ResidentialBusiness

BJP’s landslide election in West Bengal shows the prime minister’s ability to appeal to voters across the countryView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. A lot about 2026 has been depressing, infuriating, or worse, but at least the TV has been pretty good—there are future classics streaming across the genre spectrum, from the medical realism of The Pitt, to the endless mystery of FROM, to the over-the-top comedy of Big Mistakes. Below are the ten most-streamed series across all streaming services for April, and there's almost definitely something here you'll dig. The Pitt The Pitt continues to dominate the streaming charts. HBO's gritty, hyper-realistic medical drama has earned acclaim from critics and audiences for its relentless pace, as each episode follows one slice of a single 15-hour shift at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center. Starring Noah Wyle as Dr. Michael Robinavitch, The Pitt ditches the "disease of the week" format of many medical shows in favor of a study of the toll the modern medical system places on everyone involved. Season one earned five Emmy awards, and now that it has wrapped up, it looks like season two might win more. Stream The Pitt on Max. The Pitt at HBO Max Get Deal Get Deal at HBO Max FROM The residents of the unnamed town at the center of FROM just cannot catch a break. If it's not worms crawling around under their skin, it's the mysterious Man in Yellow stealing people's souls. Season four of this mystery-heavy show from the creator of Lost sees the survivors pushed to their limits as the veil between the strange town and the real world gets thinner. Stream FROM on MGM+. FROM at MGM+ Get Deal Get Deal at MGM+ Paradise The "Paradise" of the show's title is a high-end, experimental community inside an underground Colorado bunker. The Earth's surface may be an irradiated hellscape, but in Paradise, everything seems perfect, until an outsider enters. Sterling K. Brown plays Xavier Collins, a Secret Service agent investigating the murder of the U.S. President in Paradise, where everything starts weird and only gets weirder. Stream Paradise on Hulu. Paradise at Hulu Get Deal Get Deal at Hulu The Boys This satirical take on the superhero genre examines what happens when "supes"—people with godlike powers—are owned by a multi-billion dollar corporation. As Season 5 begins, Vought International is poised for a total political takeover, and Billy Butcher, leader of "The Boys," is ready to go full scorched earth to end the superhero menace once and for all. Stream The Boys on Prime Video. The Boys at Prime Video Get Deal Get Deal at Prime Video Margo's Got Money Troubles If you like quirky, of-the-moment comedy with heart, Margo's Got Money Troubles is the show for you. It tells the story of Margo Millet, played by Elle Fanning, a 20-year-old junior college dropout and daughter of a Hooters waitress. Left a single mother by her English professor, Margot starts an OnlyFans to survive, only to become a massive success. Margo's cast includes Michelle Pfeiffer as Shyanne Millet, Margo's sassy mother, Nick Offerman as Jinx Millet, Margo's father, a retired professional wrestler, and Nicole Kidman as Lace, a former wrestler turned legal mediator. Stream Margot's Got Money Problems on Apple TV+. Margo's Got Money Problems at Apple TV+ Get Deal Get Deal at Apple TV+ Euphoria When it premiered in 2019, Euphoria turned heads for its stylish, nothing-held-back look into the lives of modern teenagers. Now in its third season, the show has undergone a major time jump to follow the characters into adulthood. Zendaya's Rue is still the heart of the show, and original cast members Sydney Sweeney (Cassie), Jacob Elordi (Nate), Hunter Schafer (Jules), Alexa Demie (Maddy), and Maude Apatow (Lexi) are all back. Sharon Stone has been added to the cast as an imposing TV showrunner, adding a meta layer to this always provocative show. Stream Euphoria on HBO Max. Euphoria at HBO Max Get Deal Get Deal at HBO Max Big Mistakes From the creators of Schitt's Creek comes Big Mistakes, another dark, dysfunctional family comedy. The Boudreaux family are not organized crime types, but they nonetheless find themselves blackmailed into the criminal underworld, where they must navigate a series of cascading misfortunes and dangerous alliances to survive. But in a funny way. Stream Big Mistakes on Netflix. Big Mistakes at Netflix Get Deal Get Deal at Netflix Your Friends and Neighbors The great Jon Hamm returns for a second season of Your Friends and Neighbors, a dark drama about the secrets lurking beneath the surface of an upscale neighborhood. Hamm plays Coop, a recently divorced and recently fired hedge fund manager. To keep up with his family's expensive lifestyle, he turns to robbing the wealthy residents of his own tony neighborhood. It's a perfect plan, until everything unravels in a spectacularly entertaining way. Stream Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV+. Your Friends and Neighbors at Apple TV+ Get Deal Get Deal at Apple TV+ Beef Season two of Beef features a new cast, a new story, and a new beef. Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny play Ben and Toby, a struggling young couple who work at a country club. When they catch a disturbing fight between their boss and his wife (Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan) on video, their thoughts turn to blackmail, leading to an ever-escalating game of high-stakes, class-conscious psychological warfare between the two couples. Watch Beef on Netflix. Beef at Netflix Get Deal Get Deal at Netflix Rooster Rooster follows Greg Russo (Steve Carell), a successful author of trashy novels who takes a job as the writer-in-residence at Ludlow College, where his daughter is a professor. Series creator Bill Lawrence's previous shows include Shrinking and Scrubs, so if you like a mixture of cringe comedy and real emotional weight, Rooster belongs on your must-watch list. Watch Rooster on HBO Max. Rooster at HBO Max Get Deal Get Deal at HBO Max View the full article

