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If you've had trouble accessing Bluesky this morning, you're not alone. The social media platform has been experiencing intermittent interruptions to service on Thursday. That's obvious from a glance at Downdetector, which shows thousands of user reports of issues with Bluesky starting at about 1:51 a.m. ET, and really kicking off at 2:21 a.m. ET. (Disclosure: Downdetector is owned by Lifehacker parent company Ziff Davis.) While my Bluesky feed does seem to be working at this time, there are still issues causing downtime for users and parts of the platform, including loading notifications. As of this article, Bluesky's status page reads "We are investigating an incident with service in one of our [regions]," and "We are experiencing further issues. We appreciate your continued patience." Bluesky had previously stated that the issue had been fixed, so the platform may be having trouble isolating the root cause of the problem. To that point, it isn't clear what exactly is causing this downtime across Bluesky. That said, this will likely be resolved in due time. Websites occasionally go down for one reason or another, and apart from an attack or catastrophic issue, the source is usually discovered relatively quickly, and a fix implemented shortly after. My guess is by some point today—perhaps by the time you read this article—Bluesky will be back up and running as usual. View the full article

When starting a business, comprehension vital registration requirements is critical. First, you’ll need to choose a business structure and file formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State. Next, check your desired business name for uniqueness and file a DBA if necessary. Tax registration with the Texas Comptroller may likewise be required. Compliance with local regulations and obtaining industry-specific licenses can’t be overlooked. Let’s explore these steps in detail to guarantee you’re set up for success. Key Takeaways Choose a suitable business structure, such as an LLC or corporation, to ensure limited liability protection and comply with formation requirements. Register your business name with the Texas Secretary of State and verify its availability through their database. File a DBA certificate with the county clerk if operating under a name different from your legal business name. Obtain necessary licenses and permits based on your industry, including local zoning and health permits where applicable. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and register for relevant taxes, including the Texas Franchise Tax and Sales Tax Permit. Choosing the Right Business Structure When you’re deciding on the right business structure, it’s essential to understand the implications of each option available to you. In Texas, the choices include sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. A sole proprietorship is simple, requiring minimal paperwork, but you take on personal liability for debts. Partnerships can be general or limited, and you might need a DBA if your name doesn’t include all partners’ surnames. LLCs and corporations require filing a certificate of formation and offer limited liability protection. When considering a Los Angeles County business name search to verify your desired name is available. Familiarizing yourself with these business registration requirements will help you make informed decisions. Registering Your Business in Texas Registering your business in Texas involves several important steps to guarantee compliance with state regulations. First, you must register with the Texas Secretary of State by filing formation documents, such as the Certificate of Formation for LLCs or corporations, or the Partnership Registration for LLPs. Choose a unique business name and verify its availability using the Texas Secretary of State’s database. If you’ll operate under a different name, file a DBA (Doing Business As) Certificate with the county clerk where your business resides. Furthermore, registration with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts may be necessary for tax purposes, especially if you’re selling taxable goods or services. Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Permits Maneuvering the terrain of licenses and permits can feel overwhelming, but it’s vital for your Texas business to operate legally. Here’s what you need to take into account: Industry-Specific Licenses: Depending on your business type, you may need licenses like the Texas Sales Tax Permit for selling taxable goods or services. Professional Licenses: If you’re in a regulated field, such as healthcare or construction, make sure you obtain the necessary professional licenses to comply with state regulations. Local Permits: Check your municipality for local permits and zoning compliance, which can include health permits for food service operations. Failure to secure the right licenses can lead to fines and operational delays, so thorough research is important for compliance. Tax Requirements for Texas Start-Ups Understanding the tax requirements for your Texas start-up is crucial, especially since these obligations can significantly affect your business’s financial health. First, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you hire employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Most businesses, except sole proprietorships and certain partnerships, must pay the Texas Franchise Tax, which necessitates annual reporting based on revenue. If you sell taxable goods or services, registering for a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit is required to collect and remit sales tax. Furthermore, you must withhold payroll taxes from employees’ wages. Consulting a business attorney or tax professional is fundamental for guaranteeing compliance with all relevant tax laws. Requirement Description Notes EIN Required for hiring and IRS operations Apply through the IRS Texas Franchise Tax Applies to most businesses, annual reporting needed Exemptions for sole proprietorships Sales and Use Tax Permit Needed for selling taxable goods/services Mandatory for tax collection Payroll Taxes Must be withheld and reported Compliance with state and federal Professional Consultation Crucial for managing tax obligations Helps guarantee compliance Business Banking and Financial Setup Setting up a solid financial foundation for your business in Texas is just as important as grasping your tax obligations. Opening a business bank account is crucial for managing your finances effectively. Here are three key steps to evaluate: Gather Required Documents: You’ll need your Employer Identification Number (EIN), business formation documents, and an operating agreement if you’re an LLC. Protect Personal Assets: Maintaining a separate business account safeguards your personal finances and simplifies tracking expenses and income. Build Business Credit: A dedicated account helps establish business credit, opening doors for future financing options. Many banks offer specialized services, such as merchant accounts and business credit cards, to support your growing business’s financial needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Typically Required When Registering a New Business? When you register a new business, you’ll typically need to file formation documents with the state, such as a Certificate of Formation for an LLC or corporation. You’ll likewise obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes. If you’re using a different name, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate (DBA). Moreover, depending on your business type, you may need specific licenses or permits to operate legally. What Are the 5 SBA Requirements of a Small Business? To qualify as a small business under the SBA, you need to meet five key requirements. First, your business must operate for profit. Second, it must be independently owned and operated. Third, it should adhere to specific size standards, like having fewer than 500 employees or less than $7.5 million in receipts. Fourth, it must be legally organized in the U.S. Finally, your principal office should be located and primarily operate within the country. What Are the Three Essentials Needed to Operate a Business? To operate a business, you’ll need three fundamentals: a solid business plan, adequate funding, and a legal structure. A business plan outlines your objectives and strategies, guiding your operations. Securing adequate funding guarantees you can cover startup costs and sustain operations. Finally, choosing a legal structure—like an LLC or corporation—determines your liability and tax obligations. Each of these elements plays a vital role in establishing a successful and compliant business. Do I Need to Register My Small Business in California? Yes, you need to register your small business in California if you’re forming an LLC or corporation. If you plan to operate under a name different from your legal name, you’ll require a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate. Meanwhile, sole proprietorships don’t need formal registration; filing a DBA is necessary for a fictitious name. Furthermore, check for local business licenses and permits, as requirements vary by industry and location. Conclusion In conclusion, maneuvering the vital business registration requirements in Texas involves selecting the right structure, filing necessary documents, and obtaining relevant licenses and permits. Don’t overlook tax obligations, which may require registration with the Texas Comptroller. Establishing a solid banking and financial setup is additionally important for managing your business effectively. By following these steps, you’ll guarantee compliance and lay a strong foundation for your venture’s success. Taking these actions can help you operate legally and efficiently. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Essential Business Registration Requirements" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When starting a business, comprehension vital registration requirements is critical. First, you’ll need to choose a business structure and file formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State. Next, check your desired business name for uniqueness and file a DBA if necessary. Tax registration with the Texas Comptroller may likewise be required. Compliance with local regulations and obtaining industry-specific licenses can’t be overlooked. Let’s explore these steps in detail to guarantee you’re set up for success. Key Takeaways Choose a suitable business structure, such as an LLC or corporation, to ensure limited liability protection and comply with formation requirements. Register your business name with the Texas Secretary of State and verify its availability through their database. File a DBA certificate with the county clerk if operating under a name different from your legal business name. Obtain necessary licenses and permits based on your industry, including local zoning and health permits where applicable. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and register for relevant taxes, including the Texas Franchise Tax and Sales Tax Permit. Choosing the Right Business Structure When you’re deciding on the right business structure, it’s essential to understand the implications of each option available to you. In Texas, the choices include sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. A sole proprietorship is simple, requiring minimal paperwork, but you take on personal liability for debts. Partnerships can be general or limited, and you might need a DBA if your name doesn’t include all partners’ surnames. LLCs and corporations require filing a certificate of formation and offer limited liability protection. When considering a Los Angeles County business name search to verify your desired name is available. Familiarizing yourself with these business registration requirements will help you make informed decisions. Registering Your Business in Texas Registering your business in Texas involves several important steps to guarantee compliance with state regulations. First, you must register with the Texas Secretary of State by filing formation documents, such as the Certificate of Formation for LLCs or corporations, or the Partnership Registration for LLPs. Choose a unique business name and verify its availability using the Texas Secretary of State’s database. If you’ll operate under a different name, file a DBA (Doing Business As) Certificate with the county clerk where your business resides. Furthermore, registration with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts may be necessary for tax purposes, especially if you’re selling taxable goods or services. Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Permits Maneuvering the terrain of licenses and permits can feel overwhelming, but it’s vital for your Texas business to operate legally. Here’s what you need to take into account: Industry-Specific Licenses: Depending on your business type, you may need licenses like the Texas Sales Tax Permit for selling taxable goods or services. Professional Licenses: If you’re in a regulated field, such as healthcare or construction, make sure you obtain the necessary professional licenses to comply with state regulations. Local Permits: Check your municipality for local permits and zoning compliance, which can include health permits for food service operations. Failure to secure the right licenses can lead to fines and operational delays, so thorough research is important for compliance. Tax Requirements for Texas Start-Ups Understanding the tax requirements for your Texas start-up is crucial, especially since these obligations can significantly affect your business’s financial health. First, you’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you hire employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Most businesses, except sole proprietorships and certain partnerships, must pay the Texas Franchise Tax, which necessitates annual reporting based on revenue. If you sell taxable goods or services, registering for a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit is required to collect and remit sales tax. Furthermore, you must withhold payroll taxes from employees’ wages. Consulting a business attorney or tax professional is fundamental for guaranteeing compliance with all relevant tax laws. Requirement Description Notes EIN Required for hiring and IRS operations Apply through the IRS Texas Franchise Tax Applies to most businesses, annual reporting needed Exemptions for sole proprietorships Sales and Use Tax Permit Needed for selling taxable goods/services Mandatory for tax collection Payroll Taxes Must be withheld and reported Compliance with state and federal Professional Consultation Crucial for managing tax obligations Helps guarantee compliance Business Banking and Financial Setup Setting up a solid financial foundation for your business in Texas is just as important as grasping your tax obligations. Opening a business bank account is crucial for managing your finances effectively. Here are three key steps to evaluate: Gather Required Documents: You’ll need your Employer Identification Number (EIN), business formation documents, and an operating agreement if you’re an LLC. Protect Personal Assets: Maintaining a separate business account safeguards your personal finances and simplifies tracking expenses and income. Build Business Credit: A dedicated account helps establish business credit, opening doors for future financing options. Many banks offer specialized services, such as merchant accounts and business credit cards, to support your growing business’s financial needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Typically Required When Registering a New Business? When you register a new business, you’ll typically need to file formation documents with the state, such as a Certificate of Formation for an LLC or corporation. You’ll likewise obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for tax purposes. If you’re using a different name, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate (DBA). Moreover, depending on your business type, you may need specific licenses or permits to operate legally. What Are the 5 SBA Requirements of a Small Business? To qualify as a small business under the SBA, you need to meet five key requirements. First, your business must operate for profit. Second, it must be independently owned and operated. Third, it should adhere to specific size standards, like having fewer than 500 employees or less than $7.5 million in receipts. Fourth, it must be legally organized in the U.S. Finally, your principal office should be located and primarily operate within the country. What Are the Three Essentials Needed to Operate a Business? To operate a business, you’ll need three fundamentals: a solid business plan, adequate funding, and a legal structure. A business plan outlines your objectives and strategies, guiding your operations. Securing adequate funding guarantees you can cover startup costs and sustain operations. Finally, choosing a legal structure—like an LLC or corporation—determines your liability and tax obligations. Each of these elements plays a vital role in establishing a successful and compliant business. Do I Need to Register My Small Business in California? Yes, you need to register your small business in California if you’re forming an LLC or corporation. If you plan to operate under a name different from your legal name, you’ll require a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate. Meanwhile, sole proprietorships don’t need formal registration; filing a DBA is necessary for a fictitious name. Furthermore, check for local business licenses and permits, as requirements vary by industry and location. Conclusion In conclusion, maneuvering the vital business registration requirements in Texas involves selecting the right structure, filing necessary documents, and obtaining relevant licenses and permits. Don’t overlook tax obligations, which may require registration with the Texas Comptroller. Establishing a solid banking and financial setup is additionally important for managing your business effectively. By following these steps, you’ll guarantee compliance and lay a strong foundation for your venture’s success. Taking these actions can help you operate legally and efficiently. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Essential Business Registration Requirements" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Music lovers who have complained for years about Ticketmaster fees for concert tickets are surely reveling in a jury verdict Wednesday that found its parent company Live Nation has been running a harmful monopoly over large venues across the U.S. But they will have to wait to see if the verdict leads to changes that make concerts more affordable. Here are some things to know about the verdict in the closely-watched antitrust battle: No immediate relief for concertgoers The lawsuit, initially led by the U.S. government under former President Joe Biden, accused Live Nation of smothering competition and blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers. Days into the trial, however, President Donald The President’s administration announced it would settle its claims against the concert giant. Some states joined the $280 million settlement, which still needs a judge’s approval, but more than 30 states pressed ahead with the trial. A federal jury in New York found that Ticketmaster had overcharged customers $1.72 per ticket in 22 states, which a judge could order the company to pay back. That could cost Live Nation hundreds of millions of dollars. “The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter,” Live Nation said in a statement Wednesday. The verdict brings no immediate relief for concertgoers. But the states view it as a step toward opening the market to other companies in a way that will enhance competition and could slightly lower prices. “There might be a few extra dollars that will come trickle down at consumers who bought tickets through Live Nation,” said Shubha Ghosh, a law professor at Syracuse University who focuses on technology and antitrust law. “Whether ticket prices will go down in the long run, I think it largely depends.” Verdict could cost company hundreds of millions The next step will be determining the penalties. Beyond the hundreds of millions that Live Nation could be ordered to pay, possible sanctions could force the company to sell off some of its venues. Live Nation owns, controls booking for or has equity in hundreds of venues, and its subsidiary Ticketmaster is the world’s largest ticket-seller for live events. Live Nation has continued to insist that it is not a monopoly. The company predicted that once the remedies phase of the case plays out and any appeals are resolved, the outcome likely won’t be much different from the deal it reached with the federal government. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian told attorneys to meet and deliver a joint letter by next week that proposes a schedule for next steps. Senators urge judge to scrutinize federal settlement A group of Democratic senators wrote to the judge Wednesday after the verdict, urging him to closely scrutinize the The President administration’s proposed settlement with Live Nation before he considers granting approval. The deal includes a cap on service fees at some amphitheaters and new ticket-selling options that could allow promoters and venues to also use Ticketmaster competitors, such as SeatGeek, Eventbrite or AXS. However, it does not separate Ticketmaster from Live Nation, which was an original goal of the Justice Department’s 2024 complaint. U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar, Elizabeth Warren, Cory Booker, Richard Blumenthal, Mazie Hirono and Peter Welch argue the deal was “negotiated under suspicious circumstances” and does not go far enough in restoring competition or protecting customers, artists and independent venues. The Justice Department has called the settlement a “win-win for everybody,” and Live Nation has said it is pleased with a deal that increases access for other promoters. Associated Press journalists Wyatte Grantham-Philips and David Martin contributed. —Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press View the full article

Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) could stay at 2.8% in 2027, the same as its rate for this year. That’s the latest prediction from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) and mirrors 2026’s COLA. If enacted in October, it would increase the average benefits check from $2,024.77 to $2,081.46—a $56.69 increase. The TSCL finds the 2.8% increase concerning due to high costs of living, such as rents and mortgages. “The fact is that most senior households already get by on only about 58% as much income as their working-age counterparts, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a middle-class or working-class American who thinks the economy is doing well right now, especially as oil prices rise,” TSCL executive director Shannon Benton said in a statement. She added: “Reforming Social Security needs to follow a two-pronged approach, strengthening revenues and benefits at the same time to ensure prosperity for all Americans, of all ages.” How was the COLA prediction calculated? The nonpartisan senior group’s prediction uses a model incorporating the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Federal Reserve interest rate, and the national unemployment rate. It releases a new figure monthly, but has maintained a predicted 2.8% COLA since February. The predicted COLA comes as Congress has proposed capping Social Security payments at $50,000 for one person and $100,000 for couples. The “Six Figure Limit” aims to prevent looming insolvency—something that is on track to occur in seven years. However, the TSCL claims most seniors aren’t in favor of the cap, instead in favor of getting rid of a $184,500 limit on income receiving Social Security tax. Notably, TSCL’s prediction is just one estimate floating around. For instance, independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst Mary Johnson has predicted a COLA of 3.2%, CNBC reports. This figure is up from Johnson’s March prediction of 1.7%, a shift she attributes to rising gas prices. View the full article

Canva built its 265-million-person audience by being the easy-to-use, template-friendly design tool for everyone. And when generative AI arrived, it quickly integrated the technology. Now, Canva is amongst the leading spenders on compute from platforms like ChatGPT, it’s building its own models and acquiring its own AI companies, and it’s launching even more AI design features as part of its Canva AI 2.0 release that it’s announcing today. But the headline marks a deeper, philosophical shift within Canva: From being “a design platform with AI tools” to becoming an “AI platform with design tools.” Connecting with Canva’s CEO, Mel Perkins, I asked about the motivation behind this repositioning. In this age of AI, much of the industry has been discussing what you could call either a flattening or a war between the roles of designers, product managers, and engineers. Was Canva responding to this trend? In response, Perkins pulls up an old idea from 2011 called Canvas Chef, which looks a lot like the Google Search page but with wood paneling and some kitchen kitsch. “From the very early stages, we always believed that you could just be able to type in whatever you want and kind of get kickstarted straight away,” she says. “Obviously, it has been a very long journey to get to this point in time, but really, that is actually what we’re launching today.” Canva AI 2.0 looks like Perkins’s 15-year-old vision, and also the Canva you already know. The real difference now is that Canva’s existing AI tab—which is pretty much a search bar—has been supercharged with more capabilities. A big upgrade is around connecting services. You can now link Google Drive, Gmail, Slack, Zoom, and Notion—plus it’ll crawl for an answer on the web, or even search your old Canva projects—allowing Canva to bring in relevant information that I imagine will be particularly valuable to marketers. Whereas you used to be able to create a somewhat generic deck from a prompt, now you can infuse that deck with data that’s lurking in your emails or spreadsheets. Other upgrades allow you to do a lot more when AI-editing that deck. Formerly, it was a one-shot, generate-the-whole-thing-for-me ask. Now, you can actually edit individual slides with AI prompts instead of starting over. Similar capabilities exist for brand templates. Before, if you didn’t start a project with your brand standards, you couldn’t always update them retroactively. Now, AI will transform any design you throw at it to be more on-brand. And of course, Canva will develop interactive projects, too, which publish straight to the web. “When we launched Canva, the huge innovation was we went from pixel editing, where you had to very deeply know the tools, to object editing, where you could just lay things out,” says Perkins. “And now with Canva AI 2.0 we’re actually moving into concept editing, where you can put in a concept it can then assemble it for you on the fly.” That said, Canva isn’t removing any of the physical tools people are used to. For this big update and grand repositioning, Canva’s vibe is largely unchanged. The more radical updates live under the hood, developed by Canva’s 100+ person AI research team. Multi-agents made invisible Behind the scenes, Canva provides this upgraded AI toolset by offering AI agents to its users—but those users never actually see them. I’m told that Canva’s own AI layer sits between its app and the external AI services it queries, juggling a complicated, multi-agent workflow that the Valley’s top coders are addicted to, without ever asking the user to think about more than one AI question at once. Perkins says this is what allows complicated tasks, that might need to remove the background of an image and generate copy and apply brand standards at the same time. As the capabilities stack up, I wonder if Canva’s subscription prices can offer people the amount of AI processing they’ll need to take advantage of the service. Canva is ahead of this issue, as it’s introducing a special AI Pass that, for $100/mo, offers Pro users 40x more AI and Business users 20x more AI. Despite Canva’s aggressive incorporation of AI, I still can’t help but wonder if it’s being experimental enough, as AI feels poised to melt the boundaries of media as we know them. Canva is excellent at reducing the friction around creating things, but it’s not all that deep for experimentation or exploration. And it’s not challenging the status quo of the prompt. CJ Jones, head of GenAI design at Canva, says the company is rolling out the AI features that its users are asking for. And the fact is that, today, a lot of their users aren’t graphic design professionals who are artists with a mouse. Instead, most people are using AI to remove backgrounds in images and translate text to English (as many users are not native English speakers). Even still, Jones insists that Canva is thinking more experimentally in the larger term, taking a patient, car company approach to redesigning its own software over time. “Part of our product development process is looking at two years from now, five years from now, 10 years from now, and what we’ll do from there is [consider] this might be a really wild idea that completely redesigns Canva,” says Jones. “But we have to keep in mind our base right now…How easy is it to move them from where we are today to that? And so what we’ll do is look at the core of that vision, and how we want to bring that [to the product].” Canva AI 2.0 launches today in a preview to Pro and Business customers. 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. Anker’s Nebula P1i Portable Projector is down to $295 on Amazon from its usual $369, and according to price trackers, that’s the lowest it has gone so far. That makes it one of the more affordable ways to get a full HD projector with built-in streaming. The P1i is designed around convenience—it runs Google TV out of the box, so you can jump straight into apps like Netflix without plugging in a streaming stick. Setup is also simple: Anker’s Smart Instant Setup handles autofocus, keystone correction, and screen alignment, so you can place it down and get a usable image in seconds. Anker Nebula P1i Portable projector with wifi and Bluetooth $295.00 at Amazon $369.00 Save $74.00 Get Deal Get Deal $295.00 at Amazon $369.00 Save $74.00 At just under five pounds, it's also easy to move, although that light build comes with a small downside. If the projector gets nudged, the image can shift, which means you may need to readjust it. Using a tripod helps, especially if you’re setting it up outdoors or want something more stable at home. In terms of connections, it keeps things simple with one HDMI port, a USB-A slot, and a headphone jack. You can hook up a console or streaming device if you want, but the built-in interface already covers most use cases. The Nebula P1i can accept a 4K signal but scales it down to 1080p, which is fine for movies and casual viewing. While the image looks good in the center with colors that come across as fairly natural, the edges soften a bit if you’re projecting at an angle. Brightness is another constraint, so it performs best at night or in a dark room—daytime viewing with ambient light washes out a lot of detail. Also, while its fold-out speakers are loud enough for a small gathering and make voices easy to follow, they lack depth, so movies do not feel as full as they should. You can pair Bluetooth speakers for better audio, but that adds to both cost and setup. There’s also no built-in battery, so it always needs to stay plugged in, which takes away some of the flexibility you might expect from a portable projector. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Defence secretary’s comments come as US also widens scope of blockade of Iranian shippingView the full article

