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It’s a big change in how Google interprets intent and presents information. Think of it as a dynamically-generated, “magazine” SERP, that curates AI summaries and organic results. What’s different about Web Guide is that—unlike AI Overviews or AI Mode—it actually…Read more ›View the full article

A near-tragedy sparks a critical conversation on business continuity, risk, and responsibility in accounting firms. Accounting ARC With Liz Mason, Byron Patrick, and Donny Shimamoto Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

Google introduced a new user agent, called Google-Agent, that signals when AI agents act on users’ behalf, marking an early shift toward agent-driven web interactions. What happened. Google added Google-Agent to its list of user-triggered fetchers on March 20 and has begun a gradual rollout. The Google-Agent user agent identifies requests made by AI agents running on Google infrastructure, including experimental tools like Project Mariner. How it works. Google-Agent appears in HTTP requests when an AI agent visits a site to complete a user-initiated task. Example use cases include browsing pages, evaluating content, or taking actions such as submitting forms. This differs from Googlebot and other crawlers, which run continuously in the background without direct user prompts. IP ranges. Google shared the IP ranges for its desktop agent: Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; Google-Agent; +https://developers.google.com/crawling/docs/crawlers-fetchers/google-agent) Chrome/W.X.Y.Z Safari/537.36 And the IP ranges for its mobile agent: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; Android 6.0.1; Nexus 5X Build/MMB29P) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/W.X.Y.Z Mobile Safari/537.36 (compatible; Google-Agent; +https://developers.google.com/crawling/docs/crawlers-fetchers/google-agent) Why we care. This lets you identify agent-driven traffic in server logs. You can now distinguish traditional crawl activity from visits triggered by real users through AI agents. That should help you track agent-assisted conversions, understand emerging user behavior, and prepare for agentic search. What they’re saying. According to Google’s announcement: “The Google-Agent user agent is rolling out over the next few weeks, and will be used by Google agents hosted on Google infrastructure to navigate the web and perform actions upon user request.” What to watch. Early volumes will be low as the rollout continues, but now is the time to establish a baseline. What to do: Monitor logs for Google-Agent activity. Make sure CDNs and WAFs aren’t blocking the published IP ranges. Validate that key site actions, including forms and flows, work for automated agents. Dig deeper. Google’s releasing Google-Agent: Here’s what to know View the full article

Melania The President often commands the attention of any room she enters but all eyes — and cameras — were trained on her humanoid companion on Wednesday. The robot accompanied the first lady to the White House East Room for the final day of a summit she had convened with counterparts from around the world through her Fostering the Future Together global initiative. The group has been discussing ways to empower children using education, innovation and technology, including artificial intelligence. Melania The President and the humanoid walked slowly side by side along the red carpet from the opposite end of the hallway. The first lady paused just before entering the East Room while the robot walked around the table with the panelists and took up a position in the center of the room. It took a moment to scan the audience before speaking. “Thank you, first lady Melania The President, for inviting me to the White House. It is an honor to be at Fostering the Future Together’s global coalition inaugural meeting,” it said. “I’m Figure 03, a humanoid built for the United States of America,” it continued. “I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education.” “Welcome,” it said before offering similar greetings in 10 other languages. The robot then thanked everyone and retraced its steps back down the red carpet. The first lady thanked the robot for joining her, adding: “It’s fair to state, you are my first American-made humanoid guest in the White House.” The startup robotics company Figure AI, based in Sunnyvale, California, introduced Figure 03 in October 2025 as its third-generation humanoid robot for people to use at home for help with such household tasks as laundry, cleaning and washing dishes, according to its website and company literature. CEO Brett Adcock said on social media he was “proud to see F.03 make history as the first humanoid robot in the White House.” The startup is competing with others, including Boston Dynamics and Elon Musk’s Tesla, as well as a number of companies in China, in building robots that look human-like and do some of the things that people do. —Darlene Superville, Associated Press Associated Press writer Matt O’Brien contributed to this report. View the full article

Remember the letter-writer whose new team thought they were incredibly overworked, but they actually did nothing? Here’s the update. I wanted to send an update as many of the commentators had requested one. I was the person who wrote about the team that spent all their time reading books and organizing their record collections, and yet kept insisting they were Really Very Busy. Alison’s advice was spot-on — I was only there on a temporary basis, so I decided to just enjoy the madness as a casual observer before I went back to my permanent role. There was a lot of discussion in the comments as to why the team was behaving the way they were, and some of the commentators had great insights. A couple of things that might provide context: – The job that the team does is the sort of job that would have genuinely been quite demanding in the days before smartphones. Without giving too much away, the basic task is supporting colleagues in the field (imagine police officers or the military). So things like iphones, Google maps, and group chats have taken a lot of those tasks away, and the people in the field are now broadly very independent from the people in the office. So I think maybe some of the team’s attitude was a hangover from the old days? – We work in an industry that’s usually very competitive and fast-paced. A few people in the comments wondered if that might have something to do with it and I think on some level it did (it was almost as though they thought they ought to be busy, without considering whether they actually were). – It started to become apparent after a few months that it was management which was significantly adding to the problem. They were OBSESSED with coverage — bringing in four workers when one would do, refusing leave requests because two out of 20 people were already off, etc. It actually got really depressing because I started missing events in my personal life just to be dragged into the office to do nothing, on the basis that “we won’t cope without you.” I really think that management hold a lot of responsibility for the current situation, as the team seem to be feeding off that “coverage anxiety.” One thing I did appreciate was it gave me a lot of time for my own projects. I worked on several pitches for things I really wanted to do, and was successfully given a lot of opportunities in the wider company. But aside from that, the really big thing was that it helped me get over my work anxiety. I’ve been guilty in the past of not setting the right emotional boundaries — the mindset of “I’m lucky to have a job,” as opposed to “money is exchanged for goods and services.” Working somewhere that I really didn’t care about helped cure me of that. I started putting my career ahead of my job and focussing on what would help me succeed in the long-term, as opposed to just working hard for my boss. De-centering my job from my career has completely changed my life — and for that reason, I’m very grateful for my time with the Team That Work Forgot! The post update: my new team thinks they’re incredibly overworked, but they actually do nothing appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

