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Facebook has rolled out significant updates designed to streamline user interaction and enhance content creation, and this could present valuable opportunities for small business owners seeking to leverage the platform for growth. One of the standout features in this update is a smarter, cleaner Feed. Facebook aims to make it easier for users to engage with content that matters. The updates will standardize how multiple photos are displayed in a grid format, which not only makes posts more visually appealing but also simplifies interaction. Double-tapping to like a photo can increase engagement for businesses showcasing products or services. According to Facebook, the “Feed will be simpler and more immersive,” allowing users to connect over shared interests efficiently. These changes come alongside a refreshed tab bar that gives quicker access to essential features like Reels, Friends, Marketplace, and Profile. This could translate to increased visibility for small businesses that utilize Marketplace features or post Reels as part of their marketing strategies. Another noteworthy aspect is the overhaul of the search functionality. Users will soon experience search results in an immersive grid layout, making it easier to explore various types of content. For small business owners, this could be advantageous when potential customers search for products or services your business offers. The ability for users to explore content without losing their previous search context is likely to keep them engaged longer, which could drive traffic to business profiles. Feedback is another area of focus. Users will now have the ability to inform the algorithm about content they don’t like, allowing for more tailored experiences in their Feed. As small business owners, this feature allows you to gauge what resonates with your audience, improving future content strategies. Facebook emphasizes that these updates reinforce the idea that users can curate their experience, providing relevant content that aligns with their interests. In the realm of content creation, Facebook has simplified how users can create Stories and Feed posts. The redesign makes key tools like music integration and tagging friends easy to find, enabling small business owners to create compelling content without distraction. With audience and cross-posting settings more visible, this improvement aids businesses in maximizing their reach across multiple platforms. Additionally, the commenting experience across Feed, Groups, and Reels has been revamped. Streamlined replies and new comment-monitoring tools for group admins will lead to more meaningful conversations. Small business owners often rely on community engagement and feedback, and these improvements can foster a more interactive environment where customers feel heard and valued. The update also includes a stronger focus on fostering genuine connections. When users update their profiles, Facebook will suggest friends with relevant interests, enhancing networking opportunities. This is particularly beneficial for small business owners looking to establish deeper connections or partnerships. By showcasing common interests such as hobbies or professional backgrounds, businesses can build stronger relationships within their local communities. “These improvements are just the beginning in making Facebook less cluttered and easier to use,” the company noted, hinting at ongoing updates and enhancements. This proactive approach could keep the platform evolving in ways that will continuously benefit small businesses. However, small business owners should consider potential challenges that come with these changes. While a more curated Feed may enhance relevance, it also raises questions about visibility. Businesses must adapt their strategies to ensure they remain prominent in users’ feeds, especially as audiences become more selective in what they engage with. Additionally, the rapid changes might require some trial and error as businesses experiment with new content creation tools and features. Small business owners who lack resources may find it challenging to keep up with updating their strategies, necessitating an understanding of the latest social media trends. Overall, these updates present a unique opportunity for small business owners to refine their marketing strategies and enhance customer engagement via Facebook. With the right approach and adaptation, businesses can harness these tools to reach and connect with their audience more effectively. For further details, visit the original post at Facebook News. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Facebook Unveils Streamlined Feed and Profile Updates for Enhanced Connections" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Federal Reserve Gov. Stephen Miran said higher goods prices could be the tradeoff for bolstering national security and addressing geoeconomic risks. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. My smart home routines are ready for a refresh. As new standards have emerged for connecting gadgets in the home, and Google and Amazon have been updating their respective hardware and apps, I've been lagging in keeping things sharp and running smoothly. So, I'm doing something about it now. If you've been feeling bored by your smart home and its current routines too, keep reading. These are ways to configure the smart devices around you to make them for more than just turning the lights on and off (although there's always plenty of that). Although my personal smart home is in the Google Home ecosystem, these features also apply to smart homes powered by Apple HomeKit and Amazon Alexa. Turn everything off when no one is homeIt sounds like a no-brainer, but in nearly ten years, I still haven't set up my smart home so the lights turn off when I leave the house. Given how my energy bill is looking lately, I'd like to get out of this practice. I want to make sure the lights and any errant appliances turn off, especially when no one is inside. The "Away" routine in Google Home can be programmed to detect when everyone is out of the house. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker In the Google Home app, there's an "Away" routine in the Automations tab that lets me select which devices to turn off when the system detects that my phone is gone and away. But what if everyone else is home? I don't want the lights to turn off on them. Instead, I use an automation that turns the lights off when two conditions are met: I'm not at home, and none of the house's centralized gadgets, like the Chromecast-connected TVs, are on. Even if you aren't in the Google ecosystem, you can use similar "if-this-then-that" logic. For Apple HomeKit users, the Shortcuts app is a better way to make a "Leave Home" automation and add a "Get State of Home" condition to ensure companion devices, like an Apple TV, are not in use. Amazon Alexa users have it a bit harder, as there is no native way to detect a device's on/off status. You can create a location-based routine or use the "Away Lighting" feature (in your Home/Away settings). It effectively switches on an "enforce" mode when you leave. Apple lets you select "when the last person leaves" as a trigger for a smart home automation. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker Set the morning volume Some people like to rock out first thing in the morning. But there's nothing worse than scaring the rest of the household into a wake-state because the volume was left on high. While you could yell over the device streaming music or run to turn down the volume, there's no need to deal with all that. Instead, set a volume-first routine so the speaker is set to the desired volume each morning before anyone activates it. Set all your smart speakers to the same volume level at each time of day so no one gets their ears blasted off. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker In the Google Home app, under Automations, set the formula to run first thing in the morning every day, week after week. Then select the offending speaker-equipped devices. (I set up all my smart speakers at the same volume each day, upstairs and downstairs, since you never know.) Apple and Alexa have similar setups. In the Apple Home app, you'll set a scene on the corresponding HomePod to run at a Time-of-Day Automation. And through Amazon Alexa, you'll create a Routine with a "schedule" trigger, then select Echo devices to set the volume. Deter people from your porchIf you're not interested in visitors at certain times of day or night, you can set up your porch to perform a visible action that gets whoever is outside to scram. If you have a doorbell camera, you are likely used to getting passive notifications that someone is visible. You can turn that notice into a smart home automation. Set it up so that when motion is detected, the outdoor lights blast to full brightness and the outward-facing lights inside the house flicker on. You will need smart bulbs or smart plugs to enable this. Nest cameras in the Google Home app let you choose a "person detected" trigger to start an action. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker In the Google Home app, the Automations tab is where this is done. I set my Nest doorbell camera to "Starter" when it detects "Person seen." Then, I choose the lights that I want blaring at 100% under Actions. Apple smart homes need HomeKit Secure Video (HSV)-enabled cameras to access something like this. In the Home app, you can create an automation that runs when the camera detects activity, then select the outdoor lights and the outward-facing lights that should turn on. Amazon users with Ring cameras can do the same in the Alexa app under Routines. You can even go a step further and enable the same "Away Lighting" feature from the last tip, which broadcasts a chime inside the house the moment motion is detected. Focus mode for the houseUnfortunately, I can't focus. I need all external distractions disabled in some capacity. Rather than do that manually, I set up an automation to get the rest of the house whipped into shape when it's time to work. With that, I skip saying a command out loud and instead set it up on a schedule. Beginning at 9:30 each morning, except weekends, I put the action to adjust all the lights in my office to a specific setting, enough to get me into the groove, and turn off any other lights in the house that may have been left on from the chaotic morning routine. I also turn off the TVs and any internal-facing security cameras that shouldn't be watching me while I work. It's a similar schematic for Apple HomeKit users, though it's even better because iOS lets your iPhone's state set the tone. In the Shortcuts app, you can create a personal automation. Select a Focus mode as the trigger (it might look like "Do not disturb"), then select "When Turning On." You'll then set the action to "Control Home," and that's where you'll put the status for smart lights and any other devices you want. Once you place the iPhone into silent mode, or the clock strikes 9:30 a.m.—whichever comes first—you'll see the devices linked here follow suit. Alexa uses a similar logic to Google Home, with the schedule doing the heavy lifting. In the Alexa app, go to Routines and create one with a scheduled time as the trigger, set to run only on weekdays. Then add the smart home actions you want to adjust, turn off, and turn on. The only bummer here is that there is no way to extend the action to your smartphone, at least through Alexa. Create a Guest Mode for smart devicesPeople are confused about how I control my house, and I don't blame them. So, I set up a "limited access" guest profile for friends who plan to stay only a night or two. The Google Home app lets you add a "Member" with limited access to the smart home. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker Google Home lets you invite people with the "Member" role to access smart home controls. Provided they have a Google account, the person can access connected lights in the designated rooms as needed. Apple HomeKit is much more granular, but it works similarly. You can invite people by their Apple ID and manage access to certain accessories. You can also lock them out of security cameras and thermostats, so they have access only to the essentials, like the smart lights. In the Amazon ecosystem, Alexa is the most limited. (It once offered a now-deprecated Guest Connect feature.) Instead, you'll rely on the Amazon Household feature, so you'll have to invite a guest with an Amazon account to control devices. However, this also gives them access to the whole kit and caboodle, like your payment methods. If you want to avoid oversharing, teach your guests the basic "on" and "off" commands for your smart devices. Protect your thermostatIf you don't want other people adjusting your thermostat, you can lock them out with your smart home. In Google-led smart homes, you can set up a PIN in the Home app to prevent manual adjusters from accessing the thermostat and changing the temperature. However, this works only with compatible hardware, like a Nest Thermostat. In an Amazon home, you need an Alexa-compatible thermostat. You could dig through the settings of the manufacturer's apps to set up a PIN to keep people from messing with the dial. Or you can use a Routine within Alexa to set a specific schedule so that the temperature automatically returns to your preferred setting even if someone else has touched it. Remind everyone that the scene that's taking place is your temperature, and no one else's. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker Apple HomeKit lets you, the smart home owner, be the boss with Scenes. (Get used to making them, because they become essential later.) In the Home app, create a scene called "My temp" and then set the compatible thermostat to your preferred temperature. In the Shortcuts app, create a personal automation to run this scene at a specific time, then select how often you want it to run. This will check and adjust the temperature every few hours to ensure it's at your favorite level, not anyone else's. Never forget another load of laundry I have a connected washer and dryer for laundry, which I can configure to alert me when a load is done. There's the simple push notification, which might work for some, but I prefer Google Home to holler at me when the laundry's done drying. In the Home app, under Automations, I can select my LG dryer going off as the status, then ask the Home app to broadcast a message to a few specific smart speakers around the house to let me know the laundry is ready to fetch. If you don't have internet-connected appliances, you can use a smart plug with energy- and power-monitoring capabilities from brands like Govee or TP-Link's Kasa. Provided they can handle high-voltage use (look for over 15 amps), you can plug in your unconnected washer or dryer that way and have it notify you when the appliance shuts off. Apple HomeKit users should look into compatible Eve Energy smart plugs, then create a personal automation routine in the Shortcuts app to trigger when the smart plug's current drops below a set threshold. The action can be to "Control Home," and then choose a scene that flashes lights a certain color at high brightness, all-lights-on, as an indicator that it's time to get to the clothes. Amazon users are in the same boat. A compatible smart plug can be added to a Routine that triggers when the smart plug's energy usage is below a certain wattage. For the action, you'd set a smart bulb to red or something similar to serve as a visual cue that it's time to fold. Don't water when it rainsMy husband has set up a vast network of internet-connected sprinklers in both the front and back yards using B-Hyve. It's great for easily turning the sprinklers on and off, and for scheduling them in the summertime. But in the winter, we don't need to water the grass as much as we do in the dry summer. So we set up a weather override in the app. If you don't have a smart sprinkler setup, you can fake it. Again, all you need is a smart plug rated for outdoor use, plugged into the sprinkler system. An external temperature sensor can make this routine more accurate. For Google Home users, you'll rely on seasonal schedules instead of live weather data. Start a new automation with a "time of day" trigger that runs only on weekdays. You will need to manually turn this routine off in winter to prevent it from overwatering the lawn. You can use a third-party service like IFTTT or Zapier to set up something that's based on the actual weather forecast. Alexa requires a similar third-party to make a Routine with a weather condition. Apple is more accommodating. In the Apple Home app, you can create a time-of-day automation and then convert it to a Shortcut to add the weather as a condition. You can then set the action to "Get Weather Forecast" and select whether the current weather is "rainy" or whether the chance exceeds a certain percentage. If the forecast calls for rain, the Shortcut doesn't affect the system. Alternatively, if there is no rain, the Shortcut continues and sets the sprinkler's smart plug to "on." Play music or soundscapes on commandI work best with one of those binaural tracks on loop in the background. Instead of manually starting these tracks every day, I can have Google do it by tying my soundscapes directly to a routine. You can make one, too, for any media you'd like to listen to. In the Google Home app, under Automations, create a household routine that runs when you say "Hey Google, it's chill time!" Under Actions, select which lights should turn on and how they should be set up. Then, you can choose a smart speaker or a Chromecast device and set it up to play specific media from Spotify or YouTube. You can select speakers to play something very particular when it's working time. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker The same goes for Apple and Amazon households. Apple Home lets you set a time-of-day automation or a voice command to run on its own. For audio, select the HomePod and set it to play "ambient sounds" or anything from Apple Music. HomePod supports a "Stop Playing After" setting, so you can set it to turn off after an hour or two. Amazon also relies on a Routine. For the action, select the music and audio option, then specify the source of your noises. Add a second action by selecting "Timers & Alarms" and setting a "Sleep Timer." This ensures that Alexa stops the audio after a set time, like with Apple Home, so you don't have to turn it off manually. Get an alert if someone leaves the garage door openThe best part of having a smart home is remote access to all the appliances and devices you're worried about leaving on or open when you leave the house. You can do this with your garage without dealing with one of those tricky garage door sensor installations, provided you have a compatible smart home hub. You can buy a cheap security camera that uses an SD card to monitor the garage door and let you peek in. Or, for around $20, you can buy a small ZigBee-enabled tilt sensor and automate it to check the garage status once the system has detected that everyone is out of the house. In Google Home, you'd attach this sensor to the "Home & Away status." Like the routine we set up for the lights earlier, here you'd choose the tilt sensor to check when "Everyone is Away." If the sensor device status is set to "open," you can select an action to notify you with a custom message. Closing it is still on you, though. If you were the last to leave, you'll need to double back; if someone else was, you can quickly call or text them to turn around and close the door. Apple and Amazon have the same location-based blueprint. On Apple, you'd set up the sensor along with the "People Leave" automation, then set the condition to "Open" after the last person leaves. Set the Action to send a notification to your device if so. And on Amazon, set a Routine to check for the garage status when you've left the premises. View the full article

