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Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald The President’s administration must continue to fund SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island gave the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or in full for November. The rulings came a day before the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to freeze payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program because it said it could no longer keep funding it due to the shutdown. The program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and is a major piece of the nation’s social safety net — and it costs about $8 billion per month nationally. Democratic state attorneys general or governors from 25 states, as well as the District of Columbia, challenged the plan to pause the program, contending that the administration has a legal obligation to keep it running in their jurisdictions. The administration said it wasn’t allowed to use a contingency fund with about $5 billion in it for the program, which reversed a USDA plan from before the shutdown that said money would be tapped to keep SNAP running. The Democratic officials argued that not only could that money be used, but it must be. They also said a separate fund with around $23 billion is available for the cause. In Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell ruled from the bench in a case filed by cities and nonprofits that the program must be funded using at least the contingency funds, and he asked for an update on progress by Monday. Along with ordering the federal government to use emergency reserves to backfill SNAP benefits, McConnell ruled that all previous work requirement waivers must continue to be honored. The USDA during the shutdown has terminated existing waivers that exempted work requirements for older adults, veterans and others. “The court’s ruling protects millions of families, seniors, and veterans from being used as leverage in a political fight and upholds the principle that no one in America should go hungry,” Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said of the Rhode Island decision. There were similar elements in the Boston case, where U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani ruled in a written opinion that the USDA has to pay for SNAP, calling the suspension “unlawful.” She ordered the federal government to advise the court by Monday as to whether they will use the contingency funds to provide reduced SNAP benefits for November or fully fund the program “using both contingency funds and additional available funds. “Defendants’ suspension of SNAP payments was based on the erroneous conclusion that the Contingency Funds could not be used to ensure continuation of SNAP payments,” she wrote. “This court has now clarified that Defendants are required to use those Contingency Funds as necessary for the SNAP program.” It wasn’t immediately clear how quickly the debit cards that beneficiaries use to buy groceries could be reloaded after the ruling. That process often takes one to two weeks. The rulings are likely to face appeals. States, food banks and SNAP recipients have been bracing for an abrupt shift in how low-income people can get groceries. Advocates and beneficiaries say halting the food aid would force people to choose between buying groceries and paying other bills. The majority of states have announced more or expedited funding for food banks or novel ways to load at least some benefits onto the debit cards used in the program. At a Washington news conference earlier Friday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, whose department runs SNAP, said the contingency funds in question would not cover the cost of SNAP for long. Speaking at a press conference with House Speaker Mike Johnson at the Capitol, she blamed Democrats for conducting a “disgusting dereliction of duty” by refusing to end their Senate filibuster as they hold out for an extension of health care funds. A push this week to continue SNAP funding during the shutdown failed in Congress. To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a family of four’s net income after certain expenses can’t exceed the federal poverty line, which is about $31,000 per year. Last year, SNAP provided assistance to 41 million people, nearly two-thirds of whom were families with children. —Michael Casey, Geoff Mulvihill, and Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro contributed. View the full article

A voluntary layoff? In this economy? The mass layoff meat grinder is out in full force this week. In just the past couple of days, thousands of workers have fallen victim to job cuts at Amazon, Target, Paramount, CBS, and other large companies. YouTube has also quietly introduced voluntary exit packages for employees who are willing to be laid off with severance benefits, according to an internal memo first reported by Alex Heath’s Sources AI newsletter. Adding words like “opt in” or “voluntary” in front of separation, retirement, and severance packages is the new way to soft-launch layoffs, in the hope of making the idea of losing one’s job slightly more palatable to employees. (Also, why not just call these things what they are: buyouts?) These programs are not new, and saw a resurgence of popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a few months extra pay, healthcare coverage, and other employment services such as career counseling, to sugarcoat what is, in most cases, bad news. Not everyone is buying the idea. “Framing a layoff as a “Voluntary Career Transition” is wild,” one X user wrote in response to news of potential layoffs ahead at video game developer Massive Entertainment. As they enter a period of restructuring, the Ubisoft subsidiary is instead asking staff to volunteer for “career transition.” “Impressive word salad for a severance package,” one X user replied. “Next up: ‘Mandatory Sabbatical of Indefinite Length,’” another quipped. The voluntary nature of some buyout programs gives employees the illusion of control over their fate. “The reality of opt-in layoffs is psychological and emotional outsourcing,” Holly Howard, founder of Ask Holly How, a culture-first business consultancy, told Fast Company. “It’s a bit of a PR strategy to avoid what might be a complicated and negative narrative and instead transfer that burden onto the employees themselves.” In some cases, it works well. For those with jobs already lined up, coming up to retirement, or already halfway out the door, it can be seen as the lesser of two evils. For those who choose not to opt in, however, the writing is on the wall. They run the risk of ultimately being laid off down the line, but without any of those benefits to ease the blow. “Anytime a company offers this, I’ve learned to take it,” one Reddit user responded in the r/Layoffs subreddit to the news of YouTube’s voluntary exit packages. “One company I had did this, and I didn’t take it. Then they started doing rolling layoffs without severance, and it was incredibly toxic working there while waiting for the axe.” Another suggested: “They are great for the current employees, but these are still people without a job added to the unemployed market.” They continued: “Voluntary or involuntary, unemployment is still bad.” More than 1 in 4 workers without jobs have been unemployed for at least half a year. That number is the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic, and a level typically only seen during periods of economic turmoil, The Washington Post reported. Each day brings more layoff news. For those clinging desperately to their jobs, voluntary exit packages may be about as reassuring as rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. View the full article

It’s certainly been a spooky week for the Walt Disney Co. and Google. The two corporations are in the midst of a carriage dispute that has resulted in a blackout of Disney’s networks on Google-owned YouTube TV, leaving viewers unable to access popular channels including ESPN and ABC. Disney began notifying viewers on October 23 about the dispute and warning that its networks could be removed from the pay-TV streaming platform. All of that came to a head in the last 48 hours as the two parties failed to come to an agreement on a new deal, and YouTube TV began removing Disney’s networks about 30 minutes before the previous carriage deal expired at midnight Eastern time. One area of contention between the two seems to be around pricing, with Disney asking for rate hikes that Google isn’t agreeing to. A number of YouTube TV subscribers complained on social media about having their access cut, with some noting how the situation is reminiscent of the contract battles that have long plagued cable television. “I’ll never forget how liberating it was in 2018 to cut the cord & subscribe to YouTube TV,” John Martin, a radio host on sports station 92.9 FM ESPN, wrote on X, adding that “Nothing good ever lasts, kids.” “I wish cable just figured it out,” another wrote. “[This] should be the time they try to win others back but basically are like, hold my beer. hah,” another user wrote on X. Still another said: “I just switched and now I have to find ANOTHER streaming platform,” yet another user added. Companies play the blame game Reached for comment, Google directed Fast Company to a statement released by YouTube on Thursday. “Last week Disney used the threat of a blackout on YouTube TV as a negotiating tactic to force deal terms that would raise prices on our customers,” the post on YouTube’s blog read. “They’re now following through on that threat, suspending their content on YouTube TV. This decision directly harms our subscribers while benefiting their own live TV products, including Hulu + Live TV and Fubo.” The post continued to say that while the situation is a “frustrating and disappointing outcome” for YouTube TV subscribers, the company said it was urging Disney to work “constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV.” If an agreement wasn’t reached and the content remained off YouTube TV, Google said it would offer subscribers a $20 credit. Disney, meanwhile, is pointing the finger at Google, accusing the tech giant of “using its market dominance to eliminate the competition and undercut the industry-standard terms” that it says it has already negotiated with other distributors. “Unfortunately, Google’s YouTube TV has chosen to deny their subscribers the content they value most by refusing to pay fair rates for our channels, including ESPN and ABC,” a Disney spokesperson said. “Without a new agreement in place, their subscribers will not have access to our programming, which includes the best lineup in live sports – anchored by the NFL, NBA, and college football, with 13 of the top 25 college teams playing this weekend.” On Friday, a memo was shared with Disney Entertainment and ESPN employees from Disney Entertainment co-chairs Dana Walden and Alan Berg and ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro, regarding YouTube TV. The memo, obtained by Fast Company, reiterated a similar sentiment as the statement. The three executives wrote that Google’s actions “make clear how little regard they have for their customers and are consistent with an attitude which has been prevalent throughout our negotiations — YouTube TV and its owner, Google, are not interested in achieving a fair deal with us.” “The bottom line is that our channels are extremely valuable, and we can only continue to program them with the sports and entertainment viewers love most if we stand our ground against tactics that threaten the integrity of our business and the value of our creative work,” the note concluded. Which channels are being blacked out? The networks impacted and being removed from YouTube TV include ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, Freeform, FX, FXX, FXM, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, SEC Network, Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, ABC News Live, ACC Network, and Localish, as well as ESPN Deportes, Baby TV Español and Nat Geo Mundo for those with the Spanish plan. This isn’t the first time that corporations have butted heads over the distribution of television content, nor is it the first time that YouTube TV has gotten into disputes with other entertainment giants. Paramount Global (now Paramount Skydance), Fox Corporation, and NBCUniversal all recently battled with the streaming service, though the latter three were able to eventually reach a deal to avert a blackout. YouTube TV also previously dropped Univision and other TelevisaUnivision-owned networks in September after the two parties could not come to an agreement. Meanwhile, Disney and Charter Communications had a public dispute over a renewal in 2023 though the two parties were able to resolve the problem to avert a blackout. The impact on subscribers Experts in the industry said those who suffer most from these ongoing carriage renewal disputes are the customers. Brandon Katz, director of insights and content strategy at Greenlight Analytics, said that while carriage disputes have always been present in the linear pay-TV era, the fragmentation of current at-home entertainment makes the lapses much more noticeable, especially when dealing with sports broadcast rights that are strewn across the small-screen ecosystem. “When consumers are juggling multiple subscriptions, often directed by access to specific content such as sports channels, their removal causes added friction,” Katz told Fast Company. “That friction often leads to a temporary spike in cancellations and, in this instance, perhaps a short-term bump in ESPN Unlimited and/or Disney Bundle sign-ups. Convenience, cost and access rule consumer decision-making in the convoluted streaming era.” YouTube TV is estimated to be the fourth-largest multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD) in the United States, rivaling traditional cable providers with around 10 million subscribers. That means it wields enormous leverage, although Katz did point out that blackouts caused from disputes like this typically don’t last too long. “Even when these disputes result in a blackout, they don’t usually extend past a couple weeks,” Katz said. “I fully expect YouTube TV and Disney to reach a deal in the near future. However, the increasing frequency of these disputes and the over-extended nature of sports rights these days makes it particularly frustrating for consumers, who ultimately vote with their wallets.” View the full article