There are many Wrike alternatives that offer Wrike’s features and then some; more features, a better user experience, and, in many cases, a lower price point. Don’t partner with the loudest voice, consider the best Wrike alternatives of 2026 that we’ve tested instead. Chances are high that a project management software from this list will speak your language. Why Do People Seek a Wrike Alternative? Despite its upsides, Wrike can only take you so far in project management. While Wrike allows you to manage tasks, it fails to follow through on its promise of a fully-fledged project management solution, forcing some users to seek a Wrike alternative. First, it’s not easy for beginners to jump in and get started with its project management tools, which is difficult for team onboarding. The interface is complicated, especially if you’re managing more than one project. Also, Wrike’s project management features aren’t as robust as project managers need. What Features Make the Best Wrike Alternatives for Project Management? The features outlined below served as the evaluation criteria we used to review and rank the Wrike alternatives included in this list. Each tool was tested and assessed based on its ability to deliver these core project management capabilities, along with how effectively and intuitively those features are implemented. Rather than simply listing options, our team compared how each platform performs in real-world scenarios to help you identify the best fit for your needs. Gantt charts: Wrike’s Gantt charts allow you to assign tasks, define dependencies and identify the critical path. However, project structures rely on folders and task hierarchies rather than a true work breakdown structure (WBS), which may feel limiting for complex projects. Kanban boards: Wrike includes kanban boards with support for task details, attachments and custom workflows, but they’re less flexible and customizable than those offered by some competing tools. Project dashboards: Wrike provides real-time dashboards to track project performance, but customization and depth of insights can be limited depending on your pricing plan. Task management: Wrike offers solid task management features, including workflow automation and approvals, though advanced capabilities may require higher-tier plans. Project reporting: Wrike includes reporting and analytics tools, but more advanced reporting features and customization options are restricted to premium plans. Resource management: Wrike’s resource management focuses on workload tracking and utilization, but lacks some of the more advanced forecasting and capacity planning features found in other tools. Time tracking: Built-in time tracking and timesheets are available, though they’re relatively basic compared to specialized time-tracking tools. Team collaboration: Wrike supports collaboration through comments, mentions, file sharing and approvals, but the experience can feel fragmented across different views and tools. Automation & AI: Wrike offers workflow automation and some AI-powered features, but these are still evolving and may not be as robust or transparent as in other platforms. Request forms: Custom request forms help standardize project intake, though setup and management can be complex for new users. Integrations: Wrike integrates with a wide range of third-party tools, but some integrations require additional configuration or higher-tier plans. Thankfully, there are other platforms with similar project management tools at a comparable price point. We’ll take a look at 12 of the best Wrike alternatives for 2026 so you can find project management software that suits your needs. 2026 Best Wrike Alternative Software Rankings There are many Wrike alternatives in the market, and each has key features and characteristics that make them unique. The following list includes free, freemium, cloud-based or open-source options. Look through them and decide which is the best Wrike alternative for you. 1. ProjectManager /wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PM-logo-email.png ProjectManager compiles your favorite project management tools to help you plan and track progress from one location. This Wrike alternative makes it easy for project managers and their teams to plan projects, manage work and collaborate alongside the work. It offers multiple project views so everyone can work how they choose, fostering team collaboration every step of the way. ProjectManager Key Features ProjectManager is the best Wrike alternative because managers and teams can work how they want, choosing from traditional Gantt charts, sheet views, task lists and calendars. If a more agile tool is needed, teams can use kanban boards. Having multiple views boosts productivity for cross-functional teams, allowing different departments to work better together. It even features workflow and automation with triggers that automatically push work forward and ensure quality with task approvals. A proven collaboration approach for this tool is to make a plan on the Gantt chart, then have the team execute the plan in the project view of their choosing. And, unlike some other Wrike alternatives on this list, ProjectManager offers a lengthy free 30-day trial. Track Multiple Projects on Real-Time Dashboards You’ll want a Wrike alternative that offers compelling features such as real-time portfolio dashboards that can track time, resources and progress across a portfolio of projects. ProjectManager has these features and can deal with expenses, budgeting and resource management, all features that Wrike doesn’t offer. As the best Wrike alternative, ProjectManager has the features you need to plan, monitor and report on projects throughout their life cycle. Plan and report on projects with a level of sophistication that yields real insights. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Dashboard_Construction_Wide_Zoom-150.jpg When you consider the robust project management, work management and collaboration features that ProjectManager offers, it’s clear that it’s the best Wrike alternative for 2026. Ready to try it for yourself? Get started for free today. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Project Management ProjectManager Pros & Key Features Strong time tracking, timesheets and cost control features that connect directly to project budgets and resource planning. Multiple project views including Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and calendars for flexible workflows. Advanced scheduling tools with dependencies, critical path analysis and real-time progress tracking. Real-time dashboards and detailed reporting that provide visibility into project performance, costs and workload. Robust resource management features, including workload balancing and team capacity planning. Cloud-based platform with mobile apps for Android and iOS, allowing teams to update tasks and track work from anywhere. 30-day free trial with full feature access, making it easy to evaluate before committing. ProjectManager Cons & Limitations Customization options are more limited compared to some highly flexible competitors. No free plan available, which may be a barrier for smaller teams or individuals. Resource management is solid, but not as advanced as dedicated enterprise resource planning tools. ProjectManager Pricing Team: $15/user/month, billed annually Business: $28/user/month, billed annually ProjectManager Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.1/5 Highlighted User Reviews “ProjectManager works very well with both large and small-scale projects. Being able to use this with anything from a project involving only two members of staff, to hundreds, has been invaluable.” Peter W – from Capterra “We used to manage our projects, resources, and reporting in different systems. Enter ProjectManager. We have consolidated systems and work more efficiently.” Jeffrey M – from Capterra “Having the full scope of activities and who is responsible to do it, plus the time tracking is excellent.” Flavio M – from G2 “It has an excellent accounting system capable of calculating the time that a person has used to develop a task that was assigned to him, I like being able to collaborate with all my colleagues in the Finance sector through ProjectManager.” Jesus C – from G2 “The UI of the application is user-friendly, and it helps to identify what we are looking for with minimal effort.” Pavan H – from G2 /wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gantt-Chart-Template-Excel-image.png Get your free Gantt Chart Template Use this free Gantt Chart Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template 2. Smartsheet /wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Smartsheet-logo-transparent-300x187.png Smartsheet takes a very different approach from Wrike by leaning into a spreadsheet-style interface rather than a structured work management system. That makes it one of the easiest tools to pick up, especially for teams already familiar with Excel, but it also comes with trade-offs in terms of depth. Its dashboards and reporting tools pull real-time data across multiple sheets, giving decent visibility into project performance. Collaboration features like comments, attachments and alerts work well for day-to-day coordination, and integrations with tools such as Salesforce, Jira and Microsoft Teams help round out the experience. /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/resource-management-software-smartsheet.webp Where it starts to fall behind is in areas like resource management, time tracking and cost control. Gantt charts support dependencies, but handling complex schedules isn’t as intuitive, and resource planning lacks deeper forecasting. Performance can also slow down with larger datasets. In the end, it still feels closer to a spreadsheet than a fully developed project management platform. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Project Spreadsheets Smartsheet Pros & Key Features Spreadsheet-style interface makes it one of the easiest Wrike alternatives to pick up, especially for teams already working in Excel. Strong dashboards and reporting tools with real-time data pulled across multiple sheets. Collaboration features like comments, attachments and alerts are reliable for day-to-day work. Integrates well with enterprise tools such as Salesforce, Jira and Microsoft Teams. Smartsheet Cons & Limitations Time tracking and cost control features feel limited compared to more complete Wrike alternatives. Gantt charts support task dependencies, but managing complex schedules isn’t as intuitive. Resource management lacks deeper forecasting and long-term capacity planning. Performance can slow down when working with large sheets or multiple collaborators. Still feels closer to a spreadsheet than a fully developed project management platform. Smartsheet Pricing Pro plan: $7/user/month, billed annually Business plan: $25/user/month, billed annually Smartsheet Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Smartsheet has allowed me to take my to-do list and run with it in a way that I didn’t think would be possible.” Victoria W – from G2 “I like that Smartsheet has a lot of different functions. It can be used for project management, inventory or event planning.” Lauren M – from Capterra 3. Microsoft Project Microsoft Project represents a more traditional, structured approach to project management. It goes deeper than Wrike when it comes to scheduling, especially with Gantt charts, critical path analysis and detailed resource planning. It’s a strong fit for large-scale initiatives that require tight control over timelines and costs. Integration with the Microsoft ecosystem—Teams, Excel and SharePoint—also makes it appealing for organizations already working within that stack. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/microsoft-project-gantt-chart.webp That depth comes at a cost. The learning curve is steep, the interface feels dated and collaboration features don’t match what modern teams expect. It also struggles in agile or hybrid environments, making it feel rigid in comparison. Setup alone can take significant time, so while it’s more powerful in certain areas, it’s not as practical for fast-moving teams. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Microsoft Users Microsoft Project Pros & Key Features Delivers some of the most advanced scheduling tools available, especially for Gantt charts and critical path analysis. Strong resource planning and cost tracking capabilities for complex projects. Works well for large-scale initiatives that require structured planning and control. Deep integration with Microsoft tools like Teams, Excel and SharePoint. Microsoft Project Cons & Limitations Steep learning curve makes it harder to adopt than most Wrike alternatives. Collaboration features feel outdated compared to modern cloud-based tools. The interface isn’t built for real-time workflows or fast-moving teams. Limited flexibility when managing agile or hybrid project environments. Setup and configuration can take significant time for new users. Microsoft Project Pricing Project Plan 1: $10/user/month Project Plan 3: $30/user/month Project Plan 5: $55/user/month Microsoft Project Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Microsoft project has really helped to improve my productivity and project planning overall.” Jamie G – from Capterra “I love the automatically generated gantt charts and the timeline feature.” Eric B – from G2 4. ClickUp /wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ClickUp-logo1-e1652117646715.png ClickUp positions itself as an all-in-one platform and leans heavily into flexibility. Compared to Wrike, it gives teams more control over how they structure their workflows, with multiple views including list, board and Gantt. It packs in a wide range of features—dashboards, docs, time tracking, automation and even AI tools for generating tasks and reports. For teams trying to consolidate tools into a single platform, it’s one of the more versatile options out there. Pricing is also competitive for what you get. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/clickup-task-list.png That flexibility can backfire. The interface often feels cluttered, onboarding takes time and performance can dip in heavily customized setups. Dashboards usually require manual configuration before they become useful. In practice, it offers more freedom than Wrike, but at the cost of simplicity and ease of use. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Integrations ClickUp Pros & Key Features Extremely flexible with multiple views, making it a versatile Wrike alternative for different workflows. Includes a wide range of features like dashboards, docs, time tracking and automation. AI tools help generate tasks, summaries and reports quickly. Pricing is competitive compared to other all-in-one platforms. ClickUp Cons & Limitations The sheer number of features can feel overwhelming at first. Performance can suffer in highly customized or large workspaces. Interface tends to feel cluttered compared to simpler tools. Initial setup takes time if you want to fully configure workflows. Dashboards and reporting require manual effort to become truly useful. ClickUp Pricing Free plan: $0/user/month Unlimited: $7/user/month, billed annually Business: $12/user/month, billed annually Enterprise: contact sales ClickUp Reviews G2 review: 4.7/5 Capterra review: 4.6/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Good for operational tasks and customer support.” Hovhannes G – from G2 “ClickUp sits right in the middle between typical task management tools and business platforms.” Pawel M – from Capterra 5. Monday /wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Logo-Monday.png Monday leans more toward ease of use and visual organization than structured project control. It’s one of the more approachable options, with a clean interface that makes onboarding quick and intuitive, even for non-technical teams. Automation is one of its stronger areas, helping reduce repetitive work, and the wide selection of templates makes it easy to get started across different use cases. Collaboration is also straightforward, with updates, mentions and file sharing built directly into tasks. /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/resource-management-software-monday.com_.webp Once you move into more advanced project needs, the limitations become more noticeable. Scheduling features aren’t as robust, reporting depends heavily on higher-tier plans and resource management lacks depth. Customization looks strong on the surface but doesn’t extend far into deeper project logic. Costs can also rise quickly as teams scale. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Task Management Monday.com Pros & Key Features Clean and intuitive interface makes onboarding fast for most teams. Automation features are strong and help reduce repetitive work. Wide selection of templates for different industries and use cases. Collaboration tools like updates, mentions and file sharing are easy to use. Monday.com Cons & Limitations Gantt charts and scheduling features aren’t as advanced as more specialized tools. Reporting capabilities feel limited unless you upgrade plans. Resource management lacks depth for more complex project environments. Pricing can scale up quickly as teams grow. Customization looks great visually but is more limited in deeper project logic. Monday.com Pricing Free plan: $0/user/month Basic: $8/user/month, billed annually Standard: $10/user/month, billed annually Pro: $16/user/month, billed annually Monday.com Reviews G2 review: 4.7/5 Capterra review: 4.6/5 Highlighted User Reviews “We used to have a mess of excel sheets and emails but now everything’s in one place.” Laura A – from G2 “It is overall a great product but it requires a lot of setup initially to take advantage of all its functions and features.” Ana D – from Capterra 6. Asana /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/asana-logo.svg Asana takes a more streamlined approach, focusing on task management and team coordination rather than full-scale project control. It’s one of the more user-friendly options, with a clean interface and multiple views like list, board and timeline. Collaboration is a strong point, with comments, mentions and file sharing making it easy for teams to stay aligned. It works particularly well for cross-functional and agile teams that need flexibility without too much structure. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/asana-kanban-board.webp The trade-off shows up when projects become more complex. Timeline and dependency features are less advanced, resource management is minimal and reporting is fairly basic unless you upgrade. It’s not built for detailed cost tracking or heavy scheduling, so while it’s easier to use, it can feel limiting for more demanding environments. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Cross-functional Work Asana Pros & Key Features Simple and clean interface makes task management easy to adopt. Multiple views support different workflows, including list, board and timeline. Collaboration features are strong, with comments, mentions and file sharing. Works well for cross-functional and agile teams. Asana Cons & Limitations Timeline and dependency features are less advanced than some Wrike alternatives. Resource management and workload forecasting are fairly limited. Reporting is basic unless you move to higher-tier plans. Not designed for complex scheduling or detailed cost tracking. Can feel too lightweight for enterprise-level project management. Asana Pricing Free plan: $0/user/month Premium plan: $10.99/user/month, billed annually Business plan: $24.99/user/month, billed annually Asana Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Asana is very easy to use, intuitive for my team members who don’t have tech backgrounds but need to start and contribute right away.” Sara G – from G2 “Overall, I had great success staying organized with this project management tool.” Mary B – from Capterra 7. Trello /wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Trello_logo.svg-e1654112954822.png Trello strips project management down to its essentials by focusing almost entirely on kanban boards. That simplicity makes it one of the fastest tools to pick up, with a drag-and-drop interface that works well for visual task tracking. It’s especially effective for small teams or straightforward projects that don’t require much structure. Boards, lists and cards are intuitive, and “Power-Ups” allow you to extend functionality when needed. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Trello-kanban-board.webp That simplicity comes with clear limitations. There are no native Gantt charts, time tracking or robust reporting tools, and resource management is essentially nonexistent without add-ons. It also doesn’t scale well, as boards can become cluttered when managing multiple projects or larger teams. It’s easier to use than Wrike, but far less capable overall. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Kanban Boards Trello Pros & Key Features Extremely simple kanban-style interface makes it one of the easiest Wrike alternatives to start using immediately. Drag-and-drop boards, lists and cards are great for visual task tracking and lightweight workflows. Works well for small teams or straightforward projects that don’t require heavy structure. Wide range of integrations and “Power-Ups” extend its functionality when needed. Trello Cons & Limitations Lacks advanced project management features like robust reporting, resource planning or cost tracking. Not ideal for complex projects with dependencies or critical path requirements. Gantt-style planning and timelines are limited compared to more complete Wrike alternatives. Can quickly become messy when managing multiple projects or larger teams. Relies heavily on add-ons to reach feature parity with more advanced tools. Trello Pricing Free plan: $0/user/month Standard: $5/user/month, billed annually Premium: $10/user/month, billed annually Enterprise: $17.50/user/month, billed annually Trello Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “I use it at work for my daily tasks and I also use it at home for a variety of different things.” Michelle J – from G2 “Aside from the UI being rather outdated, overall, Trello has streamlined our workflow significantly.” Peter Z – from Capterra 8. Jira /wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Jira_Software_logo-300x106.png Jira is far more specialized than Wrike, focusing heavily on agile project management and software development workflows rather than general-purpose project management. It’s a strong option for technical teams, with built-in support for sprint planning, backlog management and issue tracking. Jira stands out with advanced workflows, automation and customization, allowing teams to build highly tailored processes. Its reporting and analytics are especially strong in agile environments, offering insights through burndown charts and performance metrics. For teams managing complex projects with dependencies and large-scale tracking requirements, it can feel more robust overall. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Jira-kanban-board.png That specialization comes at a cost. The interface can feel overwhelming, especially for non-technical users, and setup requires time and experience to configure properly. Collaboration isn’t as intuitive, and the platform can feel like overkill for teams that don’t follow agile methodologies. It delivers more depth in certain areas, but lacks the balance and accessibility that make Wrike easier to adopt across different teams. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Software Development Jira Pros & Key Features Strong support for agile project management, including sprint planning, backlog tracking and issue management. Advanced workflows, automation and customization make it a powerful Wrike alternative for technical teams. Robust reporting and analytics provide deep insights into team performance and progress. Handles complex projects with dependencies, large teams and detailed tracking requirements. Jira Cons & Limitations Steep learning curve makes it difficult for non-technical users to adopt. Interface can feel overwhelming and overly complex for general project management use. Setup and workflow configuration require time and experience to get right. Less intuitive for collaboration compared to more user-friendly Wrike alternatives. Overkill for simple projects or teams that don’t follow agile methodologies. Jira Pricing Free plan: $0 user/month Standard: about $7.53 user/month Premium: about $13.53 user/month Enterprise: contact sales Jira Reviews G2 review: 4.3/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “In my office we use jira for task management and time management, which helps us for team projects with multiple moving parts.” Saili K – from G2 “Once we got past the learning phase, Jira significantly improved our project efficiency and collaboration.” Abu R – from Capterra 9. Kantata /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/kantata-logo.png Kantata takes a more specialized approach, focusing on professional services and project-based businesses that need strong financial and resource management capabilities. It goes beyond typical project tracking by combining operational and financial oversight in a single platform. Kantata brings together project management, time tracking, expense tracking and project accounting, making it particularly useful for teams managing billable work. Its resource planning and forecasting tools are more advanced, and its reporting provides portfolio-level visibility that supports data-driven decision-making. This makes it a strong fit for agencies or organizations handling multiple client projects. /wp-content/uploads/2023/05/resource-management-software-kantata.webp The trade-off is usability. The interface isn’t as intuitive, and the platform can feel overly complex for teams that don’t need financial tracking or PSA-level features. Setup and onboarding take time, and pricing is clearly geared toward enterprise users. While it offers deeper financial and resource capabilities, it sacrifices some of the flexibility and ease of use that make Wrike more accessible. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Resource Management Kantata Pros & Key Features Strong resource management, forecasting and financial tracking make it a serious Wrike alternative for service-based teams. Combines project management with time tracking, expense tracking and project accounting in one platform. Advanced reporting and portfolio-level visibility help with data-driven decision making. Good fit for agencies or organizations managing multiple client projects simultaneously. Kantata Cons & Limitations Learning curve can be noticeable, especially for teams unfamiliar with PSA (professional services automation) tools. Interface isn’t as intuitive as more modern or lightweight project management platforms. Overly complex for teams that don’t need financial tracking or portfolio management. Setup and onboarding take time due to the depth of features. Pricing and feature structure are geared more toward enterprise users. Kantata Pricing Enter your company info to see custom pricing Kantata Reviews G2 review: 4.1/5 Capterra review: 4.2/5 Highlighted User Reviews “The best thing about Kantata is that I can see budgets and time entries in real-time.” Rachel S – from G2 “The time tracking and resource allocation features are very well integrated into the system.” Hussain A – from Capterra 10. ProofHub /wp-content/uploads/2022/02/proofhub-300x73.png ProofHub aims to deliver a simpler, all-in-one project management experience without the complexity of more advanced tools. It combines task management, collaboration and reporting into a single workspace, making it a more straightforward option for teams that want everything in one place. ProofHub includes Gantt charts, kanban boards, calendars and task lists, offering flexibility in how projects are planned and tracked. Its built-in proofing and approval tools are particularly useful for creative and marketing teams, and the flat pricing model with unlimited users makes costs more predictable. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/proofhub.webp That simplicity comes with limitations. Reporting and analytics are more basic, resource management and forecasting are limited, and customization doesn’t go far enough for more complex workflows. The interface can feel dated, and performance isn’t always consistent. It’s easier to manage overall, but doesn’t offer the same level of depth needed for larger or more demanding project environments. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Large Teams ProofHub Pros & Key Features All-in-one platform that combines task management, collaboration and reporting in a single workspace. Includes Gantt charts, kanban boards, calendars and task lists for flexible project planning. Built-in proofing and approval tools are especially useful for creative and marketing teams. Flat pricing model with unlimited users makes it a cost-effective Wrike alternative. ProofHub Cons & Limitations Reporting and analytics are more basic compared to more advanced Wrike alternatives. Limited customization for workflows and advanced project structures. Resource management and forecasting features lack depth. Interface can feel dated compared to newer tools. Not ideal for highly complex or large-scale project environments. ProofHub Pricing ProofHub has a flat pricing fee of $89 per month or $45 with limited features, billed annually ProofHub Reviews G2 review: 4.5/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “The best thing I like about ProofHub is the way it organizes tasks and the detailed information each task captures.” Jagadeep S – from G2 “There are areas that need to be improved and more user customization would benefit this platform greatly.” David F – from Capterra 11. Bonsai /wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bonsai-logo.pngBonsai takes a different angle than Wrike by blending project management with business operations, especially for agencies and freelancers. Instead of focusing purely on task and workflow management, it brings together project tracking, client collaboration and financial tools in a single platform. You still get core planning features like kanban boards and Gantt charts, which are enough to organize tasks, set dependencies and track progress. Resource planning is also built in, helping teams manage workloads and avoid bottlenecks when handling multiple client projects. /wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bonsai-Project-Management-Software-for-Agencies-1600x898.webp Where Bonsai really separates itself is on the financial side. Time tracking, budgeting, invoicing and contract management are all tightly connected, so you can see project profitability in real time without jumping between tools. The client portal also makes collaboration more structured, especially for agencies managing external stakeholders. The trade-off is in project management depth. Workflows, reporting and advanced planning features don’t go as far as Wrike, and customization is fairly limited. It works well for small to mid-size teams that want an all-in-one business tool, but for larger or more complex projects, it can start to feel restrictive pretty quickly. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Agency Project Management Bonsai Pros & Key Features Feels more like a business management tool than a pure project management platform, combining tasks, time tracking and billing in one place. Gantt charts, time tracking and budgeting are tightly connected, which makes it easy to see project profitability in real time. Client collaboration stands out with a dedicated client portal and integrated contracts, invoices and proposals. Simple interface makes it easy to manage projects without much setup or training. Bonsai Cons & Limitations Project management features are relatively lightweight compared to more robust Wrike alternatives. Reporting and dashboards exist, but they’re more focused on financials than deep project analytics. Limited flexibility for complex workflows, dependencies or large-scale project structures. Kanban boards and advanced planning tools aren’t as strong as in more specialized platforms. Integrations are somewhat limited and often rely on third-party connectors. Bonsai Pricing Basic: $9/user/month Essentials: $19/user/month Premium: $29/user/month Elite: $49/user/month Bonsai Reviews G2 review: 4.3/5 Capterra review: 4.6/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Basic CRM if paying for a basic package. Reasonably priced and does what it says on the tin.” Anita O – from G2 “If you’re a freelancer looking for something to get started very quickly, then Bonsai will be great.” Brandon B – from Capterra 12. Flow Flow takes a much lighter approach than Wrike, focusing primarily on task management and team collaboration rather than full project planning. It’s a simpler option for teams that want to organize work without dealing with the complexity of more advanced tools. Flow offers kanban boards, task lists and basic dashboards that make it easy to track day-to-day work. Collaboration features such as comments, updates and task-level communication are built in, and its straightforward workload management helps distribute tasks across team members without much setup. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/flow-user-interface.png The trade-off shows up quickly once projects become more demanding. Reporting and analytics are minimal, customization options are limited, and there are no advanced planning tools like critical path analysis or detailed resource forecasting. It ends up feeling more like a task manager than a complete project management system, and scalability becomes an issue as projects grow in size or complexity. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Team Accountability Flow Pros & Key Features Clean and intuitive interface makes it easy to organize tasks and projects without a steep learning curve. Kanban boards and task lists are straightforward and effective for day-to-day project tracking. Good collaboration features with comments, updates and team communication built into tasks. Simple workload management helps distribute tasks across team members. Flow Cons & Limitations Lacks the depth of reporting and analytics expected from stronger Wrike alternatives. Limited customization options for workflows and dashboards. No real advanced project planning features like critical path analysis or detailed resource forecasting. Feels more like a task manager than a full project management system. Scalability becomes an issue when managing larger or more complex projects. Flow Pricing Basic: $6/user/month, billed annually Plus: $8/user/month, billed annually Pro: $10/user/month, billed annually Flow Reviews G2 review: 4.3/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “Flow has a very attractive user interface that makes navigating the app an aesthetically pleasing experience.” Titus A – from G2 “Clarity across all my team’s projects. More productive workers. Better team building and higher morale.” Jens R – from Capterra 13. nTask /wp-content/uploads/2023/11/nTask-Logo-Vertical-600-300x300.png nTask positions itself as a more affordable alternative to Wrike, offering a surprisingly broad set of features for teams that need more than just basic task management. It covers many of the same fundamentals, including Gantt charts, kanban boards and reporting, but at a lower price point. One area where nTask stands out is its inclusion of risk management and issue tracking, which aren’t always standard in tools at this level. It also combines time tracking, meeting management and collaboration features into a single platform, making it a practical option for smaller teams that want an all-in-one solution without a heavy setup process. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ntask.webp In practice, though, the experience isn’t as refined. Reporting and dashboards are more basic, automation and workflow capabilities are limited, and performance can become inconsistent with larger projects. While the feature coverage is solid, execution feels less polished overall, making it better suited for smaller teams rather than complex environments. Verdict: Best Wrike Alternative for Task Tracking nTask Pros & Key Features Surprisingly complete feature set for a lower-cost Wrike alternative, including Gantt charts, kanban boards and reporting. Includes built-in risk management and issue tracking, which is not common in many tools at this price point. Time tracking, meeting management and collaboration tools are all integrated into one platform. Easy to use with a relatively quick setup compared to more complex tools. nTask Cons & Limitations Interface feels less polished compared to more established project management platforms. Reporting and dashboards are functional but not as advanced or customizable. Performance and responsiveness can be inconsistent with larger projects. Automation and workflow capabilities are more limited than higher-end Wrike alternatives. Overall feature depth is good, but execution feels less refined. nTask Pricing Premium: $3/user/month, billed annually Business: $8/user/month, billed annually nTask Reviews G2 review: 4.3/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “I like the task board, since it has three different ways to visualize it: list, grid and calendar.” Mauricio P – from G2 “There are just a few things I would change, but it has helped our organization stay more organized and track progress on tasks.” Todd F – from Capterra 14. Zoho Projects /wp-content/uploads/2020/02/zoho-logo1-300x123.png Zoho Projects sits somewhere in the middle, offering a balanced mix of project planning, reporting and automation features at a relatively low cost. It leans more heavily into scheduling than Wrike, with Gantt charts that support task dependencies and critical path tracking. Reporting and dashboards provide real-time visibility into project progress and team performance, while time tracking, automation and customizable workflows give it flexibility across different use cases. Its integration ecosystem—especially within Zoho—adds another layer of functionality. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/backlog-header.png That said, the experience can feel less polished. The interface is more cluttered, setup takes time and collaboration isn’t as seamless as more communication-focused tools. Resource management is there but doesn’t go as deep, and the platform tends to work best if you’re already invested in the Zoho ecosystem. Verdict: The Best Low-cost Wrike Alternative Zoho Projects Pros & Key Features Strong Gantt charts with task dependencies and critical path tracking make it a solid Wrike alternative for scheduling. Comprehensive reporting and dashboards provide real-time insights into project progress and team performance. Includes time tracking, automation and customizable workflows for different use cases. Extensive integrations within the Zoho ecosystem and with third-party tools. Zoho Projects Cons & Limitations Interface can feel cluttered and less intuitive compared to more modern tools. Setup and customization take time, especially for new users. Collaboration features are solid but not as seamless as more communication-focused platforms. Resource management is present but not as advanced as some enterprise-level alternatives. Best experience often depends on using other Zoho products. Zoho Projects Pricing Free plan: $0/user/month Premium: $4/user/month, billed annually Enterprise: $9/user/month, billed annually Zoho Projects Reviews G2 review: 4.3/5 Capterra review: 4.5/5 Highlighted User Reviews “What I like most is how it integrates perfectly with the entire Zoho ecosystem.” Emy L – from G2 “While the UI and the setup were slightly complicated, Zoho Projects helps you track your projects efficiently.” Shria G – from Capterra 15. Teamwork /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/teamwork-logo-project-management-tool-300x87.png Teamwork is a more structured option that’s particularly strong for client-facing work. It leans more heavily than Wrike into time tracking, budgeting and profitability, making it a better fit for agencies and professional services teams managing billable projects. Project planning is solid, with Gantt charts, workload management and detailed reporting dashboards that give clear visibility into performance. Collaboration is also well-supported, with file sharing, comments and client access built into the platform. /wp-content/uploads/2023/06/resource-workload-management-e1700159217437.webp That added depth comes with some friction. The platform can feel more complex than necessary for smaller teams, onboarding takes time and the interface isn’t always intuitive at first. Some advanced features are also locked behind higher-tier plans, so while it offers stronger financial tracking, it’s not as accessible for teams looking for a simpler setup. Verdict: Teamwork Is the Best Wrike Alternative for Service Providers Teamwork Pros & Key Features Well-rounded Wrike alternative with strong project planning, Gantt charts and workload management. Excellent time tracking, budgeting and profitability tracking for client-facing projects. Detailed reporting and dashboards give good visibility into project health and performance. Collaboration tools are robust, including file sharing, comments and client access. Teamwork Cons & Limitations Interface and feature set can feel overwhelming at first. More complex than necessary for small teams or simple projects. Setup and onboarding take time due to the number of features available. Mobile experience is less polished than the web version. Some advanced features are locked behind higher-tier pricing plans. Teamwork Pricing Starter $5.99/user/month, billed annually Deliver $9.99/user/month, billed annually Grow $19.99/user/month, billed annually Teamwork Reviews G2 review: 4.4/5 Capterra review: 4.4/5 Highlighted User Reviews “It’s a great tool for unifying developers, designers and everyone involved in a project, needing little training.” Brett W – from G2 “Can also be used for personal projects, tasks, planning and dreaming/distractions, to get the info out of your head and recorded in a central system.” Jacki B – from G2 The Best Wrike Alternative Is Clear You’ve seen the top 15 Wrike alternatives listed in descending order. It’s clear that ProjectManager has more of what makes Wrike popular and leaves the other Wrike alternatives in the rearview mirror. Get ProjectManager today for free and get even more features, such as risk management, task management and resource management features that will help you deliver successful projects. Related Content Best Project Management Software: Rankings, Reviews & Comparisons Best Project Management Software Microsoft Project Alternatives Best Monday.com Alternatives Best Smartsheet Alternatives Best ClickUp Alternatives Best Asana Alternatives ProjectManager is the best Wrike alternative for project management. Our online project management software does everything Wrike does and more. Our dashboard metrics give you a clearer picture of your project’s progress. Resource management is more robust. Budgets stay on track with real-time monitoring of costs. That’s just the beginning. We have the best project management features such as online Gantt charts to plan, time tracking, task management and project portfolio management. Get started today for free. The post 15 Best Wrike Alternatives of 2026 (Free + Paid) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Valerie Cherish is back, and not a moment too soon. Twenty years after a modestly rated but absolutely brilliant first season, mega-cringe Hollywood satire The Comeback has returned to HBO for one more painfully embarrassing season (complimentary) Co-created by and starring Lisa Kudrow, it's the hilarious, dark, and occasionally moving story of a C-list celebrity determined to stay in the limelight at whatever cost. Valerie Cherish—clueless, egotistical, and all-too-human—is one of TV's indelible characters, simultaneously a victim of ageism, misogyny, and celebrity culture, and also a woman who doesn't care about any of that provided she can find a way to scrabble to the top. Likewise, these 10 shows spotlight women (mostly) of a certain age navigating career challenges with...mixed results. Hacks (2021 – ) On the surface, Valerie Cherish and Deborah Vance don't have all that much in common, but they often feel like two sides of a coin in the ways in which they battle, and concede to, the pressures of being a woman in modern show business. Hacks finds 25-year-old writer Ava (Hannah Einbinder) struggling to get her career back one track after getting cancelled over a tweet. She reluctantly takes a job with Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), a comedy trailblazer who remains popular with an older Vegas crown, but whose career is largely on autopilot. They're an entirely mismatched pair, but their chemistry is ultimately explosive, with Jean Smart doing some of the best work of her incredible career as the often deeply unlikeable Vance, and Einbinder more than holding her own in return. It's funny, bitchy, and surprisingly moving when it wants to be. Stream Hacks on HBO Max. Hacks (2021 – ) Learn More Learn More Girls5eva (2021 – 2024) The premise is very much about a comeback: A very ‘90s group (Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Paula Pell, and Renée Elise Goldsberry) who made it big very briefly with exactly one hit song gets its own shot at a career resurgence (they’re Girls5eva because they expected to be in the game “longer than 4 ever”—turned out, not so much; also there used to be a fifth member, but she died in a tragic infinity pool accident). After an up-and-coming rapper samples one of their old hits, the band reunites to try to find new relevancy in the 2020s. It doesn't go great! Tina Fey is one of the executive producers, and the (very fun) '90s-inspired original music was composed and written for the show by the creators. Stream Girls5Eva on Peacock and Netflix. Girls5eva (2021 – 2024) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Veep (2012 – 2019) There's a sweet vulnerability to Valerie Cherish absent from pretty much anyone in Veep, but the air of cringeworthy desperation hangs heavy over both shows. Veep asks: What if the very worst people imaginable had control of all the levers of power in America? What would that be like? In the highly satirical and in no way politically relevant series, Julia Louis-Dreyfus brilliantly plays Vice President Selina Meyer: part icon, part worst-case-scenario for the feminist dream. The supporting cast consists almost entirely of entitled rich people climbing over each other for infinitesimal extra bits of power while trying to appear as folk heroes to the rubes (us voters). It’s one of the funniest shows ever on TV, with the nastiest put-downs...if you can handle the fact that history has overtaken it in favor of a reality that's even more absurd. Stream Veep on HBO Max. Veep (2012 – 2019) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max The Studio (2025 – ) Industry exec Matt Remick (Comeback vet Seth Rogen) loves movies, and when he signs on for a high-profile role at the fictional Continental Studios, he feels like his time has come. He aims to make a real difference in returning an increasingly IP-driven movie industry to its creative roots.—until about a minute into his new job, when the CEO (Bryan Cranston) reveals his first order of business will be marketing the Kool-Aid Man Movie. Hollywood satires of yore have focused on the industry as one that eats people up and spits them out, but the spin here is that Remick yearns for those good old days, much as Valerie can never quite seem to move forward. The late Catherine O'Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders (Bodies Bodies Bodies), and Kathryn Hahn also star, and like The Comeback, the show boasts a long list of celebrity cameos. Stream The Studio on Apple TV+. The Studio (2025 – ) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ Enlightened (2011 – 2013) Before The White Lotus, Mike White co-created (with star Laura Dern) this beloved, if short-lived, comedy-drama about a middle-aged woman who has a complete mental breakdown following a demotion at the job to which she's devoted her life. Following a two-month stay in an holistic treatment facility, Dern's Amy Jellicoe becomes determined to approach life with a new perspective, focusing on meditation and positive change at work and at home. The results are mixed, but there's also a rather beautiful sense that change is absurd and difficult, but also entirely possible. Stream Enlightened on HBO Max. Enlightened (2011 – 2013) Learn More Learn More No Good Deed (2024) I'm adding this one largely for the Lisa Kudrow of it all, but there's a similar vein of dark comedy here—plus, No Good Deed is a pretty great show that a lot of people missed. The setup sounds like a juicy crime thrillers: Kudrow is retired pianist Lydia; Ray Romano is her husband, Paul. The two are in rather tricky financial straits and need to sell their home without wanting to seem too desperate to prospective buyers—and also hide a secret involving a death a few years prior. For all that, it's very much a comedy, with a great supporting cast that includes Linda Cardellini, Luke Wilson, O-T Fagbenle, and Teyonah Parris. Stream No Good Deed on Netflix. No Good Deed (2024) Learn More Learn More Younger (2015 – 2021) Rather than a young woman seeking to make a name for herself, Younger follows Liza Miller (Sutton Foster), a recently divorced woman in her 40s who finds that age is a barrier to reentering the publishing industry she left years earlier. After a compliment convinces her that she could pass for a younger woman, she lies that she's just 26 (must be nice) in order to land an entry-level job. Misadventures ensue. Think of it as a story of coming-of-age, again. Stream Younger on Netflix. Younger (2015 – 2021) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Hot in Cleveland (2010 – 2015) In contrast to The Comeback's reality TV style and structure, this is very much a traditional three-camera sitcom, albeit one with a stacked cast of legends, though it approaches the challenges of being a middle-aged woman in entertainment in many of the same ways. Writer Melanie (Valerie Bertinelli), beautician Joy (Jane Leeves), and soap diva Victoria (Wendie Malick) wind up spending a wild night in Cleveland after a plane to Paris is diverted, discovering in the process that, while they're seen as over-the-hill back in Los Angeles, they're all Ohio 10s—though the sassy caretaker of their house, Elka (Betty White), might not agree. Stream Hot in Cleveland on Paramount+. Hot in Cleveland at Paramount+ Learn More Learn More at Paramount+ Grace and Frankie (2015 – 2022) Close female friendships are hard to come by for the driven, slightly clueless Valerie, a woman focused on staying on top. Jane Fonda's Grace, a cosmetics mogul, isn't much different at the start, but she finds a different path when she makes a truce with her arch-nemesis Frankie (Lily Tomlin), a quirky artist with whom she has nothing in common—other than the fact that their husbands left them for one another. (Valerie might take some notes.) Stream Grace and Frankie on Netflix. Grace and Frankie at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Call My Agent! (2015 – 2020) International sensation Call My Agent! shifts its focus between four talent agents at a prestigious firm who are forced to take the reins following the sudden death of the agency founder, all of them getting a second chance in mid-career—or beyond. The cast is lead by Camille Cottin as Andréa Martel, while Liliane Rovère's Arlette Azéma is in her '80s. They navigate their messy personal lives while catering to the needs of their real celebrity clients (Juliette Binoche, Monica Bellucci, Isabelle Huppert, and Sigourney Weaver are just some of the name guest stars playing faintly exaggerated versions of themselves). It's soapy, addictive showbiz fun, a dishy delight even if you know not a lick of French. Stream Call My Agent! on Netflix. Call My Agent! (2015 – 2020) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix View the full article

