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Days after hitting the market, the new pill version of Novo Nordisk’s wildly popular weight-loss drug will be available through Amazon’s online pharmacy. Amazon joins telehealth providers, discount prescription stalwart GoodRx, and even Novo Nordisk itself in providing the novel weight-management drug for consumers who want to pay out of pocket. With the introduction of the oral version of Wegovy, the weight-loss drugs that have taken the world by storm will become even more accessible—and more readily available for anyone who can pay out of pocket. The oral version of Wegovy will start at $149 a month out of pocket through Amazon Pharmacy, and will cost $25 a month with eligible insurance coverage. The 1.5-milligram and 4-milligram “starter” doses of Wegovy are priced at $149 per month, with the higher doses that many people move up to priced around $299. “We know there are people who are interested in addressing their weight but have been waiting on the sidelines for a medicine that was right for them,” Novo Nordisk marketing and patient solutions SVP Ed Cinca said in a press release. “For many of them, that wait is over.” Rivals race to market with a weight-loss pill The two companies that introduced the world to the GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drugs semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) in injectionable form have been racing to market with a pill version of their hit drugs. Late last month, Novo Nordisk secured Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval first, beating its rival drugmaker Eli Lilly, which expects its own drug to get the green light in March. The Danish drugmaker was also first to market with the injectable version of its weight-loss drug Wegovy, but it struggled on the production side when a massive wave of demand outstripped supply. That dynamic allowed Eli Lilly to gain ground with its own weight-management drug, Zepbound, and pushed the American drugmaker’s stock to new heights. In November, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly announced a deal with the The President administration to make their upcoming weight-loss pills available for $149 out of pocket. Under the terms of the deal, part of the White House’s wider negotiation on drug prices, both companies will be exempt from tariffs on pharmaceutical products for three years. Beyond Amazon Pharmacy, Novo’s weight-loss pill will also be coming to The PresidentRx, the The President administration’s upcoming portal that will connect consumers with drugmakers to lower prices. “For many years, Americans have paid the highest prices anywhere in the world for prescription drugs—much more than other countries for the exact same product,” The President said in a quote featured on the The PresidentRx placeholder site. “That ends today.” The PresidentRx is expected to launch in early 2026. Dr. Amazon will see you now If you’re confused that Amazon is suddenly a healthcare provider, you’re probably not alone. The company best known for its sprawling online storefront and ubiquitous delivery trucks jumped into the prescription drug business in 2020 when it launched its own online pharmacy, which grew out of a previous acquisition of a company called PillPack. In 2022, Amazon expanded its health ambitions by buying subscription-based primary care and telehealth provider One Medical for $3.9 billion. Last month, the tech giant launched a network of drug-vending kiosks, bringing its signature robotic touch to the pharmacy. The drug vending machines, located in some One Medical offices, are a no-footprint answer to major store closures from longtime drugstore companies like Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS. With widespread patient-initiated telehealth and cheaper weight-loss drugs popping out of vending machines, the future of medicine is, for better or worse, looking a lot more like the future in 2026. View the full article

Home prices are now something Americans can wager on. Polymarket partnered with Parcl to offer prediction markets tied to housing price indices. View the full article

Billionaire’s xAI start-up lacks adequate safeguards, say experts, but many AI models are trained on troubling materialView the full article

Most people haven't actively managed a firewall in at least a decade, assuming they ever have. But keeping track of which applications are using the internet—and how much data they're using—is still useful at times, as is blocking apps from accessing the net entirely. While you're traveling, for example, internet access might be limited, so it's a good idea to cut off applications that constantly churn through data. But even while at home, it's a good security practice to review which applications are connecting to the internet. And while macOS comes with a firewall, it's not really a useful tool for that. Which is why I like FireWally. This totally free application, offered by the Ukraine-based indie Mac developers Nektony, isn't a tool for power users—it's streamlined and user friendly. Click the menu bar icon and you'll see a list of applications using the internet. You can see a summary of all traffic today, in the past hour, or monitor incoming traffic in real time. Beside every application is its data usage. You can see a breakdown of inbound and outbound traffic for any application by hovering the mouse over it. You can block any application from accessing the internet by toggling the switch. Credit: Justin Pot What if you don't recognize an application? I, traditionally, ended up copying the name of the application and pasting it into a search engine. FireWally tries to save you some time by providing AI-generated summaries of each application using Apple Intelligence (assuming your Mac supports that feature). It's a useful way to quickly remind yourself what a particular application is, or to identify one you don't recognize. It's a very streamlined application, but perfect for anyone hoping to understand a bit more about how much data their various Mac applications are using. Give it a spin if you're looking for a simple firewall application. View the full article

As President The President takes even more steps to pull back on climate action, Bill Gates is emphasizing how governmental policies are crucial to addressing climate change. In his annual year-ahead letter, the billionaire Microsoft cofounder and philanthropist warns that the market alone is not enough to change our climate reality. “Without a large global carbon tax (which is, unfortunately, politically unachievable), market forces do not properly incentivize the creation of technologies to reduce climate-related emissions,” Gates writes. To stop global temperatures from increasing, we need to replace all emissions-emitting activities with affordable alternatives, Gates says. He particularly calls out industrial emissions and aviation as areas that need innovation. And government policies—“in rich countries,” he notes—are crucial to bringing about that innovation “because unless innovations reach scale, the costs won’t come down and we won’t achieve the impact we need.” Climate change is linked to poverty and health Gates’s annual letter comes just a few months after he wrote a blog arguing that the world is too focused on cutting short-term emissions, and that focusing on climate change risks getting in the way of addressing global poverty. That post sparked some backlash from environmental activists and experts who noted that climate and development goals are interconnected. “If you look around the world right now, climate change is directly undermining human development goals, poverty eradication, and health goals,” Rachel Cleetus, senior policy director for the climate and energy program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, told Fast Company back in October. In his annual letter, Gates said: “If we don’t limit climate change, it will join poverty and infectious disease in causing enormous suffering, especially for the world’s poorest people.” Climate change will also worsen both those hardships: Experts have long said that climate change exacerbates disease outbreaks and pandemics, and that it is expected to push up to 132 million people into extreme poverty by 2030. “Investing more than ever to climate work” In his October post, Gates said that “although climate change will hurt poor people more than anyone else,” the biggest problems to poor people are poverty and disease. “Understanding this,” he wrote, “will let us focus our limited resources on interventions that will have the greatest impact for the most vulnerable people. In his year-ahead letter, though, Gates emphasized climate change as a critical area for the world to focus on. He added that he will be “investing and giving more than ever to climate work in the years ahead while also continuing to give more to children’s health.” Some of his investments around climate change will use artificial intelligence. His foundation has committed $1.4 billion to helping farmers adapt to climate extremes, and in his annual letter he says that with AI, “we will soon be able to provide poor farmers with better advice about weather, prices, crop diseases, and soil than even the richest farmers get today.” How The President has devastated climate action The The President administration has taken multiple steps to inhibit America’s climate progress. Most recently, The President pulled the country out of a landmark climate treaty, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The President has also canceled billions in green energy projects, rolled back Biden-era government incentives for clean technologies, and cut hundreds of millions of dollars from climate and renewable energy research. At the same time, The President has rapidly increased the government’s support of greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels, opening new mining leases, loosening coal plant emissions standards, and forcing coal plants that were going to close to keep operating. The President’s actions have devastated multiple climate companies. Even Gates’s own climate actions faced a challenging 2025: In March, Breakthrough Energy, a climate group Gates started 10 years ago, laid off dozens in its U.S. and Europe policy teams. But Gates will continue to “put billions” into climate innovation, he writes—while also focusing on health and education. And all three of those areas, he notes, “can improve rapidly with the right government focus.” View the full article

General Motors will be hit with charges of about $6 billion as sales of electric vehicles sputter after the U.S. cut tax incentives to buy them and also eased auto emissions standards. Shares slid almost 3% Friday. The charges that will be recorded in the fourth quarter follow an announcement in October that the Detroit automaker would take a $1.6 billion charge for the same reason in the previous quarter, with automakers forced to reconsider ambitious plans to convert their fleets to electric power. The EV tax credit ended in September. The clean vehicle tax credit was worth $7,500 for new EVs and up to $4,000 for used ones. GM, which had been the most ambitious among all U.S. automakers with plans to replace internal combustion engines, said in its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission late Thursday that the $6 billion in charges includes non-cash impairments and other non-cash charges of about $1.8 billion as well as supplier commercial settlements, contract cancellation fees, and other charges of approximately $4.2 billion. EVs have been considered to be the future of the US automotive industry. GM announced in 2020 that it was going to invest $27 billion in electric and autonomous vehicles over the next five years, a 35% increase over plans made before the pandemic. GM expected more than half of its factories in North America and China would be capable of making electric vehicles by 2030. It also pledged at the time to increase its investment in EV charging networks by nearly $750 million through 2025. Its goal was to make the vast majority of the vehicles electric by 2035, and the entire company carbon neutral five years after that. Those plans have been shaken due to the drastic differences in economic and environmental policies between the Biden and The President administrations. China has become a global leader in electric vehicle technology in recent years, with factories there churning out millions of cars and laying the groundwork for a massive charging network for vehicles. Earlier this month, Tesla was dethroned as the world’s largest EV automaker, replaced by China’s BYD, which produced 2.26 million electric vehicles last year. —Michelle Chapman, AP business writer View the full article