What Is Production Optimization? Production optimization is a systematic process used to improve how goods are manufactured by maximizing output, quality and efficiency while minimizing cost and waste. It is commonly used in manufacturing plants to refine production lines, allocate labor and equipment effectively and increase throughput. On the shop floor, this means reviewing production reports, machine logs and downtime records to find where work slows down or fails. Teams rebalance lines, adjust machine settings, reschedule jobs, fix bottlenecks, improve material flow and standardize tasks so output increases and problems stop repeating. When Should Production Optimization Be Done? In manufacturing environments, production optimization is rarely done at the very start of operations. It usually takes place after a production line has been running long enough to generate reliable data, whether over a month or a full production cycle. That information establishes a baseline for evaluating performance, identifying inefficiencies and measuring the impact of improvements. Without historical data, changes are based on guesswork instead of actual production behavior. Allowing processes to run first helps uncover patterns in output, downtime and quality, making optimization efforts more targeted, measurable and effective. ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software that is equipped with tools that allow manufacturers to plan, schedule and monitor their projects from start to finish. Use Gantt charts to make production roadmaps, manage workflows with kanban boards, allocate resources with workload charts, track costs with timesheets and monitor your projects with real-time dashboards and reports. Get started for free today. /wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Manufacturing-gantt-chart-light-mode-costs-exposed-cta-e1712005286389.jpgProjectManager is a powerful manufacturing project management solution Learn more Benefits of Production Optimization Once a manufacturing line is tuned using real production data, day-to-day operations become far more predictable. Instead of constant firefighting, teams see steadier output, fewer defects and smoother handoffs between machines and workstations. Production Quality Benefits On a busy production line, most quality issues don’t come from one big failure but from small inconsistencies adding up. By tightening process control and standardizing how work is performed, manufacturers can catch problems earlier, reduce variation and produce more reliable, consistent output without relying on rework. In practice, this leads to: More consistent product specifications across batches and shifts Lower scrap rates, preserving materials and production capacity Fewer customer complaints and returns due to improved reliability Production Output Benefits Across most manufacturing plants, output is limited by how smoothly work moves through the line. When delays between steps are reduced and bottlenecks are removed, production speeds up naturally, allowing more units to be completed within the same shift without adding extra pressure on people or equipment. The results from such production optimization adjustments are usually: Higher number of finished units produced per shift Shorter production cycles from start to completion Greater use of available production capacity Production Efficiency Benefits Production efficiency improves when the same output is achieved with fewer wasted resources. Production optimization targets unnecessary motion, excess material use and idle equipment time so labor, machines and materials are used more effectively throughout the entire manufacturing process. These improvements typically include: Lower material usage per unit produced Reduced unnecessary operator movement during tasks Better coordination between production steps /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Daily-production-report-featured-image.jpg Get your free Daily Production Report Use this free Daily Production Report for Excel to manage your projects better. Download Excel File Production Cost Benefits Costs come down when waste, rework and downtime are brought under control. Production optimization targets the areas where money is lost on the floor—materials, labor and machine time—so the same output can be achieved with fewer resources and more predictable production expenses. From an operational standpoint, this means: Reduced material spending due to less waste Lower production costs from improved productivity More predictable operating expenses over time Production Safety Benefits Safety improves when production processes are organized, predictable and properly controlled. By removing hazards, standardizing tasks and ensuring equipment is used correctly, manufacturers can reduce accidents on the floor while maintaining steady operations without unnecessary risk to workers. Over time, after production optimization measures have been taken, teams start seeing: Fewer workplace injuries and safety incidents Improved compliance with safety regulations Reduced production disruptions caused by accidents Production Maintenance Benefits Maintenance becomes more effective when it is planned instead of reactive. Production optimization ensures equipment is serviced based on usage and performance data, reducing unexpected breakdowns and keeping machines running consistently throughout the production cycle. This translates into: Reduced frequency of unexpected equipment failures Longer operational lifespan of machines and assets More reliable production schedules due to consistent equipment performance /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Manufacturing-banner-ad-evergreen.jpg Production Optimization Process Improving a manufacturing operation doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a step-by-step process where teams first understand current performance, then identify where production slows down and finally make targeted adjustments to stabilize and improve output, quality and overall efficiency. 1. Establish a Baseline Before making changes, teams need a clear picture of how production currently performs. Establishing a baseline means capturing real data on output, downtime and quality so there’s a reliable point of comparison. This step ensures every improvement is measured, validated and tied to actual production results. To build that baseline, teams typically: Record daily and shift-level production output Track downtime by type, duration and cause Measure defect rates and rework levels Capture cycle times for key production steps Review historical production reports to identify patterns 2. Evaluate Production Flow Once performance is understood, the next step is to see how work moves through the line. Evaluating production flow reveals delays between steps, uneven workloads and areas where materials or tasks pile up. This helps teams pinpoint where the process breaks down and where improvements will have the most impact. To understand how work actually flows, you’ll want to: Map each step in the production process from start to finish Identify bottlenecks where work accumulates Observe waiting time between operations Check for unnecessary movement of materials or operators Analyze how consistently work flows across shifts 3. Review Machine & Equipment Performance With flow issues identified, attention shifts to the machines doing the work. Reviewing equipment performance helps uncover slow cycles, minor stops and inconsistent output that reduce overall productivity. Understanding how machines actually perform allows teams to fix issues that quietly limit production capacity. /wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Asset-Register-Template-for-Excel-600x225.pngProjectManager’s free asset register template To uncover equipment-related losses, the next step is to: Compare actual machine speed against rated capacity Track frequency and causes of minor stops Review equipment maintenance logs for recurring issues Check calibration and setup consistency between runs Measure equipment uptime and availability 4. Assess Labor Utilization After reviewing machines, the next step is understanding how labor is used across the line. Assessing labor utilization shows where operators are overloaded, idle or misaligned with production needs. This step helps balance workloads, improve productivity and ensure people are supporting the flow instead of slowing it down. To see how labor is really being used, start by: Compare workload across operators and workstations Identify idle time or waiting during production cycles Observe task execution to spot inefficiencies or delays Check if staffing levels match production demand Evaluate operator training and skill gaps affecting performance 5. Optimize Routing, Scheduling and Sequencing With labor and equipment understood, production planning decisions come into focus. Optimizing routing, scheduling and sequencing ensures work moves through the right steps in the right order at the right time. This reduces delays, minimizes changeovers and keeps production running without unnecessary interruptions or conflicts. /wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5S-Audit-Template-for-Excel-600x484.pngProjectManager’s free 5S audit template To bring routing, scheduling and sequencing under control, teams should: Review routing paths to eliminate unnecessary steps Sequence jobs to reduce setup and changeover time Align schedules with machine and labor availability Use techniques such as a 5S audit or a gemba walk to identify opportunities for improvement Adjust production plans based on demand and capacity 6. Improve Production Line Balance Once scheduling is aligned, the focus shifts to how evenly work is distributed. Improving line balance ensures each station operates at a similar pace, preventing bottlenecks and idle time. This step helps maintain a steady flow so production moves consistently without slow points disrupting the entire line. To even out the pace across the line, focus on: Compare cycle times across all stations on the line Redistribute tasks to balance workloads evenly Identify stations that consistently slow down output Adjust staffing or equipment where needed Test changes to confirm smoother production flow 7. Reduce Waste and Rework With flow stabilized, attention turns to losses that reduce overall performance. Reducing waste and rework focuses on eliminating scrap, defects and unnecessary effort. By fixing root causes and tightening processes, manufacturers can improve output quality while lowering costs tied to repeated work and material loss. To eliminate losses at this stage, it’s important to: Track scrap and defect rates by product or process step Identify root causes behind recurring quality issues Eliminate unnecessary steps that add no value Standardize processes to prevent repeat errors Monitor improvements to ensure waste stays reduced 8. Standardize Processes Once improvements are proven, they need to be locked in so results don’t drift over time. Standardizing processes ensures every operator follows the same methods, keeping output consistent across shifts. This step prevents variation from creeping back in and makes future improvements easier to apply and sustain. /wp-content/uploads/2023/08/SOP-Template-image-e1773764840298-600x356.jpgProjectManager’s free standard operating procedure template To lock in these improvements, teams need to: Document standard operating procedures for each task Define clear steps, timings and expected outputs Train operators to follow standardized workflows Use visual guides or checklists on the production floor Audit processes regularly to ensure compliance 9. Streamline Maintenance Activities Reliable production depends on machines that run without constant interruptions. Streamlining maintenance activities shifts the focus from reactive fixes to planned upkeep, reducing breakdowns and keeping equipment available. This step helps stabilize production by ensuring machines perform consistently throughout each production cycle. /wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Maintenance-Report-Template-for-Excel-600x187.pngProjectManager’s free maintenance report template To keep machines reliable without disruptions, you should: Schedule preventive maintenance based on usage and run time Prioritize critical equipment that impacts production flow Track recurring failures to address root causes Ensure spare parts are available to avoid repair delays Coordinate maintenance timing to minimize production disruption 10. Implement Continuous Improvement Production optimization doesn’t end after one round of changes. Implementing continuous improvement ensures teams keep refining processes based on new data and evolving conditions. This step turns optimization into an ongoing effort, allowing manufacturers to sustain gains, adapt quickly and keep improving performance over time. To keep improving over time, teams continue to: Track key production metrics and compare them against baseline data Review performance regularly to identify new improvement areas Encourage operator feedback on process issues and ideas Test small changes before rolling them out across the line Apply successful improvements consistently across operations Free Production Management Templates We’ve created dozens of free manufacturing templates for Excel, Word and Google Sheets, so you can keep your easily create manufacturing documents. Production Scheduling Template This production scheduling template helps plan and track manufacturing orders, production quantities, inventory levels and delivery dates. It provides visibility into timelines, coordinates workloads and ensures production runs stay aligned with demand. Daily Production Report Template This daily production report template helps track output, labor, machine usage, materials, downtime and quality in one place. It gives teams a clear view of performance, issues and shift-to-shift production continuity. How ProjectManager Helps Manufacturing Businesses Keeping production on schedule while managing resources, costs and changing priorities requires more than spreadsheets or disconnected tools. Manufacturing project management becomes easier when teams can plan, track and adjust work in one centralized system. ProjectManager brings together production scheduling, resource planning and performance tracking so production teams can stay aligned and make faster decisions on the shop floor. With interactive Gantt charts, manufacturing teams can build detailed production schedules, map task dependencies, identify milestones and adjust timelines as conditions change. Resource management tools allow managers to assign labor, equipment and materials efficiently, while monitoring resource availability and avoiding bottlenecks. Real-time dashboards and reports provide instant visibility into progress, costs and workload, helping teams identify issues early and maintain control over production performance. Teams can also collaborate more effectively using kanban boards and task lists that track work at every stage of the manufacturing process. Thanks to these and other tools and features, ProjectManager helps manufacturing businesses improve efficiency, reduce delays and deliver consistent results. Watch the video below to learn more! ProjectManager is award-winning software for managing any project. Our collaborative platform connects your teams and gives you access to the manufacturing floor no matter where you are or what time it is. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Production Optimization: Step-by-Step Process & Benefits appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

For those who think a fake mustache is not fooling anybody, think again. Since 2023, the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act has tasked social media and search engine companies with protecting young users by restricting harmful content and even resorting to age verification to access certain platforms. But unsurprisingly, the tech-savvy young generation is already developing ingenious ways to jump through the extra sets of hoops. A recent study by Internet Matters, a British child online safety organization, found that around one-third of children in the U.K. have bypassed safety measures such as age verification. The safeguard often requires users to take a selfie or show a valid ID to verify their age. “I did catch my son using an eyebrow pencil to draw a mustache on his face, and it verified him as 15 years old,” an anonymous mother of a 12-year-old boy told Internet Matters. “I have helped my son get around them” The survey polled 1,000 children and their parents, with 46% of those surveyed believing that age checks are easy to bypass. Some shared more high-tech alternatives to fool the system, like turning to AI to distort their faces to appear older, or using video game characters to reveal an older face. But sometimes kids don’t even have to get creative. They can simply ask for help, with 17% of parents helping their children bypass age checks. “I have helped my son get around them. It was to play a game, and I knew the game, and I was happy and confident that I was fine with him playing it,” a parent revealed. Many agree that the restrictions, while intended for good, don’t do much to keep users safe. One kid even shared how unreliable the safeguards can be, even when one is not trying to trick the system. “On Roblox there’s a thing where you put your face in and are only allowed to chat with that age group . . . I got 15 when I’m 12, so I’m chatting with people older than me when I shouldn’t be,” a 12-year-old said. But the creative techniques employed by kids are garnering attention and laughs online. “All that fancy age verification tech & millions spent . . . & kids just draw a fake mustache,” one user said on X. “Clever little legends.” The study also reveals that the gaps in the system expose young users to harmful content. Almost half of the children surveyed reported that they’d experienced harm online, with 11% seeing unrealistic body types promoted and 10% reporting hateful content like homophobia or slurs. Additionally, 12% reported seeing violence online, particularly inadvertently seeing videos related to the assassination of Turning Point USA cofounder Charlie Kirk. It’s not just parents surveyed who are concerned. In response to the study, users on social media also shared their discontent toward tech companies that build systems that so easily fail. “A fake mustache getting past age verification systems that billion-dollar companies built is genuinely one of the funniest and most embarrassing tech failures in recent memory,” a user said on X. “The people who designed these systems need to sit in a room and have a serious conversation.” View the full article

Federal Reserve Gov. Michael Barr said Tuesday that the U.S. energy sector is more insulated from shocks than Europe's, particularly in natural gas prices. However, he warned that the war is pushing up gasoline prices, which could spill over into other parts of the economy. View the full article

