after-sales services is invaluable. Look for suppliers who provide comprehensive maintenance and repair services, training, and technical support. Also, ensure the supplier offers warranties and guarantees on their products to provide peace of mind. Training and Educational Resources Farm equipment suppliers often offer valuable training and educational resources to ensure farmers can use their equipment safely and efficiently. Common types of training and education are: Online Tutorials: Many suppliers offer online video tutorials or guides that provide step-by-step instructions on operating and maintaining equipment. In-Person Workshops: Some suppliers may offer hands-on training sessions, allowing farmers to gain practical experience under expert guidance. Operator Manuals: Comprehensive operator manuals are invaluable resources for understanding the intricacies of farm equipment. Understanding Farm Equipment Suppliers and Their Role in the Agricultural Industry Farm equipment suppliers play a crucial role in the agricultural industry, providing farmers with the tools and machinery necessary to cultivate crops and raise livestock efficiently. In this section, we will examine the various types of farm equipment suppliers and the services they offer and highlight some of the leading online suppliers that are accessible to farmers today. Be sure to check out this video about purchasing farm equipment at an auction by Brian’s Farming after reading: The Different Types of Farm Equipment Suppliers Farm equipment suppliers come in various forms, including local dealerships, online retailers, and manufacturers. Local dealers offer a personal touch and provide farmers with access to specialized knowledge and support. Online retailers offer convenience and a wide range of products at competitive prices. On the other hand, manufacturers offer a direct source of equipment and machinery, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Examples of each type include John Deere dealerships, Tractor Supply Company, and AGCO Corporation. Services Offered by Farm Equipment Suppliers Farm equipment suppliers offer various services, including sales, rentals, maintenance, and support. Sales services include providing farmers with equipment and machinery tailored to their specific needs, with financing options available. Rental services offer a cost-effective option for farmers who require equipment for short-term use. Maintenance services include routine upkeep and repair work, ensuring equipment stays in top condition. Support services include access to technical expertise and guidance on equipment usage. Top Online Farm Equipment Suppliers As e-commerce continues to thrive, farmers have more options than ever when seeking reliable online farm equipment suppliers. Here’s a closer look at some of the most prominent players in this domain: FarmTek: Specialization: Renowned for its comprehensive range of agricultural products. Products: Greenhouse kits, livestock equipment, and more. Features: Offers customer loyalty programs and expert guidance for product selection. Agri Supply: Specialization: Your go-to source for tractor essentials. Products: A wide variety of tractor parts and implements, from plows to cultivators. Features: Frequent promotions and a guarantee on the majority of their products. Northern Tool: Specialization: A one-stop-shop catering to diverse agricultural needs. Products: Welding equipment, generators, water pumps, and more. Features: Extended warranty options, free shipping on select items, and same-day pickup for certain products. Selecting the appropriate online supplier requires considering their product selection, customer service quality, and pricing. The leading suppliers have built their reputation by providing high-quality products, attentive service, and additional features that improve your shopping experience. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Agricultural Equipment Choosing the appropriate agricultural equipment is crucial for the success of any farming operation. Whether you are an experienced agriculture professional or a beginner learning how to start a farm, finding the right supplier for your needs can significantly impact your outcomes. This section will outline important factors to keep in mind when selecting farm equipment. Evaluating Your Farm Equipment Needs To choose the right agricultural equipment, small businesses must evaluate their specific needs, including farm size, crops, and desired productivity. For example, a dairy farm will likely have different needs than a business specializing in flower farming. Many farmers also require items for general property maintenance, like painting equipment or landscaping tools. Consider factors such as the type of crops being grown, the operation’s size, and the land’s terrain. Also, consider whether you need new or used equipment and specialized equipment for specific tasks. Researching and Comparing Farm Machinery Brands Researching and comparing various farm machinery brands is crucial to ensure you purchase quality products that meet your needs. Look for brands with a reputation for producing durable and reliable equipment and that offer comprehensive warranties and customer support. Also, consider aspects such as compatibility with existing equipment, ease of use, and availability of replacement parts. Budgeting and Financing Options for Farm Equipment Setting a budget for farm equipment purchases is essential for small businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and repair costs, and factor in any tax incentives or rebates that may be available. Additionally, explore financing options such as loans and leases and consider the impact of financing on your cash flow. Here’s a table with the key factors you can reference at a glance: CriteriaDescription Evaluating Your Needs- Farm size, Types of crops, Desired productivity, General property maintenance needs Type of Operation- Dairy farming, Flower farming, Crop farming, Livestock farming New vs. Used Equipment- Cost, Durability, Warranty Specialized Equipment- Crop-specific tools, Terrain-specific machinery Researching Brands- Brand reputation, Durability, Customer