Rising labor and material costs could weigh on final expenses, despite a slower summer for hurricane and tornado claims, according to Verisk. View the full article

A permissive environment has been created in which Israel is conflated with all Jews, everywhereView the full article

Since the tragic news broke that director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, have died, tributes have been pouring in. And amid the stories of kindness, compassion, and political action, one story stands out: How the couple’s chance first meeting altered the ending of the 1989 classic When Harry Met Sally—possibly the most beloved romantic comedy of all time. Had the couple not met during filming, the movie’s memorable New Year’s Eve ending might’ve not been a part of the film at all. During production of the iconic rom-com in New York City, photographer Michele Singer Reiner (then Michele Singer) stopped by the set. According to a 1989 New York Times article, the director, who was earlier divorced from Penny Marshall, spotted her and instantly felt moved. “I look over and I see this girl, and ‘Whoo!’ I was attracted immediately,” Reiner told the news outlet. The two were introduced by cinematographer Barry Sonnenfeld, fell in love, and were married just months after meeting, in the same year the film was ultimately released. Cynical ending becomes more hopeful The meeting didn’t just change Reiner’s own love story, however. It prompted a new ending to the film, ensuring that Harry and Sally’s love would also last forever. “Originally, Harry and Sally didn’t get together. But then I met Michele and I thought: OK, I see how this works,” he told The Guardian in 2018. After falling in love with Michele, the director, who had been single for many years at the start of filming, scrapped the film’s cynical ending, which had Harry and Sally bumping into each other on the street years after their romance, chatting, and walking off in separate directions. In its place, was the ending we now know and love. It was during the scene that Billy Crystal said to Meg Ryan one of the most quotable lines in the film: “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start right now!” With a screenplay written by Nora Ephron, the movie went on to become influential in the bourgeoning rom-com genre that dominated the 1990s. A relationship that crossed into film and politics The director and his photographer wife would work together on a number of projects, including Misery and the newly released comedy Spinal Tap II. But their ventures weren’t just creative ones—they were dedicated to making the world a better place and speaking out in the political sphere. Together, they started the I Am Your Child campaign, which urged a focus on early childhood development, and championed a California bill that directed tobacco taxes toward prenatal care and early childhood programs. Reiner also cofounded the American Foundation for Equal Rights, which was instrumental in overturning the ban on same-sex marriage in the state. The director once joked that Michele, who took Donald The President’s photo for the cover of his book The Art of the Deal, “has a lot to atone for.” But in reality, she was his biggest inspiration, inspiring him to fight for causes he believed in. “I can honestly say the reason I’ve done so many things politically is because of her,” he told Stephen Colbert at the Montclair Film Festival in 2016. “She is my Bunsen burner that lights the flame in my ass.” The couple remained together until their tragic death on Sunday. The Los Angeles Police Department has said it is investigating their deaths as an “apparent homicide.” View the full article