When crafting vital client feedback survey questions, it’s important to focus on key metrics like Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), Net Promoter Score (NPS), and Customer Effort Score (CES). These metrics help you gauge overall satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, open-ended questions can provide deeper insights. Tailoring your questions to different client segments guarantees relevance. Comprehending the best practices for formulating these questions can improve your feedback process considerably. What strategies can you implement to maximize client responses? Key Takeaways Ask about overall satisfaction using a CSAT question, rating from 1 to 5, to gauge customer experiences effectively. Include an NPS question to measure the likelihood of clients recommending your services or products to others. Use a CES question to assess how easy it was for clients to resolve issues or complete tasks on a scale from 1 to 10. Incorporate open-ended questions to gather detailed feedback on specific experiences, suggestions for improvement, and any pain points faced. Tailor questions based on client segments, ensuring relevance and clarity for different demographics and purchase behaviors. Understanding Client Feedback Surveys Grasping client feedback surveys is vital for any business looking to improve its offerings and customer relationships. These structured tools gather insights about customer experiences, allowing you to comprehend satisfaction levels effectively. Client feedback survey questions typically include both quantitative and qualitative elements, such as rating scales and open-ended responses. This combination helps capture thorough feedback. Key metrics like Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), Net Promoter Score (NPS), and Customer Effort Score (CES) are assessed to gauge overall satisfaction and loyalty. By focusing on specific touchpoints in the customer experience, you can identify strengths and areas needing improvement. Furthermore, tailoring product feedback questions to your industry boosts the relevance of responses, ensuring the feedback collected is actionable for strategic decision-making. Recognizing these elements will empower you to create effective surveys that drive improvement in your business offerings. Importance of Client Feedback Comprehending the importance of client feedback is vital for any business that wants to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Client feedback helps you understand customer needs, reveal pain points, and identify areas for improvement in your products and services. By regularly collecting feedback, you cultivate loyalty and trust, as clients appreciate that their opinions matter in your business decisions. Implementing changes based on client feedback can improve customer satisfaction and retention, contributing to long-term success. Furthermore, feedback surveys can uncover blind spots in your service delivery that may not be immediately visible, guiding necessary strategic adjustments. Utilizing client feedback promotes a culture of continuous improvement, which is fundamental for remaining competitive. Key Metrics in Client Feedback Gathering client feedback isn’t just about hearing what your customers have to say; it’s likewise about measuring how well your business meets their expectations. Key metrics help you quantify this feedback. The Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) gauges satisfaction with specific interactions, typically rated on a scale from 1 to 5. The Net Promoter Score® (NPS) assesses clients’ likelihood to recommend your service or product, using a 1 to 10 scale that distinguishes promoters from detractors. The Customer Effort Score (CES) measures how easy it was for clients to resolve issues or complete tasks, often rated on a 1 to 10 scale, highlighting potential friction points. Moreover, demographic questions allow you to segment feedback by age, location, and company size, enabling customized strategies. Quantitative feedback questions, such as rating scales and multiple-choice formats, facilitate statistical analysis of sentiments and reveal trends over time, providing valuable insights for improvement. General Client Feedback Questions How well do you truly understand your clients’ experiences? General client feedback questions are crucial for measuring overall satisfaction and gathering insights about specific interactions with your products or services. You might consider inquiries about the ease of use, quality of service, and the likelihood of clients recommending your company to others. Effective feedback can be gathered by asking respondents to rate their satisfaction on a scale, such as 1 to 10 or a Likert scale. Moreover, open-ended questions are valuable, enabling clients to express detailed opinions and suggestions for improvement. This feedback can lead to actionable insights that help refine your offerings. By regularly incorporating general client feedback questions into your surveys, you promote a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring your business aligns closely with customer needs. This approach not only improves service quality but also bolsters client relationships in the long run. Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) Questions When you’re measuring customer satisfaction, the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) is a key metric that helps you understand how well you’re meeting client expectations. Effective question formats can guide you in gathering useful feedback, whereas analyzing response trends over time reveals valuable insights into customer sentiment. Key Metrics for Measurement Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) questions serve as a crucial tool for businesses aiming to assess customer contentment with specific interactions. Typically, these questions use a rating scale from 1 to 5, allowing you to quantify satisfaction levels effectively. You calculate CSAT by dividing the number of positive responses (ratings of 4 and 5) by the total number of responses and expressing it as a percentage. Rating Scale Meaning Example Question 1 Very Dissatisfied How satisfied were you with our service? 3 Neutral Would you recommend us to others? 5 Very Satisfied How likely are you to use us again? Tracking CSAT over time helps you identify trends and improvements in customer experience. Effective Question Formats What makes an effective Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) question? A well-structured CSAT question asks respondents to rate their satisfaction with a specific interaction or service experience, typically using a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 means “very dissatisfied” and 5 indicates “very satisfied.” For instance, a common CSAT question is, “How satisfied were you with the support received?” This format allows businesses to quantify customer sentiment, making it easier to identify areas for improvement. To calculate CSAT scores, divide the number of positive responses (ratings of 4 and 5) by the total number of responses, resulting in a percentage. Regular measurement of CSAT helps track customer satisfaction changes and assess service quality impacts over time. Analyzing Response Trends Analyzing trends in Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) responses reveals crucial information about how customers perceive your services over time. CSAT questions typically ask respondents to rate their satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 5. Tracking these scores can highlight areas for improvement or decline in service quality. Here’s a sample table to illustrate how you might track CSAT responses over time: Month CSAT Score (%) January 85 February 80 March 90 April 75 May 88 Net Promoter Score (NPS) Questions How can a simple question reveal your customers’ loyalty? The Net Promoter Score (NPS) measures this loyalty by asking, “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend our company/product/service to a friend or colleague?” This question categorizes respondents into three groups: Promoters (9-10): Loyal customers who are likely to recommend you. Passives (7-8): Satisfied but unenthusiastic customers. Detractors (0-6): Unhappy customers who may harm your brand. To calculate your NPS, subtract the percentage of Detractors from Promoters, yielding a score from -100 to +100. A high NPS often links to better customer retention, engagement, and revenue growth. Regularly tracking your NPS helps identify trends over time and measure the impact of changes in customer experience or product offerings, making it a crucial tool for evaluating customer sentiment effectively. Customer Effort Score (CES) Questions When businesses aim to improve customer experience, comprehending the Customer Effort Score (CES) becomes essential. This metric measures how easy it’s for you to complete tasks or resolve issues with a company, typically using a scale from 1 to 10. A higher CES indicates that you’ve faced less effort, which often correlates with increased satisfaction and loyalty. Effective CES questions might include, “How easy was it to resolve your issue today?” or “How simple was the process of finding information?” By focusing on these questions, businesses can pinpoint friction points in the customer experience, allowing them to make targeted improvements. Tracking CES over time helps organizations monitor the impact of changes aimed at reducing customer effort and enhancing service efficiency. In doing so, they can guarantee a smoother experience for you and other customers, ultimately leading to better retention and higher satisfaction rates. Open-Ended Questions for Detailed Insights During comprehension of metrics like the Customer Effort Score (CES) provides valuable insights into the ease of customer interactions. Open-ended questions offer a different dimension of feedback that can greatly enrich the data collected. These questions allow you to capture detailed insights into customer experiences and sentiments, revealing information that closed questions may overlook. Consider using open-ended questions such as: What do you like most about our product? What challenges have you faced during using our service? How can we improve your experience with us? What features would you like to see in the future? Can you describe a memorable interaction you’ve had with our team? Analyzing the responses can uncover specific pain points and suggestions for improvement, enabling you to address customer concerns more effectively. Even though they require more effort from respondents, these questions greatly improve the richness of the feedback collected, leading to more actionable insights. Tailoring Questions for Different Client Segments When you’re tailoring survey questions for different client segments, it’s essential to take into account their specific needs and preferences. For instance, B2B clients may value performance metrics like service quality and professionalism, whereas B2C clients might focus on communication preferences and overall customer satisfaction. Segment-Specific Needs Tailoring survey questions for different client segments is crucial, as it guarantees that the feedback you gather isn’t just relevant but likewise actionable. By addressing specific needs and expectations, you can better understand your clients’ perspectives. Consider the following approaches: For B2B clients, focus on service quality, professionalism, and timeliness. For B2C surveys, emphasize product usability, service responsiveness, and overall satisfaction. Segment questions by demographics, such as age or purchase behavior. Use skip logic to direct clients to relevant questions based on their segment. Keep your language clear and straightforward to guarantee all clients can easily understand and respond. Communication Preferences Comprehending client communication preferences can greatly increase engagement and improve feedback response rates. By segmenting clients based on demographics, industry, and past interactions, you can tailor your approach and achieve a 15% boost in satisfaction scores. Utilizing various communication channels—such as email, phone, and social media—ensures that 70% of clients receive information in their preferred format. Moreover, asking specific questions about preferred contact times and frequency helps you establish a rhythm that aligns with client expectations, reducing perceived communication overload by 25%. Regularly updating and reassessing these preferences keeps you aligned with client needs, nurturing sustained loyalty and retention over time. Tailoring your communication strategy is crucial for effective engagement and improving relationship building. Performance Metrics Comprehending how to effectively measure performance metrics is essential for gathering insightful feedback from different client segments. Tailoring your questions guarantees that the feedback is relevant and actionable. Here are key considerations: Focus on timeliness of service delivery for B2B clients. Prioritize overall customer experience for B2C clients. Use specific rating scales (e.g., 1 to 5 or 1 to 10) for clear comparisons. Address segment-specific concerns, like budget constraints for small businesses. Implement skip logic in surveys to improve response rates. Best Practices for Crafting Client Feedback Questions How can you guarantee that your client feedback survey yields the most useful insights? Start by clearly defining the survey’s objective. This guarantees that all questions align with your goals and provide actionable insights for improvement. Use neutral language to avoid bias; for instance, ask, “How satisfied are you with our service?” instead of leading questions. Focus on simplicity and clarity in your question design to prevent confusion, which helps keep respondents engaged. Incorporate a mix of question types, such as rating scales and open-ended questions, to gather both quantitative and qualitative data that reveals deeper insights into client experiences. Finally, avoid unnecessary or off-topic questions to maintain a concise and relevant survey. Doing so will help you achieve higher completion rates and obtain valuable feedback that truly reflects your clients’ opinions and experiences. Frequently Asked Questions What Questions Should I Ask in a Feedback Survey? When designing a feedback survey, ask questions that gauge customer satisfaction, such as “How satisfied are you with our product?” Include Likert scale questions like “On a scale of 1 to 5, how likely are you to recommend us?” to measure loyalty. Open-ended questions, such as “What challenges did you face?” can reveal specific issues. Furthermore, inquire about your customer service responsiveness to assess support effectiveness and include demographic questions for better audience segmentation. What Are 5 Good Survey Questions? To create an effective survey, consider these five questions: First, ask, “How satisfied are you with our service on a scale of 1 to 5?” This quantifies satisfaction. Second, include an open-ended question like, “What improvements would improve your experience?” Third, use multiple-choice options such as, “Which features do you use most?” Fourth, ask for a Net Promoter Score by saying, “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend us?” Finally, inquire about specific needs. What Questions Should I Ask in a Customer Satisfaction Survey? When crafting a customer satisfaction survey, consider asking about overall experience, such as “How would you rate your overall experience with our product or service?” It’s beneficial to inquire about specific interactions, like “How responsive were our customer service representatives?” To assess loyalty, ask, “How likely are you to recommend us?” Include open-ended questions for qualitative feedback, and utilize rating scales for metrics, ensuring thorough insights into customer sentiments and areas for improvement. What Is a 1 to 10 Survey Question Example? A 1 to 10 survey question example could be, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with our service?” This question allows you to gauge customer satisfaction more precisely. By using this scale, you encourage respondents to express varying levels of satisfaction rather than just a simple yes or no. Analyzing these responses helps identify trends and areas for improvement, ultimately improving the overall customer experience. Conclusion In summary, effective client feedback surveys are essential for grasping customer experiences and driving improvement. By focusing on key metrics like CSAT, NPS, and CES, you can gather valuable insights. Incorporating general, specific, and open-ended questions allows for an all-encompassing view of client satisfaction. Tailoring your questions to different segments guarantees relevance and clarity. Following best practices in crafting these questions will help you obtain honest feedback, eventually enhancing your services and nurturing stronger client relationships. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Essential Client Feedback Survey Questions to Ask" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When crafting vital client feedback survey questions, it’s important to focus on key metrics like Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), Net Promoter Score (NPS), and Customer Effort Score (CES). These metrics help you gauge overall satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Furthermore, open-ended questions can provide deeper insights. Tailoring your questions to different client segments guarantees relevance. Comprehending the best practices for formulating these questions can improve your feedback process considerably. What strategies can you implement to maximize client responses? Key Takeaways Ask about overall satisfaction using a CSAT question, rating from 1 to 5, to gauge customer experiences effectively. Include an NPS question to measure the likelihood of clients recommending your services or products to others. Use a CES question to assess how easy it was for clients to resolve issues or complete tasks on a scale from 1 to 10. Incorporate open-ended questions to gather detailed feedback on specific experiences, suggestions for improvement, and any pain points faced. Tailor questions based on client segments, ensuring relevance and clarity for different demographics and purchase behaviors. Understanding Client Feedback Surveys Grasping client feedback surveys is vital for any business looking to improve its offerings and customer relationships. These structured tools gather insights about customer experiences, allowing you to comprehend satisfaction levels effectively. Client feedback survey questions typically include both quantitative and qualitative elements, such as rating scales and open-ended responses. This combination helps capture thorough feedback. Key metrics like Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), Net Promoter Score (NPS), and Customer Effort Score (CES) are assessed to gauge overall satisfaction and loyalty. By focusing on specific touchpoints in the customer experience, you can identify strengths and areas needing improvement. Furthermore, tailoring product feedback questions to your industry boosts the relevance of responses, ensuring the feedback collected is actionable for strategic decision-making. Recognizing these elements will empower you to create effective surveys that drive improvement in your business offerings. Importance of Client Feedback Comprehending the importance of client feedback is vital for any business that wants to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Client feedback helps you understand customer needs, reveal pain points, and identify areas for improvement in your products and services. By regularly collecting feedback, you cultivate loyalty and trust, as clients appreciate that their opinions matter in your business decisions. Implementing changes based on client feedback can improve customer satisfaction and retention, contributing to long-term success. Furthermore, feedback surveys can uncover blind spots in your service delivery that may not be immediately visible, guiding necessary strategic adjustments. Utilizing client feedback promotes a culture of continuous improvement, which is fundamental for remaining competitive. Key Metrics in Client Feedback Gathering client feedback isn’t just about hearing what your customers have to say; it’s likewise about measuring how well your business meets their expectations. Key metrics help you quantify this feedback. The Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) gauges satisfaction with specific interactions, typically rated on a scale from 1 to 5. The Net Promoter Score® (NPS) assesses clients’ likelihood to recommend your service or product, using a 1 to 10 scale that distinguishes promoters from detractors. The Customer Effort Score (CES) measures how easy it was for clients to resolve issues or complete tasks, often rated on a 1 to 10 scale, highlighting potential friction points. Moreover, demographic questions allow you to segment feedback by age, location, and company size, enabling customized strategies. Quantitative feedback questions, such as rating scales and multiple-choice formats, facilitate statistical analysis of sentiments and reveal trends over time, providing valuable insights for improvement. General Client Feedback Questions How well do you truly understand your clients’ experiences? General client feedback questions are crucial for measuring overall satisfaction and gathering insights about specific interactions with your products or services. You might consider inquiries about the ease of use, quality of service, and the likelihood of clients recommending your company to others. Effective feedback can be gathered by asking respondents to rate their satisfaction on a scale, such as 1 to 10 or a Likert scale. Moreover, open-ended questions are valuable, enabling clients to express detailed opinions and suggestions for improvement. This feedback can lead to actionable insights that help refine your offerings. By regularly incorporating general client feedback questions into your surveys, you promote a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring your business aligns closely with customer needs. This approach not only improves service quality but also bolsters client relationships in the long run. Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) Questions When you’re measuring customer satisfaction, the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) is a key metric that helps you understand how well you’re meeting client expectations. Effective question formats can guide you in gathering useful feedback, whereas analyzing response trends over time reveals valuable insights into customer sentiment. Key Metrics for Measurement Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) questions serve as a crucial tool for businesses aiming to assess customer contentment with specific interactions. Typically, these questions use a rating scale from 1 to 5, allowing you to quantify satisfaction levels effectively. You calculate CSAT by dividing the number of positive responses (ratings of 4 and 5) by the total number of responses and expressing it as a percentage. Rating Scale Meaning Example Question 1 Very Dissatisfied How satisfied were you with our service? 3 Neutral Would you recommend us to others? 5 Very Satisfied How likely are you to use us again? Tracking CSAT over time helps you identify trends and improvements in customer experience. Effective Question Formats What makes an effective Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) question? A well-structured CSAT question asks respondents to rate their satisfaction with a specific interaction or service experience, typically using a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 means “very dissatisfied” and 5 indicates “very satisfied.” For instance, a common CSAT question is, “How satisfied were you with the support received?” This format allows businesses to quantify customer sentiment, making it easier to identify areas for improvement. To calculate CSAT scores, divide the number of positive responses (ratings of 4 and 5) by the total number of responses, resulting in a percentage. Regular measurement of CSAT helps track customer satisfaction changes and assess service quality impacts over time. Analyzing Response Trends Analyzing trends in Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT) responses reveals crucial information about how customers perceive your services over time. CSAT questions typically ask respondents to rate their satisfaction on a scale from 1 to 5. Tracking these scores can highlight areas for improvement or decline in service quality. Here’s a sample table to illustrate how you might track CSAT responses over time: Month CSAT Score (%) January 85 February 80 March 90 April 75 May 88 Net Promoter Score (NPS) Questions How can a simple question reveal your customers’ loyalty? The Net Promoter Score (NPS) measures this loyalty by asking, “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend our company/product/service to a friend or colleague?” This question categorizes respondents into three groups: Promoters (9-10): Loyal customers who are likely to recommend you. Passives (7-8): Satisfied but unenthusiastic customers. Detractors (0-6): Unhappy customers who may harm your brand. To calculate your NPS, subtract the percentage of Detractors from Promoters, yielding a score from -100 to +100. A high NPS often links to better customer retention, engagement, and revenue growth. Regularly tracking your NPS helps identify trends over time and measure the impact of changes in customer experience or product offerings, making it a crucial tool for evaluating customer sentiment effectively. Customer Effort Score (CES) Questions When businesses aim to improve customer experience, comprehending the Customer Effort Score (CES) becomes essential. This metric measures how easy it’s for you to complete tasks or resolve issues with a company, typically using a scale from 1 to 10. A higher CES indicates that you’ve faced less effort, which often correlates with increased satisfaction and loyalty. Effective CES questions might include, “How easy was it to resolve your issue today?” or “How simple was the process of finding information?” By focusing on these questions, businesses can pinpoint friction points in the customer experience, allowing them to make targeted improvements. Tracking CES over time helps organizations monitor the impact of changes aimed at reducing customer effort and enhancing service efficiency. In doing so, they can guarantee a smoother experience for you and other customers, ultimately leading to better retention and higher satisfaction rates. Open-Ended Questions for Detailed Insights During comprehension of metrics like the Customer Effort Score (CES) provides valuable insights into the ease of customer interactions. Open-ended questions offer a different dimension of feedback that can greatly enrich the data collected. These questions allow you to capture detailed insights into customer experiences and sentiments, revealing information that closed questions may overlook. Consider using open-ended questions such as: What do you like most about our product? What challenges have you faced during using our service? How can we improve your experience with us? What features would you like to see in the future? Can you describe a memorable interaction you’ve had with our team? Analyzing the responses can uncover specific pain points and suggestions for improvement, enabling you to address customer concerns more effectively. Even though they require more effort from respondents, these questions greatly improve the richness of the feedback collected, leading to more actionable insights. Tailoring Questions for Different Client Segments When you’re tailoring survey questions for different client segments, it’s essential to take into account their specific needs and preferences. For instance, B2B clients may value performance metrics like service quality and professionalism, whereas B2C clients might focus on communication preferences and overall customer satisfaction. Segment-Specific Needs Tailoring survey questions for different client segments is crucial, as it guarantees that the feedback you gather isn’t just relevant but likewise actionable. By addressing specific needs and expectations, you can better understand your clients’ perspectives. Consider the following approaches: For B2B clients, focus on service quality, professionalism, and timeliness. For B2C surveys, emphasize product usability, service responsiveness, and overall satisfaction. Segment questions by demographics, such as age or purchase behavior. Use skip logic to direct clients to relevant questions based on their segment. Keep your language clear and straightforward to guarantee all clients can easily understand and respond. Communication Preferences Comprehending client communication preferences can greatly increase engagement and improve feedback response rates. By segmenting clients based on demographics, industry, and past interactions, you can tailor your approach and achieve a 15% boost in satisfaction scores. Utilizing various communication channels—such as email, phone, and social media—ensures that 70% of clients receive information in their preferred format. Moreover, asking specific questions about preferred contact times and frequency helps you establish a rhythm that aligns with client expectations, reducing perceived communication overload by 25%. Regularly updating and reassessing these preferences keeps you aligned with client needs, nurturing sustained loyalty and retention over time. Tailoring your communication strategy is crucial for effective engagement and improving relationship building. Performance Metrics Comprehending how to effectively measure performance metrics is essential for gathering insightful feedback from different client segments. Tailoring your questions guarantees that the feedback is relevant and actionable. Here are key considerations: Focus on timeliness of service delivery for B2B clients. Prioritize overall customer experience for B2C clients. Use specific rating scales (e.g., 1 to 5 or 1 to 10) for clear comparisons. Address segment-specific concerns, like budget constraints for small businesses. Implement skip logic in surveys to improve response rates. Best Practices for Crafting Client Feedback Questions How can you guarantee that your client feedback survey yields the most useful insights? Start by clearly defining the survey’s objective. This guarantees that all questions align with your goals and provide actionable insights for improvement. Use neutral language to avoid bias; for instance, ask, “How satisfied are you with our service?” instead of leading questions. Focus on simplicity and clarity in your question design to prevent confusion, which helps keep respondents engaged. Incorporate a mix of question types, such as rating scales and open-ended questions, to gather both quantitative and qualitative data that reveals deeper insights into client experiences. Finally, avoid unnecessary or off-topic questions to maintain a concise and relevant survey. Doing so will help you achieve higher completion rates and obtain valuable feedback that truly reflects your clients’ opinions and experiences. Frequently Asked Questions What Questions Should I Ask in a Feedback Survey? When designing a feedback survey, ask questions that gauge customer satisfaction, such as “How satisfied are you with our product?” Include Likert scale questions like “On a scale of 1 to 5, how likely are you to recommend us?” to measure loyalty. Open-ended questions, such as “What challenges did you face?” can reveal specific issues. Furthermore, inquire about your customer service responsiveness to assess support effectiveness and include demographic questions for better audience segmentation. What Are 5 Good Survey Questions? To create an effective survey, consider these five questions: First, ask, “How satisfied are you with our service on a scale of 1 to 5?” This quantifies satisfaction. Second, include an open-ended question like, “What improvements would improve your experience?” Third, use multiple-choice options such as, “Which features do you use most?” Fourth, ask for a Net Promoter Score by saying, “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend us?” Finally, inquire about specific needs. What Questions Should I Ask in a Customer Satisfaction Survey? When crafting a customer satisfaction survey, consider asking about overall experience, such as “How would you rate your overall experience with our product or service?” It’s beneficial to inquire about specific interactions, like “How responsive were our customer service representatives?” To assess loyalty, ask, “How likely are you to recommend us?” Include open-ended questions for qualitative feedback, and utilize rating scales for metrics, ensuring thorough insights into customer sentiments and areas for improvement. What Is a 1 to 10 Survey Question Example? A 1 to 10 survey question example could be, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how satisfied are you with our service?” This question allows you to gauge customer satisfaction more precisely. By using this scale, you encourage respondents to express varying levels of satisfaction rather than just a simple yes or no. Analyzing these responses helps identify trends and areas for improvement, ultimately improving the overall customer experience. Conclusion In summary, effective client feedback surveys are essential for grasping customer experiences and driving improvement. By focusing on key metrics like CSAT, NPS, and CES, you can gather valuable insights. Incorporating general, specific, and open-ended questions allows for an all-encompassing view of client satisfaction. Tailoring your questions to different segments guarantees relevance and clarity. Following best practices in crafting these questions will help you obtain honest feedback, eventually enhancing your services and nurturing stronger client relationships. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Essential Client Feedback Survey Questions to Ask" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Sluggish December hiring concluded a year of weak employment gains that have frustrated job seekers even though layoffs and unemployment remained low. Employers added just 50,000 jobs last month, nearly unchanged from a downwardly revised figure of 56,000 in November, the Labor Department said Friday. The unemployment rate slipped to 4.4%, its first decline since June, from 4.5% in November, a figure also revised lower. The data suggests a reluctance by businesses to add workers even as economic growth has picked up. Many companies hired aggressively after the pandemic and no longer need to fill more jobs. Others have held back due to widespread uncertainty caused by President Donald The President’s shifting tariff policies, elevated inflation, and the spread of artificial intelligence, which could alter or even replace some jobs. Still, economists were encouraged by the lower unemployment rate, which had risen in the previous four straight reports. Weakening employment raised alarms at the Federal Reserve, which cut its key interest rate three times last year. “The labor market looks to have stabilized, but at a slower pace of employment growth,” Blerina Uruci, chief economist at T. Rowe Price, said. “There is no urgency for the Fed to cut rates further, for now.” Some Federal Reserve officials are concerned that inflation hasn’t improved since 2024 and remains above their target of 2% annual growth. They support keeping rates where they are to combat inflation. Others, however, have grown worried that hiring has nearly ground to a halt and have supported lowering borrowing costs to spur spending and growth. November’s job gain was revised slightly lower, from 64,000 to 56,000, while October’s now shows a much steeper drop, with a loss of 173,000 positions, down from previous estimates of a 105,000 decline. The government revises the jobs figures as it receives more survey responses from businesses. Nearly all the jobs added in December were in the health care and restaurant and hotel industries. Health care added 38,500 jobs, while restaurants and hotels gained 47,000. Governments — mostly at the state and local level — added 13,000. Manufacturing, construction and retail companies all shed jobs. Retailers cut 25,000 positions, a sign that holiday hiring has been weaker than previous years. Manufacturers have shed jobs every month since April, when The President announced sweeping tariffs intended to boost manufacturing. Wall Street and Washington are looking closely at Friday’s report as it’s the first clean reading on the labor market in three months. The government didn’t issue a report in October because of the six-week government shutdown, and November’s data was distorted by the closure, which lasted until Nov. 12. Job gains have been subdued all year, particularly after April’s “liberation day” tariff announcement by The President. The economy gained just 584,000 jobs in 2025, sharply lower than that more than 2 million added in 2024. It’s the smallest annual gain since the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the job market in 2020. Outside of recessions, it’s the smallest annual increase since 2003. Still, The President boasted on social media late Thursday that since January, all the new jobs have been in the private sector, while government jobs have declined. Yet his figures included December’s jobs numbers as well as revisions to previous months, which the White House receives Thursday afternoon, before the figures are publicly released. The President’s post on Truth Social said that 654,000 jobs were added by businesses since January, while government jobs declined 181,000, so it wouldn’t have been immediately clear that the post had new information from December. But new jobs data are generally closely guarded since they can move financial markets. The hiring slowdown reflects more than just a reluctance by companies to add jobs. With an aging population and a sharp drop in immigration, the economy doesn’t need to create as many jobs as it has in the past to keep the unemployment rate steady. As a result, a gain of 50,000 jobs is not as clear a sign of weakness as it would have been in previous years. And layoffs are still low, a sign firms aren’t rapidly cutting jobs, as typically happens in a recession. The “low-hire, low-fire” job market does mean workers have some job security, though it’s become harder to find new work. Ernesto Castro, 44, has applied for hundreds of jobs since leaving his last in May. Yet the Los Angeles resident has had just three initial interviews, and only one follow-up, after which he heard nothing. With nearly a decade of experience providing customer support for software companies, Castro expected to find a new job pretty quickly as in the past. “It’s been awful,” he said. He worries that more companies are turning to artificial intelligence to help clients learn to use new software. He hears ads from tech companies that urge companies to slash workers like him in favor of AI. His contacts in the industry say that employees are increasingly reluctant to switch jobs amid all the uncertainty, which means fewer open jobs for others. He is now looking into starting his own software company, and is also exploring project management roles. Subdued hiring underscores a key conundrum surrounding the economy as it enters 2026: Growth has picked up to healthy levels, yet hiring has weakened noticeably. Most economists expect hiring will accelerate this year amid solid growth, and The President’s tax cut legislation is expected to produce large tax refunds this spring. Yet economists acknowledge there are other possibilities: Weak job gains could drag down future growth. Or the economy could keep expanding at a healthy clip, while automation and the spread of artificial intelligence reduces the need for more jobs. Productivity, or output per hour worked, a measure of worker efficiency, has improved in the past three years and jumped nearly 5% in the July-September quarter. That means companies can produce more without adding jobs. Over time, it should also boost worker pay. Even with such sluggish job gains, the economy has continued to expand, with growth reaching a 4.3% annual rate in last year’s July-September quarter, the best in two years. Strong consumer spending helped drive the gain. The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta forecasts that growth could slow to a still-solid 2.7% in the final three months of last year. —Christopher Rugaber, AP economics writer View the full article