Welcome to AI Decoded, Fast Company’s weekly newsletter that breaks down the most important news in the world of AI. You can sign up to receive this newsletter every week via email here. François Chollet on AI benchmarks I wrote an exclusive feature this week about the launch of a new AI benchmark called ARC-AGI-3. The benchmark was created by influential AI researcher Francois Chollet, who also created the widely-used Keras deep learning framework, a simplified toolkit for building AI models. Chollet has long argued that current AI models are limited in their ability to navigate novel situations and problems. The ARC test, which humans can master but not most AI systems, is designed to lay bare that limitation. My interview with Chollet contained a lot of general insights that didn’t make it into the story. Here are some of them (with my annotations in bold.) ARC-AGI-3 asks AI agents to navigate a series of simplistic video games, without instructions. Here’s Chollet on why current models struggle to do that: “It’s because they are reliant on memorization and retrieval, and the game is something they’ve never seen before. They’ve never played that particular game before or games like it, because each one is unique. So they’re lost. But a human is generally intelligent. A human is never lost. A human figures it out on the fly because they have fluid intelligence.” I began to imagine how I would approach figuring out the games. I suggested to Chollet that my main strategy would be thinking about similar scenarios I’d seen in the past or in other contexts, and trying to apply them. “Models have a lot of abstractions encoded in them. They have in fact more knowledge than you do. But they have very low ability to recombine that knowledge at test time to make sense of something they’ve never seen before. It’s the way the entire paradigm works. We are really good at absorbing knowledge, absorbing lots and lots of patterns. Better than the human brain, and at a much bigger scale. We are very bad at fluid intelligence, which is taking those patterns and actually combining them on the fly to form a new model [of a problem].” On what exactly an AI model would need to score highly on the benchmark: “They need small amounts of world modeling and continual learning–continual learning being the idea that on one level you’re going to learn one concept, on the next level you’re going to reuse that concept but learn a new one, and on the third level you’re going to add a third concept, and so on. It’s continual learning.” Not only do AI models need to continually learn, but they also need to form a model of the world that captures causes and effects. Chollet explains: “In general, all the ingredients you need in order to solve ARC 3 the right way, without brute forcing, without training on millions of games, are the ingredients of human intelligence but on a very small scale. The control space is tiny, the sensor space is tiny, the mechanics of the worlds are very simple, and your learning time scale is very short. But it’s fundamentally about dealing with the unknown. You have to explore. You have to try things and then build, step by step, bit by bit, a causal model of what’s going on, like ‘what happened when I pressed this button?'” Then you have to figure out what you want to be doing in this world. Like a child learning to move around. They have to figure out how their sense of space works, how the environment responds to what they’re doing. And when they start being able to do things, like crawling, they have to figure out what they want to be doing. Where do I want to crawl? If I can grab an object, why would I want to grab this object or that object? On what would happen if we did incorporate these solutions and got close to a perfect score playing the games in ARC-AGI-3: The causal models you need to build to solve these games are dramatically simpler than the causal models of the world that you have in your head. And the continual learning you have to do to solve one of these games is on the scale of a few minutes–five minutes, 10 minutes of gameplay. A human does decades of continual learning. So it’s the right ingredients at a very small scale. It’s a step in the right direction, but you cannot say this is human level. OpenAI may have zapped Sora as part of a pivot toward ‘world modeling’ OpenAI has decided to shut down its Sora app, which lets users generate AI videos and then share them on its TikTok-style social feed. Its reason for doing so may dovetail with a growing trend among AI video generation players. The AI lab may be pivoting toward using its AI video generation technology for world modeling and simulation. “As we focus and compute demand grows, the Sora research team continues to focus on world simulation research to advance robotics that will help people solve real-world, physical tasks,” an OpenAI spokesperson told Axios. That technology which can also be used in game development, digital twins, and special effects in visual entertainment. AI video generation companies Moonvalley and Runway AI are also moving toward developing world models. OpenAI might also have been spooked by the obvious copyright infringement risk of apps like Sora. Many copyright holders, including Hollywood studios and actors, were shocked to see that Sora often used well-known faces and had no clear guardrails for controlling it. OpenAI responded by offering to give Hollywood studios and actors more control over their IP and likenesses on the platform. Disney characters were among the first copyrighted assets to show up in Sora videos. But the two companies made a deal: Disney was invited to invest a billion dollars in OpenAI, and agreed to allow the use of classic Disney characters in Sora videos. The Hollywood Reporter now reports that the deal is off. OpenAI will continue building its video generation models, and it’s possible that something like Sora will be added to ChatGPT. More AI coverage from Fast Company: What happens when an AI agent decides to email you This Microsoft security team stress-tests AI for its worst-case scenarios Why breaking news still wins in the age of AI This artist’s work has been shown at MoMA. Now it’s training AI Want exclusive reporting and trend analysis on technology, business innovation, future of work, and design? Sign up for Fast Company Premium. View the full article