Pledge by Scotland’s main pro-independence party could provoke constitutional row with WestminsterView the full article

After rising by more than 580% in a single trading session yesterday, shares of Allbirds Inc. (Nasdaq: BIRD) fell this morning in premarket trading, at one point more than 30%. The steep rise and now potential fall in the stock price followed the company’s unexpected announcement that it intends to transition from a sustainable shoemaker to an AI compute infrastructure provider. But while AI-obsessed investors initially cheered the odd move, history suggests the pivot may be a challenging one to pull off in the long run. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? Yesterday, San Francisco-based Allbirds, whose wool footwear had been popular with Silicon Valley locals, announced something completely unexpected: it would stop making shoes and instead become yet another AI company. Specifically, Allbirds said it will “pivot its business to AI compute infrastructure, with a long-term vision to become a fully integrated GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) and AI-native cloud solutions provider.” In other words, the company’s new business model will involve spending millions to buy GPUs, and it will then rent those GPUs out to AI developers. This GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) model puts the former shoemaker against GPUaaS juggernauts like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure. Allbirds will be changing its name to NewBird AI, while the “Allbirds” shoe brand will continue to be sold under its new owner, American Exchange Group (AXNY). Allbirds announced in March that it was selling its assets to AXNY for $39 million. But what many found crazier than this out-of-left-field pivot was that investors absolutely ate up the news. After announcing its AI plans, BIRD stock soared 582% yesterday, closing at $16.99 per share. To put that into further context, BIRD stock closed at $2.49 just the day before. Yet today, BIRD stock is already falling. If history is any guide, the shoemaker’s AI pivot might not turn out as well as investors hope. Allbirds stock drops in premarket trading BIRD shares experienced a steep decline this morning in premarket trading. At one point, BIRD was down more than 30%. As of this writing, premarket trading remained volatile, with shares down about 8% at press time. The most likely reason for the decline is simple profit-taking. Allbirds investors made massive gains yesterday, and some of those investors no doubt want to lock in those paper gains, which they do by selling the stock, thereby solidifying their profits. Such profit-taking is very common the day after any stock has a tremendous run. But today’s profit-taking isn’t what should worry Allbirds’ investors the most. What should worry them most is that Allbirds is not the only company to ever abandon its historic business model to pivot to a completely unrelated one just to join the latest hype train. And it didn’t work out well for the most notorious example. The specter of Long Island Iced Tea In 2011, the Long Island Iced Tea Corp was founded. As the company’s name suggests, it was a beverage company that made ready-to-drink iced tea products. But in 2017, when investors were throwing their money at any company operating in the then-burgeoning hot blockchain space, Long Island Iced Tea Corp decided to go all-in on the blockchain hype. While the company said it would continue to operate its beverage business, it said it intended to shift “its primary corporate focus towards the exploration of and investment in opportunities that leverage the benefits of blockchain technology.” As part of this shift, Long Island Iced Tea Corp changed its name to Long Blockchain Corp. And with that “blockchain” keyword in the name, boy did investors bite. As noted by CNN, Long Island’s stock price surged by as much as 380% on the pivot news. But from there, things went downhill. Its blockchain pivot never really materialized, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) launched an investigation. In the end, the company’s once surging stock was delisted from the Nasdaq. While the Long Island Iced Tea Corp’s story doesn’t mean the same thing will happen to every company that pivots its business model, it is a stark example of the potential challenges that lie ahead—possible risks for investors—when a company announces a radical shift toward the latest sector that just happens to be taking Wall Street by storm. Whether Allbirds’ pivot will be successful remains to be seen. But it may serve investors best in the long term to proceed with caution before jumping into such an abrupt change of direction. Maybe sit back and have a nice glass of iced tea first. This story is developing… 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 Levoit LV-H133 air purifier has dropped to $76.99 on Woot, down from its original $249.99 and still significantly lower than the $199.99 it’s currently going for on Amazon. According to price trackers, this marks the lowest price it has reached so far. This deal is set to run for two days or until stock runs out, whichever comes first, with free shipping for Prime members and a $6 fee for everyone else. Levoit LV-H133 Air Purifier 3-stage HEPA filtration for spaces up to 1,150 square feet $76.99 at Woot $249.99 Save $173.00 Get Deal Get Deal $76.99 at Woot $249.99 Save $173.00 The LV-H133 is built to handle spaces up to about 1,150 square feet, which covers a typical bedroom, living room, or even a studio apartment. The cylindrical design pulls air in through perforations around the base, runs it through its internal system, and pushes it out through a wide radial vent at the top. Setup is simple and takes a couple of minutes, with no complicated assembly beyond removing packaging from the filter and locking the shell back in place. After that, maintenance mostly means wiping down the vents and replacing filters every six to eight months, with a built-in indicator to remind you. In day-to-day use, the purifier leans on a three-stage filtration system. The pre-filter catches larger debris like dust and lint, the HEPA filter targets particles as small as 0.3 microns, and the carbon layer helps reduce odors from cooking, smoke, or pets. There are a few modes to choose from, including an auto setting that adjusts fan speed based on sensor readings in real time, along with low, medium, and high speeds. On its lowest setting, it runs at about 25 dB, and on high, it reaches around 52 dB, so it is fine for overnight use, but you will hear it working when pushed. The controls are on top, with clear buttons for speed, timer, and display. The main tradeoff is the lack of wifi or app control, which newer models offerte. Still, at this price, the appeal is simple: solid coverage and proven filtration without paying for smart features you may not need. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Fire TV Stick 4K Plus Streaming Player With Remote (2025 Model) — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In 1988, a London pre-teen with a penchant for programming and gaming wrote a version of the classic board game Othello—also known as Reversi—for his Amiga 500 home computer. Teaching a piece of software to play the game was an ambitious coding project for someone so young. And with that, Demis Hassabis notched his first achievement in the field of artificial intelligence. The Othello-playing app “beat my kid brother, who was only five at the time,” Hassabis remembers. “It was an ‘a-ha’ moment for me, because I just thought, ‘Wow, it’s incredible that you can make a program that’s inanimate and it can go off and do something on your behalf.'” That proved to be a fateful epiphany. More than two decades later, it led to him cofounding DeepMind, the AI startup that did much to push the technology forward, both before and after its acquisition by Google in 2014. In 2023, Google merged DeepMind with Google Brain, its other highly productive AI arm, and named Hassabis as CEO of the combined operation, Google DeepMind. The AI model he oversees, Gemini, is now at the heart of Google products used by billions of people. Long before the fruits of DeepMind’s work were everywhere, the company was a research lab whose early focus was on training algorithms to play games. That didn’t just connect them back to Hassabis’s childhood Othello app. From the very dawn of AI, researchers have used gaming as a canvas for discovery. For example, back in 2019, I wrote about a 1960 TV special that documented IBM’s checkers-playing computer. Games are so powerful as a research tool because they’re “a microcosm of something important in real life,” explains Hassabis. “And we get to practice it many times in an environment that’s serious, but not serious, in a sense.” Last month marked the tenth anniversary of the capstone to that quest—a history-making moment not just for DeepMind, but the entire AI field. The 2,500-year-old Chinese board game Go had been considered, in Hassabis’s words, “the Mount Everest of game AI”—so deep and mystical in its mechanics that for years, computers struggled to play it even poorly, let alone well. But from March 9-15 2016, in a match held in Seoul, DeepMind’s AlphaGo software beat Lee Sedol, Go’s world champion, four games to one. Demis Hassabis The victory reverberated far beyond the crowd of obsessives who had wondered if it was even possible. “Maybe, looking back on it now, it was the beginning of what we would consider the modern AI era,” says Hassabis. It was certainly tangible proof that the tech could amaze even the people responsible for its breakthroughs. It was soon joined by other signs, such as Google Brain’s June 2017 research paper on “transformers”—the fundamental ingredient that would give us generative AI. AlphaGo also marked a transition for DeepMind. Once its AI had beaten Go, gaming was short on obvious Mount Everests to conquer, and more consequential challenges beckoned. In 2018, DeepMind unveiled the first version of AlphaFold, its algorithm for predicting protein structures. That breakthrough’s transformative implications in areas such as drug discovery and materials research inspired the creation of Isomorphic Labs, a new startup within Google’s parent company Alphabet, and led to Hassabis and DeepMind distinguished scientist John Jumper sharing the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Today, Google DeepMind’s website reflects its wide-ranging research efforts, from predicting weather to error-correcting quantum computers to understanding how dolphins communicate. But Hassabis doesn’t talk about games like they’re a musty part of his past. Indeed, he’s as engaged and proud talking about the long road that led to AlphaGo’s big win as when discussing Google DeepMind’s current activities. Gaming just happened to be the first type of artificial intelligence that captured his imagination. What he learned along the way remains as relevant as ever. “It was obvious to me from 16, 17 years old that AI was what I was going to do with my career,” he says. “And, if it could work, the biggest thing of all time.” From chess to Pong to Go By the time Hassabis tackled Othello on his Amiga, he was already an old hand at board-game wizardry. At four, he took up chess. At eight, he’d earned enough playing it competitively to buy his first computer. At 13, he became the world’s second-highest rated player under the age of 14, after the legendary Judit Polgár. Demis Hassabis Hassabis credits his time as a chess prodigy with sharpening his skills at problem-solving, visualization, and thinking clearly under pressure; it doesn’t seem a stretch to guess that it might have been a boon to his self-confidence as well. “There aren’t many things children can do where they can compete against adults at the highest level when they’re five or six years old,” he says. (He recommends chess as part of school curriculums and still plays it online in the middle of the night as “a gym for the mind.”) Still a wunderkind at age 17, Hassabis won an internship at computer game studio Bullfrog after entering a competition in a magazine for Amiga users. Before long, he’d co-created Theme Park, an amusement-park simulator that sold tens of millions of copies. Theme Park didn’t just let players choose rides. They also set prices, hired staff, operated concessions, sold stock, and otherwise optimized the business to thrive. Unlike a board game or most computer games, it offered entirely open-ended play, powered by an algorithm rather than a fixed set of rules. As Hassabis saw his creation behave in ways he hadn’t explicitly programmed into it, his mind reeled. “The key thing was that every time someone played the game, they had a unique experience, because the AI would react to how they were playing it,” he recalls. “We got letters from kids. They sent screenshots of these amazing end states they got their theme parks into. And we had no idea you could even do that, even though we’d made the game.” Theme Park Sixteen years elapsed between Theme Park‘s release and DeepMind’s inception. During them, Hassabis earned a BA in computer science and a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, with more time in the game business sandwiched in between. When he and his friends Shane Legg and Mustafa Suleyman decided to start an AI company together, it was with the aspiration—even loftier in 2010 than now—of developing algorithms that could at least match human cognitive ability at typical tasks. (Legg called that artificial general intelligence, or AGI, a term the entire field embraced.) But the cofounders began with a vastly more manageable project: training AI to excel at early Atari home video games such as Pong, Breakout, and Space Invaders. Not that it was a sure thing at the time. “We might have been 20 years too early,” says Hassabis. “Nobody knew. And so we had to try it.” The fact that the video games in question were ultra-minimalist 1970s relics didn’t result in immediate gratification. “It took months to win a single point at Pong, the simplest Atari game,” Hassabis remembers. Eventually, though, “We won the game 21-nil,” he says. “And then we could play all Atari games after another year or so.” The technique DeepMind used to trounce Pong—deep reinforcement learning—had broad applicability in AI beyond gaming. Heartened by its progress, the company turned its attention to Go. Though leaping directly from some of the world’s most basic games to one of unrivaled complexity might sound jarring, it may have been inexorable. Teaching AI to play Go at the highest possible level had been an irresistibly audacious goal for computer scientists since the 1970s. It had also been on Hassabis’s own mind for 20 years, even though he was only an amateur at the game himself. As a Cambridge undergrad, he’d discussed AI and Go with a classmate, David Silver. In 2008, a program Silver had co-created, MoGo, became the first software to beat a professional Go player, albeit while competing with the advantage of a handicap. Hassabis was reunited with his old friend when Silver joined DeepMind, where he worked on the Atari project and went on to lead AlphaGo’s development. Decades of thought had also gone into chess-playing AI before IBM’s Deep Blue beat reigning world champion Garry Kasparov in 1997. But compared to Go, chess looked like Candyland. “In Go, there are 10 to the power 170 possible board positions—far more than there are atoms in the universe,” says Hassabis. That ruled out brute-force approaches such as programming the AI to handle every theoretical combination of pieces, as IBM had done for Deep Blue. DeepMind ended up training a deep neural network with reinforcement learning to only explore meaningful moves for any given layout of pieces on the Go board. Hassabis compares the approach to infusing the algorithm with human intuition. Except AlphaGo was capable of taking more data into consideration than even the most gifted and disciplined human player, providing it with the opportunity to make decisions that felt not just intuitive, but magical. That point was proven early in game two of AlphaGo’s match with Sedol, in a way that left jaws agape when it happened and still resonates today. For the game’s 37th move—forever after known as “Move 37″—the AI chose a play so unexpected that eyewitnesses wondered if Aja Huang, the DeepMind scientist responsible for moving AlphaGo’s pieces on the board, had made it in error. “Lee Sedol chose that moment to go and have a smoke on the balcony,” recounts Hassabis. “He comes back in, and he sees Move 37. You see his facial expression change, and he’s sort of amazed by it. And bemused, perhaps.” Everyone involved knew that no human Go master would have made Move 37. But it wasn’t clear until much later in the game if it had been remarkably smart or remarkably dumb. Eventually, however, it turned out to be essential to beating Sedol—”almost as if AlphaGo put the piece there for 100 moves later,” says Hassabis. “Not only was it unusual, it was the pivotal move to win the game. That’s what makes it one of the greatest Go moves of all time.” Maybe you’d need to be a serious Go aficionado—which I’m not—to truly appreciate what made Move 37 special. But it’s easy to get swept up in its drama when watching AlphaGo, the 2017 documentary about the match. It continues to be fodder for courses, presentations, blog posts, and podcasts, making it a strong candidate for the most-analyzed single decision made by AI to date. Of course, if Move 37 was merely a startling bit of board-game play, it wouldn’t be so endlessly compelling. By making it, AlphaGo showed how AI is capable of not just simulating human thought, but going beyond it. Achieving that higher state of reasoning was why DeepMind took on Go in the first place. Subsequent research efforts such as AlphaFold have aimed to catalyze a similar effect. “The real world’s a lot harder than a game,” says Hassabis, but “You need that element of finding a new insight or new structure in the data. That’s what you’re looking for in science.” He adds that Move 37-like thinking is also apparent in current Google products such as the Deep Think version of Gemini, which is tuned for applications in science, math, and engineering. At its best, human game play—be it on a computer, a board, or an athletic field—is always an act of creativity. Hassabis doesn’t hesitate to call Move 37 creative. But mind-blowing though it was, he doesn’t consider it equal to human creativity at its most inspired. “It’s not true out-of-the-box creativity,” he stresses. “Because that would be something like [telling] the AI system, ‘Come up with an elegant game that only takes a few hours to play. It takes five minutes to learn the rules, but several lifetimes to master. And it’s esoterically beautiful as well.'” In other words, he says, AI must do more than conjure up additional moments like Move 37 to prove its creative bona fides: “It needs to invent a game as deep and as beautiful as Go—and obviously, with today’s systems, we’re nowhere near that.” That gives AI researchers at Google DeepMind and elsewhere another gaming Everest to scale—and we humans comforting evidence that we remain unbeatable, for now, on at least one meaningful front. View the full article

