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Critics warn costs could spiral into billionsView the full article

Google AI Mode is now available to all US users without a waitlist, offers new visual cards, shopping integration, and more. The post Google AI Mode Exits Waitlist, Now Available To All US Users appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Google has a number of announcements around Al Mode, including dropping the waitlist, adding products and place cards to the answers, a new history panel, and that they are doing a limited test without having to opt in to Al Mode within Search Labs. Testing Al Mode in the wild. Google is now testing Al Mode within Google Search without you having to opt in to Al Mode within Search Labs. That means that you might see the tab for Al Mode without specifically opting into the feature. Soufi Esmailzadeh, Director, Product Management, at Google Search wrote, “Because our power users are finding it so helpful, we’re starting a limited test outside of Labs. In the coming weeks, a small percentage of people in the U.S. will see the Al Mode tab in Search, and we’ll continue to incorporate feedback into the experience. “ No waitlist. If you are eager to try out Al Mode and you have not yet been accepted into the waitlist, well, that waitlist is going away. Google will automatically approve anyone in the U.S. who is 18 years or older, if they opt into Al Mode. There is no longer a waitlist and you will get immediate access to the Al Mode tab. Places and products cards. Google also added places (local businesses) and product cards to AI Mode. This includes information such as local images, ratings, reviews, store hours, real-time prices, and availability. This pulls from both Google’s Shopping Graph and Google Business Profiles. Google wrote, “For local spots, like restaurants, salons and stores, you can quickly see info like ratings, reviews, and opening hours, and if you’re looking for a product, you’ll see shoppable options with real-time prices (including the latest promotions), images, shipping details and local inventory.” Here is what it looks like: History panel. Google also added a new history panel, so you can see your past conversations and queries. This allows you to quickly pick up from where you left off, directly in AI Mode. You can click the new left-side panel to get to your past searches. Google will topics, each will include the infomation that AI Mode already found for you, and you can ask follow-up questions or take your next steps. Why we care. Google and other search engines and AI companies, are looking for the killer AI search engines features that will gain them market dominance in this AI search race. AI Mode may be that interface for Google (or maybe not). That being said, Google is investing a lot into AI Mode; adding features and rolling it out more widely. Also, for Google to test this in the wild, it will give Google the information it needs to see how searchers really like AI Mode and then adapt it to make it better. It is exciting times in this AI Search space. View the full article

CEO’s remuneration is benchmarked against US rivals and is set to rise to £7.8mnView the full article