Stop thinking small. By Sandi Leyva The Complete Guide to Marketing for Tax & Accounting Firms Go PRO for members-only access to more Sandi Smith Leyva. View the full article

Stop thinking small. By Sandi Leyva The Complete Guide to Marketing for Tax & Accounting Firms Go PRO for members-only access to more Sandi Smith Leyva. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “Who is sending new business your way and who isn’t but really ought to be?” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “Who is sending new business your way and who isn’t but really ought to be?” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

There’s been a lot of noise in the advertising industry lately, from restructuring to consolidation to massive financial recalibrations at the industry’s biggest companies. It’s easy, in moments like this, to frame finance people as the enemy of creativity, something I’ve been reading a lot of recently. I don’t buy that. To me, the issue isn’t financial leadership. It’s the posture that financial leaders take. In a creative business, the CFO doesn’t just manage the numbers. They influence behavior, and their actions shape culture and whether a company builds or simply protects. It shows how they engage: are they leaning into tough conversations, helping solve problems rather than simply measuring them, and making it clear that they stand behind the work? CFOs AS BUILDERS I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best CFOs, and they are builders. They understand that a creative company is not a manufacturing business or a tech company. At a true creative agency, the greatest assets walk out the door every night. And the product isn’t ads, but ideas that create advantage for brands. Which means the focus can’t be efficiency alone. It has to be about raising the bar and improving the work, not simply extracting more margin from it. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t financial discipline. In fact, discipline becomes more important. But the approach shifts. The question isn’t, “How do we minimize our exposure?” It’s “How do we fund our ambitions responsibly?” There’s a big difference. The wrong kind of financial leadership narrows the aperture, and every setback triggers contraction. Profit becomes the headline metric for everything, and over time, the company plays more defense than offense. The right CFO understands that long-term value in a creative company comes from momentum, reputation, and the ability to attract exceptional talent. None of that grows without oxygen. Over the past 16 years at Zulu Alpha Kilo, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this can be. Being an indie creative agency sounds romantic—the creative freedom, financial control, autonomy over your brand and what it stands for. But it only works if financial leadership believes in the mission. If they don’t, independence is just a structure, not a strength. When your finance team aligns with your ambitions for the company, something different happens. You can invest through a tough month or quarter instead of retreating from it. You can hire that additional creative team or invest in that brave idea that needs some extra love. You can choose to strengthen internal culture rather than cut it to the bone. CLARITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY The builder’s CFO doesn’t say yes to everything. They ask hard questions, push for clarity, and hold people accountable. But they understand that the safest path rarely builds the strongest company. In moments of industry restructuring like the one we’re watching now, consolidation and financial engineering are often positioned as the solution. Sometimes those are necessary actions. But they are defensive plays, not the ones that create long-term success. Creative companies don’t succeed when they are the most optimized. They are sustainable when the work comes first: in priority, investment, and decision-making. If you’re leading a creative organization today, whether it’s an indie or part of something larger, the most important financial question isn’t about balance sheets or budgets. It’s about whether financial leadership believes in the power of the work. Because over time, finance doesn’t just fund creativity. It either fuels it or suffocates it. And in a creative company, that difference defines everything. Mike Sutton is the president and CEO at Zulu Alpha Kilo. View the full article

The hard part in content marketing is the information—ideas, verified facts, and reference material. And that’s exactly where these tools fall short. I learned this after generating 40 articles through Claude. I’d tried the writing tools first, but they…Read more ›View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. When you’re shopping around for a massage gun, you want to focus on features that justify the price. Specifically, I focus on features like speed settings (both intensity and versatility), noise and ease of use, battery life, and size. I've learned the hard way that when you're looking for a travel-sized massage gun, you have to be extra shrewd. I was once gifted a mini massage gun that, according to the holiday gift exchange rules, must have cost less than $30. It ran out of battery within one or two minutes of weak “massaging.” All of that is to say, a cheap massage gun isn’t worth it. Even if you're looking for "mini," you still need to invest in one up to the task of hammering away the pain. And do I have the guy for you: Normally $99.99, this mini massage gun is currently on sale for $78.82 as part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Bob and Brad Mini Massage Gun $78.82 at Amazon $99.99 Save $21.17 Get Deal Get Deal $78.82 at Amazon $99.99 Save $21.17 At barely one pound, the Bob and Brad Q2 Mini certainly lives up to its name. Luckily, this massage gun still packs a lot of punch, in terms of both literal vibrations and my overall user experience. For me, the real selling point of this massage gun—which I review in-depth here—is the effectiveness of its heat therapy. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for travel or bringing to the gym—something I never considered with my full-sized TheraGun Therabody. Even if you already own a larger massage gun, the Q2 Mini's heat therapy and sweet size could make it a worthwhile addition to your recovery toolkit. Our Best Editor-Vetted Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $209.99 (List Price $249.99) Sony WH1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $398.00 (List Price $459.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote — $34.99 (List Price $59.99) Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16GB 7" eReader (Black) — $169.99 (List Price $249.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Industry that benefited from president’s cuts to regulation and green policy is wary of unpredictabilityView the full article

