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Pricing on the 30-year fixed rate mortgage retreated this week as investors digested some economic news, including a GDP contraction in the first quarter. View the full article

OpenAI has launched its latest models, o3 and o4-mini, described as the company’s smartest and most capable releases to date. The new models are now available to ChatGPT users with full access to tools like web browsing, file analysis with Python, visual input reasoning, and image generation. OpenAI says o3 is its most powerful reasoning model yet, delivering state-of-the-art performance in coding, math, science, and visual tasks. The model significantly reduces major errors compared to its predecessor, OpenAI o1, and shows notable improvements in programming, business consulting, and creative ideation. Meanwhile, o4-mini offers fast, cost-efficient reasoning. Optimized for high-volume use, o4-mini performs strongly in math, coding, and visual tasks, outperforming its predecessor, o3-mini, in benchmarks like AIME 2025 and data science evaluations. Both new models also demonstrate improved instruction-following capabilities and more personalized responses by referencing past conversations. For the first time, OpenAI’s models can think with images, integrating visual content into their reasoning processes. The models can analyze photos, charts, and low-quality visuals, using tools like rotation and zooming to assist problem-solving. OpenAI trained both models to not only use tools but also reason about when and how to deploy them. This allows the models to complete complex tasks independently, such as conducting web searches, writing code, generating graphs, and delivering full analyses—all within about a minute. Safety improvements accompanied these advances. OpenAI rebuilt its safety training datasets and deployed a reasoning LLM monitor to better detect dangerous prompts, reporting strong performance on internal refusal benchmarks. Evaluations confirmed that both o3 and o4-mini remain below OpenAI’s “High” risk thresholds across biological, cybersecurity, and self-improvement categories. Both models are now available to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users, replacing previous versions. Enterprise and Edu users will gain access within a week. Developers can access o3 and o4-mini through OpenAI’s Chat Completions API and the newly introduced Responses API. OpenAI also launched Codex CLI, a lightweight, open-source coding agent designed for direct terminal use, and announced a $1 million grant program to support Codex CLI projects, offering grants in $25,000 increments via API credits. OpenAI says its upcoming plans involve merging the strengths of the o-series and GPT-series models to create tools that combine natural conversation with advanced, proactive reasoning. Image: OpenAI This article, "OpenAI Introduces o3 and o4-mini Models with Enhanced Reasoning and Full Tool Access" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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

Big news for Peloton fans: As of this week, you can watch plain old YouTube on your Bike, Bike+, Tread, or Row. Now, you may be saying, "YouTube TV was already an option in my Peloton's Entertainment tab. What's the big deal?" The big deal, my friend, is that YouTube TV is a subscription television service and YouTube is, well, YouTube. This new integration allows you to watch standard videos on the platform, the same as you would on your phone or computer. How to access YouTube on the PelotonYou access YouTube the same way you access other non-class features, like scenic rides or my beloved Lanebreak game: through a special tab in the menu on the bottom of your screen. Specifically, it's in the Entertainment tab. (If you hit that tab and don't see it, don't worry. Sometimes, Peloton's software updates roll out in waves. You'll have it eventually.) Just tap YouTube and you'll be taken to a landing page that initially shows you Peloton's channel on the video-sharing platform. You can log into your YouTube profile by signing in with your Google Account or just use it as a guest. At the top of the screen, you'll be prompted to start a workout if you'd like your resistance, cadence, and output to be tracked and monitored while you ride and watch. Why I love this as a Peloton optionOver the years, I've kind of fallen out of love with watching shows or movies while I do my cardio. I just feel like I don't move with enough intensity when I'm that distracted, which is why I prefer classes or the Lanebreak game. That said, I know that lots of people prefer or even need to be distracted to get their cardio in and if the option to watch YouTube gets more people on the bikes or treadmills, I am all for it. I tested the feature out this morning, first signing into my Google account and then searching for what I wanted to watch. There are a lot of spin classes available on YouTube and I have friends who watch those while they ride non-Peloton bikes at home. As I've explained in my Peloton Bike review, the classes that are designed for your Peloton and available through the associated app are always your best option, since they're made with your specific equipment in mind and track how well you're doing with that equipment, but if you ever feel like watching a different class, this is now an option. Personally, I opted to watch something I knew would