ResidentialBusiness

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Apple is gearing up for a series of product announcements on Wednesday. So, naturally, the company revealed two of those products on Monday. There's the iPhone 17e, Apple's latest "affordable" iPhone, which largely just updates the chip to the A19. In the same vein, the company is updating its iPad Air line with the M4 chip. If you're hoping for other big iPad Air upgrades, however, keep waiting. The iPad Air is the same, just now with M4 If you put the M4 iPad Air side-by-side with the M3 iPad Air, you might mix the two up. That's because Apple has changed virtually nothing about the overall design and appearance of these tablets. The 11-inch M4 Air looks like the 11-inch M3 Air, as do the two 13-inch variants. Just about the only thing new about the M4 Air, is, well, M4. This isn't Apple's newest chip—that would be the M5—but the M4 is one generation newer than the M3, so you should expect some performance gains between the two. The M4 chip in the Air comes with an eight-core CPU with three performance cores and five efficiency cores, a nine-core GPU, 120GB/s memory bandwidth, and 12GB of RAM. That's one less performance core than the M3 Air, but one more efficiency core. What's likely going to be more dramatic is the extra 4GB of RAM, as the M3 Air only comes with 8GB. You should be able to run more tasks at once on the new Air without iPadOS needing to refresh an app or page. We won't know exactly how those changes will affect performance until testers get their hands on the M4 iPad Airs. However, Apple says the new iPad is up to 30% faster than the previous generation, and up to 2.3 times faster than the M1 iPad Air. (Apple tends to compare its latest products to those from multiple generations past, as the difference is often more subtle from generation to generation). To me, that means this is certainly not an iPad that M3 Air users need to consider upgrading to, but if it would likely be a good option for anyone with an older Air—or older iPad—to jump to. With that M4 chip, Apple is adding the N1 chip and C1X modem to the iPad Air. The N1 chip comes with all M4 iPad Airs, and supports standards like Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, a smart home standard. If you buy the cellular iPad Air, you'll get C1X, Apple's in-house modem that it says is 30% more efficient than the modem in the M3 iPad Air. Aside from those points, this is the same iPad Air as the M3 model. It comes in an 11- or 13-inch option, with 12MP rear and front cameras; USB-C connectivity with Touch ID; the same battery life (Apple says 10 hours of video playback); and both still start with 128GB of storage. And, notably, it still omits a high-refresh 120Hz display for the usual 60Hz. That's disappointing. How to buy the M4 iPad AirYou can preorder an M4 iPad Air on March 4, starting at $599 (the same starting price as Apple's newly-announced iPhone 17e) for the 11-inch 128GB model. The 13-inch starts at $799 for the 128GB model. Adding cellular adds $150 to the price. Apple says that the M4 iPad Air will officially launch on Wednesday, March 11—the same day as the iPhone 17e, as well as Samsung's Galaxy S26 series. View the full article

Below, Liz Tran shares five key insights from her new book, AQ: A New Kind of Intelligence for a World That’s Always Changing. Liz is a leadership coach to the CEOs and founders of some of the world’s fastest-growing companies. Her work has been featured by the Today Show, The New Yorker, the New York Times, Bloomberg, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, and other outlets. What’s the big idea? The most consequential divide in modern society is not economic or political. It’s psychological. The gap between people who can adapt to constant change (high Agility Quotient) and those who feel undone by it is shaping everything from workplaces to mental health. Listen to the audio version of this Book Bite—read by Liz herself—below, or in the Next Big Idea App. 1. AQ, or the Agility Quotient, is the primary intelligence needed for today’s world. One of my primary responsibilities when I worked in venture capital as an executive at a top firm was to try to understand what all the most successful founders in our portfolio had in common. I started with a personality assessment for every founder we deemed successful, and then I also had long conversations with them about their childhood influences, education, and current hobbies. At the end of a two-year research period, I discovered that all the most successful, happy, and fulfilled leaders have just one thing in common: they’re always changing. Not only are they always developing themselves, but they also have a standout capability to handle change, uncertainty, and the unknown. This is what we call the agility quotient, or AQ. And it’s not just leaders. According to the Journal of Managerial Studies, employees with high learning agility are promoted more and receive higher salary increases than their low-agility peers. A study from the University of Minnesota showed that agility is a better predictor of an employee’s potential for career advancement than IQ. It no longer matters how smart you are. In a world where stability is a myth, AQ is the primary aptitude that matters. 2. IQ is a relic of the past. Intelligence, as a concept, is only 150 years old. It emerged in the late 1800s in France, as mandatory education was adopted and the government suddenly needed a way to rank and place students efficiently in the right classrooms. The historic context that initiated this was the shift from an agrarian to an industrial society. The norm had been that you grow up and then work on your family’s farm. But suddenly, cognitive abilities became important because you might abandon that farm and go work in a factory or industry somewhere. In addition to school systems, the government and military also needed a mechanism for sorting, ranking, and placing people into the right groupings—thus the concept of IQ was born. “IQ and EQ are no longer sufficient to explain how we can thrive.” IQ reigned as the go-to primary intelligence until the 1990s, when globalization and a shift to knowledge work ushered in a new era in which teamwork, collaboration, and communication suddenly became more important. You might be working with someone in London while you are based in Tokyo, and you need to understand how to work with and communicate with them effectively and efficiently. This was the beginning of EQ, a measure of your interpersonal skills. The term was then popularized by Daniel Goleman’s 1995 book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Over the past 35 years, school systems and corporations around the world have focused on developing EQ skills in their students and employees. In the midst of our new technology revolution, with AI changing everything we know about work, IQ and EQ are no longer sufficient to explain how we can thrive. Agility Quotient—the ability to handle change, uncertainty, and the unknown—is the intelligence most suited for the world today. 3. You can future-proof yourself. Think about the very beginning of your career, those early days when you were looking for a job and imagining what your life might become. Did you ever imagine you would end up here? I’d venture a guess that you’d likely be surprised about where you are now. That’s because change is no longer linear but exponential, which means we’ve become bad at predicting where the future is going. For instance, members of Gen Z, currently the youngest generation in the workforce, are predicted to have 18 jobs spanning six career paths in their adult lives. Compare this to Baby Boomers, who often held one job for decades and received a pension upon retirement. The same type of instability also holds true for our personal contributions. According to Harvard’s re-skilling lab, the hard-won technical skills we’ve spent our whole careers cultivating, like computer programming, accounting, and social media marketing, have a half-life of just five years. In most tech sectors, that’s more like two-and-a-half years. Without a doubt, there’s no chance we can imagine where the future is going to take us. This is why we, as ambitious professionals, must shift our focus from investing in our job titles to investing in ourselves by developing highly transferable, durable skills that will make us strong, capable generalists who can thrive in any future terrain. “Members of Gen Z are predicted to have 18 jobs spanning six career paths in their adult lives.” Durable skills are human-oriented, broad-based skills like receiving feedback, learning aptitude, self-advocacy, persuasion, and, of course, agility. While technical skills will always be important, they can and will expire faster than we believe. When we invest in ourselves and our durable skills, we become timeless, unique, and invincible. 4. Successful businesses intentionally cultivate cultures of AQ. When Satya Nadella took over as CEO of Microsoft in 2014, it was a low AQ organization. The stock price had been pretty much stagnant, and the public viewed Microsoft as a bureaucratic beast that had missed out on Big Tech trends like mobile and social networking. Nadella was inheriting a pretty tough job. There were many sweeping strategic decisions that he needed to make. What Nadella understood was that before he could make these strategic decisions, he first needed to overhaul the entire culture by teaching Microsoft how to be a high-AQ organization. He styled this initiative as a shift from a know-it-all culture (IQ-based) to a learn-it-all culture (AQ-based). Nadella got started building an entirely new culture. He and his team populated the company with stories of what a Learn-It-All mindset looked like, and then he filled the hallways with supportive visuals and put quotes on coffee mugs. The mugs became so popular that people started collecting and trading them. Finally, Nadella rallied his entire team, and they repeated this AQ-oriented philosophy over and over again until it was ingrained in every employee. Of course, Nadella did push new processes, but he knew that a high AQ, learn-everything mindset mattered most. Microsoft has been immensely successful under Nadella’s leadership. Stock price has risen 1,000 percent since he became CEO, and the company has pivoted away from Microsoft Office to invest in cloud computing and AI. These bets have paid off. At points, Microsoft has been the world’s most valuable company. Even in 2025, the company’s stock was up 23 percent and was outperforming the S&P 500. If you want your company, or even just your team, to be successful, it means recruiting for high-AQ people, training employees to raise their AQ, and building a holistic company culture that prioritizes change, agility, and comfort with ambiguity. 5. Embrace your AQ archetype. Imagine yourself in the Sonoran Desert, a harsh expanse of land that stretches from Arizona to Mexico, where the temperatures climb as high as 120 degrees. The heat and dryness are why thousands of migrants, hikers, and adventurers have died while traversing the Sonoran Desert. What would you do if you had to survive out there? My answer to that is research. I would obsessively read everything I could about the Sonoran Desert—its flora, fauna, and climate—and then I would write down every worst-case scenario that I could imagine. This is because my AQ archetype is the Novelist. Think of a novelist sitting at their desk, dreaming up a story, and then writing down the plot. “When we invest in ourselves and our durable skills, we become timeless, unique, and invincible.” That is exactly how the Novelist archetype operates. They have a vision, and then they design a step-by-step plan to get there. The downside of being a Novelist is that we are not so good at reactive change, meaning the change that we did not ask for. For instance, when a flight gets canceled or a meeting gets rescheduled, this type of commotion throws the Novelist into a frenzy. They just can’t handle the curveballs that life throws at them. The opposite of a novelist is the Firefighter. They’re the person you call in an emergency. They are excellent in chaos. They’re good at creative problem-solving in high-octane situations (hence the name Firefighter). Because they’re so good at handling anything at the last minute, they often forget to do the type of long-term strategic vision setting that the novelist excels at. Instead, the firefighter says, “Well, I’ll just wing it, so why even bother making a plan?” The third archetype is the Astronaut. This type is great at both proactive change, which the Novelist thrives on, and reactive change, which the Firefighter does so well. In fact, they’re fast at change. The downside of being an Astronaut, however, is that they’re a lot faster than the people around them, and they can become quite impatient when their colleagues, friends, or family members don’t understand. They change their minds quickly, but are not the best at explaining their decisions. If you’re an Astronaut and want to make things frictionless with those around you, take the time to slow down and explain your context. Finally, the last type is the Neurosurgeon, and this is the Astronaut’s opposite. The Neurosurgeon is slower, intentional, and not one to change their mind on a dime. In fact, it takes them quite a while to make up their mind about anything, whether it’s deciding to propose to a partner, buy a house, or even something as small as buying a new sweater. The Neurosurgeon wants to make sure that they put a high degree of research and intentionality into any decision that they make. This might mean that the Neurosurgeon seems to have lower AQ, but in truth, the neurosurgeon can be one of the most high-AQ archetypes because once they have set their mind to something, they never give up until it is accomplished. Part of thriving in this world that requires AQ is understanding your archetype and how to make the most of the hand you’ve been dealt. Enjoy our full library of Book Bites—read by the authors!—in the Next Big Idea app. This article originally appeared in Next Big Idea Club magazine and is reprinted with permission. View the full article