Amid an airline industry in crisis, Delta Air Lines found an unexpected way to cut corners: nixing its snack and drink service on flights under 350 miles long. Delta is doing away with its “Express Service” tier of in-flight food and drink, which previously offered basic amenities including water, tea, coffee, and two snack options to passengers on flights between 250 and 500 miles in length. Instead, all flights longer than 350 miles will get Delta’s full beverage and snack service—while all flights shorter than 350 miles will get no food or drink offerings at all. The news of Delta’s new policy comes just days after Spirit Airlines announced its near-immediate closure, while the ongoing war in the Middle East continues to drive up fuel prices and ticket costs are skyrocketing, up 24% between January and April of 2026. It all paints a picture of an industry struggling to stay afloat, though there may be more to Delta’s decision than cost-cutting. In a statement to Fast Company, a Delta representative said the move is intended to “create a more consistent experience across our network.” “Even on the small number of flights without beverage service, our crew will continue to be visible, available, and focused on caring for our customers, like they do on every flight,” the statement continues. Which flights are affected? Delta’s new policy goes into effect on May 19, when approximately 450 daily Delta flights will go from Express Service to no service. Only flights between 250 and 350 miles in length will be affected by the change, with flights under 250 miles already having had no food or drink service offered. Delta emphasizes that all flights now receiving no service spend less than an hour in the air, and that they make up only 9% of all daily flights. Still, the move puts Delta’s service threshold higher than other major U.S. legacy carriers: On United Airlines, service begins at 300 miles, and on American Airlines, it starts at 250 miles. While many Delta flights are receiving a downgrade in service, many others are getting a bonus. Flights between 350 and 500 miles are being upgraded from Express Service to Full Service, meaning 14% of flights each day are getting more in-flight offerings. First-class Delta passengers will still receive food and drink service on every flight, regardless of length. Why make this change? Though on paper the move may seem like an effort to cut costs, there’s also an operational precedent for the change. With 350-mile flights typically only being an hour long, there’s a very small window—often only 15 minutes—for flight attendants to actually provide service to every passenger. Cutting snack and drink service from those flights frees up attendants to focus on safety and responding to passenger requests. Social media is split on Delta’s decision. Many reasoned that when a flight is less than an hour long, snacks and drinks are unnecessary anyway. “In flight service is annoying. I don’t need cookies or apple juice. We’re all adults. Just get us there and we’re all good,” one X user wrote in response to the news. “As long as everyone knows the policy and can hydrate at the terminal this is fine,” argued another. But others said the move came across as cheap and unfair to passengers. “Y’all can’t even throw a snack machine up in that thang?” asked one user. “Delta can afford to pay their CEO $27 million,” reads another response. “But a complimentary water bottle is where they draw the line.” “Crashing planes, raising prices, and you don’t even get a drink and a lil snack,” wrote a third user. “It’s time to revolt.” View the full article

If Roku or TCL made your TV, listen up: Your set might be involved in a class action lawsuit. Both TV manufacturers are currently in the middle of a suit, and while it's far too early to know where the case is going or what a potential settlement would be, we do know which TVs in particular are named. What is the Roku/TCL lawsuit? As Top Class Actions reports, plaintiff Terri Else recently filed the lawsuit in California federal court. Else's suit asserts Roku and TCL issued software updates that were "repetitively defective." According to the suit, the updates rendered some TVs from both Roku and TCL "bricked" or otherwise unusable. Else says these updates "materially impair" the functionality of Roku's devices, and that both companies failed to disclose the issues to customers; rather, that Roku and TCL sold these products as "reliable" smart TVs that would “keep getting better over time…thanks to [ongoing] automatic software updates.” The lawsuit claims Roku and TCL offer no recourse for customers whose TVs become inoperable, despite warranties that claim to fix software defects. Else seeks to represent a nationwide class action suit with a jury trial, with a monetary reward for all involved. I don't own either a Roku or a TCL TV, so I can't personally attest to the issues. However, there are over 300 comments on the Top Class Actions report, with many (if not most) complaining of similar issues with their Roku TVs. "My TV just turns off at random and sometimes takes several tries to turn on;" "It doesn’t play unless it’s hooked up to the internet and then a lot of the stations have blank screens," "I just disposed of a 65″ Roku branded TV that went black in less than 3 years after purchase." Many of the comments simply request to be added to the class action suit. As it happens, this case isn't the only class action lawsuit Roku is facing at this time: Another customer is suing Roku for removing a feature from its smart home cameras and requiring a new subscription to restore it. Which TVs are named in the Roku/TCL lawsuit?The lawsuit does charge Roku and TCL with a blanket claim across all of their TVs and streaming devices. Instead, it names the following models specifically, sold from Dec. 16, 2024 through today: Roku Select Series Roku Plus Series TCL 3 Series Roku TV TCL 4 Series Roku TV TCL 5 Series Roku TV TCL 6 Series Roku TV Again, it's too early to know what will happen in this case. But if you bought one of these TVs in that timeframe, take note, and keep an eye on the suit as it progresses. View the full article

What you read reflects who you are. Leaders like Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Indra Nooyi, and Mark Cuban advocate reading extensively to gain knowledge and challenge assumptions. At a minimum, reading widely develops a key business skill—making intelligent small talk. More importantly, reading and actively discussing ideas enhances critical thinking skills. Unfortunately, some studies show that only 16% of Americans read daily and for pleasure. Before the digital revolution, that number was well over 50%. Even more concerning, the latest statistics show that about a third of high school graduates have college-level reading skills. Leading a book club is a great way to share your business experience, develop early-stage workers, and inspire the next generation of reading advocates. I started a book club focused specifically on books written by business leaders at Wake Forest University. Book clubs are fun, but they are not easy. I’ve learned a few rules for success. RULE #1: OWN THE LEADERSHIP ROLE You must read the entire book and prepare for the meeting. Once you’ve read the book, use AI to summarize it and then edit and refine the output to match your understanding. As a leader, you probably tend to overprepare. Be patient. Some participants will lack experience with deep reading. College faculty often work with students who are not used to reading and resist reading anything longer than short excerpts. Many use AI to summarize everything and are accustomed to attending class with only a shallow understanding of the content. Set a standard by discussing specific ideas in depth. Do not assign these ideas as homework. Remember to contextualize them. Millennials and Gen Z were born after 1980. You will know who the readers are. They will offer valuable insights that go well beyond the book. Hopefully, it inspires the rest to match the group’s effort. RULE #2: READ ORIGINAL THINKERS Before pursuing an MBA, I earned a PhD in Anthropology. Completing a PhD involves reading vast amounts of work by original thinkers. I’ve read everyone from Plato to Machiavelli to Karl Marx to Stephen Jay Gould. When I entered business school, I found it odd that management scholars wrote most of the material we read about businesspeople, rather than by businesspeople about their own views and experiences in business. Many business students don’t find academic work relevant. Increasingly, they do not read books by leaders with fascinating lives, such as Alfred P. Sloan and Andrew Grove, who struggled with problems relevant today. Alfred P. Sloan Jr. (1875–1966), for example, ran GM from the 1920s through World War II, an era of incredible technological development. Sloan transformed a large, diverse group of businesses into a professionally managed company. In his book, My Years with General Motors, he grapples with the challenges of decentralization with coordinated control, his phrase for the tricky balancing act that spurs growth by encouraging decentralization for initiative and speed, while maintaining some central coordination for economies and strategic consistency. Andrew Grove (1936–2016), a cofounder and CEO of Intel, was one of the most influential technology executives of the 20th century. Grove’s philosophy, described in Only the Paranoid Survive, helped him guide Intel through a difficult pivot. The book’s real treasure, however, is his 1996 analysis of whether the internet created a Strategic Inflection Point—a moment when a company’s fundamentals change so profoundly that old assumptions no longer hold. My students laughed when they realized no one really knew what would happen with the internet, but they also recognized the value of learning from Grove and applying his methods to artificial intelligence and future technologies. RULE #3: RELY ON FACTS, NOT ATTACKS Shallow reading and social media encourage us to stop thinking at the first sign of outrage. Business book clubs do not bash or nitpick leaders. They promote discussions of universal human challenges and how, as champions of free enterprise, we can bring our best to the ongoing effort to improve the human condition. Leaders will need to keep discussions fact-based and free from personal attacks. Sheryl Sandberg’s 2013 book, Lean In, for example, is full of useful ideas for women in the workforce. Unfortunately, participants may only hear her ideas dismissed as corporate, privileged, and faux feminism. Lean In is now more than a decade old. Instead of criticizing Sandberg, isn’t it more interesting to explore real data on what’s improved and where the work still needs to be done? FINAL THOUGHTS Book clubs are both rewarding and challenging. I look forward to book club meetings and hearing what Wake Forest students take away from reading. A business-focused book club is an excellent way to connect with early-career workers and address skills gaps. Helping others develop the habit of reading is one of the best gifts you can give to the next generation. Christina Elson is the executive director for the John A. Allison Center for the Study of Capitalism at Wake Forest University. View the full article