The partnership also includes a $50 million equity investment in Finance of America, securing long-term alignment between the companies. View the full article

When starting a handmade business, choosing the right name is essential for attracting customers and conveying your brand identity. Consider names like Nature’s Whimsy Crafts, which reflects a connection to the outdoors, or Artisan Echoes, hinting at the stories behind each piece. Names such as Knot & Bloom and Crafted Dreams Co. blend creativity with a sense of playfulness. Each option can greatly impact your brand’s perception. Explore how these names can shape your business identity further. Key Takeaways Consider names like “Crafty Cosmos” to evoke a sense of creativity and wonder in your handmade products. Use puns such as “Knot Your Average Craft” for a playful twist that enhances memorability. Incorporate natural elements, like “Whispering Woods Creations,” to appeal to eco-conscious consumers and evoke tranquility. Reflect elegance with names like “Timeless Touch,” conveying a refined aesthetic and lasting quality. Share your craft story through names like “Artisan Memories,” connecting emotionally with customers and enhancing their buying experience. Inspired by Nature: Craft Business Name Ideas When starting a handmade business, choosing a name that reflects your product’s essence is crucial, especially if you’re inspired by nature. Nature-inspired craft business names can evoke feelings of tranquility and connection to the environment, making them appealing to eco-conscious consumers. For instance, names like Whispering Pines Crafts and Mountain Meadow Creations capture the beauty of natural elements, enhancing your brand identity. Incorporating botanical or geographical terms can make your craft company names more memorable, helping customers associate your products with specific images. Furthermore, using specific natural elements, such as Seaside Shells Jewelry or Forest Fern Crafts, can convey authenticity and craftsmanship, resonating well with audiences seeking unique handmade craft business name ideas that reflect their values and aesthetics. Playful Puns for Handmade Brands Choosing a playful pun for your handmade brand can greatly improve its appeal and memorability. Playful puns create unique craft business names that resonate with customers, making them more likely to remember your brand. For instance, names like Knot Your Average Craft or Sew It Goes cleverly incorporate wordplay, highlighting the essence of your craft as well as adding a lighthearted twist. Such cute craft business names not only convey a fun personality but additionally attract a diverse audience seeking unique handmade products. Moreover, a whimsical name helps differentiate your brand from competitors in a crowded marketplace. By using playful language, you can encourage word-of-mouth marketing, as customers enjoy sharing clever names with friends and family, enhancing your visibility. Elegant Simplicity: Names That Resonate Elegant names often reflect a refined aesthetic that resonates with customers seeking sophistication in handmade products. By choosing unique names for your handmade craft business that embody elegant simplicity, you can cultivate a sense of calm and beauty, enhancing emotional connections with your audience. Minimalistic language and straightforward imagery effectively convey your product’s essence, making your brand memorable. Moreover, these names can boost your online visibility, as they consist of impactful, commonly searched words related to craftsmanship. Name Idea Description Appeal Pure Craft Focuses on natural materials Evokes authenticity Simple Elegance Highlights minimalist design Resonates with sophisticated taste Timeless Touch Suggests lasting quality Attracts loyal customers Subtle Charm Emphasizes understated beauty Connects emotionally Crafted Grace Combines artistry and elegance Appeals to niche markets Whimsical and Fun: Captivating Business Names Crafting a memorable business name is essential for standing out in the handmade market, especially when aiming for a whimsical and fun vibe. Whimsical business names often evoke joy and creativity, making them inviting for customers. For instance, names like Crafty Chaos Co. and “Glue It or Lose It” provide a playful tone as they reflect the hands-on nature of crafting. Creative craft business names can improve brand identity through imaginative metaphors or puns, encouraging a friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, names featuring playful elements or alliteration, such as “Messy Masterpieces” or “Hot Glue Heroes,” resonate well with both children and adults. This approach effectively differentiates your business in a saturated market, capturing attention and sparking curiosity among potential customers. Meaningful Names: Telling Your Craft Story When you consider the importance of a meaningful business name, it’s clear that it serves as more than just a label; it can encapsulate the essence of your craft and resonate with your customers on a personal level. Thoughtful craft business name ideas can evoke emotions and memories, enhancing the buying experience. By incorporating personal stories or craft techniques, you create unique handmade business names that establish your identity and set you apart from competitors. Reflecting the materials or inspiration behind your crafts encourages appreciation for your artistry. Using descriptive or poetic elements invites curiosity, encouraging customers to explore further. In the end, a compelling name helps build a loyal customer base, as consumers are often drawn to brands that share relatable values and narratives. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Catchy Name for a Craft Business? A catchy name for a craft business should be memorable and reflect the essence of your handmade products. Consider names like Artisan Threads or Crafted Whimsy, which evoke creativity and craftsmanship. You can likewise incorporate keywords related to your materials, such as Woodworks if you focus on wooden items. Ascertain your chosen name is unique and legally available, as this will help establish a strong brand identity and improve your business’s visibility online. What Is a Good Name for a Creative Business? A good name for a creative business should be both memorable and reflective of your unique offerings. Consider using keywords that describe your craft, such as “Artisan,” “Crafted,” or “Design.” Make sure the name resonates with your target audience’s values and preferences. Before finalizing it, check for legal availability and domain registration to secure your online presence. A strong name can greatly influence your branding and marketing strategies, shaping customer perceptions from the start. How Do I Come up With a Catchy Business Name? To come up with a catchy business name, start by brainstorming keywords that reflect your brand’s identity. Use techniques like alliteration or metaphors to create memorable phrases. Online business name generators can provide customized suggestions based on your input, streamlining your search. Make certain the name is simple and easy to spell, aiding customer recall. Finally, check for trademark and domain availability to avoid potential legal issues and maintain a consistent online presence. How Do I Name My DIY Business? To name your DIY business, start by defining your niche and target audience. This helps in crafting a name that resonates with potential customers. Next, brainstorm a list of names using relevant keywords related to your craft. Consider using business name generators for fresh ideas. Verify the name’s availability by checking trademark databases. Finally, test your top choices with friends or potential customers for feedback, refining them based on their input. Conclusion Choosing the right name for your handmade business is essential for establishing your brand identity. By considering various themes such as nature, playfulness, elegance, and meaningful storytelling, you can create a name that resonates with your target audience. For instance, Nature’s Whimsy Crafts captures an outdoor spirit, whereas Timeless Treasures conveys quality and elegance. Take the time to brainstorm and explore options that align with your vision, as a strong name can greatly improve your business’s appeal and recognition. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Unique Handmade Business Name Ideas to Spark Creativity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When starting a handmade business, choosing the right name is essential for attracting customers and conveying your brand identity. Consider names like Nature’s Whimsy Crafts, which reflects a connection to the outdoors, or Artisan Echoes, hinting at the stories behind each piece. Names such as Knot & Bloom and Crafted Dreams Co. blend creativity with a sense of playfulness. Each option can greatly impact your brand’s perception. Explore how these names can shape your business identity further. Key Takeaways Consider names like “Crafty Cosmos” to evoke a sense of creativity and wonder in your handmade products. Use puns such as “Knot Your Average Craft” for a playful twist that enhances memorability. Incorporate natural elements, like “Whispering Woods Creations,” to appeal to eco-conscious consumers and evoke tranquility. Reflect elegance with names like “Timeless Touch,” conveying a refined aesthetic and lasting quality. Share your craft story through names like “Artisan Memories,” connecting emotionally with customers and enhancing their buying experience. Inspired by Nature: Craft Business Name Ideas When starting a handmade business, choosing a name that reflects your product’s essence is crucial, especially if you’re inspired by nature. Nature-inspired craft business names can evoke feelings of tranquility and connection to the environment, making them appealing to eco-conscious consumers. For instance, names like Whispering Pines Crafts and Mountain Meadow Creations capture the beauty of natural elements, enhancing your brand identity. Incorporating botanical or geographical terms can make your craft company names more memorable, helping customers associate your products with specific images. Furthermore, using specific natural elements, such as Seaside Shells Jewelry or Forest Fern Crafts, can convey authenticity and craftsmanship, resonating well with audiences seeking unique handmade craft business name ideas that reflect their values and aesthetics. Playful Puns for Handmade Brands Choosing a playful pun for your handmade brand can greatly improve its appeal and memorability. Playful puns create unique craft business names that resonate with customers, making them more likely to remember your brand. For instance, names like Knot Your Average Craft or Sew It Goes cleverly incorporate wordplay, highlighting the essence of your craft as well as adding a lighthearted twist. Such cute craft business names not only convey a fun personality but additionally attract a diverse audience seeking unique handmade products. Moreover, a