Today's Bissett Bullet: “If you’re a business owner in need of an accountant and an advisor, you’re probably hoping those are one and the same person.” 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: “If you’re a business owner in need of an accountant and an advisor, you’re probably hoping those are one and the same person.” By Martin Bissett See more Bissett Bullets here Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Key Takeaways Growing Market: The lash and brow services sector is rapidly expanding, with the eyelash extension market projected to grow from $1.36 billion in 2020 to $2.31 billion by 2028. Low Startup Costs: Lash and brow franchises typically feature lower initial investment requirements, making it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the beauty industry. Established Brand Recognition: Joining a franchise allows you to leverage trusted brands, simplifying marketing efforts and increasing customer attraction. Comprehensive Training and Support: Franchisors provide valuable training programs and operational support, ensuring franchisees are well-equipped to succeed in the competitive beauty market. Exclusive Territory Rights: Many franchises offer exclusive territory agreements, allowing you to minimize competition and dominate your local market. Diverse Consumer Demographics: The primary market for lash services includes young adults aged 18-34, but interest is growing among older demographics, representing a broad potential customer base. In today’s beauty industry, lash and brow services are booming, making them a hot commodity for aspiring entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever thought about diving into a franchise, this niche offers a unique opportunity to tap into a growing market. With the right franchise model, you can leverage established brand recognition and proven business strategies to launch your own beauty venture. Imagine owning a business where you help clients enhance their natural beauty while enjoying the flexibility and support that comes with a franchise. From lash extensions to brow shaping, the services you offer can attract a loyal clientele eager for expert care. Let’s explore how investing in a lash and brow franchise could be your ticket to success in the vibrant beauty landscape. Overview Of Lash And Brow Franchise Lash and brow franchises present an attractive opportunity for those looking to enter the beauty industry. Operating within this segment requires minimal initial investment while promising substantial returns. These franchises capitalize on rising trends in self-care and personal enhancement. Franchise models in the lash and brow sector offer established brand recognition, which can significantly reduce the challenges faced by new business owners. As a franchisee, you benefit from a comprehensive franchise operations manual that outlines best practices, ensuring efficient operations from the start. Franchise agreements often include tailored franchise training programs, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate successfully. Ongoing franchise support helps you navigate the evolving beauty market and implement effective franchise marketing strategies to attract and retain clients. Moreover, many brands within this sector offer exclusive territory rights, allowing you to dominate your local market without competition from other franchisees. Engaging in multi-unit franchising expands your potential revenue streams and enhances brand presence. When considering this franchise opportunity, evaluate the royalty fees and additional franchise costs associated with long-term success. Carefully reviewing the franchise disclosure document will provide insight into the franchisor’s expectations and potential profit margins. With the right approach, investing in a lash and brow franchise can lead to a fulfilling career, enabling you to enhance clients’ natural beauty while establishing a successful small business. Benefits Of Starting A Lash And Brow Franchise Starting a lash and brow franchise offers numerous advantages for small business entrepreneurs. You gain access to a growing market while benefiting from established operational frameworks. Low Startup Costs Lash and brow franchises typically feature lower startup costs compared to other beauty industry ventures. Initial investment amounts vary, but many franchises allow you to launch with a relatively modest capital outlay. This lower financial barrier eases entry into the franchise system, allowing you to focus on growth and profitability without overwhelming expenses. Established Brand Recognition One of the major benefits of a lash and brow franchise is the brand recognition you achieve instantly. Franchises like LUME Lash Brow Beauty and Lucia Lash and Brow come with established reputations that attract customers. This built-in trust simplifies marketing efforts and decreases the time it takes for your franchise to gain traction in the market. As a franchisee, you leverage the brand’s existing customer base while following a proven franchise marketing strategy that enhances your overall success. Key Considerations Before Joining A Franchise Before diving into a lash and brow franchise, consider essential factors that can influence your success. Understanding the franchise model, including fees, training, and support, helps you make informed decisions. Franchise Fees and Royalties Franchise fees represent a one-time investment in your franchise license, critical for gaining the right to operate under a recognized brand. For example: LUME Lash Brow Beauty: $29,900 LashKind: $40,000 Lash & Company: Part of an initial investment ranging from $150,000 to $185,000 Royalty fees follow as ongoing charges, typically a percentage of your gross sales. These fees support your brand’s marketing and operational resources, contributing to franchise growth in a competitive market. Training and Support Provided Franchisors often offer comprehensive training and ongoing support through a franchise operations manual and tailored franchise training programs. These resources ensure you and your staff understand effective practices and standards. Franchise support may also include marketing strategies to boost brand recognition and customer acquisition. Utilizing franchise consultants or joining a franchise network enhances your ability to succeed in the lash and brow industry. Notable training areas include: Customer service Product application techniques Business management By assessing these elements, you’re better prepared to maximize your potential as a franchisee in the flourishing beauty market. Popular Lash And Brow Franchises Franchising in the lash and brow sector presents various opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Two notable franchises stand out for their established brand recognition and comprehensive support. Franchise 1 Overview Amazing Lash Studio Founded: 2010 by Jessica and Edward Le. Franchising Since: 2013. Franchised Units: Over 262 locations across 28 US states. Initial Investment: Ranges from $304,071 to $635,972. Franchise Fee: Set at $50,000. Royalty Fees: Charged at 6% of monthly gross revenue. Additional costs include a 2% advertising fund and a required local advertising spend of $1,750 per month. Services: Focuses on semi-permanent eyelash extensions, facial hair removal, eyebrow services, and other beauty treatments. Offers a spa-like salon experience featuring skilled stylists and a flexible pricing model. Franchise 2 Overview Deka Lash Founded: 2012 by Michael and Jennifer Blair. Franchising Since: 2016. Franchised Units: Over 120 locations in the US and Canada. Initial Investment: Ranges from $179,251 to $426,491. Franchise Model: Supports owners with a standardized operations manual and extensive franchise training to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Both franchises provide valuable franchise support, marketing strategies, and development resources that help franchisees succeed in the competitive beauty industry. Their established systems streamline operations and enhance profitability, making them attractive franchise opportunities for small business owners. Market Trends And Insights Market Size and Growth The eyelash extension market in the US reached a value of $1.36 billion in 2020. Projections indicate it’ll hit $2.31 billion by 2028, reflecting a robust CAGR of 6.95% from 2021 to 2028. The broader nail salon market, which encompasses services like manicures, pedicures, and eyelash extensions, is anticipated to reach $22 billion by 2025. This growth represents a solid opportunity for small business owners considering a franchise in the beauty industry. Consumer Demographics Young adults, specifically those aged 18-34, comprise 51% of the lash extension market. Middle-aged adults (35-54 years old) also exhibit a notable interest, while seniors (55+ years old) account for 5%. This demographic data shows the potential for franchise owners to target a diverse range of consumers. The market is largely female-driven; however, interest among men is on the rise. Service Preferences Professional lash extension services constitute over 60% of the market share as of 2018. This preference highlights the significance of offering high-quality services within your franchise model. Implementing a strong franchise marketing strategy can effectively attract and retain customers, enhancing your business success. Franchise Opportunities Joining a lash and brow franchise presents compelling advantages. With low startup costs, an established brand recognition, and provided franchise training, entrepreneurs benefit from reduced risks while entering a competitive market. You gain access to a detailed franchise operations manual and ongoing support to navigate the intricacies of franchise compliance. Market Entry Strategy Conducting a thorough location analysis can increase your odds of success. Opt for exclusive territory agreements, ensuring your franchise stands out in specified areas. Such strategies allow you to maximize your franchise profit while minimizing competition within your territory, solidifying your position in the franchise network. Understanding these market trends and insights equips you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions in the dynamic lash and brow franchise sector. Conclusion Entering the lash and brow franchise space offers a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. With low startup costs and established brand recognition you can tap into a rapidly growing market. The comprehensive training and ongoing support from franchisors equip you with the tools needed for success. As you consider this venture it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and assess potential locations. By choosing a franchise that aligns with your goals you’ll not only enhance your business prospects but also contribute to the beauty industry’s flourishing landscape. Embrace the chance to create a rewarding career while helping clients feel their best. Frequently Asked Questions What are lash and brow franchises? Lash and brow franchises are businesses that specialize in beauty services like eyelash extensions and eyebrow treatments. They operate under established brands, providing franchisees with the support and resources needed to succeed in the competitive beauty industry. Why should I consider owning a lash and brow franchise? Owning a lash and brow franchise offers advantages like established brand recognition, proven business strategies, and comprehensive training. This helps to accelerate customer acquisition and provides ongoing support to navigate the evolving beauty market. What is the typical startup cost for these franchises? Startup costs for lash and brow franchises can vary significantly. For example, Amazing Lash Studio ranges from $304,071 to $635,972, while Deka Lash costs between $179,251 and $426,491. These costs are generally lower than many other business ventures in the beauty sector. What kind of support do franchisees receive? Franchisees receive extensive support, including comprehensive training programs covering customer service, product application, and business management. Ongoing assistance is also provided to help franchisees implement effective marketing strategies and navigate market changes. Are there opportunities for multi-unit franchising? Yes, many lash and brow franchises allow for multi-unit franchising. This offers franchisees the chance to expand their revenue streams and customer base by operating multiple locations within their exclusive territory. What are the market trends for lash and brow services? The lash extension market in the U.S. reached $1.36 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to $2.31 billion by 2028. With more young adults interested in these services, the market is experiencing stable growth and presents significant opportunities for franchisees. What should I consider before joining a lash and brow franchise? Before joining a franchise, assess the franchise model, fees, training, and ongoing support. It’s important to understand the one-time franchise fees, royalty fees, and the comprehensive training provided, ensuring you’re well-prepared for success. Who are the leading franchises in this sector? Notable franchises include Amazing Lash Studio and Deka Lash. Amazing Lash Studio has over 262 locations and offers a wide range of services, while Deka Lash provides a standardized operations manual and extensive training, making both attractive options for potential franchisees. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlock Success with a Profitable Lash and Brow Franchise Opportunity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Growing Market: The lash and brow services sector is rapidly expanding, with the eyelash extension market projected to grow from $1.36 billion in 2020 to $2.31 billion by 2028. Low Startup Costs: Lash and brow franchises typically feature lower initial investment requirements, making it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the beauty industry. Established Brand Recognition: Joining a franchise allows you to leverage trusted brands, simplifying marketing efforts and increasing customer attraction. Comprehensive Training and Support: Franchisors provide valuable training programs and operational support, ensuring franchisees are well-equipped to succeed in the competitive beauty market. Exclusive Territory Rights: Many franchises offer exclusive territory agreements, allowing you to minimize competition and dominate your local market. Diverse Consumer Demographics: The primary market for lash services includes young adults aged 18-34, but interest is growing among older demographics, representing a broad potential customer base. In today’s beauty industry, lash and brow services are booming, making them a hot commodity for aspiring entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever thought about diving into a franchise, this niche offers a unique opportunity to tap into a growing market. With the right franchise model, you can leverage established brand recognition and proven business strategies to launch your own beauty venture. Imagine owning a business where you help clients enhance their natural beauty while enjoying the flexibility and support that comes with a franchise. From lash extensions to brow shaping, the services you offer can attract a loyal clientele eager for expert care. Let’s explore how investing in a lash and brow franchise could be your ticket to success in the vibrant beauty landscape. Overview Of Lash And Brow Franchise Lash and brow franchises present an attractive opportunity for those looking to enter the beauty industry. Operating within this segment requires minimal initial investment while promising substantial returns. These franchises capitalize on rising trends in self-care and personal enhancement. Franchise models in the lash and brow sector offer established brand recognition, which can significantly reduce the challenges faced by new business owners. As a franchisee, you benefit from a comprehensive franchise operations manual that outlines best practices, ensuring efficient operations from the start. Franchise agreements often include tailored franchise training programs, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate successfully. Ongoing franchise support helps you navigate the evolving beauty market and implement effective franchise marketing strategies to attract and retain clients. Moreover, many brands within this sector offer exclusive territory rights, allowing you to dominate your local market without competition from other franchisees. Engaging in multi-unit franchising expands your potential revenue streams and enhances brand presence. When considering this franchise opportunity, evaluate the royalty fees and additional franchise costs associated with long-term success. Carefully reviewing the franchise disclosure document will provide insight into the franchisor’s expectations and potential profit margins. With the right approach, investing in a lash and brow franchise can lead to a fulfilling career, enabling you to enhance clients’ natural beauty while establishing a successful small business. Benefits Of Starting A Lash And Brow Franchise Starting a lash and brow franchise offers numerous advantages for small business entrepreneurs. You gain access to a growing market while benefiting from established operational frameworks. Low Startup Costs Lash and brow franchises typically feature lower startup costs compared to other beauty industry ventures. Initial investment amounts vary, but many franchises allow you to launch with a relatively modest capital outlay. This lower financial barrier eases entry into the franchise system, allowing you to focus on growth and profitability without overwhelming expenses. Established Brand Recognition One of the major benefits of a lash and brow franchise is the brand recognition you achieve instantly. Franchises like LUME Lash Brow Beauty and Lucia Lash and Brow come with established reputations that attract customers. This built-in trust simplifies marketing efforts and decreases the time it takes for your franchise to gain traction in the market. As a franchisee, you leverage the brand’s existing customer base while following a proven franchise marketing strategy that enhances your overall success. Key Considerations Before Joining A Franchise Before diving into a lash and brow franchise, consider essential factors that can influence your success. Understanding the franchise model, including fees, training, and support, helps you make informed decisions. Franchise Fees and Royalties Franchise fees represent a one-time investment in your franchise license, critical for gaining the right to operate under a recognized brand. For example: LUME Lash Brow Beauty: $29,900 LashKind: $40,000 Lash & Company: Part of an initial investment ranging from $150,000 to $185,000 Royalty fees follow as ongoing charges, typically a percentage of your gross sales. These fees support your brand’s marketing and operational resources, contributing to franchise growth in a competitive market. Training and Support Provided Franchisors often offer comprehensive training and ongoing support through a franchise operations manual and tailored franchise training programs. These resources ensure you and your staff understand effective practices and standards. Franchise support may also include marketing strategies to boost brand recognition and customer acquisition. Utilizing franchise consultants or joining a franchise network enhances your ability to succeed in the lash and brow industry. Notable training areas include: Customer service Product application techniques Business management By assessing these elements, you’re better prepared to maximize your potential as a franchisee in the flourishing beauty market. Popular Lash And Brow Franchises Franchising in the lash and brow sector presents various opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Two notable franchises stand out for their established brand recognition and comprehensive support. Franchise 1 Overview Amazing Lash Studio Founded: 2010 by Jessica and Edward Le. Franchising Since: 2013. Franchised Units: Over 262 locations across 28 US states. Initial Investment: Ranges from $304,071 to $635,972. Franchise Fee: Set at $50,000. Royalty Fees: Charged at 6% of monthly gross revenue. Additional costs include a 2% advertising fund and a required local advertising spend of $1,750 per month. Services: Focuses on semi-permanent eyelash extensions, facial hair removal, eyebrow services, and other beauty treatments. Offers a spa-like salon experience featuring skilled stylists and a flexible pricing model. Franchise 2 Overview Deka Lash Founded: 2012 by Michael and Jennifer Blair. Franchising Since: 2016. Franchised Units: Over 120 locations in the US and Canada. Initial Investment: Ranges from $179,251 to $426,491. Franchise Model: Supports owners with a standardized operations manual and extensive franchise training to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Both franchises provide valuable franchise support, marketing strategies, and development resources that help franchisees succeed in the competitive beauty industry. Their established systems streamline operations and enhance profitability, making them attractive franchise opportunities for small business owners. Market Trends And Insights Market Size and Growth The eyelash extension market in the US reached a value of $1.36 billion in 2020. Projections indicate it’ll hit $2.31 billion by 2028, reflecting a robust CAGR of 6.95% from 2021 to 2028. The broader nail salon market, which encompasses services like manicures, pedicures, and eyelash extensions, is anticipated to reach $22 billion by 2025. This growth represents a solid opportunity for small business owners considering a franchise in the beauty industry. Consumer Demographics Young adults, specifically those aged 18-34, comprise 51% of the lash extension market. Middle-aged adults (35-54 years old) also exhibit a notable interest, while seniors (55+ years old) account for 5%. This demographic data shows the potential for franchise owners to target a diverse range of consumers. The market is largely female-driven; however, interest among men is on the rise. Service Preferences Professional lash extension services constitute over 60% of the market share as of 2018. This preference highlights the significance of offering high-quality services within your franchise model. Implementing a strong franchise marketing strategy can effectively attract and retain customers, enhancing your business success. Franchise Opportunities Joining a lash and brow franchise presents compelling advantages. With low startup costs, an established brand recognition, and provided franchise training, entrepreneurs benefit from reduced risks while entering a competitive market. You gain access to a detailed franchise operations manual and ongoing support to navigate the intricacies of franchise compliance. Market Entry Strategy Conducting a thorough location analysis can increase your odds of success. Opt for exclusive territory agreements, ensuring your franchise stands out in specified areas. Such strategies allow you to maximize your franchise profit while minimizing competition within your territory, solidifying your position in the franchise network. Understanding these market trends and insights equips you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions in the dynamic lash and brow franchise sector. Conclusion Entering the lash and brow franchise space offers a unique opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. With low startup costs and established brand recognition you can tap into a rapidly growing market. The comprehensive training and ongoing support from franchisors equip you with the tools needed for success. As you consider this venture it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and assess potential locations. By choosing a franchise that aligns with your goals you’ll not only enhance your business prospects but also contribute to the beauty industry’s flourishing landscape. Embrace the chance to create a rewarding career while helping clients feel their best. Frequently Asked Questions What are lash and brow franchises? Lash and brow franchises are businesses that specialize in beauty services like eyelash extensions and eyebrow treatments. They operate under established brands, providing franchisees with the support and resources needed to succeed in the competitive beauty industry. Why should I consider owning a lash and brow franchise? Owning a lash and brow franchise offers advantages like established brand recognition, proven business strategies, and comprehensive training. This helps to accelerate customer acquisition and provides ongoing support to navigate the evolving beauty market. What is the typical startup cost for these franchises? Startup costs for lash and brow franchises can vary significantly. For example, Amazing Lash Studio ranges from $304,071 to $635,972, while Deka Lash costs between $179,251 and $426,491. These costs are generally lower than many other business ventures in the beauty sector. What kind of support do franchisees receive? Franchisees receive extensive support, including comprehensive training programs covering customer service, product application, and business management. Ongoing assistance is also provided to help franchisees implement effective marketing strategies and navigate market changes. Are there opportunities for multi-unit franchising? Yes, many lash and brow franchises allow for multi-unit franchising. This offers franchisees the chance to expand their revenue streams and customer base by operating multiple locations within their exclusive territory. What are the market trends for lash and brow services? The lash extension market in the U.S. reached $1.36 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to $2.31 billion by 2028. With more young adults interested in these services, the market is experiencing stable growth and presents significant opportunities for franchisees. What should I consider before joining a lash and brow franchise? Before joining a franchise, assess the franchise model, fees, training, and ongoing support. It’s important to understand the one-time franchise fees, royalty fees, and the comprehensive training provided, ensuring you’re well-prepared for success. Who are the leading franchises in this sector? Notable franchises include Amazing Lash Studio and Deka Lash. Amazing Lash Studio has over 262 locations and offers a wide range of services, while Deka Lash provides a standardized operations manual and extensive training, making both attractive options for potential franchisees. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlock Success with a Profitable Lash and Brow Franchise Opportunity" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Decision comes after scandal over use of group chat to discuss military attacks in YemenView the full article