Missiles and drones killed and injured residents in Kyiv, Odesa, Dnipro and ZaporizhzhiaView the full article

John Ormerod accused of making money transfers after being designated for arranging oil tanker purchases for LukoilView the full article

Company is focusing on price cuts and more products with natural ingredientsView the full article

Scottish and Welsh election results may reignite the debate but it is all one big pantomimeView the full article

To buy one of each item in President Donald The President’s company’s online storefront today would cost you nearly six figures. The good news is you’ll qualify for free shipping for an order over $125. The The President Store sells a whole skincare line plus branded golf gear, robes, blankets, glassware, and more. There’s the classic red “Make America Great Again” hats for $47, an $80 The President Home jasmine room spray and diffuser set, and The President-branded coffee pods that sell for $18 for a 12-pack. All told, there are 1,492 total items for sale at the The President Store that together cost $91,145.12, according to a new review of The President’s branded merchandising business by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the presidency, and it’s a growing revenue stream for The President. “We’ve never seen any president profit off of something like the The President Store, or indeed, any of the numerous businesses that The President has continued to profit from while serving as president,” CREW communications director Meghan Faulkner tells Fast Company. She says the merch along with things like Mar-a-Lago memberships or The President’s cryptocurrency “normalizes the idea that the presidency is for sale.” “The merch store is just the most obvious physical representation of how The President has essentially put his office up for sale,” Faulkner says. CREW found that this storefront, which The President launched in 2017 during the first year of his first term, brought in about $8.8 million in 2024, the latest year of The President’s financial records, which is more than double how much it made the year before. Of the shop’s currently available products, 662 of them were launched since he took office for a final term last year. Congress could and should pass a law requiring presidents and vice presidents to divest from assets that could pose a conflict of interest within 30 days of taking office, Faulkner says, and there should be clear enforcement mechanisms to hold them accountable if they don’t divest. The The President Store isn’t the same thing as The President’s since-shuttered online campaign store where he once hawked MAGA hats to fundraise for his presidential campaigns. It’s his company’s own storefront, which isn’t beholden to the same Federal Election Commission rules, like annual limits or a prohibition against any foreign purchases. This revenue also goes straight to him rather than being split up among other groups that his joint fundraising campaign revenue was once divided between. The growth of The President’s merchandising business comes amid a broader shift in his overall merchandising strategy. Though The President continued his campaign shop for a time after taking office for a second term last year, introducing new products like a prop “Gulf of America” executive order, lately the focus has been on releasing new products on his company’s shop instead, like new “The President 250”-branded items to profit off the anniversary of the U.S. founding this year. Meanwhile the campaign’s online shop is no longer accessible from The President’s campaign website. Before entering politics, The President licensed his name to branded buildings and products like water and a board game, and his hotel and golf course business necessitated things like branded toiletries and robes that he still sells today. But it’s unusual for a U.S. president to sell branded gear in office like The President does. Jimmy Carter’s family put its peanut farm in a blind trust after he took office, and they didn’t start a peanut butter brand or sell peanut tchotchkes to supporters. And while some presidential libraries do have gift shops, those come after a president leaves office, and are nowhere near as robust as The President’s efforts. The President’s merch isn’t just lifestyle stuff, it’s explicitly political too. He sells at least 99 items that reference his presidency, including a $55 Space Force hat and a $50 “Gulf of America – Yet Another The President Development” hat. The shop also sells merch promoting an unconstitutional third term, like “Four More Years!” and “The President 2028” hats and a shirt that says “The President 2028 (Rewrite The Rules).” The President’s already rewriting the rules of how presidents profit of their office. By merchandising his presidency, he’s monetized political fandom into a personal revenue stream for himself. View the full article