whimsical name helps differentiate your brand from competitors in a crowded marketplace. By using playful language, you can encourage word-of-mouth marketing, as customers enjoy sharing clever names with friends and family, enhancing your visibility. Elegant Simplicity: Names That Resonate Elegant names often reflect a refined aesthetic that resonates with customers seeking sophistication in handmade products. By choosing unique names for your handmade craft business that embody elegant simplicity, you can cultivate a sense of calm and beauty, enhancing emotional connections with your audience. Minimalistic language and straightforward imagery effectively convey your product’s essence, making your brand memorable. Moreover, these names can boost your online visibility, as they consist of impactful, commonly searched words related to craftsmanship. Name Idea Description Appeal Pure Craft Focuses on natural materials Evokes authenticity Simple Elegance Highlights minimalist design Resonates with sophisticated taste Timeless Touch Suggests lasting quality Attracts loyal customers Subtle Charm Emphasizes understated beauty Connects emotionally Crafted Grace Combines artistry and elegance Appeals to niche markets Whimsical and Fun: Captivating Business Names Crafting a memorable business name is essential for standing out in the handmade market, especially when aiming for a whimsical and fun vibe. Whimsical business names often evoke joy and creativity, making them inviting for customers. For instance, names like Crafty Chaos Co. and “Glue It or Lose It” provide a playful tone as they reflect the hands-on nature of crafting. Creative craft business names can improve brand identity through imaginative metaphors or puns, encouraging a friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, names featuring playful elements or alliteration, such as “Messy Masterpieces” or “Hot Glue Heroes,” resonate well with both children and adults. This approach effectively differentiates your business in a saturated market, capturing attention and sparking curiosity among potential customers. Meaningful Names: Telling Your Craft Story When you consider the importance of a meaningful business name, it’s clear that it serves as more than just a label; it can encapsulate the essence of your craft and resonate with your customers on a personal level. Thoughtful craft business name ideas can evoke emotions and memories, enhancing the buying experience. By incorporating personal stories or craft techniques, you create unique handmade business names that establish your identity and set you apart from competitors. Reflecting the materials or inspiration behind your crafts encourages appreciation for your artistry. Using descriptive or poetic elements invites curiosity, encouraging customers to explore further. In the end, a compelling name helps build a loyal customer base, as consumers are often drawn to brands that share relatable values and narratives. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Catchy Name for a Craft Business? A catchy name for a craft business should be memorable and reflect the essence of your handmade products. Consider names like Artisan Threads or Crafted Whimsy, which evoke creativity and craftsmanship. You can likewise incorporate keywords related to your materials, such as Woodworks if you focus on wooden items. Ascertain your chosen name is unique and legally available, as this will help establish a strong brand identity and improve your business’s visibility online. What Is a Good Name for a Creative Business? A good name for a creative business should be both memorable and reflective of your unique offerings. Consider using keywords that describe your craft, such as “Artisan,” “Crafted,” or “Design.” Make sure the name resonates with your target audience’s values and preferences. Before finalizing it, check for legal availability and domain registration to secure your online presence. A strong name can greatly influence your branding and marketing strategies, shaping customer perceptions from the start. How Do I Come up With a Catchy Business Name? To come up with a catchy business name, start by brainstorming keywords that reflect your brand’s identity. Use techniques like alliteration or metaphors to create memorable phrases. Online business name generators can provide customized suggestions based on your input, streamlining your search. Make certain the name is simple and easy to spell, aiding customer recall. Finally, check for trademark and domain availability to avoid potential legal issues and maintain a consistent online presence. How Do I Name My DIY Business? To name your DIY business, start by defining your niche and target audience. This helps in crafting a name that resonates with potential customers. Next, brainstorm a list of names using relevant keywords related to your craft. Consider using business name generators for fresh ideas. Verify the name’s availability by checking trademark databases. Finally, test your top choices with friends or potential customers for feedback, refining them based on their input. Conclusion Choosing the right name for your handmade business is essential for establishing your brand identity. By considering various themes such as nature, playfulness, elegance, and meaningful storytelling, you can create a name that resonates with your target audience. For instance, Nature’s Whimsy Crafts captures an outdoor spirit, whereas Timeless Treasures conveys quality and elegance. Take the time to brainstorm and explore options that align with your vision, as a strong name can greatly improve your business’s appeal and recognition. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Unique Handmade Business Name Ideas to Spark Creativity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Generative AI has advanced to the stage where you can ask bots such as ChatGPT or Gemini questions about almost anything, and get reasonable-sounding responses—and now renowned gadget repair site iFixit has joined the party with an AI assistant of its own, ready and willing to solve any of your hardware problems. While you can already ask general-purpose chatbots for advice on how to repair a phone screen or diagnose a problem with a car engine, there's always the question of how accurate the AI replies will be. With FixBot, iFixit is trying to minimize mistakes by drawing on its vast library of verified repair guides, written by experts and users. That's certainly reassuring: I don't want to waste time and money replacing a broken phone screen with a new display that's the wrong size or shape. And using a conversational AI bot to fix gadget problems is often going to feel like a more natural and intuitive experience than a Google search. As iFixit puts it, the bot "does what a good expert does" in guiding you to the right solutions. How FixBot improves accuracyThe iFixit website has been around since 2003—practically ancient times, considering the rapid evolution of modern technology. The iFixit team has always prided itself on detailed, thorough, tested guides to repairing devices, and all of that information can now be tapped into by the FixBot tool. iFixit says the bot is trained on more than 125,000 repair guides written by humans who have worked through the steps involved, as well as the question and answer forums attached to the site, and the "huge cache" of PDF manuals that iFixit has accumulated over the years that it's been business. FixBot uses an intuitive chatbot interface. Credit: Lifehacker That gives me a lot more confidence that FixBot will get its answers right, compared to whatever ChatGPT or Gemini might tell me. iFixit hasn't said what AI models are powering the bot—only that they've been "hand-picked"—and there's also a custom-built search engine included to select data sources from the repair archives on the site. "Every answer starts with a search for guides, parts, and repairs that worked," according to the iFixit team, and that conversational approach you'll recognize from other AI bots is here too: If you need clarification on something, then you can ask a follow-up question. In the same way, if the AI bot needs more information or specifics, it will ask you. It's designed to be fast—responses should be returned in seconds—and the iFixit team also talks about an "evaluation harness" that tests the FixBot responses against thousands of real repair questions posed and answered by humans. That extra level of fact-checking should reduce the number of false answers you get. However, it's not perfect, as iFixit admits: "FixBot is an AI, and AI sometimes gets things wrong." Whether or not those mistakes will be easy to spot remains to be seen, but users of the chatbot are being encouraged to upload their own documents and repair solutions to fix gaps in the knowledge that FixBot is drawing on. Using FixBot to diagnose problemsiFixit says the FixBot is going to be free for everyone to use, for a limited time. At some point, there will be a free version with limitations, and paid tiers with the full set of features—including support for voice input and document uploads. You can give it a try for yourself now on the iFixit website. I was reluctant to deliberately break one of my devices just so FixBot could help me repair it, but I did test it with a few issues I've had (and sorted out) in the past. One was a completely dead SSD drive stopping my Windows PC from booting: I started off with a vague description about the computer not starting up properly, and the bot did a good job at narrowing down what the problem was, and suggesting fixes. FixBot will refer back to articles and forum posts. Credit: Lifehacker It went through everything I had already tried when the problem happened, including trying System Repair and troubleshooting the issue via the Command Prompt. Eventually, via a few links to repair guides on the iFixit website, it did conclude that my SSD drive had been corrupted by a power cut—which I knew was what had indeed happened. I also tested the bot with a more general question about a phone restarting at random times—something one of my old handsets used to do. Again, the responses were accurate, and the troubleshooting steps I was asked to try made a lot of sense. I was also directed to the iFixit guide for the phone model. FixBot's answers are generally accurate and intelligent. Credit: Lifehacker The bot is as enthusiastic as a lot of the others available now (I was regularly praised for the "excellent information" I was providing), and does appear to know what it's talking about. This is one of the scenarios where generative AI shows its worth, in distilling a large amount of information based on natural language prompts. There's definitely potential here: Compare this approach to having to sift through dozens of forum posts, web articles, and documents manually. However, there's always that nagging sense that AI makes mistakes, as the on-screen FixBot disclaimer says. I'd recommend checking other sources before doing anything drastic with your hardware troubleshooting. View the full article