Some creditors want an independent trustee involved in car parts maker’s bankruptcy processView the full article

Ted Bundy had courtroom groupies. Jeffrey Dahmer and Richard Ramirez were sent love letters in prison. Now, in the age of social media, thousands like, share, and thirst in the comments over stylized fan edits of serial killers. There’s a term for this psychological phenomenon: hybristophilia. A new study has found a connection between young women’s engagement with this type of TikTok content and their sexual attraction to criminals. Those who liked or repeatedly watched clips glorifying notorious serial killers such as Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer or fictional villains like Joe Goldberg from Netflix’s “You,” scored higher for hybristophilia, than those who scrolled past, according to the peer-reviewed research published in the journal Deviant Behavior, the only journal that specifically and exclusively addresses social deviance. The findings also indicate that personality traits like Machiavellianism and psychopathy are strong predictors of these tendencies. Previous research on hybristophilia often focused on women already in relationships with convicted offenders. Instead, researchers at the University of Huddersfield, aimed to explore how this attraction emerges in younger generations, particularly through social media platforms like TikTok. The study analyzed 66 TikToks and 91 comments posted between 2020 and 2024, then surveyed nearly 100 female TikTok users aged 18 to 27, measuring hybristophilia levels, empathy and dark personality traits. As seen in the recent reaction to Healthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione, who has been obsessively idolized online and sent fan mail in prison, the halo effect can play in these killers favor. Conventionally attractive offenders like Mangione often have their crimes minimized, while researchers found comments like “Daddy” or “Smash” commonly used in reference to notorious serial killers. Some users even expressed what the study called a victim fantasy, with 7.6% of participants admitting to having sexual fantasies about “conventionally attractive” offenders like Bundy. In their research, the study’s authors found violent behaviors were often romanticized, recast as crimes of loyalty or passion. Some expressed the belief that love could reform the killers, a theme the researchers called “I Can Fix Him.” In some cases, social media users conflated the serial killers with their Hollywood counterparts, a phenomenon known as actor-offender transference. Attraction to actors like Zac Efron or Evan Peters, who played Bundy and Dahmer on-screen, then spilled into attraction to the real-life killers. For those concerned that innocently scrolling social media will suddenly have them fantasizing about serial killers, don’t fear. The study found exposure to content romanticizing offenders on a social media feed did not by itself predict an attraction to criminals. Only when users engaged in the content by watching, commenting, or otherwise interacting, did a link present itself. View the full article

Amazon is leading the U.S. stock market on Friday to the finish of another winning week and month. The S&P 500 was virtually flat after giving up a modest gain from the morning. The index is still near its all-time high set on Tuesday, and it’s on track to close a third straight winning week and a sixth straight winning month, which would be its longest monthly winning streak since 2021. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 102 points, or less than 0.2%, as of 1 p.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was 0.4% higher. Amazon led the way after jumping 10.3%. The retail giant was by far the strongest force pushing upward on the market after reporting profit for the latest quarter that blew past analysts’ expectations. CEO Andy Jassy said growth for its booming cloud-computing business has reaccelerated back to a pace it hasn’t seen since 2022. Because Amazon is so massive, worth roughly $2.4 trillion, its stock movements carry more weight on the S&P 500 than almost any other company’s. Another highly influential stock, Apple, was having less of an effect even though it’s bigger than Amazon. Apple, which is worth more than $4 trillion, was swinging between modest gains and losses and was most recently up 0.1%. It likewise delivered a better profit report than analysts expected, though by not as big a margin as Amazon did. CEO Tim Cook said it benefited from strong revenue for both its iPhone lineup and its services offerings, which include its app store. Elsewhere on Wall Street, online message board Reddit jumped 12.1% to erase losses from earlier in the week after reporting stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. Coinbase Global rose 6.8% after the crypto exchange’s profit likewise topped expectations. Outside of earnings reports, Netflix added 3.3% after the video streamer announced a move that could make its stock price more affordable but still leave all its investors holding the same amount. Netflix will undergo a 10-for-1 stock split, where it will give nine additional shares to every investor with one. They helped offset a 4.8% drop for AbbVie, even though the medicine maker reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than expected. Analysts pointed to how it’s beating forecasts by less than before, and expectations may have been high after AbbVie’s stock came into the day with a strong 28.4% gain for the year so far. The pressure is on companies to deliver strong growth in profits to justify the huge gains their stock prices have made since April. Criticism has been growing that the stock market has become too expensive. A day earlier, the S&P 500 slumped 1% as investors appeared unnerved by big increases in spending that Meta Platforms and Microsoft are planning as part of the investment spree underway in artificial-intelligence technology. Financial markets also appeared skeptical that President Donald The President’s trade truce with China would put an end to tensions between the two countries. Additional drops on Friday of 1.6% for Microsoft and 2.2% for Meta were two of the heaviest weights on the U.S. market. In stock markets abroad, indexes dipped in Europe following a mixed finish in Asia. Stocks fell 1.4% in Hong Kong and 0.8% in Shanghai after data showed factory activity in China contracted in October for a seventh straight month and at the fastest pace in six months. Japan’s Nikkei 225, meanwhile, jumped 2.1% to another record after a report showed industrial production rose more in September than expected. In the bond market, Treasury yields eased after their spurt higher in the middle of the week, when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that another cut to interest rates in December “is not a foregone conclusion — far from it.” The yield on the 10-year Treasury dipped to 4.09% from 4.11% late Thursday, but it’s still above the 3.99% level it was at before Powell’s warning. Other central banks have halted cuts to rates or hinted at pauses recently, and “it seems this is it for the 2025 easing season in developed economies,” economists at Bank of America wrote in a BofA Global Research report. —Stan Choe, AP business writer AP Business Writers Teresa Cerojano and Matt Ott contributed. View the full article

Vic Lombardo, new head of mortgage services, has identified growth ideas and new revenue streams for Motto Mortgage and Wemlo, Remax CEO Erik Carlson said. View the full article

YouTube TV viewers can no longer see Disney channels including ABC and ESPN after the two sides failed to agree on a new content distribution deal. Other channels that vanished from Google’s pay TV platform include the Disney Channel, FX, and Nat Geo. Google’s pay TV platform said in a blog post late Thursday that Disney had followed through on a threat to suspend its content amid the negotiations. The breakdown could impact coverage of some college football games on Saturday, as well as NBA, NFL, and NHL games. YouTube is the largest internet TV provider in the U.S. with more than 9 million subscribers. Hulu, owned by Disney, is next, with about half that many subscribers. Viewers have become aware of the dispute in recent weeks because of warnings being scrolled across their screens. YouTube said Disney used the threat of a blackout as a negotiating tactic that would have resulted in higher prices for its subscribers. Disney’s move to take down its content also benefits its own streaming products Hulu + Live TV and Fubo, YouTube said. “We know this is a frustrating and disappointing outcome for our subscribers and we continue to urge Disney to work with us constructively to reach a fair agreement that restores their networks to YouTube TV,” it said. YouTube said it would give subscribers a $20 credit if Disney content unavailable “for an extended period of time.” YouTube TV’s base subscription plan costs $82.99 per month. Disney said that YouTube TV is refusing to pay fair rates for its channels and has chosen to “deny their subscribers the content they value most,” pointing out the number of Top 25 teams playing this weekend. “With a $3 trillion market cap, Google is using its market dominance to eliminate competition and undercut the industry-standard terms we’ve successfully negotiated with every other distributor,” Disney said. The company said that it was committed to reaching a resolution as quickly as possible. View the full article