Forward March? The initial market movements on Monday seem to indicate that’s the case, at least for crypto. On Monday, the price of Bitcoin (BTC) was up more than 5%, jumping to more than $69,000 as of 12 p.m. ET from around $65,500 on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, Ethereum (ETh) was up around 6% while XRP rose about 3%. The CoinDesk 20, a crypto market index, is also up around 5%. The broad increase in crypto values was a reversal from a downslide that cryptocurrency markets had been seeing in the lead-up to the United States and Israel launching attacks on Iran on Saturday. On Saturday, after news of the attacks broke, Bitcoin values fell to near $63,000. But as of midday Monday, values were up around 9% from that Saturday low point. At the same time, the broader stock market has been flat. The S&P 500 is actually down around 1.5% over the past month. Additionally, crypto-related stocks are also up on Monday. For instance, Coinbase Global (Nasdaq: COIN) saw its shares rise around 4%, while stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) was up 13%. The latter company had already been riding a wave of stock growth that was bolstered by its better-than-expected earnings report last week. All told, Circle stock is up more than 56% over the last five days. Why is crypto surging? There may be a few factors that are fueling the early-week crypto bounce-back. For one, we may be seeing a technical rebound after the Crypto Fear and Greed Index dipped into the “extreme fear” spectrum in recent days. That could be a sign for some investors that the market is oversold, and that it may be a good time to jump back in and take advantage of relatively low asset prices. Relatedly, the crypto market has been undergoing a large-scale liquidation event, as many investors have cleared their holdings in recent weeks and months. That, in part, is why crypto values—including Bitcoin—have fallen so precipitously over the past six months. Bitcoin is down more than 37% since last October, for example. The attacks on Iran over the weekend may have shaken some investors out of torpor, serving as a signal that certain markets are ripe for reinvestment. With conflict in the Middle East risking further geopolitical destabilization, investors may looking for alternative or “safe haven” assets for their money, assuming the conflict in Iran affects equity markets. Whether or not Bitcoin qualifies as safe havens is the topic of much debate, but it’s worth noting that trajectory of traditional safe-haven assets like gold and silver are also mixed this week: gold is up, silver is down. As Bloomberg points out, crypto investors may just be dismissing what’s happening in Iran or sending a message that they don’t think it’ll have a spillover effect into the markets. For now, it’s impossible to say if today’s market movements will be a brief bump or part of a broader rebound for cryptocurrencies. View the full article

With nearly 40,000 locations in over 100 countries, tens of millions of people worldwide regularly eat McDonald’s iconic burgers. But in an Instagram post that’s blowing up the internet, company CEO Chris Kempczinski appears less-than-thrilled to be eating one himself. The video was posted to Kempczinski’s Instagram account a month ago, but found new life over the weekend on platforms like X and TikTok, with many users wondering if it’s “intentionally cringe,” saying that Kempczinski looks “uncomfortable” or commenting how he “looks like he’s gonna hurl.” “From this video, it seems likely the CEO of McDonald’s has never eaten McDonald’s before,” one user wrote. In the post, the CEO presents a new menu item: The Arch Burger, a burger with two patties, three slices of cheese, crispy onions, pickles, Big Arch sauce, and more. “This is something we have tested already in Portugal, Germany, Canada,” Kempczinski tells viewers. “I love this product. It is so good. I’m going to do a tasting right now, but I’m going to eat this for my lunch, just so you know.” “‘We’ve tested it on the Germans and the Canadians, and now we believe it may even be fit for human consumption’,” one TikTok user mocked. After the CEO introduces the burger, he comments on how big it is and wonders “how to attack it” before he takes one bite, which users have called small enough to call Kempczinski’s genuine enjoyment of the burger—which he repeatedly refers to as a “product”—into question. “Dude’s 1000% vegan,” one X reply read. “It’s giving Squidward trying a Krabby Patty for the first time,” replied another. Other users leveled more substantial business criticism. “Going direct only works when it’s authentic,” one user wrote, before listing other issues with the communication. “Really kills the mood if it feels like the CEO’s blinking in Morse code.” “Asking this guy to eat a McRib is going to be like watching an episode of Fear Factor,” wrote one X user. While the video was, of course, meant to promote the burger, it seems to have had the exact opposite effect, as the video is quickly going viral for all the wrong reasons, essentially turning it into a PR nightmare. Fast Company reached out to McDonald’s about the promotional video but did not hear back by the time of publication. Chrissy Bernal, CEO of Be a Better Brand PR, tells Fast Company that comfortability with a brand’s item is massively important. “Audiences are highly attuned to spot hints of inauthenticity,” Bernal explains. “His awkwardness equated to a lack of cohesion with the audience.” Likewise, Bernal said that social media users were spot on to call out his use of the word “product,” explaining that it felt “clinical and detached.” Bernal also says the term “clashed with the emotional equity McDonald’s has spent decades building.” Social media drama aside, the chain has been reporting solid sales, and is performing well when it comes to the fast food wars. So, regardless of the cringe video, we’re guessing many Americans will still gladly eat an Arch Burger. Plus, at the end of the day, the internet loves a dogpile, and users often look for a target to drag. And either way, any publicity is good publicity, as the saying goes. “People are talking about this video like it’s anything but positive for McDonald’s,” one X user wrote. “The CEO is piling up millions of free impressions with the new product front and center the whole time.” View the full article