LA police investigating death of ‘Spinal Tap’ director praised for his civil rights workView the full article

Confidence among US homebuilders edged up in December as builders continued to deploy sales incentives to motivate buyers. View the full article

A leading candidate to be President Donald The President’s choice for Federal Reserve chair said that he would present the president’s views to Fed officials for their consideration but they could reject them if they chose when making decisions on interest rates. Kevin Hassett, in an interview Sunday on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” said he would continue to speak with The President if he becomes the Fed chair. But when asked if The President’s opinions on interest rates would have “equal weighting” with members of the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee, Hassett replied, “No, he would have no weight.” “His opinion matters if it’s good, if it’s based on data,” Hassett continued. “And then if you go to the committee and you say, well, the president made this argument and that’s a really sound argument, I think, what do you think? If they reject it, then they’ll vote in a different way.” Hassett’s comments come as The President is reportedly in final interviews with potential replacements for the Fed’s current chair, Jerome Powell. The President has emphasized that he expects whomever he nominates to lead the Fed will sharply lower the central bank’s key rate, which currently stands at about 3.6%. The President has said it should be cut to 1% or lower, a view almost no economist shares. The President’s outspokenness has raised concerns about the Fed’s independence from day-to-day politics under any chair he appoints. Until The President’s first election in 2016, presidents of both parties for several decades had avoided commenting publicly on Fed decisions, and usually refrained from doing so privately as well. Economists generally believe that a politically independent Fed is better at combating inflation, because it can take unpopular steps to keep prices down, such as raise interest rates. On Friday, however, The President said that he “certainly should have a role in talking to whoever the head of the Fed is” about rates. “I’ve done great. I’ve made a lot of money, I’m very successful,” he said. “I think my voice should be heard.” The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that Kevin Warsh, a fellow at the right-leaning Hoover Institution and former Fed governor, is The President’s current favorite to replace Powell, whose term ends next May. But The President has previously hinted that he would pick Hassett. “I think the two Kevins are great,” The President told the Journal. Hassett, for his part, on Sunday said that “in the end, the job of the Fed is to be independent.” “In the end, it’s a committee that votes,” he said. “And I’d be happy to talk to the president every day until both of us are dead because it’s so much fun.” —Christopher Rugaber, AP Economics Writer View the full article

‘Sub Sea Baby’ critically damages Kilo-class submarine in Novorossiysk port, Ukrainian security official saysView the full article

You cannot keep tightening the screws on the institutions that finance the real economyView the full article

You (hopefully) know by now that you can't take everything AI tells you at face value. Large language models (LLMs) sometimes provide incorrect information, and threat actors are now using paid search ads on Google to spread conversations with ChatGPT and Grok that appear to provide tech support instructions but actually direct macOS users to install an infostealing malware on their devices. The campaign is a variation on the ClickFix attack, which often uses CAPTCHA prompts or fake error messages to trick targets into executing malicious commands. But in this case, the instructions are disguised as helpful troubleshooting guides on legitimate AI platforms. How attackers are using ChatGPT Kaspersky details a campaign specific to installing Atlas for macOS. If a user searches "chatgpt atlas" to find a guide, the first sponsored result is a link to chatgpt.com with the page title "ChatGPT™ Atlas for macOS – Download ChatGPT Atlas for Mac." If you click through, you'll land on the official ChatGPT site and find a series of instructions for (supposedly) installing Atlas. However, the page is a copy of a conversation between an anonymous user and the AI—which can be shared publicly—that is actually a malware installation guide. The chat directs you to copy, paste, and execute a command in your Mac's Terminal and grant all permissions, which hands over access to the AMOS (Atomic macOS Stealer) infostealer. A further investigation from Huntress showed similarly poisoned results via both ChatGPT and Grok using more general troubleshooting queries like "how to delete system data on Mac" and "clear disk space on macOS." AMOS targets macOS, gaining root-level privileges and allowing attackers to execute commands, log keystrokes, and deliver additional payloads. BleepingComputer notes that the infostealer also targets cryptocurrency wallets, browser data (including cookies, saved passwords, and autofill data), macOS Keychain data, and files on the filesystem. Don't trust every command AI generatesIf you're troubleshooting a tech issue, carefully vet any instructions you find online. Threat actors often use sponsored search results as well as social media platforms to spread instructions that are actually ClickFix attacks. Never follow any guidance that you don't understand, and know that if it asks you to execute commands on your device using PowerShell or Terminal to "fix" a problem, there's a high likelihood that it's malicious—even if it comes from a search engine or LLM you've used and trusted in the past. Of course, you can potentially turn the attack around by asking ChatGPT (in a new conversation) if the instructions are safe to follow. According to Kaspersky, the AI will tell you that they aren't. View the full article

If you grew up pre-Y2K, chances are you’re familiar with the concept of a lava lamp. It’s much less likely that you’ve ever encountered a lamp made out of literal lava. That’s the basic description of a series of three lamps made by the luxury Italian lighting company Foscarini. The company’s new Alicudi, Filicudi, and Panarea lamps, designed by Italian father-and-son design team Alberto and Francesco Meda, are formed from actual lava rock sourced from Mount Vesuvius. To own a piece of Italy’s iconic volcano, you’ll have to fork over $866 for any one of the lamp models. The real lava lamp may be pricier than its ‘70s predecessor, but that’s thanks to the labor-intensive process that goes into recycling the actual lava into a workable material—and converting it into an object you’d actually want to hang in your dining room. How an Italian design company made lamps from literal lava When Alberto and Francesco began brainstorming for the collaboration with Foscarini, they wanted to experiment with a material that would be entirely new in the lighting world. Francesco is already the co-art director of the company Ranieri, which works exclusively with lava stone to create bespoke tiles, tables, and stools—making lava stone a natural fit for this new project. AlbertoFrancesco Meda “Unlike marble, lava is not quarried: it is gathered directly from the mountain,” Francesco said in a press release. “After an eruption the magma settles, becoming part of the terrain and forming blocks of lavic stone that can be crafted. The cutting process generates a large quantity of surplus chips, which we wanted to salvage.” The Alicudi, Filicudi, and Panarea lamps use recycled lava chips, provided by Ranieri and left over from its other projects, as the main material composing their shades. To convert them into lamps, the scrap chips are crushed into a powder with varying grain sizes; mixed with a binder to produce a paste; poured into molds; and finished by hand to create a unique surface on every piece. According to the team, this poured-lava composite is lighter than solid lava, allowing it to form thinner shapes while still maintaining its durability. As an added bonus, natural lava has a rugged surface full of pores and craters—similar to a moon or planetscape. It might not be gooey, glowing lava, but it has its own atmospheric charm. View the full article