A government-sponsored enterprise executive shared his take on the financial implications of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte's initiatives. View the full article

Microsoft’s cloud computing and artificial intelligence business helped deliver $70.1 billion in sales and boosted profits by 18% for the January-March quarter, a dose of relief for investors during a turbulent time for the tech sector and U.S. economy. The company reported quarterly net income of $25.8 billion, or $3.46 per share, beating Wall Street expectations for earnings of $3.22 a share. The Redmond, Washington-based software maker posted revenue of $70.1 billion in the period, its third fiscal quarter, up 13% from the same period a year ago and also beating Wall Street expectations. Analysts polled by FactSet expected Microsoft to post revenue of $68.44 billion for the quarter. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella credited cloud growth for its strong quarter. The company’s cloud unit posted revenue of $26.8 billion, compared with expectations of $26.17 billion. “Cloud and AI are the essential inputs for every business to expand output, reduce costs, and accelerate growth,” Nadella said in a statement. The company also saw a 6% increase in revenue in its personal computing unit, which includes its laptop business and Xbox services. Nadella noted on a call with investors that demand for cloud and artificial intelligence remained strong. He said Microsoft is constantly tweaking its investments based on efficiency improvements in computing systems and what kind of services customers want. “We just want to make sure we are accounting for the latest and greatest information,” he said. Microsoft is among a group of the tech industry’s bellwether companies that have been through a period of uncertainty and turmoil since President Donald The President returned to the White House, with a see-sawing of stocks that has eviscerated trillions of dollars in shareholder wealth amid an onslaught of tariffs and other actions. Microsoft’s stock price has dropped nearly 8% since The President’s inauguration in January, to about $395 at the close of markets Wednesday. But investors appeared pleased moments later after Microsoft released its earnings report, sending stocks up more than 6% in after-hours trading. Revenue from Microsoft’s cloud computing business segment grew 21%, to $26.8 billion, also beating Wall Street projections. The company felt more tariff uncertainty in its personal computing business, which is centered around its Windows operating system and the fees it collects from computer makers that put it on the hardware they sell. Revenue from that business was $13.4 billion for the quarter, up 6% from the first three months of last year. —Associated Press View the full article