No one wants to be in a bad movie—but imagine a movie studio casting you in new movies after you die, without your consent. That may have once seemed something out of a Black Mirror episode, but it’s becoming a real issue, and many think current legal protections don’t go nearly far enough. In 2024, the late Ian Holm appeared, in digital form, in Alien: Romulus four years after his death, a move some critics decried as “digital necromancy.” Early this year, producers partnered with a British artificial intelligence startup to re-create the voice of Alain Dorval, who spent decades dubbing Sylvester Stallone classics like Rocky and Rambo in French. The plan was scrapped after his daughter called the re-created voice, set to appear in 2025’s Armor, “unacceptable.” Of late, unconfirmed reports have surfaced of studio plans for the recently deceased Diane Keaton to be digitally resurrected for a sequel to 2005’s The Family Stone. “Her family is fuming,” said one source. As concerning as it is for the estates of deceased actors, the potential for AI resurrection and manipulation is a real concern for working actors due to the rise in contracts that include rights “in perpetuity” to an actor’s likeness. Signing your likeness away After the 2023 SAG actors’ strike, actors in the US gained some legal protections against post-death AI resurrection—in fact, it’s thought to be one of the key reasons the dispute dragged on for so long. But many countries outside the US, including the UK, do not yet have comparable legal protections via their acting guilds or image rights. Even if legal protections do exist, that doesn’t stop actors from potentially signing away the rights to their image via what’s known as an “in-perpetuity contract.” These types of contracts, if they hold up in court, can grant forever rights to exploit digital images a company has captured of an actor. Victoria Haneman, a professor at the University of Georgia School of Law, says that “in-perpetuity” contracts began appearing in big-budget Hollywood contracts en masse all the way back in 2021. But with the technology improving so rapidly, the issue of consent becomes an increasingly thorny one. She points to how rapper Kanye West is thought to have spent over $1 million in 2020 on a hologram of Robert Kardashian, the deceased father of ex-wife Kim Kardashian; by the standards of modern AI deepfakes, it looks robotic and practically amateurish. “You do not even know what you do not know with regard to how your image can be used later,” Haneman says. “A lot of actors have signed very broad contracts without really contemplating this possibility. They sign contracts with perpetuity clauses in them, not really understanding how that image can be used later.” Of course, it’s impossible to tell what dead actors might make of AI re-creations of themselves. But many living actors have had less-than-stellar experiences of seeing themselves re-created on screen. Scott Jacqmein, a Texas-based actor, was paid just $750 in 2024 for the rights to his likeness to be used in AI-generated ads on TikTok, according to a contract reviewed by Fast Company. Over the next year, Scott found his own AI likeness was being used to advertise witches for hire, as well as to promote home insurance in Spanish (he doesn’t speak Spanish). Scott, whose story was first covered by The New York Times, later found his likeness being used on YouTube to promote “male enhancement” products, a violation of the contract he signed. Scott moved into professional acting later in life after a decade-long career in nursing. He didn’t have an agent and understood little about the business of the industry. But his issue is not just that his likeness was used in ways that he would not otherwise consent to, but that AI-generated representations simply don’t do good actors justice. “Looking at the reels that TikTok did, they absolutely missed my spark, my essence, and what I have to bring to any role that is offered to me,” he says. “Even though I’m playing a raging Hulk, I’m going to bring my nuances, my personality, my traits that aren’t necessarily able to be picked up by AI and replicated by AI.” Legal patchwork Many of the issues with actors finding their AI likenesses repurposed beyond what they expected come down to the lack of what are known as “image rights”—which are different from the protections given to creators by copyright—and can differ by country or state. “In the UK, we don’t really have a concept of a right to your face,” says Lillian Edwards, a professor of technology law at Newcastle Law School. “Partly because it would have a really bad impact on freedom of expression. It might stop you taking pictures of groups of people, for example, or putting celebrities into memes.” If an independent movie director were to create an AI Sean Connery, the use of his likeness would be theoretically legally sound, as there is no postmortem image or “personality” right in the UK. Currently, though, she says most companies seek the permission of relatives because of the risk of negative publicity, at least at present. “The point is that copyright law is not designed to protect your image but the works you create,” Edwards says. “It’s meant to incentivize you to create more useful works—whereas your face is something you’re just born with.” Some countries have passed legislation to prevent AI resurrection done without permission of heirs or a will. Some US states protect image and reputation after death up to a point. Denmark passed legislation earlier this year establishing posthumous rights to one’s image, including body and face, for up to 50 years after death. Joe Ashman, a British actor who has been in Netflix series like Free Rein and The Man Who Fell to Earth, when asked about in-perpetuity contracts, thinks that when he first started out in professional acting at the age of 18, “he would have signed anything just to get a job.” Now, Joe has overwhelming confidence in his agent and management team to handle any negotiations on his behalf, but many forms of AI re-creation would make him extremely uncomfortable, including serious body modification. This means no slimming down, no adding muscle, or even changing hair color. Though he insists that any resurrection would need to be done under the right circumstances, he doesn’t deny financials would be part of his attitude on the topic—providing for your family after death isn’t a bad prospect. “I love the idea that if things did happen and somebody wants to pay a lot of money to digitally re-enhance me, I could pay for my nephews to go to college.” What can actors do now? Legal experts have differing views on mitigating potential risks this poses to actors. University of Georgia’s Haneman feels that ultimately centralized legislation or action from unions is what is needed—unestablished actors simply don’t have the power to hold their ground against powerful movie studios. The UK Artificial Intelligence Bill is a proposed piece of legislation set to pass sometime in 2026, which will write AI regulation principles into law and establish standards for AI developers and users. But at present it only focuses on the work creatives produce—not their images themselves. In particular, Haneman thinks that “in-perpetuity contracts” in their current state definitely do not address any future risks posed by AI to actors. “If I have the ability” to own an actor’s image in perpetuity, she says, “I’m going to do that.” Awareness of these issues does now seem to be slowly building within the industry, and more established actors are speaking out. Homer Simpson’s voice actor Hank Azaria recently called the idea of AI replacing him and his fellow Simpsons voice actors “just plain wrong.” Meanwhile, Samuel L. Jackson has weighed in on “in perpetuity” and “known and unknown” clauses in contracts, telling young actors to simply cross them out. (Jacqmein’s advice on signing in-perpetuity contracts is similar: “Just don’t”). The issue may be that law simply always advances slower than technology. Existing laws protecting actors and celebrities evolved over hundreds of years—not 20. The film and TV world is now truly in uncharted territory when it comes to AI resurrection, and it’s unknown if the lawmakers and industry can react quickly enough. 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. I didn't understand the need for a power station until this past winter gave me a rude awakening. Although I ultimately didn't lose power, the prep for that what-if scenario of facing freezing temperatures without power was enough for me to decide to get one. While I went with the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus, I should have waited, because the more powerful EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is $1,999 right now—a steep 46% discount from the $3,699 list price. This is its lowest price ever, according to price tracking tools. EF ECOFLOW DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station $1,999.00 at Amazon $3,699.00 Save $1,700.00 Get Deal Get Deal $1,999.00 at Amazon $3,699.00 Save $1,700.00 While I haven't had a chance to put the power station to the test during a full blackout, I am impressed by the functionality of the EcoFlow app. You get the ability to prioritize which devices receive power the longest, so when battery power is scarce, the essentials will keep running while the other devices shut off. How that might work in the real world: You leave your refrigerator plugged in overnight, along with your phones and a heater. You can prioritize your refrigerator so if the battery runs low during the night, it will shut off power to your phone and heater to keep you fridge running longer. You can also monitor your energy use, and the app will automatically start charging your power station if it detects a storm is coming. The power station is extremely quiet when in use. Although it's heavy, it's still easily portable with its handle and rear wheels. The unit has seven AC outlets total, including standard, RV, 240 V, and twist‑lock, four USB ports (A and C), two 12 V DC outputs, and solar charging inputs if you ever want to get extra accessories down the road. The 4096 Wh battery can keep essentials running for a while—it can power the average fridge for up to 28 hours while keeping other essentials like Wi-Fi, lights, phone charging, and AC running simultaneously. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 6.9" 512GB Privacy Display Smartphone + $200 Gift Card — $1,299.99 (List Price $1,699.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.99 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Anthropic may have lost a fan in Donald The President, but it seems to have gained plenty of new ones after refusing to make a deal with the United States government, citing ethics concerns. The AI company was embroiled in debate with the Department of Defense (DoD), which has been using Anthropic’s technology internally at various levels. After the DoD announced it would only contract with AI companies that acceded to “any lawful use” of their products, Anthropic pushed back, asking that certain safeguards remain in place to prevent its technology from being used for mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. The DoD set a deadline of 5:01 p.m. on Friday, February 27 for Anthropic to agree to its new policy or risk being blacklisted by the government. The day before the deadline, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei released a statement explaining the company’s position. “In a narrow set of cases, we believe AI can undermine, rather than defend, democratic values,” Amodei said. “Some uses are also simply outside the bounds of what today’s technology can safely and reliably do. […] We cannot in good conscience accede to their request.” The February 27 deadline passed without agreement, and President The President quickly ordered all government agencies to “immediately cease” using all Anthropic technology: “The Leftwing nut jobs at Anthropic have made a DISASTROUS MISTAKE trying to STRONG-ARM the Department of War, and force them to obey their Terms of Service instead of our Constitution,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth followed The President’s post with a statement on X, saying he was directing the Pentagon to designate Anthropic as “a Supply-Chain Risk to National Security,” barring any company in business with the U.S. military from any commercial activity with Anthropic. “America’s warfighters will never be held hostage by the ideological whims of Big Tech,” Hegseth added. But a bad rap from the The President administration apparently translates to popularity with the general public. The day after being blacklisted by The President, Anthropic’s app Claude jumped to No. 1 on Apple’s ranking of the top free apps in the U.S., topping both OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. On Monday, March 2, the Claude app temporarily went down, with Anthropic citing “unprecedented demand” as the cause for the crash in a statement while working to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, AI users across social media have applauded Anthropic’s decision not to bend to the government. That includes workers from Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, who co-authored a letter calling on their employers to follow Anthropic’s lead should the U.S. government offer them similar deals; and celebrities like Katy Perry, who posted a screenshot of her apparently subscribing to Claude’s annual Pro subscription with the caption, “done.” done pic.twitter.com/DkS9DmlUAR — KATY PERRY (@katyperry) February 28, 2026 Following Hegseth’s announcement that Anthropic could be designated as a supply chain risk, the company released another statement saying it was “deeply saddened by these developments.” “We believe this designation would both be legally unsound and set a dangerous precedent for any American company that negotiates with the government,” it said. “No amount of intimidation or punishment from the Department of War will change our position on mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons. We will challenge any supply chain risk designation in court.” 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. Smartphone cameras have reached a point where the weak link in most videos is no longer image quality—it’s shaky hands. The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is built to fix that, and it’s currently down to $99 from $129.99, its lowest price so far, according to price-trackers. It’s a foldable three-axis gimbal that supports larger phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra without feeling strained. Once your phone is mounted and balanced, the motors keep footage level and smooth in a way that built-in stabilization still can’t fully match. DJI Osmo Mobile 7P $99.00 at Amazon $129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.00 at Amazon $129.00 Save $30.00 Getting started does not require much setup. You unfold it, snap your phone into the clamp, and it balances itself in seconds. The controls are straightforward and placed where your fingers naturally rest. The joystick lets you nudge the frame left or right, and the record button is easy to hit without shifting your grip. A rear trigger switches between portrait and landscape instantly, so you can move from TikTok to YouTube framing without taking the phone off. There’s also a built-in extension rod for higher or wider angles, and a small tripod in the base for hands-free filming. The magnetic multifunction module is where it becomes more than just a stabilizer. It enables gesture control and subject tracking even inside third-party apps, so you are not locked into DJI’s app ecosystem. In actual use, the tracking is what changes the experience most. The gimbal locks onto your face and follows you as you move across a room, which makes solo filming feel far less awkward. You do not have to keep checking whether you are still centered in the frame; that alone can save time during retakes. It’s one reason why PCMag gave the Osmo Mobile 7P an “outstanding” rating, and Lifehacker's Associate Tech Editor Michelle Ehrhardt said it feels like having “your own dedicated camera person” once you learn the basics. Battery life will depend on how many of those features you keep running. DJI estimates up to 10 hours if you are just using the gimbal. Turn on the tracking module, and you are closer to 4.5 hours. Add the fill light, and it drops to around three. For short sessions or content captured in bursts, that is workable. For long events or full-day shoots, you may need a power bank. If you mostly film static videos at a desk, a simple tripod is probably enough. But if your content involves movement, walking shots, or filming yourself without help, the Osmo Mobile 7P can make your footage look more controlled without making your setup complicated. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 6.9" 512GB Privacy Display Smartphone + $200 Gift Card — $1,299.99 (List Price $1,699.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.99 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

PM hits back at The President comments that Britain ‘took too long’ to allow its bases to be used for Iran strikesView the full article

Israel spent years hacking Tehran’s traffic cameras and monitoring bodyguards ahead of the assassination of Iran’s supreme leaderView the full article