In relation to enhancing customer satisfaction, crafting effective service surveys is vital. By including five fundamental questions, you can gather valuable insights. Start by evaluating response times, resolution effectiveness, representative attitude, solution clarity, and the likelihood of recommendations. Each question serves a specific purpose, helping you identify strengths and weaknesses in your service approach. Comprehending these aspects can lead to significant improvements, but how can you implement these questions effectively in your surveys? Key Takeaways How satisfied are you with the speed of our initial response to your inquiry? Were your issues resolved on the first contact? Please rate the effectiveness of the solution provided. How would you rate the attitude and professionalism of the representative you interacted with? On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend our services to others? What specific improvements would you suggest to enhance your experience with our products or services? Understanding Customer Expectations How well do you understand your customers’ expectations? Knowing what your customers expect is fundamental for tailoring your services effectively. Using a call center survey can pinpoint specific expectations around response times, service quality, and product features. By asking the right customer service survey questions, you can gather important feedback that highlights what matters most to your customers. Research indicates that 70% of customers view their overall experience as a key factor in satisfaction, making it critical to align your services with these expectations. Regularly evaluating customer expectations allows you to adapt to shifting preferences and market trends, ensuring your business remains competitive. Consistently meeting these expectations can greatly boost customer retention rates, with studies showing that even a 5% retention increase can improve profits by 25% to 95%. This strategic approach not only fosters customer loyalty but also drives your business’s success. Measuring Satisfaction With Customer Service Measuring satisfaction with customer service is vital for comprehending how well your business meets customer needs. Effective customer service surveys should include questions about responsiveness, problem resolution, and the attitude of your representatives. These aspects provide valuable insights into overall satisfaction levels. One popular metric is the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), which allows you to quantify satisfaction by asking customers to rate their service experience on a scale. Focus your surveys on specific interactions, such as the speed of the initial response and the effectiveness of issue resolution. This targeted approach helps identify areas for improvement in customer support. Regularly analyzing this feedback enables you to track trends over time, leading to improved service strategies and better customer experiences. A remarkable 5% increase in customer retention can greatly boost profits, making it crucial to prioritize satisfaction measurement in your customer service efforts. Evaluating Responsiveness and Resolution Effectiveness Evaluating responsiveness and resolution effectiveness is fundamental for comprehending the efficiency of your customer service team. Start by measuring the speed of your initial responses to inquiries, as this can markedly impact customer satisfaction levels. Incorporating survey questions that gauge customers’ perceptions of your team’s responsiveness is imperative; using scales can help quantify satisfaction levels effectively. Moreover, assess resolution effectiveness through metrics like the percentage of issues resolved on the first contact. This measure indicates both efficiency and overall quality of customer service. Gathering feedback about whether representatives provided clear and actionable solutions is equally important for identifying training needs. Finally, analyze data on hold times and follow-up actions to uncover operational bottlenecks. This analysis can reveal areas where responsiveness can be improved, ultimately leading to enhanced customer experiences and satisfaction rates. Gathering Feedback on Product and Service Quality To maintain a high standard of customer satisfaction, gathering feedback on product and service quality plays a crucial role in pinpointing areas that need improvement. You should include specific questions in your surveys that address product usability, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction. This will provide measurable insights into customer experiences. Incorporating open-ended questions is significant, as they allow customers to express detailed opinions and suggestions, uncovering qualitative insights that quantitative data might miss. Moreover, tracking customer satisfaction scores (CSATs) helps you monitor perceptions of product and service quality over time, enabling adjustments to your strategies as needed. Regularly analyzing feedback on quality reveals trends that can inform product development, improve service delivery, and eventually lead to increased customer loyalty. Assessing Likelihood to Recommend How likely are your customers to recommend your product or service to others? This question is pivotal in evaluating customer loyalty and satisfaction, commonly measured using the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Customers rate their likelihood on a scale of 0 to 10, allowing you to categorize them as Promoters, Passives, or Detractors. NPS Score Range Customer Category Implication 9-10 Promoters Likely to promote 7-8 Passives Neutral, not engaged 0-6 Detractors May harm reputation High NPS indicates strong loyalty and correlates with business growth. Regularly measuring this metric helps track customer sentiment over time and provides insights from Detractors, allowing you to pinpoint areas needing improvement. By focusing on these insights, you can improve the overall customer experience effectively. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Questions for Customer Service Satisfaction Survey? When creating a customer service satisfaction survey, consider including questions like, “How satisfied are you with our initial response speed?” and “How well did we resolve your issue?” You should likewise ask, “How would you rate the overall quality of our service?” Open-ended questions, such as “What suggestions do you have for improvement?” can provide useful insights. Finally, assess customer loyalty with, “How likely are you to recommend our service to others?” What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The 3 C’s of customer satisfaction are Consistency, Communication, and Care. Consistency guarantees you deliver the same service quality every time, building trust. Communication involves sharing clear and timely information, which helps manage customer expectations. Care means genuinely addressing customer needs and feedback, making them feel valued. What Are 5 Good Survey Questions? To create effective survey questions, consider these five: First, ask, “How satisfied are you with our service?” This assesses overall satisfaction. Second, inquire, “How responsive were our representatives?” This evaluates their speed and efficiency. Third, use, “How well did we resolve your issue?” to measure problem-solving skills. Fourth, include, “How likely are you to recommend us?” to gauge loyalty. Finally, ask, “What suggestions do you have for improvement?” for valuable feedback. What Are Some Good Customer Service Questions to Ask? To improve your customer service, consider asking questions that address key aspects of the experience. You might ask, “How satisfied are you with the speed of our initial response?” or “Did our representative understand your issue well?” Furthermore, open-ended questions like, “What can we do to improve your experience?” can yield valuable insights. Using a Likert scale for rating professionalism can likewise help you gauge customer perceptions effectively. Conclusion Incorporating these five crucial questions into your customer service surveys can greatly improve satisfaction levels. By evaluating response time, resolution effectiveness, representative attitude, solution clarity, and likelihood to recommend, you can gather valuable insights. These insights not only emphasize areas for improvement but also promote customer loyalty. In the end, comprehending and addressing customer expectations through targeted feedback helps improve service quality, ensuring a more positive experience for your clients and encouraging repeat business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Essential Questions for Customer Service Surveys to Boost Satisfaction" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In relation to enhancing customer satisfaction, crafting effective service surveys is vital. By including five fundamental questions, you can gather valuable insights. Start by evaluating response times, resolution effectiveness, representative attitude, solution clarity, and the likelihood of recommendations. Each question serves a specific purpose, helping you identify strengths and weaknesses in your service approach. Comprehending these aspects can lead to significant improvements, but how can you implement these questions effectively in your surveys? Key Takeaways How satisfied are you with the speed of our initial response to your inquiry? Were your issues resolved on the first contact? Please rate the effectiveness of the solution provided. How would you rate the attitude and professionalism of the representative you interacted with? On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend our services to others? What specific improvements would you suggest to enhance your experience with our products or services? Understanding Customer Expectations How well do you understand your customers’ expectations? Knowing what your customers expect is fundamental for tailoring your services effectively. Using a call center survey can pinpoint specific expectations around response times, service quality, and product features. By asking the right customer service survey questions, you can gather important feedback that highlights what matters most to your customers. Research indicates that 70% of customers view their overall experience as a key factor in satisfaction, making it critical to align your services with these expectations. Regularly evaluating customer expectations allows you to adapt to shifting preferences and market trends, ensuring your business remains competitive. Consistently meeting these expectations can greatly boost customer retention rates, with studies showing that even a 5% retention increase can improve profits by 25% to 95%. This strategic approach not only fosters customer loyalty but also drives your business’s success. Measuring Satisfaction With Customer Service Measuring satisfaction with customer service is vital for comprehending how well your business meets customer needs. Effective customer service surveys should include questions about responsiveness, problem resolution, and the attitude of your representatives. These aspects provide valuable insights into overall satisfaction levels. One popular metric is the Customer Satisfaction Score (CSAT), which allows you to quantify satisfaction by asking customers to rate their service experience on a scale. Focus your surveys on specific interactions, such as the speed of the initial response and the effectiveness of issue resolution. This targeted approach helps identify areas for improvement in customer support. Regularly analyzing this feedback enables you to track trends over time, leading to improved service strategies and better customer experiences. A remarkable 5% increase in customer retention can greatly boost profits, making it crucial to prioritize satisfaction measurement in your customer service efforts. Evaluating Responsiveness and Resolution Effectiveness Evaluating responsiveness and resolution effectiveness is fundamental for comprehending the efficiency of your customer service team. Start by measuring the speed of your initial responses to inquiries, as this can markedly impact customer satisfaction levels. Incorporating survey questions that gauge customers’ perceptions of your team’s responsiveness is imperative; using scales can help quantify satisfaction levels effectively. Moreover, assess resolution effectiveness through metrics like the percentage of issues resolved on the first contact. This measure indicates both efficiency and overall quality of customer service. Gathering feedback about whether representatives provided clear and actionable solutions is equally important for identifying training needs. Finally, analyze data on hold times and follow-up actions to uncover operational bottlenecks. This analysis can reveal areas where responsiveness can be improved, ultimately leading to enhanced customer experiences and satisfaction rates. Gathering Feedback on Product and Service Quality To maintain a high standard of customer satisfaction, gathering feedback on product and service quality plays a crucial role in pinpointing areas that need improvement. You should include specific questions in your surveys that address product usability, effectiveness, and overall satisfaction. This will provide measurable insights into customer experiences. Incorporating open-ended questions is significant, as they allow customers to express detailed opinions and suggestions, uncovering qualitative insights that quantitative data might miss. Moreover, tracking customer satisfaction scores (CSATs) helps you monitor perceptions of product and service quality over time, enabling adjustments to your strategies as needed. Regularly analyzing feedback on quality reveals trends that can inform product development, improve service delivery, and eventually lead to increased customer loyalty. Assessing Likelihood to Recommend How likely are your customers to recommend your product or service to others? This question is pivotal in evaluating customer loyalty and satisfaction, commonly measured using the Net Promoter Score (NPS). Customers rate their likelihood on a scale of 0 to 10, allowing you to categorize them as Promoters, Passives, or Detractors. NPS Score Range Customer Category Implication 9-10 Promoters Likely to promote 7-8 Passives Neutral, not engaged 0-6 Detractors May harm reputation High NPS indicates strong loyalty and correlates with business growth. Regularly measuring this metric helps track customer sentiment over time and provides insights from Detractors, allowing you to pinpoint areas needing improvement. By focusing on these insights, you can improve the overall customer experience effectively. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Questions for Customer Service Satisfaction Survey? When creating a customer service satisfaction survey, consider including questions like, “How satisfied are you with our initial response speed?” and “How well did we resolve your issue?” You should likewise ask, “How would you rate the overall quality of our service?” Open-ended questions, such as “What suggestions do you have for improvement?” can provide useful insights. Finally, assess customer loyalty with, “How likely are you to recommend our service to others?” What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The 3 C’s of customer satisfaction are Consistency, Communication, and Care. Consistency guarantees you deliver the same service quality every time, building trust. Communication involves sharing clear and timely information, which helps manage customer expectations. Care means genuinely addressing customer needs and feedback, making them feel valued. What Are 5 Good Survey Questions? To create effective survey questions, consider these five: First, ask, “How satisfied are you with our service?” This assesses overall satisfaction. Second, inquire, “How responsive were our representatives?” This evaluates their speed and efficiency. Third, use, “How well did we resolve your issue?” to measure problem-solving skills. Fourth, include, “How likely are you to recommend us?” to gauge loyalty. Finally, ask, “What suggestions do you have for improvement?” for valuable feedback. What Are Some Good Customer Service Questions to Ask? To improve your customer service, consider asking questions that address key aspects of the experience. You might ask, “How satisfied are you with the speed of our initial response?” or “Did our representative understand your issue well?” Furthermore, open-ended questions like, “What can we do to improve your experience?” can yield valuable insights. Using a Likert scale for rating professionalism can likewise help you gauge customer perceptions effectively. Conclusion Incorporating these five crucial questions into your customer service surveys can greatly improve satisfaction levels. By evaluating response time, resolution effectiveness, representative attitude, solution clarity, and likelihood to recommend, you can gather valuable insights. These insights not only emphasize areas for improvement but also promote customer loyalty. In the end, comprehending and addressing customer expectations through targeted feedback helps improve service quality, ensuring a more positive experience for your clients and encouraging repeat business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Essential Questions for Customer Service Surveys to Boost Satisfaction" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Social media platform invests in equivalent to OpenClaw that aims to seamlessly carry out everyday tasks for usersView the full article