In 2020, as people began to realize they would be spending significantly more time at home than they had planned in January, a lot of people splurged on a new TV. Approximately 315.6 million new sets found their way to households around the world that year, a 6% increase from the year before. Those sets still have some life in them. The average TV will run for 10 years or more without issue, but many homeowners are starting to feel like their sets are getting a bit long in the tooth. And over the next year or two, the industry could see a big rush in customers. Circana, which monitors consumer purchases, says the average TV is replaced every 6.6 years. That figure dropped to 5 years during the pandemic, reflecting the surge in buying as people stayed (and worked) from home full-time. That puts more than 20% of the sets in use globally in that upgrade zone. Manufacturers are eager for the possible sales uplift—and it could come early this year. Big sporting events tend to drive buyers to new sets. The days before the Super Bowl are filled with discounts on high-end sets and sales to fans who want to see the game as clearly as possible. This year, the 2026 World Cup is expected to be a sales driver. Labor Day also sees a surge as the NFL season nears. (Black Friday, of course, is huge as price-conscious shoppers hunt for bargains.) Price is one of the key drivers when it comes to consumer purchasing decisions on new TVs, but screen size is playing an increasing role as well. That’s proving beneficial for companies like TCL, which is the world’s second-largest TV brand by shipment volume (and one of the leaders in large screen TVs). And the company is betting people are ready to go bigger in 2026 and 2027. “Historically, [consumers have] upgraded to get a larger TV,” says Chris Hamdorf, senior vice president at TCL. “The TV they bought six years ago that they thought was a big TV isn’t a big TV anymore.” Consumers do seem to agree bigger is better. Research group Omdia predicts the ultra-large category (80 inches and above) will increase by 44% from 2025 to 2029, an increase of 9 million units in 2025 to over 13 million by 2029. “There are some growth dynamics within the TV hardware category. Larger TVs, especially those between 65 and 85 inches, have been growing in sales,” Circana wrote in its 2026 Future of TV report. “Even extra-extra-large TVs enjoyed respectable sales during the recent holiday season.” Besides the itch to get an even bigger screen on the wall, there’s a degree of FOMO among consumers when it comes to newer TVs. You can’t walk into a Costco, Sam’s Club or Best Buy without seeing the latest and the greatest sets, which generally have a better picture quality than the sets people own. Additionally, newer sets have improved integration of apps, including streaming services (meaning they can jump from Netflix to Disney+ with less lag). The rise of cloud gaming services also plays a role, as consumers can play, for example, the latest Xbox games without having to drop $500 or more on a console. The hurdle to this growth could be the same one facing many consumer electronics manufacturers today: The voracious appetite of the artificial intelligence industry. Computer memory shortages are causing a scramble in several industries, as prices escalate and availability dissipates. That, ultimately, will impact prices—and, likely, the bottom line of manufacturers. The hope within the industry is that the value proposition with advances in sets is enough to convince consumers to make the purchase “The memory costs are real and that is going to impact the industry, says Hamdorf. “The more premium the TV, the more memory they have in them. If you’re a consumer and the last time you purchased a TV was during COVID, the prices you’re paying for TVs today, even with the memory costs, and what you’re getting in that TV is going to be significantly better than five or six years ago.” That’s due to the natural price declines of components. An 85-inch set during COVID, Hamdorf says, cost about $2,000. Today, that amount will get you a 98-inch set. Many Americans, however, don’t want to spend $2,000 on a new TV. A survey by CNET found the average American wants to spend $1,177. Fortunately, that can still result in a much better set. “At the end of the day, an inexpensive TV upgrade to a larger size really provides a noticeable value impact for the average consumer,” says Paul Gagnon vice president of thought leadership at Circana. “For the price of a couple trips to the movie theater for a family of four, you can get a big screen TV with the latest streaming video apps and probably a big trade up compared to the older TV in the house.” And for those that want the biggest and best? “The good thing for the consumer is this is an incredibly competitive business,” says Hamdorf. View the full article

While the Chinese export surge continues unabated, import volumes have been anaemicView the full article

Elon Musk wants to execute the largest initial public offering in history, chasing a staggering $1.75 trillion to $2 trillion valuation for SpaceX. To justify this unprecedented price tag, he is aggressively hyping a cosmic vision: launching 1 million artificial intelligence servers into orbit to create a 100-gigawatt space data center in the next decade. He plans to one day build a factory on the moon to catapult these servers to Earth’s orbit. If that sounds like the background plot of a boring space movie, it’s because it is science fiction. The TL;DR: here is that Musk’s blueprint is fundamentally broken, according to experts in physics, aerospace engineering, and chip design. It ignores basic thermodynamics and the logistical impossibility of extraterrestrial manufacturing. Even if the talented SpaceX engineers perform multiple miracles to make their CEO’s plan work, the real timeline spans decades, not years, as Musk has proposed. This sci-fi narrative masks a vulnerable core business that, despite being the current leader by a wide margin, could lose its launch monopoly to cheaper Chinese rockets and face a fatal technological disadvantage in the upcoming space cellular war. Sound familiar? Yes, SpaceX 1.0 could quickly become Tesla 2.0. And yet Musk—who, remember, has a long history of delays in his enterprises—boldly claims that SpaceX can build the required lunar infrastructure for his million-satellite plan in less than a decade, and that his orbital AI computing idea can reach cost parity with terrestrial AI farms in just two to three years. According to the experts I’ve spoken to, this timeline is unlikely to play out. And if you’re planning to spend your money on Musk’s latest pipe dream, you should pay attention to what the experts are saying. Those pesky physics Down on Earth, when a computer processor gets hot, a fan blows ambient air across it (it can be liquid-cooled, but that radiator also needs to radiate out the heat through air). The air absorbs the thermal energy and carries it away through a fluid motion called convection. In space, it’s a different story. Space is a vacuum, so there’s no air to carry the heat away. Electronics must shed their thermal energy by glowing, radiating it away as infrared light. “Refrigeration in space is more challenging than on Earth because standard systems rely on gravity to manage liquids and gases,” Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb tells me in an email interview. He says that without gravity pinning it to the bottom of the server, “the oil used to lubricate traditional compressors can clog the system.” Furthermore, Loeb points out, “heat cannot rise away from components through natural convection.” Damien Dumestier is an engineer who analyzed orbital data centers for the ASCEND project, which examined the feasibility of launching orbital servers. He agrees with Loeb and adds that new technologies will need to be developed to make it happen. “In space you need to refrigerate IT hardware. The main difference is that on Earth you have the ambient air, which is roughly around 20 degrees Celsius,” Dumestier tells me in an email interview. In space you have minus 270°C temperatures, but heat must radiate out of components due to the lack of air, which is a very inefficient way to keep things cool. “You cannot use convection or airflow to collect the thermal power from the dissipative elements,” Dumestier says. “Therefore the only way to dissipate the thermal power outside of the data center is to use radiative elements.” Ryan McClelland, a research engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, puts the real issue in one clean sentence: “Cooling things in space is well understood. It is the scale required that is mind-boggling.” Indeed. It’s not that cooling things in space is impossible. It’s the scale of what Musk is proposing that makes it extremely hard. Right now, a standard modern telecom satellite generates roughly 20 kilowatts of heat, which is low enough that the flat metal body of the spacecraft itself can act as a passive radiator, or a surface that slowly bleeds heat into the cold of space. That is a solved aerospace problem. But Musk wants to build a 100-gigawatt network with 1 million satellites. Simple division dictates that each individual spacecraft must continuously process 100 kilowatts of power (100,000,000 kilowatts divided by 1,000,000 satellites). That is an entirely different thermal beast, as astrophysicist and science communicator Scott Manley points out. Manley says that at 100 kilowatts per ship, a satellite’s natural surface area is nowhere near large enough to shed the heat. SpaceX will be forced to equip each satellite with massive, fragile, deployable radiators that unfold into space. Furthermore, the heat doesn’t magically jump from the melting silicon processors to those external wings; it must be physically carried there. This requires pumping tons of pressurized cooling fluid every minute through a complex labyrinth of narrow pipes. When you multiply that zero-gravity plumbing nightmare by 1 million satellites, the sheer mechanical absurdity of Musk’s data center becomes impossible to hide. “Basically, all the energy collected (either by direct illumination and heating, or via the solar panels) must be radiated,” European Southern Observatory astronomer Olivier Hainaut says. “And yes, the radiation is not efficient, so large radiators are needed. That said, looking at the current version of their satellites, their radiators are significantly smaller than their solar panels. Still, they will be large.” Dumestier calculates that the ratio of power generation to heat dissipation is roughly 4.5 to 1. To cool 100 gigawatts of computing power, SpaceX will need an astronomically massive physical footprint of radiators. A silicon Dyson sphere Then there’s the issue of feeding those AI processors. SpaceX will use solar panels to power them, but generating the power envisioned by Musk is a mathematical nightmare. Loeb tells me that capturing 100 gigawatts of solar flux requires an effective panel area of 1.07 billion square feet. Even if you chop that massive array into a million separate satellites, each unit requires a 32.8-foot solar panel. “A linear alignment of just 10 components stretches across roughly the full height of the Artemis II Space Launch System rocket,” Loeb explains. He compares the sheer scale of this million-server constellation to a “miniature version of a Dyson sphere,” referring to the theoretical megastructure first proposed by physicist Freeman Dyson in 1960 that entirely encompasses a star to capture its power. In a 2023 paper, Loeb suggests that as stars evolve, they might break these Dyson spheres apart, turning them into “thin interstellar objects which are pushed around by radiation pressure.” You can’t just bolt a standard off-the-shelf server into this environment. A top expert in the chip industry who requested anonymity tells me that “cooling and solar energy production will require a huge footprint.” He stresses that the industry must invent entirely new hardware, noting, “We need to reimagine how chips are designed for space (heterogeneous compute, integrated Peltier coolers, integrated photonic chips) etc.” A Peltier cooler acts like a microscopic electronic refrigerator glued directly to the silicon to force heat out, while photonic chips use beams of light instead of electrical currents to transmit data, eliminating much of the heat entirely. While basic photonic integrated circuits are just now reaching commercial mass production for Earth-based data centers, fully integrating microscopic Peltier cooling directly into the silicon die remains largely confined to experimental research. Mass-manufacturing these exotic processors, let alone engineering hundreds of millions of them to survive the radioactive vacuum of space, pushes this timeline decades into the future. Hainaut speculates that SpaceX may already be working on solving the chip problem, since the rocket company and Tesla recently announced Terafab, a joint $25 billion chip factory in Texas. Nobody outside the company knows exactly what’s being built there, and this chip company may actually be for the Starlink mobile plans. But even if they manage to solve this problem and come up with amazing new hardware, the timeline alone keeps ruining the investment pitch. “I still think we can have small-scale data centers (with specific objectives) in space within 10 years for sure. . . . We cannot underestimate Musk,” the chip expert says. The key phrase here is small-scale. The Kessler lottery and lunar latency The problems with this plan don’t end with hardware. Placing a million massive structures into low Earth orbit—just 250 to 370 miles above our heads—invites a planetary disaster. Loeb warns that this density would “pose a serious risk for collisions, where the debris would catastrophically trigger a cascade chain reaction” known as the Kessler effect. Debris from crowded orbits is already wreaking havoc. In late 2025, the return of three Chinese astronauts aboard the Shenzhou-20 was delayed because orbital debris struck their spacecraft, causing cracks in a window. In a 2023 report the Federal Aviation Administration issued a stark warning that falling space debris could cause human casualties by 2035. Dumestier notes that 100 megawatts is completely unmanageable in low Earth orbit, which is why Europe’s ASCEND study proposed a far safer alternative: deploying just 1,000 satellites—each producing 1 megawatt—at a much higher altitude of 870 miles (for comparison, low Earth orbit is 250 to 260 miles)—to avoid the Kessler effect. But that comes short on the 100-gigawatt promise Musk is making by a factor of 100. Furthermore, to avoid the crushing cost of launching all this heavy hardware from Earth, Musk’s master plan is to build a factory on the moon and use an electromagnetic mass driver to hurl the servers into orbit. “Building a suitable factory on the moon will probably take many decades,” Loeb tells me. “The use of an electromagnetic catapult to launch satellites is an unproven technology. The entire project sounds more like a speculative science fantasy than a believable technological project.” Musk wants to have a lunar factory up and running in just a decade, which is a wildly ambitious timeline, but Hainaut tells me that we shouldn’t underestimate SpaceX engineers. “They are good, and they control the whole stack,” he says, reminding me of the early days of Starlink, when astronomers complained about brightness in January and SpaceX launched modified spacecraft in March. “That kind of turnaround time is completely unheard of in the space industry,” Hainaut points out. “I suspect they can (eventually) do it,” though it will be “later than they claim.” Under pressure Let’s assume that SpaceX engineers manage to pull everything off in two or three decades. Cool. There’s another big elephant in the room: money. As Dumestier points out, that’s the real problem. How can they pull it off, even with that massive valuation, soon enough to actually make money and survive? Even if SpaceX manages to magically conquer these unprecedented engineering challenges, the timeline would span decades. Musk is mainly going to use the massive influx of capital from the IPO to bankroll his decades-long science fiction dreams of lunar factories and mass drivers. But the company still needs to generate lots of money to keep going. Right now, SpaceX is running on two massive cash engines that Musk is desperately trying to leverage into his $1.75 trillion IPO: its workhorse Falcon 9 commercial rocket and Starlink’s 9 million subscribers. Without the commercial launches and continuous, dramatic Starlink growth, the card castle starts to fall apart. And it just so happens that those two SpaceX revenue engines are under heavy fire. Each Falcon 9 rocket launch prints money for the company, with a staggering operating profit margin as high as 77%. But state-backed Chinese aerospace companies are already aggressively undercutting Musk’s prices, with plans to sink them even more by building enormous factories to produce thousands of rockets. You don’t even have to wait a year or two for that. As of March 2026, a commercial firm established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Space, successfully launched its Kinetica-2 rocket at a cost of roughly $1,970 per pound. For context, SpaceX’s most recent Falcon 9 launch prices charge customers roughly $3,100 per pound. Now, keep in mind CAS’s price tag is for a ride in an expendable rocket. They are testing reusable technology this year and, according to the company, they’re aiming to halve the cost when that happens. Domestically, the monopoly is also breaking, with rivals like Rocket Lab and Blue Origin bringing their own cheaper, reusable rockets to market to steal SpaceX’s lucrative commercial and government launch contracts. Adding to the financial pressure that may crush Musk’s plan is Starlink, which he wants to turn into a global phone provider. Currently the source of up to 80% of SpaceX’s gross revenue, the division may lose the space cellular wars to multiple competitors, like Amazon Leo, multiple constellations from Chinese companies, and a small Texas-based company called AST SpaceMobile, which is backed by telecom giants like AT&T. While SpaceX plans an environmentally reckless, brute-force constellation of 34,000 disposable Starlink V3 satellites—operating on weak, high-frequency signals that bounce off buildings and require users to buy an entirely new phone equipped with a proprietary SpaceX modem chip—AST has vastly superior technology that will allegedly allow it to cover the world with just 90 massive unfolding satellites. The latter also owns key “gold spectrum,” the low-band radio waves that penetrate walls and connect directly to the standard 5G smartphones already in consumers’ pockets. To further complicate SpaceX’s immediate future, its Starlink V3 is so heavy that the Falcon 9 cannot launch it in economically viable numbers. The entire broadband business model hinges on Starship, a super-heavy rocket that remains in the testing phase. Even Musk admitted that because the Falcon 9 lacks the volume for next-generation satellites, SpaceX faces a “genuine risk of bankruptcy” without Starship. Of course, SpaceX may be able to fend off competitors and solve all the huge engineering problems ahead. After all, SpaceX succeeded in making reusable rockets happen at the 11th hour, just when Musk thought the company was about to go under. Still, with all the external forces aligning against the company and a sci-fi plan that may require decades to come to fruition, it’s hard to imagine investors getting any significant profits for an extremely long time. The current situation feels all too familiar to me. It’s as if we’re watching SpaceX walk the exact same path as Tesla: an industry that Musk started, scaled to incredible heights, only to fall, wrecked by his own hubris and the unstoppable rise of better technology, better design, and the overpowering Chinese supply chain and manufacturing muscle. Musk’s astronomical valuation relies on investors looking at the moon, a tall tale seemingly designed to obscure his company’s breaking points right here on Earth. View the full article