Mid-market businesses are set to gain a competitive edge with the recent partnership between Intuit and Anthropic. This collaboration promises to introduce tailored AI agents designed specifically for various industries, enhancing workflow efficiencies and promoting smarter decision-making. With the integration of Anthropic’s Claude Agent SDK into Intuit’s existing platform, businesses now have an unprecedented opportunity to create and customize AI agents that cater to their specific operational needs. These agents are not just basic automation tools; they are advanced systems capable of blending data from multiple sources to provide actionable insights. This means companies can now develop solutions that align with their workflows without requiring extensive technical expertise. For instance, a regional restaurant chain with multiple locations will be able to implement an AI agent that synthesizes sales data with inventory management, payroll, and other financial metrics. This integration can automatically pinpoint margin variances and identify underperforming locations, ultimately allowing the business to respond swiftly with data-driven strategies. Similarly, a construction subcontractor managing significant project volumes can deploy an AI agent that keeps everything from project timelines to customer communications in sync, helping to flag any billing gaps and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The implications of such features are clear: small businesses can expect to improve both their operational efficiency and their bottom line by harnessing the power of AI tailored to their unique contexts. Integrating Intuit’s financial intelligence into Anthropic’s ecosystem is another significant benefit that small businesses should consider. Users will enjoy seamless access to Intuit’s suite of financial tools—including QuickBooks for accounting, TurboTax for tax management, and Mailchimp for marketing—directly within Anthropic products like Cowork and Claude.ai. This interconnectedness will enhance user experience and negate the need for jumping between platforms. Alex Balazs, Intuit’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the transformative nature of the partnership: “By combining Intuit’s proprietary data and domain-specific services with AI models built to support security, accuracy, and compliance, we’re delivering something customers haven’t had before: custom AI agents that truly understand their finances, their workflows, and their industry.” However, as exciting as these developments may be, small business owners should also be mindful of potential challenges. Customizing AI agents demands not just an initial investment of time and resources but an ongoing commitment to training and adaptation as their business evolves. Additionally, with any integration of advanced technology, concerns around data privacy and compliance will remain paramount. Intuit has underscored its commitment to security and responsible governance in this arena, ensuring that customer data is handled with the utmost care. Still, businesses must stay vigilant about how their data is shared and utilized within these new systems. The rollout of these capabilities is anticipated to start in spring 2026, allowing businesses ample time to prepare. By embracing this technology, small to mid-sized enterprises stand to unlock new capabilities, streamline operations, and ultimately enhance profitability—all while navigating an increasingly digital landscape. Paul Smith, Chief Commercial Officer at Anthropic, echoed the importance of this collaboration: “The combination of Intuit’s platform with Claude will enable Intuit customers to build and use AI agents that understand their specific industry, workflows, and compliance requirements.” As small businesses look for ways to innovate and stay competitive, the partnership between Intuit and Anthropic presents a promising avenue worth exploring. With AI becoming a crucial component of business strategy, now might be the ideal time to consider how these tools could reshape your operational landscape. For more details on this partnership, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit and Anthropic Launch Custom AI Agents for Mid-Market Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Mid-market businesses are set to gain a competitive edge with the recent partnership between Intuit and Anthropic. This collaboration promises to introduce tailored AI agents designed specifically for various industries, enhancing workflow efficiencies and promoting smarter decision-making. With the integration of Anthropic’s Claude Agent SDK into Intuit’s existing platform, businesses now have an unprecedented opportunity to create and customize AI agents that cater to their specific operational needs. These agents are not just basic automation tools; they are advanced systems capable of blending data from multiple sources to provide actionable insights. This means companies can now develop solutions that align with their workflows without requiring extensive technical expertise. For instance, a regional restaurant chain with multiple locations will be able to implement an AI agent that synthesizes sales data with inventory management, payroll, and other financial metrics. This integration can automatically pinpoint margin variances and identify underperforming locations, ultimately allowing the business to respond swiftly with data-driven strategies. Similarly, a construction subcontractor managing significant project volumes can deploy an AI agent that keeps everything from project timelines to customer communications in sync, helping to flag any billing gaps and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The implications of such features are clear: small businesses can expect to improve both their operational efficiency and their bottom line by harnessing the power of AI tailored to their unique contexts. Integrating Intuit’s financial intelligence into Anthropic’s ecosystem is another significant benefit that small businesses should consider. Users will enjoy seamless access to Intuit’s suite of financial tools—including QuickBooks for accounting, TurboTax for tax management, and Mailchimp for marketing—directly within Anthropic products like Cowork and Claude.ai. This interconnectedness will enhance user experience and negate the need for jumping between platforms. Alex Balazs, Intuit’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the transformative nature of the partnership: “By combining Intuit’s proprietary data and domain-specific services with AI models built to support security, accuracy, and compliance, we’re delivering something customers haven’t had before: custom AI agents that truly understand their finances, their workflows, and their industry.” However, as exciting as these developments may be, small business owners should also be mindful of potential challenges. Customizing AI agents demands not just an initial investment of time and resources but an ongoing commitment to training and adaptation as their business evolves. Additionally, with any integration of advanced technology, concerns around data privacy and compliance will remain paramount. Intuit has underscored its commitment to security and responsible governance in this arena, ensuring that customer data is handled with the utmost care. Still, businesses must stay vigilant about how their data is shared and utilized within these new systems. The rollout of these capabilities is anticipated to start in spring 2026, allowing businesses ample time to prepare. By embracing this technology, small to mid-sized enterprises stand to unlock new capabilities, streamline operations, and ultimately enhance profitability—all while navigating an increasingly digital landscape. Paul Smith, Chief Commercial Officer at Anthropic, echoed the importance of this collaboration: “The combination of Intuit’s platform with Claude will enable Intuit customers to build and use AI agents that understand their specific industry, workflows, and compliance requirements.” As small businesses look for ways to innovate and stay competitive, the partnership between Intuit and Anthropic presents a promising avenue worth exploring. With AI becoming a crucial component of business strategy, now might be the ideal time to consider how these tools could reshape your operational landscape. For more details on this partnership, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit and Anthropic Launch Custom AI Agents for Mid-Market Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Marshall’s Monitor III ANC headphones have the kind of design that makes you want to show them off. The textured earcups and gold logo lean fully into the amp-inspired look, and at $249.99 (down from $379.99, and currently their lowest price ever, according to price trackers), they’re finally priced in a way that feels competitive. Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones $249.99 at Amazon $379.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Get Deal $249.99 at Amazon $379.99 Save $130.00 These are over-ear Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation, and they’re clearly aimed at people cross-shopping Bose and Sony. The difference is that Marshall is selling a vibe along with the sound. The build feels sturdy, and small details like replaceable ear cushions and a swappable silicone headband strap suggest they’re made to last longer than most. They fold down neatly into a compact hard case (included), but they’re not water-resistant, so they’re better suited for travel and home listening than sweaty workouts. Living with them day to day is mostly smooth. The small gold joystick handles volume and track controls in a way that feels intuitive after a few minutes. There’s a separate button to toggle noise cancellation and transparency, plus a customizable shortcut button you can set up in the Marshall app. The app itself is simple, with a five-band EQ and a few presets, though it’s not especially deep if you like fine-tuning every frequency. Bluetooth 5.3 keeps connections stable, but you’re limited to AAC and SBC codecs, so there’s no hi-res audio support. You also can’t charge and listen through a traditional 3.5mm cable at the same time, since the single USB-C port handles both charging and wired playback. Battery life is where these headphones stand out. Up to 70 hours with ANC on is more than enough for long trips, and turning ANC off stretches that to an almost excessive 100 hours. As for sound, they deliver strong bass and crisp highs, with enough punch to make hip-hop and electronic tracks feel lively. Noise cancellation reduces plane engine rumble and city noise well, but it does not match leaders like Bose in blocking midrange chatter, notes this PCMag review. If top-tier ANC is your priority, Bose still has the edge. If you want bold design, long battery life, and lively sound at a significant discount, this deal makes the Monitor III ANC worth a look. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 6.9" 512GB Privacy Display Smartphone + $200 Gift Card — $1,299.99 (List Price $1,699.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.99 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

While much has been discussed about what the AI takeover means for those in entry-level roles, it seems even CEOs aren’t exempt. Uber employees have created an AI version of their company’s top executive, according to the company’s CEO. “One of my team members told me that some teams have built a Dara AI, you know, so that they basically make the presentation to the Dara AI as a prep for making a presentation to me,” Dara Khosrowshahi said on a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett. “You can imagine, like, you know, by the time something comes to me, there’s been a prep and a meeting of the slide deck has been beautifully honed,” he continued. “So they have Dara AI to tune their prep.” It’s unclear exactly how the AI version was trained (the engineers won’t share the code with him, Khosrowshahi said), but Uber employees have replicated Khosrowshahi’s feedback style and decision making patterns to stress-test their work before they take it to the boss. “Are you concerned that they’re going to show Dara AI to the board?” Bartlett asked on the podcast, to which both men laughed. It’s the latest high-profile case study of employees using AI in novel ways in the workplace. Some 12% of employed adults say they use AI daily in their job, according to a Gallup Workforce survey of more than 22,000 U.S. workers. A recent Deloitte report revealed that eight out of ten employees believe AI can support their professional growth through tailored learning opportunities. Here, Dara AI is a savvy response to the high-pressure environment Khosrowshahi admits he has created. “We’re going to be really demanding,” he told Bartlett about working at Uber. “If you’re not performing, we’re going to let you know—and if you don’t fix it, we’re going to push you out.” Khosrowshahi also addressed work-life balance: “Part of working hard is sending emails to the team on a Saturday and if I don’t get a response on Saturday, sending them an email on Sunday with a question mark,” said Khosrowshahi. “Don’t come here if you want to coast,” he warned. View the full article