support, Warranty Compatibility- Integration with existing equipment, Ease of replacement parts Ease of Use- User-friendly interfaces, Training availability Budgeting & Total Cost of Ownership- Purchase price, Maintenance & repair costs, Tax incentives or rebates Financing Options- Loans vs. Leases, Interest rates, Impact on cash flow The Importance of Warranty and Return Policies When purchasing farm equipment, understanding and evaluating warranty and return policies is crucial. These policies not only offer protection against defects and malfunctions but also provide peace of mind. Warranty Considerations: Length of Warranty: Choose equipment that comes with a significant warranty period. A longer warranty typically reflects the manufacturer’s trust in the quality of their product. Coverage Details: Understand what the warranty covers. Does it include parts and labor, or are there exclusions? Service and Repairs: Consider how warranty repairs are handled. Is there a local service center, or will you have to transport the equipment? Navigating Return Policies: Return Period: Check the timeframe within which you can return the equipment if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Condition of Returns: Understand the condition the equipment must be in to qualify for a return. Some suppliers might only accept returns of unused equipment in its original packaging. Restocking Fees: Be aware of any restocking fees that you might incur when returning an item. Exploring Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Equipment Options Sustainable and eco-friendly equipment options are becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture. Examples of eco-friendly equipment options include: Energy-Efficient Machinery: Equipment that consumes less fuel and reduces emissions. Solar-Powered Tools: Utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar power, for various farm operations. Water Conservation Systems: Innovative irrigation systems that minimize water usage. Benefits of Sustainable Equipment: Environmental Impact: Reduced carbon footprint and lower environmental impact. Cost Savings: Long-term savings through efficient use of resources. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting environmental regulations and standards. Frequently Asked Questions about Farm Equipment Suppliers What are the most popular farm equipment brands? Several popular brands dominate the agricultural machinery market, including John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, and Kubota. These brands offer a range of equipment options for various farm operations, including tractors, combines, and tillage equipment. Is it better to buy or rent farm equipment? The decision to buy or rent farm equipment depends on several factors, including the frequency, duration, and cost of ownership versus rental fees. Renting may be more cost-effective for short-term or occasional use, while buying may be more economical for long-term or frequent use. You can also explore equipment finance options to pay over time. How can I find a farm equipment supplier near me? Several resources can help you find a farm equipment supplier near you, including online search and directories, industry associations, and manufacturer websites. You can also ask for recommendations from other farmers in your area or attend agricultural trade shows and exhibitions to connect with suppliers. Your favorite farm app may even offer features to help you source supplies. What should I do if I encounter problems with my farm equipment? If you encounter problems with your farm equipment, you should stop using the equipment immediately and seek professional assistance. Contact your equipment supplier or a qualified mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue before you continue using the equipment. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent problems from arising. What types of farm equipment require special licenses or certifications? Several types of farm equipment require special licenses or certifications, including large commercial vehicles, certain pesticide applicators, and equipment for handling hazardous materials. It’s essential to understand your area’s licensing and certification requirements to ensure compliance and safety. Choosing the right farm equipment is crucial for productivity and profitability in agriculture. Factors such as cost, quality, and ease of use should be considered. Use this ultimate guide to make informed decisions, maximize yields, and achieve success. The right equipment can make all the difference. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Farm Equipment Suppliers: A Guide to Choosing Agricultural Equipment" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

WhatsApp appears to finally be getting its iPhone app up to speed with its Android companion in a major way: allowing you to use multiple accounts on one device. The "new" feature, which has been available on Android since 2023, was spotted by WABetaInfo in the iPhone app’s most recent TestFlight beta program. If (but more likely once) multi-account switching eventually carries through to a public release, users will be able to manage and sign into multiple WhatsApp accounts within a single instance of the WhatsApp app, eliminating the need to keep multiple devices on hand to manage each of their WhatsApp accounts. This will be especially handy for small businesses. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The catch is that each account must still have its own phone number, so you’ll either need a phone with multiple SIM cards or some other way of acquiring an additional phone number—but newer iPhones can generally store up to eight eSIMs and use two phone numbers, so that shouldn't be a problem. Additionally, it’s worth noting that WhatsApp does currently offer a WhatsApp Business app in addition to its standard app, so iPhone users can technically already maintain two accounts on one device—one for each app—but the change will still offer users greater flexibility. According to WABetaInfo, there are two ways to get multiple WhatsApp accounts on one device. You can simply set up your new account as a standalone primary account, or you can use a QR code to link it to your existing account as a “companion.” The site clarifies that elements like “notifications, chats, and backups will remain distinct for each account,” so it appears that the method you sign up with has more to do with ease of getting situated than how you’ll actually use the app. While WhatsApp’s TestFlight beta program is open to the public, it is not currently accepting new members, so excited iPhone users will have to wait for a final release to get their hands on multi-account switching. Unfortunately, WABetaInfo doesn’t have any updates as to when the feature might go live, but if you’ve been planning on getting a secondary device just for Whatsapp, it might be smart to hold off for now. View the full article