Check your medicine cabinet: A major pharmaceutical company has just recalled nearly 600,000 bottles of a blood pressure medication due to the potential presence of a potentially cancer-causing chemical. According to three different recall notices shared by the FDA, the New Jersey-based drugmaker Teva Pharmaceuticals USA has voluntarily recalled several lots of the blood pressure medication prazosin hydrochloride. Here’s what to know: What happened? According to the FDA’s reports, about 590,000 bottles of prazosin hydrochloride have been recalled due to “presence of N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C above the Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach (CPCA) acceptable intake limit.” Essentially, that means drug testing found that the affected bottles contained a concentration of nitrosamine—a potential carcinogen—that was above the acceptable levels established by the FDA. The FDA has categorized this recall as a Class II, meaning, “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” Which blood pressure medication was recalled? The recall includes bottles of Prazosin Hydrochloride in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg concentrations. There are three different recall numbers for each of these doses, cinlduing: D-0104-2026; 181,659 bottles of a 1 mg dosage D-0105-2026; 291,512 bottles of a 2 mg dosage D-0106-2026; 107,673 of a 5 mg dosage Full lot numbers for every affected batch of the medicine can be found here. What should I do if I have recalled medication? In a statement sent to NBC Chicago, Teva said that anyone with the affected medication should contact their pharmacy to determine what to do with the remaining quantities, and noted that it has already sent letters to its customers with instructions on returning the recalled product. The company added that it has not yet received any complaints about the medication. It’s important to note that, during similar cases in the past, the FDA has advised patients to continue taking these medications until they have an alternative, because a heart attack is a more immediate risk than cancer. Teva did not immediately respond to Fast Company‘s request for comment. View the full article

In a week when Nvidia’s value reached $5tn, investors in even the broadest index of global companies are now heavily exposed to the AI boomView the full article

Two regional central bank presidents say they would have kept interest rates on hold this weekView the full article

If you're in the Apple ecosystem, AirPods Pro are just about the best earbuds you can buy. They sound great, work across your various Apple devices, and ship with features like Adaptive Transparency and a built-in heart rate sensor. They're even FDA-certified hearing aids. Not bad for $249. But all those perks don't mean Apple's AirPods Pro are perfect. In fact, you can ask any of the customers complaining of a static noise coming from their AirPods Pro 3, when nothing is actually playing at all. As reported by MacRumors, it appears this is affecting some AirPods Pro 3 users when using Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Transparency, and Transparency modes, but only when there's no active audio playback. (That said, one user claims they can't even use their AirPods when they play music at 30 dB or below, because the static overtakes it.) Some users think the noise sounds like static, white noise, a hiss, rain, or like holding a seashell up to your ear, though it's not clear exactly what's causing it. There are varying reports as to whether both earbuds are equally affected, or whether the static comes through one earbud in particular, and resetting the AirPods doesn't appear to help. It can be tempting to read headlines like this and assume this is a problem plaguing AirPods Pro 3, but these types of anecdotal problems can be tough to gauge. Perhaps a small percentage of AirPods Pro 3 do indeed have this problem, and the affected users are vocal about it on forums and social media. However, I will say I'm a bit taken aback by the number of users who claim to be experiencing the issue in this Reddit thread. What to do if you hear static with your AirPods Pro 3If you're among those experiencing this issue, the first thing you should do is contact Apple Support. If you're able, take the AirPods directly to the Apple Store. There's no guarantee this will apply to everyone, but it seems Apple is swapping out affected AirPods for some users. According to this MacRumors contributor, the Apple Store specialist they talked to confirmed that Apple was directing employees to swap out affected units, even if they passed a diagnostic test. If true, that might suggest this is a hardware issue, one that Apple hasn't been able to identify yet. However, I'm holding out hope this is a software problem that Apple could fix with an update down the line. Speaking of software, the issue does seem to go away when you turn off noise controls. As a short-term solution, you could avoid using Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency modes, though that takes away quite a few features that make the AirPods Pro so appealing. View the full article

Earlier this week, I had AI handle all of my grocery shopping. Using Perplexity’s Comet browser, I provided a link to my shopping list on Google Keep, then asked it to put everything in my cart for a Kroger pick-up order, making sure to select previous purchase items when multiple options are available. Within a few minutes, Comet had picked out all the correct items—including the taco shells and fake meat we usually get for taco night—and plopped me onto the check-out page. This kind of scenario explains why so many AI companies are now trying to build their own browsers. Perplexity’s Comet and The Browser Company’s Dia both became widely available without an invite earlier this month, and OpenAI launched its own ChatGPT Atlas browser for MacOS last week. Opera has started previewing an AI-powered browser called Neon, and Microsoft Edge has an experimental “Copilot Actions” feature that can browse the web on your behalf. These browsers all promise to automate away the mundane aspects of navigating the internet, and there are moments—like when it deals with your grocery list—in which that seems pretty compelling. But these AI browsers also bring some serious security, privacy, and usability trade-offs that make me cautious about using them. This story first appeared in Advisorator, Jared’s weekly tech advice newsletter. Sign up to get more tips every Tuesday. What’s an AI browser, anyway? Most folks don’t think about web browsers all that much, but they’re incredibly important pieces of software. Swapping Chrome for a more privacy-oriented browser like Brave or DuckDuckGo, for instance, can sharply reduce how much data companies collect about you online, while power user browsers like Vivaldi can help you deal with tab overload. (See my browser field guide for more details.) AI browsers, meanwhile, aim to take the friction out of using AI. With ChatGPT Atlas, for instance, the default search box leads to ChatGPT instead of Google, and there’s an “Ask ChatGPT” button that answers questions about the current page in a chat sidebar. You can also ask for details from your other open tabs or dig up pages from your browsing history. Unless you’re constantly using AI, some of this stuff can seem superfluous. Opening ChatGPT or Claude in a browser tab (or using their dedicated mobile and desktop apps) isn’t that burdensome, and you can summarize a web page just by including a link in your query. What really makes AI browsers interesting, though, is their ability to interact with your personal context. For instance, I manage all my bookmarks in Raindrop.io. While reviewing my tech news bookmarks in ChatGPT Atlas, I asked for one-line summaries with links to each item, in the style of the weekly roundups in my newsletter. I still had to rewrite each summary, but Atlas at least got me started and saved me time copying and pasting links into the text. This was only possible because Atlas was signed into Raindrop and could see the contents of my bookmark list. More ambitiously, these browsers promise to navigate through web pages automatically. The AI companies call this “agentic” browsing (a term that makes me nauseous for reasons I can’t quite articulate). Getting Perplexity Comet to fill up my Kroger cart is one example, but here’s another: A couple months ago, I asked Comet to cancel my trial subscription to the airport concierge service Clear. I had already signed to Clear’s website, and from there Comet navigated the labyrinthine menu system, initiated a cancellation request, and then handled the mandatory customer support chat on its own. What would have been a five- or 10-minute process took seconds. (My wife’s AI-free cancellation experience went a lot differently.) I’ve been down on AI agents before, but I think there’s potential when they’re built into a browser you’re already using and are focused on reducing mindless busywork. What are the trade-offs? Here’s where I get stuck with these AI browsers, though: Most of the time, I don’t want to use them and am wary of doing so. Worst of all, these browsers are security minefields. A web page that looks benign to humans can include hidden instructions for AI agents, tricking them into stealing info from other sites—an attack method known as prompt injection. “If you’re signed into sensitive accounts like your bank or your email provider in your browser, simply summarizing a Reddit post could result in an attacker being able to steal money or your private data,” Brave’s security researchers wrote last week. No one has figured out how to solve this problem. If you can look past the security nightmares, the actual browsing features are substandard. Neither ChatGPT Atlas nor Perplexity Comet support vertical tabs—a must-have feature for me—and they have no tab search tool or way to look up recently-closed pages. Atlas also doesn’t support saving sites as web apps, selecting multiple tabs (for instance, to close all at once with Cmd+W), or customizing the appearance. Compared to all the fancy new AI features, the web browsing part can feel like an afterthought. Regular web search can also be a hassle, even though you’ll probably need it sometimes. When I typed “Sichuan Chili” into ChatGPT Atlas, it produced a lengthy description of the Chinese peppers, not the nearby restaurant whose website and number I was looking for. (These browsers should be more like Dia, which intelligently routes queries to either AI or Google based on what you ask for.) Meanwhile, the standard AI annoyances still apply in the browser. Getting Perplexity to fill my grocery cart felt like a triumph, but on other occasions the AI has run into inexplicable walls and only ended up wasting more time. There may be other costs to using these browsers as well. AI still has usage limits, and so all this eventually becomes a ploy to bump more people into paid tiers. Beyond that, Atlas is constantly analyzing the pages you visit to build a “memory” of who you are and what you’re into. Do not be surprised if this translates to deeply targeted ads as OpenAI starts looking at ways to monetize free users. How I’m handling it For now, I’m only using AI browsers in small doses when I think they can solve a specific problem. Even then, I’m not going sign them into my email, bank accounts, or any other accounts for which a security breach would be catastrophic. It’s too bad, because email and calendars are areas where AI agents could be truly useful, but the security risks are too great (and well-documented). That said, AI browsers have an air of inevitability now, especially with OpenAI entering the arena. While some browser makers may reject AI on principle—as Vivaldi has done—others like Chrome and Edge will continue borrowing ideas from the likes of Comet and Atlas, pulling them directly into their mainstream browsers. The reality is that you might soon be using an AI browser whether you intended to or not. This story first appeared in Advisorator, Jared’s weekly tech advice newsletter. Sign up to get more tips every Tuesday. View the full article