Egyptian coder Assem Sabry has long wanted an AI model that represents his culture. The problem is he hasn’t been able to find one. “The AI industry in Egypt . . . doesn’t exist,” Sabry says. So he built his own: Horus, named after the ancient Egyptian god of the sky. Sabry says the goal was to stop “relying on other models, like the American or Chinese models,” and instead ask what a more Egyptian-focused model might look like. To make Horus work, he trained it using GPUs from Google Colab and other cloud providers, alongside open-source datasets. The model, released in early April, drew more than 800 downloads in its first week on Hugging Face. Sabry is one of a growing number of developers trying to correct a long-standing imbalance in AI. Models are fluent in English and, to a lesser extent, Chinese, but far less capable in most other languages. So-called minority languages are, in reality, spoken by the global majority. Yet thanks to the way models are trained (on massive scrapes of the web), combined with the economics of the tech industry, English remains dominant. In 2023, researcher Aliya Bhatia, alongside a colleague at the Center for Democracy & Technology, published a study arguing that nonstandard languages were “Lost in Translation” because of the smoothing effects and commercial incentives shaping Big Tech. In the rush to capitalize on AI, companies prioritized English-language support—in part due to limited training data—and did little to address the gap. For years, the economics have reinforced the problem. Training AI models is expensive, and companies have little incentive to build for smaller language groups without a clear return. That dynamic has finally begun to shift. The rise of local LLMs, along with big AI companies tightening token limits, has opened space for smaller players. “Two years ago, AI wasn’t as good as now, and the LLMs weren’t open-source,” Sabry says. “Now we can really build our AI models from scratch.” Yet obstacles remain. Bhatia notes that “some barriers still exist in terms of compute, in terms of underlying infrastructure, and in terms of funding,” which collectively “remains a huge barrier.” Still, progress is visible. What’s emerging is less a formal ecosystem than a loose, global patchwork of locally focused models: Switzerland’s Apertus, Latin America’s Latam-GPT, Nigeria’s N-ATLaS, Indonesia’s Sahabat-AI, AI Singapore’s SEA-LION, Vietnam’s GreenMind, Thailand’s OpenThaiGPT, and Europe’s Teuken 7B. Each offers an alternative to the dominant models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Alibaba. Some efforts remain grassroots, like Sabry’s. Others have institutional backing. Apertus, for instance, is a collaboration between two Swiss universities and the Swiss National Supercomputing Center, which contributed more than 10 million GPU hours, equivalent to tens of millions of dollars in commercial compute. Most projects operate far below that scale. Still, the ability to train and deploy local models at a relatively low cost is changing the calculus. A fine-tuned version of Meta’s Llama 3.2, trained on 14,500 pairs of Indian legal-language examples, has logged just over 1,000 downloads since early April. That’s a niche audience, but a meaningful one, and one that would have been difficult to justify economically until recently. The early uptake suggests a market beyond the mainstream. It also raises a question for the largest AI companies. “What these alternatives offer is a demonstration that it’s possible to build systems that better represent global majority users and languages,” Bhatia says, “as long as major AI companies actually want to take a page out of this book and learn from them.” View the full article

Draft reforms stress benefits of scale and investment in competition regulator’s assessment of proposed dealsView the full article