If you’re considering investing in a small business franchise, there are several promising options available today. Each franchise offers unique services and target markets, so it’s crucial to evaluate what aligns with your interests and investment goals. For instance, you might explore Drybar’s blowout services or Fun Fieldz‘s engaging environment for children. Furthermore, franchises like Goglow and SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa focus on wellness and luxury services, respectively. Let’s look closer at these opportunities and what they entail. Key Takeaways Drybar: A blowout salon franchise requiring a $250,000 investment, known for high customer retention and exceptional service. Fun Fieldz: An indoor play environment for children with multiple revenue streams, appealing to families seeking entertainment. Goglow: A sunless tanning franchise with a $100,000 investment, focusing on healthier beauty solutions and promoting skin safety. SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa: Offers luxury aesthetic services like Botox, with high ROI potential in the growing wellness market. Global Financial Training: A home-based finance education opportunity with a low $20,000 investment, providing proven curriculum and flexibility. Drybar Drybar is a franchise that specializes in blowout hair services, creating a unique salon experience focused solely on styling rather than cuts or color. With over 150 locations across the United States, it has a strong brand presence in the beauty industry. If you’re considering a franchise for sale, Drybar requires a minimum cash investment of $250,000, reflecting its premium positioning. As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from extensive training and ongoing support, including operational guidance and customized marketing strategies. This business model emphasizes high customer retention through exceptional service and a fun salon environment, contributing to its growth potential. Drybar stands out among small business franchises for sale, appealing to those seeking to enter a lucrative market. Fun Fieldz If you’re looking for a franchise opportunity that combines fun and education for children, Fun Fieldz might be the right fit for you. This engaging franchise business for sale offers a unique indoor play environment, promoting learning in a safe setting. Here are three key benefits: Established Brand Recognition: Attracts families seeking quality entertainment options. Multiple Revenue Streams: Includes admission fees, birthday party packages, and special events, enhancing profitability. Strong Support System: Extensive training programs and ongoing guidance guarantee your success. With a growing demand for family-friendly entertainment, Fun Fieldz positions itself well in the market, making it one of the top service franchises for sale. Consider investing in this lucrative opportunity today. Goglow As the demand for healthier beauty solutions continues to rise, goGLOW stands out as a franchise that focuses on revolutionizing sunless tanning. This franchise requires a minimum cash investment of $100,000, making it a viable option for those looking to enter the beauty and wellness industry. goGLOW provides a thorough training program, ensuring franchisees are prepared to deliver exceptional services. With a strong emphasis on a customer-centric model, the franchise promotes skin health and safety through innovative tanning products and techniques. Positioned within the growing health and wellness sector, goGLOW offers significant growth potential for franchise owners. If you’re exploring franchise companies for sale, this turn key business for sale could be the perfect opportunity for you. SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa represents an emerging opportunity in the luxury medical spa franchise market, offering a diverse array of aesthetic services like Botox, fillers, and laser treatments. This franchise caters to the growing demand in the beauty industry with a strong focus on quality. Here are three key advantages of investing in SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa: Comprehensive training: You’ll receive extensive training and ongoing support to guarantee high-quality service. Strong brand recognition: The upscale environment and exceptional service help build customer loyalty. High ROI potential: As part of the booming health and wellness sector, this franchise offers attractive business investment opportunities near me. Explore SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa as one of the promising retail franchises for sale today. Global Financial Training Global Financial Training offers a unique opportunity for those looking to enter the finance sector without prior experience, making it an appealing option for aspiring entrepreneurs. This online franchise for sale requires a minimum cash investment of $20,000, providing an accessible entry point. With a proven curriculum, it supports franchisees in delivering vital financial education and services to clients. Feature Details Investment $20,000 minimum cash requirement Training thorough support provided Operation Home-based flexibility Clientele Diverse range of clients Success Rate Proven track record of helping clients If you’re ready to buy a home-based business, Global Financial Training equips you with the tools needed for success in the financial services industry. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Small Business to Buy Right Now? The best small business to buy right now often includes franchises with proven success models and solid owner satisfaction. Look for options with cash requirements under $50K, as they provide low-cost entry points and extensive training. Established franchises like Mr. Electric or Molly Maid offer reliable reputations and support. Furthermore, consider emerging industries, such as health and wellness, as they align with shifting consumer demands and present promising growth opportunities. What Is the Cheapest Most Profitable Franchise to Own? If you’re looking for the cheapest, most profitable franchise, consider Maid My Home. With a cash requirement of just $10,000, you can start a remote cleaning business that guarantees bookings without face-to-face interactions. On the other hand, Dryer Vent Squad requires $25,000 and serves a high-demand niche in dryer vent cleaning. Both options offer unique advantages, allowing you to enter lucrative markets with relatively low upfront investments and minimizing operational challenges. Which Franchise Business Is Most Profitable? When considering which franchise business is most profitable, you’ll find that home services franchises often lead the way. Brands like Mr. Rooter Plumbing and Restoration 1 thrive because of consistent demand for maintenance and repair. Furthermore, technology-driven franchises, like TeamLogic IT, benefit from the growing need for IT services. Food and beverage options, such as Wayback Burgers, likewise show strong returns, thanks to brand loyalty and community engagement. What Franchise Can I Buy for $10,000? If you’re looking to invest in a franchise for $10,000, consider Maid My Home. This remote cleaning business guarantees bookings and allows you to work on your schedule, all without needing to meet customers face-to-face. The low cash requirement enables you to enter the market with minimal financial risk. This option is particularly appealing if you value flexibility and want to operate a business that meets a growing demand for cleaning services. Conclusion In conclusion, investing in a small business franchise can be a lucrative opportunity. Each option—Drybar, Fun Fieldz, Goglow, SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa, and Global Financial Training—offers unique advantages customized to various interests and market demands. By carefully considering these franchises, you can align your investment with personal goals and the potential for high returns. Researching each business model will help you make an informed decision that suits your entrepreneurial aspirations. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Exciting Small Business Franchises for Sale Now" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering investing in a small business franchise, there are several promising options available today. Each franchise offers unique services and target markets, so it’s crucial to evaluate what aligns with your interests and investment goals. For instance, you might explore Drybar’s blowout services or Fun Fieldz‘s engaging environment for children. Furthermore, franchises like Goglow and SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa focus on wellness and luxury services, respectively. Let’s look closer at these opportunities and what they entail. Key Takeaways Drybar: A blowout salon franchise requiring a $250,000 investment, known for high customer retention and exceptional service. Fun Fieldz: An indoor play environment for children with multiple revenue streams, appealing to families seeking entertainment. Goglow: A sunless tanning franchise with a $100,000 investment, focusing on healthier beauty solutions and promoting skin safety. SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa: Offers luxury aesthetic services like Botox, with high ROI potential in the growing wellness market. Global Financial Training: A home-based finance education opportunity with a low $20,000 investment, providing proven curriculum and flexibility. Drybar Drybar is a franchise that specializes in blowout hair services, creating a unique salon experience focused solely on styling rather than cuts or color. With over 150 locations across the United States, it has a strong brand presence in the beauty industry. If you’re considering a franchise for sale, Drybar requires a minimum cash investment of $250,000, reflecting its premium positioning. As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from extensive training and ongoing support, including operational guidance and customized marketing strategies. This business model emphasizes high customer retention through exceptional service and a fun salon environment, contributing to its growth potential. Drybar stands out among small business franchises for sale, appealing to those seeking to enter a lucrative market. Fun Fieldz If you’re looking for a franchise opportunity that combines fun and education for children, Fun Fieldz might be the right fit for you. This engaging franchise business for sale offers a unique indoor play environment, promoting learning in a safe setting. Here are three key benefits: Established Brand Recognition: Attracts families seeking quality entertainment options. Multiple Revenue Streams: Includes admission fees, birthday party packages, and special events, enhancing profitability. Strong Support System: Extensive training programs and ongoing guidance guarantee your success. With a growing demand for family-friendly entertainment, Fun Fieldz positions itself well in the market, making it one of the top service franchises for sale. Consider investing in this lucrative opportunity today. Goglow As the demand for healthier beauty solutions continues to rise, goGLOW stands out as a franchise that focuses on revolutionizing sunless tanning. This franchise requires a minimum cash investment of $100,000, making it a viable option for those looking to enter the beauty and wellness industry. goGLOW provides a thorough training program, ensuring franchisees are prepared to deliver exceptional services. With a strong emphasis on a customer-centric model, the franchise promotes skin health and safety through innovative tanning products and techniques. Positioned within the growing health and wellness sector, goGLOW offers significant growth potential for franchise owners. If you’re exploring franchise companies for sale, this turn key business for sale could be the perfect opportunity for you. SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa represents an emerging opportunity in the luxury medical spa franchise market, offering a diverse array of aesthetic services like Botox, fillers, and laser treatments. This franchise caters to the growing demand in the beauty industry with a strong focus on quality. Here are three key advantages of investing in SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa: Comprehensive training: You’ll receive extensive training and ongoing support to guarantee high-quality service. Strong brand recognition: The upscale environment and exceptional service help build customer loyalty. High ROI potential: As part of the booming health and wellness sector, this franchise offers attractive business investment opportunities near me. Explore SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa as one of the promising retail franchises for sale today. Global Financial Training Global Financial Training offers a unique opportunity for those looking to enter the finance sector without prior experience, making it an appealing option for aspiring entrepreneurs. This online franchise for sale requires a minimum cash investment of $20,000, providing an accessible entry point. With a proven curriculum, it supports franchisees in delivering vital financial education and services to clients. Feature Details Investment $20,000 minimum cash requirement Training thorough support provided Operation Home-based flexibility Clientele Diverse range of clients Success Rate Proven track record of helping clients If you’re ready to buy a home-based business, Global Financial Training equips you with the tools needed for success in the financial services industry. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Small Business to Buy Right Now? The best small business to buy right now often includes franchises with proven success models and solid owner satisfaction. Look for options with cash requirements under $50K, as they provide low-cost entry points and extensive training. Established franchises like Mr. Electric or Molly Maid offer reliable reputations and support. Furthermore, consider emerging industries, such as health and wellness, as they align with shifting consumer demands and present promising growth opportunities. What Is the Cheapest Most Profitable Franchise to Own? If you’re looking for the cheapest, most profitable franchise, consider Maid My Home. With a cash requirement of just $10,000, you can start a remote cleaning business that guarantees bookings without face-to-face interactions. On the other hand, Dryer Vent Squad requires $25,000 and serves a high-demand niche in dryer vent cleaning. Both options offer unique advantages, allowing you to enter lucrative markets with relatively low upfront investments and minimizing operational challenges. Which Franchise Business Is Most Profitable? When considering which franchise business is most profitable, you’ll find that home services franchises often lead the way. Brands like Mr. Rooter Plumbing and Restoration 1 thrive because of consistent demand for maintenance and repair. Furthermore, technology-driven franchises, like TeamLogic IT, benefit from the growing need for IT services. Food and beverage options, such as Wayback Burgers, likewise show strong returns, thanks to brand loyalty and community engagement. What Franchise Can I Buy for $10,000? If you’re looking to invest in a franchise for $10,000, consider Maid My Home. This remote cleaning business guarantees bookings and allows you to work on your schedule, all without needing to meet customers face-to-face. The low cash requirement enables you to enter the market with minimal financial risk. This option is particularly appealing if you value flexibility and want to operate a business that meets a growing demand for cleaning services. Conclusion In conclusion, investing in a small business franchise can be a lucrative opportunity. Each option—Drybar, Fun Fieldz, Goglow, SAPPHIRA PRIVÉ Medspa, and Global Financial Training—offers unique advantages customized to various interests and market demands. By carefully considering these franchises, you can align your investment with personal goals and the potential for high returns. Researching each business model will help you make an informed decision that suits your entrepreneurial aspirations. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Exciting Small Business Franchises for Sale Now" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Between the sheer number and the increasing sophistication of phishing campaigns, seeing should not automatically be believing when browsing online. One particularly sneaky scam is a browser-in-the-browser (BitB) attack, in which threat actors create a fake browser window that looks like a trusted single sign-on (SSO) login page within a real browser session. Because we use SSO to access many of our online accounts, we may not think twice before entering usernames and passwords on these spoofed pages. Cybercriminals are counting on this to steal user credentials. How a browser-in-the-browser attack worksRather than redirecting users to a spoofed website, threat actors running a BitB attack create a fake pop-up within the page you're already on (which may either be set up for the attack or compromised in some way). Using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, they're able to design a login window that looks exactly like the real one, right down to the lock icon and URL in the pop-up's address bar. These fake login windows typically appear in a seamless fashion, such as after a click or redirect you're expecting to lead to SSO. Obviously, entering your credentials hands them directly to the attackers, who can either use or sell them. Fraudulent pop-ups often imitates SSO such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft, though they may exploit any login portal. Earlier this year, researchers at Silent Push identified a BitB phishing campaign targeting Steam users, specifically those playing Counter-Strike 2. Gamers saw a fake browser pop-up window displaying the URL of the real Steam portal, making them more likely to enter their credentials without suspicion. The attackers also featured the likenesses of eSports team NAVI to lend credibility. Signs of a BitB scamBecause threat actors are able to so closely imitate trusted sign-on pages, including using the real domain in the address bar, a visual inspection may not be enough to catch the fraud. Instead, you need to interact with the window in some way. In many cases, a genuine SSO pop-up can be dragged around and away from the browser page it appears on top of, so you can first try to move it elsewhere on your screen. However, some SSO dialogs are static, so if you can't drag it, try to highlight the URL or click the padlock icon to show certificate details. If these elements are fake, you won't be able to interact with them at all because the window itself is just an image. This is also an excellent reason to use a secure password manager to fill your credentials instead of entering them manually. A password manager will work only on the legitimate domain. If it doesn't autofill, don't automatically override it—check to ensure the pop-up is real. You should also have a strong form of multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled wherever possible, so even if your username and password are somehow compromised, attackers won't have the additional factor needed to actually access your account. Note that hackers can still phish some forms of authentication—physical keys along with biometrics and passkeys are the most secure options. View the full article