In 2023, several content marketing trends are emerging that you should be aware of. AI-driven content creation offers efficiency, whereas real-time personalization can greatly boost user engagement. Short-form video content is gaining traction, and optimizing for voice search is becoming crucial for visibility. Furthermore, user-generated content builds trust, and collaborating with micro-influencers can extend your reach. Comprehending these trends will help you adapt your strategies effectively. What else should you consider to stay ahead? Key Takeaways AI and Automation: Utilize AI tools for efficient content creation while ensuring human review for quality and brand voice consistency. Personalization: Implement real-time personalization strategies to enhance user engagement and drive revenue growth through customized content. Video Content Dominance: Focus on short-form videos, as they yield higher engagement rates and cater to consumer preference for quick, snackable content. Voice Search Optimization: Optimize content for voice search by using long-tail keywords and conversational language to meet changing user search behaviors. User-Generated Content: Leverage UGC and influencer collaborations to enhance authenticity, trust, and engagement, significantly impacting purchasing decisions. AI Content Creation and Automation AI content creation and automation are transforming the environment of digital marketing. With tools like ChatGPT and Jasper, you can generate large volumes of b2b content creation quickly while maintaining your brand’s voice through customized training. Nevertheless, human review is still vital to guarantee quality and authenticity, especially since 93% of marketers prioritize first-party data for effective campaigns. AI allows for the rapid repurposing of existing content into various formats, boosting productivity and maximizing content value. As marketing budgets tighten, these AI capabilities become fundamental, helping streamline processes and improve content production. Real-Time Personalization Strategies How can brands effectively connect with consumers in today’s fast-paced digital environment? Real-time personalization strategies are vital. By leveraging user behavior and interactions, you can dynamically customize content, boosting engagement rates by 20% compared to static methods. Tools like Bloomreach and Segment enable marketers to implement zero-data personalization, creating personalized experiences without extensive data collection. With 91% of consumers more likely to shop with brands that offer customized recommendations, adopting real-time approaches is critical for driving sales. Implementing tracking mechanisms for user behavior allows for immediate content adjustments, enhancing marketing message relevance. This data-driven personalization can lead to a 10-20% increase in revenue growth, making it a fundamental component of your b2b content marketing strategy. Short-Form and Video Content Dominance In a setting where real-time personalization strategies are reshaping consumer engagement, short-form video content has emerged as a potent tool for brands aiming to capture attention quickly. With 85% of viewers preferring videos under 15 seconds, this format achieves 2.5 times higher engagement rates than longer content. For b2b content marketing, embracing snackable videos is vital, as it meets consumers’ fast-paced consumption habits through quick, creative storytelling. Brands that invest in high-quality video production and repurpose existing content across various channels can greatly improve their reach. Moreover, live streaming encourages authenticity and real-time interaction, building consumer trust. Prioritizing short, engaging videos is critical for companies looking to capture and retain audience attention, ultimately driving higher conversion rates. Human-Centered User-Generated Content Human-centered user-generated content (UGC) is reshaping how brands connect with consumers by emphasizing authenticity. You’re likely to trust recommendations from peers over traditional ads, as 79% of people say UGC boosts their confidence in a brand. Authenticity Drives Engagement Although many brands rely on polished advertising to drive engagement, authenticity has emerged as a crucial factor in capturing consumer attention. With 79% of consumers saying user-generated content (UGC) influences their purchasing decisions more than traditional advertising, it’s clear that real experiences matter. Here are three reasons why you should prioritize authenticity in your b2b content marketing tactics: UGC campaigns can yield engagement rates 6.9 times higher than paid media. Collaborating with influencers improves perceived authenticity and broadens brand reach, as 91% of consumers trust peer recommendations. As skepticism regarding AI-generated content grows, 60% of consumers prefer brands showcasing genuine user experiences. Peer Influence on Trust As consumers navigate an increasingly crowded marketplace, the influence of peers has become a crucial factor in shaping their trust and buying decisions. User-generated content (UGC) considerably impacts these decisions, with 79% of people stating it affects their purchases, making it a essential aspect of your b2b content strategy. UGC outperforms traditional advertising, generating engagement rates 6.9 times higher, as brands using it see a 20% increase in ROI. Authenticity is key; 79% of consumers view UGC as more relatable and trustworthy. Collaborating with influencers can amplify this effect, as 60% of consumers trust their recommendations more than brand ads. Interactive Experiences and Tools Interactive experiences and tools are reshaping the landscape of content marketing by considerably enhancing user engagement and interaction. In the area of b2b content, these interactive formats not merely capture attention but additionally drive deeper connections. Here are three effective strategies: Quizzes and Polls: These formats can increase user participation by up to 70%, making your content more engaging. Augmented Reality (AR): Incorporating AR can boost conversion rates by 94%, allowing users to visualize products in real-time. Gamification: Implementing game-like elements leads to a 34% increase in customer loyalty and retention. Intentional Influencer Collaborations In today’s marketing environment, intentional influencer collaborations are crucial for building authentic relationships with your audience. By aligning brand values with the right influencers, you can co-create unique experiences that resonate deeply with consumers. This approach not only improves your brand’s storytelling but also nurtures trust, making it important for effective engagement in a discerning market. Building Authentic Relationships Building authentic relationships through intentional influencer collaborations is becoming essential for brands aiming to connect with their audience effectively. To maximize the impact of these partnerships, consider the following strategies: Choose the Right Influencers: Focus on micro and nano-influencers who share your brand values and have engaged audiences. Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage your audience to create content that showcases their experiences with your brand, enhancing trust and engagement. Prioritize Genuine Connections: Collaborate with influencers to co-create products or experiences that resonate with their followers, ensuring authenticity over mere reach. In the domain of B to B content marketing, these intentional collaborations can drive meaningful connections, ultimately leading to increased trust and ROI for your brand. Aligning Brand Values Aligning brand values with those of influencers is vital in today’s content marketing environment, especially as consumers increasingly seek authenticity in the brands they support. Intentional influencer collaborations can greatly improve your B2B marketing efforts. By partnering with micro and nano-influencers, you can tap into their engaged audiences, nurturing trust and loyalty. Effective collaborations often involve co-creating content that reflects shared values, which not only deepens your connection with consumers but also drives higher engagement rates. In addition, showcasing your commitment to social causes through these partnerships resonates deeply with audiences, as 83% believe brands should take a stand. In a setting where 64% of consumers have purchased through social media, aligning values is vital for successful marketing strategies. Co-Creating Unique Experiences Although many brands still rely on traditional marketing strategies, co-creating unique experiences through intentional influencer collaborations is proving to be a potent alternative. This approach not only improves authenticity but also builds genuine connections with audiences, aligning well with current b2b trends. Here are three key benefits of this strategy: Higher Engagement Rates: Micro and nano-influencers often yield better engagement, nurturing trust among their followers. Increased Sales: With 64% of consumers purchasing via social media, influencer partnerships can greatly drive sales and product discovery. Long-lasting Relationships: Campaigns that resonate with brand values encourage loyalty and enduring customer connections. Voice Search Optimization and SEO Strategies As voice search becomes an integral part of how people interact with technology, optimizing your content for this trend is vital to stay competitive. With a significant rise in question-based searches, focusing on conversational content is fundamental. Here’s a quick overview of strategies you should implement: Strategy Importance Tools to Use Optimize for Long-Tail Keywords Increases visibility in voice searches SEMrush‘s Voice Search Report Prioritize Mobile-Friendliness Guarantees quick loading for immediate answers Clearscope Understand Search Intent Aligns content with user expectations Google Analytics Frequently Asked Questions What’s Trending in Content Marketing? Right now, content marketing’s trending in the direction of hyper-personalization, as consumers prefer customized experiences. Short-form videos dominate platforms, capturing viewers’ attention more effectively than longer formats. Interactive content like quizzes improves engagement, making Quizzes more memorable. Furthermore, marketers increasingly partner with micro-influencers for authentic connections. Finally, first-party data is essential, especially with the decline of third-party cookies, as it helps personalize content and elevate overall marketing strategies. Stay informed to leverage these trends effectively. What Are the 5 C’s of Content Creation? The 5 C’s of content creation are Clarity, Consistency, Creativity, Connectivity, and Context. Clarity guarantees your message is easily understood, whereas Consistency builds brand recognition across platforms. Creativity allows your content to stand out and engage audiences, and Connectivity nurtures relationships and community with your audience. Finally, Context helps tailor your message to resonate with your target demographic. Together, these elements improve the effectiveness of your content marketing efforts. What Are the Future of Content Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025? In 2025, expect content marketing to heavily feature AI-driven hyper-personalization, enhancing consumer engagement. You’ll likely see a significant rise in programmatic advertising, boosting ROI for marketers using these technologies. Furthermore, immersive tech like AR and VR will redefine customer interactions, potentially increasing conversion rates. As third-party cookies fade, first-party data collection will become essential. Finally, video content, especially short-form and live videos, will remain a top choice for engaging consumers effectively. What Are the Top 3 Trends and Challenges Impacting Digital Advertising Platforms? The top three trends impacting digital advertising platforms include the rise of AI-driven programmatic advertising, which improves targeting and optimization; the shift in the direction of first-party data collection, essential as third-party cookies decline; and the growth of social commerce, integrating e-commerce features into advertising strategies. Challenges arise from increasing data privacy concerns, necessitating compliance with regulations like GDPR, and the difficulty in achieving hyper-personalization, as many campaigns still lack customized offerings in spite of consumer demand. Conclusion https://elements.envato.com/photos/content+marketing+ideas To stay ahead in content marketing, it’s crucial to embrace these seven trends. AI-driven tools can streamline content creation, whereas real-time personalization boosts user engagement. Short-form video continues to captivate audiences, and user-generated content builds trust. Focusing on interactive experiences improves brand connection, and collaborating with micro-influencers can expand your reach. Finally, optimizing for voice search is necessary for improved visibility. By adapting to these trends, you can guarantee your marketing strategies remain relevant and effective. Image via Envanto This article, "7 Game-Changing Content Marketing Trends to Watch" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In 2023, several content marketing trends are emerging that you should be aware of. AI-driven content creation offers efficiency, whereas real-time personalization can greatly boost user engagement. Short-form video content is gaining traction, and optimizing for voice search is becoming crucial for visibility. Furthermore, user-generated content builds trust, and collaborating with micro-influencers can extend your reach. Comprehending these trends will help you adapt your strategies effectively. What else should you consider to stay ahead? Key Takeaways AI and Automation: Utilize AI tools for efficient content creation while ensuring human review for quality and brand voice consistency. Personalization: Implement real-time personalization strategies to enhance user engagement and drive revenue growth through customized content. Video Content Dominance: Focus on short-form videos, as they yield higher engagement rates and cater to consumer preference for quick, snackable content. Voice Search Optimization: Optimize content for voice search by using long-tail keywords and conversational language to meet changing user search behaviors. User-Generated Content: Leverage UGC and influencer collaborations to enhance authenticity, trust, and engagement, significantly impacting purchasing decisions. AI Content Creation and Automation AI content creation and automation are transforming the environment of digital marketing. With tools like ChatGPT and Jasper, you can generate large volumes of b2b content creation quickly while maintaining your brand’s voice through customized training. Nevertheless, human review is still vital to guarantee quality and authenticity, especially since 93% of marketers prioritize first-party data for effective campaigns. AI allows for the rapid repurposing of existing content into various formats, boosting productivity and maximizing content value. As marketing budgets tighten, these AI capabilities become