The generative AI revolution has seen more leaps forward than missteps—but one clear stumble was the sycophantic smothering of OpenAI’s 4o large language model (LLM), which the ChatGPT maker eventually had to withdraw after users began worrying it was too unfailingly flattering. The model became so eager to please, it lost authenticity. In their blog post explaining what went wrong, OpenAI described “ChatGPT’s default personality” and its “behavior”—terms typically reserved for humans, suggesting a degree of anthropomorphization. OpenAI isn’t alone in this: humans often describe AI as “understanding” or “knowing” things, largely because media coverage has consistently framed it that way—incorrectly. AI doesn’t possess knowledge or a brain, and some argue it never will (though that view is disputed). Still, talk of sentience, personality, and human-like qualities in AI appears to be growing. Last month, OpenAI competitor Anthropic—founded by former OpenAI employees—published a blog post expressing concern about developing AI that benefits human welfare. “But as we build those AI systems, and as they begin to approximate or surpass many human qualities, another question arises,” the firm wrote. “Should we also be concerned about the potential consciousness and experiences of the models themselves? Should we be concerned about model welfare, too?” Why is this kind of language on the rise? Are we witnessing a genuine shift toward AI sentience—or is it simply a strategy to juice a sector already flush with hype? In 2024 alone, private equity and venture capital poured $56 billion into generative AI startups. “Anthropomorphization, starting with the interface that presents as a person, using ‘I’, is part of the strategy here,” says Eerke Boiten, a professor at De Montfort University in Leicester, U.K. “It deflects from the moral and technical issues,” Boiten says. “When I complain that AI systems make mistakes in an unmanageable way, people tell me that humans do, too.” In this way, errors—like the misconfiguration of the core prompt that guided ChatGPT’s botched 4o model—can be framed as human-like mistakes by the model, rather than human errors by its creators. Whether this humanization is a deliberate choice is another question. “I think that people actually believe that sentience is possible and is starting to happen,” says Margaret Mitchell, a researcher and chief ethics scientist at Hugging Face. Mitchell sees less cynicism than some when it comes to how AI employees and companies talk about sentience and personality. “There’s a cognitive dissonance when what you believe as a person clashes with what your company needs you to say you believe,” she explains. “Within a few years of working at a company, your beliefs as an individual meld with the beliefs that would be useful for you to have for your company.” So it’s not that AI company employees are necessarily trying to overstate their systems’ capabilities—they may genuinely believe what they’re saying, shaped by industry incentives. “If sentience pumps up valuation, then the domino effect from that—if you don’t step out of the bubble enough—is believing that the systems are sentient,” Mitchell adds. But coding human-like qualities into AI systems doesn’t just exaggerate their abilities—it can also obscure scrutiny, says Boiten. “Dressing up AI systems as humans leads them to make the wrong analogy,” he explains. “We don’t want our tools or calculators to be systemically and unpredictably wrong.” To be fair, Anthropic’s blog post doesn’t declare sentient AI inevitable. The word “when” is balanced by “if” when considering the moral treatment of AI models. The company also notes, “There’s no scientific consensus on whether current or future AI systems could be conscious, or could have experiences that deserve consideration.” Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, in a January blog post reflecting on the past year, conceded that ubiquitous, superintelligent AI “sounds like science fiction right now, and somewhat crazy to talk about.” Still, by broaching the subject, AI companies are planting the idea of sentient AI in the public consciousness. The question—one we may never definitively answer unless AI actually becomes sentient—is whether this talk makes AI companies and their employees the boy who cried wolf, as former Google engineer Blake Lemoine learned after claiming in 2022 that a model he worked on was sentient. Or are they issuing an early warning? And while such talk may be a savvy fundraising tactic, it might also be worth tolerating—at least in part. Preparing mitigation strategies for AI’s future capabilities and fueling investor excitement may just be two sides of the same coin. As Boiten, a committed AI sentience skeptic, puts it: “The responsibility for a tool is with whoever employs it, and the buck also stops with them if they don’t fully know what the tool actually does.” View the full article

Roku has a few new features coming to its devices. These includes an alert when new movies hit streaming services, badges for award-winning films, and sports highlights for the teams you support. These updates will be rolling out over the coming months, the company said. Here are all the new features Roku announced in its most recent blog post. An easier way to find and watch moviesRoku is releasing a feature called Coming Soon to Theaters, which displays the biggest theatrical releases from Hollywood in a new row on the home screen. You can use this to quickly discover interesting new movies that you'd like to watch the next time you visit a theater. If you'd rather watch it at home, you can add those movies to your Save List on Roku, after which the device will notify you the moment that movie is available on a streaming service. In a related feature, Roku's adding a new badge for award-winning films, making it easier to spot films worth watching. A more personalized sports experience Credit: Roku Roku is also bringing in a personalized highlights row in the Sports Zone section, a hub for all sports-related videos. With improved personalization, you'll be able to see clips from your favorite teams front-and-center. You'll also be able to turn on notifications for when your favorite teams from various sports are playing. Additionally, Roku said it's adding Sports Zone to more regions across the world, starting with Mexico. More short-form content on displayIn the All Things Food and All Things Home sections, Roku will show dedicated rows for short videos. If you'd like to watch short clips related to food or homes, Roku will make it easy to do so. An upgraded Roku app Credit: Roku Roku's mobile app is getting the ability to use your phone as a remote for the TV. The app is also adding more details to its content pages, such as cast, crew, trailers, and IMDb ratings. This will let you get useful information about the content you're watching without having to leave the app. A trivia game for nerdsRoku's Daily Trivia game is back after a brief pause. The game shows you 10 questions every day and after you're done, you can take a look at content related to the topics in the quiz. The trivia section now boasts improved visuals, and lets you access questions from older quizzes as well. Access Roku City whenever you want toThe Roku City screensaver is quite popular among users of the company's devices. It's a fake city that appears if your Roku is idling. With these updates, a Roku City tile will appear on the device's home screen, allowing you to visit the fictional locale whenever you want to. Roku also announced that Backdrops, its wallpapers functionality, is coming to its devices in Canada. The feature has been available in the US for a while now. View the full article