Proposed appointment of Emmanuel Moulin as central bank governor faces intense scrutiny in parliament View the full article

With a focus on cultivating a strong company culture, SurveyMonkey has unveiled strategies that could be game-changers for small business owners looking to enhance employee engagement and align their teams with company values. In their latest initiative, the company reports significant increases in employee agreement that their organizational culture reflects clearly defined values, with a remarkable 23-point rise following the implementation of these tactics. The heart of this initiative is a newly introduced “Living Our Values” survey, designed to be a continuous feedback loop within the workplace. This survey allows employees to recognize their peers who exemplify the company’s core values, fostering a culture where those values are actively lived out and celebrated. This not only aids in reinforcing the values but also boosts morale and connectivity among team members. One of the key takeaways for small business owners is the practical application of this feedback mechanism. By creating a platform where employees can highlight positive behaviors that align with the company’s values, small businesses can maintain visibility and relevance of these values over time. This is crucial in an environment where employees may often feel disconnected from the company’s mission and vision. Moreover, the integration of employee recognition into celebrations reinforces what those values look like in practice. When an employee acknowledges a teammate’s contribution, they can tie that recognition back to a specific company value. This approach not only validates individual contributions but also provides a clear picture of what values in action look like, making them tangible and relatable to all employees. Yet, while the system is straightforward, small business leaders should consider potential challenges before implementation. Time and resources may be considerations, particularly for smaller teams that may struggle to balance day-to-day operations with additional initiatives. Furthermore, it can be challenging to develop a culture of consistent recognition without it feeling forced or disingenuous. Small business owners will need to invest time in fostering an environment where feedback is both welcomed and regularly practiced. Engagement plays a crucial role in this model; maintaining an open line for recognition will require commitment from both leadership and employees. Leaders must ensure that feedback is encouraged and that recognition becomes a normative part of the workplace culture, rather than a sporadic occurrence. The positive implications of adopting such a framework could be substantial, especially in industries where employee morale directly affects productivity. Creating a culture centered around shared values can enhance loyalty, reduce turnover, and ultimately contribute to business growth. As the report indicates, fostering a culture that reflects company values can convert abstract ideals into real-world benefits, resulting in a more cohesive and motivated workforce. With increasing competition for talent and the pressing need to retain skilled workers, small businesses must be innovative in their approach to culture and employee engagement. Initiatives like SurveyMonkey’s “Living Our Values” survey offer a practical blueprint for building a values-driven workplace that can keep team members aligned and motivated. As small business owners reflect on these insights, it becomes evident that the journey towards cultivating an engaged workforce anchored in shared values requires intentional effort. Incorporating systems for recognition and reinforcement can transform workplace dynamics, making company values a living, breathing part of everyday interactions. For more insights on creating and implementing company values, you can read the full details on SurveyMonkey’s approach here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SurveyMonkey Boosts Workplace Culture with Innovative Values Recognition Program" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

With a focus on cultivating a strong company culture, SurveyMonkey has unveiled strategies that could be game-changers for small business owners looking to enhance employee engagement and align their teams with company values. In their latest initiative, the company reports significant increases in employee agreement that their organizational culture reflects clearly defined values, with a remarkable 23-point rise following the implementation of these tactics. The heart of this initiative is a newly introduced “Living Our Values” survey, designed to be a continuous feedback loop within the workplace. This survey allows employees to recognize their peers who exemplify the company’s core values, fostering a culture where those values are actively lived out and celebrated. This not only aids in reinforcing the values but also boosts morale and connectivity among team members. One of the key takeaways for small business owners is the practical application of this feedback mechanism. By creating a platform where employees can highlight positive behaviors that align with the company’s values, small businesses can maintain visibility and relevance of these values over time. This is crucial in an environment where employees may often feel disconnected from the company’s mission and vision. Moreover, the integration of employee recognition into celebrations reinforces what those values look like in practice. When an employee acknowledges a teammate’s contribution, they can tie that recognition back to a specific company value. This approach not only validates individual contributions but also provides a clear picture of what values in action look like, making them tangible and relatable to all employees. Yet, while the system is straightforward, small business leaders should consider potential challenges before implementation. Time and resources may be considerations, particularly for smaller teams that may struggle to balance day-to-day operations with additional initiatives. Furthermore, it can be challenging to develop a culture of consistent recognition without it feeling forced or disingenuous. Small business owners will need to invest time in fostering an environment where feedback is both welcomed and regularly practiced. Engagement plays a crucial role in this model; maintaining an open line for recognition will require commitment from both leadership and employees. Leaders must ensure that feedback is encouraged and that recognition becomes a normative part of the workplace culture, rather than a sporadic occurrence. The positive implications of adopting such a framework could be substantial, especially in industries where employee morale directly affects productivity. Creating a culture centered around shared values can enhance loyalty, reduce turnover, and ultimately contribute to business growth. As the report indicates, fostering a culture that reflects company values can convert abstract ideals into real-world benefits, resulting in a more cohesive and motivated workforce. With increasing competition for talent and the pressing need to retain skilled workers, small businesses must be innovative in their approach to culture and employee engagement. Initiatives like SurveyMonkey’s “Living Our Values” survey offer a practical blueprint for building a values-driven workplace that can keep team members aligned and motivated. As small business owners reflect on these insights, it becomes evident that the journey towards cultivating an engaged workforce anchored in shared values requires intentional effort. Incorporating systems for recognition and reinforcement can transform workplace dynamics, making company values a living, breathing part of everyday interactions. For more insights on creating and implementing company values, you can read the full details on SurveyMonkey’s approach here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "SurveyMonkey Boosts Workplace Culture with Innovative Values Recognition Program" 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. As a headphone reviewer, not a lot of headphones outside of the flagship Sony, Bose, and Apple models get me excited. However, the JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx headphones not only got me excited when I first heard of them, but I started using them over my Sony 1000XM6 as my go-to headphones. The Tour One M3s are down to $299.95 (originally $449.95), their lowest price ever, according to price-tracking tools. This is a great deal for these headphones, which I deemed my favorite travel headphones in my review. JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx - Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones with Smart Transmitter, Hi-Res Audio (3.5mm or USB-C), Spatial 360 Sound with Head Tracking & 70Hrs of Playback (Mocha) $0.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $0.00 at Amazon SEE -2 MORE Everything from design to the features on the Tour One M3 was made with travel in mind. The headphones are very light, which, along with the comfortable soft earcups and headband, makes them great for wearing for long periods of time. I was able to wear these on a long flight without feeling any kind of fatigue. Feeling like you're not wearing any headphones is the gold standard for comfort, and the Tour One M3 nails that aspect. The battery life is also impressive, with up to 70 hours with ANC off and 40 hours with it on. The travel case is compact, convenient, and has extra storage for the audio transmitter, which is the best feature of the Tour One M3. This is a high-quality, low-latency audio transmitter. You can essentially make anything that you can plug an AUX cable, USB, or USB-C port into stream high-quality 24-bit audio wirelessly to the Tour One M3. The main way most people will use these headphones is by plugging them into the in-flight entertainment, which lets you watch movies in high-quality LDAC with ANC. But I've also been able to use them to watch TV. The Tour One M3 Smart Tx are incredible traveling headphones, especially at $300, and I recommend them to anyone who values comfort, battery life, simplicity, and likes the idea of the audio transmitter. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple 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) Fitbit Versa 4 Fitness Smartwatch (Black) — $149.95 (List Price $199.95) Apple iPad 11" A16 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Silver, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Anker Nano 45W 10,000mAh Compact Power Bank With Retractable Cable — $59.99 (List Price $59.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Economic uncertainty weighed on risk appetite, but the current performance of the non-QM market is "durable," Angel Oak leaders said in an earnings call. View the full article