get me hyped up, so I put on Lady Gaga's cinematic masterpiece, 2011's "Marry the Night" video. I play this song in the spin classes I teach all the time, but the video is something extra special to me. It worked flawlessly. There was no lag, the image was crisp and clear, and I could see my cadence and resistance at the bottom of the screen the whole time, just like I can when I'm taking a proper Peloton class. Being able to watch one of my favorite music videos actually did push me pretty hard. It wasn't until my end-of-workout review that I realized how fast or hard I'd been going or how many calories I torched. The video on my screen really sucked me in. What to keep in mind if you're watching YouTube on your PelotonThis is an awesome option if you want to do something besides a class, Lanebreak, or a scenic ride, but bear in mind that you won't have any cues from pros while you do it unless you're watching a YouTube spin class. I hesitate to recommend this if you're super new, but I say this as an instructor who is worried about your safety. Take a few classes first, if you haven't already, so you have an understanding of proper form and technique. I also know a lot of people get sucked into heavy YouTube holes. It's awesome to ride for a long time, but be careful to set some limits or keep track of how long you've been at it. Hydrate frequently and take some breaks. This isn't the same as falling into a YouTube binge on your couch; you could over-exert yourself without realizing it. 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 here. The President harms AI progress by warring with universities Donald The President has done a lot to antagonize universities in his first 100 days. He cut off federal research funding to institutions like Princeton, Columbia, and Harvard, citing their alleged tolerance of antisemitism on campus. He also threatened the authority of college accreditation bodies that require schools to maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. But these actions directly undermine the administration’s stated goals of strengthening the U.S. military and helping American tech companies maintain their narrow lead over China in AI research. Since World War II, the U.S. government has maintained a deep and productive relationship with universities. Under the leadership of Vannevar Bush, director of the Office of Scientific Research and Development, the government channeled significant research funding into university labs. In return, it received breakthroughs like radar and nuclear technology. Over the decades, university researchers have continued to contribute critical innovations used in defense and intelligence, including GPS and the foundational technologies of the internet. Today, the government increasingly relies on the commercial sector—including major contractors like Boeing and General Dynamics, and newer firms like Palantir and Anduril—for defense innovation. Yet universities remain essential. Much of the most advanced AI research still originates from academic computer science departments, many of which are powered by international students studying at institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Berkeley. These students often go on to found companies based on research initiated in academia. Whether they choose to build their businesses in the U.S. or return to their home countries depends, in part, on whether they feel welcome. When international students see research funding threatened or videos of PhD students being arrested by ICE, staying in the U.S. becomes a less appealing option. In a recent conflict with Harvard, the Department of Homeland Security even demanded information on the university’s foreign students and threatened to revoke its eligibility to host them. In response, over 200 university and college presidents have condemned the administration’s actions and are exploring ways to resist further federal overreach. Rather than discouraging international researchers and students, the U.S. should be sending a clear signal: that it remains a safe, supportive, and dynamic environment for AI talent to study, innovate, and launch the next generation of transformative companies. The best AI agents may be powered by teams of AI models working together During the first phase of the AI boom, labs achieved big intelligence gains by pretraining their models on ever-larger data sets and using more computing power. While AI companies are still improving on the art and science of pretraining, the intelligence gains are becoming increasingly expensive. A big part of the research community has shifted its focus to finding the best ways to train models to “think on their feet,” or to reason over the best routes to a responsive and accurate answer at “inference time” just after a user enters a question or problem. This research has already led to a new generation of “thinking” models such as OpenAI’s o3 models, Google’s Gemini 2.0, and Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet. Researchers teach such models to think by giving them a multistep problem and offering them a reward (usually just a bit of code that means “good”) for finding their way to a satisfactory answer. It’s certainly possible to build an inference system that makes numerous calls to a single large frontier AI model, collecting all the questions and answers in a “context window” as works toward an answer. But new research from