HERE'S A LOOK at some of the best leadership books to be released in May 2025 curated just for you. Be sure to check out the other great titles being offered this month. Another Way: Building Companies That Last…and Last…and Last by Dave Whorton with Bo Burlingham Dave Whorton went on a journey to find a better way to build companies, a way focused on long-term stability and steady growth, funded through profitability; a way in which leaders were committed to a purpose beyond personal wealth generation, to putting their people first, and to setting up their companies to endure. He calls these companies "Evergreen." Another Way combines Whorton's inspiring story with his Evergreen 7Ps framework, designed to guide more entrepreneurs and business leaders to follow his path. Full of revelations, practical advice, and real-world examples of companies going Evergreen, Another Way is as instructive as it is inspiring at showing capitalism at its best. The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance by Zach Mercurio Increasingly, people report feeling overlooked, ignored, and underappreciated at work. Simply put, they don't feel like they matter to their leaders or organizations—and it's taking a toll. This hidden epidemic of insignificance is fueling a mental health crisis, intensifying loneliness, and, for organizations, driving disengagement, turnover, and low performance. Zach Mercurio reveals how mattering to others is a fundamental—yet often overlooked—requirement for thriving. He introduces a simple yet effective framework for making daily interactions with your people more meaningful: Noticing: the practice of seeing and hearing others, Affirming: the practice of showing people how their unique gifts make a difference, and Needing: the practice of showing people they're relied on and indispensable On Character: Choices That Define a Life by General Stanley McChrystal How to measure a life? After a career of service, retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal had much to contemplate. He pondered his successes and failures, his beliefs and aspirations, and asked himself, Who am I, really? And more importantly, who have I become? When I die, how will I be measured? In the end, McChrystal came to a conclusion as simple as it was profound: the reality of who we are cannot be recorded in dates or accomplishments. It is found in our character—the most accurate, and last full measure, of who we choose to be. On Character offers McChrystal’s blueprint for living with purpose and integrity, challenging us to examine not just our deeds but who we become through them. Reinventing the Leader: How to Change Yourself to Change Your Company by Gui Loureiro and Carlos E. Marin An inspiring, practical book by Gui Loureiro, Regional CEO overseeing Walmex, Walmart Canada, and Walmart Chile, and his executive leadership coach Carlos Marin that shows how even the most successful leaders must be open to personal change in order to transform their company. Reinventing the Leader is the turbulent story of how it happened that’s especially relevant in this age of globalization. Gui learns from Carlos that to change the company he must first transform his own leadership style. Written from the dual perspectives of a CEO and his leadership coach, this candid book provides an insightful blueprint for any organization’s success. Today’s leaders are expected to inspire by sharing a vision based on purpose, not just profits. Loureiro and Marin’s enlightening account of self-discovery and business reinvention defines a fresh new approach to leadership for the future. The 7 Commitments of a Great Team by Jon Gordon From Jon Gordon comes a powerful new fable on what it takes to build a truly great team. Through engaging storytelling, real-world lessons, and actionable insights, Gordon reveals the seven commitments that great teams must make to build trust, foster connection, overcome adversity, and achieve extraordinary success. Whether you're a business leader, coach, entrepreneur, or team member, this book will inspire you to commit, lead with purpose, and build a team that wins, thrives, and leaves a lasting impact. The Optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI, and the Race to Invent the Future Keach Hagey In The Optimist, the Wall Street Journal reporter Keach Hagey presents the most detailed account yet of Altman’s rise, from his precocious childhood in St. Louis to his first, failed startup experience; his time as legendary entrepreneur Paul Graham’s protégé and successor as head of Y Combinator, the start-up accelerator where Altman became the premier power broker in Silicon Valley; the founding of OpenAI and his recruitment of a small yet superior team; and his struggle to keep his company at the cutting edge while fending off determined rivals, including Elon Musk, a former friend and now Altman’s bitter opponent. Hagey delivers a nuanced, balanced, revelatory account of the individual who is leading us into what he himself has called “the intelligence age.” Altman is a figure out of Isaac Asimov or Neal Stephenson. Or he is the author himself: if it feels as though we have all collectively stepped into a science fiction short story, it is Altman who is writing it. For bulk orders call 1-626-441-2024 * * * “You can't think well without writing well, and you can't write well without reading well. And I mean that last "well" in both senses. You have to be good at reading, and read good things.” — Paul Graham, Y Combinator co-founder * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. View the full article

Ideo—the global design firm famous for putting Design Thinking into the lexicon of corporate America—has vastly reduced its staff as appetite for its services have waned. But two years following the culling, the company has hired a new CEO. Michael Peng will take the role in June. Peng is a former Ideo partner who has spent the last five years leading the venture studio Moon Creative Lab, which was founded by the Japanese investment firm Mitsui & Co. “His leadership will bring a unique blend of human-centered creativity, multicultural fluency, thoughtful collaboration, and strong business acumen,” the company announced in a press release. Meanwhile, Derek Robson, Ideo’s CEO since 2023 who oversaw the largest staff cuts in the company’s history, will be moving into a “group-level role” at Kyu, the parent organization of Ideo. Before Moon, Peng studied neuroscience as an undergrad at Berkeley, and amassed considerable experience at IDeo, where he led the company’s human factors team and was key at shaping its expansion in Japan. During his 14 years with the company, he co-founded the company’s Tokyo office—a satellite that was profitable for Ideo even as the larger company was losing money in the 2020s. Robson closed Ideo Tokyo in what staffers considered a bungled move to “prioritize” its venture arm partnership in the region, D4V, which Peng also founded. While it would be premature to deconstruct too much of Ideo’s strategy with the hire, it is notable that Robson was the first non-designer Ideo had ever hired for the role of CEO. And in hiring Peng, Ideo has put a trained designer back at the helm of the company. View the full article

Raycast on the Mac is a powerful keyboard-based launcher. It's quite popular in Mac productivity circles, and you can think of it as a customizable version of Spotlight. You can add extensions to it, use it for math, create custom shortcuts with it, search for files, and now, of course, talk to AI, using a floating window on top of anything on your Mac. Apple users have requested an iPhone version of Raycast for a long time. But things that Raycast can do on the Mac, like access the clipboard, trigger extensions, and manage windows and files, just aren't possible on the iPhone and iPad. But Raycast for iPhone is finally here after all, and it's just the beginning. Raycast AI on iPhone Credit: Raycast Recently, Raycast has become kind of an all-in-one AI tool, providing you with access to the latest and greatest models from ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Deepseek, and more at one low monthly price. You get 50 messages for free, and the $10/month Raycast Pro plan provides you with access to smaller models like GPT mini and Claude 3.5 Haiku. The $20/month plan opens that up to the models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet, GPT-4.1, Gemini 2.5 Pro, and more. Credit: Khamosh Pathak Raycast on the iPhone carries the same design language as the Raycast app on the Mac. When you open the Raycast app on iPhone, you'll see a text box at the bottom, and a Voice button. On the top of the page, there are shortcuts to view all your AI conversations, Notes, Snippets, and Quicklinks. The middle part can be customized to add any AI or Raycast action shortcut that you wish. By default, you'll talk to Raycast AI using the app's own Ray model, which is based on GPT-4. But you can tap on the Model button to switch to any available model, including any custom AI models that you might have built on Mac. You can also add attachments, ask follow up questions, and more. Notes, Quicklinks and Snippets Credit: Raycast When it comes to productivity, the Raycast iPhone app brings over three Mac features: Notes, Quicklinks, and Snippets. If you're paying for the $10/month Raycast Pro subscription, you'll see that all your notes, Quicklinks and Snippets from your Mac will show up automatically on the iPhone (using the Cloud Sync feature). But even if you aren't, you can still use these features for free on the iPhone; they just won't sync to your Mac. You can create 5 notes for free using Raycast Notes. You'll also be able to export notes in HTML, Markdown and in rich text. Quicklinks and Snippets are let you do a bit more, though. Quicklinks let you create shortcuts for launching any URL with a tap. This URL can take you directly to a part of an app, or website. Snippets is Raycast's version of a text expansion tool, and is a more robust version of the built-in Text Replacement tool on iPhone and Mac. Here, you can create text-based shortcuts that expand into any saved text, like your address, or a work email template, easily. A ways to goAnd that's all there is so far. Currently, Raycast thinks of the iPhone app mostly as a companion to the more powerful Raycast utility on the Mac. According to an interview with Raycast co-founder Petr Nikolaev (via The Verge) the goal for the Raycast app was to put something in front of Raycast users and see how they respond. The developers plan to build on top of this foundation using the feedback from users. If the Raycast app on iPhone is successful, they also plan to build an Android app (a the Windows app is already in the works). Currently, Raycast supports the Shortcuts framework that makes it easy to open the AI chat and other features directly from Control Center, or the Lock screen. But it's not the same as replacing Siri or Spotlight Search. According to the co-founders, they would love to bring extensions support to the iPhone app, but Apple's sandboxed environment won't allow for it. Although, they are excited about a potential custom keyboard implementation that would let them bring some of the Raycast features into other apps using the system keyboard. View the full article