Investing in a franchise can be a strategic move for those looking to start a business with established support. It requires careful consideration of personal goals, financial readiness, and the right franchise choice. You’ll need to assess startup costs, ongoing expenses, and legal compliance during the development of a solid business plan. Comprehending the various franchise types and evaluating opportunities will be essential to your success. So, what factors should you prioritize in your decision-making process? Key Takeaways Assess your financial readiness by evaluating your net worth and ensuring you can cover startup costs and ongoing expenses. Research franchise opportunities that align with your values, budget, and market potential for long-term success. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for detailed information on costs, obligations, and past franchisee performance. Develop a comprehensive business plan outlining objectives, market analysis, and financial projections to guide your franchise operations. Consult with legal counsel to understand the franchise agreement’s terms, conditions, and your rights and responsibilities as a franchisee. What Is a Franchise? A franchise is a structured business model where a franchisor allows a franchisee to operate under its established brand and systems in exchange for fees and royalties. In franchise investing, you benefit from the franchisor’s proven operational systems and brand recognition, which can greatly reduce the risks associated with starting a new business. There are various types of franchises, including restaurant franchises and health and fitness establishments, each catering to different markets. To franchise invest, you’ll typically enter into a franchise agreement that includes a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), outlining the franchisor’s obligations and financial performance. Initial investments can range from $10,000 to $5 million, depending on the franchise type and location, making it a viable option for those seeking passive income franchise opportunities. Why Consider Investing in a Franchise? When you invest in a franchise, you get to tap into established brand recognition, which can help attract customers much faster than starting your own business from scratch. Furthermore, many franchisors provide extensive support systems, offering training and resources that can greatly reduce your risk of failure. Established Brand Recognition Established brand recognition plays a vital role when considering an investment in a franchise. By choosing a franchise with an established brand, you can leverage customer trust and loyalty, which are key for success. Many franchisors invest heavily in marketing and advertising, benefiting franchisees by reducing customer acquisition costs. This is particularly important when exploring the best passive income franchises, as a loyal customer base often leads to predictable revenue from day one. In addition, research shows that approximately 90% of franchisees report profitability within their first two years, largely owing to the support of a well-known brand. As a result, passive franchise ownership through established brands can improve your chances of success and profitability in the competitive marketplace. Comprehensive Support Systems Investing in a franchise isn’t just about capitalizing on brand recognition; it also involves tapping into extensive support systems that can greatly improve your chances of success. Franchise systems provide thorough training programs covering operational procedures, marketing strategies, and customer service techniques, ensuring you’re well-prepared. Ongoing support from franchisors includes access to valuable marketing resources and performance monitoring, essential for profitability. Many best passive franchises offer a robust network of fellow franchisees, encouraging shared experiences and problem-solving. Plus, established supply chains simplify procurement and reduce costs. Types of Franchises Available Franchises come in various types, each catering to different markets and consumer needs, so it’s vital to understand the options available. Restaurant franchises, like Subway and Burger King, dominate the fast-food segment with their well-known brands. Business service franchises, such as The UPS Store, provide fundamental services like shipping and printing, serving both consumers and small businesses. Educational franchises, including Kumon and School of Rock, focus on child development and skill improvement, meeting the rising demand for supplementary education. Health and fitness franchises, like Anytime Fitness, tap into the wellness industry, reflecting the growing consumer interest in health trends. Finally, specialty retail franchises, such as Ace Hardware and GNC, offer niche products customized to specific customer needs, broadening market choices for potential franchisees. Evaluating Franchise Opportunities When evaluating franchise opportunities, you need to contemplate how well the franchise aligns with your personal values, as this can affect your commitment and satisfaction. It’s likewise important to analyze financial requirements and guarantee that the investment aligns with your budget and financial goals. Finally, evaluating the growth potential of the franchise can help you determine its viability and long-term success in your chosen market. Aligning Personal Values Finding a franchise that aligns with your personal values can greatly impact your overall satisfaction and motivation in running the business. Start by evaluating the franchise’s mission and how it resonates with your beliefs and interests. Research its community impact and commitment to social responsibility to guarantee it reflects your desire for positive change. Engaging with current franchisees offers insights into their experiences and cultural fit, helping you determine if the franchise aligns with your values. Furthermore, analyze the franchise’s reputation and brand values to confirm that your investment mirrors your ethics. Finally, assess the franchisor’s support for diversity and inclusion initiatives to identify opportunities that promote community representation and equity, ensuring a fulfilling business experience. Analyzing Financial Requirements Comprehending the financial requirements for investing in a franchise is vital, as it can greatly influence your decision-making process. Start by identifying the initial investment, which typically ranges from $10,000 to $5 million, with most franchises between $100,000 and $300,000. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to uncover all costs, including franchise fees, setup costs, and ongoing royalty fees. Don’t forget to factor in the need for working capital to cover operational expenses during the startup phase. Explore financing options such as bank loans, family investments, or SBA-backed loans to guarantee you have sufficient funds. Furthermore, conduct a return on investment (ROI) analysis to evaluate the financial viability and potential profitability of the franchise opportunity you’re considering. Assessing Growth Potential How can you effectively assess the growth potential of a franchise opportunity? Start by examining the franchise’s historical performance metrics, such as average unit sales and profitability rates. Analyze industry trends to guarantee alignment with market demand. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for insights on growth and expansion plans. Speaking with current and former franchisees will provide valuable information about their experiences and the support from the franchisor. Finally, consider the availability of multi-unit ownership, as this can greatly improve revenue streams. Key Elements Considerations Historical Performance Average unit sales, profitability rates Industry Trends Market demand, consumer preferences Franchise Support Insights from current/former franchisees Understanding Franchise Startup Costs When considering a franchise investment, comprehension of startup costs is crucial, as these expenses can greatly affect your financial planning. Franchise startup costs typically range from $10,000 to $5 million, with most falling between $100,000 and $300,000, depending on factors like industry and location. Your initial investment will include franchise fees, setup costs for construction and equipment, and working capital for operational expenses. To get a clear breakdown of these costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), especially Item 7, which details all associated fees. Moreover, remember to factor in ongoing royalty fees based on gross sales, and budget for extra operational expenses to guarantee you have sufficient funds for a successful franchise launch and sustainability. Assessing Your Financial Readiness Determining your financial readiness for investing in a franchise is essential for making informed decisions. Start by evaluating your personal financial situation, calculating your net worth to understand your available capital. Franchise investments typically range from $10,000 to $5 million, with most between $100,000 and $300,000. Assess your credit score—aim for above 700 to improve financing options. Don’t forget to take into account ongoing costs, like royalty fees between 4% and 8% of gross sales. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for a breakdown of startup costs and financial obligations. Financial Aspect Estimated Range Initial Investment $10,000 – $5 million Royalty Fees 4% – 8% of gross sales Good Credit Score Above 700 Developing a Comprehensive Business Plan When developing an extensive business plan for your franchise, it’s essential to define your business objectives clearly. You’ll likewise want to outline financial projections accurately, detailing startup costs and expected revenue to gauge profitability. Finally, thoroughly detailing operational strategies will help you streamline processes and align with the franchise’s goals. Define Business Objectives Clearly A well-defined set of business objectives is essential for the success of any franchise investment, serving as the foundation of your thorough business plan. Start by setting SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. These objectives guide your decision-making and help you evaluate progress effectively. Conduct thorough market research to identify industry trends, target demographics, and competitive analysis, ensuring your franchise aligns with market demand. Include an executive summary, company description, and operational strategies in your business plan to clarify your vision. Regularly revisit and update your objectives to adapt to market changes and assess performance. This ongoing refinement will keep your franchise positioned for success and growth in a competitive environment. Outline Financial Projections Accurately Accurate financial projections are crucial for any franchise business plan, as they provide a roadmap for your financial expectations and help gauge the viability of your investment. Start by detailing startup costs, ongoing operational expenses, and expected revenue streams. Use historical data from the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to create realistic projections. Incorporate a break-even analysis to identify how long it’ll take to recoup your initial investment. Furthermore, outline cash flow projections for at least the first three years, detailing monthly inflows and outflows to guarantee financial stability. Finally, consider external factors like market trends and competition, as these can greatly influence your franchise’s profitability and growth potential, guiding your strategic decisions effectively. Detail Operational Strategies Thoroughly To effectively navigate the intricacies of running a franchise, it’s essential to detail operational strategies thoroughly in your business plan. Begin with an executive summary that outlines your vision, followed by a detailed market analysis. Clearly define management structures and processes to guarantee efficient operations and compliance with franchisor guidelines. Set measurable goals and objectives to track your franchise’s performance. Include marketing plans that focus on local advertising, leveraging franchisor support to attract and retain customers. Finally, incorporate financial projections that detail startup costs, ongoing expenses, and anticipated revenues, providing a clear picture of potential profitability. This all-encompassing approach will guide your franchise operations and help secure necessary financing. Forming an LLC or Corporation When you’re considering investing in a franchise, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a corporation is a crucial step that can greatly affect your business path. An LLC offers legal protection by separating your personal assets from business liabilities, which reduces your financial risk in case of debts or lawsuits. It likewise involves less paperwork and fewer compliance requirements than a corporation, making it easier to manage. Many franchisors prefer franchisees to operate under an incorporated entity, as it boosts credibility. Conversely, forming a corporation can provide tax benefits, including the ability to deduct certain business expenses. The costs for setting up an LLC or corporation typically range from $50 to $500, depending on your state. Researching Market Conditions Researching market conditions is essential for ensuring your franchise investment aligns with the local economy and consumer behavior. Comprehending local market dynamics helps you identify consumer preferences, competition, and potential demand for your franchise’s offerings. Utilize government data sources, like the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, to gather insights on demographic trends and economic conditions relevant to your market. Analyzing existing franchise performance in your area can gauge the viability of your business model. Contact current and past franchisees for practical experiences. Tools like Esri’s Business Analyst and Placer.ai can evaluate foot traffic and customer behavior, assisting your location selection. Stay informed on industry trends and consumer behavior to mitigate risks associated with economic fluctuations. Reviewing the Franchise Agreement When you’re reviewing the franchise agreement, it’s crucial to understand its key components, such as the initial franchise fee and ongoing royalty fees. This legally binding contract outlines both your rights and responsibilities as a franchisee, so don’t overlook the importance of seeking legal counsel for a thorough review. Pay special attention to clauses on termination, renewal, and transferability to safeguard your investment and guarantee long-term success. Key Agreement Components A thorough comprehension of the Franchise Agreement is fundamental for anyone considering a franchise investment. This legally binding contract outlines both your and the franchisor’s rights and responsibilities, detailing terms of operation, fees, and the agreement’s duration. Key components include the initial franchise fee, ongoing royalty fees, and any additional costs for marketing or operational support. The agreement should additionally specify the franchisor’s obligations, like training and compliance standards, which help maintain the brand’s reputation. Pay close attention to the termination clauses, as they clarify conditions under which either party can end the franchise relationship. Finally, reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is imperative, as it provides crucial information regarding financial performance and franchisee obligations. Legal Review Importance Comprehending the importance of a legal review for your franchise agreement is crucial, as it can greatly influence your business’s success. A franchise agreement is a legally binding contract detailing your rights and obligations. Having an attorney review it can highlight potential risks and liabilities. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) likewise contains critical information about financial performance and legal history that you need to scrutinize. Here’s a quick overview of what to reflect on during your legal review: Aspect Importance Risks and Liabilities Identifies potential pitfalls Terms and Conditions Guarantees alignment with your business goals Franchise Fees Clarifies financial obligations Understanding these elements can prevent costly consequences later on. Compliance With Business Requirements Operating a franchise requires strict adherence to various business compliance requirements, which are critical for successful management. To guarantee smooth operations, you must focus on obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, which can vary by location and industry. Compliance with local regulations is crucial to avoid fines or potential franchise termination. In addition, many franchisors mandate corporate reporting requirements if incorporated, necessitating regular financial and operational updates. Key compliance aspects include: Securing a general business license and tax registrations Obtaining health permits and occupational licenses Following operational standards outlined in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Comprehending and adhering to state and municipal laws Failure to comply can lead to penalties or legal challenges, so thorough comprehension is fundamental. Choosing the Right Location Where should you place your franchise to maximize success? Choosing the right location is vital, as 80% of consumers will travel up to 20 minutes for preferred services. Start by conducting a demographic analysis to understand local age, income, and buying habits. Research the competition in the area to guarantee demand without saturation. Tools like Esri’s Business Analyst can shed light on foot traffic patterns and consumer behavior. Additionally, confirm compliance with local zoning laws to avoid operational restrictions. Factors Importance Demographics High Competition Medium Zoning Compliance Critical Select wisely, and your location can greatly improve your franchise’s potential for success. Building Your Team and Hiring Staff Building a successful franchise hinges not just on the products or services you offer, but furthermore on the strength of your team. To build a solid foundation, you’ll want to develop a clear recruitment strategy that identifies the specific skills and qualities needed for your franchise roles. Utilize cost-effective recruitment tools like JazzHR to streamline hiring and improve candidate selection. Attracting quality staff becomes easier when you highlight the benefits of your well-known franchise brand. Moreover, implement an all-encompassing training program to onboard new employees effectively. Finally, cultivate a positive work culture by engaging employees and encouraging feedback. Develop a clear recruitment strategy Use cost-effective tools for hiring Highlight franchise benefits to attract talent Implement an all-encompassing training program Strategies for Ongoing Support and Growth As you navigate the intricacies of running a franchise, implementing effective strategies for ongoing support and growth is crucial to your long-term success. Leverage the ongoing training and resources from your franchisor, including workshops and updated operational manuals, to boost performance. Engage with fellow franchisees through networking events and online forums to share best practices and innovative strategies. Regularly assess customer feedback via surveys to identify improvement areas and adapt your offerings. Utilize franchisor marketing support to strengthen your brand and attract new customers. Finally, monitor financial performance metrics like sales trends and profit margins, allowing you to make informed decisions and implement operational adjustments aimed at maximizing profitability and efficiency in your franchise. Frequently Asked Questions What to Consider Before Investing in a Franchise? Before investing in a franchise, you should evaluate your personal strengths and interests to guarantee they align with the franchise’s business model. Calculate the upfront investment, which can vary greatly. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) to understand financial obligations and support. Research market conditions in your desired location to gauge demand and competition. Finally, consider the ongoing training and support provided, as these can greatly improve your business success. What Are the 4 P’s of Franchising? The 4 P’s of franchising are crucial for shaping your marketing strategy. First, the Product highlights what you’re offering, focusing on its unique features. Next, Price involves setting competitive rates that reflect your product’s value. Place refers to where customers can access your offerings, ensuring convenience. Finally, Promotion encompasses your marketing efforts, including advertising and events, to attract customers and communicate your brand effectively. Together, these elements create a cohesive approach to your franchise’s success. What Are the Steps to Buying a Franchise? To buy a franchise, start by evaluating the pros and cons, focusing on costs and benefits. Next, choose a franchise that aligns with your skills and financial goals. Form a legal business entity for protection and credibility. Research market conditions using government data and the Franchise Disclosure Document. Finally, review the franchise agreement carefully, ideally with legal counsel, to understand your rights, obligations, and financial commitments before signing. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? It’s only $10,000 to open a Chick-fil-A since the company covers most startup costs, including equipment and construction. This model allows you to focus on operations rather than heavy financial burdens. Chick-fil-A selects franchisees based on character and leadership skills rather than financial capability, ensuring a hands-on approach to management. In spite of the low initial investment, franchisees can earn substantial profits, as Chick-fil-A ranks high in sales per unit in the industry. Conclusion Investing in a franchise can be a rewarding venture if approached methodically. By evaluating your financial readiness, researching franchise options, and comprehending costs, you lay a solid foundation for success. Compliance with legal requirements and choosing an ideal location are essential for attracting customers. Furthermore, building a capable team and implementing growth strategies can further improve your franchise’s potential. With careful planning and execution, you can navigate the intricacies of franchising and achieve your business goals. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Investing in a Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. If you're in the Apple ecosystem, and you're looking for a new pair of earbuds, you'd have trouble doing better than AirPods Pro 3. Apple's flagship earbuds sound great, come with interchangeable tips, and sport a number of intelligent, useful features. That package doesn't come cheap, though—Apple has the newest AirPods Pro priced at $249. That's why they're great to buy on sale: Amazon currently has the AirPods Pro 3 for $50 off their usual price. AirPods Pro 3 $199.00 at Amazon $249.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.00 at Amazon $249.00 Save $50.00 AirPods Pro 3 are Apple's best earbuds, hands down—if you prefer the design, that is. They offer the highest quality sound, the best noise cancellation, and sizing flexibility with their interchangeable tips. If you find that the "one size fits all" approach of Apple's standard AirPods don't work for you, one of these AirPods Pro sizes might fit better. AirPods Pro 3 come with a ton of features, too. The buds have Active Noise Cancellation, and Apple says these are up to four times better than its first-generation Pros. There's also Conversation Awareness, which lowers the volume of your music when you're speaking so you can have a chat, then raises the volume back up when you're done. Apple's Live Translation feature can translate conversations on the fly directly in your AirPods, and you can even use the buds as hearing aids. (They're actually FDA-approved.) But those features are also in some of Apple's other earbuds. What's exclusive here is the built-in heart rate sensor. If you have an Apple Watch, or another fitness tracker, you might not find that particularly useful, but if you don't, you can rely on your earbuds to keep tabs on your heart rate during exercises, for more accurate fitness measurements. The charging case is also Apple's first to include its second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, which makes finding the case (and your buds) much easier with Find My. Apple says you can get up to eight hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation (6.5 hours when using the heart rate sensor), and up to 24 hours when you take the charging case into consideration. These are IP57-rated for resistance against dust, sweat, and water, so while they're not waterproof, they should handle workouts just fine. Our Best Editor-Vetted Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $209.99 (List Price $249.99) Sony WH1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $398.00 (List Price $459.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote — $34.99 (List Price $59.99) Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16GB 7" eReader (Black) — $169.99 (List Price $249.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Oracle’s recent announcement about Java 26 marks a significant advance in software development, particularly for small business owners keen on maximizing efficiency and innovation through technology. The latest version of this widely-used programming language introduces a host of enhancements aimed at boosting developer productivity and simplifying application development, while also integrating advanced features like artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptography. Java, a stalwart in the software development landscape for over three decades, has continuously evolved to meet modern business demands. Arnal Dayaratna, research vice president at IDC, emphasizes this evolution by stating, “The platform’s continuous evolution enables organizations to incorporate transformative capabilities into their applications while preserving the reliability and security that define mission-critical software.” The release of Java 26 comes with thousands of improvements that can directly influence small businesses, enabling them to develop applications that not only meet today’s requirements but also prepare for future needs. The introduction of the Java Verified Portfolio (JVP) provides a curated suite of Oracle-supported tools and frameworks that can help small businesses streamline their development processes. This is especially valuable for those with limited resources, as it offers access to professional tools like JavaFX for user interfaces and Helidon for microservices, expanding application capabilities without requiring extensive internal expertise. One of the standout features in Java 26 is the simplified integration of AI functionality. With advancements like JEP 530, which enhances pattern matching and type handling, developers can create more expressive code that integrates AI inferencing more seamlessly. This could allow small businesses to harness AI technologies for data analysis, customer service automation, and other applications without needing extensive revamps of existing systems. Moreover, Java 26 focuses on enhancing application performance and reducing operational costs. Enhancements in memory management and garbage collection allow applications to run more efficiently, which is crucial for small businesses that often operate within tight budget constraints. JEP 522 improves throughput by minimizing synchronization efforts, helping developers handle more users concurrently without the need for additional hardware. Such efficiencies can lead to substantial cost savings and better customer experiences. However, with new features come potential challenges. Small business owners may face a learning curve as their teams adapt to the updated programming functionalities. Transitioning to the latest version means teams need to familiarize themselves with new best practices, which can initially stretch resources. Additionally, for businesses that rely on legacy systems built on older versions of Java, upgrading can require a careful strategic approach to avoid disruptions. Security enhancements in Java 26 also deserve attention. JEP 524 provides new APIs for handling cryptographic objects in widely accepted formats, crucial for businesses needing to comply with data privacy regulations. Security is paramount for SMBs that often feel particularly vulnerable to breaches. To implement these advancements effectively, the Java Verified Portfolio allows small businesses to access comprehensive documentation and direct support from Oracle. This structured support can simplify the lifecycle management of Java applications, ensuring that small enterprises can maintain robust, secure software solutions. Commercial support for JavaFX, specifically designed for creating interactive platforms, indicates Oracle’s recognition of small businesses’ need for sophisticated user experiences. By providing an enterprise-grade selection of tools, small businesses can enhance their application quality without the overhead costs associated with larger frameworks. As Oracle positions Java 26 as a foundation for continuous innovation, small business owners should evaluate how these enhancements align with their operational and strategic goals. Embracing the latest version can facilitate growth, streamline development, and secure applications. For more detailed insights about these features, the original announcement can be found here. With an eye toward the future and the right tools at their disposal, small businesses can leverage Java 26’s capabilities to not only meet current demands but also embrace tomorrow’s challenges head-on. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Java 26 Launches with Major Enhancements for AI and Developer Efficiency" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. A while back I switched to running while wearing bone conduction headphones (BCH), and I have zero regrets. Sure, they may never match the bass in traditional headphones, but a good pair can bring you perfectly solid sound quality—not to mention the comfort and safety that comes with an open-ear fit and BCH technology (they really do send sound through your bones). Right now my number one favorite headphones for running, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, are available for $139.95 as part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, a 22% discount off their list price of $179.95. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 $139.95 at Amazon $179.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $139.95 at Amazon $179.95 Save $40.00 As my colleague Daniel Oropeza noted in his review, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are the best set of BCHs that either of us have ever tried. They're across the board winners: Sound quality, secure fit, and battery life. (That last point is especially important for distance runners—even if I forget to charge the night before a long workout, a quick five-minute top-up gives me around 1.5 hours of listening time.) If you're looking for an even more affordable pair (without sacrificing quality), the original Shokz OpenRun are also on sale, down to $89.94 from a list price of $129.95. They might not have as powerful bass or as long a battery life compared to the OpenRun Pro 2, but they live up to the Shokz name. Our Best Editor-Vetted Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 128GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Gray) — $209.99 (List Price $249.99) Sony WH1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $398.00 (List Price $459.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote — $34.99 (List Price $59.99) Amazon Kindle Colorsoft 16GB 7" eReader (Black) — $169.99 (List Price $249.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Finding an affordable place to live right now is a challenge—but it’s one that different groups of Americans are grappling with in a variety of ways. A new report from Realtor.com explores the distinct barriers to affordable housing that renters face in an economy that has many budgets stretched thin. In the analysis, which draws on 2024 surveys of the country’s 100 biggest metro areas, Realtor.com found three distinct groups emerge in the U.S. rental market data: young renters, family renters, and long-term renters. The one thing those groups share in common? Making decisions about where to live is an exercise in financial survival these days—not a lifestyle choice. “We often hear that today’s renters are choosing to rent because they don’t want to be homeowners or are choosing to be ‘forever renters’, but in order to understand what’s holding renters back, we need to know who they are, where they are, and why they’re renting,” said Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale said in the report. “America’s rental landscape is being shaped by cost and geography in ways that limit flexibility for almost every type of tenant. Whether it’s young professionals moving inland for breathing room or families in high-cost markets stuck behind an affordability wall.” Young people are heading inland for jobs and cheaper housing The group of young renters makes up 32% of all U.S. renter households and includes adults under age 34. The average young renter household is headed by a 28-year-old, has two people living who make $65,000 a year living in a two-bedroom unit. Interestingly, Realtor.com found that most people in this group aren’t living in Los Angeles and New York, instead opting for mid-size cities with more affordability and reliable job markets. The top spots include Colorado Springs, Austin, and Denver. “The shift is driven by a massive affordability gap: in the top 10 young renter markets, an average of 52.6% of renters can afford a fair market rent, compared to just 32.0% in Miami and 33.6% in Los Angeles,” the report states. Affordability is a huge piece of the puzzle, but unemployment rates were also lower in cities with high concentrations of young renters, suggesting that jobs in those markets with lots of employment opportunities. Family renters face unique barriers In contrast to young renters who often live alone when they can afford to, family renters represent the biggest chunk of the U.S. rental market at 44%. The average family renter household is headed by a 42-year-old, has three members living across two bedrooms, and makes around $68,000 per year. While family renters share their average income and square footage with young renters, these often minority households face a different set of systemic challenges. Family renters are concentrated in cities with majority-minority populations across California, Texas, Florida, and Hawaii. Realtor.com’s data specifically cites Stockton, and Riverside in California and McAllen, Texas as the cities with the highest percentage of family renters in the U.S—all cities with majority Hispanic populations. Unlike the young renters, this swath of the U.S. population faces historic barriers to homeownership and affordability. Home prices now outstrip the income of the median American family, particularly in many of the markets where family renters are most common. “This affordability wall is compounded by structural barriers that persist regardless of market conditions—unequal access to credit and limited intergenerational wealth have produced a homeownership gap that remains wide and well-documented,” the report states. Long-term renters are locked in across major cities Young people aren’t headed to the biggest, most expensive markets for good reason. In cities like New York and Los Angeles, a larger share of renters stay in place for five or more years thanks to longstanding rent control policies that keep the price of housing down. But much like low mortgage rates for homeowners, that lock-in effect can be a double-edged sword that freezes people in place and limits their financial mobility. Realtor.com’s report notes that renters in “overflow” markets around some of America’s biggest, priciest urban centers see a similar phenomenon. A renter might leave Boston to move to Providence for more housing affordability only to be boxed in by rising rents in those markets too. Across the top ten cities with high concentrations of long-term renters, 39% of renter households would have a difficult time affording their housing if they had to move within the same city and pay a fair-market rate for rent. The report cites Providence, Rhode Island and Bridgeport, Connecticut as the two cities where renters couldn’t shoulder the burden of paying rent at market rates. The report notes that some long-term renters, particularly seniors, might be locked in for the right reasons, but many others simply wouldn’t be able to afford to live somewhere else. “When you look beneath the national averages, you see a market that is failing to provide mobility,” Realtor.com economist Jiayi Xu said. “The lack of new, affordable inventory means that for many, the ‘American Dream’ of choosing where you live has been replaced by the necessity of staying exactly where you are.” View the full article