From housing to healthcare and utilities to groceries, rising prices are increasingly making Americans feel burdened by the cost of living. At the same time, the ultra-rich are getting richer, widening the gap between the wealthy and the working class. That worsening equality has been buoyed by the The President administration. Federal policies like his “One Big Beautiful Bill” have cut taxes for corporations and the ultra-rich while slashing social services like Medicaid. But states have started fighting back. In the 2026 legislative session alone, lawmakers from at least 19 states have introduced more than 100 bills that look to rein in rampant wealth hoarding, as well as the runaway cost of living. And states are uniquely positioned, organizers say, to take action in this moment, particularly through tax laws that could redistribute wealth. Bills that address tax policies That 100-plus tally isn’t even a complete count of the effort, says Ida Eskamani, senior director of the State Innovation Exchange’s economic justice initiative. State Innovation Exchange, or SiX, works with state legislators across the country to advance policies that benefit the working class. The bills that SiX has tracked so far are a highlight, Eskamani says, of the states where the organization has been particularly hands-on with legislators. “It’s only February,” she told Fast Company last week. “We expect many more, and we continue to see momentum.” The proposed bills all focus on tax policy as the tool to address wealth inequality. In some cases, they are straightforward wealth taxes, similar to the Millionaires Tax that passed in Massachusetts in 2022—and which has become a leading example of how progressive tax policies can generate revenue that funds education, transit, and more. In Washington, for example, lawmakers have proposed a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million. In Illinois, lawmakers are considering a resolution to put an additional 3% tax on income that exceeds $1 million. A Connecticut bill would implement a 1.75% surcharge on capital gains for individuals earning over $1 million. In other instances, the proposed bills would adjust tax laws to address other hot-button political issues, from removing tax breaks for Immigration and Customs Enforcement contractors (as proposed in California), or repealing tax exemptions for data centers (as in Maryland). ‘The affordability crisis is not an accident’ Though they differ, what all these proposed bills have in common is that they leverage states’ power around tax law to course-correct a trend that lawmakers, union members, and other organizers say has been continuing for too long: that corporations and the super-wealthy have not been paying their “fair share” back to society. “The affordability crisis is not an accident,” Eskamani says. “It’s the result of intentional policy choices that protect concentrated wealth over working families. And so we’ve seen a system of ‘trickle down’ economics that rewards wealth hoarding and punishes hard working people.” Wealth inequality has surged in recent decades. Between 1989 and 2022, U.S, households in the top 1% gained at least 101 times more wealth than the median household, according to Oxfam—and at least 987 times more than households in the bottom 20%. That disparity hasn’t slowed down. In 2025 alone, America’s top 15 billionaires got $1 trillion richer, while everyday Americans struggled with mounting affordability concerns. The President is exacerbating these issues, experts say. His “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” or HR1, gave $1 trillion in tax cuts to the richest 1% over a decade. It cuts federal Medicaid funding by about the same amount in that time. That policy “leaves states to pick up the bill,” Eskamani says. “And so in this crisis, there’s a necessity for states to lead on taxes.” Some states have already seen wins by simply rejecting some HR1 tax cuts. States can choose not to follow certain federal tax rules through a process called “decoupling.” Idaho has declined to adopt some of the biggest corporate tax cuts in that bill, and Florida’s state legislature has indicated it won’t go along with many, either. A ‘real affordability agenda’ By passing new wealth and corporate taxes, states can fill gaps in their funding that emerge from these federal policies. But more than that, they also have the chance to “build something better,” Eskamani says. She points to New Mexico’s first-in-the-nation move to offer universal no-cost childcare as an example of what states can do to improve working families’ lives. That’s just one example. This week, May Day Strong, a coalition of legislators, unions, and community advocates (including SiX), released a guidebook for what it calls “the real affordability agenda.” That guidebook serves as a blueprint for how to propose and pass state-level policies that tackle affordability. It includes adjusting taxes, but also includes ways to ensure good-paying jobs through higher minimum wages and better worker protections; how to reign in housing costs, like via bans on rent gouging and expanded tenant rights; and policies that provide families with what they need, from childcare to healthcare. At a press conference launching that report, state legislators like Jason Lewis, who was the lead state Senate sponsor for Massachusetts’s Millionaires Tax, spoke alongside labor leaders like Jackson Potter, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union. According to Eskamani, the guidebook isn’t just for lawmakers to follow. It also provides a map for activists, unions, and community organizations to get involved and advocate for changes. “We’re up against some of the most powerful corporations and billionaires in the world,” she says. “The legislators working in collaboration with folks organizing and everyday people and their constituents is key to this, because the only way we can defeat this lawless class of billionaires is by building people power.” View the full article

Cards Against Humanity may be known as the tabletop game most likely to make your mom say filthy words over Christmas, but the company’s latest stunt is an act of uncommon decency. In response to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down President The President’s broad, extensive, wildly unpopular tariffs on February 20, the gonzo gaming company has announced a plan to celebrate the victory—and potential tariff refund—with its fans. Cards Against Humanity is now offering them a chance to get back any money they may have overpaid for a CAH game at retail due to tariffs this past year. This giveaway has been long in the works, according to the gamemaker, but it was never inevitable. “We’ve been talking about doing this for months, because we always knew the tariffs were blatantly illegal, but we didn’t decide until the ruling came down,” a spokesperson tells Fast Company. “Honestly, we were skeptical that the Supreme Court would actually have the balls to stand up to The President on this, given how much other illegal stuff they’ve let him keep doing with unsigned shadow docket opinions.” After the unlikely news broke on February 20, a dam seemed to burst among companies straining to keep up with the tariffs. Hundreds of businesses— including Costco, Revlon, Hasbro, Dyson, and Bausch + Lomb—quickly announced lawsuits against the U.S. government to recover money they’ve spent on tariffs that have now been deemed illegal. Similarly, states are also hoping to recoup their tariff losses, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul calling upon the The President administration to refund New Yorkers more than $13 billion in tariff payments from this past year, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker demanding $8.6 billion. But how many of these tariff refunds will actually reach the people on the hook for the tariffs? “It seems so obvious,” the CAH spokesperson says. “Most companies passed tariffs onto their customers, and now the companies and their shareholders stand to get the refunds—not the customers who actually paid the tariffs. How is that fair?” Among the companies looking to retrieve funds, FedEx has stood out for declaring it willpass on to its customers any tariff refunds it might receive. Perhaps others will follow suit, as the refund checks get closer to becoming a reality—especially those companies that raised their prices to foist tariff pain onto their customers. Cards Against Humanity, however, isn’t waiting for its government check to clear before getting the ball rolling on those refunds. Instead, the company—which never raised prices throughout The President’s tariff escalations, despite claiming to have paid “hundreds of thousands” in tariffs—has created a dedicated website where fans can register their overpayment at retailers and sign up for reimbursement. True to the game’s cheeky, R-rated sensibility, that site is called Get Your Fucking Money Back. According to the spokesperson, thousands of people have already responded seeking tariff relief. How much they will be getting back, though, depends on which version of the game they bought and how much they were overcharged for it. “We’ve seen price hikes as high as 40% over MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) in some big retailers, which is really significant for our customers, especially in the current economy,” the spokesperson says. “Retailers don’t share that data with us, so we don’t know precisely how much they overcharged our fans, but we expect it’s a lot!” Whether obvious or not, the refund announcement is only the latest stunt for Cards Against Humanity, who is seemingly always ready to inject some eyes-emoji outrageousness into the discourse. The company, whose flagship game plays like competitive Mad Libs for Rick and Morty lovers, has previously sent customers boxes of actual feces and dug an enormous hole in the ground—in both cases, as satirical commentary about Black Friday sales madness. Some of its stunts have been brazenly political, however, such as the company’s successful 2017 effort to purchase land that lay on the U.S./Mexico border, ostensibly tostifle The President’s efforts at building a border wall in his first term. (SpaceX later started encroaching into that plot of land, leading Cards Against Humanity to sue Elon Musk over it in 2024.) More recently, the company addressed The President’s tariffs head on. Last October, it unveiled a special limited edition of the game calledCards Against Humanity Explains the Joke. How was it different from the company’s normal offerings? By adding a joke-explainer on each card, the game technically counted as an “informational product,” exempting it from tariffs. Also unlike typical CAH editions, all of the proceeds from this one went to the American Library Association to combat book bans and censorship. In the end, almost 20,000 people purchased the “game” during its one-week pre-order window, raising nearly half a million dollars for libraries. As for this latest effort, though the company won’t be able to share any refunds until receiving its own—a process that will likely take months—for now, fans can delight in the possibility that, in the future, they’ll be saying more expletives while playing the game than while purchasing it. View the full article

The moon is just going to have to wait a little longer. NASA is pushing its moon landing back a year to streamline its rocket production and workforce to improve safety, accelerate mission frequency, and better compete with China’s growing space program, announced NASA administrator Jared Isaacman on Friday. The revamped schedule calls for standardizing its massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket configuration and aligning workforces with private contractors with an eye toward launching as frequently as every 10 months. Artemis III, initially slated to return astronauts to the lunar surface next year for the first time since 1972, will instead conduct tests in low-Earth orbit to validate systems and operational capabilities ahead of an Artemis IV landing in 2028. These tests include rendezvous and docking with one or both commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, as well as in-space trials of life support, communications, propulsion systems, and Axiom Space’s new spacesuits. NASA also plans to use the mission to rebuild core strengths within its workforce, including more hands-on, side-by-side development with private partners. The agency’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel report prompted the revamp, after flagging numerous safety concerns about an overambitious Artemis III that relies on too many novel technologies while attempting the first lunar landing at the South Pole. It also deemed the three-year gap between Artemis I and II too long to maintain skills and recommended smaller steps and more testing. “When you are launching every three years, your skills atrophy, you lose muscle memory,” said Isaacman. “We’ve got a lot of really talented folks that have been working hard on the Artemis II campaign, and whether they’re going to want to stick around for three more years after this mission is complete is a question mark. This is just not the right pathway forward.” The announcement comes amid delays to the Artemis II launch, caused by hydrogen leaks and helium flow issues that also plagued Artemis I, the uncrewed lunar flyby mission in 2022. Artemis II will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day loop around the moon. Last week, NASA rolled the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs ahead of the next launch window in April. NASA’s new architecture borrows from the Apollo era’s incremental learning and frequent launches. “We didn’t go right to Apollo 11,” said Isaacman, noting the initial Artemis schedule was like jumping from Apollo 8 to the moon. “We are looking back to the wisdom of the folks who designed Apollo,” said NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya. “The entire sequence of Artemis flights needs to represent a step-by-step build-up of capability. Each step needs to be big enough to make progress, but not so big that we take unnecessary risk given previous learnings.” Artemis’ long-term goals are to establish a sustained presence on the moon and possibly send crewed missions to Mars. But a more immediate challenge is returning before China, which is targeting its first crewed lunar landing by 2030. “With credible competition from our greatest geopolitical adversary increasing by the day, we need to move faster, eliminate delays, and achieve our objectives,” said Isaacman. View the full article