Berkeley’s AI research lab shows this monolithic “one model to rule them all” approach is not always the best way of building an efficient and effective inference system. A “compound AI system” of multiple models, knowledge bases, and other tools working together can yield more relevant and accurate outputs at far lower costs. Importantly, such a “pipeline” of AI resources can be a powerful backend for AI agents capable of calling on tools and working autonomously, says Jared Quincy Davis of the AI cloud company Foundry. Foundry builds software that enables it to provide GPU compute at low cost for AI developers. Davis has led an effort to create an open-source framework that lets AI practitioners build just the right pipeline, with just the right resources, for the application they have in mind. The framework, called Ember, was created with help from researchers at Databricks, Google, IBM, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Anyscale, Stanford, UC Berkeley, and MIT. Davis says it’s possible to build a compound system that can make calls to a number of today’s state-of-the-art AI models (via APIs) such as ones from Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and others. Large frontier models often stand above other large models in certain skill areas (Anthropic’s Claude is especially good at writing and analyzing text), so it’s possible to build a pipeline that calls on models according to their unique strengths. This is a very different way of looking at AI computing, compared to the narrative of just a couple years ago that said one model would be better than all others at practically everything. Now, numerous models compete for the state-of-the-art at various tasks, while other smaller models specialize in completing tasks at lower cost, and the overall cost of getting an answer from an AI model has gone way down over the past couple of years. Congress actually passes a tech bill Congress has failed to pass any broad-based regulation to protect user and data privacy on social networks. It has, however, managed to pass laws to prohibit specific and particularly dangerous social media content such as child sex trafficking, and now nonconsensual intimate images (or NCII). NCII refers to the practice of posting sexual images or videos of real people online without their consent (often as an act of revenge or an attempt to extort), including explicit images generated using AI tools. The bill, called the Take It Down Act, which unanimously passed the Senate in February and the House on Monday, makes it a federal crime to post NCII and requires that online platforms remove the content within 48 hours of a complaint. Affected “public-facing” online platforms will have a year after the law passes to set up a system for receiving and acting on complaints. The president is expected to sign the bill into law. Even though the bill’s intent earned widespread support, its legal reach disturbed some free expression advocates. The Electronic Frontier Foundation worries that the bill’s language is overbroad and that it could be used as a tool for censorship. These worries were compounded by the fact that the new law will be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is now led by The President loyalists. More AI coverage from Fast Company: Duolingo doubles its language offerings with AI-built courses In his first 100 days, The President’s tariffs are already threatening the AI boom Microsoft thinks AI colleagues are coming soon Marc Lore wants AI to feed you—and make you healthier 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

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

In the early days of the current AI boom, The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement. It was a seismic move, but perhaps the most notable thing about it is what came after. In the subsequent months, publisher after publisher signed licensing deals with OpenAI, making their content available to ChatGPT. There were others who chose litigation, certainly, but most major media companies opted to take some money rather than spend it on lawyers. That changed last week when Ziff Davis filed its own copyright lawsuit against OpenAI. Ziff owns several major online properties, including Mashable, CNET, IGN, and Lifehacker, and garners a massive amount of web traffic. According to the filing, its properties earned an average of 292 million monthly page views over the past year. Strange, then, that OpenAI didn’t bother to negotiate with Ziff at all. The filing mentions that, after asking OpenAI to stop scraping its content without authorization, Ziff’s requests to negotiate were “rebuffed.” A news story about the lawsuit in PCMag (another Ziff property) also said OpenAI wouldn’t talk, though it’s unclear whether it was just repeating what the filing described. While The Times and Ziff aren’t alone in their legal efforts against OpenAI, it’s informative to compare the two complaints, filed almost 16 months apart, to get an understanding of how the stakes of the AI-media cold war have evolved. AI technology has progressed considerably and we now have a much greater understanding of AI substitution risk—the fancy name for AI summarization of publisher content. Ziff’s lawsuit gives us a better idea of how the AI sausage is made these days and can tell us just how much other AI players should be sweating. For starters, Ziff points to what has become table