While initially criticized as a black box, Performance Max has evolved into a fairly critical campaign type. With each passing quarter, Google has introduced more functionality and visibility. Additional reporting is helpful, but what matters is what you can actually act on. While you can’t control everything in Performance Max, there are specific levers that can have a meaningful impact on performance. Here are the parts of PMax you can control and how to use them effectively. Control what you can: Search terms and placements One of the most exciting updates in the last year to Performance Max has been the ability to add these campaign-level negative keywords. In the past, you could contact Google to add these in. It was somewhat cumbersome and involved filling out an Excel doc, forwarding it to Google, and giving them permission to implement. With the inclusion of the search terms report, we’re now able to select a keyword and quickly add it to the campaign-level negative keyword list, just as we can with a search or shopping campaign. Another way to optimize PMax is to review and monitor the placements report. Most recently, Google has moved the Performance Max placements report out of the reporting section of the Google Ads account and into the Where ads have shown section at the campaign level. While this makes analysis easier by removing additional steps, we still only have impression-level reporting on placements. We can use this information to decide whether to add these placements as negative placements at the account level. This is found in Tools > Content suitability > Advanced settings > Excluded placements. While this isn’t ideal, there’s still useful insight we can glean from this report, such as ads appearing in kids’ programming or driving a high number of impressions from mobile apps. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Use budget signals to improve efficiency Also located in the When and where ads showed section is the ad schedule. Even if you hadn’t selected an ad schedule when creating the campaign, Google automatically dayparts performance hourly. Google typically recommends an open ad schedule, but if you have a limited budget, restricting your ad schedule during off-peak or non-converting hours is an excellent way to increase efficiency. You can do this by creating a campaign-level ad schedule within Campaigns > Audiences, keywords, and content > Ad schedule. Make sure your Performance Max campaign is selected in the top left dropdown menu. Dig deeper: Top Performance Max optimization tips for 2026 Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Refine targeting with the right constraints Demographic exclusions are a relatively new feature at the campaign settings level for Performance Max. Unfortunately, reports for these campaigns are hard to obtain, limiting informed decisions on demographic exclusions. This functionality is helpful if you’re aware of specific demographics that aren’t actively in the market for specific products or services. To make adjustments, go to Campaign-level settings > Other settings > Demographic exclusions. From here, you can turn on age or gender exclusions: While PMax initially didn’t even provide device-level reporting, a new feature lets you opt out of serving on certain devices. If you opt into all device targeting when launching a PMax campaign, you should periodically review device performance and adjust accordingly. This is best done by segmenting at the campaign or asset group level by device. Device-level data is extremely helpful for determining which device is better suited to reach your goal. Likewise, if you almost always opt out of certain devices when launching a campaign, this data makes it easier to either launch with all device targeting enabled and monitor performance, or add a device you hadn’t initially added to see how it impacts performance. Device-level targeting is also available at the campaign level, under Other settings. Improve inputs: Creative and AI assets Ad assets play a large role in the display, YouTube, and Discover network performance of a PMax campaign. For many, there’s still a gap in producing high volumes of quality image and video creative. While still evolving, AI assets are getting closer to filling these gaps — enabling us to more effectively target these additional networks. As newer iterations of LLMs emerge, this will become a primary way to generate video content and professional-looking images. Google already offers generative AI image assets from shopping feed products that look relatively impressive. But we’re still a ways out from seeing high-quality AI-generated videos without the well-known glitches we typically see in this type of content. Dig deeper: How to reduce low-quality leads from Performance Max campaigns Understand the limits of control in Performance Max The channel controls report gave more insight into where ads were serving. I have an unpopular opinion on this report. While helpful, there’s little we can do within the campaign to improve performance. Because of this, the report is frustrating. We’ll likely see channel controls available within Performance Max in the near future — similar to what we already have in Demand Gen campaigns. For now, adjust creative and bids to sway volume within certain networks. To opt out of certain networks completely and focus on shopping, then a feed-only Performance Max campaign will do just that. Performance Max is evolving from a black box to a critical asset in a marketer’s toolkit. The steady stream of new functionality, from campaign-level negative keywords to detailed placement and ad schedule reports, shows Google’s commitment to providing greater control. Use these levers — strategic exclusions, device adjustments, and budget-aware scheduling — to move beyond set-it-and-forget-it and run Performance Max campaigns with precision and efficiency. View the full article