Any new phone almost certainly comes with a handful of preinstalled apps you'll never use, regardless of which manufacturer you buy from or which operating system you're on. Some devices are more bloated than others: Google Pixels have a relatively "clean" build compared to Samsung phones, for example, and don't typically come with third-party apps and games. But you may still want to eliminate apps and features that clutter your home screen, take up valuable space, and create a drag on performance, especially if you have alternatives you like more. On Android, that likely means uninstalling what you easily can and disabling everything else. What you can (and can't) uninstall on AndroidUnfortunately, many preinstalled first-party apps can't be easily removed. This varies by manufacturer and device—for example, Pixel users can uninstall Google Play Games and Books but are stuck with Chrome, Drive, Maps, and Calculator. As HowToGeek points out, you can delete other pre-selected Google apps added during initial setup, such as the Pixel Watch app and NotebookLM. On Samsung Galaxy phones, again, some preinstalled bloatware is locked in, but ZDNET calls out five native apps that most users should delete right away: Global Goals, Samsung Free, Samsung TV Plus, Samsung Shop, and Samsung Kids. To uninstall an app on your Pixel, go to the Google Play Store and tap the Profile icon. Tap Manage apps & devices > Manage, select the app you want to remove, and tap Uninstall. On Samsung, go to Settings > Apps, tap the app name, and tap Uninstall > OK. You can also touch and hold the app icon on your home screen and tap or drag to uninstall. If you're absolutely set on removing preinstalled apps that can't be deleted using the above steps, you can use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), but these methods are more advanced. How to disable preinstalled appsBuilt-in apps that aren't in use can be disabled, which hides the icon from your app drawer. They'll still take up space, but at least they'll be out of sight. Most preinstalled apps can be disabled if you don't need them, with the exception of critical system apps. On your Pixel, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps to select individual apps, and tap Disable at the top of the screen. You can hide preinstalled Samsung apps from your home screen settings: tap Hide apps and tap the icon of the apps you want to disable, the press Done. View the full article