fundamental, helping streamline processes and improve content production. Real-Time Personalization Strategies How can brands effectively connect with consumers in today’s fast-paced digital environment? Real-time personalization strategies are vital. By leveraging user behavior and interactions, you can dynamically customize content, boosting engagement rates by 20% compared to static methods. Tools like Bloomreach and Segment enable marketers to implement zero-data personalization, creating personalized experiences without extensive data collection. With 91% of consumers more likely to shop with brands that offer customized recommendations, adopting real-time approaches is critical for driving sales. Implementing tracking mechanisms for user behavior allows for immediate content adjustments, enhancing marketing message relevance. This data-driven personalization can lead to a 10-20% increase in revenue growth, making it a fundamental component of your b2b content marketing strategy. Short-Form and Video Content Dominance In a setting where real-time personalization strategies are reshaping consumer engagement, short-form video content has emerged as a potent tool for brands aiming to capture attention quickly. With 85% of viewers preferring videos under 15 seconds, this format achieves 2.5 times higher engagement rates than longer content. For b2b content marketing, embracing snackable videos is vital, as it meets consumers’ fast-paced consumption habits through quick, creative storytelling. Brands that invest in high-quality video production and repurpose existing content across various channels can greatly improve their reach. Moreover, live streaming encourages authenticity and real-time interaction, building consumer trust. Prioritizing short, engaging videos is critical for companies looking to capture and retain audience attention, ultimately driving higher conversion rates. Human-Centered User-Generated Content Human-centered user-generated content (UGC) is reshaping how brands connect with consumers by emphasizing authenticity. You’re likely to trust recommendations from peers over traditional ads, as 79% of people say UGC boosts their confidence in a brand. Authenticity Drives Engagement Although many brands rely on polished advertising to drive engagement, authenticity has emerged as a crucial factor in capturing consumer attention. With 79% of consumers saying user-generated content (UGC) influences their purchasing decisions more than traditional advertising, it’s clear that real experiences matter. Here are three reasons why you should prioritize authenticity in your b2b content marketing tactics: UGC campaigns can yield engagement rates 6.9 times higher than paid media. Collaborating with influencers improves perceived authenticity and broadens brand reach, as 91% of consumers trust peer recommendations. As skepticism regarding AI-generated content grows, 60% of consumers prefer brands showcasing genuine user experiences. Peer Influence on Trust As consumers navigate an increasingly crowded marketplace, the influence of peers has become a crucial factor in shaping their trust and buying decisions. User-generated content (UGC) considerably impacts these decisions, with 79% of people stating it affects their purchases, making it a essential aspect of your b2b content strategy. UGC outperforms traditional advertising, generating engagement rates 6.9 times higher, as brands using it see a 20% increase in ROI. Authenticity is key; 79% of consumers view UGC as more relatable and trustworthy. Collaborating with influencers can amplify this effect, as 60% of consumers trust their recommendations more than brand ads. Interactive Experiences and Tools Interactive experiences and tools are reshaping the landscape of content marketing by considerably enhancing user engagement and interaction. In the area of b2b content, these interactive formats not merely capture attention but additionally drive deeper connections. Here are three effective strategies: Quizzes and Polls: These formats can increase user participation by up to 70%, making your content more engaging. Augmented Reality (AR): Incorporating AR can boost conversion rates by 94%, allowing users to visualize products in real-time. Gamification: Implementing game-like elements leads to a 34% increase in customer loyalty and retention. Intentional Influencer Collaborations In today’s marketing environment, intentional influencer collaborations are crucial for building authentic relationships with your audience. By aligning brand values with the right influencers, you can co-create unique experiences that resonate deeply with consumers. This approach not only improves your brand’s storytelling but also nurtures trust, making it important for effective engagement in a discerning market. Building Authentic Relationships Building authentic relationships through intentional influencer collaborations is becoming essential for brands aiming to connect with their audience effectively. To maximize the impact of these partnerships, consider the following strategies: Choose the Right Influencers: Focus on micro and nano-influencers who share your brand values and have engaged audiences. Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage your audience to create content that showcases their experiences with your brand, enhancing trust and engagement. Prioritize Genuine Connections: Collaborate with influencers to co-create products or experiences that resonate with their followers, ensuring authenticity over mere reach. In the domain of B to B content marketing, these intentional collaborations can drive meaningful connections, ultimately leading to increased trust and ROI for your brand. Aligning Brand Values Aligning brand values with those of influencers is vital in today’s content marketing environment, especially as consumers increasingly seek authenticity in the brands they support. Intentional influencer collaborations can greatly improve your B2B marketing efforts. By partnering with micro and nano-influencers, you can tap into their engaged audiences, nurturing trust and loyalty. Effective collaborations often involve co-creating content that reflects shared values, which not only deepens your connection with consumers but also drives higher engagement rates. In addition, showcasing your commitment to social causes through these partnerships resonates deeply with audiences, as 83% believe brands should take a stand. In a setting where 64% of consumers have purchased through social media, aligning values is vital for successful marketing strategies. Co-Creating Unique Experiences Although many brands still rely on traditional marketing strategies, co-creating unique experiences through intentional influencer collaborations is proving to be a potent alternative. This approach not only improves authenticity but also builds genuine connections with audiences, aligning well with current b2b trends. Here are three key benefits of this strategy: Higher Engagement Rates: Micro and nano-influencers often yield better engagement, nurturing trust among their followers. Increased Sales: With 64% of consumers purchasing via social media, influencer partnerships can greatly drive sales and product discovery. Long-lasting Relationships: Campaigns that resonate with brand values encourage loyalty and enduring customer connections. Voice Search Optimization and SEO Strategies As voice search becomes an integral part of how people interact with technology, optimizing your content for this trend is vital to stay competitive. With a significant rise in question-based searches, focusing on conversational content is fundamental. Here’s a quick overview of strategies you should implement: Strategy Importance Tools to Use Optimize for Long-Tail Keywords Increases visibility in voice searches SEMrush‘s Voice Search Report Prioritize Mobile-Friendliness Guarantees quick loading for immediate answers Clearscope Understand Search Intent Aligns content with user expectations Google Analytics Frequently Asked Questions What’s Trending in Content Marketing? Right now, content marketing’s trending in the direction of hyper-personalization, as consumers prefer customized experiences. Short-form videos dominate platforms, capturing viewers’ attention more effectively than longer formats. Interactive content like quizzes improves engagement, making Quizzes more memorable. Furthermore, marketers increasingly partner with micro-influencers for authentic connections. Finally, first-party data is essential, especially with the decline of third-party cookies, as it helps personalize content and elevate overall marketing strategies. Stay informed to leverage these trends effectively. What Are the 5 C’s of Content Creation? The 5 C’s of content creation are Clarity, Consistency, Creativity, Connectivity, and Context. Clarity guarantees your message is easily understood, whereas Consistency builds brand recognition across platforms. Creativity allows your content to stand out and engage audiences, and Connectivity nurtures relationships and community with your audience. Finally, Context helps tailor your message to resonate with your target demographic. Together, these elements improve the effectiveness of your content marketing efforts. What Are the Future of Content Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025? In 2025, expect content marketing to heavily feature AI-driven hyper-personalization, enhancing consumer engagement. You’ll likely see a significant rise in programmatic advertising, boosting ROI for marketers using these technologies. Furthermore, immersive tech like AR and VR will redefine customer interactions, potentially increasing conversion rates. As third-party cookies fade, first-party data collection will become essential. Finally, video content, especially short-form and live videos, will remain a top choice for engaging consumers effectively. What Are the Top 3 Trends and Challenges Impacting Digital Advertising Platforms? The top three trends impacting digital advertising platforms include the rise of AI-driven programmatic advertising, which improves targeting and optimization; the shift in the direction of first-party data collection, essential as third-party cookies decline; and the growth of social commerce, integrating e-commerce features into advertising strategies. Challenges arise from increasing data privacy concerns, necessitating compliance with regulations like GDPR, and the difficulty in achieving hyper-personalization, as many campaigns still lack customized offerings in spite of consumer demand. Conclusion https://elements.envato.com/photos/content+marketing+ideas To stay ahead in content marketing, it’s crucial to embrace these seven trends. AI-driven tools can streamline content creation, whereas real-time personalization boosts user engagement. Short-form video continues to captivate audiences, and user-generated content builds trust. Focusing on interactive experiences improves brand connection, and collaborating with micro-influencers can expand your reach. Finally, optimizing for voice search is necessary for improved visibility. By adapting to these trends, you can guarantee your marketing strategies remain relevant and effective. Image via Envanto This article, "7 Game-Changing Content Marketing Trends to Watch" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you plan to hand out chocolate this Halloween, you might be in for more trick than treat. The price of cocoa remains high after spiking last year – a trend that has shoppers turning away from a perennial favorite sweet treat, even on a holiday that revolves around candy. Compared to the Halloween season last year, chocolate costs more this year and consumers are buying less of it. Overall candy prices have risen a whopping 78% since 2020, according to an analysis from consumer finance site FinanceBuzz, which tracked candy prices across four major retailers. A 100-piece bulk bag of Halloween candy costs an average of $16.39 in 2025, up from $9.19 in 2020 and $14.06 just one year ago. Those yearly price surges have regularly outpaced inflation, which is already putting shoppers in a pinch. In its earnings call Thursday, Hershey noted holiday sales this Halloween were “disappointing” and that it planned to study pricing, pack types and its broader candy lineup “through the lens of the consumer” in light of underwhelming sales. The company, which owns candy brands like Reese’s, Kit Kat, and York, raised prices over the summer to cope with the rising cost of cocoa. Because cocoa is a seasonal commodity, companies that rely on it lock in their prices in advance, leading to a lag time between the key ingredient’s price fluctuations and what consumers wind up paying in-store for a packaged product. Sweet tooth alternatives Price hikes have driven consumers away from chocolate, but they’ve turned toward sugar-forward candies as an alternative. In the run-up to Halloween this year, U.S. chocolate candy sales had already dipped by 8% compared to 2024, and that’s not including the sweets-buying rush closer to the Friday holiday, when the majority of Halloween candy is sold. While chocolate demand softens, non-chocolate options like gummy and hard candies are getting more popular with younger consumers, according to a seasonal report from NielsenIQ. Shoppers buying Halloween candy early broadly turned toward non-chocolate options, which outpaced their chocolate counterparts with sales up 4.5% this year through September, according to market research group Circana. In the same period, chocolate candy sales dipped by 13.7%. Cocoa in crisis Chocolate is more expensive now due to a complex interplay of factors, but climate-caused excessive heat and intense rains in particular have taken their toll in cocoa’s key regions, sending the commodity’s price sky high. In the U.S., persistent inflation and The President’s chaotic trade deals have also impacted the price of imports like cocoa, which can’t be grown domestically. Last year, the price of cocoa reached historic highs, rising past $10,000 per metric ton. Because the global appetite for chocolate hinges on a single region in Africa, cocoa is uniquely vulnerable to forces outside of farmers’ control—particularly extreme weather events that are worsening as the planet warms. The climate crisis is expected to cause accelerating agricultural losses for staple crops like corn and wheat around the globe, and cocoa is no different. Cocoa prices leveled off some in mid-2025, but the substance that makes chocolate chocolate still costs triple what it did before 2023, leaving consumers to eat higher prices or leave the sweets on the shelf. Even if shoppers stick it out with chocolate this Halloween, they might be getting less for more. Candy aisle faves like Mr. Goodbar, Rolo, and Almond Joy have quietly slipped into new packaging that no longer entices buyers with the promise of “milk chocolate.” That change in verbiage is a hint that major candy companies like Hershey and Nestlé are dropping the cocoa content in some classics with new recipe “reformulations” that rely less on chocolate’s star ingredient. If your Halloween candy doesn’t taste quite as sweet this year, it might not just be because you paid more. View the full article