It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m a longtime reader and huge fan of Ask a Manager. I wondered if you’ve ever done a column about people who were busted as writing in — people whose coworkers, boss, family, or friends read a post and realized the author was someone they knew. I have not, although I know of a few times when it’s happened: If you remember the manager whose best employee quit when she wasn’t allowed to go to her college graduation, the employee herself recognized the letter years later and wrote in, one of the other interns fired for writing a petition about the dress code wrote in a year later, and someone who thought they were a coworker of the person angry about cheap ass rolls also wrote in. There was also a letter-writer who was pretty sure that her employee was having an affair with a married coworker, but wasn’t sure if she knew that the guy was married — and the employee in question saw the letter on the manager’s screen. I’ve also occasionally heard privately from someone who says, “I think I’m in the office where this is happening, and here’s the other side of the story.” I will say that sometimes people think they recognize a situation and they’re wrong (there’s a key detail that’s different) or the situation happens enough that they couldn’t possibly know it’s theirs. And generally I want people to feel comfortable writing in here without having to worry that people will try to guess who they are! But it’s an interesting topic, so let’s open it up for the comment section! The post what happens when someone recognizes your letter to an advice column? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

A company called Clickout Media is being called out for buying trusted news and niche sites, replacing them with AI-generated gambling content, and abandoning them after Google penalties. Some call this “parasite SEO,” but to me it sounds more like large-scale search spam. What’s happening. The company acquired sports, gaming, and tech sites, then rapidly shifted them from editorial coverage to casino and crypto content, PressGazette reported. Sites were stripped of original reporting, filled with AI-written articles, and used to push offshore gambling links, according to former employees. How it works. The strategy relies on buying domains with existing authority, then exploiting their ability to rank in Google. Content typically followed a pattern: Legitimate coverage continues briefly to preserve credibility Gambling content is introduced and scaled AI-generated articles and fake author profiles replace human writers Revenue comes from affiliate deals with casino operators, sometimes tied to player losses The impact. Several previously active publications now appear deindexed, with layoffs and closures following. In some cases, even charity websites were repurposed to host gambling content. What they’re saying. Google prohibits publishing content at scale for the primary purpose of manipulating rankings. It refers to extreme cases like this as “site reputation abuse,” a violation that can trigger manual actions and removal from Google’s index and search results. “While we aren’t able to comment on a specific site’s ranking on Search, our policies prohibit publishing content at scale for the primary purpose of manipulating search rankings,” Google said about this case. Why we care. This isn’t SEO in any meaningful sense. It’s reputation abuse designed to game rankings at scale. The report. The SEO parasites buying, exploiting and ultimately killing online newsbrands by Rob Waugh at PressGazette. View the full article

If you're a regular ChatGPT user, then you're one of a crowd that's now around 900 million people strong. It seems that plenty of us are spending significant amounts of time with the AI chatbot, whether that's to get more done, search the web, work on creative or coding projects, or just have something to talk to. Are you making the most out of ChatGPT though? The web, mobile, and desktop apps come with a selection of settings and some prompt adjustment possibilities that you may not have fully explored yet. Here's how to level up. Use 'branch conversations' to explore tangents off your chatsOpenAI often rolls out minor but useful upgrades to ChatGPT that can get missed, and one of those is branch conversations. They quite literally let you branch off from one conversation and start another, while leaving the original chat preserved so you can go back to it if you need to (and maybe start another branch). It's a simple way to go off on a tangent with a discussion. Click or tap the three dots at the end of any ChatGPT response and you'll see the Branch in new chat option. A new chat is then created, based on the first. Trick ChatGPT into returning shorter, more effective results You can specify what kind of target audience you are to ChatGPT. Credit: Lifehacker The internet is awash with ChatGPT prompt "hacks" of varying quality and effectiveness, and they all really boil down to the specificity of the instructions you're giving the AI. From the length of the responses to the data format they're outputted in, tell ChatGPT what you want in precise terms, and it will oblige. One of the best of these prompt hacks I've seen lately is from u/AdCold1610 on Reddit, and all you have to do is put "extremely lazy person here" somewhere in the prompt. It often has quite a profound effect on the response: Answers get shorter and to the point, and if there are instructions involved they become simpler and more straightforward. You get less fluff and more action in general, though obviously how much impact the lazy prompt has will vary on what you're asking of the AI. Use Voice Mode to record memos or thoughtsYou may well have seen the little sound wave icon down in the bottom right corner of the ChatGPT prompt box and given Voice Mode a try, without really knowing how to make use of it or why it works better than typing in your prompts. One potentially helpful idea, though, is to use it as a voice memo recorder for stuff you need to get done; another is to use it as an audio-based personal journal for thoughts and reflections. You can keep them all together in one chat, or spread them out. There's no shortage of mobile apps that will record audio clips for you, but they don't come with ChatGPT's AI analysis brain attached. Once you've built up a library of recordings, you can get it to prioritize your to do list, remind you about something you've forgotten, summarize the main themes of your reflections, sum up your mood changes over the week, or whatever else you can think of. Use "Personalization" to tailor ChatGPT's answers towards your interests Delve into the Personalization settings. Credit: Lifehacker You can tailor the answers ChatGPT gives you by telling it more about yourself: what you know about a certain topic, how you best absorb information, how verbose or succinct you'd like the AI's responses to be, and so on. But entering these details for each and every prompt can get tiresome quickly. There's actually a place to put details like this in ChatGPT's settings, as long as you open the panel on the web or desktop: Click your account profile avatar (bottom left), then choose Personalization.The next screen not only lets you set some guidelines for the personality ChatGPT should use by default, it also lets you tell the AI a bit about yourself—which it will keep permanently in its memory. You can add details including your occupation, your ethical values, your preferred learning style, and your main interests. Use Photoshop to edit photos within ChatGPT for freeChatGPT comes with mini-apps you can connect to via the prompt box, and one of those apps happens to be Photoshop—meaning you can carry out some pretty advanced edits using Adobe's software technology, free of charge. The plug-in is currently available in all the ChatGPT apps except Android and Windows. Pick Apps from the navigation pane, then search for "Photoshop" and click Connect to add it to your ChatGPT tools. You can then call it into action via the + (plus) button in the prompt box, or by typing "@" in your prompt followed by the app name. With Photoshop enabled, you can perform all kinds of edits: blur backgrounds, remove objects, and tweak brightness and contrast, for example. Just use the same natural language as you would in any ChatGPT conversation. You do need to upload an image to edit, or provide a public web link to one. If you don't do this before you submit your prompt, you'll be asked to do it after. Use your phone camera for live help Don't neglect the Camera option on mobile. Credit: Lifehacker ChatGPT for Android and iOS comes with a superpower: access to your phone's camera, so you can feed it photos in real time as you explore the world and go about the business of daily life. Just tap the + (plus) button by the prompt box, then Camera. Even if you've realized the feature is there, you might not have realized how much you can do with it. It'll translate signs in a foreign language for you, identify movies and TV shows from images posted to social media, pick out the route you need to take from a picture of a timetable or transit map, and explain what's in a particular dish on a menu. Ask ChatGPT for questions rather than answersBack to a bit of prompt hacking: Another trick that I've used a lot recently was taken from Reviewracoon on Medium. It's a debugging prompt, which means you don't ask for answers; instead, you ask ChatGPT for questions that are going to help you get to the answers yourself. This works best when reviewing your own writing, code, or ideas. For a draft of a short story, for example, you might say: "Don't tell me what's wrong and how to fix it. Instead, act like a detective, asking questions that will help me figure out how to improve it." What you'll get back will encourage you to review the thinking around your own process, what you're trying to achieve, and why you've taken the approaches you have. Use temporary chats to run ChatGPT in incognito mode Launch temporary chats on mobile or desktop. Credit: Lifehacker Another feature you might not have come across is the very handy temporary chat tool, which works like an incognito mode for ChatGPT. Nothing in this chat will be saved—it'll be instantly forgotten as soon as you close it. To start a temporary chat, open up a new chat and then click or tap the dashed speech bubble up in the top right corner. Reduce your messaging limits to block ads in ChatGPT FreeIf you're on the Free or Go tiers of ChatGPT, you're going to see ads by default to help pay OpenAI's data center bills, but there is a way to remove them: You just have to put up with lower usage limits in return. Get to your profile page by clicking or tapping on your username, then select Ads controls > Change plan to go ad-free > Reduce message limits to make the change. (You can reverse it any time you like.) OpenAI doesn't actually specify how restrictive this will be in terms of a daily message allowance, but it's an option you can try out. The other ways to remove ads are to switch to a Plus, Pro, Business, or Enterprise account (starting from $20 per month), or to register for an Education account. These subscriptions come with other benefits too, including access to smarter models. Use 'Study and learn' mode to pick up new skills and concepts Study and learn mode will feed you knowledge and then test you on it. Credit: Lifehacker You can employ ChatGPT as a learning tool in all kinds of ways, but there is a specific Study and learn mode built right in. OpenAI describes it as "a learning experience that helps you work through problems step by step instead of just getting an answer". To enable it, tap or click the + (plus) button on the prompt box, then choose Study and learn (it might be behind a More menu). Specify the topic you want to learn, and submit the prompt to get started with your tutoring session. ChatGPT may ask you some clarification questions so the bot can narrow down its teaching material. What you'll get next is a blend of information and questions to test your knowledge: ChatGPT will mark your answers as you go, then adapt the learning experience to meet you where you currently are. View the full article