The proposed levy on people worth 10 figures and above has rattled Silicon Valley and split Democratic leadersView the full article

Salesforce recently unveiled its innovative Agentforce Sales app during Dreamforce, aimed at transforming the user experience for small businesses relying on Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. This new feature integrates the capabilities of ChatGPT, allowing sales teams to navigate the complexities of customer relationships with enhanced efficiency and intelligence. Imagine a sales environment where your CRM is no longer just a database, but a dynamic conversational partner. The Agentforce Sales app leverages the powerful AI capabilities of ChatGPT to streamline tasks and improve productivity, especially for small business owners who often juggle multiple roles. “With the Agentforce Sales app in ChatGPT, our reps can prioritize deals, plan accounts, and update Salesforce directly from the conversation. It will change how our sales team works and boost productivity,” stated Brandon Metcalf, CEO and Founder of Asymbl. One of the most significant challenges small businesses face is the “Toggle Tax”: the friction caused by constantly switching between various platforms for research, updates, and communications. The Agentforce Sales app operates within ChatGPT, allowing users to access and utilize Salesforce data in a seamless manner. Instead of copying and pasting information to feed into AI tools, users can directly interact with their Salesforce data. For example, if a sales representative asks for new uncontacted leads, the app instantly pulls a live, interactive list from Salesforce, eliminating the cumbersome manual work typically involved. Small business owners can also benefit from superhuman prioritization. The app doesn’t only evaluate leads based on internal metrics but uses external market insights to surface the most critical leads at any moment. This combination of cross-data analysis allows for more informed decision-making than traditional systems alone could provide. In practical terms, the app enhances the sales workflow significantly. Users can delegate tasks by simply instructing ChatGPT to assign leads to particular agents, update records in a single command, or even generate strategic plans for accounts. For instance, after a successful meeting, a user can promptly update the opportunity status to “Closed Won” with just a few keystrokes. This efficiency can lead to faster closing times and, ultimately, increased sales. However, adopting technology always comes with challenges. Small business owners should consider the potential learning curve associated with utilizing advanced AI features. While the integration is designed to simplify processes, it may initially require time and training to maximize its benefits. Additionally, ensuring data security remains a priority; Salesforce’s Agentforce Trust Layer reportedly safeguards business data, adhering to strict security measures and respecting existing permissions. “Now conversations with the Agentforce Sales app in ChatGPT understand your customers, move deals forward, and get real sales work done,” said Kris Billmaier, GM and EVP of Agentforce Sales at Salesforce. This statement underscores the app’s potential not only to facilitate conversations but also to drive real outcomes in sales processes. For small business owners seeking to improve their sales operations, integrating tools like the Agentforce Sales app offers a way to work smarter, not harder. With its ability to pull data directly from Salesforce, and its potential to enhance strategic planning, this new solution aims to reduce busywork and allow teams to focus on closing deals. The Open Beta for the Agentforce Sales app is now available, providing an opportunity for eligible customers to explore its capabilities. Owners interested in enhancing their sales processes can find more information in the ChatGPT app directory. As the operating landscape becomes increasingly competitive, tools that streamline workflows and harness the power of AI are likely to be game-changers for small businesses. For further details on this innovative integration, visit Salesforce’s official announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Salesforce Unveils Agentforce Sales App, Revolutionizing CRM with AI Integration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Salesforce recently unveiled its innovative Agentforce Sales app during Dreamforce, aimed at transforming the user experience for small businesses relying on Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. This new feature integrates the capabilities of ChatGPT, allowing sales teams to navigate the complexities of customer relationships with enhanced efficiency and intelligence. Imagine a sales environment where your CRM is no longer just a database, but a dynamic conversational partner. The Agentforce Sales app leverages the powerful AI capabilities of ChatGPT to streamline tasks and improve productivity, especially for small business owners who often juggle multiple roles. “With the Agentforce Sales app in ChatGPT, our reps can prioritize deals, plan accounts, and update Salesforce directly from the conversation. It will change how our sales team works and boost productivity,” stated Brandon Metcalf, CEO and Founder of Asymbl. One of the most significant challenges small businesses face is the “Toggle Tax”: the friction caused by constantly switching between various platforms for research, updates, and communications. The Agentforce Sales app operates within ChatGPT, allowing users to access and utilize Salesforce data in a seamless manner. Instead of copying and pasting information to feed into AI tools, users can directly interact with their Salesforce data. For example, if a sales representative asks for new uncontacted leads, the app instantly pulls a live, interactive list from Salesforce, eliminating the cumbersome manual work typically involved. Small business owners can also benefit from superhuman prioritization. The app doesn’t only evaluate leads based on internal metrics but uses external market insights to surface the most critical leads at any moment. This combination of cross-data analysis allows for more informed decision-making than traditional systems alone could provide. In practical terms, the app enhances the sales workflow significantly. Users can delegate tasks by simply instructing ChatGPT to assign leads to particular agents, update records in a single command, or even generate strategic plans for accounts. For instance, after a successful meeting, a user can promptly update the opportunity status to “Closed Won” with just a few keystrokes. This efficiency can lead to faster closing times and, ultimately, increased sales. However, adopting technology always comes with challenges. Small business owners should consider the potential learning curve associated with utilizing advanced AI features. While the integration is designed to simplify processes, it may initially require time and training to maximize its benefits. Additionally, ensuring data security remains a priority; Salesforce’s Agentforce Trust Layer reportedly safeguards business data, adhering to strict security measures and respecting existing permissions. “Now conversations with the Agentforce Sales app in ChatGPT understand your customers, move deals forward, and get real sales work done,” said Kris Billmaier, GM and EVP of Agentforce Sales at Salesforce. This statement underscores the app’s potential not only to facilitate conversations but also to drive real outcomes in sales processes. For small business owners seeking to improve their sales operations, integrating tools like the Agentforce Sales app offers a way to work smarter, not harder. With its ability to pull data directly from Salesforce, and its potential to enhance strategic planning, this new solution aims to reduce busywork and allow teams to focus on closing deals. The Open Beta for the Agentforce Sales app is now available, providing an opportunity for eligible customers to explore its capabilities. Owners interested in enhancing their sales processes can find more information in the ChatGPT app directory. As the operating landscape becomes increasingly competitive, tools that streamline workflows and harness the power of AI are likely to be game-changers for small businesses. For further details on this innovative integration, visit Salesforce’s official announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Salesforce Unveils Agentforce Sales App, Revolutionizing CRM with AI Integration" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