Move spells more political chaos ahead for embattled Prime Minister Sébastien LecornuView the full article

Three Federal Reserve officials said they did not support the US central bank's decision to cut interest rates this week, citing inflation that remains too high. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Everyone's talking about AI, but smart glasses are quietly breaking big in 2025. With Meta, Apple, and Google vying for dominance, and the hardware finally powerful enough to be practical instead of mere gimmicky, smart specs are transitioning from awkward face computers for tech-heads, into something potentially useful for everyone. If you’re thinking of jumping in, the sheer range of styles, features, and price points can be daunting, so I put together this guide to help you find your perfect pair. What smart glasses can do The term “smart glasses” is almost too broad to be useful. It's been applied to everything from AI-enabled sunglasses to augmented reality display glasses, so before you buy, it’s worth considering what you want your glasses to do. Roughly speaking, smart glasses exist across the following categories, although most straddle a few classifications: Audio-first smart glassesThese are basically earbuds embedded in glasses. They usually look like "normal" glasses, and they're designed to play music, take calls, and often to let you talk to an AI assistant. They don’t have screens or AR overlays. Who they're for: Anyone who wants to take hands-free phone calls or listen to podcasts without the hassle of earbuds. Example: Reebok Smart Audio Glasses Camera-first smart glassesCamera glasses produce high-quality stills and video from almost invisible cameras. They're like a lighter Go Pro. Who they're for: Anyone who wants to capture life on the fly and/or record a concert without holding up their phone. Example: Ray-Ban Metas. Display-first smart glassesGlasses designed for video or augmented reality display high-def video and/or digital information like directions, messages, video or even 3D animations directly in your field of view. Who they're for: Cutting edge tech fans and frequent travelers. Example: XReal One Pro. Vision-first smart glassesThe purpose of vision-first glasses isn't to let you listen to podcasts, but to enhance your vision. There aren't any vision-first smart glasses on the market in the U.S., but the future could hold cyborg-style upgrades for your eyes, from automatic zoom to automatically adjusting bifocals. Who they're for: People who need glasses to see better. So those are the basics. Here are my picks for the best smart glasses in each category. Best overall smart glasses for most people: Ray-Ban Meta Credit: Stephen Johnson I've tested a ton of different smart glasses for Lifehacker, from super high-tech AR shades like the XReal One Pro to amusing novelties like the Chamelo Music Shield, but the smart glasses I wear every day are Ray-Ban Metas. They look good, they're comfortable, and they do everything I want a pair of smart glasses to do. They play music, take pictures and video, stream content, and allow access to an AI agent, all painlessly. I haven't had a chance to try out Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses yet, but my choice for most useful pair of smart glasses in 2025 are the Ray-Ban Metas. Check out my full review for more details. Ray-Ban Meta - Wayfarer Large glasses with Meta AI, Audio, Photo, Video Compatibility - Polarized Gradient Graphite Lens (Refurbished) - Matte Black $263.00 at Best Buy Get Deal Get Deal $263.00 at Best Buy Best display smart glasses: Xreal One Pro Credit: Stephen Johnson XReal's One Pro smart glasses let you watch movies, play games, and answer emails from inside your eyeglasses. You just plug them into any device with USB-C video and you're in business. The display is impressive—the equivalent of a big-screen TV at 1080p—and they include an onboard chip for rudimentary augmented reality too. On the downside, they are not everyday glasses. You can't reasonably wear them around town, and they have to be tethered to another device to work. But if you're taking a long plane trip or you want a separate display for your computer, XReal glasses are a great option. Check out my full review for more details. XREAL ONE PRO AR Glasses M (IPD 57-66mm) and Beam Pro WiFi (6G+128G) Bundle– Supports All Google Play Store Apps, Elevate Your Spatial Experience $798.00 at Amazon $968.00 Save $170.00 Get Deal Get Deal $798.00 at Amazon $968.00 Save $170.00 Best everyday display glasses: Even Realities G1 smart glasses Credit: Stephen Johnson You can't watch video or play games on them, but Even Realities G1 smart glasses can be worn every day, and give users a HUD—glancing upwards turns on a monochrome screen that can display a map, news feed, and other information. They have built-in AI that you can access instantly without anyone knowing, which opens a range of possibilities, both ethical and unethical. Unlike other AR-style glasses, G1s are lightweight and made to be worn as everyday glasses. Check out my full review for more details. Best sports smart glasses: Bleequp Rangers Credit: Stephen Johnson The $379 Bleequp Rangers don't have an AI voice assistant or any kind of display, but if you want to document your runs or bike rides, these lightweight sports glasses take 16MP still images and hi-def video, and feature open-ear audio, turn-by-turn navigation, and a walkie-talkie. It's everything you need on a long ride, and the optional battery pack gives you up to four hours of recording time. Check out my full review for more details. Best audio-only/fashion smart glasses: Chamelo Music Shield Credit: Stephen Johnson I'm not sure Chamelo's Music Shield even counts as a pair of "smart glasses," but they're so cool, I had to include them. They don't have AI, a camera, or an in-lens display, but they play music, and the lenses change from light to dark with a swipe of a finger, so you can choose the best tint for light conditions or coordinate with your outfit, but mostly, impress your friends with your slick, novelty specs. Check out my full review for more details. CHAMELO Music Shield Smart Audio Sunglasses – Matte Black Frame, Fire Lenses | Open-Ear Bluetooth Glasses for Men & Women with Electronic Tint Control, Sweat Proof, Sports Eyewear, 100% UV Protection $259.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $259.99 at Amazon Upcoming smart glasses to watch forIf you're waiting for the next-generation of smart glasses before you jump in the pool, here are some of the intriguing models currently in development. Apple Smart Glasses Nothing has been announced officially, but the tech rumor mill is churning about Apple's plans to release a line of smart glasses instead of further developing its virtual reality gear like the Apple Vision Pro. Apple's first smart glasses will supposedly be released in 2026. They’ll be like Meta's smart glasses, but better—maybe better just because they say "Apple" on them, or maybe actually better. We won't know for sure until something is officially announced. Google Android XR GlassesGoogle seems to have put the Google Glass fiasco behind it and is planning to release a pair of Android-powered smart glasses with a camera, Gemini AI support, and an optional see-through micro-display that will let you project info—messages, navigation, and real-time translation—right onto your lenses. They've already released the Android XR operating system, and glasses are expected to be available at some point in 2026. Samsung's Project HAEANSamsung’s upcoming smart glasses are still under wraps, but the rumors out there are intriguing. Unlike Samsung's just released Galaxy VR, HAEAN (if real) isn't a big VR helmet. It's a pair of glasses you could wear in public and not feel like a goof. They’re rumored to be powered by Samsung’s in-house XR chip and integrated with Galaxy AI, presumably with the end-goal of a voice and AI-centric wearable with a focus on comfort. IXI Autofocus Smart GlassesIt's too early to tell whether this Finnish start-up's claims will turn into vapor, but IXI has recently raised $36.5 million from investors to develop smart glasses that invisibly and automatically adjust to correct farsightedness, as opposed to taking pictures or playing podcasts or whatever. Lenses that automatically adjust for optimum focus would be a big deal, because the next step is glasses that improve on 20/20 eyesight—maybe by allowing long-distance views, or instant microscope eyes. No release date for these either, but "a long way off" seems logical. View the full article