Insolvency of UK property lender is the latest failure to raise questions about credit quality and diligenceView the full article

When managing construction projects, comprehension of the various financing options available can be vital for your success. From short-term construction loans that address immediate cash needs to equipment loans that help you purchase critical machinery, each loan type serves a specific purpose. You’ll find options like SBA 7(a) loans and merchant cash advances that cater to different financial situations. Knowing these seven important business loans can help you make informed decisions that improve your project’s viability and profitability. Key Takeaways Short-term construction loans provide quick funding, typically disbursing within 1-2 days for project-specific needs. Merchant cash advances offer urgent financing with flexible repayments based on daily sales percentages. Business lines of credit help manage cash flow, allowing access to funds as needed with lower interest on withdrawn amounts. Invoice financing allows construction companies to access funds tied up in invoices, improving cash flow without stringent qualification criteria. SBA loans offer long-term financing options with competitive interest rates and terms for various construction funding needs. Short-Term Construction Loans for Contractors When you’re managing a construction project, having quick access to funds can be crucial for keeping everything on track. Short-term construction loans for contractors are designed to provide this immediate capital, often disbursing funds within one to two days. You can find lending firms for commercial construction projects that offer these loans, which typically range from $10,000 to $500,000, customized to your specific needs. One advantage is that these loans usually don’t require collateral, making them accessible even if your credit score fluctuates. The fixed lump sums come with specified interest rates, simplifying your financial planning. Repayment terms typically last from six months to two years, aligning with the duration of your project. Business Lines of Credit for Construction Businesses Business lines of credit for construction businesses offer a flexible financing option that can be crucial for managing cash flow during projects. These lines function much like credit cards, providing access to approved credit limits with lower interest rates. You’ll only pay interest on the amounts you withdraw, making this a cost-effective choice for your financial needs. Using a line of credit responsibly can additionally improve your business’s credit profile, enhancing future borrowing terms. You can utilize these funds for purchasing materials, covering unexpected expenses, or paying for labor as you await client payments. Approval typically requires a minimum gross monthly revenue of $10,000 and a credit score of 500 or higher, making it accessible for many construction businesses. Feature Description Interest Payment Only on withdrawn amounts Use Cases Materials, unexpected expenses, labor Credit Profile Improvement Responsible use improves terms Approval Requirements $10,000 monthly revenue, 500+ credit score Equipment Loans for Construction Companies When you’re looking to improve your construction company’s capabilities, equipment loans can be a smart choice. These loans offer 100% financing to acquire necessary machinery, with a simple application process that often gets you the funds within days. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, you can invest in vital equipment without straining your cash flow. Equipment Financing Benefits Equipment financing offers significant advantages for Caterpillar companies looking to acquire vital machinery without straining their cash flow. These loans typically provide 100% financing, allowing you to purchase fundamental equipment with the machinery itself serving as collateral. This means you can invest in the necessary tools without depleting your working capital. Competitive interest rates make these loans even more appealing, helping you improve operational capabilities. By utilizing equipment financing, you can preserve cash flow, enabling you to manage other operational expenses effectively. Moreover, responsible use of these loans can positively impact your credit profile, improving future financing opportunities as your business grows. Streamlined Application Process Maneuvering through the application process for equipment loans can be straightforward, especially for Caterpillar companies enthusiastic to acquire new machinery. Here’s what you can expect: 100% financing: The equipment serves as collateral, making approval easier. Minimal documentation: Most lenders require just a few crucial papers. Quick approvals: You could get approved in 24 to 48 hours. Competitive rates: Enjoy attractive interest rates that benefit your budget. Flexible repayment terms: Align your payments with cash flow for effective management. With these advantages, securing equipment loans becomes less intimidating, allowing you to focus on growing your business and enhancing operational efficiency. Make the most of this streamlined process to invest in the machinery your company needs. SBA 7(a) and Microloans for Construction Companies For construction companies seeking financial support, the SBA 7(a) loan program and Microloans offer valuable options to meet various funding needs. The SBA 7(a) loan program provides loans up to $5 million, allowing you to purchase equipment, cover operational costs, or finance construction projects. With competitive interest rates often lower than conventional financing, these loans become a cost-effective choice for your business. Repayment terms range from 10 to 25 years, ensuring manageable monthly payments that align with your cash flow. On the other hand, Microloans, which can provide up to $50,000, are designed particularly for startups and small businesses needing working capital. Both SBA 7(a) loans and Microloans can be used for buying materials, hiring staff, and covering vital expenses, ultimately promoting growth within your construction company. These financing options can greatly improve your ability to execute projects effectively as you manage your financial obligations. Invoice Financing and Factoring for Construction Companies In terms of managing cash flow in construction, invoice financing and factoring can be game-changers for your business. With invoice financing, you can access up to 100% of your invoice value, allowing you to cover project expenses without the wait for client payments. On the other hand, factoring lets you sell your accounts receivable at a discount to quickly obtain funds, ensuring you maintain operations smoothly even when cash flow is tight. Cash Flow Management Cash flow management is crucial for construction companies, especially when maneuvering the challenges of delayed client payments. Utilizing invoice financing and factoring can provide immediate liquidity, helping you maintain financial stability. Here are some benefits of these options: Access up to 100% of invoice value instantly. Augment cash flow to meet payroll and project expenses. Benefit from less stringent qualification criteria. Improve financial flexibility for strategic project bidding. Avoid lengthy waits for client payments. Invoice Collateral Benefits Managing cash flow effectively is crucial for construction companies, and leveraging invoice collateral through financing and factoring can greatly improve financial stability. Invoice financing allows you to receive up to 100% of the invoice value upfront, helping you mitigate the waiting period for customer payments. Conversely, factoring involves selling invoices at a discount to a lender, providing immediate capital as the lender collects directly from the customer. Both options use invoices as collateral, simplifying the qualification process based on the customer’s creditworthiness. These solutions aid in managing operational expenses and maintaining steady cash flow, particularly during peak project phases or post-completion waiting periods. Financing Type Benefits Invoice Financing Up to 100% upfront, improved cash flow Factoring Immediate capital, lender collects payment Collateral Basis Simplified qualification, customer credit Operational Support Helps cover expenses and maintain cash flow Merchant Cash Advance for Construction Companies Are you looking for a fast way to fund your construction projects? A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) could be the solution. This option provides quick access to capital by offering a lump sum in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales or daily bank deposits. Here are some key points to take into account about MCAs: No collateral is needed, making it less risky for you. Approval can happen within 24 hours, ideal for urgent needs. Repayment is flexible, based on daily sales percentages. Although fast, MCAs usually come with higher costs; factor rates can range from 1.1 to 1.5 times the borrowed amount. Best suited for short-term financial needs, like purchasing materials or covering payroll. Keep in mind the potential impact on your overall cash flow before opting for an MCA. This financial tool can be beneficial, but it requires careful consideration. Renovation and Redevelopment Loans When funding a construction project, you may find that a Merchant Cash Advance isn’t the only option available. Renovation and redevelopment loans particularly cater to updating, broadening, or reimagining existing properties, whether residential or commercial. These loans cover various costs, such as construction, design, and permits, providing an all-encompassing financial solution. Interest rates and terms can vary widely based on your creditworthiness and the lender, so it’s vital to shop around. You’ll likely need to present detailed plans and budgets, demonstrating the potential for increased property value post-renovation. Many lenders likewise require a clear timeline and may tie disbursements to project milestones to manage risk. Loan Type Typical Use Key Requirement Renovation Loan Updating residential homes Detailed project plan Commercial Redevelopment Broadening business space Timeline for completion Design Loan Architectural changes Budget demonstrating value Construction Loan New builds Permits and inspections Bridge Loan Temporary funding Proof of future financing Frequently Asked Questions What Do I Need to Know About Construction Loans? When considering construction loans, you need to understand their short-term nature, typically lasting six months to two years. Lenders disburse funds in phases based on project milestones. You’ll need to submit detailed financial statements, tax returns, and an extensive project plan during your application. A strong credit score, ideally 680 or higher, is often required. After approval, you’ll manage draw requests and provide proof of completed work to access funds efficiently. Do You Need 20% Down for a Construction Loan? You don’t necessarily need 20% down for a construction loan. Although typical down payments range from 10% to 25%, some lenders offer options with as little as 5% down, especially for qualified buyers. There are even no-money-down alternatives, but these often come with higher interest rates or stricter criteria. It’s essential to assess your financial situation and compare multiple lenders to find the best down payment requirements for your project. What Do You Need to Get Pre-Approved for a Construction Loan? To get pre-approved for a construction loan, you’ll need a credit score of at least 500 and monthly revenue of $10,000 or more. Prepare crucial documents like tax returns, financial statements, and a detailed project plan outlining your scope, budget, and timeline. Lenders will additionally review your business’s operational history, requiring at least six months of activity, and may ask for contractor qualifications to assess project viability. Can SBA 7A Loans Be Used for Construction? Yes, you can use SBA 7(a) loans for construction projects. These loans offer up to $5 million, covering costs like land, materials, and labor. With competitive interest rates and flexible terms ranging from 10 to 25 years, they provide a solid financing option. To qualify, you’ll need a strong business plan, financial stability, and typically a credit score of 680 or higher. This makes SBA 7(a) loans a viable choice for construction financing. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the various business loans available for construction projects can improve your financial strategy and project execution. Short-term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing each serve distinct purposes, whereas SBA loans and merchant cash advances offer additional support. By leveraging these funding options effectively, you can manage cash flow, invest in necessary equipment, and guarantee your projects stay on track. Staying informed about these loans is essential for your construction business’s long-term success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Business Loans for Construction Projects You Should Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When managing construction projects, comprehension of the various financing options available can be vital for your success. From short-term construction loans that address immediate cash needs to equipment loans that help you purchase critical machinery, each loan type serves a specific purpose. You’ll find options like SBA 7(a) loans and merchant cash advances that cater to different financial situations. Knowing these seven important business loans can help you make informed decisions that improve your project’s viability and profitability. Key Takeaways Short-term construction loans provide quick funding, typically disbursing within 1-2 days for project-specific needs. Merchant cash advances offer urgent financing with flexible repayments based on daily sales percentages. Business lines of credit help manage cash flow, allowing access to funds as needed with lower interest on withdrawn amounts. Invoice financing allows construction companies to access funds tied up in invoices, improving cash flow without stringent qualification criteria. SBA loans offer long-term financing options with competitive interest rates and terms for various construction funding needs. Short-Term Construction Loans for Contractors When you’re managing a construction project, having quick access to funds can be crucial for keeping everything on track. Short-term construction loans for contractors are designed to provide this immediate capital, often disbursing funds within one to two days. You can find lending firms for commercial construction projects that offer these loans, which typically range from $10,000 to $500,000, customized to your specific needs. One advantage is that these loans usually don’t require collateral, making them accessible even if your credit score fluctuates. The fixed lump sums come with specified interest rates, simplifying your financial planning. Repayment terms typically last from six months to two years, aligning with the duration of your project. Business Lines of Credit for Construction Businesses Business lines of credit for construction businesses offer a flexible financing option that can be crucial for managing cash flow during projects. These lines function much like credit cards, providing access to approved credit limits with lower interest rates. You’ll only pay interest on the amounts you withdraw, making this a cost-effective choice for your financial needs. Using a line of credit responsibly can additionally improve your business’s credit profile, enhancing future borrowing terms. You can utilize these funds for purchasing materials, covering unexpected expenses, or paying for labor as you await client payments. Approval typically requires a minimum gross monthly revenue of $10,000 and a credit score of 500 or higher, making it accessible for many construction businesses. Feature Description Interest Payment Only on withdrawn amounts Use Cases Materials, unexpected expenses, labor Credit Profile Improvement Responsible use improves terms Approval Requirements $10,000 monthly revenue, 500+ credit score Equipment Loans for Construction Companies When you’re looking to improve your construction company’s capabilities, equipment loans can be a smart choice. These loans offer 100% financing to acquire necessary machinery, with a simple application process that often gets you the funds within days. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, you can invest in vital equipment without straining your cash flow. Equipment Financing Benefits Equipment financing offers significant advantages for Caterpillar companies looking to acquire vital machinery without straining their cash flow. These loans typically provide 100% financing, allowing you to purchase fundamental equipment with the machinery itself serving as collateral. This means you can invest in the necessary tools without depleting your working capital. Competitive interest rates make these loans even more appealing, helping you improve operational capabilities. By utilizing equipment financing, you can preserve cash flow, enabling you to manage other operational expenses effectively. Moreover, responsible use of these loans can positively impact your credit profile, improving future financing opportunities as your business grows. Streamlined Application Process Maneuvering through the application process for equipment loans can be straightforward, especially for Caterpillar companies enthusiastic to acquire new machinery. Here’s what you can expect: 100% financing: The equipment serves as collateral, making approval easier. Minimal documentation: Most lenders require just a few crucial papers. Quick approvals: You could get approved in 24 to 48 hours. Competitive rates: Enjoy attractive interest rates that benefit your budget. Flexible repayment terms: Align your payments with cash flow for effective management. With these advantages, securing equipment loans becomes less intimidating, allowing you to focus on growing your business and enhancing operational efficiency. Make the most of this streamlined process to invest in the machinery your company needs. SBA 7(a) and Microloans for Construction Companies For construction companies seeking financial support, the SBA 7(a) loan program and Microloans offer valuable options to meet various funding needs. The SBA 7(a) loan program provides loans up to $5 million, allowing you to purchase equipment, cover operational costs, or finance construction projects. With competitive interest rates often lower than conventional financing, these loans become a cost-effective choice for your business. Repayment terms range from 10 to 25 years, ensuring manageable monthly payments that align with your cash flow. On the other hand, Microloans, which can provide up to $50,000, are designed particularly for startups and small businesses needing working capital. Both SBA 7(a) loans and Microloans can be used for buying materials, hiring staff, and covering vital expenses, ultimately promoting growth within your construction company. These financing options can greatly improve your ability to execute projects effectively as you manage your financial obligations. Invoice Financing and Factoring for Construction Companies In terms of managing cash flow in construction, invoice financing and factoring can be game-changers for your business. With invoice financing, you can access up to 100% of your invoice value, allowing you to cover project expenses without the wait for client payments. On the other hand, factoring lets you sell your accounts receivable at a discount to quickly obtain funds, ensuring you maintain operations smoothly even when cash flow is tight. Cash Flow Management Cash flow management is crucial for construction companies, especially when maneuvering the challenges of delayed client payments. Utilizing invoice financing and factoring can provide immediate liquidity, helping you maintain financial stability. Here are some benefits of these options: Access up to 100% of invoice value instantly. Augment cash flow to meet payroll and project expenses. Benefit from less stringent qualification criteria. Improve financial flexibility for strategic project bidding. Avoid lengthy waits for client payments. Invoice Collateral Benefits Managing cash flow effectively is crucial for construction companies, and leveraging invoice collateral through financing and factoring can greatly improve financial stability. Invoice financing allows you to receive up to 100% of the invoice value upfront, helping you mitigate the waiting period for customer payments. Conversely, factoring involves selling invoices at a discount to a lender, providing immediate capital as the lender collects directly from the customer. Both options use invoices as collateral, simplifying the qualification process based on the customer’s creditworthiness. These solutions aid in managing operational expenses and maintaining steady cash flow, particularly during peak project phases or post-completion waiting periods. Financing Type Benefits Invoice Financing Up to 100% upfront, improved cash flow Factoring Immediate capital, lender collects payment Collateral Basis Simplified qualification, customer credit Operational Support Helps cover expenses and maintain cash flow Merchant Cash Advance for Construction Companies Are you looking for a fast way to fund your construction projects? A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) could be the solution. This option provides quick access to capital by offering a lump sum in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales or daily bank deposits. Here are some key points to take into account about MCAs: No collateral is needed, making it less risky for you. Approval can happen within 24 hours, ideal for urgent needs. Repayment is flexible, based on daily sales percentages. Although fast, MCAs usually come with higher costs; factor rates can range from 1.1 to 1.5 times the borrowed amount. Best suited for short-term financial needs, like purchasing materials or covering payroll. Keep in mind the potential impact on your overall cash flow before opting for an MCA. This financial tool can be beneficial, but it requires careful consideration. Renovation and Redevelopment Loans When funding a construction project, you may find that a Merchant Cash Advance isn’t the only option available. Renovation and redevelopment loans particularly cater to updating, broadening, or reimagining existing properties, whether residential or commercial. These loans cover various costs, such as construction, design, and permits, providing an all-encompassing financial solution. Interest rates and terms can vary widely based on your creditworthiness and the lender, so it’s vital to shop around. You’ll likely need to present detailed plans and budgets, demonstrating the potential for increased property value post-renovation. Many lenders likewise require a clear timeline and may tie disbursements to project milestones to manage risk. Loan Type Typical Use Key Requirement Renovation Loan Updating residential homes Detailed project plan Commercial Redevelopment Broadening business space Timeline for completion Design Loan Architectural changes Budget demonstrating value Construction Loan New builds Permits and inspections Bridge Loan Temporary funding Proof of future financing Frequently Asked Questions What Do I Need to Know About Construction Loans? When considering construction loans, you need to understand their short-term nature, typically lasting six months to two years. Lenders disburse funds in phases based on project milestones. You’ll need to submit detailed financial statements, tax returns, and an extensive project plan during your application. A strong credit score, ideally 680 or higher, is often required. After approval, you’ll manage draw requests and provide proof of completed work to access funds efficiently. Do You Need 20% Down for a Construction Loan? You don’t necessarily need 20% down for a construction loan. Although typical down payments range from 10% to 25%, some lenders offer options with as little as 5% down, especially for qualified buyers. There are even no-money-down alternatives, but these often come with higher interest rates or stricter criteria. It’s essential to assess your financial situation and compare multiple lenders to find the best down payment requirements for your project. What Do You Need to Get Pre-Approved for a Construction Loan? To get pre-approved for a construction loan, you’ll need a credit score of at least 500 and monthly revenue of $10,000 or more. Prepare crucial documents like tax returns, financial statements, and a detailed project plan outlining your scope, budget, and timeline. Lenders will additionally review your business’s operational history, requiring at least six months of activity, and may ask for contractor qualifications to assess project viability. Can SBA 7A Loans Be Used for Construction? Yes, you can use SBA 7(a) loans for construction projects. These loans offer up to $5 million, covering costs like land, materials, and labor. With competitive interest rates and flexible terms ranging from 10 to 25 years, they provide a solid financing option. To qualify, you’ll need a strong business plan, financial stability, and typically a credit score of 680 or higher. This makes SBA 7(a) loans a viable choice for construction financing. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the various business loans available for construction projects can improve your financial strategy and project execution. Short-term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing each serve distinct purposes, whereas SBA loans and merchant cash advances offer additional support. By leveraging these funding options effectively, you can manage cash flow, invest in necessary equipment, and guarantee your projects stay on track. Staying informed about these loans is essential for your construction business’s long-term success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Business Loans for Construction Projects You Should Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Android users are now able to share their live, real-time location in Google Messages, so you can easily see where your friends and family members are and are moving to over a period of time. This makes it easier to coordinate meeting up or share your whereabouts for safety reasons. Real-time location sharing was previously available in Find Hub but is now being integrated directly into Messages. Until this change, location sharing in Messages was limited to a static Google Maps link. Similar functionality exists in other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messages on iPhone. When using real-time location sharing, Google allows you to set a custom duration (up to 24 hours), or you can choose to share for an hour, until the end of the current day, or indefinitely until you manually stop sharing. Note that while your messages are encrypted end-to-end and visible only to the users in your conversations, this feature is powered by Maps, which processes your location. If you don't see the update yet, it's likely coming soon, as Google has published a support article detailing the feature. How to share your real-time location in Google MessagesTo share your location in Google Messages, you need to be signed into your Google Account—you'll be prompted to do so if you aren't already. Open a conversation in Google Messages and tap Attachment > Real-time location. (The first time you share, you'll need to tap I accept to confirm the updates to Location Sharing settings.) Choose the duration and tap Send. If you want to share your location with someone who has already shared theirs with you, select the message with the contact's location, tap Share next to your name, set the duration, and hit Send. You can stop real-time location sharing by selecting the message with your location and tapping Stop > Stop sharing next to your name. View the full article