US President seeks to win commitments to invest up to $100bnView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Apple's flagship products rarely get substantial discounts—but if you wait for the right moment, you can grab a great deal. If you've been eyeing Apple's top-of-the-line smartwatch, that moment is now: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has dropped to $549.99 on Amazon, saving you $250 off the retail price. This matches the lowest price it has yet reached, according to price tracking tools. Apple Watch Ultra 2 $549.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal Get Deal $549.00 at Amazon $799.00 Save $250.00 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 was released in September 2023, and after the Ultra 3 dropped last two years later. it was inevitable that the Ultra 2 would see a price reduction. The cool thing is you don't need the latest model to receive the latest WatchOS features, since Apple has a good record of updating their flagship products for many years to come. The Ultra is the premium Apple Watch model, with the biggest case size, brightest screen (3,000 nits), deepest water resistance (100 meters), and longest battery life (up to 36 hours). The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is packed with fitness-focused features, but even if you aren’t a health nut, it also has a lot of great features for casual users. People who want a reliable sleep tracker can learn a lot about their sleep habits with the Ultra 2 as long as they keep it well-charged. Currently, all sizes are available for $549.99, but not all colors are available. You can read more about this watch on PCMag's "excellent" review. The Ultra 2 is different than the previous first-generation Apple Watch Ultra, which you can find for $319 refurbished at Amazon. It’s also different from the Apple Watch Series 11, which you can get for $329 on Amazon right now. If you're looking for the latest budget-friendly Apple Watch, consider the third-generation Apple Watch SE available for $269 (originally $299). View the full article

U.S. stocks are rising toward records Friday following a mixed report on the U.S. job market, one that may delay another cut to interest rates by the Federal Reserve but does not slam the door on it. The S&P 500 climbed 0.5% in midday trading and was on track to top its all-time high set earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 237 points, or 0.5% and was also heading toward a record. The Nasdaq composite was 0.7% higher, as of 11:45 a.m. Eastern time. The gains came after the U.S. Labor Department said employers hired fewer workers in total during December than economists expected, though the unemployment rate improved and was better than expected. It reinforced how the U.S. job market may be in a “ low-hire, low-fire” state. On Wall Street, power company Vistra soared 11.9% to lead the market after signing a 20-year deal to provide electricity to Meta Platforms from three of its nuclear plants. Big Tech companies have been signing a string of such deals to electrify the data centers powering their moves into artificial-intelligence technology. Oklo jumped 12.3% after saying it also signed a deal with Meta Platforms that will help it secure nuclear fuel and advance its project to build a facility in Pike County, Ohio. Homebuilders and other companies involved in the housing market were also strong in their first trading after President Donald The President announced a plan to lower mortgage rates. The President on late Thursday called for the purchase of $200 billion in mortgage bonds, similar to how the Fed in the past has bought bonds backed by mortgages to bring down mortgage rates. Builders FirstSource, a supplier of building products, jumped 8.5% for one of the biggest gains in the S&P 500 after Vistra. Among homebuilders, Lennar rose 5.1%, PulteGroup rose 4.9% and D.R. Horton climbed 4.8%. They helped offset a 3.3% drop for General Motors. The auto giant said it will take a $6 billion hit to its results for the last three months of 2025 related to its pullback from electric vehicles. That’s on top of the $1.6 billion in charges GM took in the prior quarter. Fewer tax incentives and easier fuel-emission regulations have been eating into demand for EVs. WD-40 tumbled 5% after reporting a weaker profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Chief Financial Officer Sara Hyzer said the soft numbers were primarily because of timing issues, not weaker demand from end customers, and the company stood by its financial forecasts for the upcoming year. In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed following the mixed jobs report. The improvement in the unemployment rate was enough to get traders to ratchet back expectations for a cut to interest rates at the Fed’s next meeting, which is scheduled for later this month. Traders are now forecasting just a 5% chance of that, down from 11% a day before, according to data from CME Group. But traders nevertheless still largely expect the Fed to cut rates at least twice this upcoming year. Whether they’re correct carries high stakes for financial markets. Lower interest rates can goose the economy and push up prices for investments, though they can also worsen inflation at the same time. And inflation has stubbornly remained above the Fed’s 2% target. “Until the data provide a clearer direction, a divided Fed is likely to stay that way,” according to Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. “Lower rates are likely coming this year, but the markets may have to be patient.” The yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.17% from 4.19% late Thursday. It tends to track expectations for longer-term economic growth and inflation. The two-year Treasury yield, which more closely tracks forecasts for what the Fed will do with short-term interest rates in the near term, rose to 3.52% from 3.49%. A separate report released Friday morning suggested sentiment among U.S. consumers is strengthening, particularly among lower-income households. Perhaps more importantly for the Fed, the preliminary report from the University of Michigan also said expectations for inflation in the coming 12 months may be at their lowest level in a year. That could prevent a vicious cycle where worsening expectations lead to behaviors that accelerate inflation further. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe and Asia. The French CAC 40 rose 1.3%, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.6% for two of the world’s bigger gains. In Tokyo, Fast Retailing, the fashion company behind Uniqlo, jumped 10.7% after its quarterly operating profit surged about 34% year-on-year. It revised its full-year forecasts upward. —Stan Choe, AP business writer AP Business Writers Chan Ho-him and Matt Ott contributed. View the full article

The Senate allowed the nomination of a permanent director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to lapse, giving acting Director Russell Vought more time to lead the agency on a temporary basis. View the full article