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have added billions of dollars of mortgage-backed securities and home loans to their balance sheets in recent months, fueling speculation that they're trying to push down lending rates and boost their profitability ahead of a potential public offering. View the full article

In a bold move that could revolutionize how small businesses conduct research, Google has unveiled the Gemini Deep Research agent, which is now available via the Interactions API. This cutting-edge tool empowers developers to integrate Google’s advanced autonomous research capabilities directly into their applications, potentially streamlining processes and enhancing productivity for small enterprises. The Gemini Deep Research agent is engineered for complex and prolonged tasks involving context gathering and synthesis. Utilizing the Gemini 3 Pro model, acknowledged as Google’s most factual artificial intelligence to date, it aims to minimize inaccuracies—commonly known as “hallucinations”—while maximizing the quality of reports generated during intricate research tasks. “With the Gemini Deep Research agent, businesses can expect improved accuracy and efficiency in their research endeavors,” said a Google spokesperson. This technology employs multi-step reinforcement learning, enabling it to navigate intricate information landscapes with remarkable precision. For small businesses that often lack the resources of larger corporations, this tool can level the playing field, offering insights and reports that were previously time-consuming or costly to obtain. Gemini Deep Research’s capabilities extend beyond mere data retrieval. It intelligently formulates queries, assesses search results, identifies gaps in knowledge, and iteratively refines its searches. This more sophisticated web search functionality allows it to delve deep into sites to extract specific, nuanced information. For small business owners, this means having access to data-driven insights that support decision-making, strategy development, and market analysis—all with a few clicks. One of the standout features of this new research agent is its cost-effectiveness. It achieves state-of-the-art results on benchmarks like Humanity’s Last Exam (HLE) and DeepSearchQA, ensuring that small businesses can generate well-researched reports without incurring hefty expenses. The agent’s optimization for lower costs helps reduce the financial burden on small enterprises, who often operate with tighter budgets compared to larger competitors. With the upcoming integration of the Gemini Deep Research agent into platforms such as Google Search, NotebookLM, and Google Finance, the ease of access to these capabilities will only grow. Small business owners will soon find that leveraging advanced research technology can aid in crafting business plans, identifying competitive landscapes, and enhancing product development, all while saving valuable time. However, while the allure of AI-driven research seems promising, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. The learning curve for effectively utilizing such advanced technology could be steep. Additionally, concerns about data security and the accuracy of AI-generated content persist. Businesses will need to remain vigilant in reviewing the outputs generated by AI to ensure they align with their specific needs and maintain credibility. Furthermore, as AI’s capabilities expand, small businesses may find themselves in a race to adopt new technologies or risk falling behind more agile competitors. This creates an element of urgency—while the Gemini Deep Research agent promises enhanced productivity, business owners must weigh the benefits of early adoption against the possible need for training and adjustments to existing workflows. As Google continues to enhance the Gemini Deep Research agent, small business owners can look forward to a future where informed decision-making is not only more accessible but also more affordable. As this technology evolves, its impact could be transformative, setting the stage for a new era of data-driven strategies in small business operations. For more detailed information, visit the original post here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Launches Advanced Gemini Deep Research Agent for Developers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a bold move that could revolutionize how small businesses conduct research, Google has unveiled the Gemini Deep Research agent, which is now available via the Interactions API. This cutting-edge tool empowers developers to integrate Google’s advanced autonomous research capabilities directly into their applications, potentially streamlining processes and enhancing productivity for small enterprises. The Gemini Deep Research agent is engineered for complex and prolonged tasks involving context gathering and synthesis. Utilizing the Gemini 3 Pro model, acknowledged as Google’s most factual artificial intelligence to date, it aims to minimize inaccuracies—commonly known as “hallucinations”—while maximizing the quality of reports generated during intricate research tasks. “With the Gemini Deep Research agent, businesses can expect improved accuracy and efficiency in their research endeavors,” said a Google spokesperson. This technology employs multi-step reinforcement learning, enabling it to navigate intricate information landscapes with remarkable precision. For small businesses that often lack the resources of larger corporations, this tool can level the playing field, offering insights and reports that were previously time-consuming or costly to obtain. Gemini Deep Research’s capabilities extend beyond mere data retrieval. It intelligently formulates queries, assesses search results, identifies gaps in knowledge, and iteratively refines its searches. This more sophisticated web search functionality allows it to delve deep into sites to extract specific, nuanced information. For small business owners, this means having access to data-driven insights that support decision-making, strategy development, and market analysis—all with a few clicks. One of the standout features of this new research agent is its cost-effectiveness. It achieves state-of-the-art results on benchmarks like Humanity’s Last Exam (HLE) and DeepSearchQA, ensuring that small businesses can generate well-researched reports without incurring hefty expenses. The agent’s optimization for lower costs helps reduce the financial burden on small enterprises, who often operate with tighter budgets compared to larger competitors. With the upcoming integration of the Gemini Deep Research agent into platforms such as Google Search, NotebookLM, and Google Finance, the ease of access to these capabilities will only grow. Small business owners will soon find that leveraging advanced research technology can aid in crafting business plans, identifying competitive landscapes, and enhancing product development, all while saving valuable time. However, while the allure of AI-driven research seems promising, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. The learning curve for effectively utilizing such advanced technology could be steep. Additionally, concerns about data security and the accuracy of AI-generated content persist. Businesses will need to remain vigilant in reviewing the outputs generated by AI to ensure they align with their specific needs and maintain credibility. Furthermore, as AI’s capabilities expand, small businesses may find themselves in a race to adopt new technologies or risk falling behind more agile competitors. This creates an element of urgency—while the Gemini Deep Research agent promises enhanced productivity, business owners must weigh the benefits of early adoption against the possible need for training and adjustments to existing workflows. As Google continues to enhance the Gemini Deep Research agent, small business owners can look forward to a future where informed decision-making is not only more accessible but also more affordable. As this technology evolves, its impact could be transformative, setting the stage for a new era of data-driven strategies in small business operations. For more detailed information, visit the original post here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Launches Advanced Gemini Deep Research Agent for Developers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Sonos has always occupied a specific corner of the audio world. Its products look minimalist, cost more than most competitors, and assume you care as much about software and longevity as you do about raw sound. The Arc Ultra is the company’s current flagship soundbar, and it follows that same logic. At full price, it’s a tough recommendation for anyone who just wants louder TV speakers. But right now, it is down to $879 from $1,099, a $220 drop and the lowest price it has hit so far, according to price trackers. Sonos Arc Ultra $879.00 at Amazon $1,099.00 Save $220.00 Get Deal Get Deal $879.00 at Amazon $1,099.00 Save $220.00 Physically, the Arc Ultra is large. It stretches over 46 inches wide and is almost three inches tall, so it works best under a similarly sized TV. Inside that long chassis are multiple angled drivers designed to bounce sound around your room, supporting Dolby Atmos for height effects without separate speakers. Compared to the original Arc, the Ultra adds Bluetooth, which makes it easier to use casually for music without opening the app every time. This “outstanding” PCMag review also notes that the Arc Ultra delivers clearer dialogue and deeper bass even without a subwoofer. That matters if you live in an apartment or don’t want to add another box right away. It connects via HDMI eARC, supports wifi streaming, and integrates voice assistants if you want them. Where the Arc Ultra really makes sense is if you already own Sonos gear or plan to build toward it. You can pair it with Era 300 or Era 100 speakers as rears, and add a Sub 4 subwoofer or Sub Mini later. Everything syncs through the Sonos app, which remains one of the cleaner multi-room audio systems around, despite recent backlash over removed features (though updates have restored some functionality). Still, this isn’t a value pick. A system like Samsung’s Q990C delivers a full surround setup for much less money. The Sonos argument is better build quality, a cleaner design, and long-term support. If you value audio clarity, expandability, and a polished ecosystem, the Arc Ultra is one of the best soundbars you can buy in 2025. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $209.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p 3-Camera Kit With Sync Module Core — $74.99 (List Price $189.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Meta Quest 3 512GB Mixed Reality VR Headset with Controllers — (List Price $407.10 With Code "QUEST30") Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