OpenAI is taking the next step in building its ChatGPT ads platform — introducing self-serve buying, CPC bidding and improved measurement to bring more advertisers into the ecosystem What’s happening. Ads in ChatGPT are moving beyond a limited pilot, with new ways for businesses to buy and manage campaigns. Advertisers can now access inventory through agency and tech partners — or directly via a new beta Ads Manager rolling out in the U.S. This marks a shift from a controlled test environment to a more scalable ad platform. Why we care. Until now, access to ChatGPT ads has been restricted and expensive, limiting participation to large advertisers. These updates lower the barrier to entry, opening the door for SMBs, startups and a wider range of brands to test the channel. At the same time, introducing CPC bidding brings ChatGPT closer to established performance platforms, allowing advertisers to optimise for actions — not just impressions. Self-serve Ads Manager. The new Ads Manager gives advertisers direct control over campaigns, including budgeting, bidding, creative uploads and performance tracking. While still in beta, it signals OpenAI’s intention to build a full-service ad platform — not just a partner-led ecosystem. Between the lines. This is a familiar playbook. Platforms typically start with high-touch, partner-led campaigns before moving to self-serve tools that unlock scale. ChatGPT is now entering that second phase. CPC bidding arrives. Previously, ChatGPT ads were sold on a CPM basis. The addition of CPC means advertisers can now align spend with user actions — a critical step for performance marketers. Given the nature of ChatGPT queries — often exploratory, comparative and decision-driven — clicks could become a strong proxy for intent. Measurement catches up. OpenAI is also rolling out pixel-based tracking and a Conversions API, allowing advertisers to measure actions like purchases, sign-ups and leads. Importantly, this data is aggregated, with no access to individual conversations — reinforcing OpenAI’s emphasis on privacy. Why this is a big deal. Measurement has been one of the biggest gaps in early ChatGPT ads. Without it, advertisers struggled to justify spend. These updates begin to close that gap and make optimisation more viable. The ecosystem grows. OpenAI is also expanding its partner network, working with agencies like WPP and Publicis Groupe, as well as tech platforms such as Criteo and Adobe. This allows advertisers to buy ChatGPT ads through tools and workflows they already use. What to watch: How quickly self-serve adoption scales Whether CPC performance holds as competition increases How measurement evolves to match advertiser expectations Bottom line. ChatGPT ads are moving from experiment to platform — and with self-serve tools, CPC bidding and better measurement, OpenAI is laying the groundwork for scale. View the full article

Earlier this year, Google announced Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), a protocol to allow AI-agents to buy directly from search. This went live only in Google’s AI Mode interface in February. But now, it seems to be rolling out in the main Google Search results where there are retailers that support UCP. What it looks like. Brodie Clark posted a screenshot, which I can replicate, of the UCP-powered “Buy” button in the product detail overlay within Google Search, specifically for the retailer Wayfair. Here is his screenshot: Clicking the Buy button will connect your Google checkout account with Wayfair and make the purchase without having to go to the Wayfair website to checkout. About UCP. UCP establishes a shared language between AI agents and commerce systems, removing the need for custom integrations across agents or platforms. UCP works with existing standards (e.g., Agent2Agent, Agent Payments Protocol, and Model Context Protocol). Google co-developed it with partners including Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, and Target. More than 20 additional companies across retail and payments have already endorsed it. Why we care. A lot of people are saying AI-agents are the future of the web, well, here is a clear sign of how agents can help retailers make money. While Wayfair did not get any traffic from Google for this query, and there is no click, 0 click-through rates from Google Search. There was an impression in Google Search that led to a purchase without any clicks to the web site. This won’t necessarily stop all searchers for wanting to visit the site and learn more about the product before purchasing. Just like it doesn’t stop all buyers from going into a physical store to touch and feel the product before purchasing. But some may just click “Buy” and never visit your site. Now that it is rolling out in the main search results, it is something to keep a closer eye on. View the full article

When influencer and entrepreneur Emma Chamberlain stepped out on the carpet at the 2026 Met Gala, it was in a swirl of acrylic ink and thick, glossy paint. She looked like a painting come to life—as if, with each next step, a prismatic smear of color might follow in her wake. Chamberlain was wearing a custom-made Mugler gown by creative director Miguel Castro Freitas. But what laid on top of the dress’ expert construction is what turned it into a head-turning spectacle: The entire piece was painstakingly handpainted, from hem to neckline, by artist Anna Deller-Yee. She relied entirely on real fine art supplies to achieve the final look, a process that took 40 hours of painting, four days of drying time, and a six-foot-long shipping crate to transport the resulting gown from Paris to New York City. The theme of this year’s Met Gala, which took place on May 4, was “Fashion is Art.” The concept was inspired by “Costume Art,” an exhibition at the Met celebrating the “centrality of the dressed body” through depictions and interpretations of the human form. Several celebrities took this theme to its most logical endpoint by directly recreating works of art, including Lauren Sánchez Bezos as John Singer Sargent’s Madame X, Gracie Abrams as Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of Adele Block-Bauer I, and Madonna as The Temptation Of St. Anthony. Fragment II. Chamberlain took a different approach. Rather than reinterpreting a single piece of art, her garment pulls inspiration from a wide body of Impressionist and Expressionist works, aiming to capture their focus on visible brushstrokes and atmosphere. The final product turned Chamberlain into a kind of canvas, transforming each detail of Deller-Yee’s craft into a statement in its own right. Building on a history of fine art and fashion Deller-Yee first began her career as a print designer for the Italian apparel brand Marni in 2021. She specializes in hand-painted prints, alternating between creating works that can be digitally scanned and painting directly onto finished garments, depending on the project. Deller Yee’s uniquely analog process has since catapulted her work into the global spotlight, including through partnerships with Nike; Nicki Minaj, whose 2024 Met Gala outfit she designed in collaboration with Marni; and Anna Wintour herself. She is now represented by creative agency Hugo & Marie as part of its in-house artist bureau. For her second-ever Met Gala project, Deller-Yee says Castro Freitas, who she’s worked with as a Mugler collaborator since 2024, approached her directly. “When Miguel arrived [at Mugler], we started to work together on prints, and the work became more and more elaborate, and also more and more intimate, in terms of really sitting down with him and understanding his vision for the brand,” Deller-Yee says. One day, she recalls, she received a message from the Mugler team about an upcoming opportunity to collaborate on a gown for the Met Gala. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s a huge amount of trust to place on somebody that you’ve only known for a few seasons,’ but I could already feel that we were getting along very well,” she says. “[Castro Fretias and I] are very close in a lot of ways that we think about creativity. This collaboration felt very natural—there was nothing in it that felt forced.” Finding inspiration On the red carpet, Chamberlain’s dress looked like it had just been pulled from an artist’s grasp, with its glistening, three-dimensional swatches of paint, visible brushstrokes, and almost wet-looking hem. According to Deller-Yee, that was part of the original design remit. “There was a lot of materiality in work, and that’s what Emma wanted: to literally feel like she’s a painting,” Deller-Yee says. Castro Fretias’ vision for the dress was crafted in collaboration with Chamberlain and Jared Ellner, her stylist. They pulled artistic inspiration from Impressionist and Expressionist paintings; archival Thierry Mugler looks like his glittering La Chimère and Butterfly dresses from 1997; paintings made by Chamberlain’s father, who is an oil and watercolor artist; and Deller-Yee’s own portfolio. “They wanted to have this specific look that I have in my own work, which is this contrast and clash between very watery, runny paint, and extremely thick and almost sculptural-looking impasto brush strokes,” Deller-Yee says. To achieve a truly painted look, Deller-Yee opted to use only traditional fine-art supplies on the dress. But the first—and most daunting—challenge, she says, was to actually spread the dress out in her Paris studio, given that it’s made of hundreds of meters of fabric. “When it arrived, I was like, ‘Oh my God, that dress is so giant,’” Deller-Yee says. “Up until that point, I had only seen renderings of it, and it was just the front view—I didn’t realize that it had such a long train on it too. And I was like, ‘This is so much fabric—this is the largest thing I’ve ever painted before.’” Giving Emma Chamberlain’s gown 3D texture Her first step was to mount the dress on a large cardboard form that helped separate the skirt into workable planes. From there, she sprayed down the entire lower half of the gown with water and began applying highly pigmented acrylic ink with light brushstrokes, starting with lighter hues and building up to the darker shades. In between layers, she continuously sprayed the whole piece again, creating the illusion that each piece of the skirt was melting into the next. Once the skirt was complete, Deller-Yee moved on to the upper half of the garment. For this piece, she switched to using acrylic paint mixed with a thickening gel, which she applied in a chunky, yellow-blue swirl up the flank of the gown and over the chest. The very last details were a series of small, almost imperceptible white flowers at the neckline of the gown, as well as delicate sleeves of fringe painted in a dark blue. When Chamberlain finally arrived on the runway, the dress felt like a celebration of the uniquely human joy to be found in the evidence of an artist’s craft. “One of the things that people have said to me is that the dress deeply touched them—they were really just in awe of it,” Deller-Yee says. “To me, in the specific times that we live in right now, which are extremely turbulent and bring so much ugliness with them, it’s beautiful to be able to make people dream and show them a sense of wonder.” View the full article