When you’re deciding how to structure your business, comprehension the differences between an LLC, corporation, and sole proprietorship is crucial. Each option has distinct features, including liability protection, tax implications, and management structures. An LLC offers flexibility and pass-through taxation, whereas corporations provide limited liability with more regulatory requirements. Sole proprietorships grant full control but come with personal risk. These differences can greatly impact your business’s future, so let’s explore what each structure entails and how they might fit your needs. Key Takeaways LLCs provide liability protection for personal assets, while sole proprietorships expose owners to personal liability for business debts. Corporations require a formal management structure, including a Board of Directors and regular meetings, unlike the flexible management of LLCs. Sole proprietorships have no formal operational requirements, granting complete control to the owner. LLCs offer pass-through taxation, while corporations may face double taxation on profits and dividends. Compliance requirements differ significantly, with LLCs having fewer regulatory obligations compared to corporations’ extensive formalities. What Is an LLC? An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a popular business structure that offers a blend of liability protection and tax flexibility. When you form an LLC, your personal assets are typically shielded from business liabilities, meaning your home and savings aren’t at risk for business debts or lawsuits. To start an LLC in California, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the state. It’s also advisable to create an Operating Agreement to define your management structure and operational procedures. LLCs enjoy tax flexibility; a single-member LLC is usually treated as a disregarded entity, whereas multi-member LLCs are seen as partnerships. You can additionally elect to be taxed as an S-Corporation or C-Corporation if it benefits your financial situation. Keep in mind that unlike sole proprietorships, LLCs must adhere to specific state regulations, including potential ongoing fees and annual reporting requirements. What Is a Corporation? Corporations are distinct legal entities that operate separately from their owners, known as shareholders. This separation provides limited liability protection, meaning you’re typically not personally responsible for the corporation’s debts and liabilities. Corporations are categorized mainly into C corporations, which face double taxation on profits, and S corporations, which allow profits and losses to pass through to shareholders’ personal tax returns, preventing double taxation but limiting the number of shareholders. To form a corporation, you must meet specific state filing requirements, including submitting Articles of Incorporation and creating bylaws for governance. Compared to an LLC vs corporation vs sole proprietorship, corporations can raise capital more easily by issuing stock, attracting investors for growth. Nevertheless, maintaining a corporation involves adhering to more regulations and formalities, such as holding annual meetings and filing periodic reports, adding complexity to operations. What Is a Sole Proprietorship? Sole proprietorships represent the simplest form of business structure, allowing individuals to operate their businesses without the complications associated with corporations or limited liability companies. As the sole owner, you’re responsible for all aspects of the business, which means you’ll face personal liability for any debts or obligations. This can put your personal assets at risk if the business encounters financial issues. Establishing a sole proprietorship is straightforward, requiring only local permits or licenses, making it a low-cost option for entrepreneurs. You report income directly on your personal tax return, simplifying tax reporting since you typically won’t need separate business filings. This structure is especially ideal for low-risk ventures, allowing you to test business ideas without the complexities of formal incorporation. If you later decide to expand, you can explore how to open an LLC in California, which offers different benefits and protections. Liability Protection Comparison When comparing liability protection across different business structures, it’s essential to understand how each option shields you from personal risk. An LLC provides personal liability protection for its members, meaning your personal assets are typically safe from business debts and legal claims. Conversely, a Sole Proprietorship offers no liability protection, putting your personal assets at risk for any business liabilities. Corporations likewise provide limited liability protection; shareholders aren’t often liable for corporate debts beyond their investment in shares. Both LLCs and Corporations are considered separate legal entities, allowing them to enter contracts, own property, and even sue or be sued independently. Nevertheless, the extent of liability protection can vary based on compliance with state regulations and how you manage your business. For instance, during your LLC formation in California, it’s important to maintain a clear separation between personal and business finances to guarantee that protection remains intact. Tax Implications for Each Structure Comprehending tax implications is key when choosing between an LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship. Sole proprietorships report income and losses directly on your personal tax return, leading to self-employment taxes on all profits. LLCs typically benefit from pass-through taxation, meaning you report profits on your personal return too, but they can elect S-Corp status to potentially reduce those self-employment taxes. Conversely, corporations, especially C-Corps, face double taxation: profits are taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends. S-Corps avoid this by passing income directly to shareholders’ personal returns. LLCs likewise offer flexible tax treatment, which can lead to savings based on your business’s income and structure. Moreover, keep in mind that state-specific regulations may impose extra franchise taxes or annual fees on California LLCs and corporations. When considering how to file an California LLC in California, these tax implications should strongly influence your decision. Management and Operational Differences When you think about management and operational differences among LLCs, corporations, and sole proprietorships, it’s crucial to evaluate decision-making authority and the level of formalities required. LLCs provide flexibility in management without strict formalities, whereas corporations necessitate a formal structure with meetings and documentation. Conversely, sole proprietorships grant you full control but tie your personal and business liabilities together, which can impact your decision-making process. Decision-Making Authority Comprehending decision-making authority is crucial when choosing between a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, as each structure offers distinct management and operational dynamics. Structure Decision-Making Authority Liability Protection Sole Proprietorship Owner has complete control Personal liability for debts LLC Defined in Operating Agreement; flexible Limited liability for members Corporation Board of Directors; formal meetings Limited liability for shareholders In a sole proprietorship, you make all decisions without needing approval. In an LLC, you can either manage yourself or appoint managers. For a corporation, a Board of Directors makes major decisions, requiring formal meetings. When considering how to register LLC in California, keep in mind the advantages of limited liability and flexible management. Operational Formalities Required Grasping the operational formalities required for each business structure is vital for making an informed decision. When creating an LLC in California, you’ll need an Operating Agreement for internal governance, but there are no requirements for formal meetings or stock issuance. This flexibility contrasts sharply with corporations, which must hold annual meetings, maintain a Board of Directors, and keep detailed records to meet legal standards. Sole proprietorships, in contrast, have no formal operational requirements, providing full control to the owner, but they lack the liability protection and structure that LLCs and corporations offer. Comprehending these differences helps you choose the right structure based on your operational needs and compliance preferences. Management Structure Flexibility In the process of selecting a business structure, comprehending the management structure flexibility of LLCs, corporations, and sole proprietorships is vital for aligning with your operational goals. An LLC offers flexible management; you can manage it directly or appoint managers without the need for formal meetings or a board. Conversely, corporations require a strict management structure with a board of directors and corporate officers, which can complicate decision-making. Sole proprietorships provide total control to the owner, who can make all decisions but may face limitations on growth. If you’re considering how to establish an LLC in California, you’ll find it easier to admit new members compared to the complex regulatory framework for corporations when changing ownership. Choosing the Right Business Structure When choosing the right business structure, you need to contemplate owner liability and tax implications. LLCs offer limited liability protection and pass-through taxation, whereas sole proprietorships expose you to personal liability for business debts. Comprehending these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and risk tolerance. Owner Liability Considerations Comprehending owner liability is crucial when choosing the right business structure, as it directly impacts your personal financial security. In a sole proprietorship, you’re personally liable for all business debts, which means your personal assets could be at risk if your business faces legal claims. Conversely, LLCs provide limited liability protection, safeguarding your personal assets from business liabilities. Similarly, corporations offer this same protection to shareholders. If you’re worried about risk, opting for an LLC or corporation can help reduce personal liability. If you’re considering this route, you might want to learn how to get an LLC in California, as it can be a straightforward process that improves your financial safety during the operation of a business. Tax Implications Overview Choosing the right business structure can greatly impact your tax obligations, so it’s essential to understand how each type functions. Sole proprietorships report income on your personal tax return, incurring self-employment taxes. LLCs, especially with an llc setup california, typically allow profits to pass through to your personal return, but can opt for S-Corp taxation to save on self-employment taxes. C corporations face double taxation on corporate profits and dividends, whereas S corporations avoid this by passing profits directly to shareholders. Below is a summary of tax implications for each structure: Business Structure Tax Implications Sole Proprietorship Self-employment taxes on personal return LLC Pass-through taxation; potential S-Corp option C Corporation Double taxation on profits and dividends S Corporation Pass-through taxation, avoiding double taxation Franchise Taxes LLCs may incur state fees; sole proprietorships typically do not Frequently Asked Questions Can an LLC or Corporation Be Owned by a Single Person? Yes, both an LLC and a corporation can be owned by a single person. In fact, single-member LLCs are quite common, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of limited liability during control. Similarly, a corporation can likewise have just one shareholder, making it easier for you to manage your business. Nevertheless, legal requirements and tax implications may differ, so it’s crucial to understand the specific regulations in your state before deciding. What Are the Filing Fees for Forming Each Business Type? Filing fees for forming a business vary by type and state. Typically, for an LLC, you might pay between $50 to $500, depending on your state’s requirements. Corporations often have higher fees, ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more, including initial and annual fees. Sole proprietorships usually have the lowest costs, often just requiring a business license, which can be as low as $10 to $100. Always check your local regulations for specifics. How Can I Convert My Sole Proprietorship Into an LLC or Corporation? To convert your sole proprietorship into an LLC or corporation, start by choosing the business structure you prefer. Next, file the necessary paperwork with your state, which typically includes Articles of Organization for an LLC or Articles of Incorporation for a corporation. You’ll need to pay filing fees and may require an operating agreement or bylaws. Finally, update your business licenses and permits to reflect the new structure. Are There Annual Maintenance Requirements for LLCS and Corporations? Yes, there are annual maintenance requirements for LLCs and corporations. You’ll typically need to file annual reports and pay associated fees, which vary by state. Furthermore, corporations must hold regular board meetings and keep minutes, whereas LLCs often need to maintain a registered agent. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to penalties or dissolution. It’s crucial to stay organized and compliant to guarantee your business remains in good standing. Can Foreign Nationals Own an LLC or Corporation in the U.S.? Yes, foreign nationals can own an LLC or corporation in the U.S. There’s no requirement for owners to be U.S. citizens or residents. Nonetheless, you’ll need to comply with state laws and regulations, which might differ. Furthermore, it’s vital to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state where you form your business. Consulting a legal expert can help you navigate the intricacies of formation and compliance. Conclusion In conclusion, choosing the right business structure—LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship—depends on your specific needs regarding liability protection, taxation, management, and operational flexibility. LLCs offer limited liability with pass-through taxation, whereas corporations provide formal governance but face double taxation. Sole proprietorships grant complete control but expose personal assets to risks. Evaluating these factors carefully will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and protects your interests effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "LLC Vs Corporation Vs Sole Proprietorship – 7 Key Differences Explained" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re deciding how to structure your business, comprehension the differences between an LLC, corporation, and sole proprietorship is crucial. Each option has distinct features, including liability protection, tax implications, and management structures. An LLC offers flexibility and pass-through taxation, whereas corporations provide limited liability with more regulatory requirements. Sole proprietorships grant full control but come with personal risk. These differences can greatly impact your business’s future, so let’s explore what each structure entails and how they might fit your needs. Key Takeaways LLCs provide liability protection for personal assets, while sole proprietorships expose owners to personal liability for business debts. Corporations require a formal management structure, including a Board of Directors and regular meetings, unlike the flexible management of LLCs. Sole proprietorships have no formal operational requirements, granting complete control to the owner. LLCs offer pass-through taxation, while corporations may face double taxation on profits and dividends. Compliance requirements differ significantly, with LLCs having fewer regulatory obligations compared to corporations’ extensive formalities. What Is an LLC? An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, is a popular business structure that offers a blend of liability protection and tax flexibility. When you form an LLC, your personal assets are typically shielded from business liabilities, meaning your home and savings aren’t at risk for business debts or lawsuits. To start an LLC in California, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the state. It’s also advisable to create an Operating Agreement to define your management structure and operational procedures. LLCs enjoy tax flexibility; a single-member LLC is usually treated as a disregarded entity, whereas multi-member LLCs are seen as partnerships. You can additionally elect to be taxed as an S-Corporation or C-Corporation if it benefits your financial situation. Keep in mind that unlike sole proprietorships, LLCs must adhere to specific state regulations, including potential ongoing fees and annual reporting requirements. What Is a Corporation? Corporations are distinct legal entities that operate separately from their owners, known as shareholders. This separation provides limited liability protection, meaning you’re typically not personally responsible for the corporation’s debts and liabilities. Corporations are categorized mainly into C corporations, which face double taxation on profits, and S corporations, which allow profits and losses to pass through to shareholders’ personal tax returns, preventing double taxation but limiting the number of shareholders. To form a corporation, you must meet specific state filing requirements, including submitting Articles of Incorporation and creating bylaws for governance. Compared to an LLC vs corporation vs sole proprietorship, corporations can raise capital more easily by issuing stock, attracting investors for growth. Nevertheless, maintaining a corporation involves adhering to more regulations and formalities, such as holding annual meetings and filing periodic reports, adding complexity to operations. What Is a Sole Proprietorship? Sole proprietorships represent the simplest form of business structure, allowing individuals to operate their businesses without the complications associated with corporations or limited liability companies. As the sole owner, you’re responsible for all aspects of the business, which means you’ll face personal liability for any debts or obligations. This can put your personal assets at risk if the business encounters financial issues. Establishing a sole proprietorship is straightforward, requiring only local permits or licenses, making it a low-cost option for entrepreneurs. You report income directly on your personal tax return, simplifying tax reporting since you typically won’t need separate business filings. This structure is especially ideal for low-risk ventures, allowing you to test business ideas without the complexities of formal incorporation. If you later decide to expand, you can explore how to open an LLC in California, which offers different benefits and protections. Liability Protection Comparison When comparing liability protection across different business structures, it’s essential to understand how each option shields you from personal risk. An LLC provides personal liability protection for its members, meaning your personal assets are typically safe from business debts and legal claims. Conversely, a Sole Proprietorship offers no liability protection, putting your personal assets at risk for any business liabilities. Corporations likewise provide limited liability protection; shareholders aren’t often liable for corporate debts beyond their investment in shares. Both LLCs and Corporations are considered separate legal entities, allowing them to enter contracts, own property, and even sue or be sued independently. Nevertheless, the extent of liability protection can vary based on compliance with state regulations and how you manage your business. For instance, during your LLC formation in California, it’s important to maintain a clear separation between personal and business finances to guarantee that protection remains intact. Tax Implications for Each Structure Comprehending tax implications is key when choosing between an LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship. Sole proprietorships report income and losses directly on your personal tax return, leading to self-employment taxes on all profits. LLCs typically benefit from pass-through taxation, meaning you report profits on your personal return too, but they can elect S-Corp status to potentially reduce those self-employment taxes. Conversely, corporations, especially C-Corps, face double taxation: profits are taxed at the corporate level and again when distributed as dividends. S-Corps avoid this by passing income directly to shareholders’ personal returns. LLCs likewise offer flexible tax treatment, which can lead to savings based on your business’s income and structure. Moreover, keep in mind that state-specific regulations may impose extra franchise taxes or annual fees on California LLCs and corporations. When considering how to file an California LLC in California, these tax implications should strongly influence your decision. Management and Operational Differences When you think about management and operational differences among LLCs, corporations, and sole proprietorships, it’s crucial to evaluate decision-making authority and the level of formalities required. LLCs provide flexibility in management without strict formalities, whereas corporations necessitate a formal structure with meetings and documentation. Conversely, sole proprietorships grant you full control but tie your personal and business liabilities together, which can impact your decision-making process. Decision-Making Authority Comprehending decision-making authority is crucial when choosing between a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation, as each structure offers distinct management and operational dynamics. Structure Decision-Making Authority Liability Protection Sole Proprietorship Owner has complete control Personal liability for debts LLC Defined in Operating Agreement; flexible Limited liability for members Corporation Board of Directors; formal meetings Limited liability for shareholders In a sole proprietorship, you make all decisions without needing approval. In an LLC, you can either manage yourself or appoint managers. For a corporation, a Board of Directors makes major decisions, requiring formal meetings. When considering how to register LLC in California, keep in mind the advantages of limited liability and flexible management. Operational Formalities Required Grasping the operational formalities required for each business structure is vital for making an informed decision. When creating an LLC in California, you’ll need an Operating Agreement for internal governance, but there are no requirements for formal meetings or stock issuance. This flexibility contrasts sharply with corporations, which must hold annual meetings, maintain a Board of Directors, and keep detailed records to meet legal standards. Sole proprietorships, in contrast, have no formal operational requirements, providing full control to the owner, but they lack the liability protection and structure that LLCs and corporations offer. Comprehending these differences helps you choose the right structure based on your operational needs and compliance preferences. Management Structure Flexibility In the process of selecting a business structure, comprehending the management structure flexibility of LLCs, corporations, and sole proprietorships is vital for aligning with your operational goals. An LLC offers flexible management; you can manage it directly or appoint managers without the need for formal meetings or a board. Conversely, corporations require a strict management structure with a board of directors and corporate officers, which can complicate decision-making. Sole proprietorships provide total control to the owner, who can make all decisions but may face limitations on growth. If you’re considering how to establish an LLC in California, you’ll find it easier to admit new members compared to the complex regulatory framework for corporations when changing ownership. Choosing the Right Business Structure When choosing the right business structure, you need to contemplate owner liability and tax implications. LLCs offer limited liability protection and pass-through taxation, whereas sole proprietorships expose you to personal liability for business debts. Comprehending these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and risk tolerance. Owner Liability Considerations Comprehending owner liability is crucial when choosing the right business structure, as it directly impacts your personal financial security. In a sole proprietorship, you’re personally liable for all business debts, which means your personal assets could be at risk if your business faces legal claims. Conversely, LLCs provide limited liability protection, safeguarding your personal assets from business liabilities. Similarly, corporations offer this same protection to shareholders. If you’re worried about risk, opting for an LLC or corporation can help reduce personal liability. If you’re considering this route, you might want to learn how to get an LLC in California, as it can be a straightforward process that improves your financial safety during the operation of a business. Tax Implications Overview Choosing the right business structure can greatly impact your tax obligations, so it’s essential to understand how each type functions. Sole proprietorships report income on your personal tax return, incurring self-employment taxes. LLCs, especially with an llc setup california, typically allow profits to pass through to your personal return, but can opt for S-Corp taxation to save on self-employment taxes. C corporations face double taxation on corporate profits and dividends, whereas S corporations avoid this by passing profits directly to shareholders. Below is a summary of tax implications for each structure: Business Structure Tax Implications Sole Proprietorship Self-employment taxes on personal return LLC Pass-through taxation; potential S-Corp option C Corporation Double taxation on profits and dividends S Corporation Pass-through taxation, avoiding double taxation Franchise Taxes LLCs may incur state fees; sole proprietorships typically do not Frequently Asked Questions Can an LLC or Corporation Be Owned by a Single Person? Yes, both an LLC and a corporation can be owned by a single person. In fact, single-member LLCs are quite common, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of limited liability during control. Similarly, a corporation can likewise have just one shareholder, making it easier for you to manage your business. Nevertheless, legal requirements and tax implications may differ, so it’s crucial to understand the specific regulations in your state before deciding. What Are the Filing Fees for Forming Each Business Type? Filing fees for forming a business vary by type and state. Typically, for an LLC, you might pay between $50 to $500, depending on your state’s requirements. Corporations often have higher fees, ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more, including initial and annual fees. Sole proprietorships usually have the lowest costs, often just requiring a business license, which can be as low as $10 to $100. Always check your local regulations for specifics. How Can I Convert My Sole Proprietorship Into an LLC or Corporation? To convert your sole proprietorship into an LLC or corporation, start by choosing the business structure you prefer. Next, file the necessary paperwork with your state, which typically includes Articles of Organization for an LLC or Articles of Incorporation for a corporation. You’ll need to pay filing fees and may require an operating agreement or bylaws. Finally, update your business licenses and permits to reflect the new structure. Are There Annual Maintenance Requirements for LLCS and Corporations? Yes, there are annual maintenance requirements for LLCs and corporations. You’ll typically need to file annual reports and pay associated fees, which vary by state. Furthermore, corporations must hold regular board meetings and keep minutes, whereas LLCs often need to maintain a registered agent. Failing to meet these requirements can lead to penalties or dissolution. It’s crucial to stay organized and compliant to guarantee your business remains in good standing. Can Foreign Nationals Own an LLC or Corporation in the U.S.? Yes, foreign nationals can own an LLC or corporation in the U.S. There’s no requirement for owners to be U.S. citizens or residents. Nonetheless, you’ll need to comply with state laws and regulations, which might differ. Furthermore, it’s vital to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state where you form your business. Consulting a legal expert can help you navigate the intricacies of formation and compliance. Conclusion In conclusion, choosing the right business structure—LLC, corporation, or sole proprietorship—depends on your specific needs regarding liability protection, taxation, management, and operational flexibility. LLCs offer limited liability with pass-through taxation, whereas corporations provide formal governance but face double taxation. Sole proprietorships grant complete control but expose personal assets to risks. Evaluating these factors carefully will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and protects your interests effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "LLC Vs Corporation Vs Sole Proprietorship – 7 Key Differences Explained" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Feedback is one of those things everyone agrees is important. And yet it’s often the thing that gets avoided. Not because managers don’t care, but because it feels uncomfortable, risky, or easy to get wrong. So instead: Conversations get delayed Messages get softened Or nothing gets said at all And over time, that creates confusion, frustration, and underperformance. 3 simple ways to make feedback easier In our recent Skills Booster: Feedback Without Fear webinar, we shared some practical ways to take the pressure out of feedback. Here are three you can start using straight away: 1. Don’t wait for the perfect moment The longer you leave feedback, the bigger it becomes. Try keeping it light and timely: “Can I share a quick thought while it’s fresh?” 2. Focus on the work, not the person Feedback lands better when it’s about improving outcomes. Instead of: “That didn’t go well” Try: “I think the key message got lost. Can we sharpen that next time?” 3. Be clear and human You don’t have to choose between being direct and being kind. The most effective feedback does both: Clear on what needs to change Respectful in how it’s said Want more practical tips like these? This is just a snapshot of what we covered in our Skills Booster Feedback Without Fear. Catch up with the full recording on our YouTube channel: Ready to go further? The Skills Booster gives you the ideas. Our We Need to Talk workshop helps your managers actually apply them in real conversations, through practice and expert coaching. Find out more here. The post Why feedback feels so hard (and what to do about it) appeared first on Think Productive UK. View the full article