Spot the robin’s egg blue of a Tiffany box, and you know there’s luxury inside. Or the sturdy brown of the UPS truck, and you expect reliable service. Yellow Minions make you smile, and Valentino’s vivid Pink PP Collection makes you want to step out and step up. Color is more than decoration. Color is a powerful tool that drives business and creates cultural relevance. The right hues build trust, drive sales, and make brands unforgettable, while the wrong ones can cost you customers and credibility. The launch of Coke Life in a green rather than familiar red can probably contributed to the product’s uphill battle with consumers. Even tinkering with a color combination as simple as the Gap’s white-on-blue logo can face business backlash, as the company found out when it tried to rebrand in 2010, but the company soon returned to the original due to the rebrand’s unpopularity. Leading brands use color strategically and employ trend forecasting to stay relevant as consumer expectations shift. Here’s how to think about color like a leading brand. COLOR SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO THE SUBCONSCIOUS Simply put: Colors drive emotions, and emotions drive purchasing behavior. The brain processes visuals faster than text, so colors trigger subconscious associations that shape perception before other messages make their way in. For consumers connecting with a brand or product, color helps them instantly categorize products and streamlines their decision-making. It happens fast—customers form judgments about products within the first 90 seconds of interaction, with up to 90% of that assessment based solely on color. In less time than a commercial break, the right color choices can earn consumers’ trust, evoke their excitement, or tap their aspiration. The wrong choices can turn buyers away just as quickly. This is why certain industries, informed by cultural appetites, gravitate toward specific palettes. In the United States, tech companies and banks often use blues and neutrals to project reliability, because American consumers associate blue with stability and trust. Consumer perceptions of color vary globally, so brands must know their markets. In some cultures, for example, a bride traditionally wears white for a wedding, but in other cultures white signifies mourning. Getting it wrong can confuse—or even repel—consumers. THE BUSINESS CASE FOR COLOR Companies that invest in a smart color strategy create lasting visual associations that foster trust and loyalty, which can be deepened even further by using signature colors—think: iconic Tiffany Blue. Such associations help consumers understand what experience they can expect from the brand and are one of the fastest ways to communicate the brand’s value and build trust. Color increases brand recognition by 87% and influences up to 85%of product purchasing decisions, according to Pantone’s proprietary research. In fact, a Rochester Institute of Technology study found that 69% of respondents said they’d forgo a product whose color was unappealing, even if they needed the product. With color so consequential to consumers, it should matter just as meaningfully to brands. When Philips wanted to signify the revolutionary nature of their OneBlade Hybrid Razor to their target demographic of young Italian men, they selected a bold, tangy yellow-green that popped off the shelf and tapped into young men’s quest for individuality. The right color strategy enhances engagement, increases brand value, and strengthens market resilience, ensuring your company remains competitive over the long term. COLOR DECISIONS ARE CRITICAL IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Brands that forecast color trends don’t just follow the market—they define the market. This is especially crucial for fashion, technology, and consumer goods, where trends change quickly, and aesthetics and emotional appeal strongly influence buying decisions. Consumers are drawn to brands that are not just on-trend but ahead of the curve. Hitting the right color in one season is valuable, but consistently setting and capitalizing on trends cements a brand’s leadership. And in an omnichannel world, consumers expect a seamless experience, so brands need to ensure their colors remain consistent across websites, apps, and retail displays. Specially designed Barbie Pink and Minion Yellow, for instance, brought the unique experience to life recognizably and consistently everywhere these fictional characters went. Inconsistent visuals flout customer expectations, weaken brand recognition, confuse consumers, and even signal unprofessionalism or poor quality. Back in the Kodak Instamatic days, factories did not standardize the yellow packaging, with some boxes appearing darker and others lighter. Customers shied away from the darker yellow boxes, thinking they were older and contained older film. COLOR CAN KEEP YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BLACK The right color choices can mean the difference between profitability and missed opportunity. For example, Kraft’s decision to define and standardize a globally recognizable Heinz 57 Red translated into real results tableside in Turkey. The Heinz 57 Red-focused ad campaign strengthened brand discernment—with 97% of customers able to visually tell the difference between Heinz and competitors post-campaign—and supported both a 24% rise in usage of Heinz ketchup and 73% fewer non-Heinz ketchup refills by street food vendors. [KK1] Color influences perception, drives purchasing behavior, and creates instant recognition, all factors that directly impact a brand’s bottom line. Consumers make snap judgments based on color, research shows, and those judgments translate into trust, engagement, and sales. Investing in color isn’t optional in today’s competitive landscape – color is key to staying relevant, recognizable, and in the black. Sky Kelley is the president of Pantone. View the full article

The acquisition complements existing lending channels at Carrington and also adds Reliance's full servicing portfolio to its platform, the company said. View the full article

Imagine living in a house with the latest smart home system: lights dim on voice command, your thermostat learns your schedule, your refrigerator orders milk before the carton runs out. It’s practical yet delightful. It improves your daily life. Now imagine that same house built on shaky foundations: the electric wiring is aging, and the plumbing is rotting. No matter how advanced your devices are the structure won’t support them reliably. That’s the difference between AI and blockchain. AI is the smart tech; blockchain is the well-designed infrastructure that ensures everything works reliably, predictably, and with integrity. Similar to how a home needs both features and structure, our digital economy will demand both AI and blockchain. One amplifies capability, the other ensures resilience. The real promise of blockchain Just as cloud computing once seemed abstract until it powered every app, blockchain quietly is becoming the fabric woven into how money moves, contracts are enforced, and systems operate with one another. For leaders, innovators, and builders, our job is to see past the surface-level headlines and recognize structural shifts. That’s where we are with blockchain. Paying attention now determines whether you’ll lead the next economy—or scramble to adapt after the rules have changed. Two areas in particular highlight how blockchain and AI together can reshape finance: programmable money and transparency in financial records. 1. Programmable money One of the biggest opportunities is programmable money used by AI-driven agents. Programmable money is digital currency with built-in logic. It can move, settle, or trigger actions automatically based on predefined conditions and rules, releasing payment only when goods are delivered, paying employees instantly after clocking out, or compensating an AI agent the moment it completes a task. An AI agent is a bit like a personal assistant. It interprets requests, figures out how best to deliver on them, and improves over time. They can act autonomously to complete tasks and make decisions to meet your requests. These AI agents don’t only work during traditional hours, and they don’t have an “identity” according to traditional regulatory frameworks, yet they need reliable ways to be compensated in real time. Blockchain-backed stablecoins are a natural solution. Consider an example of this powerful combination in real estate: An AI agent confirms the accuracy of documents, closes a transaction, and disburses funds. If it’s a Sunday morning and payment rails like ACH or wires are closed, how does the transfer clear? Stablecoins enable settlement on digital time, not banker’s hours. This is already moving from theory to practice. For example, Google just announced an Agents Payments Protocol, which provides a blockchain-based framework for ecommerce transactions conducted by AI agents. Other leading payment companies like PayPal, Mastercard, and American Express also are embracing this technology. This is a clear example of the intersection of AI and blockchain for a pragmatic use case. 2. Financial transparency Underwriting offers another example of the importance of applying blockchain principles to AI. AI is now shaping how risk is assessed, and loans are priced. That creates real concerns about fairness, bias, and explainability. Regulators and consumers alike want to know why a loan was denied and what data drove the decisions, breaking open the black box of financial decision-making. Blockchain offers an answer. It can record AI-driven activity (data inputs, validation steps, approvals, compliance checks), creating a verifiable record across a variety of consumer products like mortgages or credit cards. Instead of a vague “application denied,” consumers would know the exact reason, like missing income verification or a high debt-to-income ratio. For approvals, the record would highlight the inputs behind the interest rate—credit score, income, loan-to-value—so borrowers know what mattered most. With the same validated data applied across applicants, regulators can verify fairness while consumers gain clarity. Together, AI and blockchain don’t just deliver speed. They deliver financial systems that are more transparent to regulators, more understandable to consumers, and ultimately more durable. The long game belongs to blockchain AI is transformative because it amplifies what we already do. It’s the smart home app that learns your lighting preferences based on circumstance. Blockchain is different. It’s the building department, inspector, and the wiring behind the walls: setting the rules for what can be built, verifying the work, and powering the entire system. For consumers, opaque financial decisions—like sudden credit card fee increases, shifting interest rates, or unexplained loan denials—have long been the norm. The combination of AI and blockchain is poised to change that bringing clarity to the individual and accountability to the system. For leaders and innovators, the blueprint for the future is straightforward: Prepare for an AI future by building a strong blockchain foundation as rapid growth in transaction activity will demand scalable, composable infrastructure Leverage transparent, fair, and accurate design principles so AI decisions can be explained, verified, and defended. Move beyond pilots by embedding blockchain into mission-critical workflows where speed, settlement, and reliability are non-negotiable. The intersection of AI and blockchain is shaping up to be a massive market reset. Those who embrace it now will define what comes next. Michael Tannenbaum is the CEO of Figure. View the full article