If you’re looking to improve your editing workflow, consider integrating five strong tools into your process. Kdenlive offers robust video editing and color grading features that can raise your projects. Meanwhile, GIMP and Inkscape provide exceptional graphic design capabilities for visual content. HandBrake simplifies video optimization, and Photoprism helps keep your files organized. Finally, free sound libraries can greatly enhance your audio quality. These tools could transform your editing experience, but how do you choose the right ones for your needs? Key Takeaways Kdenlive offers extensive video editing capabilities with features like unlimited tracks, audio effects, and advanced color grading tools for professional results. GIMP provides powerful photo editing and graphic design tools, enabling the creation of overlays and lower thirds to enhance video content visually. Inkscape specializes in vector graphics, ideal for designing logos and illustrations, ensuring high-quality visuals without costly software. HandBrake facilitates efficient video optimization and transcoding, supporting multiple formats and features like batch processing for streamlined workflows. Photoprism enhances file management and organization, allowing easy browsing and tagging of media projects while ensuring data privacy and security. Kdenlive: Comprehensive Video Editing and Color Grading Kdenlive stands out as a robust tool for video editing and color grading, offering users a versatile platform to create high-quality projects. This open-source video editing software supports unlimited audio and video tracks, enabling extensive timeline editing. Its built-in audio editor improves your projects with effects like EQ and noise reduction. With advanced features like chroma keying and motion tracking, you can achieve precise edits and dynamic visuals. Keyframing allows you to animate effects effectively, as your color grading options using RGB curves help you refine your footage for cinematic looks. Kdenlive’s compatibility across various operating systems makes it accessible for everyone, from beginners to seasoned professionals, ensuring a thorough video editing experience that meets diverse needs. GIMP and Inkscape: Creating Stunning Static Graphics In the domain of video production, having visually appealing static graphics can improve the overall quality of your projects. GIMP and Inkscape are two of the best graphic design apps free of charge, perfect for creating stunning visuals. GIMP, a strong photo editing app, allows you to design lower thirds, overlays, and PNG stills, whereas Inkscape specializes in vector graphics for logos and illustrations that maintain quality at any size. Both tools are actively supported by the community, ensuring you have access to the latest features. By using these graphic artist apps, you can notably cut costs, gaining advanced capabilities without expensive software licenses. This combination offers a thorough toolkit for enhancing your video content through exceptional graphics. HandBrake: Optimizing and Transcoding Your Videos HandBrake serves as a robust tool for enhancing and transcoding your videos, making it an essential part of any video production workflow. This free and open-source video transcoder allows you to convert video files into various formats, perfect for platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. With its advanced features, you can: Resize videos to fit specific resolutions Crop unwanted portions for a cleaner look Utilize subtitle options for accessibility Adjust video quality and bitrate for peak results Use batch processing to streamline multiple conversions Photoprism: Efficient File Management and Organization After optimizing your videos with HandBrake, you’ll want an efficient system to manage and organize your media files. Photoprism serves as a self-hosted library that improves file management, allowing you to easily browse and organize exported projects and reference media. It provides thumbnail previews and metadata tagging, so you can filter and search for specific assets swiftly. This tool supports various file formats, making it compatible with different media types, including images and videos. By automating the organization process, Photoprism reduces the time spent searching for files during your video editing projects. With a focus on privacy, you control your data without relying on third-party cloud services, ensuring your creative work remains secure during the use of photo editing software and photography editing apps. Free Sound Libraries: Enhancing Audio With Royalty-Free Music and Effects Finding the right audio to complement your video projects is crucial, and free sound libraries offer an excellent solution for sourcing royalty-free music and sound effects. These libraries provide access to high-quality sound without the risk of copyright infringement, making them invaluable for editors. Here are some benefits of using free sound libraries: Vast collections across various genres Easy search by mood, tempo, or instruments Licensing agreements that clarify commercial use Ability to improve storytelling through audio engagement Access to high-quality sound effects that raise production value Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Recommended Editing Workflow? To establish a recommended editing workflow, start with thorough pre-production planning, setting clear goals and timelines. During production, guarantee you capture high-quality footage and organize your assets effectively. Shift to post-production by using editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro. Incorporate collaboration tools for feedback and communication, and optimize your videos before final rendering. This structured approach will amplify your efficiency and improve the overall quality of your projects. What Editing Software Do Most Editors Use? Most editors prefer software like Adobe Premiere Pro for its extensive features and seamless integration with other Adobe applications. If you’re a Mac user, Final Cut Pro might appeal to you because of its intuitive interface and advanced capabilities. DaVinci Resolve is likewise popular, especially for color correction, whereas iMovie serves beginners well with its easy-to-use tools. Open-source options like Kdenlive and Shotcut are great for those on a budget, offering solid functionalities. What Are the 5 Steps of the Editing Process? The editing process consists of five crucial steps. First, you import and organize your assets, gathering all clips and audio into a structured library. Next, you create a rough cut, arranging clips on the timeline for a basic narrative flow. Then, you’ll fine-tune the edit by trimming and adjusting pacing. After that, you add effects, titles, and audio. Finally, you export and optimize the video for distribution on various platforms. What Is the Basic Editing Workflow? The basic editing workflow begins with organizing and importing your raw footage into editing software. You’ll then arrange the clips on a timeline, trimming them to create a coherent narrative flow. Simultaneously, you’ll edit the audio to improve sound quality, applying techniques like noise reduction. After the initial cut, you’ll add effects and shifts, followed by color grading and rendering in the post-production stage, ensuring the final video is polished for distribution. Conclusion Incorporating these potent editing tools into your workflow can greatly improve your content creation process. Kdenlive, GIMP, and Inkscape offer advanced capabilities for video editing and graphic design, as HandBrake guarantees your videos are optimized for any platform. Photoprism streamlines project organization, and free sound libraries provide high-quality audio options. By utilizing these tools effectively, you can boost your productivity and creativity, leading to more polished and engaging content that resonates with your audience. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Editing Tools That Transform Your Editor Workflow" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to improve your editing workflow, consider integrating five strong tools into your process. Kdenlive offers robust video editing and color grading features that can raise your projects. Meanwhile, GIMP and Inkscape provide exceptional graphic design capabilities for visual content. HandBrake simplifies video optimization, and Photoprism helps keep your files organized. Finally, free sound libraries can greatly enhance your audio quality. These tools could transform your editing experience, but how do you choose the right ones for your needs? Key Takeaways Kdenlive offers extensive video editing capabilities with features like unlimited tracks, audio effects, and advanced color grading tools for professional results. GIMP provides powerful photo editing and graphic design tools, enabling the creation of overlays and lower thirds to enhance video content visually. Inkscape specializes in vector graphics, ideal for designing logos and illustrations, ensuring high-quality visuals without costly software. HandBrake facilitates efficient video optimization and transcoding, supporting multiple formats and features like batch processing for streamlined workflows. Photoprism enhances file management and organization, allowing easy browsing and tagging of media projects while ensuring data privacy and security. Kdenlive: Comprehensive Video Editing and Color Grading Kdenlive stands out as a robust tool for video editing and color grading, offering users a versatile platform to create high-quality projects. This open-source video editing software supports unlimited audio and video tracks, enabling extensive timeline editing. Its built-in audio editor improves your projects with effects like EQ and noise reduction. With advanced features like chroma keying and motion tracking, you can achieve precise edits and dynamic visuals. Keyframing allows you to animate effects effectively, as your color grading options using RGB curves help you refine your footage for cinematic looks. Kdenlive’s compatibility across various operating systems makes it accessible for everyone, from beginners to seasoned professionals, ensuring a thorough video editing experience that meets diverse needs. GIMP and Inkscape: Creating Stunning Static Graphics In the domain of video production, having visually appealing static graphics can improve the overall quality of your projects. GIMP and Inkscape are two of the best graphic design apps free of charge, perfect for creating stunning visuals. GIMP, a strong photo editing app, allows you to design lower thirds, overlays, and PNG stills, whereas Inkscape specializes in vector graphics for logos and illustrations that maintain quality at any size. Both tools are actively supported by the community, ensuring you have access to the latest features. By using these graphic artist apps, you can notably cut costs, gaining advanced capabilities without expensive software licenses. This combination offers a thorough toolkit for enhancing your video content through exceptional graphics. HandBrake: Optimizing and Transcoding Your Videos HandBrake serves as a robust tool for enhancing and transcoding your videos, making it an essential part of any video production workflow. This free and open-source video transcoder allows you to convert video files into various formats, perfect for platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. With its advanced features, you can: Resize videos to fit specific resolutions Crop unwanted portions for a cleaner look Utilize subtitle options for accessibility Adjust video quality and bitrate for peak results Use batch processing to streamline multiple conversions Photoprism: Efficient File Management and Organization After optimizing your videos with HandBrake, you’ll want an efficient system to manage and organize your media files. Photoprism serves as a self-hosted library that improves file management, allowing you to easily browse and organize exported projects and reference media. It provides thumbnail previews and metadata tagging, so you can filter and search for specific assets swiftly. This tool supports various file formats, making it compatible with different media types, including images and videos. By automating the organization process, Photoprism reduces the time spent searching for files during your video editing projects. With a focus on privacy, you control your data without relying on third-party cloud services, ensuring your creative work remains secure during the use of photo editing software and photography editing apps. Free Sound Libraries: Enhancing Audio With Royalty-Free Music and Effects Finding the right audio to complement your video projects is crucial, and free sound libraries offer an excellent solution for sourcing royalty-free music and sound effects. These libraries provide access to high-quality sound without the risk of copyright infringement, making them invaluable for editors. Here are some benefits of using free sound libraries: Vast collections across various genres Easy search by mood, tempo, or instruments Licensing agreements that clarify commercial use Ability to improve storytelling through audio engagement Access to high-quality sound effects that raise production value Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Recommended Editing Workflow? To establish a recommended editing workflow, start with thorough pre-production planning, setting clear goals and timelines. During production, guarantee you capture high-quality footage and organize your assets effectively. Shift to post-production by using editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro. Incorporate collaboration tools for feedback and communication, and optimize your videos before final rendering. This structured approach will amplify your efficiency and improve the overall quality of your projects. What Editing Software Do Most Editors Use? Most editors prefer software like Adobe Premiere Pro for its extensive features and seamless integration with other Adobe applications. If you’re a Mac user, Final Cut Pro might appeal to you because of its intuitive interface and advanced capabilities. DaVinci Resolve is likewise popular, especially for color correction, whereas iMovie serves beginners well with its easy-to-use tools. Open-source options like Kdenlive and Shotcut are great for those on a budget, offering solid functionalities. What Are the 5 Steps of the Editing Process? The editing process consists of five crucial steps. First, you import and organize your assets, gathering all clips and audio into a structured library. Next, you create a rough cut, arranging clips on the timeline for a basic narrative flow. Then, you’ll fine-tune the edit by trimming and adjusting pacing. After that, you add effects, titles, and audio. Finally, you export and optimize the video for distribution on various platforms. What Is the Basic Editing Workflow? The basic editing workflow begins with organizing and importing your raw footage into editing software. You’ll then arrange the clips on a timeline, trimming them to create a coherent narrative flow. Simultaneously, you’ll edit the audio to improve sound quality, applying techniques like noise reduction. After the initial cut, you’ll add effects and shifts, followed by color grading and rendering in the post-production stage, ensuring the final video is polished for distribution. Conclusion Incorporating these potent editing tools into your workflow can greatly improve your content creation process. Kdenlive, GIMP, and Inkscape offer advanced capabilities for video editing and graphic design, as HandBrake guarantees your videos are optimized for any platform. Photoprism streamlines project organization, and free sound libraries provide high-quality audio options. By utilizing these tools effectively, you can boost your productivity and creativity, leading to more polished and engaging content that resonates with your audience. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Editing Tools That Transform Your Editor Workflow" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Senate Republicans have added $1 billion in White House security upgrades to legislation that would fund immigration enforcement agencies, a proposed boost for President Donald The President’s ballroom project after a man was charged with trying to assassinate him at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner last week. The GOP bill released late Monday would designate the money for the U.S. Secret Service for “security adjustments and upgrades” related to the ballroom project, which The President and Republicans have been pushing since Cole Tomas Allen allegedly stormed the April 25 media dinner at the Washington Hilton with guns and knives. The legislation says the money would support enhancements to the ballroom project, “including above-ground and below-ground security features,” but also specifies that the money may not be used for non-security elements. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle praised Republicans for including the money for the “long overdue” project, saying it would “provide the United States Secret Service with the resources they need to fully and completely harden the White House complex, in addition to the many other critical missions for the USSS.” The money is part of a larger bill to pay for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, as Democrats have been blocking funds for both agencies since mid-February. Congress passed bipartisan legislation to fund the rest of the Homeland Security Department on April 30 after a record-long shutdown, but Republicans are using a partisan budget maneuver to push through the ICE and Border Patrol dollars on their own. The House has not released its bill yet, but the Senate is expected to start voting on its version of the legislation next week. It is unclear exactly how the $1 billion would be used, and the amount far exceeds the proposed $400 million for construction of the ballroom. The White House has said in court documents that the East Wing project would be “heavily fortified,” including bomb shelters, military installations and a medical facility underneath the ballroom. The President has said it should include bulletproof glass and be able to repel drone attacks. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to block construction of the project, but a federal appeals court said last month that it can continue in the meantime. The White House has said that private money would pay for the construction but public money would be used for security measures. Some Republicans have suggested that public money pay for all of it, arguing the security breach at the dinner shows the president needs a secure place to host events. “It would be insane” to hold the dinner at a hotel again, said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, who introduced a bill to pay for the ballroom’s construction with Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala. Democrats have said they will oppose any efforts to pay for the ballroom. “While Americans are struggling to make ends meet as a result of President The President’s failed policies, Republicans are focused on providing tens of billions of dollars for the President’s vanity ballroom project and cruel mass deportation campaign,” said Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, which oversees the U.S. Secret Service. —Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report. View the full article