stakes in most of these lawsuits: the act of scraping content, storing copies of that content in a database, and then serving up either a “derivative work” (summaries) or the content itself as inherently violative of copyright. OpenAI has maintained, however clumsily at times, that its harvesting of content on the web to train models falls under fair use, a key exception to copyright law that has supported some instances of mass digital copying in the past. That’s the central conflict to all these cases, but Ziff’s action goes in some novel directions that point to how things have changed since ChatGPT first arrived: 1. AI, meet DMCA Ziff runs a few more yards with the copyright ball, claiming that OpenAI deliberately stripped copyright management information (CMI) from Ziff content. This is a bit of a technicality—essentially it means ChatGPT answers often don’t include bylines, the name of the publication, and other metadata that would identify the source. However, stripping out CMI from content and then distributing it under your own banner is a violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), giving the filing more teeth. 2. It’s a RAG world now This is arguably the most important change between the two lawsuits and reflective of how the way we use AI to access information has changed. When The Times filed suit, ChatGPT wasn’t a proper search engine, and the public was only just beginning to understand retrieval-augmented generation, or RAG—broadly, how AI systems can go beyond their training data. RAG is an essential element of any AI-based search engine today, and it’s also massively increased the risk of AI substitution to publishers since a chatbot that can summarize current news is much more useful than one that only has access to archives that cut off after a certain date (remember that?). 3. Watering down the brands Ziff frames the hallucination problem in a novel way, calling it “trademark dilution.” Media brands like Mashable and PCMag (both of which I used to work at) have built up their reputations over years or decades, the complaint makes the case that every time ChatGPT attributes a falsehood to one of them or wholesale imagines a fake review, it chips away at them. It’s a subtle point, but a compelling one that points to a future where valuable brands slowly become generic labels floating in the AI ether. 4. Paywalls are the first line of defense Ziff says in the filing that its properties are particularly vulnerable to AI substitution because so little of its content is behind paywalls. Ziff’s business model is based primarily on advertising and commerce (mostly from readers clicking on affiliate links in articles), both of which depend on actual humans visiting websites and taking actions. If an AI summary negates that act, and there’s no licensing or subscription revenue to make up for it, that’s a huge hit to the business. 5. Changing robots.txt isn’t enough Every website has a file that tells web scrapers what they can do with the content on that site. This “robots.txt” file allows sites to, say, let Google crawl their site but block AI training bots. Indeed, many sites do exactly that, but according to Ziff, it makes no difference. Despite explicitly blocking OpenAI’s GPTBot, Ziff still logged a spike in the bot’s activity on some of its sites. It’s generally assumed companies like OpenAI use third-party crawlers to scrape sites they’re not supposed to, but Ziff’s lawsuit accuses OpenAI of openly flouting the rules it claims to respect. 6. Regurgitation is still an issue The original Times complaint spends many pages on the issue of “regurgitation”—when an AI system doesn’t just summarize a piece of content but instead repeats it, word for word. Generally this was thought to be a mostly solved issue, but Ziff’s filing claims it still happens, and that exact copies of articles are a relatively easy thing for ChatGPT users to call up. Apparently asking what the original text “might look like with three spaces after every period” is a method some have used to fool the chatbot into serving up exact copies of an article. (For the record, it didn’t work for me.) The battle continues Just when it was looking like licensing deals would be the new normal, Ziff Davis’s filing shows the fight between AI and news is far from over. How it plays out could end up being even more existential for a company like Ziff. However the court rules, the case confronts a more fundamental question: Can strong media brands that rely on commerce and free access coexist with AI systems that learn—and sometimes mislearn—from everything they touch? 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

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