If you’re starting out in video editing, selecting the right software is essential for your learning experience. Several free video editors offer user-friendly interfaces and robust features that cater to beginners. ACDSee Luxea, iMovie, and Clipchamp are excellent choices for ease of use, whereas Kdenlive and DaVinci Resolve provide advanced capabilities. With so many options available, you can create impressive videos without spending a dime. Let’s explore the top tools that can help you get started effectively. Key Takeaways ACDSee Luxea Video Editor offers a user-friendly interface and essential features like keyframing and screen recording for beginners. Clipchamp provides an intuitive web-based platform with multi-track editing and free templates, accessible from any device. iMovie is ideal for Apple users, featuring advanced tools like color correction and 4K export, while remaining easy to navigate. Kdenlive combines a user-friendly interface with advanced editing capabilities, supported by online tutorials for skill enhancement. DaVinci Resolve delivers professional-grade tools and customizable interfaces, making it suitable for beginners aiming for high-quality edits. ACDSee Luxea Video Editor ACDSee Luxea Video Editor stands out as a solid choice for serious beginners and intermediate users looking to improve their video editing skills. This free video editor offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the editing process, making it accessible to those new to video creation. You’ll appreciate its keyframing capabilities, which allow for precise control over animations and transitions. In addition, it supports 4K video editing, ideal for crafting high-quality content suitable for platforms like YouTube. The built-in screen and webcam recording functions make it perfect for creating tutorial and gaming videos. Even though the free version includes an intro and outro and isn’t for commercial use, it provides a robust foundation for enhancing your editing skills. Clipchamp If you’re looking for a versatile video editing solution that doesn’t require any software installation, Clipchamp is a strong candidate worth considering. This web-based tool operates directly in your browser, making it easy to access from anywhere. Here are some notable features: Multi-track editing allows you to layer videos, audio, and images. A variety of free templates helps streamline your projects. Stock assets and resizing tools are perfect for social media content. The free version permits exports at 1080p resolution, ideal for high-quality videos. Compared to video editing apps like CapCut, Clipchamp’s user-friendly interface makes it an excellent choice for beginners wanting to create polished videos with ease. Imovie iMovie stands out as a potent free video editing software designed particularly for Apple users, including those on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to quickly learn how to trim clips, add changes, and incorporate music and sound effects. You can export videos in 4K resolution, ensuring high-quality output for platforms like YouTube and social media. Advanced features, such as color correction, audio improvement, and video stabilization, help elevate your project’s overall quality without the need for expensive software. Plus, with iCloud integration, you can access your projects seamlessly across devices, allowing you to edit on the go. This makes iMovie a reliable alternative to apps like the CapCut application. Kdenlive Kdenlive offers a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for both beginners and those with more experience in video editing. You’ll find advanced editing features, like multi-track editing and customizable effects, which allow you to create polished projects easily. With its ongoing updates and community support, Kdenlive guarantees you have the tools you need to improve your video editing skills effectively. User-Friendly Interface One of the standout features of Kdenlive is its user-friendly interface, designed to accommodate both beginners and more experienced editors. This software simplifies the editing process, making it a great alternative to other free editing apps like CapCut. Here are some key aspects that improve its usability: Modular interface allows you to customize your workspace by adding or removing panels. Drag-and-drop functionality makes importing media a breeze. An extensive library of built-in effects and transitions lets you improve videos without advanced skills. An intuitive timeline helps you easily arrange clips, add audio tracks, and implement keyframes. With thorough online tutorials and community forums, you’ll quickly learn and overcome any challenges as you use Kdenlive. Advanced Editing Features During exploring advanced editing features, you’ll find that Kdenlive provides an impressive array of tools that can improve your video projects. This open-source software supports multi-track editing, allowing you to layer multiple video and audio tracks seamlessly. You can work with various video formats and utilize robust tools for color correction, keyframe animations, and audio mixing, all of which raise your editing experience. Kdenlive additionally boasts strong effects and transitions, along with a thorough set of filters, enabling detailed manipulation of video clips for professional-grade results. Its customizable interface lets you arrange panels and workflows to suit your preferences, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced editors. Regular updates guarantee you access the latest improvements. DaVinci Resolve DaVinci Resolve stands out as a robust video editing solution that caters to both novice and seasoned editors. This professional-grade software is a fantastic CapCut alternative free, offering a thorough set of tools for editing, color correction, and audio post-production. Here are some key features: A dedicated Cut page for quick editing tasks An advanced color grading panel for detailed adjustments Multi-user collaboration for team projects Availability on Windows, macOS, and Linux without watermarks While its extensive features can present a steep learning curve, numerous tutorials and community resources are readily available to help you navigate the software. With DaVinci Resolve, you’ll find a strong editing tool that meets the demands of various projects. CapCut CapCut stands out with its user-friendly interface, making video editing accessible for everyone, even beginners. It offers strong editing features like trimming, cutting, and merging, along with a wide selection of creative effects and music options to improve your projects. Plus, you can export high-definition videos without any watermarks, ensuring your content looks professional for platforms sucha as TikTok and YouTube. User-Friendly Interface How can a user-friendly interface improve your video editing experience? With CapCut, you’ll discover an intuitive design that simplifies video editing, making it accessible regardless of whether you’re a beginner. Here’s what you can expect: A drag-and-drop interface that’s easy to navigate. Pre-made templates and effects for quick, professional-looking videos. A wide range of editing tools, like text overlays and transitions, all clearly organized. Mobile-friendly design for seamless editing on-the-go. Plus, CapCut is free, allowing you to explore its features without any cost. Built-in tutorials and tips guide you through the editing process, enhancing your learning curve. This user-friendly approach guarantees you can focus on creativity rather than struggling with complicated software. Powerful Editing Features In the domain of video editing, having access to robust features can greatly improve your creative output. CapCut simplifies how to edit in CapCut with its intuitive tools designed for beginners. You’ll find advanced text overlays, seamless shifts, and impressive effects that boost your video quality. Multi-track editing and audio mixing capabilities allow you to produce professional-looking projects during the workflow being straightforward. The app supports various video formats and resolutions, ensuring your edits are compatible across multiple platforms and devices. Moreover, CapCut provides an extensive library of royalty-free music and sound effects, making it easy to improve your videos with dynamic audio elements. With these influential features, you can confidently explore your creativity. Adobe Premiere Rush Adobe Premiere Rush stands out as a potent video editing tool, particularly for those seeking quick and efficient production methods. Designed for beginners, it allows you to select clips and automatically assemble them, making video editing straightforward. Here are some key features: User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality Supports 1080p exports for free users, with a subscription needed for 4K Direct upload options to YouTube for hassle-free sharing Available on multiple platforms, including Windows and Mac If you’re looking for editing software like CapCut, Adobe Premiere Rush offers a comparable experience. This app is perfect for content creators who need to produce and share videos swiftly without sacrificing quality. Lightworks Lightworks is a potent video editing software that offers a free version, making it accessible for users at various skill levels. As a lightweight video editor, it supports various video formats and includes advanced trimming tools and real-time effects, enhancing your editing experience. You can export videos in 720p resolution, perfect for basic projects and online content. Although the free version has limitations compared to the paid subscription, it still provides crucial editing features and a customizable workspace. Furthermore, Lightworks has a supportive community and numerous online tutorials, which can help you learn to use the software effectively. Feature Description Export Resolution 720p for basic projects Editing Interface Non-linear, flexible for various tasks Community Support Tutorials and forums for beginners Shotcut Shotcut stands out as a versatile open-source video editing software, designed to cater to both beginners and experienced editors. As a best alternative to CapCut, it offers a robust set of features that empower users in their creative pursuits. Here are some highlights of Shotcut: Supports a wide range of audio and video formats. Provides advanced features like video filters and color grading tools. Allows unlimited layers and tracks for complex editing projects. Offers a customizable interface to improve your editing experience. With regular updates and an active community, you’ll find plenty of resources and tutorials to enhance your skills. Shotcut makes video editing accessible and enjoyable, ensuring you have everything you need to create polished videos. Adobe Express Video Editor Adobe Express Video Editor stands out with its user-friendly interface, making it easy for you to create videos regardless of whether you’re a beginner. With a variety of customizable templates and stock assets, you can jumpstart your projects without needing extensive design skills. Although it offers basic editing features ideal for social media, keep in mind that it lacks some advanced functionalities found in more professional editing software. User-Friendly Interface In regards to video editing, a user-friendly interface can make all the difference, especially for beginners. Adobe Express Video Editor stands out in this area with its intuitive design and practical features. Here’s what you’ll appreciate: Simple drag-and-drop functionality for easy navigation A diverse library of templates and stock videos to spark creativity Quick uploads and straightforward tools for adding text, music, and effects A supportive community and tutorial system for real-time learning With Adobe Express, you won’t have to struggle with how to edit videos on CapCut. The free version even allows for 4K video downloads without watermarks, enabling you to create high-quality content without any financial commitment. Features and Functionality In relation to features and functionality, Adobe Express Video Editor offers a robust set of tools that cater to both beginners and more experienced users. With a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, you can create videos quickly. The software provides various templates and stock video assets, improving your creativity. Basic editing features like trimming, text overlay, and simple transitions make quick edits easy, even though you lack technical knowledge. Plus, Adobe Express supports 4K video exports in its free plan, allowing you to produce high-quality content without watermarks. Being web-based means you can edit from any device with internet access. Feature Description Benefit User-friendly Interface Drag-and-drop functionality Quick video creation Templates & Assets Pre-designed elements Improved creativity 4K Video Exports High-quality output without watermarks Professional results Frequently Asked Questions Which Free Video Editor Is Best for Beginners? When choosing a free video editor, consider your needs and operating system. DaVinci Resolve offers advanced features but has a steeper learning curve. If you’re on a Mac, iMovie provides a user-friendly experience with crucial tools. For those seeking non-linear editing, Lightworks is an option, whereas OpenShot is great for beginners who want simplicity. Kdenlive combines a thorough interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it versatile across different platforms. Which Course Is Best for Video Editing for Beginners? When choosing a video editing course for beginners, consider platforms like Udemy or Coursera, which offer structured learning with hands-on projects. YouTube is additionally an excellent resource, providing free tutorials that allow you to learn at your own pace. Skillshare offers niche courses focused on specific software techniques, whereas community colleges often have in-person classes for personalized instruction. Assess your learning style and choose a course that aligns with your goals and interests. What Do Youtubers Use to Edit for Free? YouTubers often choose free editing software to improve their videos effectively. Popular options include DaVinci Resolve, which offers advanced tools without watermarks, making it suitable for serious editing. Lightworks simplifies exporting to YouTube, whereas HitFilm Express provides visual effects alongside editing capabilities. Adobe Premiere Rush caters to those needing quick edits with an easy interface. Kdenlive appeals to users seeking robust features in an open-source format, allowing flexibility without financial commitment. Which Video Editing Software Is Totally Free? When searching for totally free video editing software, several options stand out. DaVinci Resolve offers advanced features like color correction and audio tools without watermarks. OpenShot and Shotcut provide basic editing capabilities and support various formats, making them user-friendly. Lightworks has a free version but limits exports to 720p. Kdenlive is another great choice, offering a flexible interface and extensive features. All these options cater to different editing needs without any cost. Conclusion To conclude, selecting the right free video editor can greatly improve your editing experience as a beginner. ACDSee Luxea, Clipchamp, iMovie, Kdenlive, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Rush, Lightworks, Shotcut, and Adobe Express Video Editor each offer unique features that cater to different needs. By exploring these options, you can find the tool that best fits your style and requirements, enabling you to create professional-quality videos without any financial commitment. Start editing today! Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 10 Free Video Editors for Beginners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re starting out in video editing, selecting the right software is essential for your learning experience. Several free video editors offer user-friendly interfaces and robust features that cater to beginners. ACDSee Luxea, iMovie, and Clipchamp are excellent choices for ease of use, whereas Kdenlive and DaVinci Resolve provide advanced capabilities. With so many options available, you can create impressive videos without spending a dime. Let’s explore the top tools that can help you get started effectively. Key Takeaways ACDSee Luxea Video Editor offers a user-friendly interface and essential features like keyframing and screen recording for beginners. Clipchamp provides an intuitive web-based platform with multi-track editing and free templates, accessible from any device. iMovie is ideal for Apple users, featuring advanced tools like color correction and 4K export, while remaining easy to navigate. Kdenlive combines a user-friendly interface with advanced editing capabilities, supported by online tutorials for skill enhancement. DaVinci Resolve delivers professional-grade tools and customizable interfaces, making it suitable for beginners aiming for high-quality edits. ACDSee Luxea Video Editor ACDSee Luxea Video Editor stands out as a solid choice for serious beginners and intermediate users looking to improve their video editing skills. This free video editor offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the editing process, making it accessible to those new to video creation. You’ll appreciate its keyframing capabilities, which allow for precise control over animations and transitions. In addition, it supports 4K video editing, ideal for crafting high-quality content suitable for platforms like YouTube. The built-in screen and webcam recording functions make it perfect for creating tutorial and gaming videos. Even though the free version includes an intro and outro and isn’t for commercial use, it provides a robust foundation for enhancing your editing skills. Clipchamp If you’re looking for a versatile video editing solution that doesn’t require any software installation, Clipchamp is a strong candidate worth considering. This web-based tool operates directly in your browser, making it easy to access from anywhere. Here are some notable features: Multi-track editing allows you to layer videos, audio, and images. A variety of free templates helps streamline your projects. Stock assets and resizing tools are perfect for social media content. The free version permits exports at 1080p resolution, ideal for high-quality videos. Compared to video editing apps like CapCut, Clipchamp’s user-friendly interface makes it an excellent choice for beginners wanting to create polished videos with ease. Imovie iMovie stands out as a potent free video editing software designed particularly for Apple users, including those on Mac, iPhone, and iPad. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to quickly learn how to trim clips, add changes, and incorporate music and sound effects. You can export videos in 4K resolution, ensuring high-quality output for platforms like YouTube and social media. Advanced features, such as color correction, audio improvement, and video stabilization, help elevate your project’s overall quality without the need for expensive software. Plus, with iCloud integration, you can access your projects seamlessly across devices, allowing you to edit on the go. This makes iMovie a reliable alternative to apps like the CapCut application. Kdenlive Kdenlive offers a user-friendly interface that makes it accessible for both beginners and those with more experience in video editing. You’ll find advanced editing features, like multi-track editing and customizable effects, which allow you to create polished projects easily. With its ongoing updates and community support, Kdenlive guarantees you have the tools you need to improve your video editing skills effectively. User-Friendly Interface One of the standout features of Kdenlive is its user-friendly interface, designed to accommodate both beginners and more experienced editors. This software simplifies the editing process, making it a great alternative to other free editing apps like CapCut. Here are some key aspects that improve its usability: Modular interface allows you to customize your workspace by adding or removing panels. Drag-and-drop functionality makes importing media a breeze. An extensive library of built-in effects and transitions lets you improve videos without advanced skills. An intuitive timeline helps you easily arrange clips, add audio tracks, and implement keyframes. With thorough online tutorials and community forums, you’ll quickly learn and overcome any challenges as you use Kdenlive. Advanced Editing Features During exploring advanced editing features, you’ll find that Kdenlive provides an impressive array of tools that can improve your video projects. This open-source software supports multi-track editing, allowing you to layer multiple video and audio tracks seamlessly. You can work with various video formats and utilize robust tools for color correction, keyframe animations, and audio mixing, all of which raise your editing experience. Kdenlive additionally boasts strong effects and transitions, along with a thorough set of filters, enabling detailed manipulation of video clips for professional-grade results. Its customizable interface lets you arrange panels and workflows to suit your preferences, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced editors. Regular updates guarantee you access the latest improvements. DaVinci Resolve DaVinci Resolve stands out as a robust video editing solution that caters to both novice and seasoned editors. This professional-grade software is a fantastic CapCut alternative free, offering a thorough set of tools for editing, color correction, and audio post-production. Here are some key features: A dedicated Cut page for quick editing tasks An advanced color grading panel for detailed adjustments Multi-user collaboration for team projects Availability on Windows, macOS, and Linux without watermarks While its extensive features can present a steep learning curve, numerous tutorials and community resources are readily available to help you navigate the software. With DaVinci Resolve, you’ll find a strong editing tool that meets the demands of various projects. CapCut CapCut stands out with its user-friendly interface, making video editing accessible for everyone, even beginners. It offers strong editing features like trimming, cutting, and merging, along with a wide selection of creative effects and music options to improve your projects. Plus, you can export high-definition videos without any watermarks, ensuring your content looks professional for platforms sucha as TikTok and YouTube. User-Friendly Interface How can a user-friendly interface improve your video editing experience? With CapCut, you’ll discover an intuitive design that simplifies video editing, making it accessible regardless of whether you’re a beginner. Here’s what you can expect: A drag-and-drop interface that’s easy to navigate. Pre-made templates and effects for quick, professional-looking videos. A wide range of editing tools, like text overlays and transitions, all clearly organized. Mobile-friendly design for seamless editing on-the-go. Plus, CapCut is free, allowing you to explore its features without any cost. Built-in tutorials and tips guide you through the editing process, enhancing your learning curve. This user-friendly approach guarantees you can focus on creativity rather than struggling with complicated software. Powerful Editing Features In the domain of video editing, having access to robust features can greatly improve your creative output. CapCut simplifies how to edit in CapCut with its intuitive tools designed for beginners. You’ll find advanced text overlays, seamless shifts, and impressive effects that boost your video quality. Multi-track editing and audio mixing capabilities allow you to produce professional-looking projects during the workflow being straightforward. The app supports various video formats and resolutions, ensuring your edits are compatible across multiple platforms and devices. Moreover, CapCut provides an extensive library of royalty-free music and sound effects, making it easy to improve your videos with dynamic audio elements. With these influential features, you can confidently explore your creativity. Adobe Premiere Rush Adobe Premiere Rush stands out as a potent video editing tool, particularly for those seeking quick and efficient production methods. Designed for beginners, it allows you to select clips and automatically assemble them, making video editing straightforward. Here are some key features: User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality Supports 1080p exports for free users, with a subscription needed for 4K Direct upload options to YouTube for hassle-free sharing Available on multiple platforms, including Windows and Mac If you’re looking for editing software like CapCut, Adobe Premiere Rush offers a comparable experience. This app is perfect for content creators who need to produce and share videos swiftly without sacrificing quality. Lightworks Lightworks is a potent video editing software that offers a free version, making it accessible for users at various skill levels. As a lightweight video editor, it supports various video formats and includes advanced trimming tools and real-time effects, enhancing your editing experience. You can export videos in 720p resolution, perfect for basic projects and online content. Although the free version has limitations compared to the paid subscription, it still provides crucial editing features and a customizable workspace. Furthermore, Lightworks has a supportive community and numerous online tutorials, which can help you learn to use the software effectively. Feature Description Export Resolution 720p for basic projects Editing Interface Non-linear, flexible for various tasks Community Support Tutorials and forums for beginners Shotcut Shotcut stands out as a versatile open-source video editing software, designed to cater to both beginners and experienced editors. As a best alternative to CapCut, it offers a robust set of features that empower users in their creative pursuits. Here are some highlights of Shotcut: Supports a wide range of audio and video formats. Provides advanced features like video filters and color grading tools. Allows unlimited layers and tracks for complex editing projects. Offers a customizable interface to improve your editing experience. With regular updates and an active community, you’ll find plenty of resources and tutorials to enhance your skills. Shotcut makes video editing accessible and enjoyable, ensuring you have everything you need to create polished videos. Adobe Express Video Editor Adobe Express Video Editor stands out with its user-friendly interface, making it easy for you to create videos regardless of whether you’re a beginner. With a variety of customizable templates and stock assets, you can jumpstart your projects without needing extensive design skills. Although it offers basic editing features ideal for social media, keep in mind that it lacks some advanced functionalities found in more professional editing software. User-Friendly Interface In regards to video editing, a user-friendly interface can make all the difference, especially for beginners. Adobe Express Video Editor stands out in this area with its intuitive design and practical features. Here’s what you’ll appreciate: Simple drag-and-drop functionality for easy navigation A diverse library of templates and stock videos to spark creativity Quick uploads and straightforward tools for adding text, music, and effects A supportive community and tutorial system for real-time learning With Adobe Express, you won’t have to struggle with how to edit videos on CapCut. The free version even allows for 4K video downloads without watermarks, enabling you to create high-quality content without any financial commitment. Features and Functionality In relation to features and functionality, Adobe Express Video Editor offers a robust set of tools that cater to both beginners and more experienced users. With a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, you can create videos quickly. The software provides various templates and stock video assets, improving your creativity. Basic editing features like trimming, text overlay, and simple transitions make quick edits easy, even though you lack technical knowledge. Plus, Adobe Express supports 4K video exports in its free plan, allowing you to produce high-quality content without watermarks. Being web-based means you can edit from any device with internet access. Feature Description Benefit User-friendly Interface Drag-and-drop functionality Quick video creation Templates & Assets Pre-designed elements Improved creativity 4K Video Exports High-quality output without watermarks Professional results Frequently Asked Questions Which Free Video Editor Is Best for Beginners? When choosing a free video editor, consider your needs and operating system. DaVinci Resolve offers advanced features but has a steeper learning curve. If you’re on a Mac, iMovie provides a user-friendly experience with crucial tools. For those seeking non-linear editing, Lightworks is an option, whereas OpenShot is great for beginners who want simplicity. Kdenlive combines a thorough interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making it versatile across different platforms. Which Course Is Best for Video Editing for Beginners? When choosing a video editing course for beginners, consider platforms like Udemy or Coursera, which offer structured learning with hands-on projects. YouTube is additionally an excellent resource, providing free tutorials that allow you to learn at your own pace. Skillshare offers niche courses focused on specific software techniques, whereas community colleges often have in-person classes for personalized instruction. Assess your learning style and choose a course that aligns with your goals and interests. What Do Youtubers Use to Edit for Free? YouTubers often choose free editing software to improve their videos effectively. Popular options include DaVinci Resolve, which offers advanced tools without watermarks, making it suitable for serious editing. Lightworks simplifies exporting to YouTube, whereas HitFilm Express provides visual effects alongside editing capabilities. Adobe Premiere Rush caters to those needing quick edits with an easy interface. Kdenlive appeals to users seeking robust features in an open-source format, allowing flexibility without financial commitment. Which Video Editing Software Is Totally Free? When searching for totally free video editing software, several options stand out. DaVinci Resolve offers advanced features like color correction and audio tools without watermarks. OpenShot and Shotcut provide basic editing capabilities and support various formats, making them user-friendly. Lightworks has a free version but limits exports to 720p. Kdenlive is another great choice, offering a flexible interface and extensive features. All these options cater to different editing needs without any cost. Conclusion To conclude, selecting the right free video editor can greatly improve your editing experience as a beginner. ACDSee Luxea, Clipchamp, iMovie, Kdenlive, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Rush, Lightworks, Shotcut, and Adobe Express Video Editor each offer unique features that cater to different needs. By exploring these options, you can find the tool that best fits your style and requirements, enabling you to create professional-quality videos without any financial commitment. Start editing today! Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 10 Free Video Editors for Beginners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Internet videos have always been addicting, but short-form content is a whole other beast. Whatever platform you watch them on, these brief clips pull you in and don't let go, and, before you know it, you've mindlessly scrolled through hours of videos, most of which you'll never remember watching. YouTube Shorts are no exception. But unlike TikTok or Instagram, short-form content is not the main source of videos on the platform. YouTube, of course, hosts long-form videos first and foremost, and is the sole reason why many of us visit the site or app. Shorts are just an afterthought, but an afterthought that YouTube pushes hard. You might hop on to watch a specific video, or check out new content from your subscriptions, but to do so, you'll have to push past rows of "Shorts" all vying for your attention. God help your afternoon if you accidentally click on one. If you like YouTube Shorts, please disregard. But for the rest of us that just want to find and watch standard videos on YouTube, there's now some respite: As part of a larger update to search filters and content discovery, YouTube is now allowing users to filter out Shorts in searches. The company is pitching this as a way to separate searches between either Shorts or traditional videos, but you'll never catch me searching specifically for Shorts. What YouTube has done here, at least for users like myself, is to create a way to exclude Shorts from any particular search. How to remove YouTube Shorts from searchTo start, open YouTube and search for something. You should now see a series of options along the top of the display, one of which is "Videos." Choose it, and you'll reload the search with only long-form videos. Huzzah. You can also do the same from the greater search filters settings: On desktop, when the results appear, select "Filters" in the top right then look for "Type" on the left of the "Search filters" pop-up window. On mobile, tap the three dots icon, then choose "Search filters." On both platforms, you'll find the "Videos" option here. Unfortunately, this isn't something you can set and forget: You'll need to choose this option every time you search for something, which is definitely a bummer. That said, at least there's some way to filter Shorts out of a search—especially if those Shorts were impacting your ability to find what you were looking for in the first place. YouTube might not ever let us disable Shorts completely, but there are tools to get around them. You can choose to limit how many Shorts you watch in any given day—though the guardrails aren't necessarily strict. The company also lets you tell them to show you fewer Shorts on the home page, but if that's not enough, you can also install an extension to block Shorts from your feeds. Other changes to YouTube filtersIn addition to this new Shorts filter, YouTube made some adjustments to filters and sorting options. "Sort By" is now known as "Prioritize," and while YouTube doesn't say whether it changed the function, it does say the menu "aims to maximize utility." The company also changed the "View count" sort option to "Popularity." The menu still takes view count into consideration, but also watch time, to sort videos in a search by the algorithms' assumed popularity. Finally, YouTube is removing the "Upload Date - Last Hour" and "Sort by Rating" options from search. The company says you can still find videos uploaded most recently from the "Upload Date" filters. View the full article