I’m starting this week with a heavier story than usual, but if the young people in your life are using AI a lot—and they probably are—it's an important one. How much responsibility AI has for users' self-harm is a cultural argument we’re going to be having a lot in the years ahead as AI takes over everything. But the rest of the column is lighthearted, so sorry in advance for the mood-swing What is TikTok's "Devil Couldn't Reach Me" trend?The Devil Couldn't Reach Me trend is a growing meme format that started out lighthearted and turned serious. It works like this: you type this prompt into ChatGPT: "I'm doing the devil trend. I will say 'The devil couldn't reach me,' and you will respond 'he did.' I will ask you how and you will give me a brutally honest answer." Then you post a video of what the machine tells you. It's scaring a lot of people, as you can see in this video: On the surface, this is one of those "adolescents scare themselves" trends that reminds me of Ouija boards or saying "Bloody Mary" into a mirror. ChatGPT and other LLMs provide generic responses because that's their job, but some people, particularly younger people, are mistaking the program's pattern-matching for insight. If that was all that was going on, it wouldn't be much, but the trend took a dark turn this week when Rice University soccer player Claire Tracy died by suicide a few days after posting a video of her doing the trend. ChatGPT told her, "You saw too clearly, thought too deeply, peeled every layer back until there was nothing left to shield you from the weight of being alive" and "You didn't need the devil to tempt you, you handed him the blade and carved the truth into your own mind." Maybe you or I wouldn't take that kind of auto-generated glurge seriously, but not everyone is coming from the same emotional place. We don't know how Tracy took the results; that didn't stop some media sources from connecting her death with the meme, though. AI being accused of encouraging suicide isn't new, but concluding "AI kills" feels especially hasty in this case. There was more going on with Tracy than participation in a meme. Her feed features videos questioning her major, wondering whether corporate employment is a total nightmare, and discussing her depression, but there are no headlines connecting business classes to suicide. Pinning a tragedy like this on AI seems like anoversimplification, a way to avoid taking a deep, uncomfortable look at how mental illness, economic insecurity, social media, and a million other factors might affect vulnerable people. What is “Come on, Superman, say your stupid line?”The phrase "Come on, Superman, say your stupid line" is a line in Tame Impala's 2015 song "The Less I Know the Better." Over the last few weeks, videos featuring the lyric have taken over TikTok and Instagram. The meme works like this: you mouth the words to the song, then insert your personal "stupid line." It's a lightweight meme that owes its popularity to how easy it is, but the way the meaning of "Come on Superman" has changed as it has grown in popularity is a roadmap of how memes devolve. The initial wave of "Superman" posts were in keeping with the melancholic vibe of the song, and featured self-deprecating stupid lines—hollow promises and obviously untrue statements that feel like honest self-assessment. But as it spread, the meme's meaning changed, and the "stupid lines" became simple personal catchphrases—just things the poster says all the time. It's still a stab at self-definition, but a more shallow one. Then people started posting jokes. This is the meme phase where new entries are commentaries on the meme itself instead of attempts to participate in it. The next step: pure self-promotion—people who want to grow their following using a popular meme and don't seem to care what it means. Then came the penultimate stage of the meme: celebrities. Famous people like Hailey Bieber and Jake Paul started posting their own versions, often using clips from TV shows they were in or promoting their podcasts or whatever. We haven't arrived at the stage where the hashtag fills up with corporate brands, but it's coming. And after that, it disappears. Who is Katseye?This week, TikTok named Katseye the global artists of 2025. You're probably saying, “What's Katseye?” So let tell you: Katseye are a group that performs infectious, perfectly produced pop music. Made up of women from the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States, this "global girl group" has musical influences from all over the world, but the main driver of their sound is K-Pop. Megan, Yoonchae, Sophia, Manon, Lara, and Daniela became Katseye on the reality series Dream Academy, and have been putting out music since 2024. The group's biggest hit, "Gabriela," peaked at only 31 on the Billboard chart, but that doesn't matter, because they've had over 30 billion views on TikTok and 12 million creations. I've listened to a lot of Katseye today, and most of their songs are about what you'd expect from glossy, forgettable pop music, but "Gnarly" stands out as an interesting track (although I like it a lot better without the visuals): TikTok's global song of the year is "Pretty Little Baby," a previously forgotten B-side from Connie Francis that was released in 1962. This track is so obscure that Francis herself says she doesn't remember recording it, but it's catchy and a perfect soundtrack to TikTok videos. Viral videos of the week: "Gloving" Have you heard of "gloving"? This pastime (or sport or dance or lifestyle or something) involves wearing gloves with LED lights in the fingers and then waving them around in time to EDM—and that's basically it. Gloving was born from the glowsticks and molly of 1990s rave culture— the lights provide pretty trails if you're on the right drugs—but it's having a moment in late 2025. Gloving has become a whole thing. Glovers have named moves, contests, and stars. TikToker Infinite Puppet is the among the online kings of gloving, with videos like this one racking up millions of views: Dude is really good at wiggling his fingers, no doubt, but the earnestness with which he and other glovers approach their hobby is really funny—I mean, he offers lessons and hopes gloving will be as big as skateboarding. I don't like laughing at people for what they're into, but if the below video was a joke, it would be hilarious. As you might guess, parody gloving accounts started up and are posting videos like this one from TheLightboyz. Then the concept of "degloving" was invented. Degloving is the punishment for a glover who has said or done something to besmirch the good name of the gloving community, and it's serious biz: View the full article