Instagram and Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc. posted better-than-expected results Wednesday for the first quarter thanks to strong advertising revenue—boosted by artificial intelligence tools—on its social media platforms. Meta’s stock climbed in extended trading after the results came out. It was a “a good quarter for Meta, but it was before the economic turmoil really kicked in and before the seesaw of the tariffs began,” said Sonata Insights chief analyst Debra Aho Williamson. “It was also before we started to see pullbacks in ad spending from China-based advertisers like Temu and Shein.” Going forward, she added, Meta should be able to withstand any revenue shortfall from advertisers from China if it can continue to improve its AI-driven advertising tools. The company earned $16.64 billion, or $6.43 per share, in the January-March period, up 35% from $12.37 billion, or $4.71 per share, in the same period a year earlier. Revenue rose 16% to $42.31 billion from $36.46 billion a year earlier. Analysts, on average, were expecting earnings of $5.23 per share on revenue of $41.34 billion, according to a poll by FactSet. For the current quarter, Meta forecast revenue in the range of $42.5 billion to $45.5 billion. Analysts are expecting $43.84 billion. The Menlo Park, California-based company also raised its capital expenditures estimate for 2025 to $64 billion-$72 billion, up from its prior outlook of $60 billion-$65 billion. Meta said the new guidance “reflects additional data center investments to support our artificial intelligence efforts as well as an increase in the expected cost of infrastructure hardware.” “We’ve had a strong start to an important year, our community continues to grow and our business is performing very well,” CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a statement. “We’re making good progress on AI glasses and Meta AI, which now has almost 1 billion monthly actives.” He said in a conference call with analysts that the company is in a good position to navigate the ongoing economic “uncertainty.” Zacks Investment Research analyst Andrew Rocco said that while many companies have not been providing guidance amid tariff concerns and an uncertain economic environment, the fact that Meta did is a “bullish sign.” Meta said more than 3.4 billion people, on average, used at least one of its apps in March. That’s up 6% from a year earlier. On Tuesday, Meta released a standalone AI app, called Meta AI, that includes a “discover” feed that lets users see how others are interacting with AI. Meta shares jumped $24.20, or 4.4%, to $573.20 in after-hours trading. The stock is down about 8% year-to-date. —Barbara Ortutay, AP Technology Writer View the full article

US carmaker cuts profit outlook in response to trade war despite reprieve from steepest measures View the full article

Technologies like AI and Web3 could eventually unlock blockchain’s full potential. 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

Technologies like AI and Web3 could eventually unlock blockchain’s full potential. 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

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Welcome to “Cookbook of the Week.” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own. Another Italian cookbook—I know. But trust me, you’ll want to be here for this one. Milk Street Backroads Italy is a cookbook that may make you question some of your “rules” about cooking Italian food. Constantly stirring polenta? Adding slabs of mozzarella to your eggplant parm? Loading Italian wedding soup with meatballs? While I will probably continue putting mini meatballs in everything, this latest volume from Milk Street has done something unexpected—it’s made Italian food new for me again. A bit about the bookThis absolutely packed cookbook by Christopher Kimball and J.M. Hirsch just published on April 15, and it’s fresh in more ways than that. You get a hint from the name, Backroads Italy, that you’re about to see a different side of the country's cuisine. This has been attempted by many, and why not? Italian food is usually easy to make, delicious, and relatively reliable to duplicate across regions. What this cookbook does differently is give you a host of dishes you probably aren’t familiar with (I wasn’t), and truly helpful tips at every turn. As for the dishes you thought you knew well, Milk Street Backroads Italy shows you a new way to make it. A new way that doesn’t make you grumpy about the change, but instead, intrigued by the possibility of an alternative favorite. It’s important to mention that these “new” methods aren’t actually new—they’ve been in use for generations. But they’re finally making their way to us from different regions in Italy—from Italian chefs that Kimball and Hirsch cooked with and learned from—occasionally with an adjustment in favor of science, or a spin on technique for the sake of ease in the American kitchen. A great cookbook for a different look at Italian foodI admit, I usually find an excess of stories in cookbooks a little tiresome—I like to get on with the recipes—but the stories in this cookbook drew my attention nearly every time. Instead of meandering anecdotes (which is when I usually flip), these excerpts are descriptive with a clear intention. They provide vital information about what you’re about to see on the next page, and why it’s going to be different from what you’re used to. I especially enjoyed reading about No-Fry Neapolitan Eggplant Parmesan (Parmigiana di Melanzane), classic polenta, and the Milanese technique for quick-cooking risotto. Each dish traditionally has an annoying but supposedly written in stone, must-do step. For example, the eggplant must be breaded in a coating of egg and bread crumbs. For polenta, it’s consistent stirring and boosting it with lots of cheese and butter. For risotto, much of the same slow and consistent stirring while slowly ladling in chicken broth. Well Milk Street Backroads Italy showed me that not only can you ditch the annoying steps, but the meal might actually be better for it. While Italian food is often known for hearty, tomato-sauce-laden pastas and, of course, pizza, the authors here relish in unearthing the little-known recipes of Italy—and the enthusiasm is contagious. I love the idea of making a soup that’s jam-packed with herbs instead of meat, swapping spaghetti with chickpeas for my vongole, or giving tomatoes a break and dousing rigatoni with a bright green broccoli sauce. Don’t get me wrong: There are familiar pasta dishes, risotto, focaccia, and pizza galore in this book. Just be open to the twists and turns on these backroads. You’ll be happy you did. The dish I made this week Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann I browsed the offerings in this cookbook for days, and I stopped often to gander at a gorgeous picture here or peruse the ingredient list there. But I kept coming back to page 179, Rigatoni con Salsa di Broccoli. Something about the creamy green sauce with big pasta tubes and even bigger broccoli florets was irresistible. Plus the ingredient list was a reasonable length of 10 ingredients, none of them difficult to source. Essentially, the sauce is made from the often-jettisoned broccoli stem with some key flavoring ingredients added. They all get blended into a furiously jade-hued sauce and tossed with the cooked rigatoni and blanched broccoli florets. It's a simple recipe, made even less busy by using a single pot of boiling water for all of the work. I appreciated not having multiple pots and pans going at once (and not having to clean them all later). Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann When I caught a whiff of the sauce out of the blender, I knew: There would be no hope for leftovers. I took one bite and was gobsmacked. This dish is upsettingly delicious. The broccoli flavor is to be expected—it’s the star—but the sauce is actually built on layers of flavor. Small, powerful ingredients—capers, garlic, and lemon zest specifically—get blended in at the perfect ratio to lift each other up without overwhelming the eater. This recipe is a problem. My neighborhood is about to run out of broccoli. Where to buy the bookYou can get 36% off if you buy the hardcover of Milk Street Backroads Italy from Milk Street’s online store, compared to the hardcover at other online retailers. But consider the more subtle ebook for an even lower price. Extra imaginary points from me if you solicit your local real-life bookstore too. Milk Street Backroads Italy: Finding Italy's Forgotten Recipes (A Cookbook) $19.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $19.99 at Amazon View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google AdSense ads are coming to third-party AI Chatbots. Apple Intelligence will soon make a deal to show Gemini results...View the full article