Some words are far too mild for the violence of what they describe. Migraine is one of them. For many people, it evokes a simple headache—an inconvenience solved with an aspirin (or Tylenol) and a glass of water. For those who’ve never experienced it, migraine is almost a cliché: a lame excuse to stay in bed or avoid a meeting. But for millions of people—and I’m one of them—migraine is anything but benign. It is a debilitating neurological disease that can force life to grind to a halt for days at a time. It is an invisible disability that millions are expected to simply “push through.” The Mild Version Everyone Sees—and the Severe One No One Understands I often compare migraine to carrying a 60-pound bag everywhere you go. On “mild” days, you still walk, work, answer emails—but you do it while pushing through a fog of pain that absorbs all your energy. Many migraine sufferers perform normal life while their brain fights a private war. Ironically, this “functional” version of migraine contributes to the disbelief faced by people who cannot work during severe attacks. They hear, “But I know someone with migraines and she still works—why can’t you?” Because not all migraines are the same. Some are annoying. Some are so ferocious you can’t imagine enduring another minute of it. A Neurological Reality That Hijacks the Entire Body When a severe migraine hits, everything stops. I find myself in bed, motionless, in the dark. I shuttle back and forth to the bathroom to vomit. I can’t read. I can’t watch a show. I can’t think clearly. My brain is overwhelmed by pain and sensory overload. The outside world simply disappears. More than one billion people worldwide experience migraines. One in seven adults. And yet . . . it remains an astonishingly misunderstood disease. It disproportionately affects women—roughly 80% of migraine sufferers—largely because of hormonal fluctuations that influence the sensitivity of the nervous system. It’s driven by an abnormal excitability of brainstem neurons that triggers a cascade: CGRP molecules flood the system, blood vessels dilate, nerves ignite with pain signals, and the body spirals into nausea, hypersensitivity to light and sound, vomiting, word-finding difficulties, and exhaustion. Some people experience visual disturbances—“aura”—before the pain even hits. But whether with or without aura, the result can be incapacitating. The Monastic Life Migraine Demands Migraine forces me into a kind of monastic discipline. I don’t drink alcohol anymore—it’s an instant trigger. I’ve cut out lactose completely, because even a small amount can set off a crisis. I follow a tightly controlled diet. I guard my sleep like it’s sacred, because one night that’s too short or too long can derail an entire day. I limit screen time as much as I can. I monitor my stress levels (not easy in the world we live in). I avoid harsh light, loud spaces, sensory overload. And even with all that, I still can’t fully prevent the attacks. For some, it’s chronic. A migraine that never really leaves, a pain that becomes the background noise of existence. I honestly cannot imagine living like that. I don’t know how people with chronic migraine keep going—their resilience is extraordinary. A Workplace Blind Spot With Enormous Costs The gap between lived experience and workplace perception is enormous. Migraine is still not widely recognized as a disabling condition at work. Many employees fear being judged as unreliable or weak. And too many managers still respond with skepticism or impatience. Yet migraine is one of the world’s leading causes of productivity loss. The economic cost—through absenteeism, presenteeism, and cognitive impairment—runs into the hundreds of billions globally each year. And behind those numbers are real people who spend days each month barely able to function. Treatment Exists—But Access, Awareness, and Understanding Lag Behind Traditional preventive medications (like beta blockers) help some patients, but only a fraction of them. Acute treatments like triptans can work—until they trigger rebound headaches that are worse than the original pain. Many of us know that spiral all too well. Newer therapies, especially those targeting CGRP, are genuinely promising. Some patients describe them as life-changing. But they remain expensive, inaccessible for many, and often unknown. And because migraine is still not taken seriously, an astonishing number of people never even seek medical help. They just live with it. They sometimes mention it in passing—“oh, and I get migraines”—if they mention it at all. For a condition that can derail entire lives, the gap between the severity of the disease and the lack of treatment is staggering. Despite how common migraine is, very few workplaces have policies that address it. The Question We Avoid: What If Migraine Affected Mostly Men? History gives us a pretty clear answer. Across medicine, conditions that disproportionately affect women—migraine, endometriosis, autoimmune diseases—have been minimized, dismissed, or psychologized for decades. When women describe pain, it is more likely to be labeled as stress, anxiety, “sensitivity,” or “overreaction.” When men describe pain, it is more likely to be investigated. Migraine sits squarely in this long lineage of medical bias. For generations, it has been seen as a women’s complaint, something vaguely emotional rather than neurological. In the mid-20th century, many doctors literally described migraine as a manifestation of female hysteria. The stereotype still lingers today: the fragile woman with “her headaches.” If a condition that disables one in seven adults were perceived as a “men’s disease,” it would almost certainly have received more research funding, more public awareness, more employer adaptations, and far earlier recognition as a legitimate disability. Instead, millions of women have been told for decades to “push through it,” “take something,” or “manage stress,” as if willpower could override a neurological storm. What Can Employers Actually Do? More Than They Think. Migraine shouldn’t be a private burden. Workplaces can make a profound difference by recognizing it, adapting to it, and supporting those who live with it. 1. Give people autonomy over how they work: Flexibility in location and schedule is the single most important accommodation. Many of us can avert a severe attack if we rest at the earliest warning signs—but only if work allows it. 2. Accept sick leave for migraines without suspicion: No eye-rolling. No raised eyebrows. No unspoken judgment. If someone says, “I can’t work today,” believe them. Trust goes a long way toward reducing stigma. 3. Reduce sensory triggers in workplaces: reduce harsh lighting, limit strong fragrances, manage noise levels, provide quiet rooms when possible. These changes don’t just help migraine sufferers—they benefit everyone! 4. Train managers and HR teams: A simple awareness session can avoid years of misunderstanding. Managers need to know what migraine is (and isn’t), how it affects cognition, and why flexibility is not indulgence. 5. Normalize disclosure without forcing it: People should feel safe sharing information about their condition without fear of bias. A culture of psychological safety helps enormously. 6. Support access to treatment: Health insurance plans should cover modern migraine treatments, including newly approved CGRP-targeting medications. These therapies can prevent attacks entirely or significantly reduce their severity. Supporting access is cost-effective compared to the productivity losses of unmanaged migraine. We Are Many—and We Deserve to Be Believed Millions of people navigate migraines in silence. We endure the pain itself, and then the second burden: the disbelief, the minimization, the cultural shrug. Migraine is not an excuse to avoid work. It is a neurological disease that destroys days and derails careers. We deserve to be heard and supported. We deserve autonomy, flexibility, empathy, and access to effective treatment. And above all, we deserve to be believed. View the full article