Cheating has long been an unwelcome but expected risk in the hiring process. While most people are honest and well-intentioned, there are always a handful of candidates who attempt to game the system. Today, however, the problem is evolving at an unprecedented speed. Generative AI has made new, more sophisticated types of cheating possible for any position, from software development to finance to design. In my work with hundreds of employers helping them hire and develop talent, I’ve seen firsthand the myriad ways candidates attempt to game the system. So, why are candidates resorting to these methods? Sometimes, candidates are attempting to secure a position they’re underqualified for, or otherwise gain a leg up in the hiring process. Other times, candidates pursue multiple full-time roles at once—a trend known as “overemployment”—which increases the likelihood that they’ll cheat. Here are the four most common approaches candidates use to cheat, and what employers across all industries can do to detect and prevent dishonesty in their hiring processes. THE FOUR CHEATING TYPES 1. Copy-paste plagiarism This is the most widespread and fundamental form of cheating. A candidate is given a task—it could be a coding challenge, a writing sample, or a case study—and they simply copy or heavily borrow from existing resources found online. In some cases, candidates even use answer keys for standardized assessments, which are often sold or shared in online forums. How to detect and prevent it: The ideal mitigation strategy for this type of cheating is to prevent it in the first place by ensuring multiple candidates don’t see the same questions. Think about the SAT, for example—thousands of versions of each question are created and dynamically rotated, but calibrated to be equally difficult. So if a question leaks, it’s unlikely that another candidate sees the same question. Assessment platforms should also crawl the web to see if submitted work matches known public answers, and flag if a candidate spends lots of time in a separate browser window. 2. Hiring a “ringer” With this method, a candidate hires a highly-qualified individual—a “ringer” or “proxy interviewer”—to take a skills assessment or even a live interview on their behalf. This is a particularly sneaky form of cheating because the person taking the test is genuinely skilled, but they aren’t the person you’re considering for the job. The problem only becomes apparent later when the person you hired can’t replicate their performance on the job. How to detect and prevent it: The best way to combat this is with identity verification and proctoring. This can be as simple as asking candidates to show a photo ID via webcam at the start of the assessment. Organizations can also use AI-powered proctoring to monitor a candidate’s behavior, flagging suspicious activity like multiple people in the room or eye movements that suggest they’re getting help—and verify this with human review. 3. Using AI to generate answers This is where AI has truly changed the game. Instead of searching for an answer, a candidate can use a text- or voice-based AI tool to get a complete answer in seconds. These AI models are not only fast, but they generate original content that wouldn’t necessarily be flagged by a simple plagiarism checker. While some organizations may be okay with candidates leveraging AI tools—especially if they’d be using AI on-the-job—others are looking to see a candidate’s skill without the assistance of AI. How to detect and prevent it: One solution is to use AI detection tools that can analyze text for patterns consistent with AI generation. A more robust approach, however, is to design assessments that require human-level reasoning and creativity—and even allow candidates to leverage AI to produce their response. With this approach, employers can see how well candidates make use of all the tools they’d have at their disposal on the job—including AI—to solve realistic challenges or tasks. 4. AI deepfakes This is perhaps the most frightening new form of cheating, and it’s making headlines. A candidate can use AI deepfake technology to create a convincing, real-time avatar of themselves that takes a live interview. This AI-generated persona would not only answer questions but could also mimic facial expressions and body language, which makes it difficult for a human interviewer to distinguish it from the real person. How to detect and prevent it: One way to spot deepfakes is with sophisticated AI-powered analysis. These tools can look for subtle inconsistencies like unnatural eye movements, a lack of blinking, or a disconnect between audio and video streams. Companies can also require a simple, real-time action from the candidate, such as holding up a specific object or moving their head in a certain way, that would be difficult for a deepfake to replicate perfectly. FINAL THOUGHTS The risks and costs of a bad hire are well-documented. An employee who lacks the skills they claimed to have will drag down a team, create poor quality work, and ultimately have a negative impact on the business. The integrity of your hiring process is a direct reflection of the quality of your future team. While the rise of AI has introduced new risks to employers, it has also given us new tools to more accurately identify candidates with the right skills for the job. Used well, AI tools can be a powerful partner in our efforts to build a fair and predictive hiring process. By embracing these advancements, we can move beyond simply detecting cheating and build a future where AI empowers us with new ways to find and hire candidates who will take innovation to the next level. Tigran Sloyan is CEO and cofounder of CodeSignal. View the full article

Stripping of titles and home from king’s brother may not calm controversy over future of monarchy, experts say View the full article

Leonardo da Vinci is often credited with writing the first resume in 1482, meaning the resume has been with us for more than five centuries. And though its layout has evolved over the years, the premise hasn’t: a piece of paper that tells someone where you’ve worked, what you studied, and maybe a bullet or two about what you’ve accomplished. That’s the problem. The resume is designed to tell us where someone has been—not what they can actually do. It shows what the last person who hired you needed done in their company that they thought you could handle. It looks backward when the world of work we live in today demands that we look forward. It inflates titles, overvalues brand-name employers, and reduces people to keywords designed to sneak past applicant tracking systems. Too often, the “best” resume isn’t from the most qualified candidate—it’s from the one who figured out how to game the system. And yet resumes persist. Why? Because they’re easy. They’re free to create. Most people (sort of) know how to make one. Employers ask for them. Entire hiring systems are built around them. They’re the definition of “meh—it’s good enough.” But good enough is no longer enough. WHAT BETTER LOOKS LIKE We’re in a labor market that is more dynamic—and more inequitable—than ever. The resume does nothing to address that. It privileges polish over abilities. It amplifies bias through names, schools, and companies that often serve as proxies for race, gender, age, and class. It fails miserably at consistency—one candidate’s resume looks like a design portfolio, another’s like a plain-text list—and leaves parsing software to guess what “counts.” No wonder amazing candidates fall through the cracks. So what would better look like? A new standard has to do what resumes can’t: Capture actual skills. Not just where you’ve been, but what you can do—and what “extras” make you uniquely you and uniquely qualified. It has to be structured, so it can travel across technologies. Standardized, so hiring managers can make real comparisons. Accessible, so you don’t need expensive software or a design degree to present yourself fairly. And anonymizable, so the three pound caloric monsters in evaluators’ skulls can’t fall back on the same biased shortcuts resumes encourage. Of course, the hard part isn’t dreaming up the new standard. It’s building the bridge. We can’t assume every applicant will suddenly have the time or access to build a digital skills profile. And we certainly can’t expect that employers will throw out their applicant tracking systems overnight (even if they might want to). We need technology that can translate existing resumes into skills-based profiles, while slotting neatly into the workflows companies already use. That’s how you shift the system: not by burning it down, but by giving people a clear path to make the switch. I know some will say the resume is too entrenched, too universal to ever disappear. They’re probably right in the short term. But history is full of standards that seemed permanent—landlines, CDs, even fax machines—until they weren’t. The resume has lasted 543 years not because it was brilliant, but because it was familiar. Familiarity isn’t a good enough reason to keep failing candidates and employers alike. If we want hiring to be fairer, faster, and more predictive, we need to blow up the resume and build something better. The future of work isn’t about paper credentials—it’s about the skills that predict how a person will perform in a role. And it’s past time our hiring systems caught up. Natasha Nuytten is CEO of CLARA. View the full article