In the first quarter of 2025, I ran a data study to understand how often Google changes title tags – and why. While it’s well known that Google frequently rewrites titles, I wanted to dig deeper: What factors trigger these changes? Are some pages more prone to rewrites than others? Most SEO professionals develop their own title tag strategies based on a mix of Google’s guidance, industry advice, and personal experience. Yet, when I searched for actual data on how and why Google modifies title tags, I found only one notable case study – by Cyrus Shepard in 2023. That left me with more questions: Does search volume play a role? What about YMYL content? Could brand name usage make a difference? I decided to run my own study. What follows is a summary of my findings, highlighting some of the most interesting patterns I uncovered. Methodology For this case study, I conducted weeks’ worth of keyword research across different categories. YMYL vs. non-YMYL industries. High search volume vs. low search volume. Informational vs. commercial intent. The keyword set ended in the 30,000 range, which I had to pare down for cost reasons and because so many variations produced the same results for the same intent. Some argue that SEO data studies require millions of keywords for statistical significance, but that overlooks the reality that many of those keywords are low-quality or produce highly similar results. I’ve carefully curated this keyword list to ensure that we’re achieving a wide variety of intents and categories and that the quantity of keywords is balanced across categories. For tools, I used: Advanced Web Ranking to track rankings because it offers: An affordable pricing model. API access. Title tag data as returned by Google during fetch. Screaming Frog to crawl each result page on the same day, capturing the original title tags. Any errors in crawling were excluded from the data study results. Only the top 20 search results were included in the analysis. Key quantitative findings Google changes title tags 76% of the time. That’s a 25% increase from Shepard’s study just two years prior. Granted, we used a different dataset and methodology. However, the study is not that complicated, so I believe the comparison is still valid. Keyword usage Among the title tags that were changed, 77% didn’t include the page’s perceived focus keyword. This finding is surprising, as you’d expect pages ranking on the first two pages of search results to include focus keywords in their title tags. One possible explanation is that some of these titles were written with a more creative, reader-first approach rather than a traditional SEO strategy. As a caveat, I used AI to identify the focus keyword for each webpage and then manually reviewed the extracted keyword for accuracy. This presents a small margin of error but is still accurate. How much was changed? Of the title tags that were changed, only 35% of the original words were retained. This is expected, given the brevity of title tags. Analysis by search intent Commercial For commercial pages, keywords are definitely still a big deal. Almost a third (31.91%) of original commercial titles include the target keyword, and Google mostly respects this, keeping keywords at nearly the same rate (31.31%) in what they display. When Google does mess with keyword-containing titles, it keeps those keywords about 30% of the time. The cool part? Google hardly ever adds (1.44%) or removes (2.23%) keywords from commercial titles. This tells me they’re not trying to mess with our keyword strategy – they’re mostly just making titles clearer and better structured. Informational For informational content, it’s a whole different ball game. Only about 6% of original titles even contain target keywords – that’s five times less than commercial content. When Google changes these titles, they barely keep the keywords (just 5.35% of the time), and most (93.81%) of modified informational titles don’t have keywords in either version. This suggests that Google cares little about exact keyword matching for informational content and is way more focused on creating titles that clearly explain the content’s topic. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Analysis by YMYL status YMYL content: Google’s safety net in action When it comes to “Your Money, Your Life” (YMYL) content, Google appears to have trust issues – not that I blame them. Before analyzing any results, I suspected that Google would refrain from changing title tags from YMYL pages. But I couldn’t be more wrong. The data shows they’re modifying 76% of YMYL title tags, right in line with the global average. But here’s where it gets interesting: only about 21% of YMYL original titles include target keywords, and Google keeps keywords in just 19.63% of the titles it changes. Most telling? Up to 77.68% of changed YMYL titles don’t have keywords in either version. This makes perfect sense. For content that could impact someone’s health, finances, or legal situations, Google seems far more concerned with making sure titles are accurate and helpful rather than keyword-optimized. Non-YMYL content: A bit more keyword-friendly For non-YMYL content, Google’s still changing titles at the same rate (76.27%), but the keyword story differs. About 28% of original non-YMYL titles include target keywords, significantly higher than YMYL content. When Google changes these titles, it’s much more likely to preserve keywords intact, in 26.35% of cases. And while 71.64% of changed titles lack keywords in either version, that’s still lower than with YMYL content. It seems Google’s a bit more relaxed when the stakes are lower. For content about hobbies, entertainment, or other non-critical topics, they appear more willing to let keyword optimization strategies slide, perhaps because the potential harm from misleading content is less serious. YMYL vs. Non-YMYL: The trust factor The biggest difference between YMYL and non-YMYL handling isn’t how often Google changes titles – that’s remarkably consistent. It’s in how they treat keywords and optimization signals. For non-YMYL content, Google seems to give SEOs a longer leash, allowing for more keyword-focused title strategies. But for YMYL content, there’s a clear shift toward prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and user protection over SEO considerations. This makes sense from Google’s perspective. It can afford to be more lenient with your movie review blog. Still, when it comes to medical advice or financial guidance, it steps in more aggressively to ensure titles accurately represent content. The key takeaway? For YMYL sites, focus less on keyword-stuffing titles and more on creating clear, accurate headlines that reflect your content. Google will change your titles anyway, so you might as well work with their system rather than against it. Why Google changes your title tags (even though you worked so hard on them) The data study reveals several clear patterns in how and why Google modifies title tags in search results. Brand name removal: The title tag trimmer The most common change Google makes is simply removing your brand name. This happens in 63% of all modified titles. Google’s saying, “Thanks, but no thanks” to your carefully placed brand mentions, especially in health-related searches. They seem to prioritize the core content information over your brand, particularly when: Space is tight. They don’t think your brand adds substantial value to searchers. If the query isn’t specifically brand-focused, your brand name is often the first thing to go. Clarity makeover: Making titles make sense About 30% of Google’s title changes are about making your titles more readable or better aligned with user expectations. They’re converting vague statements into clear questions (which may drive higher CTR), making value propositions more obvious, and using more direct language. Google frequently rephrases titles to match how users actually think about topics rather than how you’ve framed them. It’s like Google is your editor, cleaning up your headlines to make them more user-friendly. Length control: Too long, too short, just right Google has no patience for title tag extremes. They’ll truncate overly long titles and expand super-short ones. About 8% of changes fall into this category. The most dramatic examples are those ridiculous SEO-stuffed titles (looking at you, dog bite attorneys with 500+ word titles listing every city and ZIP code) or those uninformative one-word titles that tell users nothing. Google doesn’t seem to care about length, but more about clarity. Dig deeper: What should the title tag length be in 2025? Intent matching: Giving users what they want Google frequently modifies titles to align with user search intent, particularly for commercial queries. They will: Emphasize commercial elements for shopping-related searches. Add qualifying terms that match user expectations. Remove unnecessary fluff that doesn’t serve the primary intent. It’s all about ensuring the title delivers what the searcher is looking for. YMYL: Handling with care For YMYL content, Google takes title accuracy very seriously. While my data didn’t show evidence of this being about content accuracy or potentially harmful information, there were clear patterns: Brand names get stripped. Complex titles get simplified. Unnecessary descriptive elements disappear. Google standardizes title structure particularly for commercial/transactional queries in sensitive categories like health, finance, and legal. Generic title rescue: Adding missing specificity When websites use vague titles like “Our products” or “Nutrition information,” Google adds specificity that helps users understand what they’ll find. This: Improves click-through rates by creating titles that align better with search intent. Sets appropriate expectations about page content. Helps pages compete against more descriptive competitor titles. It’s Google’s way of saying, “Let me fix that for you, since you couldn’t be bothered to write a proper title.” Understanding Google’s title tag rewrites With Google changing over 76% of title tags across the board, we need to accept that creating the perfect title tag is: Less about controlling exactly what shows up in the SERPs. More about guiding Google toward showing something that aligns with our content goals. What’s most striking is the consistency across different content types, industries, and search volumes. Whether you’re dealing with medical content, legal pages, commercial or informational intent, Google’s modification rate hovers remarkably close to that 76% mark. The differences lie not in how often Google changes titles, but in how they change them. For SEO practitioners, this means shifting our approach. Instead of fighting Google’s title modification system, we should work with it by: Creating concise, clear titles between 30-60 characters that Google will likely keep intact. Using different strategies for commercial vs. informational content (keyword-focused for commercial, clarity-focused for informational). Being extra vigilant with YMYL content titles, focusing on accuracy over keyword optimization. Avoiding unnecessary brand mentions in titles unless the query is specifically brand-focused. Testing formats that Google tends to preserve (like “How to” and list formats). The days of keyword-stuffed, brand-heavy titles designed purely for rankings are over. Google will do what it does, so our best strategy is to: Understand the patterns behind their modifications. Craft titles that guide them toward showing something that still achieves our goals, even after they’ve put their spin on it. For the full data study with additional insights, read my complete analysis here. View the full article