Imagine you launched a product in November 2025. Within four months, Jensen Huang had spotlighted it from the NVIDIA GTC stage, 188k (and counting) developers starred it on GitHub, and hundreds of fans show up to a lobster-themed conference dressed for the occasion. The last point, I admit, is only relevant to OpenClaw. What this agent software has achieved in just a few months has astounded and unsettled the AI world. Open source, freely available and community-built, is undoubtedly the weightier part of that story. But spend any time in the online chatter around OpenClaw and another theme surfaces: it runs on-device. No cloud subscription required and no data leaving the building. Anyone can run an AI agent from their own hardware, entirely under their own control. Though local LLMs mean accepting some reduction in output quality, a trade-off the adoption numbers suggest many users are making deliberately. This appetite has been building for years. What we are witnessing is the sweet spot where the hardware and models finally caught up with the demand. What it means for enterprise strategy, regulated industries, and the security of every endpoint in your organization is less obvious than it first appears. THE SUBSTRATE CHANGED UNDER EVERYONE’S FEET The reason this is happening now comes down to hardware. Neural processing units are standard on professional laptops, and AI models have become lean enough to run locally—no data center required. Gartner forecasts AI PCs will make up 55% of the market in 2026, which means the devices your procurement team bought last cycle almost certainly carry this capability, whether your AI strategy has caught up or not. The implication for business leaders is significant: sensitive, compliance-critical work can finally stay off the cloud entirely. THE RULES ARE CHANGING Working closely with the teams building these tools, I’ve seen what changes when the data residency problem is solved, particularly in Voice AI. Voice AI is one of the hardest (and most unforgiving) real-world AI tasks to run on-device. It includes accents, background noise, overlapping speakers, and variable recording conditions. For years, enterprise-grade accuracy required audio to leave the device. That was the trade-off every regulated industry accepted because there was no other option. That trade-off is now gone. Leading on-device speech recognition now operates within 5% relative accuracy of cloud models. On modern hardware, these systems can process an hour of complex audio in approximately 55 seconds. Before, every AI decision came with conditions: what the cloud permitted, what compliance allowed, what latency users would tolerate. On-device removed these constraints. Once the ceiling lifts, several things change structurally. Privacy will become architectural, not contractual. The guarantee moves from a promise not to look to proof that the data never left the device. Compliance and auditing will shift. Without a centralized log, organizations need new frameworks for demonstrating what ran, where, and on whose authority. The cost structure will change at scale. Cloud compute is billed by usage. On-device, the hardware is already purchased. For large workforces, that converts a variable cost into a fixed one. What this means is that on-device is no longer a contingency in the executive conversations I have. It is the strategy. OPENCLAW’S OTHER LESSON As Openclaw’s ecosystem grew, so did its attack surface. VirusTotal’s February 2026 research identified hundreds of actively malicious extensions across the skills marketplace. Snyk’s ToxicSkills analysis further found prompt-injection techniques in 36% of scanned skills, while 13.4% contained at least one critical-level security issue. There were also multiple stories of major companies banning the framework entirely as governance concerns mounted. On-device AI is dangerous. Risk depends on what the AI is doing. Speech recognition running locally presents a different threat model to an agent that can take automated actions. OpenClaw’s vulnerabilities were amplified by its ability to execute. Moving intelligence to the endpoint changes the attack surface, and that demands a different kind of governance than most organizations have built. This is solvable, because the governance frameworks built for cloud AI already give us a blueprint. The challenge now is adapting them early rather than retrofitting them after deployment. THE LAST MILE The era of AI as a distant service is ending. The alternative to the cloud finally works. Intelligence is moving to where the work happens and where the decision cannot wait for a network round-trip. The industries that spent years accepting that trade-off no longer have to. The hardware is already in your employees’ bags. If you haven’t begun defining your on-device AI strategy, this is the year to start—the shift is already underway. Katy Wigdahl is the CEO at Speechmatics. View the full article

Shares of Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC) stock rose over 13% Tuesday on news that Apple is considering using the chipmaker, along with Samsung Electronics Co, to produce processors for its devices in the U.S., Bloomberg reported. The previously ailing stock has made a turnaround in the last few months, and hit an all-time high on Tuesday, above $100 a share. Apple (AAPL) shares were up just over 1% as of this writing midday on Tuesday, following that report and after last week’s strong second quarter earnings results, which were fueled by “extraordinary demand” for the iPhone 17 lineup. Outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook called it the company’s “best March quarter ever,” with revenue coming in at $111.2 billion and “double-digit growth across every geographic segment.” Today’s news could solve the tech giant’s reliance on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. for its chips, opening it up to other options. On a conference call with analysts on Thursday, Cook said high demand for its products was causing supply constraints for the advanced technology needed to produce its devices, the Associated Press reported—and according to Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry, Intel’s AI chips are “several years ahead of TSMC.” As for the details of the potential deal, Bloomberg reported Apple “has had early-stage talks” with Intel, and executives have made visits to a Samsung plant in the works in Texas. The Korea Stock Exchange, where Samsung trades under the ticker 005930.KS. (KRX), was closed on Tuesday. Intel financials Intel’s gains on Tuesday mark a 55-year-high for the tech stock, which jumped 114% last month and is up a whopping 200% year-to-date. Intel has a market cap of $542.9 billion as of this writing, beating its previous market-cap record of $501.51 billion set on Aug. 31, 2000, per MarketWatch. View the full article

At First Women’s Bank, we’ve spent a lot of time analyzing the care economy. What we have observed is that the healthcare sector has emerged as more than just a category; it is a cornerstone of the modern, mission-based women’s economy. We see the immense value women physicians contribute to their communities, while also recognizing the challenges that can come with traditional employment models. While studies estimate female physicians earn $2 million less than male physicians throughout their respective careers, we consider both the social impact of this gap and where economic improvement is possible. The surge of women starting their own practices signals that the era of simply following traditional paths is changing. We see this movement as being driven by three essential motivations that allow women to bypass systemic hurdles. 1) Ownership is an investment in potential future wealth. It provides financial agency and the opportunity to access capital to grow a practice. A higher immediate salary isn’t a guarantee, but keeping women in the driver’s seat of their careers is. 2) Private practice ownership offers the freedom to lead. Starting a practice can create a clearer path to leadership, allowing women to shape their careers more directly. 3) Ownership enables purpose-driven care. Many women are driven by a personal mission and values that do not always align with the rigid structures of large-scale medical employers. Ownership grants the freedom to deliver care in a way that honors those specific values and personal missions. While we see practice ownership as a path to financial independence for female physicians, there is a lending gap that must be addressed. HOW TO BRIDGE THE CAPITAL GAP The gender lending gap is a stark disparity: women own 14 million businesses but receive only 16% of commercial bank loans and 4.4% of total small business loan dollars. In many cases, fixing the gender lending gap starts with addressing the confidence gap that many women across all industries face when financing and launching a business for the first time. While securing the right funding is essential, it is just as critical for women to have access to educational resources and support systems that help them navigate the challenges of practice ownership. These alliances play a key role in easing the natural friction that comes with building and running a business. For female physicians to become successful entrepreneurs, they need to be equipped with a specific set of advocacy and business tools. These include: Financial literacy resources Growth capital A peer community Research-backed professional development When the industry addresses the leadership gap at every stage, from medical school through senior executive roles, because financial independence is most powerful when it’s paired with institutional change. That is one reason why our alignment with Women in Medicine® (WIM) is so vital. Founder Shikha Jain, MD, shares our belief that when women physicians are financially independent, they have the power to stay in the driver’s seat of their careers and the healthcare system at large. THE BOTTOM LINE As more women open their own practices, we are seeing a shift toward greater agency in how physicians structure their careers and deliver care to their communities. Ownership offers one pathway for those seeking more control. Marianne Markowitz is president and CEO of First Women’s Bank. View the full article