Your Mac collects a lot of usage data to improve macOS and Apple's own apps. Quite a bit of that data is collected by default, and it's good to be aware of it. Apple is quite good at declaring how and why it collects data, and almost always, this information is easy to find and understand. The company also encrypts a lot of the data that it collects, which means that Apple cannot read it. Having said that, I think all kinds of data collection should be opt-in, and not enabled by default. Here's how to review data collection settings on your Mac and use third-party tools to ensure that your computer isn't phoning home any more than is necessary. And since we're on the subject of privacy, also consider opting out tracking by data brokers and stopping Apple from collecting data on your iPhone. Use a third-party firewall Credit: Little Snitch Although Apple offers its own firewall, it's not helpful if you want to monitor Apple's own data collection. Third-party firewalls work quite well on macOS, which is far less restrictive than iOS is here. You can use apps such as Little Snitch ($63), Radio Silence ($9), or even the free LuLu to keep an eye on apps and services that phone home. With a good firewall app, you'll be able to block outgoing connections (even Apple's own) and reduce tracking. Sometimes, it is important for your Mac to phone home, because that's how you get automatic software updates, but there are plenty of times when it's not needed at all. You can use your firewall app to monitor all these connections and block unnecessary ones. Turn off Apple IntelligenceApple Intelligence has a few redeeming features, but I find that it slows down my M1 MacBook Air a bit, and since it also requires you to send your data to Apple's servers, I prefer to turn it off. Yes, Apple Intelligence does encrypt data, but it still doesn't perform all actions on-device. If you're uncomfortable with your Mac using Apple's cloud services for AI features, you can turn off Apple Intelligence by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and going to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. Reduce Siri's data collectionAs the Siri spying settlement confirms, you should be wary of Apple's data collection using its voice assistant. Apple is now quite transparent about how your data is processed for Siri, and you can go to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri to check what the company has to say for yourself. Click the About Siri, Dictation & Privacy button and you'll see that Apple does store and process your Siri transcripts. This is another form of data collection, which you can avoid by disabling Siri and dictation. On the Siri settings page on your Mac, click Delete Siri & Dictation History and then click Delete to remove stored data. Then, turn off Siri. Finally, go to System Settings > Keyboard and turn off Dictation to complete the process. Disable Apple analyticsWhen you use your Mac, Apple collects a fair bit of data to track app crashes, macOS bugs, and usage to decide which new features to work on next. This data is usually anonymized before being shared with Apple or third-party developers, but you can still review it and decide if you want to share it at all. Just go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements on your Mac and go through all the options. I've disabled everything on this page. Check Apple's location access Credit: Pranay Parab As a rule of thumb, I deny location access to practically every app on my Mac. Even so, I was surprised to see location access enabled for the computer's system apps. You can verify which of your apps have location access by going to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and clicking the Details button next to System Services. Go through the entire list and disable location access for services that don't need it. You should leave it enabled for essential services such as Find My, but it's okay to disable location access for Mac Analytics and a few others. You can also click the Details button next to Significant Locations to see the location information Apple has collected on your frequent hangouts, and optionally delete it and revoke access to future data collection. Note that this information is encrypted and cannot be read by Apple. The company says it uses the info to show useful details in Photos, Maps, Calendar, and other system apps. Reduce personalized advertisingOver the past few years, Apple has been pushing its own ads quite a bit. The situation is far less dire on the Mac than it is on your iPhone, but it still is annoying to see ads in the Mac App Store. You can't block these entirely, but you can go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising and disable Personalized Ads. iCloud alternatives on the MacTo complete your review of Apple's data collection on the Mac, you're going to have to scrutinize iCloud, too. iOS is restrictive enough that no service is as good as iCloud for syncing and backing up your data. However, macOS is far more accommodating, and you don't really need to use iCloud as much as you do on iOS. Some system apps such as Apple Notes, Messages, Calendar, and Reminders rely on iCloud for syncing, but otherwise you can look for alternative services to back up your Mac. Note that using cloud storage services exposes you to data collection by default. You just have to decide if you want Apple to collect your data or opt for another company. Some people prefer to keep their data spread out across different services while others don't mind having it all in one place. The good news is that you can use dedicated online backup services such as Backblaze ($99/year) on the Mac, which isn't possible on the iPhone. You can also easily create offline backups using Time Machine or third-party apps such as Carbon Copy Cloner ($40). This means that you can easily reduce your reliance on iCloud on a Mac. View the full article