Financial markets are volatile. Consumer confidence is at its lowest level in five years. Economists say recession risks are rising. It all adds up to financial uncertainty for a lot of Americans. Roughly half of U.S. adults say that President The President’s trade policies will increase prices “a lot,” according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center of Public Affairs Research. And about half of Americans are “extremely” or “very” concerned about the possibility of the U.S. economy going into a recession in the next few months. Matt Watson, CEO of Origin, a financial planning app, says it’s a period of uncertainty for everyone, including experts. “No one has a crystal ball. No one, even the people that do this professionally and have done it very successfully for many years, know what’s going to happen,” he said. If you’re worried about how economic uncertainty might affect you, here are some expert recommendations: Take stock of your finances The first step to preparing for uncertain financial times is knowing your starting point, Watson said. Look at your budget or your debit card expenses so you can understand how much you spend every month. “Take stock of where you are across a number of different categories,” Watson said. Looking at the state of your savings and investments can also provide you with an idea of your overall financial health. Find where you can cut back The more nonessential expenses you can pause, the more you can save for an emergency. “Your choice is really to cut now or cut later, so it’s easier to cut now and have a cushion,” Watson said. If you’re having difficulty finding where to cut back, Jim Weil, managing partner at Private Vista, a financial planning firm, recommends that you divide your expenses into three buckets: needs, wants and wishes. Wishes are larger expenses that can be postponed, such as a vacation to Europe. For the time being, cut back expenses from the wishes section until you feel like your finances are in a good place. Take care of your mental health Between news about tariffs and job losses, you might feel your anxiety rising. So, it’s important that you protect your mental health while also caring about your finances, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate at Credit Karma. Sometimes, reading too much news that can affect your finances can become overbearing and create more stress than you need. “It’s good practice to stay informed but you don’t want to let the news cycle consume you,” Alev said. If you find yourself feeling high levels of stress or anxiety when it comes to your finances, it’s best to contact a professional who can assist you, such as a financial therapist. If looking for regular mental health services, most health insurance covers some type of mental health assistance. If you don’t have health insurance, you can look for sliding-scale therapists around the country, including through FindTreatment.gov and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America directory. Focus on what you can control Rather than worrying too much on the economics of the entire country, Alev recommends that you focus on the aspects of your personal life that you can control in order to feel more confident in case there is a recession. “Identify any changes that you might need to make to have more of a safety net in place that could give you confidence,” Alev said. Things you can control include budgeting, creating an emergency fund and cutting unnecessary expenses. Create an emergency fund Whether you are worried about your job security or the high prices of goods, it’s best that you sit down and reassess your budget to create an emergency fund. An emergency fund can feel unattainable if finances are already difficult, but having even a small amount of cash saved can make the difference, Alev said. Ideally, your emergency fund should amount to three to six months of expenses. Weil recommends you start thinking about any special commitments that you might have in the next year or two, such as college tuition or moving. If you are planning for a large financial commitment in the near future, Weil recommends that you plan to build a larger emergency fund. Do monthly finance check-ins Alev recommends regularly adjusting your budget to keep your financial goals on track. Monthly budget check-ins can help identify when you are overspending or if your needs change. “A budget is only as good as it is to help you actually make decisions, so don’t be afraid to update and adapt your budget as the months go by,” Alev said. Choose which type of debt to tackle first Many Americans struggle with debt, whether it’s credit card debt or student loan debt, which limits their ability to save. But, if you want to create an emergency fund while also tackling your debt, it will take some prioritization. “I would think about different kinds of debt differently,” Weil said, adding that you can place debt in three buckets: short-, medium- and long-term debt. Weil recommends that you prioritize paying off high-interest debt such as your credit card. By making extra payments or paying over the minimum payment, you will be able to pay it off quicker. Student loan debt and long-term debt such as a mortgage can be tackled with more modest payments while you focus on creating an emergency fund. If you have credit card debt and you can’t make too much progress in paying it down, Alev recommends you try to eliminate or reduce the amount of credit you use. Don’t panic about your investments While the stock market has had some bad days, it’s best that you are not reactive to the market. If you have investments, especially in retirement vehicles such as your 401(k), it’s best not to make rushed decisions, Alev said. “You really want to try not to panic. It can be unnerving but most likely, you should have time to make that up,” she added. If you’re closer to retirement, Alev recommends that you look into more conservative investments. The Associated Press receives support from Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. —Adriana Morga, Associated Press 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