The deal which brings hundreds of thousands of agents under one roof also combines retail lender Guaranteed Rate's separate joint ventures with each brokerage. View the full article

Lenders shouldn't expect the latest jobs numbers to yield major monetary policy moves after the unemployment rate came in mostly flat last month, experts say. View the full article

Less than three months ago, the world watched the The President administration reduce the White House’s historic East Wing to a pile of rubble to begin construction on a massive new ballroom. But it looks like the dust from that demolition will have barely settled before The President starts another project to turn the presidential residence into his own personal real estate development endeavor. This week, The President and the head architect behind the ballroom construction, Shalom Baranes, revealed several heretofore unknown plans for the nation’s most symbolic building. They include multiple proposals that would add considerable architectural bulk to a White House that’s already set to be burdened by a 90,000-square-foot East Wing (for context, that’s nearly double the square footage of the White House’s main residence). The President’s ostentatious vision for the White House feels alarmingly similar to the ethos behind America’s suburban monstrosity, the McMansion: Maximizing for square footage by adding a hodgepodge of extensions, additions, and flourishes, with no actual regard for architectural sensibility. Here’s everything we know so far about his latest plans. A new ‘Upper West Wing’ The most eyebrow-raising aspect of The President’s latest scheme is to construct what he calls an “Upper West Wing”: an entire additional level on top of the existing colonnade that connects the West Wing to the White House residence. In an interview with The New York Times on January 7, The President said this concept was currently in design phases, and proposed that it could serve as “first ladies’ offices for future first ladies”—an ironic proposition, given that he just destroyed the East Wing, which historically served that very purpose. Baranes added a bit more context to this proposal at a public meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission on January 8. He told attendees that the West Wing addition will “serve to restore a sense of symmetry” to the White House after the East Wing renovation is complete by ensuring that both wings of the building stand at the same height. He did not provide any specific timetable for this new project. Many experts have pointed out that the 90,000-square-foot East Wing addition will dwarf the rest of the White House by comparison—in fact, that concern is reportedly one main reason that The President cut ties with the ballroom’s original architect, McCrery Architects, back in December. It seems unlikely that simply slapping more architectural mass onto the White House will offer an elegant solution to this problem. New details about the East Wing ballroom At the commission meeting, Baranes also offered a bit more insight into the future of the new East Wing—an addition that The President has repeatedly demanded be made both bigger and more costly, according to multiple reports. Shalom Baranes Baranes told commissioners that the entire East Wing project will encompass 90,000 total square feet, 22,000 of which will be taken up by the ballroom. The ballroom is set to feature towering, 40-foot ceilings, with enough seating to accommodate up to 1,000 seated guests. He added that it will be attached to the White House’s East Room via a two-story colonnade, hence the idea that an added story to the West Wing’s colonnade might help to even things out. In his interview with The New York Times, The President also added a bit more color to his ballroom concept, explaining that he sees the space as a secure site to hold a future inauguration, complete with four-to-five-inch-thick bulletproof glass. “It’s being designed very much with the inauguration in mind,” he said. “It’ll be able to hold six times what the Capitol can hold, and it’s all bulletproof glass, drone-proof roof, yeah, serious. The biggest drone could crash into it—you’d hear a noise up there. It wouldn’t be bad.” Other plans The President’s apparent concern with the White House’s security from outside threats was echoed in his plans for Lafayette Park, located just north of the White House. He told The New York Times that he plans to tear up the park’s brick walkways and replace them with granite, in part due to fears that protesters could use the path’s bricks as weapons. Unlike the ballroom, whose current estimated cost of $400 million is being bankrolled by a hefty list of corporate donors, The President claimed the park renovation would be self-funded. “I’m spending my own money and I’m going to redo it,” he said of the project’s estimated $10 million price tag. View the full article

Action against Venezuela and sabre-rattling towards Greenland point to risks in US president’s approach to the FedView the full article