As the regular tax filing deadline of April 15 approaches each year, many taxpayers often feel stressed and overwhelmed. You might require additional time to learn how to file self-employment taxes or to collect essential documents. Fortunately, if you miss the tax deadline, you can obtain a tax extension. Getting a tax extension is easy and straightforward and can provide you with extra time to get your taxes done correctly. There are many tax extension myths, but here is the tax extension information you really need to know. What is a Tax Extension? A tax extension is essentially a formal request filed with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) seeking additional time to prepare and submit your tax documents. It could also serve as a way for individuals and businesses to gather comprehensive information on the nuances of filing taxes. Submitting a tax extension request offers taxpayers—both individuals and businesses—a valuable grace period. This extension is especially advantageous because it gives them additional time to organize their financial documentation before filing their state and federal tax returns. It enables a thorough examination of all financial transactions, ensuring both accuracy and compliance with tax regulations. Tax Extensions for the Current Tax Year Tax extensions are available to everyone. For most, an IRS extension will provide an additional six months to file your taxes and establish a payment plan to settle your tax bill in full before the deadline. In specific circumstances, the regulations regarding tax extensions differ slightly. Military service members currently serving in a combat zone are granted an additional 180 days after their return to the U.S. to submit their tax returns and settle any taxes owed. Another special scenario arises if you are a U.S. citizen living abroad. You will receive an additional two months to file your taxes. However, you will still be responsible for paying interest on any taxes owed that are not paid by the original due date. For more information about extensions available, you can refer to the IRS website or speak to an accountant. Are there any Penalties for Filing an IRS tax Extension? Although the IRS generally does not impose a penalty for filing an extension, it is crucial to ensure you file the extension form ahead of the April 15 deadline. Failing to meet this specified deadline could lead to either a late filing penalty or a late payment penalty on your outstanding balance. Consequently, it is crucial to adhere closely to this deadline to prevent unnecessary financial consequences. It’s particularly crucial to request the extension before the original due date to circumvent any potential penalties. The Late Payment Penalty In the event that you file your federal taxes late, the IRS is authorized to impose a late payment penalty. This equates to 0.5% of your tax liability, and this fee accrues each month until the taxes are fully paid. The penalty, although seemingly minimal, can accumulate quickly, significantly increasing your overall tax liability. The Late Filing Penalty The IRS also imposes a late filing penalty, which amounts to 5% per month or part of a month that your owed taxes are past due. This penalty can dramatically increase your tax burden if not addressed promptly, however it will not exceed 25% of the unpaid taxes. Considering how quickly penalties and fees can add up, it is essential to file your return within the specified tax extension period and ensure your tax payment is made before the deadline. How to File an Extension for Taxes Understanding the correct procedure to file a tax extension is essential. By ensuring it’s done correctly, you can save yourself considerable stress and potential complications in the future. Let’s delve into the steps necessary to file a tax extension accurately and efficiently. Gather the necessary information You need to have your basic personal details readily available. This includes your social security number, full legal name, address, and date of birth. Additionally, a copy of your previous year’s tax returns can be instrumental while filling out your extension form, as it can serve as a handy reference. Complete IRS Form 4868 This form should be filled out with all the pertinent information. It is readily available online or through a tax professional. Be mindful to include the correct estimation of taxes you anticipate owing for the upcoming year. Submit Form 4868 Ensure you submit your completed extension request ahead of the filing deadline. Remember that these deadlines can vary for state and federal taxes, so be sure to confirm the specific deadline for your state. A partial payment on taxes owed If you owe money to the IRS, it’s crucial to make at least a partial payment when requesting an extension to avoid accruing interest and penalties. This payment must be made by the stipulated deadline. File before the extension deadline After your extension request is approved, the remaining step is to file your tax return before the extended deadline. This will protect you from any potential penalties or fees that could diminish your hard-earned income. Tax Extension Rules The process of filing an extension can be daunting. Fortunately, the IRS has certain rules and guidelines in place to facilitate a smoother process. These rules extend from military members stationed abroad to U.S. citizens living overseas. Here is a summary of general tax extension rules and additional pertinent information. Deployed Military Members Active military personnel deployed in a combat zone receive an automatic extension for filing their taxes, which extends to