Elon Musk, preparing to step back from his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency, had a request of the reporters gathered at the White House to interview him: Before he would answer any questions, he wanted someone to tell him a joke. The tech billionaire’s request in the Roosevelt Room on Wednesday underscored the surreal and idiosyncratic presence of the world’s richest man at the highest echelons of American power. Over the past few months, his work of downsizing the workforce has sent shocks through the federal government and drawn intense pushback, including protests of his electric vehicle company, Tesla. Musing about his and DOGE’s incongruous role in the U.S. government, he said, “It is funny that we’ve got DOGE.” “Doesn’t the absurdity of that seem, like, like, are we in a simulation here or what’s going on? But, like, it was a meme coin at one point,” he said, laughing. “How did we get here?” Musk, clad in all black but missing the two hats he had worn at Wednesday’s earlier Cabinet meeting, defended DOGE’s work as he prepares to scale back his government role and spend more time at his businesses. But he gave hazy answers about the work he’d been doing and DOGE’s future, and he seemed taken aback by the intense backlash he’d encountered. “Being attacked relentlessly is not super fun,” he said. “Seeing cars burning is not fun,” he added, referring to the instances of Tesla cars being smashed or set on fire. “In the grand scheme of things, I think we’ve been effective. Not as effective as I’d like. I think we could be more effective,” Musk said. “But we’ve made progress.” DOGE’s large-scale slashings have been met with dozens of lawsuits. DOGE’s attempts to access sensitive government information, including Social Security data, has similarly met resistance in court. And Democrats this week unveiled an online tracker tallying the federal funds approved by Congress that DOGE has blocked, setting up a constitutional struggle between two branches of government. Musk wouldn’t offer examples of anything he’d do differently, though DOGE is nowhere near its original savings goal and has overstated its progress. DOGE had sought to cut spending by $1 trillion. Musk estimates he’s cut $160 billion so far and acknowledged it would be hard to get anywhere close to $1 trillion. “It’s sort of, how much pain is the Cabinet and the Congress willing to take?” Musk said. “It can be done, but it requires dealing with a lot of complaints.” Musk didn’t detail any of those complaints and said he has a good relationship with President Donald The President’s Cabinet. But when asked about clashes with certain members, particularly Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Musk said, “at times, there will be some disagreements with the Cabinet.” He defended DOGE’s attempts to access Americans’ personal data, dismissing concerns about a potential “surveillance state” by quipping, “Don’t we already have a surveillance state?” He said DOGE needs to access the systems in its hunt for fraud, and said, “There has to be some way to reconcile the improper payments.” He said DOGE has referred cases of suspected fraud to the Justice Department, though he offered few details, including how many referrals were made. Antonio Gracias, a Musk investor working for DOGE, pointed to the indictment last week of an Iraqi man living in New York on charges he illegally voted in the 2020 election. U.S. prosecutors said DOGE assisted in the investigation. Musk acknowledged there were some instances in which they had to restore the jobs of government workers who, in his words, were “accidently let go,” like “some people that were doing important regulatory work or taking care of national parks.” When asked if he’s found any areas where he’d recommended efficiencies beyond cuts, Musk veered into the nation’s military strategy and said he has repeatedly recommended to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that he should be spending more money on hypersonic missiles and long-range drones instead of on crewed systems. Musk said DOGE is also working on improving connectivity for the nation’s air traffic control system and reviewing plans to improve its software, but DOGE’s primary goal is “trying to stop wasteful and fraudulent spending.” But on other points, he was vague. Who will lead DOGE when he leaves? “DOGE is a way of life,” he said. “Like Buddhism.” Will he retain the title of senior adviser to the president? “I guess.” Will DOGE wrap up its work by July 2026, as originally stated? “If the president wants us to stick to that date, we’ll stick to that date.” How many of the roughly 100 DOGE employees will stay on the job while he winds down? “Some will stay on. Some will not. So it’s up to them. This is basically a volunteer organization.” Is DOGE winding down? “No, I think it will gain momentum.” Musk struck up a friendship with The President during the 2024 campaign and spent nearly $300 million on the election—the bulk of which went toward helping the Republican reclaim the White House. He has since become a constant presence with The President for much of the first 100 days of the administration, regularly traveling with the president to his home in Florida on the weekends. Musk said Wednesday that he was working on DOGE seven days a week during the first months of the administration, at times sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom at The President’s invitation. He declined to say just how many times he had slept at the White House but said the president had implored him to try the caramel ice cream from the kitchen. “Don’t tell RFK,” Musk joked, referring to The President’s Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Musk described it as an “intense period” during which he was trying to understand and map out the federal government. “It’s a startup, effectively. A new administration is like a startup,” he said. But he said he is now scaling back his work on DOGE, spending one to two days a week on it, and he plans to be in Washington less. “Now we’re getting more of a rhythm so the amount of time that’s necessary for me to spend here is much less,” he said. He also pointed to the limitation on his status as a special government employee, which means he can only work 130 days in a 365-day time period. He said he will keep his “tiny” office on the second floor of the West Wing that he said has “a view of nothing”—a feature, he then remarked, that keeps him safe. “It’s harder to shoot me,” he said. “There’s not a good line of sight.” —Michelle L. Price Associated Press View the full article

Everything seems to be getting more expensive these days, and video games are no exception. Case in point: Microsoft, just jacked up the recommended prices on its video game products. Xbox consoles and games alike are seeing cost increases—all of which go into effect today, May 1. You can find the full list of price changes on Microsoft's official pricing update blog post. But for those of us in the United States, here are the new prices we can expect to pay for Xbox products going forward, in addition to the original prices provided by IGN when available: Xbox consolesXbox Series S 512: $379.99 (originally $299.99) Xbox Series S 1TB: $429.99 (originally $349.99) Xbox Series X Digital: $549.99 (originally $449.99) Xbox Series X: $599.99 (originally $499.99) Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition: $729.99 (originally $599.99) Xbox controllers and headsetsXbox Wireless Controller — Limited Edition: $89.99 (originally $79.99) Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Core): $149.99 (originally $139.99) Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 (Full): $199.99 (originally $179.99) Xbox Wireless Controller (Core): $64.99 Xbox Wireless Controller (Color): $69.99 Xbox Wireless Controller — Special Edition: $79.99 Xbox Stereo Headset: $64.99 Which Xbox games are now more expensive?Microsoft hasn't said yet, though no existing games will cost more than they currently do. The company noted that they will raise the cost of some new first-party games to $79.99 this holiday season. That puts the price in line with the Switch 2's most premiere titles, like Mario Kart World. It seems $80 is the new standard in AAA video game pricing. Note that Xbox Game Pass pricing is not changing at this time. Why is Microsoft raising prices?According to the company, these MSRP hikes are due to "market conditions and the rising cost of development." To those of us following the news, however, it seems a likely culprit is the The President administration and its widespread tariffs imposed on trading partners across the globe. Microsoft doesn't directly blame tariffs, so we can't say for sure, but these import duties are certainly impacting "market conditions" in a major way. Microsoft isn't alone in raising prices, even among video game manufacturers. Sony increased the MSRPs of PS5 consoles in markets around the world—though notably omitted the U.S. from that list. Nintendo also raised prices on Switch 2 accessories, though opted to keep the console's original $449.99 price tag intact. View the full article