Gold and the US dollar jump but government bonds fall amid fears of an inflation shockView the full article

If you’re in need of a winter pick-me-up, look no further than your local IHOP. The pancake chain just reminded folks that its yearly National Pancake Day holiday is about to take place. To celebrate, IHOP will be dishing out some free buttermilk pancakes all day long. The breakfast chain will be giving out free short stacks of buttermilk pancakes on Tuesday, March 3, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. That means whether you’re in the mood for pancakes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, IHOP will grill them up for free. The deal is only good for guests who are dining in and other flavors aren’t included in the deal—just the original buttermilk recipe. “As the leader in breakfast, pancakes are part of our DNA—so much so that they’re embedded in our name,” said Lenna Yamamichi, vice president Brand Creative, IHOP in the announcement. Yamamichi continued, “This National Pancake Day, we want IHOP to feel like more than a restaurant. We’re getting creative and flipping the narrative, transforming IHOP into the go-to meetup spot to grab a free short stack, settle into a booth, and turn a simple meal into quality time. No planning, no pressure, because pancakes just taste better when the table’s full.” There’s a small catch that goes with the deal. The chain will be encouraging diners to donate to a good cause while they’re in the restaurant. For every $1 donated, IHOP says it will provide at least 10 meals to local Feeding America partner food banks. The event is sure to get pancake lovers in the door on March 3. But it’s not the first total steal that’s hit the chain recently. Last year, the chain introduced value meals to the menu which included four different breakfast options for $6 or $7, depending on location. That offering came after sales had been slower than normal for the chain for over a year. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Amazfit’s T‑Rex Ultra 2 has landed—a bigger, brighter, tougher, and significantly more expensive outdoors watch. At $549, this is Amazfit’s priciest smartwatch ever, a rugged multi-sport device clearly targeting adventure‑watch heavyweights. While my full in‑depth review is still underway (testing has been a challenge, due to some blizzard conditions), several features have already stood out in a big way. Amazfit’s T‑Rex Ultra 2 Smartwatch $549.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $549.99 at Amazon The Ultra 2 features a truly long battery lifeSo far, the headline for this watch is its battery life. Amazfit claims of up to 30 days of smartwatch use—a roughly 25% jump over the previous model—and up to 50 hours of GPS tracking. So far, battery drain has been impressively slow, even during my cold‑weather workouts (where lithium cells typically suffer). If you spend long stretches off the grid, or simply hate bringing a charger everywhere, this single upgrade alone may justify the Ultra 2’s substantial size and price hike. A strong battery life, with options to make it last even longer. Credit: Meredith Dietz The Ultra 2 includes accurate, offline-ready navigation The most anticipated day‑to‑day improvement is the new preloaded offline maps and generally more robust mapping experience. For the first time in the T‑Rex lineup, you can load full‑color global maps straight from the Zepp app, then use them on your wrist without a phone or cell service needed. Here are the biggest highlights I've seen myself—and other online reviewers have confirmed: Map data is great at distinguishing trails vs. roads. Offline route planning now supports up to 100 km. GPS accuracy is consistently strong with six‑system satellite support. Faster rerouting and improved elevation profiles. POI (point of interest) search is fantastic, showing all sorts of water, shelter, trailheads, and emergency points nearby. I had fun exploring nearby points of interest. Credit: Meredith Dietz In practice, this has already proven helpful. When heavy snow blocked my usual running route, I hopped into live navigation, zoomed around the map, and found the nearest patch of green space. It felt intuitive and fun. During a standard city run, it was a neat reminder that navigation isn’t exclusively a rugged survival feature. Re-routing on-the-go. Credit: Meredith Dietz A note: Route creation in the Zepp app could still be smoother. You can’t drag‑adjust between points, meaning you want to place your route carefully. But the on-watch implementation is strong, and things like Explore Nearby work well once you’re in open space (which my NYC apartment is decidedly not). You can add voice memos to your workout with this watch Press and hold the bottom-left button during a workout and you can record a quick voice memo, automatically geotagged. Did a training thought bubble up you don’t want to lose? Is there a trail detail you want to remember? “Don’t run that icy corner again?" It's a major improvement to be able to record as you go, and a seriously delightful addition that immediately became part of my routine. For strength workouts, too, this provides a far more intuitive way to track things like reps and weights, all without breaking your flow. Once synced to the Zepp App, your notes are timestamped, transcribed, and saved with playback, making it easy to review exactly what you recorded and when. Credit: Meredith Dietz The Ultra 2's hardware is big, bright, and toughAmazfit clearly wants the Ultra 2 to compete with the toughest adventure watches on the market. The hardware reflects that ambition: 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal Grade 5 titanium bezel and case back 10 ATM water resistance Dual diving certification 64 GB storage for maps, music, and activity data The new 3,000‑nit display is a monster—allegedly triple the brightness of the original Ultra. It’s crisp, extremely visible in full sunlight (or sun-reflecting-off-snow, as I’ve learned recently). Compare the Amazfit Bip 6 on the left to the T-Rex Ultra 2 on the right. Credit: Meredith Dietz The Ultra 2's flashlight got an upgrade, tooAmazfit swapped last year’s red LED for a greener secondary option. The flashlight now sits at the 12:00 position, and the controls are intuitive: • Press and hold the Up button to turn it on. • Tap the onscreen icon to toggle. • Press Up or Down five times to switch brightness or activate green mode. It’s a small thing, but it reinforces the idea of this being an outdoors-first watch. I've yet to test this during night runs, camping, or emergency situations, but I can say that it works fine in a dark city apartment! The Ultra 2 has workout modes for just about anythingAmazfit packed more than 180 sports modes into the Ultra 2—including extremely niche ones like spearfishing, free diving, parkour, and snorkeling. There are more than 180 sport types. Credit: Meredith Dietz In this same arena of sport modes, the watch also includes: Grade-adjusted pace for runners Improved climb segmentation Onboard speaker and mic for Bluetooth calls and audible alerts Smooth integration with the Zepp app for fitness, recovery, sleep, and nutrition insights The early experience here is promising. Even if some newly advertised software features aren’t fully polished yet, Amazfit’s ambition is on full display. Final (early) thoughts on the Ultra 2There’s still a lot of testing ahead before I can answer the big question: Is the Amazfit T‑Rex Ultra 2 worth $549—especially when Garmin already dominates the rugged-adventure landscape? That said, there are already clear, meaningful upgrades that impress me—offline mapping that feels complete, the best‑ever battery life for an Amazfit watch, a surprisingly delightful voice‑memo tool, and hardware that feels built for the apocalypse. 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. Five years can feel like a commitment, but not for a quality VPN this cheap. Right now, you can get an iProVPN five-year subscription on sale for just $19.99 at StackSocial, down from its $360 list price. Instead of paying month to month or even annually, you’re effectively paying about $4 per year. At that price, the money isn't as much a concern as whether the service fits how you actually use the internet. So let's focus on that. iProVPN positions itself as a general-purpose VPN, not a niche privacy tool meant for power users. In day-to-day use, iProVPN covers most of what people expect from a modern VPN: It runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, browsers, routers, and even consoles and streaming devices. You can connect up to 10 devices at once, which is enough to cover a laptop, phone, tablet, and a few shared household devices. The service uses AES 256-bit encryption and includes a kill switch, so your connection shuts off if the VPN drops instead of leaking data. There’s also a Smart Connect option that automatically picks the fastest server, which matters if you don’t want to manually test locations. Speaking of, it has a reasonable geographic spread with over 250 servers across more than 45 countries. Streaming access is supported for services like Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, and speeds are generally stable thanks to WireGuard and OpenVPN support, plus 10 Gbps servers in some locations. While iProVPN advertises a strict no-logs policy and added features like malware blocking and split tunneling, it doesn’t have the long public track record or independent audits that some higher-priced competitors do. Advanced users who want continuous server expansion or access to niche locations may find the network a bit limited. You also need to activate the plan within 30 days of purchase. Still, for casual streaming, basic privacy on public wifi, torrenting with P2P-friendly servers, and general everyday use, this subscription makes sense on cost alone. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 6.9" 512GB Privacy Display Smartphone + $200 Gift Card — $1,299.99 (List Price $1,699.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.99 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article