at least 180 days after their service concludes. Additionally, they will not be subjected to interest and penalties on any taxes due, provided they file their returns within this period. U.S. Citizens Living Abroad U.S. citizens residing abroad can also apply for a six-month extension to file their taxes. To avail of this, they must file a form titled “Application for Extension of Time to File U.S. Income Tax Return” by the deadline. Individuals who are out of the country on the due date may be eligible for an automatic extension. To apply for this, they need to submit Form 2350 to the IRS. This form must be postmarked by the filing deadline to ensure a valid extension. Tax Return Rejections In cases where your electronic tax return is rejected by the IRS, you are typically given an opportunity to amend it and resend. Rejections commonly arise due to inaccurate or incorrect information entered on the form. This underlines the importance of thorough review and validation of all information before submission. If the rejection happens after the April 15 tax deadline, you’re granted an additional five days to rectify errors and resubmit the return. Tax Extension Tips Taxes can often present a daunting task to many people. Filing for an extension on your taxes, however, can help alleviate some of the stress associated with the tax season by providing additional time to gather and process the necessary information. Here are five key tips designed to help streamline the filing process: Consider Making An Installment Payment Plan: You may qualify for an installment plan if you’re unable to pay in full—just be aware that interest will accrue until the balance is paid off in full. Keep Up With Updates From The IRS: Stay updated on any changes made by the IRS regarding deadlines or extensions throughout the process. This is very important as it can save you from a lot of problems. Pay Attention To State Deadlines As Well: Don’t forget that state tax deadlines may be different from federal tax deadlines. Contact Tax Professionals for Assistance: If needed, contact a tax professional for help with preparing and filing your tax extension. They will be able to provide you with valuable advice and guidance. Utilize Electronic Filing Options: Electronic filing options, such as Free File or e-file, enable taxpayers to submit their returns quickly and easily, helping them meet deadlines more effectively. Your Tax Return: The Bottom Line Ultimately, applying for a tax extension is a straightforward process. Simply demonstrate to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that you have legitimate extenuating circumstances, such as a natural disaster or military deployment. Once your request is approved, you’ll be granted an extension allowing you to file your taxes at any point up to six months after the original due date. https://youtube.com/watch?v=QB4Xf17vHZU%3Fsi%3DnUsP2hIcIwn1o9Br How long is a tax extension? If you require additional time to file your U.S. individual income tax return, you can request an extension of up to six months. There are three available options for seeking this automatic extension. However, it’s essential to remember that you need to submit your tax extension request before the regular due date of your return to prevent incurring late filing penalties. Can you file for a tax extension online? Absolutely, filing for a tax extension online is a modern convenience that can greatly streamline the process. Renowned tax software providers such as H&R Block and Turbo Tax offer comprehensive solutions designed to facilitate this. These software options are equipped with user-friendly interfaces and instructional guides that can assist you in successfully filing for a tax extension. In addition, the IRS offers an online service named IRS Free File. This platform not only allows taxpayers to submit their tax returns electronically but also provides the functionality to request a federal tax filing extension without any charges. This makes the process much more accessible and easy to navigate. Can I File an Extension and Not Pay Taxes? It’s crucial to remember that the obligation to pay your taxes remains firm, even if you file for an extension. The extension provides you more time to complete and file your tax documents, but any due taxes must still be paid by the original deadline. If you’re uncertain about the precise amount you owe, making an estimated payment can be a wise move. This prevents any late payment penalties and interest from accruing. However, bear in mind that failing to pay your taxes, whether an accurate or estimated amount, could result in penalties and additional interest charges. Can you get a tax extension beyond October 15? One common question taxpayers often have is, “Can you get a tax extension beyond October 15?” The answer to this is typically straightforward. Under normal circumstances, no further extensions are available beyond the extended deadline, which is usually Oct. 15. If for some reason you find yourself unable to file by Oct. 15, it is recommended that you reach out to the IRS for further assistance. The IRS can provide guidance and may even offer penalty relief in certain circumstances if you demonstrate that you genuinely are unable to file on time. Comparing Methods of Submitting a Tax Form Choosing the most efficient and convenient method to file a tax extension can make the process less stressful and more manageable. This often depends on individual needs and circumstances. Here is a comparison table illustrating the different methods available for filing a tax extension. E-FilePaper FileTax Software (e.g., TurboTax, H&R Block) Speed of FilingFastSlowFast Ease of UseHighModerate to LowHigh Confirmation of ReceiptImmediateNo immediate confirmationImmediate Availability of Help or Customer SupportLimitedLimitedExtensive (depending on the provider) CostFree (through IRS Free File)Free (postage costs for mailing)May have costs depending on the software package Ability to Pay Taxes Owed OnlineYesNoYes Availability of ExtensionsYesYesYes Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Get a Tax Extension" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article